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Tech Tips

 

 

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"Computer support with a heart"


Tech Tips for Schools and Businesses
 
Are you technically inclined? (but not a tech)

        Have you tried what you already know?

                Do you need a second set of eyes?

 
These pages are intended to help you test out some basics before you call Jon for help.
Thinking about upgrading? - [Not sure if you should upgrade your old computer or go buy a new one?]
 
Physical Connections - [One computer stopped working on the network, Step 1]
 
Network Address - [One computer stopped working on the network, Step 2]

Handling Zip Files - [Someone sent you a file that ends in zip and your computer won't open it.]

Checking the Hard Drive for Errors - [Your computer is really slowing down and acting erratic]

 
Availability of resources (RAM) - [An application crashes or the system seems slow]

If you open up the System control panel, the Performance tab will show you the percentage of System Resources available.  90% and above is great.  80% and above is good.  70% and above means your computer is probably swapping and borrowing resources when you try to work.  If you are under 70%, you are probably keenly aware of how slow your computer is.  You can try to free up resources by ending unnecessary programs in your task bar.

Anti-Virus software is up to date and system is clean - [The computer acts erratically]

Don't panic, viruses can be damaging, but you can tame this beast.  If you have no antivirus software installed, or your virus pattern file is more than 6 months old, you need a virus definition update or new software.  You can read Jon's opinion in the article section - HERE.  Getting rid of viruses is straightforward, and easier if you catch it early.  If you think you are infected, check out the online virus checker that's linked from the Anti-Virus article.

Spyware is taxing system resources - [An application crashes or the system seems slow]

There is a short article Jon wrote about Spyware in the Article section of this website.  You can read this article - HERE

The computer doesn't work as well since... (what change took place?)

Someone loaded a cursor animator or desktop screen saver or music download program that is hammering on a computer that doesn't have enough horsepower as it is.

"The Internet isn't working anymore" - [We need to narrow this one down]

Check to make sure that all services that rely on the internet are down.  Is Internet access down for all users (this suggests the router or firewall), for some users (suggests a hub or group of ports), or just one user (network card or something that is different about just that computer).

If you have DSL and you suspect Qwest is down, check the router for a link light on the WAN circuit.  If the light is solid green, then your router sees it's counterpart at Qwest.  If it's flashing, then your router is trying to establish a connection.  If it's dark, then Qwest's equipment is down.  You should either call your ISP or Qwest's network support center.

Let Jon know what you think of this Tech Tips page.  Do you like it?  Do you have an idea you'd like to see addressed here?

Email Jon with your thoughts !

If you need help, Jon is just a phone call away... if you live in the Vallejo area!


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Wayne Van Dyke's book "Your First $50,000 Online"

An amazing book about how to actually make money on the Internet


 

The Organizational Wizards - www.RescueMyOffice.com (Nancy Richardson)


The Past Life Channel - www.PastLifeChannel.com (Intuitive Past Life Reading)

Shaklee Air Purifier  - www.BeaconLighthouse.com (Airsource 3000)

PacificClean Online Store - www.Shaklee.net/PacificClean (Clean & Healthy Products)

Awesome Hair Stylist in San Mateo - www.RoseCutsHair.com (Rose Naify [now Woodward])

 


© 2007 Jon Richardson
Last Modified:  10/20/2007