Tech Relief: Follow These Tips to Get the Most From Your New Electronic Gadgets Right Out of the Box.

By Julio Ojeda-Zapata, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.

Dec. 24–Certain things you can pretty much count on for the holidays: It’ll be cold. A kitchen emergency of some sort will ensue. Technology will somehow drive you right up the wall.

Help is here, at least for the tech part (you’re on your own with that pot roast crisis).

We’ve rounded up a grab bag of tech tips for dealing with all manner of computer- or gadget-related scenarios. Read these if you’re planning to give a tech gift so the big gift won’t be a big flop.

We can’t anticipate all tech-y situations, so we’ve also compiled a list of tech-help services that are always open for business, even during the holidays. So relax — tech relief is at hand.

Computers (Macintosh). When setting up a new Mac, use Apple’s automated transfer utility to migrate all data and user accounts from an older Mac — you will need a FireWire cable with a large prong on either end — if relevant. Otherwise, create user accounts from scratch. Activate Mac OS X parental controls for younger users. Buy a large-capacity external hard drive, set it up and turn on Apple’s Time Machine feature on the new Mac for automated data backups. Download and install OS X updates (you will be prompted for this). Computers (Windows). Set up nonadministrator accounts for all users. Activate anti-virus, if preinstalled, or install it for free (AVG at free.grisoft.com or Google Pack at pack.google.com). Configure the software

to auto-update daily. Download and install Windows XP or Vista updates. Don’t turn off Vista’s User Account Control safety feature even if its nonstop “click here to approve” windows irk you. Download the Window Live suite (get.live.com), which has a family-safety component along with improved e-mail and photo apps.

Computers (general). Fully charge laptop batteries. Configure access to a Wi-Fi network. Buy a protective case and include it with the portable. Spring for an extra AC adapter and charging cable so the user can have sets plugged in at dual locations (no lugging all that extra gear). Sign up for an online-backup service such as Carbonite (Windows only, carbonite.com), Mozy (Windows and Mac, mozy.com) or Apple’s .Mac (Mac only, mac.com). Set the computer’s power settings to save energy when idle (active computers are power hogs).

Cell phones. Make sure handsets are properly activated and functional. On phones for teens or tweens, program in numbers for Mom, Dad and other adults, as well as 911 and several ICE (“in case of emergency”) numbers. Give underage users the standard parent speech about not texting while driving, keeping phone numbers and other info private and not answering calls or text missives from strangers. Set ground rules for phone use, such as whether taking a handset to school is OK.

Wireless networking. Don’t use a new Wi-Fi router without setting up security. Most routers have automated configuration utilities, along with numerical addresses for getting at manual controls in a Web browser. Use newer WPA security, not the old WEP. Deactivate file and printer sharing. Turn off a feature that broadcasts the network’s name (or SSID) for even more safety. Configure parental controls, if needed.

Digital cameras and camcorders. Charge batteries. Have extra media (flash-storage cards, digital videotapes, mini-DVD discs, etc.) handy. Be sure media is blank (not filled with old photos or videos). Set the correct date and time on your cameras so all pictures and videos are properly time-stamped when recorded. Consider investing in an extra battery (you can’t have too many of those). Put a wrist or hand strap on the camera so it won’t be dropped. Get a protective cover or case with enough room for the camera and its gear.

Apple iPods and other players. Make sure iTunes (or relevant software) is preinstalled on the intended user’s computer. Preload that person’s favorite tunes, pictures and videos onto PC or Mac, then sync them to the player. Use audio- or video-recording software to create a custom greeting; put that on the player, too. Buy a protective case and put it with the player (iPods are especially easy to scratch). Consider springing for nicer earbuds or earphones (try V-Moda’s Vibe models at v-moda.com) once the holidays are over.

Gaming consoles. Verify that your Wii, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 connects properly to your TV via composite, component (an extra purchase for the Wii) or HDMI. Pop in a game and make sure it works. Set up parental controls for younger users. Install fresh batteries in all the game controllers. Buy extra controllers (you’ll need four or more on the Wii for maximum family or group fun). Help kids through the steps for creating an Xbox Live account, a Mii avatar on a Wii and so on. Lay down the law on when they can or can’t play.

Package opener. Dreading all that packaging that is a pain to open? Skip scissors and look for a specialized cutting/snipping/unscrewing tool such as the Zibra Open-It, a fearsome-looking contraption available at Walgreens, Home Depot and Bed, Bath & Beyond (info at enjoyzibra.com/openit). Get it the day before Christmas, thank us on Christmas.

Receipts, discs, packaging. When unpacking tech gear, set aside software discs and documentation (including warranties and receipts) and store those in transparent sandwich or freezer bags; place those bags in a safe and easy-to-remember place. Keep all manuals and quick-start guides at your fingertips while setting up tech gear, then tuck them all away with the other bagged goods. Save all product packaging (including foam inserts) for possible returns.

HDTVs. Unpack a big-screen TV with care (there’s nothing sadder than a shattered set). Before placing it in your entertainment center, familiarize yourself with all its ports (especially component and HDMI). Most HDTVs have too few HDMI ports, so grab a handy port-multiplying switch from XtremeMac (xtrememac.com) or Iogear (iogear.com).

Buy a cheap antenna to pull in free high-definition programs over the air. More HD content is available via cable or satellite (Comcast has just expanded its HD offerings), and on Blu-ray and HD DVD discs (but Blu-ray discs won’t work in HD DVD players, and vice versa). Not amazed at how HD looks? You may need to fine-tune your TV settings.

Julio Ojeda-Zapata covers consumer technology. Reach him at jojeda@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5467.

GET HELP

Tech crisis? Help is only a phone call or a mouse click away. The following are open all the time, but help options vary. Some might visit in person. Others will assist over the phone or take control of your computer over the Internet.

Geek Squad. Local, in-person help available. geeksquad.com or 800-433-5778

1-800-905-GEEK. Local, in-person service available.

PCLive: pclive.com or 888-725-4836

Rescuecom: rescuecom.com or 800-737-2837

HiWired: hiwired.com or 888-694-4947

My Computer Works: mycomputerworks.com or 877-629-6972

SupportSpace.com: Shop by issue or expert.

FixYa: fixya.com. Shop by problem or expert.

Microsoft Holiday Support Center: supportsupport.microsoft.com/holiday.

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