Geek Corner
All of this activity we are recommending on THE INTERNET is dependent upon users having a computer and a connection to THE INTERNET. But what happens if that breaks or doesn’t work properly?
Here are some practical hints and useful ways to resolve basic problems and advice on how you can go to THE INTERNET for help – if you can get connected in some way or have a friend do so.
Please note this is general advice and for some problems you will need expert help from the manufacturer of the computer or the producer of the software programme concerned, most of whom will have online and telephone helpdesks.
Switch Off (REBOOT in technical parlance)
The first and best advice is to completely close down all the current programs being run on the computer and then to shut the computer down, not just log off. Then disconnect the power supply and wait for a minute. This means everything that was running has stopped doing so. Then reconnect the power supply and start the computer in the normal way.
This rebooting process solves a surprising number of problems mainly because any program that may have been causing the computer to malfunction is closed down.
Error messages
However there may still be a problem so look out for any error messages that may appear as the computer restarts or when it is running but there is still a problem and make a note of them.
Sometimes the computer will ask you if you want to start in "SAFE MODE" which means it will operate with some reduced functionality that may let you solve the problem. Generally it may be better to try and start in normal mode first and only use the safe mode if this doesn’t work.
Identify problem
Computers generally have a capability to self analyse any problem so look for an option to investigate the fault and see what the computer itself thinks is going wrong. LINKS TO MICROSOFT. It may be a problem with the operating system, a particular software program or the connection to the Internet.
Help
Use the help button on whatever screen you are on when the problem occurs to see if any assistance is at hand on the computer itself or on any web sites that the help window directs you to.
Viruses
A common cause of often quite serious problems is that the computer has contracted A VIRUS – in other words accidentally downloaded a software program designed to cause it to malfunction in some way. To resolve this run the virus checker on your computer. If this doesn’t work there are a number of free virus checker resources available on the Internet that may help. Here are some examples.
AVG
MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS
AVAST!
AVIRA
Ask THE INTERNET
Most problems you will have with your computer have been experienced by someone else and if you google the fault there are often very helpful web sites or forums that will furnish an answer or suggest somebody who may know.
The proprietor of the OPERATING SYSTEM you are using (such as Microsoft for Windows 7) or any application software (such as Microsoft for Word) will also have a site with information about solving problems. See these examples.
Network Problems
If your computer is working properly but will not connect to the Internet then it may be because the Internet connection is down, or occasionally the Internet itself may not be working. You can usually phone your service provider to see if there is some kind of network problem in any particular area.
Ask a friend
If this fails ask somebody (preferably under the age of 30!) for any advice or help they may suggest.
Manufacturer
If the hardware or software is relatively new (generally 12 months unless the equipment is subject to an extended warranty) check whether there may be a claim under warranty which the manufacturer’s helpdesk may assist with. Be persistent in getting through the various helpdesk menus to talk to a technical adviser. You need to be at your computer to do this.
Local Computer Company
If the hardware or software is not under any kind of warranty or guarantee then you may need to take the computer to a local repair centre where you will pay but for the most part the computer can be reconstructed. Before doing this back up all data on the computer on to a physical external device or online using a back up service.
Web Sites
Here are some useful web sites with advice on dealing with computer problems.
PC WORLD
MICROSOFT - FIXING A COMPUTER THAT WON'T START
MICROSOFT - FIX COMMON PC PROBLEMS
ACME HOW TO FIX A PC
COMPUTER REPAIR FLOWCHART
Final word on this - do not give up. Most things can be fixed. These days computers are made in a modular fashion with components such as HARD DISKS, SOUND CARDS and even MOTHERBOARDS (the heart of the computer as it organises everything else) designed to be replaced and swopped out relatively easily. The greatest risk is generally loss of data or software programs so make regular backups and keep the copies of any software or printer disks for programs installed on the computer.
PLEASE LET US HAVE YOUR FEEDBACK BY POSTING A COMMENT. SIMPLY CLICK THE LEFT BUTTON OF YOUR MOUSE ON THE FIELDS "NAME", "EMAIL" AND THEN "COMMENT" BELOW AND COMPLETE THEM IN TURN THEN GO DOWN THE PAGE AND CLICK ON “SUBMIT”.
THIS WEBSITE IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY.
All of this activity we are recommending on THE INTERNET is dependent upon users having a computer and a connection to THE INTERNET. But what happens if that breaks or doesn’t work properly?
Here are some practical hints and useful ways to resolve basic problems and advice on how you can go to THE INTERNET for help – if you can get connected in some way or have a friend do so.
Please note this is general advice and for some problems you will need expert help from the manufacturer of the computer or the producer of the software programme concerned, most of whom will have online and telephone helpdesks.
Switch Off (REBOOT in technical parlance)
The first and best advice is to completely close down all the current programs being run on the computer and then to shut the computer down, not just log off. Then disconnect the power supply and wait for a minute. This means everything that was running has stopped doing so. Then reconnect the power supply and start the computer in the normal way.
This rebooting process solves a surprising number of problems mainly because any program that may have been causing the computer to malfunction is closed down.
Error messages
However there may still be a problem so look out for any error messages that may appear as the computer restarts or when it is running but there is still a problem and make a note of them.
Sometimes the computer will ask you if you want to start in "SAFE MODE" which means it will operate with some reduced functionality that may let you solve the problem. Generally it may be better to try and start in normal mode first and only use the safe mode if this doesn’t work.
Identify problem
Computers generally have a capability to self analyse any problem so look for an option to investigate the fault and see what the computer itself thinks is going wrong. LINKS TO MICROSOFT. It may be a problem with the operating system, a particular software program or the connection to the Internet.
Help
Use the help button on whatever screen you are on when the problem occurs to see if any assistance is at hand on the computer itself or on any web sites that the help window directs you to.
Viruses
A common cause of often quite serious problems is that the computer has contracted A VIRUS – in other words accidentally downloaded a software program designed to cause it to malfunction in some way. To resolve this run the virus checker on your computer. If this doesn’t work there are a number of free virus checker resources available on the Internet that may help. Here are some examples.
AVG
MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS
AVAST!
AVIRA
Ask THE INTERNET
Most problems you will have with your computer have been experienced by someone else and if you google the fault there are often very helpful web sites or forums that will furnish an answer or suggest somebody who may know.
The proprietor of the OPERATING SYSTEM you are using (such as Microsoft for Windows 7) or any application software (such as Microsoft for Word) will also have a site with information about solving problems. See these examples.
Network Problems
If your computer is working properly but will not connect to the Internet then it may be because the Internet connection is down, or occasionally the Internet itself may not be working. You can usually phone your service provider to see if there is some kind of network problem in any particular area.
Ask a friend
If this fails ask somebody (preferably under the age of 30!) for any advice or help they may suggest.
Manufacturer
If the hardware or software is relatively new (generally 12 months unless the equipment is subject to an extended warranty) check whether there may be a claim under warranty which the manufacturer’s helpdesk may assist with. Be persistent in getting through the various helpdesk menus to talk to a technical adviser. You need to be at your computer to do this.
Local Computer Company
If the hardware or software is not under any kind of warranty or guarantee then you may need to take the computer to a local repair centre where you will pay but for the most part the computer can be reconstructed. Before doing this back up all data on the computer on to a physical external device or online using a back up service.
Web Sites
Here are some useful web sites with advice on dealing with computer problems.
PC WORLD
MICROSOFT - FIXING A COMPUTER THAT WON'T START
MICROSOFT - FIX COMMON PC PROBLEMS
ACME HOW TO FIX A PC
COMPUTER REPAIR FLOWCHART
Final word on this - do not give up. Most things can be fixed. These days computers are made in a modular fashion with components such as HARD DISKS, SOUND CARDS and even MOTHERBOARDS (the heart of the computer as it organises everything else) designed to be replaced and swopped out relatively easily. The greatest risk is generally loss of data or software programs so make regular backups and keep the copies of any software or printer disks for programs installed on the computer.
PLEASE LET US HAVE YOUR FEEDBACK BY POSTING A COMMENT. SIMPLY CLICK THE LEFT BUTTON OF YOUR MOUSE ON THE FIELDS "NAME", "EMAIL" AND THEN "COMMENT" BELOW AND COMPLETE THEM IN TURN THEN GO DOWN THE PAGE AND CLICK ON “SUBMIT”.
THIS WEBSITE IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY.
