Don, This is an awesome challenge you've issued here! :O) Peace, GMan "The only dumb questions are the ones that are never asked!" ----- 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 -- 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/