CHEBUCTO CONNECTIONS TIPS FOR NEWBIES

Problems, Glitches and Other Badness

Sometimes, this just don't work right, and computers are no exception. Garbled screens, backspace keys that don't backspace, links that don't link, and any one of a million other sorts of problems have afflicted us at one time or another. So, what should you do when you encounter a problem? Here are a few tips.

Don't Panic: Stay calm. Chances are, the problem is minor. It's when people start getting agitated that the real problems start. Take a deep breath, then roll up your sleeves for a bit of troubleshooting.
Try It Again: Many problems are short-lived. If a function on Chebucto Community Net does not work, try it again. Everything from heavy use to busy systems to brief glitches might be the culprit. Wait a few seconds, then try the same thing again.
Read the Screen: While this may seem obvious, users sometimes forget to read the messages on the screen. While they might not always solve your problem, it's hard for you (or anybody else) to understand the situation if you don't pay close attention to the hints that CCN or your computer's software are giving you.
Try it Again, Part 2: If your computer freezes, crashes or otherwise acts funny, shut it down, wait a few seconds, and start it up again. This makes sure your system can make a fresh start, and often clears up the problem.
The Usual Suspects: Chances are, if you are having problems connecting, it's your communications software that is to blame. You may not have the right telecommunications settings, or they may have been changed or reset accidentally. Check the settings. There is plenty of information at the Help Desk on this topic. Of course, if you can read this, you have successfully connected somehow, but you never you never know what might happen tomorrow.

Once you've tried these tips, and checked out the Help Desk, and you still have problems, get in touch with one of CCN's volunteer help team members, by e-mail if possible. They'll do whatever they can to help you.

Robert Currie, aa019@ccn·cs·dal·ca.

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Chebucto Connections TIPS FOR NEWBIES
is edited by Thérèse Mackintosh
who is happy to receive Questions, Comments or Suggestions.
If your browser does not support mail, write to Thérèse later at aa169@ccn·cs·dal·ca.

Last Month: October 1995 Next Month: December 1995