Troubleshooting Resources
The
web is full of information sources on computers, but frankly, not all
of them are that great. To help you wade through the morass of choices,
this list of the most informative computer sites has been assembled.
All of the sites listed on this page contain either answers to common
computer problems and/or useful information about how different aspects
of computers work.
PC Hardware
PC Guide
This
site is a tremendous trove of information with well-written
explanations of PC technology, thorough troubleshooting procedures and
step-by-step instructions for common PC updates and upgrades.
Tom's Hardware Guide
One
of the Web's truly useful treasures, this site has tons of great
information about PCs, CPUs, and virtually any kind of hardware you
need to deal with. It's in desperate need of a good editor, but there's
lots of good stuff.
System Optimization - PC Hardware and Performance Guide
Another really useful site with lots of great original material as well as links to other really good stuff all over the 'net.
The BIOS Survival Guide
If you have any questions about your computer's BIOS or its BIOS Setup program, this site is the definitive resource.
PC Operating Systems
Microsoft How-Tos
A
complete reference list of very well put-together online resources that
cover Windows 2000, XP, Office as well as general topics such as
Networking, Security and so on. This page serves as the starting point
to dive into any one of these topics at as deep a level as you could
ever want to go. A goldmine of tech support info.
Windows Support Center
A
wonderful find, this site features an extensive collection of original
support articles, links to other support sites, freeware utilities,
registry patches and a great Shutdown Troubleshooter that's worth a visit in and of itself.
Resource Management
If
you're trying to figure out Windows Resources really are and what all
those programs running in the background of your PC really are and what
they do, then you need to check this site out.
Windows Startup
This
is another great site that has tips on getting around Windows startup
problems and an even more extensive list of programs that run in the
background.
TechSupport Alert
A
great site that offers lots of very well-written "How-To" guides as
well as links to many other excellent troubleshooting resources on the
web. Good stuff.
Windows TechFiles
This
site offers many well-written articles explaining some common but
confusing Windows-related issues. The articles not only explain why the
problem is happening, they also tell you how to fix them.
Windows 95 Annoyances / Windows 98 Annoyances
Ever
been annoyed by some aspect of Windows 95 or 98? These cleverly named
sites offer workarounds to lots of common and not-so-common problems.
They've also got a special link to download TweakUI for Windows 98.
Windows Planet Tips / Tutorials
This slick, online magazine includes lots of useful tips and tutorials for Windows 95/98/2000 and NT users.
PC Drivers
WinDrivers.Com
You'll find a growing collection of drivers here, as well as some useful troubleshooting tips for driver-related problems.
The Driver Zone
Looking
for a driver for an old add-in card? Or maybe the latest version for
several new cards? This is great resource, with lots of drivers that
you can download for free.
FCC Product ID Database
Can't
figure out who made a particular component in your PC? Just find the
FCC ID number, type it into this database and you'll get the company's
name and contact information.
Home Networking
Practically Networked
This
site includes product reviews, tutorials and more on the burgeoning
home networking/high-speed Internet access sharing market.
Internet Connection Sharing How-To Guide
A
subsection of Microsoft's support site, this page and its related links
has everything you'd ever want to know about the ICS features built
into Windows 98 2nd Edition, Windows Millenium and Windows 2000.
DSL Reports
If
you want info about DSL products and services, as well as advice on how
to best take advantage of your DSL line, this site is a great resource.
CableModemInfo.Com
If, instead, cable modem is your access means of choice, here's an equally useful site.
PPPoE Hardware
If
you've had to deal with the dreaded PPP over Ethernet protocol through
your DSL or cable modem service, you'll be pleased to read this page's
how-to articles and FAQs.
NAT White Paper
Trying
to make sense of Network Address Translation and other shared Internet
connection technologies? This explanatory page from VicomSoft's web
site is bound to help.
General Info
PC Webopedia
A
very thorough, accurate online computer dictionary that not only offers
well-written definitions of common (and not-so-common)
technology-related terms, but also provides useful links related to the
words you look up.
File Extensions
Ever
try to figure out a file's type by looking at its three dot extension?
If so, this site is for you. It's got a comprehensive listing of
extensions with a brief description of what the different types of
files are.
BugNet
If
you're trying to find out whether an annoying problem you keep running
into is really a bug in one of your programs (or even your hardware),
then this is the place to go. These folks keep track of and report on
all kinds of different bugs. Note that some of the info they provide is
free while other portions require a paid subscription.
Graphics
The FontSite
Interesting
articles about typography and other design issues, as well as lots of
free fonts and other goodies make this a winner.
A few scanning tips
Wayne
Fulton's guide to scanning offers great advice on how to buy and use
scanners. Be sure to check out his very useful scanning tips articles.
