The 50 Biggest Computer Mistakes, and How You Can Avoid Them

http://www.komando.com/

(Reviewed by Fred Sabin, President, NJCC)

“The 50 Biggest Computer Mistakes, and How You Can Avoid Them” is an electronic book (e-book) on CD-ROM by Kim Komando (National TalkRadio Host, USA Today Columnist and Gannett Syndicated Columnist). You can listen to her explain each “mistake” (which I feel should more accurately be called “tips”), read them in PDF format, and/or print out a hard copy of them. In addition, the CD contains pictures of Kim, sound bytes to customize Windows sounds, and links to additional materials on Kim’s website.

This CD was difficult to evaluate as parts were excellent, most of it mediocre, and some parts relatively poor. To be fair it must be noted that this CD might be well received by computer novices that only want very basic information in very simple terms (without boring technical data or details). It is designed around Kim and her presentation style, and if you like her you would probably purchase it. If not, you might probably never come in contact with it.

When you put the CD into your CD-ROM it automatically goes to an autorun setup program that puts a shortcut icon with her picture on your desktop (but not in your Programs’ Menu). You can then access the CD menu with a listing of the “50 mistakes” with options for sound (2 to 3 minutes each), viewing or printing (1 to 3 pages each). There is also a very nice “search” feature to find relevant tips by using keywords.

Most of the technical content is accurate, but usually very limited and suitable only for novice users. It would help tremendously if there was a link to an updated website URL where more information or reference materials or links for each mistake or tip were available. Questions can be submitted on the website, but answers may not be timely or comprehensive. The tips are not prioritized in any manner (as one to five stars), so key concepts of anti-virus software, backups and application updates are buried as tips numbered 15, 16 and 42. Also, there is no tip that addresses the source or value of Internet information, or how to find it (as with search engines).

Kim uses a chatty informal presentation style, but her analogies and attempts at humor often digress and detract significantly from the subject matter, as (Tip #35: Not Considering Broadband): “And I can't resist passing on some advice from a park ranger to some people who were preparing to backpack for a while. He said you can get four days out of a pair of underpants or briefs by wearing them frontwards and backwards and then turning them inside out and wearing them frontwards and backwards. Just don't suggest that to anyone's mother.”

There is, however, enough content in these tips to allow for easy informative listening, but I wouldn’t print them out for their technical content or for reference purposes.

The system requirements for “The 50 Biggest Computer Mistakes, and How You Can Avoid Them” are a Pentium processor with MS Windows 95 or later, 64 MB RAM, 5 MB Hard Drive space, a CD-ROM drive, sound card and speakers, and a minimum 800x600 (16 bit) display resolution. Internet access is also required for access to online features.

The list price of the CD is $19.95, but a 20% discount is available to NJCC members. When you go to their website e-store and add the CD to your cart, a coupon box will appear beneath the title. Enter in the code “mstks50” and click “recalculate” for a price of $15.96 (+$6.95 S&H).