Check back frequently for more tips & tricks. In this section, our purpose is to help you to:
--- Manage your computer environment
--- Save time and money
Computer Problem? Remain C A L M.
Check the basics (is it on, is it plugged in)
Analyze the issue (just you, the whole office, from one application or from all)
Leave it alone (know when to stop and ask for help)
Maintenance plan (establish a regular maintenance plan)
Auto Complete
Typing in an address when sending an email, you start to type in the name and it fills in rest. Easy quick way to get emails addresses. BUT, you could lose all addresses if not stored, saved and backed up in your adddress book. Don't count on "auto complete".
Phishing
E-mails with embedded links to websites. Appears to be convenient, but the links go to another website, not what you think, and they can steal your confidential data. Type in your own website; don't use embedded links (unless you're sure of the origination of the the email). Phishing emails many times appear to come from someone you know - but the senders address is really fake.
Backup
Backup your data. Repeat 100 times "backup your data". You'll need it; it's only a matter of time.
No Internet
If just on your computer, reboot your computer. If everyone is affected, reboot modem and router. Unplug the modem and router. Wait about 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in; wait for lights to stop blinking. Plug router back in; wait a few seconds. Now try to connect again. Still an issue, could be your ISP is down.
No Access to network or server
If just on your computer, reboot your computer Did you complete your login to the network? If still an issue, could be hardware issue with your network card or cable. Make sure your computer is "plugged in" into the network. Everyone in the office having the same problem, reboot the router. Unplug the router. Wait about 30 seconds. Plug the router; wait a few seconds. Now try to connect again. Still an issue, could be hardware issue with your router or switch. Also, the server itself may need to be rebooted.
No Printing
Check that cables are connected. Reboot your computer. Check toner or ink cartridge (some printers wont print if low on ink/toner). Check if the printer shows as "offline" and make sure it is powered on.
Computer Won't Turn On
In some cases this could be due to a failed power supply. But first, make sure the computer tower is plugged in. Do the same with the monitor. It isn't unusual to have devices come unplugged due to a cleaning crew or other person accidentally jarring the plug loose.
Email Bounced Back
Double check the address - many times it may have a typo. Don't rely on "autocomplete" in your email program to input the correct address. Use the "To:" button and select the contact from a list. Or, manually type the entire email address. If you get any error messages back after an email fails to go through, don't delete them! Save them for your I.T. person to look at; in most cases there are codes within the error that will make sense to your I.T. person and help them find the problem.
Got An Unexpected Email
Don't open it!!! Any email message you weren't expecting from a friend, relative, the I.R.S., U.P.S., etc., is almost always spam and in most cases carries a virus or a link to a virus. Especially don't open messages that show a "paper-clip" next to the subject line; this indicates an attached file which could be a virus. On a related note, don't click on strange "warning" messages you might receive about viruses or other problems with your computer without first asking your I.T. person. In many cases you can end up infecting your computer with "scareware" - programs that tell you all about hundreds of problems they found on your PC and will happily fix for you as soon as you get out your credit card and pay them to do it. Check with someone before you click!
Computer Very Slow
When was the last time the computer was cleaned up? It may have thousands of temp files slowing things down. If the computer has been acting strange, it could have a virus or spyware. If the computer is pretty cleaned up, and less than 3 years old, a memory upgrade could help. If the computer is closer to 5 years old, it is probably time to look at a new one. Computer technology runs about 18 months per generation, so a 5-year-old computer is considerably slower than something current. And after 5 years, the odds of major failure (power supply or motherboard going bad, hard drive failing) are fairly high. In today's world, you are better off buying a mid-price PC every 2-3 years instead of a high-end PC every 5-6 years.
