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Hardware (101)

Hardware (vs. Software) is simply something you can touch, i.e., you can physically kick hardware :-) 
But please don't, it will not resolve any problems. 

Generally, hardware such as keyboards, mouse (mice?), printers, cameras and so on, are not computer manufacturer specific, e.g., a Dell USB keyboard will work with a HP computer.

• Also see our newsletter index for a variety of miscellaneous subjects.
• BIOS settings (be careful!)
• Connections (physical and other)
• Cooling system clean out
  • Laptops and mini/slim towers tend to trap lint quickly...
• Common Bios setting keys
  • Need to get into the Bios settings?  Here's how
• Control Panel hints
  • Where to find almost all information and settings
• Device Manager
  • Where to look when certain hardware does not work properly...
• Driver updates? - See Windows Updates
• Hard drives (this is where your data is stored)
  • Drive letter changing
  • Hard drive failure rates
  • External drives
  • Worried about data on your old drive?  Don't worry, do this...  Destroy that hard drive
• How much do you have
  • Find out how much memory and disk space you have
• Keyboard/mouse not working at login screen?  Look in the BIOS settings for UEFI and disable XHCI Mode.

• Ports and slots (connections to the computer)

• Printer issues?
  • Various common issues with printers
• Memory (RAM)
  • Computer not starting?  Try reseating the RAM...
• Routers
  • Wireless or not...
• USB (examples)
  • USB power saving settings can cause problems.  See power settings.
• UPS - uninterruptible power supplies
• Wireless/WIFI