-=PCTechTalk=- Learning about Computers WAS: Active X question
- From: "Don Wilcox" <Dwilcox3@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 10:22:14 -0400
Over the years I've been involved with computers I've noticed that people
are getting more and
more scared of hurting the computer, while the computer has gotten more and
more hurt proof. I'm talking the hardware computer here, not the software
or data on them.
This fear has resulted in greater difficulty learning and remembering how to
do anything with the computer such as installing new or replacement parts,
peripherals and software. And there is NO reason for it. It is still
extremely difficult to do physical damage or to unintentionally break
anything inside a computer by pushing buttons or installing software. Even
viruses and trojans and rootkits do not harm the computer. They take
advantage
of a computer so it would be counterproductive to break it.
Learning by doing is the single best method to learn and remember how to do
anything. The more help and hand holding you have the less you will learn
and the less you will remember and the more fear you will retain.
Almost every one here probably has or can have access to an older computer
that is just sitting in the closet collecting dust. I would like to suggest
that everyone that can, get that computer out of the closet (no pun intended
to the gay community) and use it as a learning tool. It does not matter if
it is functioning or not.
Now here's what I want you to do....
1. Open the case. take everything out of the case. Disk drives, cables,
memory sticks, expansion cards etc. The
motherboard may be easy to take out, but it will most likely be tricky to
put back in, so pay close attention to how it came out. Pay attention
to the location of the memory sticks if there is more than one slot. Do not
remove the processor from the motherboard. As you take the parts out,
examine
them. Look at the cables, plugs, card edge, size, color, orientation,
location etc.
Look for anything that might be damaged such as nicked cable insulation,
scratched
contacts, bent pins etc. Then put it all back in. You may have to play
around with the
sequence of installation to make sure you can maneuver the parts into
place... some
cases are pretty tight on space. Repeat this step as many times as
necessary to gain
confidence in what you are doing.
2. Hook up the computer and turn it on. If it works, great. If not fix
it. Yes, I know.
That is easier said than done. :-)) Hand holding is not allowed, but you
may ask one
question per specific problem. So make good use of your reading skills
before you ask
your question. Help files, owner manuals, PCTT archives, various websites
and "how to"
manuals from the library are all good research sources. It is crucial that
you do not panic
here. Stop. Breathe deep. THINK. Use your experience. Use logic. If
you decide to ask
a question, tell us everything.... what you did and why, what you didn't do
and why not, where
you looked for help and what you found and other steps you took before you
decided to ask the
question. Be sure to tell us a bit about the system too.
3. Find the OS installation disc. Win95 is OK. So is DOS and Win 3.1.
Find drivers for all the components (probably modem, video card and audio
card will do for now. NOTE: Do not use a system recovery disc unless you
really really have to as it will not require/allow the interactivity that
the OS and software
install discs do.
4. Find installation discs for software that will run on the computer. An
old version of
MS Office Pro would be perfect. So would the full Word Perfect Suite or
similar complex
software package. A few other programs would be good too.
5. Format Drive C: and then reinstall the OS. Select a custom install
rather than typical or minimum. Browse through every option (no cheating!)
and select or unselect, change your mind and go back and reselect etc. Get
very used to the process. Do the same with the rest of the software you
lined up.
6. Open several windows in in the OS, such as Windows Explorer, Control
Panel, Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. Click through every menu
option in the menu bar and every tool in the tool bar and browse through
every item in every submenu and dialog box. Get very familiar with
everything you find and
the main menu option it is located under. The more windows you do this in,
the more you will recognize the options and learn their location. While you
are at it customize the tool bar and add or remove additional toolbars (if
available). Browse through the menus and submenus of everything you add.
7. Do everything in step 6 with all the other software you installed.
8. Edit the initialization string for the modem to set the volume to
maximum. Cut and paste the init string to a new message, explain every
command in it and then post the message here.
9. Grab a coke, beer, whisky or a bottle of wine then relax, smile and feel
good about yourself. You deserve it.
10. Pass these instructions (and the old computer if necessary) on to
someone you know that could use the same learning experience.
Disclaimer: Of course, you are free to ask all the questions you want to,
but that will defeat the purpose of the exercise.
Special tip: Find an online computer glossary or dictionary and learn some
terminology and acronyms so you will be able to talk about what you are
doing. "The screwy thing that has a whatchamacallit on it that attaches to
the thingymabob" just won't work here. :-))
Don
--
Please remember to trim your replies (including this sentence and everything
below it) and adjust the subject line as necessary.
To unsubscribe or change your email settings:
//www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk
To access our Archives:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/
//www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/
Other related posts:
- » -=PCTechTalk=- Learning about Computers WAS: Active X question
