Michael, It might just be time to UPGRADE! References: http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=141&t=67240 Keyboard http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/1287 Wireless Switch http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=174540 Fan Control You can fix or address each, or upgrade and install new system. I recommend new system. On Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 8:34 AM, Michael Havens wrote: > when the keybosrd problem stsrted about 6 months ago getting another > keyboard was the first thing I did and there was no problem with it when I > attached an external keyboard. You mentioned smoking being a problem? I've > never done that. You wondered about the distro? I run Linux Mint. > > :-)~MIKE~(-: > > On Thu, Sep 18, 2014 at 6:08 AM, Lisa Kachold > wrote: > >> Hi Mike, >> >> In order to work with the technician effectively, you are going to want >> to be closely involved with the work process. In this respect, you will ask >> him what he thinks the problem is, or what his first actions are, for >> instance if he recommends a full diagnostic. >> >> But first, I would do some diagnostics myself before taking your >> equipment to the technician. >> >> IT IS A GOOD POSSIBILITY THAT THIS IS DUE TO MORE THAN ONE CAUSE (but all >> related to your distro or drivers)! >> >> If you are SMOKING or exposing the laptop to soot of any kind, you will >> want to clean the laptop completely FIRST. >> >> Everyone has issues with the WIRELESS switch on older equipment, just >> futz with it, as I have never seen anyone have it STAY BROKEN? But this >> clearly would be the technician stage.... >> >> Various diagnostic programs exist for linux, which you might consider >> before spending money on the technician, to verify power supply, bus, and >> CPU. >> >> Intel Proc Diagnostic for Linux: >> https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19792 >> PowerTop: >> http://xmodulo.com/2013/06/how-to-monitor-power-usage-in-linux.html >> >> What distro are you running? Known issues with KDE and Chrome with >> keyboard I/O are common (which I expect is the cause of your issues after >> applying a patch): >> >> >> http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=53398&p=306336&hilit=keyboard+stops+working#p306336 >> >> Spares are your friend, so try an external keyboard and see if the issue >> follows that hardware (kernel driver) switch, then you can be sure that it >> is application/distro based rather than hardware based. >> >> As for fan control, there are various tools and again KNOWN ISSUES >> (ArchLinux) with fancontrol under linux: >> http://askubuntu.com/questions/63588/how-do-i-get-fan-control-working >> Karmic: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/451337 >> >> You can use a live distro to rule out your keyboard issues - divide and >> conquer. >> >> Using OSI Level debugging, you go to the layer where the issue exists and >> traverse up and down to adjacent layers, so clearly there is only the human >> level on the other side of the Physical Layer 1, which is where the >> problems present themselves, so the other direction would be the drivers in >> linux. >> >> You would rule out issues here with a systematic diagnostic, use of >> spares and intelligent research. >> >> >> >> >> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 8:54 PM, Michael Havens wrote: >> >>> What can I tell the service tech so I don't sound too stupid? >>> >>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>> >>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 8:03 PM, Michael Havens >>> wrote: >>> >>>> oh.... I forgot to say that none of the other computers in my house >>>> seem to have been affected though it may be that it needs to be >>>> power-cycled and/or it may be something that only affects wireless and >>>> something got on the phone lines (my home is on DSL). >>>> >>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>> >>>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 7:50 PM, Michael Havens >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Thank you so much for the detailed explanation, Jon. You know.... I >>>>> have a laptop and I don't have a MAC but I read your troubleshooting >>>>> non-the-less. I got to the last paragraph and realized something that I was >>>>> told happened a couple of days ago that might be relevant. My room mate was >>>>> home when this happened so this is second-hand knowledge. She was watching >>>>> tv when the power went out then, a second later, there was a big POP down >>>>> the street (a transformer maybe?). Everything still worked with the >>>>> computer though; however, maybe it just needed to be power-cycled. >>>>> >>>>> Any other comments will be greatly appreciated! >>>>> >>>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 6:56 PM, Jon Kettenhofen >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hello Michael, >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm curious, did you buy this quad new or did you buy it used or is >>>>>> it a work computer owned by a company? I get the feeling that you bought >>>>>> it used. >>>>>> >>>>>> There's almost always a reason for failures and it's usually a >>>>>> problem that can be isolated. If it's a part, it can be replaced. If it's >>>>>> something else, it can be fixed. >>>>>> >>>>>> When stuff like this starts to happen, it may be one of three things: >>>>>> a loose connection or a bad motherboard or a power supply. Apple builds >>>>>> solid hardware but sometimes it gets abuse or just used in a poor >>>>>> environment with too much heat and/or moisture or just takes a physical >>>>>> beating - they are rather heavy. Also quads, I believe, have water >>>>>> cooling. I have seen at least one report of leaks. That's usually easy to >>>>>> rule out if there's no leaks. >>>>>> >>>>>> So where to begin? Well, the pedant is back! >>>>>> >>>>>> You may want to take some anti-static electricity precautions. >>>>>> First, disconnect the Mac completely from all exterior cords, wires, etc. >>>>>> Lay it on its side where there is plenty of light, a clean worktop area and >>>>>> a Phillips screwdriver. As you have seen, it's easily taken apart, at >>>>>> least the easy pieces need only your hands. Pull the fans out, take the >>>>>> video and other cards out, unhinge and pull the memory sticks out and so on >>>>>> until you are puzzled how to get the cooling shrouds out. (Don't do that.) >>>>>> Inspect everything. Look for any corrosion. Remove as much dirt and dust >>>>>> as you can with an air duster can (take care here, the these cans may >>>>>> contain hydrocarbons that are flammable and they should not be inhaled!). >>>>>> If you use an air compressor, be gentle and use lower pressure less than >>>>>> 40psi. What you can't get out with air, start with a clean microfiber >>>>>> cloth and wipe without generating static (i.e. don't rub hard). Make sure >>>>>> all the connectors are clean and shiny before reassembling. >>>>>> >>>>>> We call this clean and re-seat the boards. >>>>>> >>>>>> Make sure you put the same memory sticks back into the same slots - >>>>>> it usually matters or makes a difference. If you don't remember, read up >>>>>> on it from a manual, usually online at Apple.com. >>>>>> >>>>>> Memory sticks are tricky because they often won't reseat properly >>>>>> without strong pressure. First, make sure the middle slot on the memory >>>>>> stick is lined up with the ridge in the bottom of the connector. The slots >>>>>> are offset from the middle on purpose, they are only supposed to go in one >>>>>> way. (Having burned out a memory stick by forcing it in backwards, I can >>>>>> speak from experience! Won't do that again!) The way to handle this is to >>>>>> use two hands, with thumbs or your choice of fingers at each end of the >>>>>> board. Making sure the stick is aligned correctly in the connector; push >>>>>> FIRMLY down until both ends of the connector snap into the stick. Main >>>>>> logic boards are epoxy and embedded fiber, are very strong and can take a >>>>>> little flexing without >>>>>> hurting them. Same with memory sticks. >>>>>> >>>>>> Make sure the memory is seated well - it may take close inspection >>>>>> with a flashlight. If the sticks are all the same size, then no stick >>>>>> should be higher than the lowest one. >>>>>> >>>>>> OK, reassemble the computer. >>>>>> >>>>>> Testing the power supply can be difficult. It's easier with a common >>>>>> desktop PC because the power connector is almost always on top of the board >>>>>> and easily accessible. It's not enough to test a power supply out of the >>>>>> computer because it won't be under load. >>>>>> >>>>>> Here's how an expert taught me to test the power supply on a desktop >>>>>> PC (but not a Dell!) Take a meter and set it to DC volts. There will be a >>>>>> pair of test leads with pointed ends to poke at things. >>>>>> >>>>>> You will push the points into the connector until it connects to the >>>>>> metal of the connector sleeve. Connect the common lead to a black wire's >>>>>> connector. Test all the colored wires with the positive (usually red) >>>>>> meter probe. Here are the correct voltages for a PC: >>>>>> >>>>>> Yellow +12 Volts >>>>>> Red +5 Volts >>>>>> Purple +5 Volts >>>>>> Orange +3.3Volts >>>>>> Green don't test; this turns on the PC when shorted to black >>>>>> White -5 Volts >>>>>> Blue -12 Volts >>>>>> Gray I think this one is for the power-is-on LED >>>>>> Brown Not sure about this one >>>>>> >>>>>> The important thing is that the voltages are nearly correct when the >>>>>> computer is powered on because that shows the power supply to be good when >>>>>> under a load. >>>>>> >>>>>> One other thing - sometimes a part can acquire a static charge which >>>>>> won't dissipate properly. The only remedy for this is to wait until it >>>>>> discharges (unless you are a motherboard repair person). >>>>>> >>>>>> Things that have hurt my equipment is usually near lightning strikes. >>>>>> Lost one treasured Mac to a lightning strike that hit the phone lines. Took >>>>>> out phones for three stories above me. Mac did not fail right away but >>>>>> eventually lost it (sniff :( ). Lightning strikes across the strike have >>>>>> taken out a couple ethernet ports over the years even though my equipment >>>>>> has always been on a UPS. Strong strike will generate an EMP which is >>>>>> sometimes picked up by a network wire of a resonant length. Usually, >>>>>> though, it's not serious but if the storm is bad, we'll turn off the >>>>>> electronics until it's past. >>>>>> >>>>>> I apologize for the length of this, but you get the idea of the >>>>>> lengths I go to fix things. >>>>>> >>>>>> Best of Luck and let me know how it turns out if you have the time, >>>>>> As always, take care. >>>>>> Jon >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 09/17/2014 06:27 PM, Michael Havens wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> first certain keys sometimes don't work unless I hold the key down >>>>>>> and >>>>>>> then after a time the character will appear (sometimes multiple >>>>>>> times). >>>>>>> So it was recomended I pop the keys off and clean under them. So I do >>>>>>> and it doesn't fix the problem. No problem. I'll stick it under my >>>>>>> table >>>>>>> and attach wireless periphiels too it. Then I need to go visit my >>>>>>> kids. >>>>>>> So I figure I'll suffer with the keyboard problem. The day I left for >>>>>>> Miami (at the airport) the hardware internet switch would not turn >>>>>>> on. >>>>>>> Then, after I arrive in Miami, I turn on the computer and a notice >>>>>>> appears at boot saying that 'the cooling fan is not operating >>>>>>> properly'. >>>>>>> What problem do you think is causing this? I called my dad and he >>>>>>> said >>>>>>> it sounds like the hard disk is going bad. He also said maybe the >>>>>>> keyboard controller (because of the internet switch). >>>>>>> :-)~MIKE~(-: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> --------------------------------------------------- >>>>>>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>>>>>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>>>>>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> --------------------------------------------------- >>>>>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>>>>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>>>>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> --------------------------------------------------- >>> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >>> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >>> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >>> >> >> >> --------------------------------------------------- >> PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org >> To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: >> http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >> > > > --------------------------------------------------- > PLUG-discuss mailing list - PLUG-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org > To subscribe, unsubscribe, or to change your mail settings: > http://lists.phxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-discuss >