Basic Computer Troubleshooting Techniques

Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

The computer goes blank before the Word document was saved. The browser window freezes for no reason. You can't hear anything from your speakers.

Most people have at one time or another experienced a computer problem like the situations just described, and if you haven't, chances are you will at some point. When a problem occurs, don't panic! Instead, work your way through some basic troubleshooting techniques and try to solve the problem.

General Tips to Keep in Mind

There are many devices, parts, cords, and connections on a computer, which means that there are many possible problems that could arise. In addition, your computer uses a variety of software, which can also cause problems. However, no matter what the problem is, you can use the following tips to help you find a solution: 

 

• Always check the cables: Many computer problems are related to an issue in the cables and connections. The easiest first step you can take to troubleshoot most problems is to check all related cables and connections.

• Isolate the problem:  If possible, try to isolate the problem. For example, if you can't get the cursor to move on the screen, try to determine if the issue is with the mouse. If you have an extra mouse, you can alternate devices to see if the one plugged in is the issue, or use the arrow keys on the keyboard to help determine if the mouse is the source of the problem. When trying to isolate the problem, only make one change at a time. 

• Take notes about error messages:  If your computer gives you error messages, be sure to write down as much information as possible. If the basic troubleshooting steps don't work, you may need the information. 

• Remember the steps you've taken, or write them down: Once you start troubleshooting, you will want to remember what you have done, so you don't repeat yourself. If you can't remember it, then write it down. If you end up asking someone for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly which steps you've taken.  

Simple Solutions to Common Problems

Most of the time, problems can be fixed by using simple troubleshooting techniques, such as closing and re-opening the program. It's important to try these simple solutions before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn't fixed, you can then try other troubleshooting techniques, such as reinstalling the software.

 

Program Runs Slowly or Isn't Working Right

• If a program is running slowly or otherwise isn't working right, the first thing you should try is closing the program and re-opening it. 

• You can also shut down your computer, wait a few seconds, and boot it up again. Some minor problems will work themselves out when you do this.

• Check with the company for any known problems or updates to the software.

  

Program is Completely Unresponsive

• If a program has become completely unresponsive, you can press (and hold) Control+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. You can then select the program that isn't working and click End Task. If you are using a Mac, you can press Option+Command+Esc to open a similar dialog box. 
  

Problems Starting or Shutting Down the Computer

 

Power Button Will Not Start Computer

• If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.

• If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. Often, this will require you to plug a lamp or other electrical device into the outlet to make sure it is receiving power.

• If the computer is plugged into a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it is on.

•  If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter into the wall and then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn't start up, you may need to wait a few minutes and then try again.

"Non-System Disk or Disk Error" Message 

• If you get this message when you boot up your computer, it usually means there is a CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or floppy disk in your computer, which is interfering with your computer's booting process. Remove the disk from the drive and restart the computer.

   

  

Windows Shutting Down Message Will Not Disappear

• Sometimes Windows will freeze during the shutdown process. If this happens, the Windows is Shutting Down message screen will stay active on your screen. To finish shutting down the computer, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, or until the computer turns off.

   

   
  
  

   

Computer Begins Randomly Rebooting or Crashing

• Check for overheating. Make sure the vents in the case are not blocked. Confirm that there is good air flow around the computer. Update your antivirus software and scan for viruses.
  
  
  
  

Problems with the Monitor and Speakers

 

No Picture on the Monitor

• Confirm the computer is turned on.

• Check the brightness control, located on your monitor or your keyboard, and make sure it is not set too low.

• Check the connections for the monitor and surge protector, and make sure the surge protector is turned on.

 

 

Monitor Goes Blank Periodically

• You may have the screensaver enabled. If the screen saver is enabled, just move your mouse back and forth and your original screen will appear. You can change the screensaver settings by going to your Control Panel (or your System Preferences if you're using a Mac).

 

No Sound

• Check the volume control on your computer. In Windows, the sound icon will usually be on the taskbar, and you can also access the sound options in the Control Panel. On Macs, the sound options are found at the top of the screen or in System Preferences.

• Most media programs (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) have a volume control, which will need to be turned up.

• Make sure the speakers are turned on, if using external speakers.

• Make sure external speakers are connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output will usually be green.

• Connect headphones to the correct audio port and determine if sound is audible from the headphones.

Solving More Difficult Problems

If you still haven't found a solution to your problem, you may need to ask someone else for help. Try searching the web for the problem that you're having, as other people may have had similar problems. Also, if you have a friend or family member who knows a lot about computers, they may be able to help you.

 

Keep in mind that most computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take some time to find them. For very difficult problems, a more drastic solution may be required, such as reformatting your hard drive, reinstalling programs, or reinstalling your operating system. If you're not a computer expert, it's possible that you could make the situation worse, so it's best to consult a professional if you think a drastic solution is needed.

M. Iqbal Akhtar

Google Tips: Improving Your Search Skills

By: Muhammad Iqbal Akhtar

All of us are accustomed to using Google on daily basis, either directly or indirectly.

If I ask you what's the number of cancer patients in Pakistan? Almost all of you readers will jump onto Google or any search engine and query for the answer. Google is good at understanding natural questions like what is this, what is that but Google is also able to understand certain other statements which can help you make your search less time consuming & relevant, here are a few.


Get the World Time:

You want to call someone who lives in let's say Canada but you don't know the time there. Here's the simplest solution, just Google time Canada. A screen shot of the result:

Currency Converter :

Want the currency exchange rates or the exchange value? Just Google Currency A in Currency B.

Local weather?

No problem.

If your city result doesn't come up directly, use this term weather channel 'City Name' and open the first link of weather.com their reports are quite elaborate and neat.

Get Definitions

Want the definition of potpourri but don't want to read the Wikipedia article or lengthy explanations? Use this keyword, 'define: Desired Word'

A little calculation?

Search From a Particular Website:So you want to search for MMS Rates on Warid’s website but the search at Waridtel.com didn't get you your desired results or you are on a website that has no search facility. Here's how Google can help, write your search term than the keyword site: followed by desired website.

• More search features are here on Google’s website: http://www.google.com.pk/intl/en/help/features.html

• And yes you can always check Google Labs for any other of their upcoming projects and to-be-added new features, link: http://www.googlelabs.com/

• Check this Google Labs India project that helps you in finding Hindi Music: http://www.google.co.in/music

By: Muhammad Iqbal Akhtar

Windows 1.0 to 8

1985  Windows 1.0

The First Version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 1.0, with simple applications and the concept of multitasking on PC.

1987  Windows 2.0 

The Second Version of Windows, Windows 2.0 with some fixes and the Control Panel. 

1988  Windows 2.1 

The Second Version of Windows with some additions, and some fixes, Windows 2.1, the Paint software is seen in this one! 

1990  Windows 3.0 

The Third Version of Windows, Windows 3.0, featuring the File Manager and Program Manager, replacing the old MS DOS based File and Program Managers. 

1992  Windows 3.1 

The later released upgraded version of Windows 3.0, which had support for 32-bit Disk Access, Personalization options and had the Minesweeper game for the first time. 

1995  Windows 95 

Windows 95, the changed look, the new interface and the beginning of the form of Windows which we see now. Enhanced Graphics and better Communication Programs. 

1998  Windows 98 

Windows 98, one of the most successful versions of Windows till now, this version of Windows can still be seen in some PCs even today. With Extended Softwares, better Performance, this Version was the first milestone in the path of the development of Windows. 

2000  Windows ME 

Windows ME or Windows Millenium Edition, though not a very popular version of Windows, but still it had some better tools and performance than the previous ones in some cases. 

2001  Windows XP 

Windows XP, the Daddy of all versions of Windows, the most popular version of windows even today. Windows XP is still used today because of its unmatched performance, tools and interface. This has been the best version of Windows till the arrival of Windows 7. 

2006  Windows Vista 

Windows Vista, though it didn't go so well in the public, but still its a good version of Windows specially for the interface the Windows Aerobic Effect, making the Window Transparency work like magic.

2009  Windows 7 

Windows 7, the best version of Windows till date. With the new and advanced features such as the Superbar, this version of Windows created another milestone for Microsoft after Windows 98 and Windows XP. Windows 7 features an unbeatable user interface, and powerful tools that makes it the best among the rest. 

2012  Windows 8 

Windows 8, to be released in the late 2012. The interface of Windows 8 as seen at the D9 Conference. A better version of Windows as proposed by Microsoft, with the changed User Interface.

By: Muhammad Iqbal Akhtar.

Download and Install Differently Designed Windows 8

Yes Windows 8 comes with a hybrid design and isn’t like the Windows OS we are usually familiar with. Latest version brings completely new visual interface, which is optimized for touchscreen devices but can be equally efficient with mouse and keyboard for desktop computers.

Here’s a preview of What Windows 8 will look like:

Start Screen:

Lock Screen:

Keyboard and Apps (Earlier we used to call them programs):

File Management:

Download Windows 8

Microsoft was quick enough to release the developer version for Windows 8 for general public.

You can select from one of following versions available at Microsoft’s website:

• Windows Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit
• Windows Developer Preview English, 64-bit
• Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit

It appears that Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit will be suitable for many, unless you need to get the developer tools too.

You can download any version of Windows 8 from this link.

How to Install Windows 8 on Virtual Machines:

• You can install Windows 8 preview on a virtual machine instead of dedicating an entire PC for it.
• You can use VirtualBox for hardware virtualization
• Download Windows 8 from above given link.
• Create a new VirtualBox virtual machine and select Windows 8 as the OS type.
• In the Motherboard tab under System, check Enable IO APIC.
• In the Processor tab under System, check Enable PAE/NX.
• In the Acceleration tab under System, check Enable VT-x/AMD-V and Enable Nested Paging.
• In the Video tab under Display, check Enable 2D acceleration.
• Remember to mount the Windows 8 .ISO file you downloaded and you’re good to go!

Note: Make sure your PC supports hardware virtualization for this to work, or you can go with a fresh machine to install Windows 8. Remember, you can’t un-install this copy of Windows unless you format the drive.

Want to Change Metro UI:

• If you want to disable the Metro UI?
• Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
• Change the value of RPEnabled from 1 to 0.

Google Plus: Basic Tips for Beginners

Google+ is on its way to charm people and many of the Facebook users are already making their minds to take a shift, so it is just matter of time, but again these are somehow pre-mature thoughts, so we will have to wait and see the impact.

Frankly speaking, we had to spend sizable amount of time to get familiar with Google+, we thought of saving you from the effort. So let’s start with Google+ and here you will get some basic useful tips if you are just joining Google+ or are still wondering what to do here?

Getting Started

There has been much hype about how and from where to get Google+ invitations. People started writing tutorials on how to invite someone on Google+, but Google has resolved the issue now and you do not need to end up pasting your email address here and there to ask for an invite.

Registrations on Google+ are now open and you can sign up without any invite. Simply visithttp://google.com/+/ and register yourself.

Welcome to Google+

If you have ever used any of Google’s services (Gmail, Google Profile, Blogger, etc.), then there are chances that Google+will detect more than 50 percent of your bio – to fill your profile. Don’t worry, your privacy settings will not be disturbed. For instance, you can link your Picasa account with Google+ while maintaining the same privacy settings as they were with your Picasa account.

So it’s time now to upload your profile picture and write something about you.

Build Your Circles

Next thing that you should do is, build up your circles and invite others. But to know what really circles are, read below:

• Circles are different set of groups, or lists with different permissions. You can add your contacts in these circles to make sure that you don’t share your information with those who shouldn’t see them.
• You will get updates from contacts that you have added in your circle. Just like twitter, you start getting updates from those whom you follow
• Contacts in your circle will not get your updates, though they will be invited – but they can deny any incoming requests.

By default Google offers following circles to you, of course you can create more with ease

• Friends
• Family
• Acquaintances
• Following

You can simply mouse over them to read what kind of circle it is and sharing settings.

Adding Contacts to Circles:

• Click circle button (right on top middle – or where the red arrow is in above image)
• Go to "Find and Invite" tab
• Here you will be suggested with contacts that you may want to add in your circles, drag and drop them in below circles… simple as that
• Note: Suggestions will be those contacts that you recently interacted with on Gmail
• Want to add someone who is not in suggestions: There’s a button “Add a new Person”, click on it – type email address and you are done.

So you are almost done with basic settings and this is the time to go out and say Here I am!

Posts and Stream

You must be familiar with wall posts on Facebook, here Google calls it stream. And for me, the most loveable feature of Google+ is to get stream from specific circle.

• Select stream from any of your circle and updates from only those will be shown from the circle
• You can Share a post from your stream, comment on it +1 it (kind of liking a post)

You can post an update, using the box given on top of stream – exactly like facebook has;

• Post any thing you feel like, you can add videos, pictures, links and so on
• You can edit posts later on, delete them, mute them and so on
• You can select circles or contacts that you want your post to be shared with.
• You can disable resharing and/or commenting.

Hangouts

Hangouts is the coolest feature of Google Plus, it will let you start a video conversation with as many friends of yours as you like.

Simply click the “Hangout” button available on right sidebar or visit this link:plus.google.com/hangouts

You’ll be taken to a "green room" where you can select circles or individuals to add in your room (video chat).

Sparks = Interests and Likes

Visit the Sparks menu from left sidebar and you will find featured interests. Don’t worry, you are not bound to like them. Search your interests and while adding them, Google+ will give you content suggestions that you can share on your wall, stream in fact.

Once again Google+ allows you here to set which circles you want to share with and it works the same way as described for the post.

Turning Off Email Alerts

By default, Google+ will email you for every post, comment, +1 or anything that happens and is related to you.

This may irritate you – so simply visit Google+ settings from the Options menu which you can find at the extreme right of black bar – codenamed the “Sandbar”, you must have noticed it appearing from few days.

So just un-check the relevant boxes and you are done.

Missing Facebook?

If you are missing Facebook here on Google+ and all that blue interface still mesmerizes you, make your Google+ look like Facebook.

It is simple and easy. Visit http://userstyles.org/styles/50051/google-facebook and follow the two step tutorial.

First install Stylish extension by selecting your browser from the list and then install the script. Here you are with your Google+ converted into Facebook!

This was just a sneak peak of Google+ for beginners.

Google has planned to add more features like Games, Events etc. As project is considered to be one of the prime goals of Google to compete it’s rival Facebook so we can expect a lot from Google here.

Source: 

http://propakistani.pk/2011/07/01/google-plus-basic-tips-for-beginners/