What are the common problems I need to know how to fix?

[zachary0611]

I just completed my A+ Certification. I had a job interview today and the guy asked some basic troubleshooting questions that I didn't completely answer correctly. My mind has been filled with alot of stuff that doesn't relate to on the job skills that I need.
What common problems that you guys come in contact with that I should how to fix and how do I fix them?

 

[Jm Boyd]

You have already learned the most important thing....An A+ certification is just a piece of paper on the wall and does NOT make you an expert, it's real world experience that counts.

 

[Tiddle]

I just completed my A+ Certification. I had a job interview today and the guy asked some basic troubleshooting questions that I didn't completely answer correctly. My mind has been filled with alot of stuff that doesn't relate to on the job skills that I need.
What common problems that you guys come in contact with that I should how to fix and how do I fix them?

Viruses
Having Updated/correct drivers
Loose wires
Reparing damaged windows files
reformatting
thats pretty much what i usually get called for

The hardest ones so far having been changing the Laptops AC jack and the Light.

oh yeah and look at all the weekly tools. Download the ones you think you will need, put them in a folder and add a description in a text file..then load em to your USB.



Im not certified yet but im working on it. This is a great site. Read all of Bryces Articles and the Threads that you think will benefit you.

Were all learning as we go.

 

[vontreigo]

One of the hardest things to figure out is what the customer is actually describing as the problem. And when you talk to them don't talk above them. Use 6th grade terms to explain things to them.

 

[Tiddle]

One of the hardest things to figure out is what the customer is actually describing as the problem. And when you talk to them don't talk above them. Use 6th grade terms to explain things to them.

Yeah it can be really frustrating sometimes, but try to maintain as much as possible. I sometimes have to translate to spanish and thats even harder.

 

[arrow_runner]

Also, take what the customer says with a grain of salt. Unless they've written down an exact error message, you should double-check what they're describing you because customers will get terms mixed up like nobodies business.

 

[daeemann]

Yes, do not trust what the client always states. I learned this the hard way. I remember a client telling me his computer wouldn't boot up to windows. So, I turn on the computer, it gets to the windows logo and then reboots, in both normal and safe mode. I thought, well this looks like a virus. I told him, oh I just think it's a virus. But he became rather defensive and told me there were no viruses and that he was positive. I decided to take the computer w/ me, and I spent the whole day trying to diagnose the computer w/ the assumption that it wasn't a virus. Eventually I decided to remove the hard drive and connect it to my computer and run a virus scanner. Well...I found out there were several viruses, at least 15 or so. Once the viruses were removed, the computer was able to boot up properly. It was now just a matter if making sure all viruses were removed. And the other issue was recreating his corrupt profile due to all the viruses.

 

[zachary0611]

Well I definitely dont claim to be an expert and my goal is to get into the door so I can get that hands on experience

 

[usacvlr]

This is why so many shops send their systems to us

The hardest ones so far having been changing the Laptops AC jack and the Light.

 

[stidham]

The hardest ones so far having been changing the Laptops AC jack and the Light.

I hate the AC jack. I need to fix mine on my laptop and I keep putting it off.

 

[arrow_runner]

I <3 the AC Jack. It brings me moneys.

 

[FooseSB]

My top four in descending order:

Removing viruses/malware
Diagnosing/fixing non-booting machines
Troubleshooting network connectivity
Speeding up slow computers

Other issues too numerous to mention (depending on environment).