Thinking Like A Techie – The Diagnostic Path - Page 5

DISCUSSION: From the previous choices, checking for power problems is always a good place to start, as it really is the most important point of failure for anything that depends on electricity to run. You may be surprised to find out just how many times the solution to a problem is simply to make sure the device is actually plugged in!

Now, check out the next stage of this scenario below.

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Upgraded Scenario:

There are probably other ways to think about this situation, but these are the most likely.

Click on one that makes sense to you.

You sit down at the computer, grab the mouse and move it around, but nothing happens. You notice that the computer's power light is on. The monitor's power light is also on, but the monitor is dark. You check for hibernation of the computer by tapping the spacebar a couple times. The monitor slowly lights up and you can see your login screen. Moving the mouse still causes nothing to happen.

You think that a likely Point of Failure points to the mouse. Noting that the mouse has a cable attached that connects it to the computer, you turn over the mouse and see that the laser light is not visible. Your next step is to consider the mouse’s cable as the likely Point of Failure, so you:

A. Make sure the mouse cable is plugged into a USB port.

B. Examine the cable for frayed spots.

C. Clean the laser lens area under the mouse

D. Wipe off the tabletop where the mouse normally sits.