May 2008
Desktops are from Chrysler™ & Laptops are from Refrigadare™ – Part Two
Now you can “fix” all of the above problems by buying after-market parts like keyboards, mice and monitors but you did get this thing to be mobile, right? Laptop replacement parts for the average “do-it-yourself” Joe are expensive, hard to come by and tough to work with. Trust me on this one. Imagine lots of […]
Desktops are from Chrysler™ & Laptops are from Refrigadare™
Should You Buy a Desktop or a Laptop? So why would I compare a car manufacturer to an appliance maker? And what the heck does any of that have to do with your computer?
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 8: Test, Test And Then Test Some More
Before you close the case and throw away the receipt, power up and test everything! Ok, you have reinstalled or replaced the defective part. Now you should test it. And test it and test it. Turn your machine on and off several times. Testing keeps down the frustration levels. Go online and poke about for […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 7: Reinstall, Reconfigure or Replace
The only three things you ever have to do to repair any computer… Now that you have a good idea of which part has gone bad, you may begin the decision-making process of whether or not to reinstall/reconfigure your software (and any accompanying device driver software) or to replace a failing hardware component. But before […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 6: Learn how to troubleshoot
Okay, you’ve checked the simple stuff and now you know for sure something is “bad broke”. Here’s what to do to next. There are two ways of diagnosing computer problems: METHOD #1 – TROUBLESHOOTING TO THE “BAREBONES” This method, while not the quickest way to identify defective hardware parts is the most basic and the […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 5: Identify and Isolate the Problem
But first check the obvious… More times than we would like to admit, computer problems are often caused by simple human error. This is good because then the problems then are very easy to solve. Is the power on in the room? I know…just how dumb do I think I think people are…? Well, I […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 4: Figure Out What Happened
Play Detective and look for clues… The most difficult part of troubleshooting a computer is to find out what actually has happened or what is going on right now. I know it sounds crazy…you were standing right there when the dang computer went on the fritz. You know what happened, right? What you saw was […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 3: Never Underestimate a Positve Attitude
A Good Attitude Is Everything Now that you are calmer and refreshed, we can get down to work. First, let’s talk about your attitude. Do you have the RIGHT one in place? I know I just fussed at you for having a “right at any cost” mindset before. But this kind of attitude is different. […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step 2: Calm Down…Don’t Panic
Don’t make things worst… Okay, so now that you have stopped and studied the situation, and you’ve have determined that it’s not a simple or obvious “glitch” and it looks pretty serious. What’s next? OK, now is the time to go get a cup of coffee, tea or a glass of your favorite cold beverage. […]
Houston, We have a PC Problem – Step1: Don’t Ignore Problems…
Stop and look at what is happening to the machine! Stop banging on the keyboard, talking on the phone. Just slow down and study the situation. Don’t ignore it and think you are too busy and you will “worry” about it later. Stop when you know you are in trouble. I learned this helpful lesson […]