Common Computer Troubleshooting
Learn about common computer troubleshooting and its prevention.
Troubleshooting is the ability to diagnose common errors that occur in the computer and coming up with solutions. Errors are a common place when using the computer system as a source of data processing. The errors can be categorized as either hardware or software errors. These range from failure of an application to launch to failure of a printer to produce hard copies.
Discussed here are common errors that occur while using the computer and how to avoid them.
- Common errors
- Basic troubleshooting
- Preventive actions
Common errors
Hardware errors that are likely to occur are, the display unit does not come on but fails to display images on the screen. Failure to connect to the Internet can occur while accessing the Internet or the LAN for information or resource sharing. A common hardware problem that is synonymous with a majority of users is being unable to connect to the attached printer to print an item. In addition to this could be keyboard and mouse errors. This happens when the user tries to type but the console is not responding or the mouse cursor is still on the screen despite the mouse being moved about the surface. Another error that could happen after a prolonged use of PC is sudden restart of the system on its own.
Software errors could range from the application closing on its own while running; the application fails to launch when opened or pop-up screens appearing every now and again on the screen. The dreaded of all software errors is the blue screen of death.
Basic troubleshooting
Whenever a peripheral device like a printer does not respond when a command has been sent to it, the user should, first of all, perform the basic diagnostics as checking if the data cable is attached to the system unit, checking whether the power cable is connected to the mains power supply. Once this is done, the user should check whether they are printing to the right printer in a case where multiple printers are installed in the system. The printer device should be checked if it has papers or has a paper jam. If all of these options fail then the user should check for the device drivers installed to confirm if there is a conflict or a wrong one has been installed. For mouse and keyboard failures, the user should check if they are properly attached to the right ports then restart the PC. Switching the devices to other computers and observing how they behave can help solve the problem.
Software errors can be easily resolved by checking for which latest software that was installed prior to the failure to launch or sudden closure and uninstalling them. Back tracking the system to a last known safe point can help undo any changes that may have been implemented on the system resulting in the conflicts.
Restricting the number of persons using the system can help reduce changes that are made to the system without the user’s knowledge. The user should also avoid using the PC for long hours as this leads to heat buildup that causes the PC to restart on its own. Frequent blowing up of the PC using compressed air to remove built up dusts can help reduce the common malfunctioning of various internal components due to static charges stored up by the dusts.
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