- Image by Ivan Walsh via Flickr
There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a computer – software, hardware, wireless broadband connection, etc. Before you can fix the problem you need to be able to identify it. There are four questions to ask yourself.
Is it Broken?
First you need to figure out what the symptoms are. Let’s say your keyboard stops working. You tap at a few keys and nothing happens. First make sure everything’s plugged in. If that doesn’t help then switch to a different program and see if the keyboard works there. If the keyboard doesn’t seem to work no matter what, try plugging it in to a different port.
What’s Broken?
You need to determine if the problem is with the hardware or the software. If switching the keyboard with another one fixes your problem, then the issue is with the keyboard itself. If you can type in one program but not another, then the problem is your software. If can’t type but your mouse works just fine, then your problem is with the port itself.
What Changed?
Things just don’t break for the heck of it. Somehow something changed. If it was temporary, restarting your computer will revert the settings back to your default preferences. Look for any physical changes to your hardware, like dirt in your ports or a foreign object wedged in between the keys of your keyboard.
Can I fix it Myself?
Once you’ve determined what the problem is, do yo know how to fix it? There are plenty of step by step guides and online tutorials, not to mention the information available on message boards. If the solution to your problem is something you can handle with confidence, then follow the instructions and fix it. If it’s too complicated or you can’t find clear directions, call a professional. Make sure to give them all the information you have, including everything you did to find the problem and try to fix it.
