Recovery

From LearniT

Contents 1 An Introduction 1.1 Why Isn't My Computer Working the Way I Want It To? 1.2 Fix Your Computer 1.3 Reload Your Computer (Maybe with Some New Parts)

An Introduction

Now you will learn the basics of recovering your computer back to its fresh, original state of being first taken out of it's box.

Why Isn't My Computer Working the Way I Want It To?

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Charles and Rodrigo)

Outline

1. Computers only have a lifespan of six to eight years before major hardware upgrades are required, in order to run the latest software and applications.
2. After two to three years of typical use, computers may need refreshing or minor upgrades.
3. Overall avenues for keeping machine healthy
   1. Bulletproof it from the start (so recovery is streamlined)
   2. Try to restore it back to where you were (fix it)
   3. Reload the machine from the start, reinstalling the OS and buying new parts
   4. Scrap the old one and buy a new one

Worksheets

1. Term definitions [ DefineTermsWorksheet ]

Hands-On Activities

1. Checking Your System Specifications [ ComputerProblemLabComputerSpecs ]
2. Evaluating your Computer [ ComputerProblemLabEvaluatingComputer ]
3. Identifying Computer Hardware Components [ ComputerProblemLabIdentifyingComputer ]

Fix Your Computer

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Will)

Outline

1. Most common hardware problems
   1. Burnt-up power supply (no lights come on, fans won't start)
   2. Failed hard drive (os cannot be found)
   3. Burnt-up processor (light comes on but no processes start)
   4. Other various fried parts (motherboard, video card, etc.)
   • Honestly, it's best to take your machine to someone who knows what they are doing, because they will need to diagnose and install new parts
2. Software problems are likely more fixable
   • virus problem
     • Use McAfee, Norton, or online scan tool (ClamAV)
     • Use internet to research virus, based on what's happening
     • Try to find a virus removal tool
   • spyware
     • Spyware may be slowing down your machine
     • Download Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware
     • Commercial products also exist
   • application problem
     • Reload problematic application
     • Look for upgrade/fix of problematic application
     • Find a replacement for problematic application

Worksheets

1. Identifying problems [ FixComputerLabIDProblems ]

Hands-On Activities

1. Online Virus Scanning [ FixComputerLabOnlineVirusScan ]
2. Research Software Updates [ FixComputerLabSoftwareUpdates ]

Reload Your Computer (Maybe with Some New Parts)

[ Theory and Background | Vocabulary | Teacher Notes | Extra Resources | Video Script ] (Robert)

Outline

• If you need to reload your computer from the start, because of hard drive failure; suspected viruses and spyware that can't be detected and removed; or maybe just because you are upgrading operating systems (i.e. Windows XP to Windows Vista)

1. You may consider doing the following:
   • Make sure your computer is less than four years old; if not, it may be time to get a new one.
   • Buy a new hard drive and load the os onto that; you can keep your data on the old drive, making sure you don't overwrite anything important
   • Buy enough RAM to run the new OS (XP runs best with atleast 512Mb; Vista needs 1Gb)
   • You may consider running one of the free Linux operating systems, along with Open Office; it's free, and secure from many viruses
   • If reloading, use Partition Magic and Ghost according to Section 2: "Bulletproof Your Computer From the Start"

Worksheets

1. Computer Checklist!!![ Computer ChecklistWorksheet ]

Hands-On Activities

1. Add additional RAM to your computer [ RAM Lab ]
2. Install a new hard drive as master, recable and jumper old drive as slave[ Hard drive Lab ]
3. Partition hard drive into os and data sides using partitioning software
4. Reformat hard drive, reload os, install os updates, load drivers [ ReloadOS Lab ]