Hardware

(The inside and outside physical parts that make up a computer also called peripherals) (Monitor, Computer, Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, Network etc…)

LCD/MONITOR FAQs

Q. What’s the best monitor to buy or consider?
A. Choose a monitor with exceptional display, resolution, and panel usage for artistic projects. Display should be at least 27 inches and a 4K or even 5K resolution is best. Consider getting a second display and for games, frequently edit photos, read multi windows like reading the stock market, etc.

Q. No display, no power what is wrong?
A. Check to see if computer is on. Next Check to see if LCD/monitor is on. If no power light (white to orange or green light) is seen on the monitor display, try pressing the power button. To see if it comes on. If your computer monitor was on When you stepped away from the computer It can go into sleep mode and upon returning the screen was black, Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, and/or pressing any key (space bar) on the keyboard to wake it up. Make sure that the two monitor cables Video and power are connected push in appropriately to the back of the computer.

Q. No signal input’ message, what do I do?
A. Check that the monitor is correctly connected and push into the back of the LCD/monitor as well as to the back of the computer. If connected correctly, check both power and video cables are not slightly disconnected. Next, disconnect the video and power cable connected to the back of the computer and then reconnect the cables. When connecting the cable in the back of the computer ensure the cable connection is in right orientation shape and fit firm but not too tight. Some computers will have screw ends or thumb screwed that can be screwed in to hold the connector in place.

Q. Why is my LCD/monitor showing Inaccurate display image?
A. A partial or distorted image? Make sure you have performed the above No display, no power check for loose or defective. OK double check that no pins are bent, burnt or broken. Your eyes can’t see but your video camera can see that the monitor has a refresh rate (wavy appearance where lines are going vertically, down or across the monitor slowly or fast, this may also cause a flickering affect. A distorted image is in a lot of cases caused by magnetic or other motor types of interference. Make sure no electric fans, speakers, or other magnetic devices (i.e., pencil sharpener) are close to the monitor. The size and clarity of the display on my LCD/monitor is called resolution. Usually the LCD/monitor has an auto adjust or shift to the correct size. adjusting the LCD/monitor manually, horizontal or vertical width setting will vary; consult your monitor documentation.

COMPUTER FAQs

Q. What’s the best computer to buy or consider?
A. First let look back at the brief history of computers in general. Many of the main name brand and manufacturing computer companies would build a large percent or have a special vender they use only for their computer internal parts due to access, quality and availability are just a few reasons. The PC and Mac computers back then were very expensive to produce. Fast forward to today. The secret is many people today are still living on the name brand so to speak not knowing that inside them. They all especially the PC computer, they carry inside the actual same top name brand video cards, hard drives, ram chips, network card, power supply and DVD player. Yes, there is even a motherboard which is sometimes called a system board, main board, main Printed Circuit Board, Printed Wired Board (PWB), and of course on MAC’ computers they call it the logic board. (The term motherboard originates from early days of computers where the main circuit board contained the CPU and other major “logic” or chips, and usually also expansion slots. You could plug “daughterboards” into those slots to expand the functionality of the computer – e.g. printer interface, sound card, graphics card etc. That was a distinguishing feature of a motherboard. And to answer to your next amusing question: NO Son or brotherboards. LOL. In summary Today’s internal computers parts are almost approaching 100% interchangeable. Meaning you’re going to find top name brand video graphics cards, hard drives, ram chips, network card, sound cards, power supply and DVD player are installed in all your top and lower quality cost computers. The variable was always the motherboard. But function, speed and reliability are ever increasing becoming the same. Keep in mind more and more motherboards are becoming integrated (adding or combining graphics, network, sound and more to motherboard to make an all in one board). If you’re a gamer on computers. Keep in mind Custom building your own computer. Also, for the person that want to see and build their own computer for knowledge, experience and career entry into the computer technology field. Contact American Top Gun Computers for a one on one free consultant advice when purchasing a computer for your needs.

Q. The computer is not switching on or keeps rebooting? Other than calling a repair tech what basic steps can I try to resolve? 
A. First rule of thought. This is a job for the computer repair professionals. But if you’re a high school, college or technical savvy computer trained person and now of days computer gamers too. I would think you would try and resolved the issue. Again, repair professionals are where you should consult before you journey into an area that could make things worse. (pay now or pay later kind of rule). I recommend you document each step so that a professional can follow your steps to reverse ok. Basic check solutions; Check to see if the power switch light is on the power surge strip that your computer is plug into. Or check computer’s power cord to make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket. Any recent power outage can possibly render your computer damages from power surge so I recommend a power surge strip instead of plugging directly into your wall socket. strips today prices are so low it’s worth the purchase. Plug strips today also have a built-in circuit breaker which usually looks like a red or black button near the power switch. Press the button to reset it and see if that solves the problem. If all above checks are ok. Then you have to consider the age of the computer. In-warranty/Out of Warranty? Out of Warranty or beyond 3 to five years. First failure would be the power supply. Again, this requires a Professional to repair and for legal and safety reasons we state this. For the technical trained folks that know proper trained its an easy fix because you know what to look for and avoid. For the non-experience this is just to assure you that in a lot of cases that the data is not lost and a part on the computer needs replacing. There are several areas to troubleshoot that we offer training classes in out literacy classes to help you resolved most issue. And the easiest solution is to Press the button to reset it and see if that solves the problem.

Q. What if my computer crashes?
A. (mostly stated when the computer’s hard drive makes a ticking sound and all other devices of computer seem to be ok?). (hard drive; is where you store your programs, data, video, music, games, etc… on computer) YES, the area where you store your precious data.  There are many reasons why a computer may just stop working or “freeze”. Most of the time there isn’t much we can do about it, it is a fact of life that computer programs have become so complex that occasionally users will experience problems even when performing common tasks. When your computer no longer responds to keyboard commands your best bet is to restart the computer.

Q. What do I do if my hard disk fails to work?
A. If a computer error number shows on screen, your first step is to shut down your computer and restart it. This will help you determine whether or not you actually have a hard disk problem. If the disk is locking up or damaged due to dropping or age of hard drive (laptops included), then your computer will probably fail to restart properly. If this is the case then contact American Top Gun Computers, this is a job for the professionals.

KEYBOARD & MOUSE FAQs

Q. Can or should you clean a keyboard that stop working?
A. YES. The computer keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer. Similar to an electric typewriter, a keyboard is composed of buttons that create letters, numbers, and symbols, as well as perform other functions. With that said the cost of replacement can range from discount $2 low cost to $40 keyboard and mouse kits. It is recommended that after a certain use and time you either clean or replace your keyboard and mouse for hygiene and reduce spreading hand to hand bacteria especially when you share or have high traffic hands on use. Recommend alcohol wipe or simply replace keyboards and mouse.

 

 

NETWORK vs Wireless NETWORKS FAQs

Q. What’s the difference between Network and Wireless Networks? A. A wired network uses cables to connect devices, such as laptop or desktop computers, to the Internet or another network. A wireless network allows devices to stay connected to the network but roam untethered to any wires. Note: it was thought that wired networks were faster and more secure than wireless networks. Today wireless has become ever increasing competitive to wired networks.

PRINTER FAQs

Q. Why happen to my printer, keep printing smudged/distorted pages? 
A. All modern printers have some type of printer cleaning, self-test, and/or diagnose mode that can be performed to check and clean the printers print heads and other internal equipment used to print. Dust and airborne particles can get into your printer. Check and add paper and depending on the different type of printer. You may only need to clean the glass top you place your documents on. Also remove and reinsert the printer ink to make sure it seated properly. If you have a laser printer, remove toner cartridge and reinsert. For more troubleshooting contact American Top Gun Computers for help.

 

 

SOFTWARE

Installed software programs: OS (Operating system, the main brain that setup communication between hardware and software to do your requested task) and Application programs: (they assist you in creating, changing or saving data, graphics, music, movies, images and more)

WINDOWS FAQs

Q. What are examples of operating systems software?
A. macOS and Windows,

Q. What does OEM mean for Windows?
A. Windows 7 – 10 Original Equipment Manufacturer is a version of the Windows operating system available to computer manufacturers and companies that build computer systems. A company can purchase Windows 10 OEM versions for any computer systems it builds and plans to sell to others.

Q. What is the difference between Operating System (OS)software application software and?
A. Operating System software is used for operating computer hardware. Application software is used by user to perform specific task. … They can’t run without the presence of OS software.

 

 

VIRUS FAQs

Q. What is a Computer Virus?
A. A piece of code (program) which is capable of copying itself and typically has a detrimental effect, such as corrupting the system or destroying data.

Q. What are some Antivirus programs that is best for your computer?
A. McAfee, Norton, TOTAL AV, Bitdefender

Q. What are the most dangerous Viruses?
A. The 10 worst computer viruses of ever made

  • CIH
  • The Anna Kournikova worm
  • ILOVEYOU
  • The Melissa Virus
  • The Blaster Worm
  • Netsky and Sasser
  • OSX/RSPlug Trojan
  • Storm worm
  • The Morris worm
  • The Concept virus

Q. Do American Top Gun Computer have good advice on how to prevent virus attacks?
A. Absolutely! Contact us for scheduled phone call or visit to your home or Office

APPLICATION FAQs

What are the basically 4 types of application software?

  • Word processing software. E.g.: MS Word, MS Works, AppleWorks.
  • Spreadsheet Software. E.g.: MS Excel, Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, MS Works.
  • Desktop Publishing Software. E.g.: MS Word, MS Publisher, Adobe PageMaker.
  • Database Software. E.g.: Oracle RDBMS, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access.

There are a total of 8 basic types of application software the first 4 is listed above what are the last four?

  • Communication Software. E.g.: RingCentral, Wrike, Project Manager, Ytel.
  • Presentation Software. E.g.: SLIDEBEAN, APPLE KEYNOTE, VISME, Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Internet Browsers. E.g.: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
  • Email Programs. E.g.: Microsoft Outlook, Front, eM Client, Thunderbird