Hi.

My name is David Lyon, and I currently handle the technical duties on the Inverclyde Now website.  As a formerly self-employed IT engineer, I have a fairly in-depth knowledge of not only computers, but also the most common faults and requests that people generally make, from the simple to the more complex.  I usually get asked the same questions from people who are embarassed about having to ask what they believe everyone else apparently knows.

The fact is, most of the general public ask the same questions, and are usually delighted when they get a down-to-earth simple and informative answer without any dilithium crystals or technobabble.

The overall objective of this blog is to attempt to distill the relevant information into a readable format for your typical person to learn a bit about what goes on inside the magic box, gain a bit of control over it, and avoid those frustrating times when they just seem to refuse to cooperate.  It's your computer, afterall.  You've paid money for it... you might as well be able to use it.  Education and information are your friends.

I often liken computers to cars, in the sense that using them and repairing them are two entirely different skills.  I can drive, but I don't have much understanding of how an engine works or what to do if it fails to start.  Likewise, many of you use computers every day at offices or at home, but what to do when it throws up an obscure error, or completely fails to start?

I've opened this blog to share some of what you could call the secrets, or even dark arts, of the computing world.  Things that most people would like to know, but don't know where to begin searching for them. Tips and tricks on how to maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly.  Again, like a car, it should be spring-cleaned every once in a while, if you feel it slowing down.  Many of the principles of keeping your system running smoothly are simple common senses of this nature, the same as a car, and every other instrument on the planet.  Take care of it, it'll work better and last longer.

You'll find all of that here, and more.

Now, here's the obligatory disclaimer:

It should be noted that, even though the instructions that I provide here I do so with confidence, it's quite impossible to be 100% certain 100% of the time that everything will work as expected.  I've worked on hundreds of systems in a lot of different places, and have never had any issues beyond what's expected and under control.  There are always exceptions to every rule, however unexpected, and you accept this risk by following the articles on this website.

Another point worth mentioning is that you, the user, must also be confident about what you're doing.  My assurance alone does not and should not compel you to follow these articles.  Make sure you are comfortable with it before you do it.

Backup any important files before following any instructions.  However likely success is, it's never guaranteed.

End of disclaimer.

On that note, I leave you with a quote from The Once and Future King, written by T.H. White, spoken by Merlin to Wart:

“The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting."