Troubleshooting Flashcards
What is troubleshooting?
It’s a systematic process of identifying, planning, and resolving a problem, error, or device fault.
What are the three main problems that most computer problems are catagorized in?
- Software problems
- Hardware problems
- Network problems
Which of the three computer problems are usually the least, and most costly?
Software problems are usually the least costly, and hardware problems are usually the most expensive.
How does one identify and fix hardware problems?
- Check that your computer is plugged into a working power outlet.
- Check that everything is turned on.
- If anything seems to be not working properly, make sure the brightness is up or the volume unmuted depending on what you are having issues with, or the switch is in the appropriate position.
- Check that keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, etc are plugged into your
device. Try a different port to check if it is a port issue or the device is damaged. Make sure that wireless hardware has a fully charged battery.
How does one identify and solve software problems?
- Try restarting your computer.
- Make sure all programs / applications are updated.
- Your antivirus software should be running.
- If your computer is having problems after you installed a new application or software, remove that program, and try reinstalling it.
How do you identify and solve netwrok problems?
- Check that your computer hardware network modem is plugged in and
working properly. - Check that your computer is connected to a network through a wire
(Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. - Check that your computer network connection wireless (Wi-Fi) signals are not weak or dropping.
- If anything is not working properly, reboot / restart your wireless (Wi-Fi) router or restart the computing device.
- If nothing is working, contact your internet service provider or a network technician for help.
What are the troubleshooting process steps?
- Identify the problem
- Establish a theory of probable cause
- Test the theory or determine the cause
- Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement solution
- Verify full system functionality and implement preventative measures
- Document findings, actions, and outcomes
What are the common issues’ troubleshooting steps?
- Check if the device is powered off.
- Find if the power switch for an outlet is turned off.
- Make sure that there are no loose external cable connections.
- Check whether the system start-up (system software) is working.
What are the common issues’ solutions?
- Check if the device is powered on.
- Check if the power switch for an outlet is turned on.
- Check if the external cable connections are secure.
- Check if the system start-up (system software) is working.
What’s a BIOS in computing systems?
A motherboard has a chip referred as Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The BIOS chip stores instructions on how to load the computer hardware.
What’s the POST in BIOS chips?
The BIOS chip also includes a test called Power On Self-Test (POST). This test determines if the hardware is working as expected. If the computer does not pass the POST, the computer will beep in different ways to indicate what is malfunctioning within the computer.
What do each number of beeps indicate for POST?
For example, one beep indicates refresh failure, three indicates memory failure, five indicates processor failure, six indicate keyboard failure and so on.
What are ways to research for possible solutions to computer issues?
- Internet search
- Online forums
- Computer manuals
- Device manuals
- Help desk repair logs
- Manufacturer manuals
- Technical websites
- Newsgroups
What are some ways to verify full system functionality?
- Reboot the computer.
- Check if multiple applications work properly.
- Check if network and internet connections are working.
- Print a document from one application.
- Make sure that all attached devices work properly.
- Make sure that no error messages are received.
What are some things to include when you document your findings?
- Description of the problem
- Steps to resolve the problem
- Components used in the repair