Module # 2.5.1

Diagnose and correct common computer problems

Getting there

OH man!!!! This is like "HOW TO FIX ANY COMPUTER"

Let's start with the basics!
1) if it doesn't work at all, "IS IT PLUGGED IN?"
1B) "IS IT TURNED ON?"

2) if it doesn't print, "IS THE PRINTER PLUGGED INTO THE WALL AND THE COMPUTER?"
2B) "IS IT TURNED ON?'

3) if a program doesn't work, "IS IT INSTALLED?"
3B) "IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO GET TO THE PROGRAM AND TRY IT?"
3C) "IS THERE ON-LINE HELP TO EXPLAIN HOW TO MAKE THE PROGRAM WORK?"

So enough of the basics. The rest is scientific method.
Assuming it ever worked, something must have made it stop working! "What happened to the computer since the last time it worked?"
if it is something with a network:
"ARE YOU LOGGED IN CORRECTLY?"
"DOES THE COMPUTER SEE THE NETWORK AT ALL?"
"DO OTHER NETWORK COMPUTERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW?"

The most important self-help resource is your mind. Read the manual to make sure you are doing it right. Check to make sure the paper is in the printer and there is toner or ink.

Try turning it off and then back on!

Finally, try undoing whatever you did since the last time the computer worked properly.

If all this fails, try these sources of help:
Ask another teacher or person (MAKE SURE THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE, otherwise they my make things worse)
Go to the software or computer companies web site, they have tech support (including lists of problems other people have run across)

Before you call for outside assistance, you should know:
1) make, model, memory, etc. of the computer
2) the software causing the problem (including the version)
3) the operating system and version
4) exactly when the problem occurs (and usually I don't mean in the morning or when the computer is on)

Exercise #1

Good luck! Try to imagine what would happen if the printer were turned off when you try to print.