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The PC Outreach Project
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Frequently Asked Questions How can I obtain a PC Outreach computer? What should I do if my computer stops working? How can I get more software for my computer? Are there computer-related things that a PC Outreach computer CAN'T do? How can I avoid getting a computer virus? What should I do if I get one? Where can I learn more about using a computer?
How can I obtain a PC Outreach computer? PC Outreach computers cannot be ordered through the company. Our computers may only be obtained through designated organizations. To date, PC Outreach computers have been distributed through (some participating agencies are not listed at their request): St. Vincent de Paul (St. Michael's Church of Exeter) Step-By-Step Career Guidance Program (Exeter office) Distributing computers through non-profit agencies is designed simply to help make sure that these computers go to individuals and families who really need them. As more agencies begin to participate they will be listed here. What should I do if my computer stops working properly? If you experience a computer problem but can still access the Internet, start with our Support Page. If you cannot access the Internet (if the computer will not start, or if you cannot connect to the Internet) try leaving a message on our telephone voice mail service at 603 772-7190. Don't worry. Things happen. Be patient. Every problem solved is a learning experience (they teach us to think this way!) How can I get more software for my computer? Computer software is available in stores everywhere, and can be downloaded from the Internet as well. See the next FAQ to make sure that the software you are considering will run on your computer. Are there computer-related things that a PC Outreach computer CAN'T do? Yes. PC Outreach computers won't be "fast enough" for many of the newest computer games. Our computers don't have hard disk drives (for information storage) large enough for massive "file-sharing" programs. In addition, software written for the Apple or Linux operating systems won't work on ANY Windows computers. But these are the exceptions. To make sure that a software program will run on your computer, jot down the processor speed, amount of RAM and available hard disk space (click here to find out how to get this information about your machine) and compare that to the "minimum specifications" for the software you are considering. How can I avoid getting a computer virus? What should I do if I get one? Computer viruses are programs specifically written to cause damage to computers. Some are merely annoying, others can destroy all your data and make your computer inoperable. By following some simple precautions you can lessen the chance that you get a computer virus: #1 -- Regularly (once or twice each month) update the virus definitions for your anti-virus program. When a new virus is written, anti-virus programs must be "taught" how to detect it by being updated. To update your virus definitions, double-click on the icon for your anti-virus program in your system tray (lower right corner of computer screen) and it will show you how to keep your virus definitions current. #2 -- Don't open email from people you don't know. Email is, by far, the most common way that computer viruses are transmitted. Often, the message of the infected email is written to sound interesting ("make more money" or "see these pictures") or may even seem like it is coming from someone you know ("here's that information we talked about"). If you don't know who the email is from, or even if you DO know who it's from but it doesn't seem quite right, delete the message. #3 -- Don't install the "convenience" programs that often pop up in ads as you browse the Internet. Programs that offer to "keep track of your passwords" or "speed up the Internet" will often at least spy on where you go on the Internet, and sometimes will install software on your computer that may mess up other programs or leave you vulnerable to viruses. How can I protect children using my computer from accessing inappropriate information on the Internet? The Internet can provide you with access to an amount of information that would have seemed impossible just 10-20 years ago. Most of this information is useful and interesting. Some of it is controversial. With very little Internet searching, material can be found related to graphic violence, very explicit nudity and sex, cruelty, hatred, intolerance, and on and on. There are companies which make software "filters" to limit access to objectionable content (Cybersitter and Net Nanny are filters, and Norton Internet Security has parental filters). They may help, but there is NO SUBSTITUTE for parental supervision. Where can I learn more about using a computer? There is a huge section of books and manuals on computers at the library and in bookstores. Classes are available through the vocational-technical centers and may be offered by private sources in your area. If you need more suggestions, feel free to drop us a line and we'll help you figure out how to learn more about using computers.
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Send mail to warren@pcoutreach.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
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