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OPERATING SYSTEM
What is an Operating System?
An operating system is a program that controls the flow of information in the computer.  It instructs your computer on how to interact with the hardware and software.  You must install the operating system before installing any other software in the computer.  This ensures that the hardware and software work together.
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An operating system should take care of the following; direct all input (keyboard, mouse) and output (monitor, printer) devices, allow you to install and start programs, control the operation of the computer when you use application software, such as word processors, data bases, and worksheets, and manage data storage and system memory. 
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APPLICATION SOFTWARE
An application program is a set of specialized instructions your computer uses to perform useful tasks, such as, writing letters, drawing graphic pictures, and sorting mailing lists.  It carries out the function by receiving input from the user.  This is the opposite of a system program.  Most applications are created for a specific purpose or industry.
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A SPREADSHEET is an application program that simulates a paper spreadsheet or workbook.  This application revolutionized the business world.  The application uses the intersection of a row and column called a cell to perform its task.  It is commonly used for financial planning and calculations, keeping schedules, budgets, plans, and creating graphs and charts.
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A DATABASE is a computer application that uses a collection of data organized in an orderly fashion so that quick access to information is possible.  Databases are made up of two elements, a record and a field.  A record is one complete entry in the database.  A field is a part of the record that can be used to categorize.  Databases use the fields to gather many types of information.  These can be used for client databases, names and addresses, or even recipes.
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A WORD PROCESSOR is a computer application that lets you create a text document.  Advanced word processors function as elementary desktop publishers.  They can edit, format, create graphics, use multiple fonts, and print.  People use word processors to create books, newsletters, term papers, business plans, and a multitude of printed documents.
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COMMUNICATIONS software applications consist of a set of instructions that allow a computer to communicate with other computers through telephone lines or networks.  A modem or other type of hardware is required for communications.  Some applications have fax ability, cellular phone control, and even telephone answering machines.
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GRAPHICS Applications allow the generation of pictorial representations of information, such as charts, graphs, and two-or-three-dimensional images. 
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UTILITIES
Compaq has created several utilities to help you use and configure your PC.  These include; INSPECT, TEST, and SETUP.  
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INSPECT is a Compaq utility that displays configuration information about your system.  The information includes:  operating system file content (like CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT), memory configuration, ROM version, microprocessor type, disk drive types, active interfaces, and modem status.  INSPECT can display or print.  COMPAQ Technical Support may request that you run INSPECT to help solve a problem.  Refer to your User's Guide for more information.
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The TEST utility exercises the parts in your PC.  For example, you can run a memory test to verify your PC's ability to store and read data.  You can check your diskette drive to see if it can read a diskette and if the mechanical parts are in working order.  Access the TEST utility either through the Compaq Control Center or from a Diagnostic Programs Diskette available from Compaq.
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SETUP is a Compaq utility that configures the computer hardware.  For example, if you add memory to your system, you must run SETUP to configure the memory.  It also has the ability to customize your system operation, like setting passwords.  SETUP varies from product to product, since hardware and features vary from product to product.  For more information on running SETUP refer to your product user's guide.  That concludes this section.  Select the PC Basics Guidebook icon to return to the menu, or the right arrow to continue with the next topic.
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GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING CONCEPTS
Although we try to avoid them, occasionally you may have a problem with your PC system.  Sometimes these problems are simple ones that you can easily find and fix yourself, such as plugging in an unplugged unit, reconnecting a cable, or perhaps checking a documentation reference. 
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There are some general concepts to follow when looking for solutions.  These are the first things you should try when your computer has a problem.  These can be broken down into easy steps:
1. Verify the problem.  Try it again, to see if it still fails.  If possible, try another part.  For example, if your mouse does not work and you have a spare, try it.  If you have a file that won't print, try another, similar file.  Reboot your system and see if the problem goes away.
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2. Examine the system.  Your eyes, ears, and nose can help identify a lot of computer problems.  Read the error messages, check connections, look for LED displays.  Listen for common, normal noises such as a fan, beeps, and fixed disk drive sounds.  Also look and listen for signs of more serious trouble, like crackling electrical noises, smoke or burning smells.  If any serious symptoms are present, turn off the computer immediately and call for assistance.
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3. Check your documentation.  There are troubleshooting guides and hints in your User's Guides that may help you solve a problem simply and easily.  When in doubt, call your local support organization or the Compaq Technical Support number.  
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TROUBLESHOOTING PRACTICE
The following screens contain five scenarios that will help you learn to use some basic troubleshooting skills.  Each situation is described and a list of things to try is displayed.  Choose the step that you would perform first to try to solve the problem by pressing the number in front of the step.  You receive a response that describes the results of your action.  Keep selecting until you solve the problem.  Have fun!
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PROBLEM #1.  You just returned to your computer after eating lunch, and found a blank screen.  Nothing seems to be working.  If this happened to you, what would you do?  Press the number next to the step that you would try?
1. Listen and look - check the system for fan noises or LEDs.
2. Check the AC wall outlet to make sure the computer is plugged in.
3. Check the ON/OFF switch on the computer.
4. Call Compaq Technical Support for assistance.
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PROBLEM #2.  During start-up, your PC seems to work normally, but the display is blank.  After two beeps, there is still no display.  If this happened, what would you do?  Press the number next to the step that you would try?
1.  Check the ON/OFF switch on the monitor.
2.  Touch any key or move the mouse.  Maybe your screen saver is the problem.
3.  Check the brightness and contrast controls.
4.  Call Compaq technical support for assistance.
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PROBLEM #3. You notice that your mouse pointer is behaving erratically, stops/starts, and sometimes works in only one direction.  If this happened, what would you do?  Press the number next to the step that you would try?
1.  Check to see if the mouse is plugged in.
2.  Check and clean the mouse ball.  
3.  Verify that the mouse driver is installed.  Reboot and check the messages.
4.  Call Compaq Technical Support for assistance.
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PROBLEM #4.  While creating a document in a word processor, the keyboard stops working with the cursor flashing on the monitor.  If this happened, what would you do?  Press the number next to the step that you would try?
1. Check to see if the NUM-LOCK and CAPS-LOCK key LEDs are lit.
2. Tap on any key rapidly 15 times and listen for a beep.  
3. Check to see if the keyboard is plugged in.
4. Call Compaq technical support for assistance.
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PROBLEM #5.  While trying to print a Windows database of names and addresses, your local printer will not print.  If this happened to you, what would you do?  Press the number next to the step that you would try?
1.  Check to see if the printer has paper, is on-line, and ready.
2.  Check all printer cable connections.
3.  Try another application or file to see if the printer will print.
4.  Call Technical Support.
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TROUBLESHOOTING SUMMARY
Troubleshooting is the process of elimination of possible solutions to a problem.  Use all the deductive reasoning that you can.  Follow the three simple steps given to you in the general troubleshooting concepts to solve your computer problems.  They are to look and listen, verify the problem, and check your documentation for possible solutions and help.
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What to know before calling Technical Support
- A description of the problem 
- Model name, serial number, date and place of purchase of the computer
- Things that you have tried to solve the problem
That concludes this section.  Select the PC Basics Guidebook icon to return to the menu, or the right arrow to continue with the next topic.
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ROUTINE CARE
Your computer is a piece of electrical/mechanical equipment.  To keep it running you should follow some basic rules.  Always check your product documentation for specific care instructions for your system.  The following are some general rules to keep in mind.
- Keep liquids away from the computer and all computer devices.
- Never block an air vent by placing a computer on a soft surface like a rug or bed, or less than three inches away from a wall.
- Keep the computer away from direct sunlight and extremes of moisture, heat, and cold.
- If you finish working on the computer and do not plan to resume for a couple of hours, turn it off.
- Keep the computer clean by wiping with a soft cloth.
- Clean your mouse periodically. 
- Don't expose storage media to heat, magnets, or touch.
- Do not travel with a diskette in the diskette drive.
- Always run your portable computer with the battery pack installed.
- Discharge portable computer system main batteries entirely every 60 days.
- Backup your data to tape or diskette on a regular basis.
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That concludes the PC BASICS Guidebook.  You can select another guidebook icon, the game button, or the exit icon.
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