Computer Tutorial

Introduction 

Over the last couple of decades, computers have become an integral, if not indispensable, part of our lives. We use them to create documents, play games and music, research topics of interest on the Internet, communicate with others via email, online forums, and chat, and develop brochures or flyers, and much more.

However, like any other machine, computers need to be maintained, tuned-up, and repaired. For whatever reason – perhaps because we believe them to be more complicated than they really are – we tend not to provide the ongoing maintenance that our computers need. The result can be frustration with a system whose speed has slowed to a mere crawl, expensive repair bills, or the sometimes mistaken belief that the solution to the problem is to buy a new computer.

The purpose of this tutorial is to help you to perform the basic repairs, upgrades, and routine maintenance tasks that will keep your system running smoothly and reliably. Here’s what’s included in this tutorial:

Safety

Tools Needed

System Overview

Backing Up Your Data

Hard Drive Installation: Replacing/Upgrading the Hard Drive

Partitioning and Formatting

Hard Drive Maintenance Procedures

Upgrading Memory (RAM)

Installing a New Expansion Card

Updating Device Drivers

How to Speed Up Your Computer

Cleaning Your Computer

Should You Repair or Replace Your Computer?

As you implement some of the above procedures, you’ll come to understand how your system works, how to do basic repairs, troubleshoot problems, upgrade your hardware, and determine if and when you should replace your system.

It’s not just a lot of fun to maintain and repair your own computer; you will also gain confidence and save money as you are transformed from ordinary end user to master of your computer system.