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One moment, it's a computer. The next, it's a paperweight.

You don't have to be a Fort Lauderdale computer repair expert to know this feeling well. In fact, many people at home definitely do.

A shocking instant — when you hit power and nothing happens — sparks a panic that turns even the most rational among us insane.

Where a Fort Lauderdale computer repair professional can come in handy is to help solve your problems - before they even start.

The key to remedying situations often is to be prepared for them at the onset, so you aren't thrown off guard and into a tizzy.

First, crazy as it sounds, do nothing.

Almost anything you do in those frenzied first moments is likely to be useless (at best) or detrimental (at worst). Just stay calm.

Take note of any symptoms that occurred in the days before the computer crashed, as well as what you were doing at the time.

That alone might provide you with clues that can help you or your local Ft. Lauderdale computer repair service get to the bottom of this.

Look for the most obvious causes of computer failure.

Start with, say, the power cord connections. Then the surge protector or UPS. If they are all turned on and plugged in you are good to go.

Next, the front panel of your computer.

Are any lights on? Is anyone home? If not, the power supply is likely to have gone bad. It's an easy replacement — most large computer retailers and stores and small Boca Raton computer repair firms offer them.

Be cautious when it comes to getting the repairs done, however. As always, exercise care when doing it yourself - or paying another.

What if the front panel lights are on but the machine won't do anything? Turn it off and see what it can say for itself.

Hit the power switch and restart.

What may happen is you will see a message when the computer restarts. If the hard disk has failed, for instance, you'll see a message.

But that's not the only way a computer can tell you its woes. Most use a variety of different beeping sounds to alert you to problems.

According to sources, the meanings of these codes differ greatly according to the kind of motherboard installed in the computer.

Your manual should tell you the type of motherboard installed, or you can use another computer to check the manufacturer's Website.

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