DEL.ICIO.USTECHNOBUDDY BILL HUSTED
Some PC fixes don’t require special skills
Sunday, May 17, 2009
I’ve fixed myself into a mess more times than I like to admit. A firm — but false — belief that I could fix plumbing problems, tune up cars and replace front doors has cost me pride and money.
Computers? I am a mass murderer of PCs. It’s true: The main cause of computer problems is faulty fixing. To avoid joining me on murderer’s row, you need to know what jobs you can safely handle and what ought to be left to the folks at the computer shop.
E-mail Bill Husted
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Today I’ll furnish a guide to some do-it-yourself jobs most home users can tackle. If you’re a genuine computer expert, none of this applies to you. This list is intended for the home user who isn’t a computer hobbyist but who is willing to read the manual and even do a little reading online before tackling a task.
I’ll list a few jobs you should be able to handle and rate the difficulty using stars. One-star jobs can be done by just about anyone. Three stars warn that, although you might be able to do the job, you might want to let a pro handle it.
My ratings are not intended to give enough information to do the job. You’ll need your computer’s manual and the manual that came with any device you plan to install. Also use the Web sites of your computer’s manufacturer and the maker of the device for help. That said, let’s get started.
Adding an external hard disk. (*) There’s nothing to it, and it’s a great idea. You can use the external disk for more storage or as the place to store backups of your data. In fact, most external hard disks come with software that can create backup copies of the data automatically. Just plug the external disk into a USB port and plug in its AC adapter. Once that’s done you’ll probably see onscreen directions to guide you through the process. If not, there’s always the manual that came with the disk.
Adding a video card. (**) A new video card can extend the life of an old computer. And those who play computer games might want a better card. The cards are important because most of what Windows does involves graphics — everything from the type on the screen to the monsters in your favorite video game.
You’ll need to open the computer case for this one, then remove the old video card.
Make sure you unplug your PC before starting. And, to avoid a static electricity charge that can damage components, touch the metal chassis before handling or touching any components. Your new card will come with instructions for the job. It also will include a CD that includes the drivers it needs. Drivers are the software that will let your computer communicate with the card.
Adding memory. (**) Before you start, consult the computer manual to find out what type of memory it uses. It also will tell you whether you need to install the memory in banks of two chips or just one.
You also can go to www.crucial.com to find out the type memory you need. The page lets you select the name and model of your computer and guides you through the process.
That Web site sells memory, so you can either order there or use the information from the chart to figure out the type memory you need to buy. The same cautions about static electricity apply here.
Also check your computer’s manual for the correct place and method of installing the memory. It will snap into a holder on the main circuit board. One other caution: The chips should snap in easily, if you feel as if you have to force them, you are probably doing it wrong.
Adding an internal hard disk. (** to ***) We’ve already talked about external disks; they are one-star easy for sure. Adding a disk inside a desktop computer (laptops are much more difficult) is easier than it sounds. It’s just connected with two snap-on cables — one for data; one for the power needed to run the disk.
If you’re simply adding a second disk, you just need to put it in an empty bay (that’s the place where the hard disk slides in; your manual will let you know if you have a spare bay). Almost always, there are unused data and power cables waiting inside the computer.
Failing that, you can buy Y connectors that serve as extension cords. Modern computers will recognize the new disk automatically when you turn on the machine.
If you are replacing your only hard disk instead of adding a second one, you’ll need to back up all your data on the old hard disk before starting. Then, once the job is done, you’ll need to reinstall all your programs and return the backed-up data to the new disk.
Spend a little time reading about this job here — www.acmehowto.com/howto/pc/hardware/harddisk/replace.php — before deciding whether you want to attempt this task. You really can do it yourself. But don’t feel guilty if you’d rather not. There’s no shame in using what may be the world’s most effective computer repair tool — the credit card.
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