Utilizing Technical Resources

1. Utilizing Technical Resources Finding the answers you need when troubleshooting PCs

2. Utilize, don’t memorize • In the PC world, there is way too much information, old and new, for any one person to memorize. • Consequently, you must learn and utilize technical resources, especially Knowledge Bases: vast repositories of electronic information.

3. The Internet • The Internet is the ultimate repository of information; websites of every possible kind abound. • However, the Internet is also a mess when it comes to organization. • Utilization of Search Engines such as www.google.com is crucial to success. • For more information on using the Internet, click here or visit www.learnthenet.com

4. Microsoft TechNet • Microsoft TechNet is a monthly electronic publication of technical information about Microsoft products. • Considering that most PCs run some Microsoft products, TechNet’s use is wide ranging. • TechNet is available on the Internet at www.microsoft.com/technet . You may also buy a monthly subscription that comes on DVD.

5. TechNet Queries • What you ask TechNet to find is important. • Too vague a query yields too many results. • Too specific a query often yields no results. • Use a unique chunk (two or three words) of information for your Query.

6. TechNet Queries • When you use more than one word in a Query, put the words between double quotes, like “missing operating system”, so that it searches for all of those words together. • A couple examples of bad queries are “Windows 98” or “my computer won’t turn on anymore”.

7. TechNet Articles • When you launch a query, you will get a list of results. • Click on a Topic to see the Full article, which you may print.

8. TechNet Screen

9. Overview • In combination with manuals, textbooks, and fellow technicians, the Internet and Knowledge Bases like TechNet make your job easier. • Remember, Utilize—Don’t Memorize.

10. For more information See your instructor