The Emergency Room
Triage! The Basics
Just as nurses and docs will take your vitals when you walk in
the ER, we need to do some basic vitals on your machine. Often times,
running these 'basics' routinely will keep your machine in fine running
order:
1. CPR: Re-boot.
The age-old solution to many computing problems. Dont just restart your
computer. Completely shut it down along with any devices and printers.
If you are having internet connection problems, pull the power to your
dsl or cable modem box. If your machine has locked up and you cant go
to start-shutdown, then simply hold down the power button until
everything powers down. (shutting down from start is preffered)
2. Sterlization: Cleanup the computer. Go to start -> programs -> accessories and run both the defragmenter and disk cleanup. Got to www.ccleaner.com and download Ccleaner. Run cleanup and select to fix all windows problems. Get some compressed air and dust off the fan on the back of the computer and other places where dust collects on your machine.
3.Get Your Shots: Anti-Virus, Anti- Spyware, Anti-Adware, Anti-CoolWebWorm, and Anti-Hacking. Download, install, run, and keep the following updated:
Anti-Virus: AVG FREE (Want a second Opinion? How about running a free Housecall!)
Anti-Spyware: Spybot Search and Destroy
Anti-Adware: AdAware
Anti-CoolWebWorm: CW Shredder
Anti-Hacking: Zone Alarm Free Firewall
4. Take your vitamins:
Windows Updates. Click HERE to
check to see if your copy of Windows needs updated.
Diagnostics Cube- When the Basics Just Aren't Enough
Sometimes, you can try all you want to keep your system updated, clean and running smoothly, but you will still run into problems. Here are a couple suggestions:
1. General Diagnostics: Head on over to the PC pitstop. They will run a full system scan and offer advice on what things you may need to work on.
2. Expert Help:
Free PC Tech.
You'll need to subscribe to the topic specific group that you need help
in.
You can also learn
to build your own computer here.
3. Go back to the source: If your machine is still under warranty/has a current support contract, try contacting the manufacturer. A list of computer, printer, and device manufacturer's not so well known support numbers are listed here.
4. Error Messages: Keep getting the same error message but dont know what it means? Try this site for help.
5. Look it up: The internet is your greatest free tool. Simply type in (in as few words as possible) the problem you are having, the exact error message, or type of failure into a Google search bar, and you may find the answer. Chances are you are not the first one on the planet to have this problem. For you convenience, I have provided a search bar below.
Local:
Live in the Research Triangle Park Area of North Carolina (Raleigh,
Durham, Chapel Hill)? Step into my
virtual office to set up a personal housecall.
I no longer keep 'How To' articles on the site. Email me your question and I
will send you the 'how to'.
National:
Live outside of the RTP area but still need someone to come to your
home to help? Might
I recomend these folks.
Warning: Sam is not a 'doctor' of anything. Fix your computer at your own risk.