[Parrot0123]

I bought myself an issue of Smart Computing for the first time yesterday. It looked like it had some interesting articles. Anyway, I came across this one article that made me laugh. I'm sure they didn't mean it to be funny, but here's the deal.

The article espouses the benefits of preparing your computer properly whenever you install new software:

Many problems that arise during an installation typically occur because the user failed to follow sound installation practices. Learning the fundamentals of a proper software setup can help you avoid these problems in the future

Preparing your PC to accept new software is the most important thing you can do to ensure the success of your next installation. It doesn't take much time to prepare for an installation, and the results are certainly worth the effort.

Sounds good right? A quick and easy procedure for making sure that your installations go smoothly. Here are the steps that they recommend you follow before you install any new software (paraphrased for brevity):

- Get rid of all applications that you no longer use from the Add/Remove Programs menu. Reboot the PC after each program you uninstall.
- Use the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete all unnecessary files.
- Run a virus scan
- Run ScanDisk
- Perform a disk defragmentation
- Read the manual for the software you're about to install
- Close all programs including your security software

It's just that easy! Half a day later you'll be ready for your new software install!

[JohnWill]

And, they forgot a key element, BACKUP! Hell, if you're that worried, you should at least create a restore point.

[Stoner]

Close all programs including your security software

Yeah, for apps you definitly trust.
Anti virus has saved my bacon several times on game installs

[dr911]

Good point ....JohnWill.......BACKUP......BACKUP !!!!

[Parrot0123]

Originally Posted by Stoner

Yeah, for apps you definitly trust.
Anti virus has saved my bacon several times on game installs

The article does cover that - it says that you should only install software from sources that you trust.

That's good advice.... but sometimes you can benefit by taking small risks I find.

[JohnWill]

You have to remember the audience that Smart Computing is written for, probably someone that's owned a computer for less than two weeks.

[valis]

Originally Posted by Parrot0123

Get rid of all applications that you no longer use from the Add/Remove Programs menu. Reboot the PC after each program you uninstall.

man, if I did that, I would be here 24/7.

As opposed to the 23/7 that is the current situation.

[Rockn]

Smart Computing is one of the worst computing magazines out there.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by Rockn

Smart Computing is one of the worst computing magazines out there.

Then, in your judgment, Smart Computing is dumb?

[valis]

wonder if hte corrollary works.

[Parrot0123]

Originally Posted by Rockn

Smart Computing is one of the worst computing magazines out there.

That's quite a claim. Do you have any juicy stories of other ridiculous articles to back that up?

[hewee]

When I first got a computer I used to get Smart Computing at the store now and then.
I got some of the guide ones they had that had tips etc in them.
No need for it now but back then it was ok to have and learn things.