Below is a list of commonly asked questions handled by the
Tech Corps Wisconsin, Inc. (TCW) support staff. By clicking on a question,
you can view the answer to the question along with information that we think
will be useful.
· If you have a problem with your computer, you should complete a support request form (link to support request form needs to be here) on the BridgeNet website. If we cannot repair the computer by email or phone, you may bring it back to Tech Corps Wisconsin, Inc. (TCW) to be repaired.
Tech Support Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
It is best to call ahead for an appointment. Tech Corps Wisconsin, Inc.1220 Mound Ave. Suite 205 Racine, WI 53404
· You may also call and leave a message during the week with a detailed description of the problem. Phone: 262.619.0931
· Be sure to speak slowly and clearly and leave your name, phone number and the time you called with your message. On your message, try to give us as much information as you can about the problems you are having with your computer.
· When you have a problem with your computer please write down the following information: · The date · The type of program(s) you where running · What the error said, if any error was reported · If the same problem happens every time you complete a specific operation · Any other relevant information
Your Tech Corps Wisconsin, Inc. computer will be repaired at no charge to you. Typically you only need to bring in the computer itself unless the problem is related to the keyboard, mouse, monitor or printer. Back to TopWhat do I need to provide for my computer to work? TCW provides everything you will need to use your computer except the following items: · An electrical outlet · A phone line for your Internet connection · A desk or table to hold your computer and printer · Paper for the printer Note: Replacement ink cartridges are your responsibility to purchase. Back to TopCan I plug and unplug devices from my computer while it is turned on? No. For your safety and for the safety of your computer, you should always shut your computer down to plug or unplug any of its components (printer, monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse). Remember to follow the proper shut down process before turning your computer off with the power button. Once you have finished connecting or disconnecting components from the computer, you may safely restart your computer. Back to TopSome connections are identified by symbols or labels on the back of the computer, for example the keyboard and mouse, while other connections can be visually identified by their shape and size. Remember not to force connections, take your time and line up all connections carefully. Back to TopWhat is the best way to clean my computer? Even though you never eat or drink around your computer, you should still dust and clean it occasionally. We recommend that you spray a general purpose cleaner on a paper towel and use the damp paper towel to wipe any dust from your computer. It is a good idea to keep dust off the back of the computer near the vents and fan. Never spray any cleaner directly on your computer! You can also use a dry cloth to dust your computer and its parts. Back to TopYou will find this information under Hardware Specifications in the Tech Families Help & Information Guide in the three ring binder that we gave you when you picked up your computer. The processor determines the speed of your computer. For example, on the specifications below the speed of the processor is 166 MHz. Hardware Specifications– Processor: Pentium 166 MHz – Memory or RAM: 64 MB – 2 GB Hard Drive – 56k Modem – Sound Card – Video Card – USB ports – CD–ROM drive – SVGA Monitor – Speakers and headphones – Keyboard – Mouse and mousepad Back to TopWhat is the operating system on my computer? You will find this information under Computer Software in the Tech Families Help & Information Guide that we gave you when you picked up your computer. Your computer's operating system is Windows 98 Second Edition. Computer Software§ Operating System§ Windows 98 Second Edition§ Application Software§ StarOffice 5.2 § Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 1 § Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 § Achilles’ Shield Anti-Virus Software Back to TopWhat software comes on my computer? You will find this information under Computer Software in the Tech Families Help & Information Guide that we gave you when you picked up your computer. It will look like the following list: Computer Software§ Operating System§ Windows 98 Second Edition§ Application Software § StarOffice 5.2 § Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 1 § Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 § Achilles’ Shield Anti-Virus Software Note: All of the software installed on your computer by TCW is legally licensed for your use. Back to TopHow do I know what software I can install in my computer? First, you will need to look your computer's specifications listed in the Tech Families Help and Information Guide that came with your computer. Example of your computer's specification for software installation: Operating System: Windows 98 Second Edition RAM or Memory: 64 MB Processor: Pentium 166 MHz Next, look at the system requirements on the software you want to install. Example of requirements for software: Operating System: Windows 98 RAM or Memory: 32 MB Processor: Pentium 100 MHz Make sure your computer has the same amount or more RAM than the system requirements for the software. (Your RAM number should be the same or bigger than the RAM number on the system requirements.) The processor of your computer should be the same speed or faster than the processor on the system requirements of the software. (Your processor number should be the same or bigger than the processor on the system requirements.) Note: All of the software installed on your computer must be licensed. This means that you must purchase and own it. You are not legally allowed to install software that is borrowed from someone else. Back to TopWhat should I do with pop-up windows that appear? Always read the entire message before doing anything. If the window is asking if you want to delete a file, remember you should never delete any file unless it is one you created and no longer need. If you do not know what the file does or do not recognize the name, do not delete the file. Back to TopWhy does the Achilles Shield message appear on my screen? Achilles’ Shield pop-up windows appear to let you know your computer detects a change in its system settings.
Back to TopWhat should I do when the Achilles’ Shield virus warning message does appear? If the title bar (the blue bar at the top of the window) says “Achilles’ Shield Alert” and you are changing the system settings (the screen saver, background colors, etc.) on your computer or installing software, you should press “Yes”. Note: This window can also appear when you visit websites that download files to your computer in order to display the page. This is normal and you should click “Yes”. If the title bar says “Achilles’ Shield Delete File” press “No”. • If you have just opened an email attachment and get these virus warnings, write down the Achilles’ Shield message and call us with the information.Back to TopShould I install free CDs from America Online (AOL) or other Internet Service Providers? No, because TCW provides the software and service allowing you to connect to the Internet, you should not install any software from an Internet service such as AOL. These offers may be free initially, but will cost something eventually. Back to TopSaving a file:– In order to work on a file later you must save it to the hard drive.– From the “File” menu select “Save” or “Save as…”– When you save your file for the first time a window or dialog box will appear. The “My Documents” folder is the default location.– This dialog box lets you save your file to the location you want– Type in a name for your file in the “File name” edit box.– Click the “Save” button.– The path or location where you save your file is like the file’s home address. Make sure you know where you are saving your file!Back to TopHow do I save a file to a floppy diskette?– Place a floppy disk in the floppy disk drive.– Select “File” from the menu bar.– Select “Save As…” from the “File” menu.– Locate the floppy drive in the “Save As…” window by clicking on the button in the upper right hand corner of the window with the “up” arrow on it. (When you place your mouse arrow over the button it should say “Up One Level”)– You are in the right spot when you see “A:\” in the “Save As…” window.– Double-click on the “A:\”.– Type in a file name in the “File Name” edit box.– Click the “Save” button.Back to TopHow do I find a file that I saved to my computer hard drive? Finding and Opening a File • Find the file you want to open by using a browser.• Open a browser by double-clicking on the “My Computer” desktop icon.• To look “inside” a hard drive or folder you must double-click on the picture (icon) of the hard drive or folder.• Once you find the file, you can open it by double-clicking on the file icon.Note: You can also use the Find function in the Start button menu. Click on “Start”, then click on “Find” then select “Files or Folders…”. Next, type in the name of the file you are looking for in the “Named:” edit box and select “(C:)” or “(D:)” from the “Look in:” drop-down box. Then click the “Find Now” button. Back to TopHow do I change the location of a file I saved? Find the file in question, click on it to highlight it, right click on it and select Cut. Navigate to the new location folder and right click on an empty area and select Paste. Back to Top |