Technology Gone Wrong

1. Technology Gone Wrong

2. A little background… • Your computer uses the operating system to “talk” to software applications. • The operating system is the first software to load and should load from the hard drive. If you leave a floppy disk in your computer, it will try to boot from the floppy. Since the OS does not reside on the floppy, your PC will be confused. (i.e. the “non-system disk” error) Remove the disk, reboot, and all should be well. 

3. A little background… • Your computer’s performance is limited by the amount of memory and processor speed. More memory and speed=better performance. • The more applications you have open, the more memory and processor time is in use. • Too many applications open will slow down or freeze a PC, particularly graphics intensive programs.

4. Basic Troubleshooting • Computers can be a frustrating, freefall into purgatory without the right knowledge and support. • Here are a few suggestions that can make your experience a little easier.

5. Basic Troubleshooting • Stay calm. The computer has no feelings, animosity or agenda. It will win any battle of nerves… • Logically try to think your way through these issues. • After calmly thinking though these issues try to carefully document the problem.

6. Basic Troubleshooting • Login Difficulties: • Is the error message related to invalid name/password? • Check to be sure caps lock is not turned on. • Check to see that you’re using the right login/password combination. (We do have lots to remember!) • Submit a help request to reset a forgotten password. • Is the error message related to the tree/server? • Try restarting the machine. • Look at the back of the machine where the network cable plugs in: Do you see a blinking light? If not, you have a connectivity problem and should submit a help request.

7. Basic Troubleshooting • The computer, printer, or monitor does not turn on: • Check power cables to be sure they are plugged in securely. Cables manage to wiggle loose frequently! • If the cables are plugged into a power strip, make sure the strip is plugged into an outlet and the power is turned on. • Try another outlet if the cord is plugged in and you’re still not getting power. • Try plugging another electrical device in the outlet. Does it turn on? If so, the power supply in the computer may be bad. You’ll need to submit a help request to have this repaired.

8. Basic Troubleshooting • Monitor Issues: • Be sure the power and the data cable are plugged in securely. The data cable from the monitor has a blue connector that connects to the back of the PC. • Be sure the monitor power is turned on. • Use the menu buttons on the monitor to adjust the brightness/contrast/color. • Printer Issues: • Check the power and data cables to be sure they are plugged in securely. The printer may have a parallel cable or a USB cable connecting it to the computer. • If the printer is a network printer, be sure the cable is plugged in. Do you see a blinking light where the network cable plugs into the printer? • Turn the printer off and back on.

9. Basic Troubleshooting • The computer freezes: • Wait a few minutes to let processes finish. • If the computer remains locked after several minutes, you will need to hold in the power button to turn it off. You will lose all data not previously saved. • To prevent freezing in the future: • Limit the number of applications open at a single time. More apps=more memory in use. • Don’t be an overzealous clicker! Every time you click, you’re sending a new command to your computer, forcing it to do even more work. More/faster clicks will NOT make the PC work any faster.

10. Basic Troubleshooting • The computer is extremely slow: • Reboot the computer. • Limit the number of applications you are running at one time. • If the problem continues, submit a help request. You may have spyware, adware or a virus. • Home PCs: You NEED a good anti-virus program and anti-spyware software. You should keep this software up to date. We’ll talk more about this topic next week!

11. Basic Troubleshooting • Error Messages: • Carefully write down any error messages that pop-up. If you know how to print out a screen shot, that’s even better! • Try logging out of the machine and logging in again. • Restart the computer or printer. • If the messages continue, you will need to submit a help request.

12. Basic Troubleshooting • When you cannot resolve the issue: • Put in a help request for technical support. Try to give a dispassionate account of your troubles. Remember the computer has no feelings, but the technician does! • Important information to include in your help request: • Your name and room number • The location of the computer or printer having the issue. (Closest to the door, the middle PC, etc.) • Documentation of error messages or what happened just before the problem occurred.

13. Challenge Activity Act as a troubleshooter and try to help your buddy Bob get his computer to work again. Remember, think logically….

14. Challenge Activity • Case #1 • Bob turns on his computer and it seems to boot normally…but the monitor never comes on at all. What could be wrong with Bob’s system? • monitor power is unplugged • data cable is loose • monitor is broken

15. Challenge Activity Case #2 Bob turns on his computer and it begins to boot, then shows a non-system disk error. What is wrong? • A floppy disk is in the floppy drive

16. Challenge Activity • Case #3 • Bob’s computer boots normally, but when he tries to login to the network he gets a message that the tree or server cannot be found. What could be wrong? • Tried to log in too quickly after booting the machine • Network cable is unplugged/bad • Server is down • Cabling in wall may be bad

17. Resources • http://www.smartcomputing.com/ • http://www.computerhope.com/basic.htm • http://www.kathimitchell.com/inet.html