Article: When it comes down to it, the way you will be able to show off your genius computer skills is by solving problems. Troubleshooting is one of the most important skills to have in the IT industry.When you're experiencing a computer issue, start by figuring out what exactly is going on. Defining the problem as "The mouse doesn't work" is too broadnarrow it down to the precise behavior or error message, such as "When I connect the mouse to the USB port, I see a message that says 'This IRQ is assigned to the keyboard." One of the most important skills a genius-in-the-making must learn is how to find information. There's an art to getting accurate information about computer problems with Google. Use quotes (") around exact words and phrases ("this IRQ is assigned to the keyboard" instead of irq assigned to keyboard) to make sure your results match what you are looking for. Using Google to search a single site. If you're looking for information about wireless networking and prefer your results be from Microsoft.com, type mouse problems site:microsoft.com instead of mouse problems microsoft. Filter results by date (often relevant, as computers are always changing) by clicking "Search Tools" at the top of the search results, then change "Any time" to a different time range. While the manufacturer's product pages may be among the first search results, some of the best troubleshooting information will come from user forums. It will not take you long to figure out which sites return good search results and which should be avoided. If your search for information brings you to a page that seemingly has little to do with what you searched, that source will not be useful to you. Don't be afraid to ask questionsbut before you do, try using the forum's "search" feature to reduce the possibility of duplicating an already-resolved thread. Many online forums will not allow you to search their content until you register for an account. Now that you've been practicing your troubleshooting skills, find opportunities to get hands-on experience. Ask people you know if they are having trouble with their computers, and then offer to fix them. Use your new skills to find other people online who've experienced similar issues and try implementing suggested fixes. Computer geniuses learn how to troubleshoot by breaking things. Rather than messing with the computer you use every day, get yourself a test computer (or even bettera test lab with several types of computers) so you can really get your hands dirty.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Define the problem. Sharpen your Google skills. Read the search results thoroughly, and not just the first page. Join forums to gain insight into problems experienced by users like you. Fix your friends' and family's computers. Set up a test computer.
Article: Keep track of how long you can ordinarily work before getting tired. Once you have this benchmark, try working more than this on one day, followed by a day in which your work load is lighter. Periodically pushing yourself like this can help your build up to being able to work effectively for longer periods. Another technique to building up to longer periods of work is to push yourself a little further at times. When you feel like you don't want to work any longer, or are looking for ways to procrastinate, don't stop immediately. Instead, commit to working a little longer (20 minutes, for example), and then stopping. Getting enough rest is important to maintaining a good work ethic. If you are truly tired (and not looking to procrastinate), it is a sign that you should take a break. Whatever your work schedule is like, make sure you factor in enough time for sleep and relaxation into your day. There is some variation from person to person, but generally adults need 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep per day. Work can be very important, but it is also important not to neglect other parts of your life. Everyone needs mental breaks, to have time to do things they enjoy, and to take care of non-work priorities. Maintaining a life beyond work is actually part of developing a good work ethic, so make sure you allow yourself this. When you are off of work for the day, disconnect completely. Try not to think about pending projects, check your work email, or talk too much about work with family and friends.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Build up to longer periods of work. Give yourself time to rest. Maintain a good work-life balance.
Article: Talking to someone new can be scary. A simple "hello" or "good morning" will go a long way. Everyone wants to be liked, and initiating a conversation will show people that you're open and interested in talking to them. Ask other people what their name is after you say hello to make your conversation more personal. If you tend to forget names quickly, try to use their name naturally in conversation while you talk to them. Saying their name out loud will help you remember it later on. Make eye contact when you introduce yourself. It will make you seem confident and open to conversation. Use positive language to reinforce your conversations with positive energy by trying to find something nice to say. Being sarcastic and poking fun at something is easy, but people will grow tired of it quickly. If you're talking to someone and they start complaining about something, be supportive by actively listening and sympathizing with them. When others notice that you're generally nice, they'll be more likely to want to talk to you. It may be tempting to try and impress others by being mean, but that will backfire more often than not. Nobody likes a bully! Be as kind as possible when talking about others that aren't around. Word will eventually get around that you are untrustworthy if you gossip about people behind their back. Smile. People like it when others smile at them, and there is a good chance they will smile right back. Asking people about themselves is an excellent way to get them interested in hanging out with you. When you ask people questions, you're inviting them to open up towards you. Try bringing up something simple, like what subjects they're studying in school or what kind of sports they enjoy playing. Asking people about what they do for fun is a good place to start. It may turn out that you have something in common. Even if you don't, you may end up learning something about them! Avoid asking questions that may touch on a sore subject. If someone seems sad, asking them why they're being such a bummer might be a bad idea.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Start by saying hello and introducing yourself. Be friendly and supportive when talking to people. Ask personal questions to initiate a conversation.