HelpDesk

        

TCNJ TechTalk 

 

October 2003 Vol 1 Issue 9  

 

 

Computer making scary noises?  
Before you call the Ghostbusters, call the HelpDesk!

  • A  loud buzzing or humming noise 

You suspect a ghost, but most likely it's a problem with the fan.  Computers have fans installed that keep the processor and power supply cool. When a fan is about to fail it may start "running hard" creating the loud noise.  It's important you call us right away if you hear this noise.  If your processor overheats, your computer will die  - and that is truly terrifying!

  • CD-Rom/CD Writer makes a loud
    whirling noise and sometimes shakes
    the PC

You suspect a computer troll is shaking things up, but don't worry, this sound is typically normal.  High-speed CD drives do sometimes make loud whirling noises and shake because of the speed. 

  • Computer makes a thumping or knocking noise

You suspect a skeleton is banging around in there.  If you hear this noise, please give us a call. It may indicate a problem with your hard drive which will certainly cause more damage then any bag of bones would!

  • Monitor pops, clicks, or flashes while in use

You suspect it's possessed but most likely it's a sign your monitor is failing.  Before your monitor passes to the other side, please give us a call.
 

 

 

 

Computer Service Center

They're "Dead-icated" to providing professional service!  


The Computer Service Center provides computing equipment hardware services and installation/maintenance services for campus standard software.

Computing equipment hardware services:

  • Repair

  • Installation/Upgrades

  • Maintenance

  • Purchasing

  • Security

  • Relocation

  • Inventory

Campus standard software installation and
maintenance services:

  • MS Windows OS

  • Mac OS

  • MS Office - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint

  • Mcafee Viruscan / Virex

  • Netscape Communicator 4.79

  • Netscape Messenger 4.79

  • Internet Explorer

  • Internet Apps - QWS3270, SSH, FTP

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader

  • Meeting Maker

  • Novell client software

  • Cam Unzip

If you need any of these services, please call the HelpDesk x2660
Don’t Let Grim Destroy Your Documents
Saving a document is a relatively simple step that we have all mastered at this point.  But WHERE you save a document is important!  Below is a list of options for places to save documents.  Please remember that you will save yourself time and frustration by always making a backup document in the event that something SCARY happens to your original document.
Your Hard Drive (C:)
Most users like to save their documents to C:\My Documents folder.  This is a quick, easy way to access documents on your own computer. However, if your hard drive becomes damaged and needs to be replaced, there is a very high chance the documents will have met the grim reaper!  Don't take the chance, save important files to your network drives.
 Removable Drives
It is often convenient to save documents to a floppy disk or zip disk for easy transport, however  it is strongly recommended that  you only use a diskette as a backup.  Sometimes diskettes become damaged and the information is not retrievable.  		  Your Network Drive (H:)
It is important to save files to your personal or shared network drives. This ensures your files are safe and protected. To locate your network drives, double click on the My Computer icon located on your desktop.

There are many benefits of saving files to your H: drive such as :
Access your files from home Using the FTP program, you can access any of your network files from off campus. Go to www.tcnj.edu/~nts for information on setting this up.
 File Restores If you delete or lose a file, we can restore if for you!
 Space Saving Saving files on your network drives frees up space on your  hard drive.


Microsoft Word Driving You Batty ?

AutoFormat, one of the Auto functions in the Microsoft Office Suite, is designed to help save you time by applying formatting such as headings, bulleted and numbered lists, borders, numbers, symbols, fractions, and also automatically formatting internet and email addresses as hyperlinks.  Word analyzes each paragraph to see how it's used in the document, for example, as a heading or as an item in a numbered list and then applies a style that's fitting for that item.  Unfortunately it can sometimes be more a problem then of a help. 

  • To stop AutoFormat from correcting your documents:  In Word, select  Tools and open AutoCorrect Options.  Select the tab AutoFormat as You Type.  Uncheck the box(es) next to the AutoCorrect options you want turned off.

Would you like a question answered in next month’s issue? Please forward comments/questions to ohara@tcnj.edu
     http://www.tcnj.edu/~helpdesk