Tech Tips from Jerry

When problems with technology arise, it's important to do two things. 

1: Don't panic!

2: Don't do anything you aren't sure about.

 

On my District Technology Troubleshooting Site, I laid out the two things you could do to fix the problem yourself: 

 

The first thing to do is to restart whatever machine is causing you problems.  To be honest, this fixes a lot of problems as it clears out the information and the "clogged" memory and files.  You won't lose any information that is SAVED on your computer.  Just shutdown the machine.  If your machine is slow or frozen, push in the power button and hold it until the machine turns off.  Then unplug the machine, hold the power button for another 10 seconds, plug the machine back in, and start it up.  Like I stated, this will fix a lot of issues.  More than likely, when you call an IT Professional, the first thing he/she will ask is, "Have you turned the machine off and on?".

 

The second thing to do is to check to make sure all cords are plugged in and not loose.  On average, the IT Professional gets 3-5 calls a week where the problem has to do with cords not being plugged in or that they are plugged into the wrong spot.  Obviously, this is for certain problems such as a computer not turning on or no internet access, but it is a helpful tip regardless.

 

There is one thing that you don't want to do.  You can run a virus scan, but if there are viruses, please let an IT person delete it for you.  Many times a virus can hide in the System Files and if you delete the virus, you delete the system files and then your computer and any information on it will be lost.

 

Remember, you can always contact me by phone (570.326.0536), email (gtiede@jvbrown.edu), or chat. I'm here to help.