To fix a computer, get to know it first
By BILL HUSTED
Cox News Service
July 20, 2008
Once a week we gather here to talk about everything high-tech: computers, HDTV, and even once an electronic cat box that forever scarred the psyche of the late Buddy, a Maine coon cat.
I hope that's a help. But, when you get down to it, a weekly column on technology can do little more than scratch the surface. Imagine trying to learn auto mechanics, brain surgery or the right way to grow collard greens from a weekly column.
The real secret to enjoying technology is to learn a bit about it as you go, to chip away at areas you don't understand. So today, the topic is chipping away at CI (computer ignorance).
Let's start with the notion that we all learn in different ways — no one way is right for everyone. Some learn more through formal classes like those offered as noncredit night courses by colleges. A group called SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org) is a great learning resource for those 50 and over.
But classes aren't the only way. Others seem to thrive by figuring out a way out of a mess on their own. A third group flourishes using books and videos on computing. Still others do best by combining some of all of these methods.
So take the path that works best for you and spend some time with it. That decision — simple as it seems — is a big step in the right direction.
No matter how you structure the way you learn, there are some things you can do to make the process more successful.
Give yourself credit
Some of you might not know beans about computing, but you've spent a lifetime solving problems. If you think you are hopeless when it comes to figuring out what's wrong with your computer, you probably will be. Finding a solution to a computer problem is a heck of a lot easier than some of the problems you've solved in your lives.
Don't get in a hurry
The natural thing to do when faced with a computer glitch is to dive right in and fix the problem. Don't be natural. Instead, when faced with trouble, force yourself to stop and think. Have a Coke, take a walk or go read a book. The problem will wait for you. Diving right in, especially when you are feeling a little panicked, almost guarantees you'll make mistakes that can turn a minor problem into a major disaster.
Be a detective
At least half of all computer problems are created by some change you made. Maybe you've just installed some new software or updated old software. Or you've added a new printer. Sometimes it's hard to believe, but computers are logical beasts.
When faced with a new problem, take a few moments to think of recent changes you've made to the computer that may have created the mess. Often, simply removing new software, or reversing an update, can return things to normal.
Some recent changes are hard to spot. After all, software often will automatically update itself. That's why a Windows tool called System Restore is so valuable. Type those two words into the Windows help menu and you'll find out how to use it. But it's basically a time machine that returns all the inner settings of Windows back to a date when the machine was working fine. It's sometimes a magical solution to problems you can't understand.
Fix it before it's broken
How do you do that? You already know you should take your car in for an oil change or have hoses and belts replaced before problems occur. It's the same with computers. There are maintenance programs built into Windows.
Use the Help menu to start in the right direction if you are unfamiliar with built-in helpers such as Defragment, Disk Cleanup and checking a hard disk for errors. Also, make sure that you have anti-spyware and anti-virus protection installed.
Study terrain in advance
At some point you probably will need to get under the hood of your computer. My suggestion is to do that before you have a problem. Spend some time with your manual and learn how to open the case.
Then with manual in hand — it'll include a diagram showing where the various components are located — identify the computer's components for yourself. Just make sure that you (1) unplug the computer, (2) follow any precautions listed in the manual and (3) discharge any static electricity by touching the metal chassis of the computer.
I wish I could end this column by telling you that nothing you do can harm the machine. That's a fairly standard way many instructors start a class. It sounds reassuring, but it's completely wrong. There are a million ways to hurt your computer, and I've tried most of them personally.
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