Savvy Strategies for PC Problems

Give me a PC and I'm the birthday girl. I want to rip off the wrapping and play with my new toy. The result? All too often, a broken toy and one downcast dolly.

Modern maturity is taking hold. These days, I try to read the rules before plunging into the game. That's what this column is about: making sure that when you play with your new toy, you'll have loads of fun.

I was taught that instead of trying to know it all, I'm better off knowing how to look it up. It's taken me some trial and error - who am I kidding, mostly error - to learn that the same holds true for computing. I don't need genius technical skills, just Zen-like patience and a well-organized approach to disaster recovery.

The more perceptive among you will notice I didn't say "prevention." Which leads to my first pearl of wisdom: Accept the fact that your computer will have periodic problems. Screens blink; software goes on strike; connections clash and hard drives crash. Say, "Things happen," shrug your shoulders, and arm yourself for the counter-assault. If your computer isn't working, you have no choice but to engage in the battle ahead.

Your weapons: records and resources. Carefully organize your computing arsenal during times of peace. Now is the time for all good women to put their favorite coping mechanisms -- lists, schedules and personal contacts - to good use.

A computer inventory is the first line of defense. Make a list of every piece of computer hardware (anything you can touch) and software (your PC operating system, and any program you own, inside or outside the computer). Record the type of device or software, make and model number, serial number, date and location purchased, and price. Price won't help you fix anything, but it's good for insurance and business deductions. Be sure to include "peripherals" that come packaged with your system, such as the monitor (a.k.a. display), keyboard, mouse and speakers. Now, when you call technical support, you'll have vital facts at your fingertips. Keep one list in your computer notebook (read on) and put a copy in your safe deposit box, so if your house burns down you can replace what's nearest and dearest to your heart.

Just kidding.

Next, make a computer notebook. I believe the world is divided into two groups: file people and binder people (actually, I believe in frosting vs. cake people, but that's a separate issue). Choose your weapon. Mine is the 5-1/2 by 8-1/2 inch spiral-bound user manual that came with my computer. It has lots of extra space on its rings, so I use matching 3-hole paper and dividers. Sections include: system, display, input (devices), modem, support/serial numbers, multimedia, Internet, software, backup and printer. On these pages, I scribble tips, problems and line-by-line instructions from technical support people. I date each entry for that pseudo-scientific feel. Follow this routine, and you'll build your own personalized computer manual.

Next comes the fun part: a wiring diagram. As we add more devices to our PCs and connect them to the rest of the computing universe, we create snakepits of wires and cables. Odds are you'll have to disconnect and reconnect when you have certain problems, rearrange your furniture or move. A "picture" of your setup will help you keep your cool. On a blank sheet of paper (graph is best), draw boxes to represent your different pieces of equipment, and label them "PC," "printer," "modem" and so on. Draw more little boxes to represent electrical outlets or sockets in your surge suppresser (you do have this, don't you?), and one or two littler boxes to represent your phone, fax and modem lines. Then, all you have to do is connect the dots. To mark what's what, label self-adhesive tags or bits of masking tape and fold them around each cable. See? You could join the engineering corps!

Armed with your inventory, notebook and wiring diagram, you're ready to face the enemy. Which, by the way, is not your computer but its temporary problems. Line up those manuals on a nearby shelf (someone told me she threw hers away, but I stayed friends just the same) and make a new Rolodex card for your own personal PC Resource people. First, gather the latest phone numbers for all your manufacturers. When you call, get the support rep's name and extension; you might get cut off or need to call back.

Next, add two or three people you personally know by name, preferably local, that you can count on for help. They might do it for free, or they might do it for money. Expect to spend anywhere from $40-60 an hour. It helps to contact troubleshooters before trouble comes to town, to learn their availability and see if you like them. Although some won't expect payment, you can follow up with some flowers, a gift certificate or an equally thoughtful "thank you."

After all, that's the kind of grace under fire we women are known to exhibit. So once more into the digital breach-and good luck!