In this module, you will learn how to perform basic troubleshooting on your computer.

Understanding some key troubleshooting skills will allow you get your computer up and running quickly, and without waiting for someone else to help you.


Photo title: Bella's in Trouble
Photo: by C. McCarthy
Permission to use: Non-commercial use

You turn on your computer, launch your web browser and find that you can't get to the Internet. 

The Solution
You will learn how to do some basic troubleshooting to learn how to get your computer connected once again and get back online.

To complete this module, watch each of the three video segments on computer troubleshooting.  Make sure to take notes on the key points as presented to you.

When you have completed watching each segment, create a step-by-step troubleshooting flowchart describing all the steps that you must go through to troubleshoot the problems listed below.  To create a flowchart, please use one of the graphic organizer tools from the "Visual Organizers" section of the course.

Create three flowcharts using a graphic organizer to show your steps for the following problems:

1 - You push the power button on your computer and nothing happens. List all of the possibilities in flow chart form on how you would troubleshoot the problem.

2 - You launch your Internet browser and see a message that tells you, "The Page Cannot Be Found". In addition, you notice that you can't get to any of your network hard drives. List all of the possibilities in flow chart form and how you would troubleshoot the problem.

3 - Over the past few days you have noticed that your computer is starting to run very slowly, web pages are either not loading or you are being taken to a website that you did not intend to go to. In addition, you have been seeing pop-up boxes telling you that your computer may be infected. List the possibilities of what is wrong in flow chart form, and describe the steps you would take to eliminate the problem.

When you are done with your troubleshooting flowcharts, return them to your instructor for grading.

The great thing about computer technology is that there are always programmers who have a better idea.  These programmers often write software programs as alternatives to commercial and often expensive software.

In this activity, you will research free alternatives to costly commercial software.  First, create a word processing or Google Document.  Using the site http://alternativeto.net/, click on the ‘most likes’ tab.

In your document, type the name of the top two web browsers, and indicate if you are using either of those on both on your home and school computer.  Why would you use either of top two, besides their popularity?

Next, in the same list of ‘most likes’, search for a program that plays media files, like MP3 and video.  As you read about it, what are its key features and why would you use it instead of Windows Media Player or iTunes?

Finally, take a look at applications that you can run directly off a USB-Flash drive at PortableApps.com - http://portableapps.com/.   As you read the front page of the site, explain in your document why you might use software that runs right from your flash drive instead of loading it on a computer hard drive. 

Click on the Applications link and look at the software titles available to download.  What applications do you think would be handy and convenient to have with you at all times?  Why do you think that your school might think running the software from your USB drive might be a bad idea?

When you are done with your document, share it with your instructor or save a copy for your electronic portfolio.

Create a list of problems with solutions to help others out (like adults around you). Click on the button to do the activity.

NETS-S 6.a, 6.b, 6.c, 6.d
METS-S PK-12.TC - Technology Operations and Concepts

Ron Houtman, Kent Intermediate School District
Andy Mann, Muskegon Intermediate School District