Please keep in mind that I am NOT a certified computer technician. All I provide is basic troubleshooting for my teachers. Below are a few tips and simple things to try before reporting problems to the real techies.

• Check the cables. A lot of glitches are caused because something's simply loosened. Tighten everything, and then try again.
• Reboot. Rebooting will often clear problems so that a machine works right.
• If it will not reboot the normal way (if it's stuck "on"), hold the power button in for five seconds and it will automatically turn off.
• Check to see if everything is plugged in and turned on. Often a cord will be loose or a button will have been pushed, and power has accidentally been turned off.
• Make sure the monitor is turned on.
• Be sure that disks and CDs have been removed from the machine before rebooting it.
• Remove any Spyware (use Spybot Search & Destroy or Ad-Aware).
• Install any updates from Microsoft (if you're using a PC). Keep these updates current!
• Make sure virus definitions are up to date. If you don't have a virus scan, use a free online one like HouseCall from Trend Micro or Panda Active Scan at least weekly.
• Write down any error messages that appear on your screen. You may need these if you end up reporting the problem for repair.
• If you're installing software, READ the documentation that came with it. Don't just assume you can pop the CD into the computer and have it work.
• Have you just changed something on your computer? If you have, chances are good that the problem is related to the change you made. Backtrack, perhaps uninstall or change the settings back to the default.
• If you have WinXP, you can use System Restore. I would not recommend doing this too often, however. It should be used as a last resort if other troubleshooting efforts have failed.
• Get rid of all of those cute little toolbars, search bars, and email "helpers" (like those little smilies). The only toolbar I recommend that you install is the Google toolbar or Dave's toolbar.. Those others might be cute, but they often cause headaches and come with other installations you don't want.
• Use Diagnostic tools like Scandisk and Disk Cleanup. Defrag whenever necessary. For directions on how to do all of these, look at the PowerPoint Presentation.
• Install a firewall, especially if you're on cable. ZoneAlarm is a good one and has a free version available.

Check out this PowerPoint Presentation I made for an Inservice. It contains tips on keeping your computer running at optimal performance.

A great resource for helping you with computer problems is The PCGuide.

Programs to AVOID installing (don't do it, no matter how cute and helpful they may seem!):

• Toolbars (except the Google or Dave ones mentioned above)
• Incredimail
• Screensavers and/or wallpapers that you find on the Internet (if you do install one, read it very carefully to make sure no other surprises are included).
• Hotbar
• Any P2P sharing programs like KaZaa
• Gator
• Bonzaibuddy
• Cometcursor
• Ezula
• Zupiter