You’re not a techie. You don’t care about the difference between PCI and AGP. But you find yourself with a computer in your classroom, and that means you’re the first level of tech support, like it or not. You can’t solve all problems by yourself, but you can probably fix most. Here are a few suggested steps to solve problems and some strategies you can employ to figure out problems.

Right action

Here are a few quick steps to take when you first notice a problem.  Often these steps will solve the problem without having to think about it.

1. Quit. Quit all running programs (see the tip on using Ctrl-Alt-Delete below). If the problem persists, restart the computer.
2. Turn on. Make sure everything is turned on. This means your computer, monitor, speakers, printer, and anything else connected to your computer. If you call a computer help desk, the technician’s first question will be: "Is everything turned on?" Many mysterious crashes are solved when users check the on switch. If you’re having problem with a peripheral (printer, scanner, modem, and the like), try turning everything off, then turn the peripheral on before turning on the computer.
3. Check the plugs. No matter how little you know about computers, you know how to plug something in. Get behind your computer and get to know the cable spaghetti back there. Make sure all the plugs are securely seated.
4. Check the hardware settings. Is the volume turned all the way down on your speakers? Is the contrast on your display turned all the way down?
5. Check the software settings. This is a little more complicated, but if you get to know your Control Panels, you can fix many problems. For Windows 95 users, check out the Device Manager.
6. Take a peek under the hood. Learn how to remove the top of your computer case. Check to see that everything’s plugged in and cards are properly seated. Before you mess around inside, ground yourself (touch something grounded).
7. Clean house. Give the computer a good cleaning, inside and out. A can of compressed air (available at any electronics or computer store) is great for getting rid of dust, but you can just use your lungs. Just don’t tell anyone from tech support that I recommended you do this.

Right thought

If the seven steps above didn't solve your problem, try to identify the problem yourself.  Even if you don't figure out what the problem is, you will be better prepared when you get help.

1. What has changed? Your computer used to work, now it doesn’t. Is it something you changed? Did you add hardware? Install new software? Can you undo the change?
2. When does it happen? Try to pin down exactly what makes the problem occur. Does it only happen when you’re using a particular application? Only when you’re saving a document?
3. What’s the real problem? We all tend to jump to conclusions about the source of a problem, but those guesses aren’t always right. Make a list of the symptoms without trying to guess the problem. Now try to take a fresh look at the list to see what the problem might be.

Example: Suddenly your computer "freezes"; nothing you do can make the computer go. Looks like something serious is wrong with the computer, but probably the computer is fine, and someone has knocked your keyboard and mouse cables loose.

Get help

If you've gone through the seven steps listed in the first section, and spent some time trying to figure out the problem, and you haven't solved it, it's time to get help.   Even if you don’t have a help desk you can call, there are still lots of ways to get help.

1. Make the computer tell you what the problem is. Check out the Help menu. Is the answer to your problem available there?
2. Ask a colleague. Two minds are better than one, even if both minds are computer novices. If you ask other teachers around, someone may have a suggestion that will lead you to a solution. At worst, all the teachers you talk to will learn about your problem, so they’ll be better prepared if they run into the same problem.
3. Ask a student. Do you feel like your students know the computer better than you? Put that knowledge to work. Just make sure your student is trustworthy, and that anything she or he does can be undone.
4. Get on the Internet. There are lots of sites full of people offering advice on computer problems

Good Luck...Keep Your Cool!