Solving a Computer Problem When computers break, someone has to fix them Solving problems is the toughest part of being a computer user IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO APPROACH A PROBLEM. YOU WILL BECOME FRUSTRATED!

Geek 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 SCREEN REPLACE A LAPTOP SCREEN $700 +

The Basics Most important thing: Be Methodical Most important thing: Be Methodical Have an Ordered System Have an Ordered System If you iron your clothes, what is your method? If you iron your clothes, what is your method?

Four basic rules 1. Check for the “Stupid Stuff” first: Low batteries, plugs, etc. 2. Find more out about the problem: Occurrences, frequency, etc. 3. Repeat the problem; step by step. 4. Use Abstraction Layers to pin point location of problem Question 1

Checklist Restart computer to see if temporary problem Restart computer to see if temporary problem Check connections Check connections Application problem: reinstall application Application problem: reinstall application Use Safe mode. Press F8 when “starting windows” Use Safe mode. Press F8 when “starting windows” Question 2

Common Computer Problems and Fixes Computer will not start Computer will not start Printer will not print Printer will not print Mouse not mousing well Mouse not mousing well Mouse not mousing at all Mouse not mousing at all Computer freezes Computer freezes Question 3

Common Computer Problems and Fixes Computer takes a long time to start up Computer takes a long time to start up Low on resources Low on resources Computer will not shut down Computer will not shut down A good clean out – often fixes everything Question 4

QUESTION 1 What is the most important thing you must understand when you are solving problems. You must be.. Intelligent Methodical

QUESTION 2 What is the top layer of the abstraction layers? Hardware Application

QUESTION 3 Which function key would you press to put your boot your computer into safe mode? F8F3

QUESTION 4 When your computer has a problem what do you do first? Take to Computer ISD Check “Stupid Stuff”