Computer Troubleshooting and Repair
This section of my website is a work in progress and intended to provide my customers, and the technology community in general, with information regarding basic computer use, troubleshooting, and maintenance. It isn't a comprehensive guide to computer repair nor is it intended to be. It currently only pertains to the Windows operating system and most of the examples I provide are from Windows 10. My goal is to convey to each visitor my belief that there are certain troubleshooting steps and maintenance tasks that all computer users can do, and should be doing. I believe it is important that they invest the time to learn about basic terminology, computer setup, computer cleaning, basic maintenance, basic troubleshooting, Internet safety and virus protection. I know from experience that their overall experience with computers will be much more satisfying once they take the time to put into practice the skills and materials I share with them here and those that are widely available online. The need for basic technical knowledge goes with the territory of owning a computer, and always has. Many Windows users today, however, are simply unaware of what it takes to properly run and maintain their computer which is why many are unable to install or uninstall a program, check for viruses, or open task manager to end a frozen program. These self-imposed limits take away from the enjoyment of using a computer, not to mention that valuable time and productivity is wasted. I remember when the first IBM Personal Computers hit the market in 1981. Using one demanded of its users that they knew PC-DOS commands, file and disk management basics, and computer troubleshooting techniques. Today our need for that knowledge has been substituted with operating systems like Windows 10 or Mac OS which can often run for months or longer without their owner ever opening up the control panel. Long term, however, our inability to explore our operating systems can be very detrimental to the health of our computer. Getting the most out of Windows 10, or some other operating system, still requires that we explore our computer, customize settings, and learn how to setup, configure, optimize and maintain a computer like my friends and colleagues did back in the 1980's. Having Windows 10 with its self-maintenance features shouldn't make us less computer literate but should make it easier for us to do more with our computers, and certainly make it easier to maintain our computers and solve technical problems before they escalate. Most of the tools to accomplish this are waiting for you right below the surface.
It's Up To You
Click on the logo above to read about Computer Best Practices and Avoiding Computer Problems.
This isn't homework, nor is it required. How much you want to learn about troubleshooting your computer is entirely up to you. I do believe that you probably already possess some of the technical skills needed to help maintain your computer equipment. What you need now is a guide to help you cultivate these skills and advise you where to begin. I believe my page on Best Computer Practices is a perfect beginning for all of us. My belief here is simple: We can maintain our computer equipment much more easily if we set it up properly from the start, follow accepted industry standards pertaining to electrical and network components, and follow established basic procedures that have existed in the computer industry for years. I refer to these established procedures as Best Computer Practices. It is built on the philosophy that if we set up our technology properly from the start there will be a much better chance that we won't have to deal with problems in the future. When Best Computer Practices are followed you will avoid many computer problems for years to come. Adopting these practices is not mandatory to use a computer but the majority of computer users can learn these procedures, make their equipment last longer, and save money. I won't be offended if you ignore my advice, but as a computer technician I feel a sense of obligation to tell you that you can easily learn about Best Computer Practices and prevent computer problems before they even begin. To get started simply click on the red logo I created and read my page about Best Practices. I believe you will find it easy to follow and soon you'll be implementing Best Computer Practices for yourself. You'll enjoy your computer more and best of all you'll be saving money. Remember, if you need any help please do not hesitate to contact me.
Click on the logo above to read about Computer Repair Basics and Troubleshooting
Prior to writing about Best Computer Practices I wrote a more detailed tutorial about computer repair and maintenance. If you are interested in fixing things, then troubleshooting your computer may be an enjoyable hobby for you. You can even save money while you nurture your new hobby. Learning about computer repairs, however, does not take the place of reviewing Best Computer Practices. In fact, learning and following Best Computer Practices is an excellent foundation and starting point for any computer technician. Doing things correctly, the "right way", is for everyone and will save everyone money and aggravation in the long run. I would begin reviewing my Best Computer Practices page then return here and click the blue logo which will take you to my Computer Repair Page. There you can learn about slow computer repair, Windows optimization utilities, virus removal, data backups, data recovery, and more. It is only an introduction to some of the major problems the computer repair technician will face, but it's a great starting point and may help you decide if repairing your own computer is something you would be interested in doing in the future.
I prefer that Greg takes care of all my PC needs.
Please Take Me to his Contact Page.
Maybe you don't have the time to explore troubleshooting at the moment. It may be of little interest to you or you may simply want an expert to handle your computer needs from start to finish. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that and I'd be happy to handle every aspect of your computer's setup, maintenance and service. If you are in the need of service or you would like to me to implement Best Computer Practices for you, or even assist you in doing so, then please click on the large red "Contact Greg" logo to fill out the form on my contact page and I will be in touch with you very soon. You can always call me as well at 203-913-0627.
My Philosophy and Giving Back to the Technology Community - One may ask why I took the time to encourage viewers, customer or not, to become more technical, to gauge their technical abilities, or even save money that could be spent on computer repairs. There's probably several answers to that question, but first and foremost computer repair and troubleshooting has been a part of my life since 1983. I spent 25 years as a Connecticut teacher which probably would have never happened if it wasn't for my strong background in computer technology. In fact, my computer skills were in high enough demand that I became one of the first computer teachers in Connecticut. I know my computer skills gave me a teaching career and opened the door to many teaching opportunities which simply did not exist for me as a history major. I broke into public education because of my computer training and background and spent my entire teaching career as a K-8 computer education teacher, technology coordinator, technology facilitator, computer desktop support person and always a proud computer repair technician.
It goes without saying that computer hardware and operating systems are my hobby. I've always desired to learn more and improve my own skills, mostly in an effort to serve others. Of course I would love your business but these pages are here for you, without obligation or strings attached. They were written based on my love of technology and my lifelong desire to teach others about computers. I wrote them also to give something back to a field and industry that has profoundly benefited my life and my career. With that in mind, should you have any questions about this material, or need some additional clarification, or simply want to call me and "pick my brain" about a computer problem you face, then by all means feel free to contact me. You will be under no obligation to use my services. You won't be confronted with pushy sales techniques and unless you want me to look at your equipment it won't even be brought up. Please feel free to contact me regardless of your location. I would love to help.
It goes without saying that computer hardware and operating systems are my hobby. I've always desired to learn more and improve my own skills, mostly in an effort to serve others. Of course I would love your business but these pages are here for you, without obligation or strings attached. They were written based on my love of technology and my lifelong desire to teach others about computers. I wrote them also to give something back to a field and industry that has profoundly benefited my life and my career. With that in mind, should you have any questions about this material, or need some additional clarification, or simply want to call me and "pick my brain" about a computer problem you face, then by all means feel free to contact me. You will be under no obligation to use my services. You won't be confronted with pushy sales techniques and unless you want me to look at your equipment it won't even be brought up. Please feel free to contact me regardless of your location. I would love to help.