Basic
Troubleshooting
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Uh-oh … Something’s wrong with my
computer.
What should
I do??
CHECK THE CORDS
Is your computer on?
Power Cord?
Power button?
 Monitor
 System Unit
 Power Switch
Non-responsive screen?
 Keyboard/mouse plugged in
 USB vs PS/2
What do all those other cords do?
PORT
PURPOSE
Ethernet Port
Internet
Audio Ports
Speakers & Headphones
HDMI (“High Definition
Multimedia Interface”)
Projector
PICTURE
NOTHING IS MOVING …….
THE LIFE SAVER: Task Manager
CTRL + DELETE + ALT
Brings up Task Manager window
Click on program which is taking too long
to respond or whose CPU usage is colored
red.
“End Task”
RANDOMLY CRASHING?
Overheating
Remove any items covering the vents
Updated Anti-Virus?
Anti-virus updates contain important “fixes” – always install
updates to ensure broadest protection.
ISP BASICS
ISP – Internet Service Provider
Dial-Up
Cable and DSL
Wireless
Connection to an
Broadband Internet
Computer network that
Internet Service Provider access that uses cable
isn’t connected by a
via telephone lines
television and telephone cable (wire)
lines, respectively
WHAT DO ALL THESE NUMBERS MEAN?
56kbps
 Email & light browsing
1Mbps
 Lots of browsing, downloading music,
streaming videos OR multiple people in your
household
3Mbps
 Serious gamers OR consistently send/receive
LARGE files
INTERNET CONNECTION LOST?
 Check cables
 Click on internet connection icon.
 Network & Sharing Center
 Disconnect/connect
 Restart your computer
COOKIES
Used to make your web-browsing
experience more convenient by
remembering:
• Addresses
• Account numbers
• Usernames & Encrypted
passwords
• Last place on webpage
COOKIES
BUT – they can also be used to track specific web sites or a user’s navigation through a
particular website.
You CAN turn off cookies in your browser … but some websites may not load properly
DISABLE/ENABLE POP-UPS
Internet Explorer
 Go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Privacy -> select your level on the scroll
Chrome
 Settings -> Privacy/Content Settings
Pop-ups “pop-up” in different areas on different browsers
Chrome – address bar; IE – near Taskbar
DON’T CLICK ON LINKS
DON’T DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENTS!
AUDIO
Multiple audio ports and areas for
volume control.
Mute on?
Stereos plugged into headphone port?
No luck? Try “Hardware and Sound” in
the Control Panel.
STILL HAVING TROUBLE …
 Google is your friend
 Write down error message and call IT
INTERNET CRIME
MALWARE
HOW IT INFECTS:
Tricks you into installing, or installs
without your knowledge, along
with desired programs that seem
beneficial (Music, Videos, Games,
Screensavers, Pictures).
Distribution channels include IRC,
peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup
postings, etc.
WHAT IT DOES:
Steals personal information and
usage habits.
Can change computer settings,
home pages, and break other
programs.
Embeds deeply into OS, very
difficult to remove, can damage
files/equipment.
DON’T CLICK ON POP-UPS!