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Computer Repair with Diagnostic Flowcharts

This manual for troubleshooting PC hardware problems creates a visual expert system for diagnosing component failure and identifying conflicts.

The seventeen diagnostic flowcharts at the core of this book are intended for the intermediate to advanced hobbyist, or the beginning technician.

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Use Windows Key Shortcuts

By Stephen Bucaro

You may find it difficult to believe, but the early PCs didn't have a mouse or a touch pad. Everything was done with the keyboard. I know it sounds backward, but even though processors where crude and memory was scarce, using the keyboard you could actually do things a lot faster. By typing a DOS command you can copy a file way faster than by using a graphical File Manager.

I didn't quit using DOS for everyday tasks until the Windows 95 operating system was released. Along with Windows 95, keyboards with a Windows key were introduced. The Windows key is the key with the logo on it just to the left of the [Alt] key. The Windows key adds some functionality that can speed up your access the Windows Desktop and give you quick access to some useful utilities.

Below is a list of Windows key shortcuts that you may find useful.

	Opens the Start menu
[e]	Opens Windows Explorer
[d]	Toggles show desktop by alternately minimizing or restoring all open windows
[f]	Opens the Find dialog box
[l]	Locks your PC. Enter your password to unlock it
[m]	Minimizes all open windows so you can access the desktop
[Shift][m]	Restores all minimized windows
[r]	Opens the Run dialog box where you can enter a command line instruction
[Pause/Break]	Opens the System Properties dialog box
[u]	Opens Ease of Access Center dialog box where you can start accessibility utilities
[F1]	Opens Help and Support dialog box
	Maximizes the active window
	Restores windows to their initial size
[+]	Launches Magnifier
[Esc]	Closes Magnifier