Using the Process of Elimination

If your computer has a problem, you can find the cause by using the process of elimination. This means making a list of possible causes and testing them one by one. Once you find the source of the problem, it will be easier to fix it.

Example Scenario

You are trying to print birthday invitations, but the printer won’t print. You think of a few possible reasons and check them one by one.

First, you check if the printer is turned on and plugged in. It is, so that’s not the problem. Next, you check the ink and paper. Both are fine.

Then, you check if the computer and printer are connected. You know there were no recent system updates, so that’s not the issue.

Finally, you check the USB cable. It is unplugged. You must have removed it earlier by mistake. You plug it back in, and the printer starts working again. Problem solved!

This method can help with many computer problems. In the next lesson, we will look at other common issues and how to fix them.