Ever run into difficulties with your computer?  You’re not alone!  Sometimes the first inclination is to call someone for help.  Let me share some things that you can try BEFORE calling in the troops (much of it I found on ehow.com so follow the links for more information):

1. Is your computer running slow?  eHow.com has these tips (how to speed up a sluggish computer):
   • Delete old programs
   • Get rid of adware and spyware
   • Clean your start up files
   • Clean your registry
   • Clean your junk and temporary files
   • Defrag your hard drive
2. Try trouble shooting on your own (how to trouble shoot a computer):
   1. Restart the computer
   2. Check your cables
   3. Check the electric power
   4. Make sure the computer and monitor are plugged in
   5. Disconnect peripheral devices and restart the computer
   6. Listen for unusual sounds
   7. Look inside the computer for wires that aren’t plugged in all the way or other faulty connections
   8. Start the computer from an external start-up disk, such as the system software CD that came with your computer

These tips from eHow.com should help you to solve some issues before asking for help.  Also, if you still end up needing help, having done many of these things can help your “techie” friend to get to the bottom of the issue more quickly!

Anything to correct or add?  Please do!