Transcript Slide 1

Lesson 5: Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
• Computer performance
• Care of the computer
• Working with hardware
• Basic maintenance
• Basic troubleshooting
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Increasing the Computer’s Performance
• System resources too low to process work, especially RAM
• Hard drive does not have enough room to install
new programs or save files
• Not enough space on hard drive for operating
system to handle multiple programs
• File is quite large and will not open or close quickly due to speed of
microprocessor
• Document takes long time to display on screen
• Component of operating system, software program, or data file
generating system errors but still trying to work in background
• Hardware component or software program recently added and causing
slowdowns or conflicts with other system components
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Taking Care of the Computer
• Use surge suppressor or UPS to protect from power surges,
brownouts, or general fluctuations
• Avoid connecting too many electrical devices
• Avoid connecting electrical equipment that draw large quantities
of power on same electrical circuit
• When in another country with different voltage system, use
converter that adapts electrical system and voltage
• Always turn computer off during stormy weather
• Position computer in location to prevent theft
• Purchase security cables to lock computer to fixed
apparatus
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Taking Care of the Computer
• File server should be in locked room with special entry access
• Do not store near heat source or cold environment
• Avoid liquids near computing device
• Refrain from eating or drinking around keyboard
• Ensure there are no magnetic items near computer
• Turn computer off before you move it
• Notebook carrying case should be durable and padded
• Be careful when carrying notebook
• Be careful where you place any portable device
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Taking Care of the Computer
• Keep cables clear of walkways
• Clean computer or printer of dust or paper particles
• Use technical support specialist to help or perform
changes
• Always make backups of data
• Always ensure antivirus program is up to date and scan
computer regularly
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Working with Hardware
• If you cannot open any files from hard drive, could be
problem with hard drive
• If you cannot read files from media, check disk for
scratches or dirt
• If you cannot print, check printer connected and on
− Check cable connections
− Check printer exists and is active
• If connections active but printer does not print, check for
error messages
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Working with Hardware
• If you cannot log on the network, check you are using
correct logon ID and password
− Ensure network connection is active
− If wireless connection, ensure you are connected to correct
network
− Check cables connected and all other network hardware working
correctly
• Age of computer can also be source of problems
• Newly installed hardware device may not work for number
of reasons
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Performing Hardware Maintenance
• Clean keyboard or mouse occasionally
• Computer Life Cycle
− May be able to replace items easily
− May be able to upgrade items such as video cards, ergonomic
keyboards
• If printing smeared or is missing content, may need to
clean printer
− Use care when removing paper jams and check all areas that need
clearing
• Consider how to manage files on hard drives
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Performing Hardware Maintenance
• Delete temporary files
− Generated when you install programs, use attachments, visit Web
sites, or register/subscribe on Web site
• Consider doing defragmentation occasionally
− Reorganizes file contents
− Speeds retrieval of files
• Ask for help from specialist when unsure how to proceed
with changes
− Work with specialist to learn how to make changes safely and
effectively
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Performing Basic Troubleshooting
1 Collecting Information
− Write information down for reference
− Keep notes about frequency of each message and what you were
doing when message appeared
2 Analyzing the Information
− Analyze information for any patterns or common themes
3 Attempting Basic Solutions
− Try simple troubleshooting
4 Finding Help
− Seek help and advice from technical support specialist
5 Communicating the Problem Accurately
− Be accurate and concise when communicating problem
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Performing Basic Troubleshooting
6 Analyzing and Selecting the Proper Action
− Provide as much detail so specialist can provide list of options
7 Implementing the Solution
− Follow solution provided to resolve problem
8 Confirming the Problem is Fixed
− Try to duplicate problem to see if error occurs again
9 Documenting and Communicating the Incident
− Document incident to use for future reference and share document
with others
10 Avoiding Similar Problems in the Future
− Documenting issue can help prevent similar problems in future
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