I know I am probably getting way ahead of myself here and there is not a simple answer, but what is the best course of action to learn to diagnose computers? How does one get started? I really would like to be able know and respond one day when people have diagnostic problems. I think I am going to start by putting my test computer back together and work on get it running again but when the computers around you are all running smoothly what does a person do to get that experience? I am sure it's not a simple question. But how did you moderators learn?

Will create a sticky for you. refer to it, and post here if that didnt cover your questions. or have questions about the process

Diagnosing hardware is pretty easy if youve got parts you can swap out, if you have two computer ones working one isnt swap enough parts the broken one will start working as if by magic, and the other should stop working but not always just a matter of figureing out which item made the difference, with time and experience you will start to narrow things down as you go along.

Originally Posted by popeye67

Diagnosing hardware is pretty easy if youve got parts you can swap out, if you have two computer ones working one isnt swap enough parts the broken one will start working as if by magic, and the other should stop working but not always just a matter of figureing out which item made the difference, with time and experience you will start to narrow things down as you go along.

That does sound like a good practical idea. My plan has been to try to locate another non-working computer to learn from as well. Trying to get more familiar with components of test computer lately. Thanks

Put word about with friends and family in next to no time you will be begging them to stop cluttering your house up with broken computers, will also learns to recognise differnt types of components, like different memory formats, ddr ddr2 number of pins speed etc.

Originally Posted by popeye67

Put word about with friends and family in next to no time you will be begging them to stop cluttering your house up with broken computers, will also learns to recognise differnt types of components, like different memory formats, ddr ddr2 number of pins speed etc.

All great suggestions. Sounds like you have been there. Thanks

Check out this website and book. I have the book.
http://www.fonerbooks.com/pcrepair.htm

They are a very popular series of books.

Yes, great info book resource, thanks to my dear friend Morris Rosenthal for getting his book on the market.