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FAQs - simple answers to common computer problems

We specialise in fixing serious computer problems for our clients. But there are many simple computer problems that you can fix yourself!

This section of our site outlines what these simple problems are and what you can do to fix them if they happen on your machine. We regularly add to this section as new FAQs emerge - so you may want to bookmark it if you find our advice helpful (just press CTRL+D).

Many computer problems are easily solved

Basic Trouble Shooting
Question: My computer won't start - what can I try first?

Answer: Many times computer problems may be fixed by following this simple checklist:
      • Is the PC cable turned on and plugged into the wall firmly?
      • Is the power cable fully seated in the port on the back of the system unit?
      • Is the monitor turned on?
      • Is the monitor cable firmly plugged into the video port on the back of the system unit?
      • Is the monitor power cable fully seated in the port on the back of the monitor?
      • Are the brightness and contrast knobs properly adjusted?
      • Is the power LED on the front of the system unit glowing? (this last question is one that can save the
        technician time - and your money!)

Although these are simple questions it's surprising how many times we've gone somewhere only to find that one of the above questions leads us to solve the problem!

Basic How To Do
Question: I want to setup a new e-mail account, what Information do I need?

Answer: Before setting up a new e-mail account, you will need several pieces of information from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). This information will be needed before you attempt to setup your e-mail account.
You will need
      • Your ISP account name
      • Your ISP account password
      • Your e-mail address, this is usually begins the same as your account name. (eg; username@ISPname.com.au)
      • E-mail server type, either POP3, IMAPP or HTTP (Your ISP will tell you, the POP3 server type is the most popular)
      • Incoming mail address
      • Outgoing mail address

Question: How do I setup a new e-mail Account?

Answer : To setup a new e-mail account.
      • Click Start > All Programs > Outlook Express > (if you do not have an account setup already, Outlook Express will
         automatically start the e-mail account wizard)
      • If you already have an e-mail account setup? Click Tools > Accounts > Mail tab > Add > Mail
      • The e-mail account wizard will appear, Start entering the information you obtained from your ISP.
      • Follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
      • After your setup is complete you should be able to send and receive e-mails.

Question: How do I select a screen saver and password protect it?

Answer: To select a screen saver:
      • Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop. A menu will appear.
      • Select Properties.
      • Click on the Screen Saver tab.
      • The Screen Saver field provides the list of available screen savers. Select the screen saver you want from the list.
      • Click on Settings to set the display options associated with the screen saver.
      • Checkmark Password Protected to set a password for your screen saver. Password protection prevents the computer
        from being used unless a password is entered.
      • Set the number of minutes of activity before the screen saver starts in the wait field.
      • Click on OK.
Note: You can see a preview of the screen saver you selected by clicking on the Preview button.


Question: How do I change the Windows Explorer view?

Answer: To change the Windows Explorer view:
      • Right-click on any free area in the right pane. A context menu will appear.
      • Highlight View.
      • Select the view you want from the drop-down menu.

Windows Explorer provides you with the following choices: Large Icons, Small Icons, List, and Details. Large Icons and Small Icons, as their names imply, determine the size of the icon. List displays all of the files and folders without supplying the size, type, or date modified. Details displays the size, type, and date modified.

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