Geek Spot 4 by Jeff Timm

Hi! I’m Jeff Timm, personal computer user since 1983. My wife Holly insisted I share my knowledge and answer your basic computer hardware questions.

Computer 1^st Aid, or Don’t panic, it’s just a Hollywood typewriter!

Computers are not perfect. It’s bad enough they do exactly what you tell them, they also do things without instructions and sometimes have problems in software, or hardware.

Step 1: If the computer doesn’t work, or fails suddenly…DON’T PANIC! Relax, get a Dr. Pepper or cuppa tea or coffee, and then consider the problem.

Step 2: Get a pad of paper and a writing implement and write down exactly what happened, and exactly what error messages have appeared. If none of the lights are on and you can’t see to find the pad and pencil, the problem is NOT your computer.

Step 3: If the computer will not start check and see if all the components are turned on. (Old trick when someone uses the power strip as a switch, turn off the monitor by the monitor switch)

Step 4: Make sure none of the power switches are turned off. Modern ATX computers can have two switches on the CPU box and one on the power strip

Step 5: Check and see if all the connectors are seated properly in their sockets. Mouse to CPU box, keyboard to CPU box, CPU Box to monitor?

Step 6: Check the connection to the wall outlet and check the power at each point up to the components of your computer. Wall plug to power strip. Is there power at the outlets on the power strip? Is the switch on? Is the circuit breaker open or closed? Power strip to component. Is the power cord firmly set into the power strip? Is the power cord firmly set into the monitor and CPU? Check the power indicator lights on the monitor and CPU box. Are the little lights on? Is the cooling fan on the power supply running? Is the power selector set to 115 Volts?

Step 7: If the problem has not been cured by this step you have my permission to PANIC!

It’s time to read your manual and hope you still have warrantee coverage.