-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Learning about Computers WAS: Active X question
- From: Becky kane <bekkykane@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 13:36:24 -0700 (PDT)
Jumper settings on my hard drives were ok, the 40 gig would work but the main
drive when it crashed would not even show up in my computer.
God Bless
Becky
Don Wilcox <Dwilcox3@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Helpful Tip: When removing parts from a computer it may be useful to draw a
diagram and take notes as to what card came out of what slot, what cable
plugs in where and what device goes into what cage position. Paper labels
and/or Sharpies might come in handy also.
Useful Tip: Pay attention to plug and pin alignments. Plugs have various
shapes with rounded, square or cut off corners and some have missing pins,
filled pin holes or slots and notches to force proper alignment. Ribbon
cables for drives have a colored stripe down the side where pin one is
located.
Followup assignment: Regarding drives... learn the difference between
"master", "slave" and "cable select". Also learn how to set your drives for
each setting (each drive may be different jumper settings). Determine which
setting your drive(s) are supposed to be and verify they are correct.
Practice changing the jumper settings then be sure to return them to the
proper setting.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Wilcox"
To:
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/
---------------------------------
Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels
in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit.
--
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:
