Components of a PC

System Case or Tower

• mechanical chassis
• grounding for motherboard
• physical holding for drives, expansion devices
  

Power Supply

• provides electrical power to system
• power provided to processor via mother board
• power also provided to expansion cards via motherboard
• internal cables connect to motherboard
• other cables: power drives

Motherboard (also known as the main board or system board)

• the single large printed circuit board located just off the enclosure's base
• holds the majority of a computer's processing power
• as a minimum, a motherboard contains the system CPU, clock/timing circuits, RAM, cache, BIOS, serial port(s), parallel port and expansion slots
• it is the motherboard more than any other element of the PC that defines the performance

Other Motherboard Components

System BIOS

• "Basic Input/Output System"
• provides an interface between the PC hardware and the standarized operating system
• allows the operating system to interact with the memory and the various devices and drives in the system
• initial instructions for processor to start devices, read from hard drive
• Be Very Careful in the BIOS

Expansion Card Slots

• allows video, sound, and floppy disk and hard drive controller circuitry to be disabled from the motherboard

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• brain of the computer
• processor rests on the motherboard
• responsible for processing each instruction and virtually all of the data needed by the computer
• the type of CPU limits the PC's overall processing power
• you can't just place any CPU in the CPU socket and expect the motherboard to work

Memory (RAM: Random Access Memory)

• the CPU can get information from any location in the memory in less than a millionth of a second
• memory is what the CPU looks through in order for the software to accomplish anything
• the CPU never looks directly at the information on your hard drive, floppy disk, or your CD-ROM

Cache Memory

• traditional RAM is much slower than a CPU: the CPU must insert pauses to catch up
• cache is a technique of improving memory by keeping a limited amount of frequently used information in a very fast cache RAM
• if the needed information is found, the CPU reads the cache at full speed. performance is improved because less time is wasted
• by making the cache larger, it is possible to hold more frequently used data

Bits

• computers work with very small bits of information called bits which have to be combined into larger clusters to be of much use
• the basic clusters used by most computers is 8 bits and is known as a byte
• memory size is measured in bytes and of course, more is always better
• since computers need huge numbers of bytes to do anything useful, the measure of a megabyte (one million bytes) is used
  

Drives

Places to store, read, and/or write data. There are two types of drives: internal and external. The external drive bay allows a drive to be mounted facing the outside of the computer. Examples are floppy, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, PC Card, and tape drives. Hard drives are mounted on a internal bay. A typical desktop PC offers two external and 2 internal bays.

Hard Drive

• huge, fast, reliable, and quiet storage mechanism
• standard equipment on all PCs and are the preferred boot device for even the largest operating system
• typically uses one light to indicate drive activity

Floppy Disk Drive

• provides permanent, removable, limited storage for your computer
• capable of storing up to 1.44 MB on a 3.5" disk
• uses only one light to indicate drive activity
  

Zip Drive

• 3.5" drive capable of storing up to 100MB on a single zip disk
• combines magnetic and optical storage technology
• looks similar to a floppy disk drive
• some PC manufacturers now include Zip drives as standard equipment in their systems

CD-ROM Drive

• standard equipment in all modern PCs
• uses a load/eject button, a volume control (to adjust CD audio) and a single activity light
• one optical disk can store up to 650 MB of programs, data, or other media
  

CD-R Drive

• allows you to record your own CD
• uses a load/eject button, drive activity light, and volume control
• uses a second activity light to show when the drive is writing

DVD Drive

• DVD disks can offer up to 17 GB of storage on a single disk the size of a CD
• are backward-compatible with almost all existing CD-ROM standards
• ideal medium for the distribution of audio and video multimedia and incredible amounts of data
• uses a load/eject button, a volume control (to adjust CD audio) and a single activity light

PC Card Drive

• supports the easy transfer of files between laptop and desktop systems
• looks like a 3.5" floppy drive but the card opening is thicker and narrower
• doesn't work like a traditional drive as it is entirely electronic.  There are no moving parts except for the electrical card connector and a simple card ejection mechanism
• the mechanical lever ejects the PC card, and a single light is used to indicate drive activity

Tape Drive

• offers a significant amount of storage capacity using relatively inexpensive tape media
• usually limited to system backup chores as the tape devices are slow, hot and noisy
• uses 2 lights; one a power indicator and another as a drive activity light
  

Expansion Boards

Video Card

• performs the job of a cable box or the antenna and tuner on your TV
• takes the information the motherboard tells it to display and generates the signals that the monitor understands
  

Sound Card

• the adapter which gives your PC the ability to play or record voice and music
• essential part of every PC used for educational, game and multimedia applications

Network Card

• the adapter which lets your PC communicate on a network

Serial and Parallel Ports

PC communication is accomplished through the use of parallel or serial ports

Parallel Ports

• allow the PC to drive printers
• operate hard drives, CD-ROM drives
• implemented as a 25 pin female connector
  

Serial Ports

• used for online communication
• one or two ports on a PC
• newer versions 9 pin D type male connector

Preventive Maintenance

Importance:

Developing a preventive maintenance plan for your PC will reduce incidents of repairing or replacing parts.

• Preventive maintenance saves money.
• Preventive maintenance saves time.
• Preventive maintenance helps safeguard your data.
• Preventive maintenance improves performance.
  

Cleaning

Mouse

Why: A mouse is especially vulnerable to dust and debris which are carried from the mouse pad into the mouse ball and rollers. When enough dust has accumulated, the mouse cursor hesitates or refuses to move completely.

How:

• Remove the mouse ball: remove retaining ring cover (on bottom of mouse) that holds the mouse ball in place
• Clean the mouse ball: wash mouse ball in warm, soapy water; then dry it thoroughly with a clean lint-free towel
• Blow out the dust: use can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that has accumulated inside mouse
• Clean the rollers: (3 rollers) use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any layers of "gunk" that might have accumulated on rollers
• Reassemble and Test: allow everything to dry completely; replace the ball and retaining ring. Test to see if mouse is performing properly
  

There are three basic types of mice:

1. Mechanical: Has a rubber or metal ball on its underside that can roll in all directions. Mechanical sensors within the mouse detect the direction the ball is rolling and move the screen pointer accordingly.
2. Optomechanical: Same as a mechanical mouse, but uses optical sensors to detect motion of the ball.
3. Optical: Uses a laser to detect the mouse's movement. You must move the mouse along a special mat with a grid so that the optical mechanism has a frame of reference. Optical mice have no mechanical moving parts. They respond more quickly and precisely than mechanical and optomechanical mice, but they are also more expensive.

Note:  There is no need to clean an optical/laser mouse because there are no moving parts to collect debris. You may want to wipe the feet of the mouse with a cloth to remove any dirt.  Unless you are using a quality mouse pad, it is better to use a laser mouse without a mouse pad.

Caution: Do not use harsh solvents, wood alcohol or chemicals inside the mouse or on the ball. Chemicals can easily melt the plastic and result in permanent damage to the mouse.

Keyboard

Why: Keyboards are open to the environment so dust and debris readily settle between the keys. Over time, these accumulations can jam keys or cause repeated keystrokes.

How:

• Attach the long, thin nozzle to a can of compressed air and use the air to blow through the horizontal gaps between key rows.
• Use a clean cloth dampened with ammonia solution to remove dirt or stains from the keys and keyboard housing
• If keys seem unresponsive or sticky, remove the corresponding keycap and spray electronic contact cleaner into the key assembly; then gently replace the keycap.
  

Caution: Do not remove the "Enter" key or "Space" bar. These keys are held in place by metal brackets that are extremely difficult to re-attach once the key is removed.

Monitor

Why: Monitors rely on vent openings for proper cooling. Vent openings can be blocked by paper or other objects. This will restrict ventilation and force the monitor to run hot.

How:

• Use a vacuum cleaner and carefully remove any accumulations of dust and debris from the vents underneath the case as well as those on top of the case.
• Use a clean cloth, lightly dampened with ammonia solution or a cleaning solution designed for computers to clean the monitor's plastic case.

Caution:  Do not spray cleaner directly onto the monitor housing because active circuitry is directly under the top vents.)

• Use clean water with mild soap to clean the CRT face.

Note:  Do not use ammonia or any chemicals to clean flat screen monitors.  They are often treated with anti-glare and other coatings and even mild chemicals can react with some coatings.  

Click here to learn how to clean flat screen monitors:  http://blink.ucsd.edu/Blink/External/Topics/How_To/0,1260,5017,00.html?delivery=&coming_from=

Floppy Drive

Why: Read/write heads of the floppy drive touch the floppy disk. This contact transfers some of the magnetic oxides from the floppy disk to the drive's heads. Eventually enough oxides can accumulate on the heads to cause reading or writing problems with the floppy drive. The floppy drive should periodically be cleaned to remove any excess oxides.

How:
Floppy drives can be cleaned either by using a pre-packaged cleaning kit or by using a swab with isopropyl alcohol to clean the read/write heads.

• Using a cleaning kit, dampen a mildly abrasive cleaning diskette with cleaning solution. Run the cleaning diskette in the drive for 15-30 seconds. You can often get 10-20 cleanings from a cleaning diskette before discarding it.
  
  OR
  
• Use a thin fabric swab dampened in isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub between the read/write heads. Repeat the scrubbing with several fresh swabs; then use a dry swab to gently dry the heads. Allow several minutes for any residual alcohol to dry before turning the PC back on.

Caution: Turn off and unplug PC before attempting a manual cleaning.

CD-ROM Drive

Why: When ejecting and closing the tray, the motion should be smooth without any hesitation or grinding. Accumulations of dust, pet hair, or other debris in the tray may interfere with a CD.

How:
While the tray is open, check for any accumulation of debris. Clean the tray with a cloth lightly dampened with water only. Be sure that the tray is completely dry before closing it again.

Caution: Do not use ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners around the CD-ROM. Prolonged exposure to ammonia vapors can damage a CD.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Some types of preventive maintenance need to be performed more often than others. The frequency of preventative maintenance depends on the nature of the activity.

In order for preventive maintenance to be useful, you have to remember to do it. Something that can help is to create a preventive maintenance schedule. Some preventive maintenance activities can be automated. By using system tools that automatically run programs at a specific time, you will not have to remember to do them yourself.

For more information about various maintenance activities and how often they should be done, check out PC Guide at www.pcguide.com/care/pm_Automating.htm

Troubleshooting Hardware

Universal Troubleshooting Process

1. Define your symptoms
Write down as many symptoms as you can. This helps you to remember if you must explain the symptoms to Network Support.

2. Identify and isolate the source
Use the process of elimination. Virtually all problems with PCs involve more than one component. The difficulty is usually in figuring out which component is responsible for the problem. The key is to make only one change at a time and then see if the problem goes away. You will want to first check the most probable sources of the problem and the things that are the easiest to change. Make use of components that you know work.

3. Replace
Use anti-static boxes and bags for storage.

4. Retest
System must be reassembled carefully before testing it.

Note: Never continue with a repair if you are tired or frustrated.

Very Basic Things to Check First

• Always check the power cords and cable connections before doing anything else.
• Inspect the ends of cables to make sure that wires are connected. This is especially important if you are getting error messages such as "slow network connection."
• It is ok to remove and re-plug in cables to make sure they are properly connected.

Virus Scan

Since viruses are so common, and they can exhibit so many strange types of behavior that are similar to real hardware and software programs, you should do a virus scan as the first step in troubleshooting a hardware or software problem.

Note:  Viruses are scanned automatically at the B&ECPL using InoculateIT.

The following problems are usually system or component problems, but can also be a result of viruses:

• spontaneous system reboots
• system crashes/hangups
• application crashes
• sound problems with the speaker or sound card
• seemingly random glitches on the screen
• corrupted hard disk data
• partitions that seem to disappear
• system slowdowns
• hard disks that won't boot
  

Virus Hoax websites:

• VMyths.com  The Truth about Computer Security Hysteria  www.vmyths.com
• Symantec Security Response  www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html

General Virus Information website:

• Computer Associates - Virus Encyclopedia  www.cai.com/virusinfo/encyclopedia

Monitors

If the picture is too dark, off center, distorted or strangely colored

• Reset the display to the factory default settings. Find the access panel on the front of the monitor just below the screen. Press the "Reset" button (if available).  Different monitor models have unique access panels.

• The most common monitor problem is total failure, and the power status LED (light) doesn't come on. This can be due to something as simple as a blown fuse or something as serious as a dead flyback transformer or a popped CRT. Simple problems like blown fuses or broken switches can be repaired at a local appliance shop. A bent pin inside the connector shell can cause any problem ranging from no display to missing colors to a continually scrolling screen.
  
• Monitors that are placed closed together will often produce scan-line interference on one another which manifests itself by a line or set of lines continually moving across the screen. Increasing monitor separation by a few feet will usually clear up the problem.
• The most common cause for a shaky or oscillating image is the presence of an external magnetic field such as the power supply for your printer. Troubleshooting these problems is done by moving the PC to another location or experimenting with turning off some of the surrounding electrical equipment.

• Normally, a color CRT is demagnetized (degaussed) each time the monitor is turned on. However, if the CRT is subjected to external magnetic fields, it might cause color problems across the entire CRT or in small localized areas.
  

There are 3 ways to correct color-purity problems:

1. Try moving anything that might be magnetic away from the monitor.
2. Try degaussing the monitor by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, then turning it on again. This allows the monitor's built-in degaussing coil to cycle. If the problem persists, wait 20-30 minutes and try cycling the monitor again.
3. If the image is still discolored, you should use a hand held degaussing coil to demagnetize the CRT.

Caution: Never open monitors.

Sound Output does not work (cannot hear sounds or music)

1. Check the volume control

• Double-click on the volume control (speaker icon) in the lower right corner of the screen.
  
  
  
  
• Make sure that the Mute box under Volume is NOT checked and that the volume is turned up.

2. Check speakers and/or headphones

• If you have speakers attached to your computer, make sure they are plugged in and turned on.  There is usually a small pilot light that indicates when they are turned on.  Check the volume control on the speakers or headphones to make sure it is not turned all the way down.
• Make sure the speakers or headphones are connected to the computer correctly.  They must be connected to the audio output socket on the back of the computer.  This is usually marked with a small picture of a headphone or speaker.  Make sure it is NOT connected to the microphone input (usually marked with a picture of a microphone).  Make sure the cable is firmly plugged in.  Jiggle the wires.

Keyboards

• Many keyboard problems can be resolved by simply cleaning the keys.
  
• Always make sure that the keyboard is plugged in firmly and that nothing is resting on the keypad.
  
• When keyboards totally fail, the system hangs on booting and displays a keyboard error message. Sometimes a keyboard failure will suggest a problem with the keyboard controller on the motherboard.
  
• Some keyboards, due to capacitive buildup or heat-related failure, will cease to work while the computer is in use, giving the user the impression that the system has "hung." A simple test to see if the system is locked up or the problem is in the keyboard input is to check if the mouse still works. If the mouse works, neither the software or general system hardware can be faulted. If using another keyboard doesn't fix the problem, the failure is with the keyboard BIOS (controller) chip.

Note: For further assistance, contact your PC manufacturer's support services or the store from which you purchased your computer.

Hard Drives

• Most hard drive problems are actually controller or software issues, particularly corrupted system files or viruses. Hard drive performance degrades with time as the information you are seeking gets spread all over the disk, a process called fragmentation. The main symptom is head thrashing which causes the hard drive LED (light) on the front of the system box to flash rapidly for long stretches of time. You can correct the problem with the DEFRAG program.

• The two most common problems encountered with otherwise healthy hard drives are a lack of sufficient free space and lost allocation space caused by turning the PC off while it's in Windows applications software. As a rule of thumb, you should keep a minimum of 10% of your hard drive space free at all times. The main reason is Windows' constant need for virtual memory. If the hard drive gets too full, the system may lock up in Windows or files may become corrupted. If the PC is turned off while in Windows, the files aren't closed properly and become lost allocation units on the hard drive. Run SCANDISK to free up the lost space.

The DEFRAG and SCANDISK programs can only be used on library "standalone" (staff) computers.

• Hard drives are not worth repairing, due to the availability of faster, larger drives costing the same as the repair. You may be able to recover the data that was never backed up before replacing the drive.

Note: For further assistance, contact your PC manufacturer's support services or the store from which you purchased your computer.

Disk Space Troubleshooting

Use the following methods to solve some of the problems you may encounter if you run out of disk space.

• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Use ScanDisk to check for errors that may be using up disk space.
• Remove Windows components that you no longer use.
• Back up unneeded files and remove them from your hard drive.

Floppy Drives

Floppy drives are among the least reliable and most finicky components in a PC. Part of the problem stems from their low cost and from the lack of quality of the floppy disks. Problems occur when floppy drives get dirty inside and when the thin metal shield on the diskette gets stuck in the drive preventing the disk from ejecting or comes off altogether jamming the mechanism.

• The most common problem in new PCs are misconnected ribbon cables. If you boot the PC and both floppy lights come on and stay on, the ribbon cable is misconnected. The bad connection can occur at the controller end of the cable or at the 3 1/2 floppy drive.

• The easiest failure to diagnose is when the on-drive LED (light) doesn't come on or the drive doesn't spin up or seek. Try changing the power cable to the drive and reseating the ribbon cable on the drive and controller card. If the drive still fails to respond, the problem is the drive or the controller.

• In cases where the drive fails to read or write to floppy diskettes that work fine in a sampling of other machines, the problem is with the drive or controller. The easiest diagnostic is to swap out the drive or controller with one borrowed from another PC.
  

Note: For further assistance, contact your PC manufacturer's support services or the store from which you purchased your computer.

Common Diskette Problems

The diskette drive is not recognized:

• Shut down and restart your computer.

You receive a "Access Denied" or "Write Protect" error message:

• Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette down (unprotected).
• The diskette may be full.  Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
• Not all diskettes are IBM-compatible.  Make sure the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
• Try a different diskette.  Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive.

You receive a "Disk is full" error message:

• Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.
• Try a different diskette.  Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive.
• Run ScanDisk on the diskette.  If errors are detected and corrected, try using the diskette again.

You receive a "Non-system disk" or "Disk-error" error message:

• Eject the diskette from the diskette drive.  Press "Enter".
• Make sure the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.

The light on the diskette drive is lit continuously:

• Remove the diskette from the drive.  If the light stays on, try restarting your computer.

Floppy Diskette Care

• Keep your floppy diskette away from devices that produce magnetic fields -- like your monitor, speakers and, yes, refrigerator magnets. Floppy disks are not in any danger when X-rayed by airport security. X-rays are not magnetic. But do watch out for the metal detectors: most employ a weak magnetic field to find metal.
  
• Put your diskettes in a hard plastic container for protection from dust.
  
• Don't put them in your pocket, purse or backpack without covering them.
  
• Protect your diskettes from high or low temperatures. Don't expose them to temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit -- leave them in a car on hot day and they will warp unrecoverably. Diskettes can handle exposure to lower temperatures (within reason) but should be allowed time to acclimate to room temperature.
  
• Do not touch the the read/write window of the disk (area covered by the metal shutter). You can use a ball-point pen or pencil to write on labeled 3 1/2 inch floppy disks.
  
• Use the write protect notch, a sliding plastic piece in the corner of the diskette, to keep from accidentally formatting the disk or erasing files. When the hole is open the disk is write protected; when it's closed the disk is writable.
  
• Once a diskette start showing problems, copy the data and toss it. But before you do, try the diskette on a few more computers. If the disk is readable on those computers, the problem may be with the disk drive.
  

If the metal shield comes off a diskette:
The metal shield protects the physical media of the diskette.

• Discard metal shield
• Backup the floppy diskette to another floppy diskette or hard drive.
• Discard the diskette.

Note: For further assistance, contact your PC manufacturer's support services or the store from which you purchased your computer.

CD-ROM Drives

Although the vast majority of CD-ROM problems are caused by software or setup problems, the drives themselves are delicate and unforgiving devices. Considering that their prices have plummeted over the last few years, there is little economic sense in attempting a lengthy repair. When a fault occurs in the drive or in its adapter board, your best course is typically to replace the defective drive.

Note: For further assistance, contact your PC manufacturer's support services or the store from which you purchased your computer.

Printers

General Printer Troubleshooting

• Make sure the job was sent to the correct printer.
• Check to see if the printer is turned on. The "ready" button should be lit.
• Make sure the printer has paper.
• See if the printer has a paper jam.
• Check that the print monitor is open on the machine you are trying to print from (Mac) or check the Printer Settings (PC) to see if anything looks unusual.
• Check cables to ensure that everything is securely plugged in.
• Try turning the printer off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

Backing up Files and Folders

Unlike hardware, data can never be properly replaced; it can only be protected against loss. However, unlike your hard drive, data can be easily duplicated. By creating backups of important data on a timely basis, you ensure that most of your data will not be lost. It is critical that you create backup copies of all important data, documents, and programs on your hard drive so that you have some protection if catastrophe strikes.

The Backup program copies groups of files or folders from your hard drive to a tape backup or floppy disk.

• Put your floppy disk in drive A:
• Point at the "Start" button and click.
• Select "Programs".
• Select "Accessories".
• Select "System Tools".
• Select and click on "Backup".
  

• Select the C: drive where your data files are stored.
• Click on the C: drive to see a list of folders on the hard drive.
• Select the "My Documents" folder and check off the box.
  
• Clicking on the "My Documents" folder will display all the files in the folder.
• There will be an option to select individual files or you can select the entire folder. You should Backup Everything.
• Click on "Next Step" when you have completed choosing files to backup.
• Select and click on the "3 1/2 Floppy A:" as the destination for the backup.
• Click on "Start Backup".
  

The backup program wants a name for your set of backup files.

• Type in a name for the backup set in the box and click on the "OK" box when finished.
  Give the file set a name that will help recognize the data.

The program will display a window showing the progress of the backup.
There may be a need for multiple disks to complete the backup.

• Click the "OK" button when the operation is complete.
  
  Remember to:
• Label the disks
• Number the disks
• Date the disks
  

The Restore program copies groups of files or folders back from your floppy disk to your hard drive.
You should be keeping your data files in the "My Documents" folder.

• Select the Floppy A: disk that contains the backup file set. The window will show the file set name.
• Click on "Next Step".

The program displays the contents of the backup file set.

• Click on "Start Restore" to copy the contents of the backup file set back to the"My Documents" folder. A window displays the restore progress.
• Click on the "OK" button when the operation is complete.
• Exit the program. Click on the" X".

Error Messages

Note:  One of the best strategies to use when trying to eliminate recurring error messages is to keep a thorough log of the exact error message, when it occurs and what was happening at the time. Keep a log of when these errors occur and what the "details" of the failure are. This will greatly aid Network Support staff assigned to the issue in the event you are not able to resolve the issue on your own.

Illegal Operations

This general error message is given for a number of different reasons; the most likely of which being a problem with the way a program used memory. By using the "details" button located on the lower right corner of the error dialog box you can find details of what caused the error. You will see something to the effect of "explorer caused an invalid page fault in module ...". In many cases the problem can be resolved by reinstalling the application listed.

"General Protection Fault" "Illegal Operation" "Invalid Page Fault"

Extreme error messages, such as those listed above, can be very difficult to troubleshoot. These messages can be caused by a wide variety of variables. Sometimes these messages are caused by different programs or even different versions of the same program "bumping heads". Many programs share components with one another. If a vendor makes a component that does not work well with one of the other programs that may use this component, the program is likely to crash.

Caution:  In almost every case, unsaved data within a program performing an "illegal operation" will be lost.  Frequent saves on pc's known to have these problems is a must.

Operating System Lockup

Some errors are not quite as allowing for a recovery as illegal operations.   When a program goes as far as to 'crash' the operating system, many times only restarting the computer will recover the issue. These operating system freezes can be the result of hardware issues (drivers), network problems, application/OS interaction or other major circumstances.

Note:   A complete freeze is when the machine is rendered unresponsive to any input whatsoever.

Keeping track of what exactly was going on when the crash occurred can be the best tactic to taking on this error. By studying the circumstances the computer was in each time the freeze occurred you will eventually be able to narrow down which application is responsible. If the problem is hardware, you should be able to recognize a pattern with which requests to certain hardware items are being made.

Program Lockup

Programs often lockup without interfering with any other program including the operating system. Often, when this happens, the program locking up with make cause everything to stop responding. It will appear as if the operating system has frozen as well.

Note: Always attempt the Ctrl + Alt + Del before restarting the computer.

To attempt to salvage the environment without closing any other programs or rebooting you can try stopping the program causing the problem.

1. On the keyboard press the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys simultaneously.
2. Select the program believed to be the cause of the problem by clicking on it once
3. Click "end task".
4. Frequently, at this stage, a second box will pop up and say that the program has stopped responding or might be waiting for a response from you ... You will be given three choices; choose to "end task"

This will stop that program and allow you to continue working. However, if you are working on anything very important you may consider rebooting the PC or simply not using that particular program until you are done or have arrived at a solution for the cause of the lockup because it is likely to occur again.

Blue Screen Errors

Blue screen errors are characterized by the entire screen going blue, resembling that of a DOS program, and an error message is displayed. These errors can be as simple as a floppy disk or CD being removed from the drive while being read from or as complex as a read error on the hard drive. In many cases, the error is caused by a read error. This means that the operating system is attempting to write or read to/from a media device it was once able to.

If, at the blue screen, you see "Fatal Exception Error" This usually points to duplicate or incompatible DLL files being called into memory. Hit ENTER and try to get back to the Desktop. Save your work under a different file name and reboot. In the future, try to notice patterns, particular combinations of programs that cause the error. Look for software patches at the vendor's web sites.

System Dump

This error message is a subcategory of the Blue Screen error message.  Shut off the computer for at least 20 seconds and power on.  If this doesn't solve the problem, call Network Support.

You are using a program and suddenly its stops working

You hit CTRL-ALT-DEL to bring up the task list, and it says the program is NOT RESPONDING.
In this case, you have a few choices.

1. You can click "Cancel" and wait. In some cases, programs are temporarily halted in order to wait for hard disk activity to stop. This activity is often caused by the use of the swap file. This can happen often if you are running many programs and have less than, say, 32 MB or RAM.
2. Second choice is to hit "END TASK". This option will force the program to halt and close. You will lose any unsaved work.
3. Last Option is to shut down the system.

Internet Error Messages

• Proxy Error

This error is common with proxy servers.  The proxy is either down, busy, or cannot interpret the command that was sent to it.  You may want to wait 30 seconds or more before trying to view the web page again.  If the problem persists, contact the network administrator of that proxy.

• File Not Found (or 404 Not Found)
  The URL for the page you are attempting to load is not correct, or has changed. IF you you've typed the URL, doublecheck spelling, case sensitivity, colons, and slashes. If this is a link that once worked but does no longer, you will have to eliminate the file path at the end of the URL to get the server's home page and relocate the page from there.
  
• 401 Unauthorized
  The URL for the page you are attempting to load is correct, but you are not authorized to view that file. File permissions drive this error message.
  
• 403 Forbidden
  The URL you are attempting to load is correct, but it performs a system process you are not authorized to do.
  
• 500 Server Error
  This catch-all error code which indicates that something has gone wrong in the server and the problem has stopped the request from being completed.
  
• 501 Not Implemented
  The URL calls on the server to perform a system feature that has not been implemented.
  
• Connection Refused
  The URL for the page you are attempting to load is correct, but there were too many users already on the server.
  
• Unable to Locate Host
  The URL for the server you are attempting to reach is not correct, or has changed. If you've typed in this URL, doublecheck spelling, case sensitivity, colons, and slashes. If this is a link from a page on the Library site, Digital Library, or Information Resources, that once worked but does no longer, please notify us.
  
• Unable to Contact Host
  The URL for the server you are attempting to reach is correct, but the server is not responding. Try again another time.

For more information on error messages, check out PC Guide at www.pcguide.com/ts/x/sys/operr.htm

Windows Keystroke Commands

Common Software Questions

Pop-up Menus

A window that suddenly appears (pops up) when you select an option with a mouse or press a special function key . Usually, the pop-up window contains a menu of commands and stays on the screen only until you select one of the commands. It then disappears.

Pop-up Ads

A type of window that appears on top of (over) the browser window of a Web site that a user has visited. In contrast to a pop-under ad , which appears behind (in back of) the browser window, a pop-up is more obtrusive as it covers other windows, particularly the window that the user is trying to read. Pop-ups ads are used extensively in advertising on the Web, though advertising is not the only application for pop-up windows .

Pop-up Filters

Pop-up filters/inhibitors disable pop-up windows and ads. 

Note:  If you use these filters at home, you may not be able to access the "My Account" feature on B&ECPL's web page.  Newer versions of this software allow you to select which pop-up windows you want to appear. 

Click the B&ECPL Library Catalog Help File for information on how to configure the browser to open pop-up windows.

Temporary Files

Many software applications create temporary files on the hard drive while they are executing.  These files are used for backups or for temporary storage.

Click here for information on how to clean up temporary files. http://www.pchell.com/support/privacy.shtml

Cookies

A message given to a Web browser by a Web server . The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing such information as your name and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which stores it for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages. So, for example, instead of seeing just a generic welcome page you might see a welcome page with your name on it.

Plug-ins

A hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system.  Adobe Acrobat Reader is an example of a plug-in.  Other examples include Shockwave, Flash, Media Player, Real Player, QuickTime, and Java. 

Note: All of these plug-ins are included in the new public access computing model.  Acrobat Reader 5.1 is the version that will be used on the new model.

Print Screen

This feature allows you to incorporate screen shots into documentation.  You can also use this feature to print error messages.

• With the screen in view, click the "Print Screen" button on the keyboard.
• Open Microsoft Word or a graphics program.
• Click the "Paste" button on the toolbar.
  

Clip Art

Many search tools include image and other media search capabilities.

Click the following hyperlinks for clip art web pages:

http://www.kidsdomain.com/clip/

http://school.discovery.com/clipart/

http://www.clipartconnection.com/links/education.html

http://www.freegraphics.com/

http://www.bry-backmanor.org/activitypages.html

http://www.janbrett.com/activities_pages_artwork.htm

http://www.coloring.ws/coloring.html

http://www.certificatecreator.com/

http://www.coolclips.com

http://www.awesomeclipartforkids.com

Bibliography

Computer Use Bibliography

Dictionaries/ Encyclopedias

Dictionary of computer and internet words : an A to Z guide to hardware, software, and cyberspace / [by the editors of the American Heritage dictionaries]. Houghton Mifflin, c2001.
QA76.15 .D5255 2001

Berry, Charles W. Computer & Internet dictionary for ages 9 to 99. Barron's, c2001.
TK5105.875.I57 B47 2001

Freedman, Alan, Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, c2001. 9th ed.
QA76.15 .F732

Hansen, Brad. The Dictionary of Computing & Digital Media : Terms & Acronyms. ABF Content, 1999.
QA76.15 .H318

General Computer Information

Forman, Gordon P. PC Buyer’s Handbook 2001. McFarland & Company Inc, 2001.
QA76.5.F566 2001

Gertler, Nat. Easy PCs : See it done, do it yourself. Que, c1999. 6th ed.
QA76.5 .G3998

Gilster, Ron. PC hardware : a beginner's guide. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, c2001.
TK7887 .G428

Magid, Lawrence J. The little PC book . Peachpit Press, c2002. Windows XP ed.
QA76.5 M18768

Murray, Katherine, Discover PCs. IDG Books, 1997.
TK 7888.3 .M83 1997

Reader's Digest Assoc. Reader's digest how to do just about anything on a computer. Reader's Digest Assoc., 2000.
QA76.5 R398

Waters, John K., (John Kevin) The everything computer book : everything you need to know about your computer, from e-mail to the Internet, from hardware to software, processors to printers, memory to modems, and more. Adams Media, c2000.
QA76.5 .W358

Troubleshooting and Upgrades

Aspinwall, Jim. Troubleshooting your PC bible .IDG Books Worldwide, c2000.
TK7887 .A85

Gookin, Dan. Troubleshooting your PC for dummies. Wiley, c2002.
TK7887 .G68

Gralla, Preston. How to expand & upgrade PCs . Que, c2003. 4rd ed.
QA76.5 .G66

Jamsa, Kris A. PC performance tuning & upgrading : tips & techniques. McGraw-Hill/Osborne,
TK7887 .J347

Minasi, Mark, The complete PC upgrade & maintenance guide. SYBEX, c2002. 2003 ed.
TK7887.5 .M546

Norton, Peter, 1943- Peter Norton's new inside the PC. SAMS, c2002. 1st ed.
QA76.8.I1015 N66

Rathbone, Andy. Upgrading & fixing PCs for dummies. Wiley Publishing, c2002. 6th ed.
TK7887 .R38

Rosenthal, Morris. Build your own PC. McGraw-Hill, c2002. 3rd ed.
TK7888.3 .R675 2002

Soper, Mark Edward. PC help desk in a book : the do-it- yourself guide to PC troubleshooting and repair. Que, c2002.
TK7887 .S57

Zacker, Craig. PC hardware : the complete reference. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, c2001.
TK7887 .Z33

The XP Operating System

Brown, Carol, 1943 June 4- Microsoft Office XP plain & simple : your fast-answers, no-jargon guide to Office XP! Microsoft Press, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 B76

Curtis Frye and Kristen Crupi Microsoft Office XP step by step / Perspection, Inc., Online Training Solutions, Inc.,. Microsoft Press, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 M5393

Habraken, Joseph W., 1954- Microsoft Office XP 8-in-1. Que, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 H336

Kinkoph, Sherry. How to use Microsoft Office XP : visually in full color. Sams, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 K7293

Nelson, Stephen L., 1959- Office XP : the complete reference . Osborne/McGraw-Hill, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 N455

Perry, Greg M. Sams teach yourself Microsoft Office XP in 24 hours. Sams, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 P47

Wang, Wally. Office XP for dummies. Hungry Minds, c2001.
HF5548.4.M525 W366

Peripherals

Printers

Bigelow, Stephen J. Bigelow's printer troubleshooting pocket reference. McGraw-Hill, c2000.
TK7887.7 .B53797 2000

Chambers, Mark. Printer handbook . IDG Books Worldwide, c2000. 2nd ed.
TK7887.7 .C48 2000

Chambers, Mark. Hewlett-Packard official printer handbook. IDG Books Worldwide, c1999.
TK7887.7 .C48

Scanners

Busch, David D. Scanner handbook . IDG Books Worldwide, 2000. 2nd ed.
TK7895.O6 B87

Gilbert, Jill. How to do everything with your scanner. Osborne/McGraw-Hill, c2001.
TK7882.S3 G55

Modems

Banks, Michael A. The modem reference guide : the complete guide to PC communications. CyberAge Books / Information Today, c2000. 4th ed.
TK5103 .B37

Held, Gilbert, 1943- Next-generation modems : a professional guide to DSL and cable modems. J. Wiley, c2000.
TK7887.8.M63 H45

CD-ROM/DVD

Pivovarnick, John. The complete idiot's guide to CD-ROM. Que, c1995. 2nd ed.
TK7882.C56 P58

Taylor, Jim (Jim H.), 1960- DVD Demystified. McGraw-Hill, c2001. 2nd ed.
TK7882.C56 T39

Taylor, Jim. DVD demystified : the guidebook for DVD-video and DVD-ROM. McGraw-Hill, c1998.
TK7882.C56 T39

Websites

CNET
http://www.cnet.com/
Reviews, More than 15,709 products and prices updated daily. This site offers practical advice and reviews on all the major computer brands and operating systems.

Dave’s guide to buying a computer
http://www.css.msu.edu/PC-Guide/
This site was created by David Krauss, a professor at Michigan State University, and will provide extensive information to anyone interested in buying or upgrading a computer. He provides definitions, explanations and advice founded on his years of experience as a teacher of computer science.

How To Buy a Computer. Computer Articles and Presentations
http://pages.zdnet.com/hampsi/computers/id18.html
A wonderful website with PowerPoint presentations and helpful links for the consumer planning to buy of upgrade their computer.

Introduction to Buying a Computer
http://www.mum.edu/helpdesk/beginners/buyingacomputer.html
A very useful site provided by the Maharishi University of Management. Consumers buying a computer for the first time will find these reviews and advise very helpful.

WhatIs.com
http://whatis.techtarget.com/
Definitions on thousands of the most current IT / computer related
words.

Webopedia: Online Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms
http://www.webopedia.com/
Definitions of thousands of computer-related terms, from hardware to the internet. Features a new category: Business Computing.

Zdnet
http://zdnetshopper.cnet.com/
A good Web site for information on buying a computer and product reviews.

Glossary

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