Computer Tips And Tricks
How do I recover my files from the trash?
If you've deleted your files or moved your files from your folders to the trash bin or the recycle bin, they're still there. They only disappear for good if you tell the recycle bin or the trash bin to delete them permanently. Otherwise, they are still there and you can just pull them out or restore them, and they'll be as good as new.
My printer will not print what should I do?
If your printer isn't printing and it's a new printer you've just taken it out of the box, first of all, look if it's plugged into the computer. If the printer is plugged into the computer, the next thing to check is if it's got power - is it plugged into a power outlet? If those things are plugged in, check if the software is loaded so that your computer can recognize the printer. If the printer still doesn't work, call the manufacturer or take it back to the store and switch it out. If it's an old printer, look to see if there's still ink in there. If the lights are flashing and it's telling you to replace the ink, that's what you have to do. If there's still ink left in the printer and it's not printing, chances are it's time to get a new printer.
How do I reboot my computer after it crashes?
Rebooting a computer just means that you're restarting it, so there are a couple of ways to do it. There's usually a power button in the front of your computer, but if it's still not responding to that (and I wouldn't recommend doing this all of the time), you can just pull the plug from your computer and plug it back in and when you hit the power button it will start back up.
What do I do if my PC freezes?
If your PC freezes, you can restart it using Ctrl-Alt-Delete at the same time. Hold on the “Control “key, hold on the “Alt” key then hit the “Delete” button. If that doesn't reboot your computer, hit the power button at the front of your computer. If that doesn't work, pull the plug on the PC. Plug it back in, hit the power button and it will start back up.
What do I do if my MAC freezes?
If your Mac freezes, the first thing you do is hold the power button down. If that doesn't turn the Mac off, pull the plug, plug it back in, hit the power button and it should restart.
Where can I recycle my old computer?
A lot of the computer manufacturers today actually have a recycling program. That means you can pack up your old computer and send it back to them. You can't just throw it out in the trash because your computers contain environmentally unsound material. If you don't want to send it back to the manufacturer, you can go online and check to see if the place you live in has a e-waste program that will be easier. You can just go there and drop off your computer.
How do I properly clean my monitor and computer?
How you clean your computer monitor depends on what kind of monitor you have. If it's a CRT monitor that looks like an old TV, you can use alcohol or you can use a damp cloth with water. It really doesn't matter because it's a glass surface, so as long as you don't scratch it, you should be good. When it comes to LCD monitors, don't use alcohol. Use a damp sponge, a damp piece of cloth, and you can just wipe the dirt off. Alcohol actually damages the LCD screens. You can be a lot kinder on your peripherals - your mouse, your keyboard, your printer. They gather dust just like any surface does, so just use a cloth to dust the dirt away. If you've got a dirty keyboard, just use a damp cloth and scrub gently away at the dirt.
How do I email large audio and video files?
If you want to email large audio and video files to your friends, don't email it. That's very bad protocol because it clogs up the other person's email inbox. It takes a long time to download those files. What you do is upload the file to one of several websites that host those files for free. Then email that link to your friends so they can choose to download it if they wish.
What do I do if I spill a liquid on my keyboard or laptop?
If you're on a laptop and you happen to spill something on it, the first thing you should do is power it off. You dont want any electricity running through that thing when you've got liquid on it somewhere. The next thing you have to do is turn it upside down so that all the liquid spills out. Grab some cloth or whatever you can to wipe off all the excess liquid. Now grab your hairdryer and run it off the keyboard until everything looks dry. Just to be safe, leave it unplugged for about a day or two so you can be sure that it dries out and just before you're starting it up again go over it with a hairdryer again. What alot of people don't know is that liquid isn't necessarily bad for your computer because all the parts in there actually get washed before they're get put into your computer. I know that's scary but that actually happens. After three days power it back on, you should be fine. If not, you can take it to a repair center but the chances are you haven't done that much damage to it.
