After having to show some production employees where the SHIFT key is and why you would use it, I'm starting to wonder if there's a test out there, preferably web-based and cheap or free, that would put a potential hire through some paces and test for speed and accuracy on doing basic tasks.
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posted by randomkeystrike
on Feb 26, 2013 -
8 answers
At work I have a laptop (running Windows XP) that connects to the Internet via WiFi. Two other coworkers sit next to and across from me, and they connect the same way. About a year ago, we started experiencing connectivity problems.
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posted by zardoz
on Feb 13, 2013 -
7 answers
One of our office cleaning staff asked me if there are easy ways to learn how to use a computer. This totally threw me - I've a ton of experience about self-paced programming, stats, GIS, etc. - but no clue what to suggest for actually getting to grips for the first time with Windows, safe web browsing and so on. Wrinkle - it has to be free, Windows 7-based, and online - this isn't a paradox, she can open IE and navigate to a webpage.
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posted by cromagnon
on Nov 30, 2011 -
20 answers
My work computer that I am connecting to through a remote connection is freezing on the log in screen. When I type the password, it gives me the welcome screen, but the little welcome wheel keeps spinning infinitely. I want to restart it to try to solve this. But the only way I know how to restart remotely is using the cmd prompt, which I can't get to until I'm logged in. So how can I restart?
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posted by chocolatemilkshakes
on May 28, 2011 -
6 answers
I need to brush up on and refresh my memory of various topics in the area of IT technical support for an interview. Can you help?
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posted by karizma
on May 19, 2011 -
5 answers
Please help two hardworking yet poor 30 year olds get careers and move out of this tiny one-bedroom apartment.
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posted by powerbumpkin
on Apr 7, 2011 -
20 answers
Need some help getting myself up to speed on being "the computer person." Just got a new job, which mostly involves handling lighting and carpentry tasks for a resident theater company. My responsibilities also include some IT stuff for their computer system. I'm looking for suggestions on how to be more of an expert and less of a-person-who knows-how-to-use-google.
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posted by edbles
on Sep 16, 2010 -
15 answers
Hypothetically, let's say that an employee from CompanyX, a rather large large semi-techie company, sent something they shouldn't have to a competitor. The employee didn't use their work email address (which the company can search) but they did use their company computer at work and something like their Yahoo account.
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 26, 2010 -
22 answers
I'm looking for a reputable computer repair shop in the Phoenix, AZ area. I lent my Compaq laptop (running vista) out to a friend and now it's totally owned by virii, and I don't have the time, patience, wherewithal to fix this level of problem.
Is there a good, independent (not Best Buy) place in town to get this looked at and potentially fixed for a reasonable price? Again, I'm not interested in fixing it myself, I'd rather pay someone else to be frustrated for me.
posted by chlorus
on Jan 25, 2010 -
10 answers
IT Filter: Anyone know of a resource or protocol for opening .QIC files (Old Windows backup file format) short of finding a machine with Windows 95/98 on it?
Had a laptop stolen and this is the only format in which I still have ALL of my writing from college/grad school.
Any help is appreciated (please no lectures on backing up files... have learned my lesson.)
posted by Prevailing Southwest
on Aug 10, 2009 -
4 answers
I'm just starting out as an independent network and systems contractor and I think I've agreed to a bad deal. What are my options?
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posted by anonymous
on May 5, 2009 -
21 answers
When my Server 2003 desktop auto locks, the keyboard becomes unresponsive while the mouse continues to work. Anyone had a similar experience? No indicators in any of the logs. Running Dell 2950 and Avocent AMX KVM.
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posted by masher
on Feb 20, 2009 -
2 answers
Question: where can I find a valid coupon/discount code for a Dell XPS 730x. I've heard there's some out there for 20-25% off, but I can't seem to find anything online that's working. Failing that, how much of a difference is it really if I just build a really sweet XPS 630?
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posted by Bageena
on Feb 10, 2009 -
4 answers
I need to refresh my memory and grow my understanding of some fundamental topics in the areas of computer and information technology. Where can I find some reputable and detailed primers online? Further details within.
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posted by karizma
on Dec 4, 2008 -
5 answers
What is the best and most intuitive PC/Mac inventory management/software distribution solution available for a small business with around 250 users and six IT guys?
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posted by joshrholloway
on Sep 22, 2008 -
5 answers
I'm sure this question will not make me the most popular student at the dance, but is there a way to identify (via IP) machines running BitTorrent clients within an internal network (ie. work)?
My company has around 50 employees, and the old, "Please don't torrent at work" doesn't seem to be doing much good anymore.
It brings our email and web browsing to a near standstill, and dropping by the "usual suspects" is not only tiresome, but doesn't seem to find all the sources of traffic any longer.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
posted by numlok
on Aug 11, 2008 -
27 answers
Tell me about Network Attached Storage ( NAS )? In particular what current manufactuers should I avoid for a typical 1 terabyte (or greater) RAID array? I'm also interested in general information and pitfalls for NAS devices and implementations.
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posted by loquacious
on Aug 10, 2008 -
13 answers
How do I transparently share files from a Windows Server 2008 box to several XP computers? I want it to stop asking for a username and password when people try to access files.
Also, can anyone point me in the right direction to solving this weird network issue I've been having?
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posted by Magnakai
on Aug 9, 2008 -
6 answers
Despite having no training whatsoever, I've gradually become 'the IT guy' at work. I want to get organized and begin building a documentation file but I have no idea where to start.
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posted by wabashbdw
on Aug 4, 2008 -
18 answers
PHP: How do I get the explode() function to work with multiple separators in a row?
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posted by kaozity
on Aug 1, 2008 -
8 answers
I'm an entry-level computer technician looking for advice on what skills are most vital for me in today's market, and how to best achieve them. Specifically, I would like to know what hands-on classes I should look into in the Nashville, TN area.
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posted by joshrholloway
on Jul 9, 2008 -
16 answers
What should I install on my sister's computer when we meet up for an hour or so; in two categories free and not-so-free
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posted by trashcan
on Jul 16, 2007 -
19 answers
What kind of salary can I expect as a computer lab technology coordinator at a fancy private school in the Boston area?
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posted by bonheur
on Jun 5, 2007 -
4 answers
It's almost 60 degrees outside, so why is my computer frozen? ( know any free online IT help forums?)
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posted by Smarson
on May 1, 2007 -
13 answers
My company is thinking about setting up a blog for IT analysts to contribute ideas and talk about our products. Does anyone know good places to find best practices for doing this? Anyone know of good example sites?
posted by xammerboy
on Oct 25, 2005 -
7 answers
Webcam frustration: I have a Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000, and it's driving me up the wall.
When it's not in use, the 'active' light is always on, but when I try to use it with any application, it goes off and the camera does nothing.
I've done all the logical stuff I can think of - checked the Logitech site, Googled for this error, uninstalled and reinstalled software and hardware, changed USB ports and toyed with finding a major religion to cling to, but so far nothing makes any difference... so please help me, MetaFilter friends, or Mr WebCam will become surprisingly intimate with Mr Hammer... thanks!
posted by timpollard
on Oct 15, 2005 -
2 answers
Computer fixing frustrations - what to do when you've replaced (pretty much) every part and the problem continues? (more inside)
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posted by Mossy
on Sep 15, 2004 -
9 answers
I have recently been asked to put together some training programs for work, technology related. Looking for some advice on how to proceed... [more inside]
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posted by benjh
on Jan 8, 2004 -
5 answers
I've always thought of myself as somewhat computer savvy, but apaprently I'm not, considering how clueless I am with the following question. Somewhat on the same vein as
this previous thread, short of raising any suspicions by directly asking our IT guys, how can i tell if my internet browsing on my work computer is being monitored? And if it is, are there any steps I can take to counter the software, so that I may continue to waste away unproductively, with confidence?
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posted by lotsofno
on Dec 19, 2003 -
12 answers
