NE eee % “Beat > Help Wanted: Tech Support With A Smile Five Quick-Fix Tips For Your Computer Ellsworth Isaacs, CST Instructor, Kaplan College, San Diego Campus Check your power. Ensure thatall cords are plugged in, switches are on and cables are properly connected. Do a complete shutdown, not a restart. This simple step can effectively flush out your computer's memory and, more offen than not, provide an instant cure. Comectivity problems? Identify the source. Determineif it’s your computer, ISP or your network.Try connecting a computer that you know is working.If it lets you log on, chances areit’s probably youroriginal computerthat is the problem and not your network or ISP. Keep track of every new program, application or network upgrade that has recently occurred or been applied. If you're having anissue, try consulting the manufacturer's Website for a remedyorcheck the troubleshooting sectionsof anyhelp files or manuals. Keep this information handy in case you needto call a professionalfor help. The Internet is a great resource if you can accessit.Try using a search engine fo conducta searchof the error message. You maygetlucky and find a postedsolution to your problem. (NAPSA)—Americans love new gadgets, but many don’t know the first thing about fixing them. According to the Cyber Stress study conducted by Kelton Research, computer problems can waste up to 12 hours per month for the average American user. Computer support technicians help people get back nearly 150 hours of valuable free time every year. It’s no wonder job growth for this field is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016, adding 71,000 jobs in the coming decade. A new Computer Support Technician (CST) program at many Kaplan Higher Education campuses across the country focuses on preparing individuals for this fast-growing field. Computer support technicians are trained to diagnose and repair hardware problems and handle software applications. These pro- fessionals are also skilled in solving network security issues, a growing concern for many. While companies mayfill certain IT positions overseas, the higher-quality service from an in-person computer support tech- nician is not a role that can be outsourced. Students receive hands-on training in a variety of computer repair and upgrade areas. Additionally, they learn how to create and maintain computer networks and work with a Linux Operating System. A thorough education in “soft skills” is increasingly required in today’s hiring market and emphasized throughout the program. Kaplan Higher Education campuses also offer programsin allied health and nursing, criminaljustice andlegal studies, as well as business and trades. For more information about these and additional programs,visit www.khec.com.
