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What should I do when a computer freezes? |
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Written by Mandville
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Thursday, 19 November 2009 00:32 |
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This document contains recommendations on what to do if the computer frequently freezes or completely halts. An easy way to determine if your computer is in this situation is by pressing the Num Lock button on the keyboard and watching the Num Lock led (light) to see if it turns off and/or on.
If you're able to get the light to turn off and on and are running Microsoft Windows, press CTRL + ALT + DEL and attempt to end task the program.
Make sure the computer is really frozen
Although the above Num Lock trick is a good indication on whether or not the computer is really frozen, it's still always a good recommendation to give the computer at least a minute before turning it off.
Reboot the computer
After waiting a minute, reboot the computer; it's completely locked and will not recover. Keep in mind that all work being worked on is going to be lost and cannot be recovered if the information has not been saved or automatically saved.
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Clear up some hard drive space. |
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Written by Mandville
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Sunday, 25 October 2009 22:21 |
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No matter how big your hard drive, it will slow down once it reaches 90% capacity. Free up hard drive space by removing unused programs. Click Start, Control Panel (in Windows 98/ME, Start, Settings, Control Panel). Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
If you have Windows XP, you'll see the size of the program, how often it's used and the date it was last used. This is helpful information, but you shouldn't use it exclusively when determining whether to keep or trash a program. You might use some critical programs only occasionally.
Click the program you want to remove and then click Change/Remove (in Windows 98/ME, click Add/Remove).
- When uninstalling programs, you may encounter a message asking if you want to remove a shared component. Select "no to all." These files are small and may be necessary for other programs to operate properly.
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Written by Mandville
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Sunday, 25 October 2009 22:21 |
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Reduce startup times by optimizing your startup programs
Instant messaging programs, media players and other programs weasel their way into automatically starting when Windows loads. They slow down your boot time and guzzle system resources.
You can stop these programs from launching automatically by clicking Start and Run. Type "msconfig" without the quotes and click OK. Click the Startup tab.
You'll see a number of programs listed. Some names are easy to figure out. But most are difficult to decipher. You can find a list of entries and explanations at sysinfo.org/startuplist.php.
Clear the boxes for the programs you don't need. Click Apply and OK. You'll be prompted to restart your computer.
After restarting, you'll receive a message stating that the System Configuration Utility is in Diagnostic or Selective Startup mode. Check the box next to "don't show this message again" and click OK.
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Glossary of Internet Terms |
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Written by Mandville
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Sunday, 25 October 2009 22:17 |
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AND (Advanced Digital Network) - Usually refers to a 56Kbps leased-line.
ADSL See: DSL
Anonymous FTP See: FTP
col
Applet A small Java program that can be embedded in an HTML page. Applets differ from full-fledged Java applications in that they are not allowed to access certain resources on the local computer, such as files and serial devices (modems, printers, etc.), and are prohibited from communicating with most other computers across a network. The current rule is that an applet can only make an Internet connection to the computer from which the applet was sent. See Also: HTML , Java
Archie A tool (software) for finding files stored on anonymous FTP sites. You need to know the exact file name or a substring of it.
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You turn on the computer and nothing happens |
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Written by Mandville
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Sunday, 25 October 2009 22:16 |
No lights, no beeps, no fan noise. What is the first thing you do? Be sure the darn thing is plugged in! Even if you're absolutely certain that it is connected, double check.
Assuming that it is plugged in, you probably have a bad power supply. This is a metal box located in the top and back of the computer. It is usually held in by four screws and the power cable connects to it. A fan blows air out the back.
A wiring harness exits the power supply inside the computer. Numerous power connectors are attached to the ends of the wires. These plug into drives, fans and possibly other gizmos. The harness also will have connectors to the motherboard. It doesn't matter which wire connects where, as long as the connector fits.
When you open the computer, this mess of wiring can be very intimidating. Study it, and you'll find it less mysterious. Note the connections in writing, if necessary. Disconnect the wires and remove the power supply. Take it to the computer store and get a replacement with the same wattage.
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