Computers break all the time. The nature of electronic devices is to expire eventually. But if your computer isn’t working and you’re afraid it’s met its final resting place, don’t give up quite yet. There could be a chance that the issue is benign. In fact, the problem could be something as simple as an unplugged cord. Even the computer savvy can fall victim to unplugged cords. And just as computers can malfunction, computer cables can also break down. So before you panic, consider the each of the cables connecting to your computer. A helpful list of these cables and where they plug in follows.
- USB cables: If the problem you’re facing is a mouse that won’t move on the screen or a keyboard that won’t type, you may be having a USB cable issue. When they aren’t wireless, USB cables are used for devices such as the keyboard and mouse. The cable comes attached to both and plugs into rectangular USB jacks on your computer tower. Sometimes keyboards will have a USB jack for the mouse to plug into. Check to make sure the keyboard cable and mouse cable are tightly secured. If they are and there still is a problem, try substituting a different keyboard of mouse.
- Audio cables: If sound is not being emitted from the computer, the audio cable might be faulty or unplugged. Audio cables usually run from your sub-woofer or speakers to the back of the tower. Follow the cord from the speakers to the spot where it plugs, and make sure it’s not loose.
- Video cables: There are several video cables your computer might use, but all of them are used to connect the monitor to the tower. VGA cables are bulky, multi-pinned cables that are easy to recognize. They have to be screwed into the computer by two side pins.
- Power cables: There are so many things that could go wrong when it comes to the power source that the issue is very likely to be power cable related. Check that the power strip is on and that the outlet is working.