Solving a Computer ProblemSolving a Computer Problem

When computers break, someone has to fix When computers break, someone has to fix themthem

Solving problems is the toughest part of Solving problems is the toughest part of being a computer userbeing a computer user

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO

APPROACH A PROBLEM.

YOU WILL BECOME FRUSTRATED!

Geek Squad ChargesGeek Squad Charges

$415 to replace hard drive$415 to replace hard drive$249 OS install$249 OS install$199 home network installation$199 home network installation

REPLACE A LAPTOP SCREENREPLACE A LAPTOP SCREEN

$700 +$700 +

The BasicsThe Basics

Most important thing: Be MethodicalMost important thing: Be MethodicalHave an Ordered SystemHave an Ordered System If you iron your clothes, what is your If you iron your clothes, what is your

method?method?

Four basic rulesFour basic rules

1.1. Check for the “Stupid Stuff” first: Low Check for the “Stupid Stuff” first: Low batteries, plugs, etc.batteries, plugs, etc.

2.2. Find more out about the problem: Find more out about the problem: Occurrences, frequency, etc.Occurrences, frequency, etc.

3.3. Repeat the problem; step by step.Repeat the problem; step by step.

4.4. Use Abstraction Layers to pin point Use Abstraction Layers to pin point location of problemlocation of problem

Question 1

ChecklistChecklist

Restart computer to see if temporary Restart computer to see if temporary problemproblem

Check connectionsCheck connectionsApplication problem: reinstall applicationApplication problem: reinstall applicationUse Safe mode. Press F8 when “starting Use Safe mode. Press F8 when “starting

windows”windows”

Question 2

Common Computer Problems Common Computer Problems and Fixesand Fixes

http://www.geocities.com/johnniemccoy/howto.htmlhttp://www.geocities.com/johnniemccoy/howto.html

Computer will not startComputer will not startPrinter will not printPrinter will not printMouse not mousing wellMouse not mousing wellMouse not mousing at allMouse not mousing at allComputer freezesComputer freezes

Question 3

Common Computer Problems Common Computer Problems and Fixesand Fixes

Computer takes a long time to start up Computer takes a long time to start up Low on resourcesLow on resourcesComputer will not shut downComputer will not shut down

A good clean out – often fixes everythingA good clean out – often fixes everything

Question 4

QUESTION 1QUESTION 1

What is the most important thing you must What is the most important thing you must understand when you are solving understand when you are solving problems. You must be..problems. You must be..

Intelligent Methodical

QUESTION 2QUESTION 2

What is the top layer of the abstraction What is the top layer of the abstraction layers? layers?

HardwareApplication

QUESTION 3QUESTION 3

Which function key would you press to put Which function key would you press to put your boot your computer into safe mode? your boot your computer into safe mode?

F8 F3

QUESTION 4QUESTION 4

When your computer has a problem what When your computer has a problem what do you do first?do you do first?

Take to ComputerISD

Check “Stupid Stuff”