Troubleshooting Your PC and Installing an Add-on Device

When it comes to PC troubleshooting there are some very simple rules that can keep you from making a small problem into a big disaster. Here are some good ideas to keep in mind next time you find yourself confronted with a computer problem.

Rule One: Back up your data. You will keep your client happy and cause less trouble for everyone if you simply remember to backup all important data and programs before you do anything else. This will ensure that no matter what happens you won't lose the essentials and you will have the first step to recovery complete.

Rule Two: Many computer problems are obvious and simple. Make sure all the cables and cords are connected properly. Check to make sure the power is on. These things seem so simple and yet that is the very reason they get overlooked.

Rule Three: Have a procedure and follow it. Walk through the situation carefully and thoroughly as many times as you need till you find the problem. There is a logical answer to the problem and you will find it.

Rule Four: Think simple. Always look for simple answers first. Nothing is more annoying then ripping a computer open only to find out the power cord has come unplugged from the wall. Many problems with a computer are very simple so don't overcomplicate things.

Rule Five: Isolate the problem. Eliminate each hardware and software component as the problem one at a time. Always exchange components with ones you know are working properly.

Rule Six: Never assume! People can make mistakes both in telling you the problems and in keeping notebooks. So remember to keep an open mind. You also don't want to right away assume the worst case scenario. There is an answer to every problem and you want to go in knowing that you can find it.

Rule Seven: Do your research. Use everything and everyone you have at your disposal. Keep computer manuals and learn to use the internet. Don't be afraid to call tech support or manufacturers. The more people you talk to the more you will learn and add to your own abilities.

Rule Eight: Write everything down. What might sound useless one day will become invaluable the next. Make yourself lists, diagrams, graphs, pictures anything that might come in handy later.

Rule Nine: Take a break when you need one. Sometimes walking away and doing something else will give you a new view on the problem and help you solve it faster.

Rule Ten: Know what your goal is. If all that is important to the customer is to save a few files it might be quicker and easier to back them up and reformat the system. Maybe all they care about is how long it's going to take so make sure to ask what they want and then work toward that end result.

Rule Eleven: Keep your temper and don't rush. It's harder to do in an emergency but if you can keep your cool you will be less likely to make a mistake.

Rule Twelve: Know the problem. You can't fix a problem if you are not positive what it is. Make sure you can identify the problem. Can you replicate the problem? The better you are at identifying the problem the quicker you will be able to correct it.

Next we want to discuss the steps you should follow when installing a new peripheral device. The first and most important thing you need to do is to make sure your device is compatible with your current hardware, and software. This is pretty easy to do by simply knowing your own computer and reading the requirements on the device's box. Once that is done you can continue. It doesn't really matter if the device you are installing is parallel, serial or USB the installation is pretty much the same. You want to install the device, install the drivers and install any application software. You will always want to read any instructions incase the device requires a specific order to the installation process. All in all it's a pretty simple process with few problems.

References
Andrews, Jean (2006). A+ guide to managing and maintaining your pc fifth edition. Canada: Thomson Course Technology.