Hark, The High-Tech Help Desk Sings; Stream International Offers 12 Million-Plus New PC Owners Answers To Many Of The Most Common New Computer User Questions

Business Wire, Dec 16, 1999

CANTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 1999--

With holiday computer sales forecast to increase nearly 13 percent in a year where overall consumer demand for PCs has skyrocketed, millions of people are expected to find a computer waiting for them under the Christmas tree. Many new PC owners will need help setting up and getting them to run smoothly. Because Stream International answers over 80,000 support requests a day, 10,000 of those via email, the company is uniquely positioned to assist holiday PC buyers.

Once consumers turn their computers on, they might not be able to shut them off--and that's just the beginning of the problems new PC users often encounter. To help this year's record number of new computer owners, Stream International Inc., a leading global provider of technical support services, is revealing answers to many of the most common questions they expect to hear from new PC owners this holiday season.

To help keep holiday peace at homes across America, Stream offers ANSWERS TO THE TEN most common questions NEW PC OWNERS FACE:

Q: My system didn't come with any manuals on how to use the software? Was I short-changed by my dealer?

A: Probably not. Most manuals now come in electronic versions, similar to help files, on your computer. Most computer manufacturers bundle an interactive help program on each computer to help with your questions.

Q: Whenever I leave my computer alone to assist my children, it shuts itself off. It's brand new--how can it be broken already?

A: It isn't. Your PC isn't turning itself off -- it's just taking a nap. PCs have a "sleep" mode that turns itself on if your computer has been inactive. This is an energy-saving feature that does not jeopardize any applications you had running when you last used your PC. To wake up your computer simply move the mouse or press a key, and you'll be returned to where you left off.

Q: I worry about how to protect my kids from adult sites on the Internet. How can I enjoy Internet access and still have peace of mind?

A: There are many software programs available to protect children from mature sites. You can ask your Internet service provider if he/she offers these software packages with their Internet browser.

Q: So, how do I use my computer to get on the Internet?

A: You need three things to get on the Internet: 1) a modem (this piece of hardware usually comes with newer computers); 2) a phone line to dial out and connect to the Internet; and 3) an account with an Internet service provider.

Q: Help, I can't print! What's wrong?

A: You're not alone. Printing glitches are among the most common problems PC users encounter in part because there are so many printing options and printer types. Some simple things you can check are:

--Is the printer turned on?

--Is the printer cable plugged into both the printer and the computer?

--Is the printer loaded with paper and an ink or toner cartridge?

--Is the printer in the ready or online mode?

Q: How do I clean my PC?

A: Use a dry feather duster or a damp sponge. Avoid using domestic cleaning products because they contain strong chemicals that can damage plastic surfaces and electronics. Also avoid using window cleaner products on your monitor. The ammonia that window cleaner products often contain can be harmful to the screen.

Q: Is it bad to turn on all my computer equipment from my power strip?

A: Yes. Although power strips or surge protectors help protect your PC from power surge damage and/or data loss, you shouldn't use either as an on/off switch. When you turn on all your PC devices at once, they compete for electricity and can cause damaging power fluctuations. Your equipment will probably last longer if you turn each one on separately.

Q: My Taskbar with the start button disappeared. Even after I restarted the computer, it won't come back. What can I do?

A: You have probably accidentally resized the Taskbar into a thin line. To reset it back to its normal size, move your mouse pointer slowly to the bottom of your screen. Just before the pointer goes off the screen, it should turn into a double-headed, up-and-down arrow. With this double-headed pointer showing on your screen, click and hold your left mouse button down, then move your mouse pointer up approximately one-half to one inch, and then release the mouse button. The Taskbar should now reappear because it has been resized.

Q: How do I insert a CD-ROM into my computer? Can I play regular music CDs on my computer?

A: CDs must be inserted into the CD-ROM drive. Your PC will have a CD drawer. Look for the open/close button. Press it to have the CD drawer slide out. Insert your CD, shiny side down. Press the open/close button to close the drawer. You can use a music CD in the same way. Today, computers are generally equipped with speakers and sound capabilities, so if you insert a music CD your computer will play it through your PC's speaker.

Q: I keep hearing about connecting to the Internet through the same cable that my cable TV comes in instead of my phone line. Should I make sure I have a cable-ready PC?