Common Tech Problems

and how to solve them!

Scott RossManchester Local

Schools April 2011

Common Tech Problems

My computer won’t turn on!

I can’t print…

I can’t get online!

My SmartBoard won’t connect!This student isn’t in Progress Book

What updates?

THIS ANTI-VIRUS MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP….

My computer froze!

This website won’t load…You mean I have

to clean this thing too?

“My computer won’t turn on!”

“My computer won’t turn on!”

Key Question:

“Is it making noise?”

“My computer won’t turn on!”

A) Check the power cord - "Is it plugged in?"

C) Check the monitor cable

B) Hit the power button 7 or 8 times

D) Gently kick or tap the computer

E) Unplug it, let it sit for a couple of minutes, plug it back in and try to reboot

Which of the following do you try?

“I can’t get online!”

A) Check the network cable - "Is it plugged in?"

B) Get a student to look at my computer

C) Check the wireless connection

E) Email Scott and tell him the internet is broke

D) Gently kick or tap the computer

F) Open Network Connections

Which of the following do you try?

Are you seeing any patterns?

“This website won’t load!”

“This website won’t load!”

“Can I get to other sites?”

“This website won’t load!”

Hit “refresh”

“This website won’t load!”

Hit “refresh”Check spelling and

punctuation in address

“This website won’t load!”

Hit “refresh”Check spelling and

punctuation in address Did I get a bad link?

“This website won’t load!”

Hit “refresh”Check spelling and

punctuation in address Did I get a bad link?

Backtrack in the URL

“This website won’t load!”

Hit “refresh”Check spelling and

punctuation in address Did I get a bad link?

Backtrack in the URL

Google it

“My computer froze!”

“My computer froze!”

“My computer froze!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

“My computer froze!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Close / Force quit running applications

Ctrl / Alt / DeleteCommand-Option-

Esc

“My computer froze!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Close / Force quit running applications

Ctrl / Alt / DeleteCommand-Option-

EscHold down power button for reboot

“My computer froze!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Close / Force quit running applications

Ctrl / Alt / DeleteCommand-Option-

Esc

Unplug, let it sit

Hold down power button for reboot

“I can’t print!”

? ??

?? ?

“I can’t print!”

“I can’t print!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

“I can’t print!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Is the printer on and connected?

“I can’t print!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Is the printer on and connected?

Are there error messages?

“I can’t print!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Is the printer on and connected?

Are there error messages?

Open printer icon

“I can’t print!”Patience.

DON’T keep clicking!

Is the printer on and connected?

Are there error messages?

Open printer iconAre there multiple print jobs waiting?

Cancel them and tryto print again

“This student isn’t listed in Progress Book…”

On the class dashboard, click

“Update Roster”

to see if the student is “hidden”

“This student isn’t listed in Progress Book…”

If they still aren’t listed,notify the counselor.

They need to be scheduled into your class

via DASL so they will show

up in PB.

“My SmartBoard isn’t working!”

“My SmartBoard isn’t working!”That’s right! Check all of the connections!

….then….

Visit

http://www.teachsmart.org/Support%20Services/FAQs.aspx

Let’s take some time now to look at common issues….

“This anti-virus alert won’t go away!”

“This anti-virus alert won’t go away!”

This is a problem!

- Locks up your system- Looks legitimate (similar to XP, Vista, Windows logos and color schemes)- Tries to force you to make a purchase- Not easily removed

1) Do NOT click anything!2) Shut down your system immediately 3) Reboot and run a virus scan4) Notify me / Mike

- Sites to be wary of……

“Should I run updates?”YES:

Microsoft, Apple security updatesAnti-virus updates (Vexira, Security Essentials)

Maybe:IE / Firefox / Chrome / Safari

SmartAdobe (Flash, Reader)

JavaQuicktime

iTunes Other?

(“if it ain’t broke…”)

- Potential issues with PB, Sps, etc.- Don’t be afraid to ask.

“I have to clean my computer?”

Only if you want it to work.Or last more than a couple of years.

“I have to clean my computer?”Tips from Apple:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3988

Tips from Microsoft:http://www.microsoft.com/athome/setup/cleancomputer.aspx

Highlights:

- Disinfectant wipes on keyboard, mouse (no bleach)- Gently turn keyboard upside-down and shake

- Soft cloth / special wipes for monitor - Clean fan area

Questions?Images:

www.microsoft.comwww.apple.com

www.photobucket.comwww.antivirus-removal.com

www.techeblog.comwww.smarttech.com

And remember, even though you know all of this and will never forget it…

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.