Blog to Ebook – Troubleshoot your Computer

My intention is to help you learn about computers without overwhelming with too much information. As such, this book is not going to go into advanced computer techniques. I promise I will not use any highly technical mumbo jumbo or arcane acronyms, unless I fully explain them. This ebook will enable you to take care of basic problems and perform basic maintenance. It will help you overcome any fears you may have of computers. I hope to demystify this whole computer deal in plain words.  And finally, because the world of technology and computers is so wide so quickly changing, we will talk about when is the best time to turn over your computer to an expert.

So, take a look at the index to get an idea of what we will be covering. Feel free to jump around as needed, or read this book all the way through. As long as you are getting the information you need, there is no wrong way to do it.

As you look at the title of this e-book, what does it make you think? Does it conjure up nightmares of projects lost to computer error?  Do your eyes glaze over at the thought of spending time figuring out anything “technical” about your personal computer? Did you know your attitude is one of the greatest keys to troubleshooting? With the right attitude, you can learn the things you need to know, can have the patience needed, to always find the right resources, no matter what happens.
People have called the personal computer an appliance.  I consider this a misnomer. Let us compare computers to toasters. Obviously, there are some major differences.  for one thing, a toaster normally does one thing, hopefully well: make toast. If it breaks, it is not that expensive to replace and not too complicated to repair.

On the other hand, a personal computer is far more complex and flexible. We, as computer users, make much tougher, more complicated demands on these machines than we do our toasters.  We use our computers as a communication centers, with email and internet phone calls.  We use our computers for entertainment, playing games or watching DVD’s, for instance.  We use them to learn about the world around us, surfing the World Wide Web. We even expect our computers to be photo processing and publishing centers, using photo editing software or word processors.  And I have barely scratched the surface.

These devices can do a lot, but many things can go wrong. In fact, it is not a matter of if something will go wrong with your computer. It is a matter of what you will do when it happens. Sure, a PC technician can save your bacon, but consider the following: do you really want to pay a guy anywhere from $50 to $100 or even more an hour to do something you could do yourself? Did you read that right? Yes.  You can do some basic things yourself and save a lot of headaches and money.

A computer is an investment, like a car. Both require regular maintenance, both can be souped up and upgraded. Both can crash and burn with disastrous results. However, with a little proactive care, both can give you quality service for as long as you need them.
So, if you have ever had a computer program crash at the worst possible time (and who hasn’t?), or if you view the personal computer as a great mystery, this ebook is for you. If you want to stop feeling helpless when your computer misbehaves, this ebook is for you. And lastly, if you are tired of asking your 10-year-old to helping you out, this ebook is for you.

Don’t be concerned about memorizing steps or knowing arcane bits of technobabble.  We will go nice and easy through these concepts.  Just remember one thing: the key to good troubleshooting begins with an attitude.