-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Learning about Computers WAS: Active X question
- From: "cristy" <poppy0206@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 16:52:00 -0400
I may try that with an old computer I have but this one does not still have
a hard drive in it.
Christine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilcox" <Dwilcox3@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 10:22 AM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Learning about Computers WAS: Active X question
> 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
>
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