COASTWEEK - - Many times during computer talk or customer support from ISP's we get lost when someone tells us to do something in computer jargon, writes VIPUL PATEL.

Here are some of this jargon explained clearly together with some computer Tips:

ADDING PROGRAMS - it's better adding one program at a time instead of two or more ... that way if problems arise after the install you'll be more sure to what caused the problem or problems.

BACKUP - a person should make it a rule to backup everything you want saved on a regular basis if not everyday.

FORMATTING A FLOPPY DISK - when you format a floppy disk you are getting rid of everything on the disk - formatting also makes sure that the disk is free of errors and can be written to safely.

FORMATTING A HARD DRIVE - high-level formatting (the most common kind) does no physical damage to a hard drive.

Low-level formatting is what the manufacturers do before it leaves the factory and should only be done once.

If you do want to format your hard drive make sure you know what you're doing.

FREE SPACE - delete unnecessary files, programs, etc. will free up disk space.

It's no use having items sit on your hard drive wasting space even if today's hard drives are much bigger: also you should not completely fill up your hard drive.

INSTALLING - do a full install of a program instead of an upgrade if you can...less conflicts.

ISOLATE THE PROBLEM - if your system was working fine last week but is having problems this week try to identify everything that's changed recently.

Don't automatically think you have a virus !

First, have you installed any new hardware or software (?)

Secondly, did you update a device driver (?)

Try uninstalling the software, removing the hardware device or restoring the old driver temporarily to see if the problem goes away.

If you can reproduce the problem with specific steps you've got a much better chance of knowing when you've found the fix.

MAINTENANCE - doing regular maintenance inside and outside your computer will help things run smoother and have a longer life.

MEMORY CACHE - if you're on the computer for hours at a time, reboot once in awhile to clean memory cache.

MOVING MULTIPLE FILES OR FOLDERS - hold down the Ctrl key and left-click each item you want moved, then right-click and choose cut, open the folder you want to place it in, then right-click and paste.

PASSWORDS - it's a good idea once in awhile to change them.

PHONING FOR TECH HELP - before you phone for help make sure you have everything written down that might help them pinpoint the problem.

PLAY AROUND - one of the best ways to learn computers is to play around in things.

If you're worried about messing things up then take notes before you do.

On the lighter side: Here are some funny computer terms:

Backup - what you do when you run across a skunk in the woods

Backup Disc - spare Frisbee

Cache - needed when you run out of petty cash

Computer Terminal - time to call the undertaker

Crash - when you go to Junior's party uninvited

Digital - the art of counting on your fingers

Diskette - female Disco dancer

DOS - opposite of don'ts

Drive Compatibility - a long car ride with your wife without fighting

Fax - what you lie about to the KRA

Floppy - what you don't want to see on your honeymoon

Hacker - uncle Leroy after 32 years of smoking

Hard Drive - getting home in the muddy season with a flat tire

Keyboard - where you hang the keys to the Mercedes

Laptop - where the little kids jump on to sit

Megahertz - how your head feels after 17 beers

Memory - your wife has two of these

Online - where to stay when taking the sobriety test

Random Access Memory - when you can't remember when your wife asks where you were

Serial Port - a red wine you drink with breakfast

Upgrade - take the old bugs out and put in new ones

Windows - useful when the neighbour's girl is getting dressed up.