Mountain View Computer Users Group

I am quite comfortable writing about how to buy computers, software, and peripherals. What I am not is an authority on is what you do with them after they arrive. But, based on my experiences during the last few weeks, I am going to give you some advice about how to deal with this challenge.

1. Immediately Register Your Equipment. I just called AppleCare for some service and found that neither my new G4 iMac, nor my AppleCare extended service contract had been registered. I thought I had done it by Internet right after they arrived, but seemingly not. It was no problem because I had the necessary numbers available to get the job done over the phone, but the best policy is to do it right away.
2. Immediately Appy for Any Rebates. As soon as you have registered your equipment, send in all the necessary materials to receive your rebates. Everything has to done just right, according to very specific deadlines. Any deviation and you lose your rebate. I hate to say it, but the manufacturers are just looking for an excuse not to send you that money.
3. Other Things Besides Your Computer. If you're like I am, whenever you buy a new computer, you also acquire other equipment, software, supplies, services, etc. Besides my computer, I got a new printer, bought a digital camera, started a broadband Internet service, downloaded the new Safari browser, and got a copy of the Keynote presentation software. I had already bought Microsoft's Office: Mac for OS X at the last Mountain Valley Computer Users Group's auction. And of course the new computer came with oodles of software, including Macintosh OS X, and the iLife applications. That means that I, and probably you, too, not only have a new computer to learn, but also a great many other new technologies. Beware of information overload, or rather lack-of-information overload!
4. When Calling Apple. As I said, I was on the phone with Apple this afternoon. Not just once, but three times, for a total of about an-hour-and-a-half. I couldn't get my DVD of the Worldbook Encyclopedia (that came with the Mac) to work. I tried to solve it by using my copy of David Pogue's Second Edition of Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, and looking it up in the AppleCare Knowledge Base in Sherlock 3. No luck, so I called Apple. After two incorrect recommendations, I was boosted up to a level of technology specialist who got it solved for me. My advice is that you keep some interesting reading materials handy for those long waiting periods. And use a portable phone if you have one, so you can have a "comfort break" if it becomes necessary.
5. Make Use of the "Dean" of Mac Knowledge. CMUG members are certainly lucky to have the benefit of Bill Dean's skill, knowledge, and willingness to help out in times of computer distress. Bill doesn't have all the answers, though I've always been impressed with how many he does have, But he is someone who knows how to find the answers if he doesn't have them. At my new computer organization, MVCUG, I also have the benefit of knowledgeable club leaders, and have contacted them for help. [For MVCUG members, call or write either John Buono or Jim Emmons. ed.]

Well, there are just a few observations based on my recent experiences. I've had lots of other difficulties that I haven't included in this brief article. No doubt your problems will be different than mine, but maybe it helps to know that we all have a challenging time trying to learn how to use all the new technology we seem intent on bringing into our lives.

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