I admit that I’m not a computer expert, although I work with computers better than the average person. I’ve learnt a lot of things about computers from friends as well as through constant Googling; and I’m able to fix a lot of basic (and some not-so-basic) computer problems. I don’t believe in sending computers to computer repair technicians when they don’t know very much more than I do.
I first learnt how to fix basic computer problems when my father bought our first home computer when I was a teenager (computers were not as common as they are now); whenever we had problems, we had to call the computer technician over. Whenever they come over, I would sit next to them and watch what they do; and I learnt to meddle with the computers by following what they did.
I remember the first time I discovered that the technicians didn’t know very much themselves. We had a problem with the computer (I can’t remember what it is now) and I had done my best to use my basic knowledge to fix it but couldn’t manage it; so I called the technician, only to find that he did the exact same things I had already done and nothing more! I remember being so disgusted that we were paying these people per visit to do nothing very much.
I learnt so much more by asking my friends who were computer experts themselves, and through a lot of trial and error. I think I must have crashed our one and only computer a lot back then.
In today’s Internet age, it’s so much easier to get help. Try Googling the keywords related to your issue, and chances are you’ll find hundreds of listings with solutions. If you can’t find the solution, just post your question on any related forum, and someone will provide you the answer. Sometimes I can feel like a complete noob, but when I read the forums, it’s relieving to know I’m not the only one who face such problems, and also that there are plenty of people out there who are willing to help.
I’ve decided to put up my own small contribution here by posting any solutions to issues I have personally experienced in the hope that it can help others. Trust me, I know what it’s like to have difficulties finding answers!
If any of you readers happen to have other solutions to the same problems I’ve had, feel free to share and comment!