Those of you familiar with the above expression will already know what it means. However, for those who are not familiar with it I think what I am about to write may give you some general idea of the full meaning of the abbreviation. I don’t want to have to spell it out really as the use of expletives is largely banned in my Blog.
OK, I often read a number of forums for people of similar interests, computing, photography, the military or lets say, history and politics. The computing and photography forums tend to be somewhat specialist and are suitable places to obtain help and advice on a range of issues not necessarily available in a manual (M). The other forums therefore tend to contain expertise on other less “technical” issues and are used for social networking more than technical support. Having said that, you do often find areas of help and advice being passed about among the various communities but sadly I have found that some of this “advice” is often flawed and the “help” sometimes ambiguous or even contradicted by other “experts” in the thread of the particular forum.
I sometimes feel the need to scream at the screen when I see a question like “I have just bought a brand new printer from PC World but can’t see how to connect it to my PC, can anyone help” – The pressure in my head builds as I want to shout RTFM!!! - what is it that stops a sensible person from opening the box and picking up the “M” and then reading (R) the (T), (F expletive deleted”) (M) – so, rearrange the letters and you can see the answer! (RTFM, got it yet?)
It’s the same with software. Why spend several pounds on some sophisticated bit of software and then spend half the time asking every Tom, Dick and Harry how to use it. There is adequate help available with the product, additional “help” is available via good old Google (perhaps not as this is almost as bad as asking your various friends on the Forum for help!) – Google only when you are a competent user and can actually sort the wood from the trees among the various contradictions you will find in these places.
One tip I always give it to subscribe to a decent Computer magazine that is suited to your level of understanding and competence. Don’t buy a 50 quid manual when you can’t tell your mouse from your desktop. Buy a magazine that caters for the newbie and the geek and isn’t trying to flog you a “free” DVD of software, much of which you will install and end up cluttering up your PC.
I now only use low cost reliable software that is not “resource hungry” (you will need to research what this means – treat it as a test!) that you can install and almost forget about until it update time. I use a simple and reliable Anti-Virus package that costs on £19 per annum, the Windows Firewall, one Adware blocker/Killer and one very well thought through “tune up utility” and nothing else. Back in the old days I had so much “contraception” on my PC it could barely run! Now, I keep the “protection” simple and clean and I always create a restore point BEFORE I install something and back up regularly, I know it makes sense. The one time I didn’t do this I had the biggest disaster for many years that took me hours to sort out and lots of gnashing of teeth and promises to RTFM!
My favourites for keeping in line are as follows:-
1. ComputerActive Magazine is full of tips, advise and other useful stuff. It comes out twice a month, is almost clear of ads and offers no “free DVD”. It is aimed at all levels of user and you can get advice by writing in (you may no get an answer but its worth trying).
2. Windows Firewall – It may be Microsoft but it works
3. Solo Anti-Virus – This is from SRN Micro and is excellent – You hardly know its running.
4. Ad-Aware
5. Malwarebytes
6. Tuneup Utilities 2011
These are the only applications running but I do have a range of other utilities that I can use if I need to. I agree its a personal choice what you use but I have found that these basics suit me now and I have a smooth running, fast starting largely error free PC now.
So, beware the advice that is thrown about in forums by enthusiastic armatures like me (I only ever give advice if I know the “solution” works and always prefer to refer anyone who asks to the Manual!
Good Luck!
PS: Learn about your PC inside out! Don’t rush at using it. Go on a course there are many free ones. Don’t tamper!
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