Before Getting In Touch
There are a few things that are worth a try before you contact me.
- Try restarting the computer (shut it right down and leave it 5 minutes before starting it up again). It's amazing how many ills this cures!
- If the computer's not working at all:
Check that all leads are plugged in. The only essentials for the computer to work correctly are the power (to both the computer and the monitor), the connection between the monitor and the computer, and the keyboard and mouse. - If your internet connection has died:
- For broadband through your phone line, check that the lead between the phone socket and the modem is connected properly, and that the modem is connected to the computer
- For broadband through cable TV (NTL, Virgin etc.), check that the lead coming in from outside is connected to the set top box or modem properly (it has a metal collar which screws on), and that the set top box or modem is connected to the computer
- If you have a router or set top box, first check that it is turned on. If so, try turning it off and the computer off, leaving them for 5 minutes, then turning them back on: router/ box/ modem first, then the computer a few minutes later.
- If you have a USB modem, try unplugging it, turning the computer off, leaving it for 5 minutes, turning it back on and reconnecting the modem (it shouldn't matter which USB socket you plug it in to, but it's worth trying a few if you have spare sockets).