Huge thanks and kudos to Joe Olayvar from the WA State Library, who skillfully presented our most popular TechSoup Edge Initiative webinar yet: Basic PC Troubleshooting. Missed the session? Don’t worry! It was recorded. A number of resources were shared during the session and I’ll include links to those here. We'll be going through the questions that were asked during the session and will create a blog post to respond to those that weren't answered.
Tip #1: Get familiar with the basic components
Next time you have an opportunity to check out what’s “under the hood”, go for it! Nothing beats a hands-on (or even just eyes-on) exploration of what is inside the PC.
As we mentioned during the webinar, GCFLearnFree is a really great resource, not only for your own learning but as a resource to share with others who are learning. There are several pieces of the GCFLearnfree course called “Computer Basics” that are really relevant for today’s topic:
- Computer Basics: Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K00dKueUDuI&
(a 2 minute video) - Computer Basics: Inside a Desktop Computer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eNTlwnnhss&
(a 2:20 video) - Basic Troubleshooting Techniques
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics/15
Tip #2: Task Manager is your friend
Microsoft has an article on using Task Manager http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323527 And if you’re already using Windows 8, here’s an article on the updates to Task Manager http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/3422276/how-use-windows-8-task-manager/
Tip #3: Dealing with a “dead” PC
How to fix a computer that won’t turn on http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/tp/computer-wont-turn-on.htm
Tip #4: Think like a troubleshooter
Tip #5: Dealing with printer issues
More Tips
Again GCFLearnFree can help! There’s relevant info in other courses, including tips on backing up http://www.gcflearnfree.org/techsavvy/4 and taking screenshots http://www.gcflearnfree.org/techsavvy/7 (which can be really useful when you’re trying to communicate an issue you’re having).
Resources to Learn More
- TechSoup articles, forums, archived webinars, donated products, and more!
- TechSoup for Libraries Cookbooks packed with tips and techniques on maintaining public computers
- Eli the Computer Guy “how to” videos
- Computer Hope, with non-techie descriptions and advice.
- Joe is updating a manual he has used during face-to-face PC troubleshooting classes. Once it's ready, we'll share it with you!
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Today's webinar was one of a series of webinars exploring the Edge Initiative benchmarks, specifically Benchmark 10: Libraries manage their technology resources to maximize quality.
Upcoming Webinars
We hope you'll join us for another FREE webinar soon.
Thursday, February 21 - Windows MultiPoint Server: Lower Your Public Access PC Costs (register online)
Want to save time and money setting up or improving your training lab or public access computers? Interested in saving energy and reducing maintenance in your labs? Find out all about Microsoft Windows MultiPoint Serverand how it can save you over 60% in costs and upkeep for your library, charity, telecentre, training lab, or refurbishment program.
Tuesday, March 26 - Tech on the Spec(trum): Making libraries more accessible for children with special needs (register online)
Like any worthwhile initiative, reaching a target audience takes time and money. Is there an affordable way to make your library more technologically accessible for children with autism and other developmental differences? Join this session to learn about the successful "Come On In" program at Skokie (IL) Public Library. Hear about free and inexpensive tools. Think about ways to partner with other organizations to meet patron and staff needs.
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