The Machines are Everywhere

For the first blog entry, I wanted to cover a very general concept.  


Fact #1: Most modern appliances contain electronics, even their own computer.

Now, you could take this to mean that the Terminator series is coming true.  Or, you could look at one very simple fact.


Fact #2: All computers contain some sort of memory, which can become corrupted.

Think about that.  The British comedy, The IT Crowd, started the episode with a call to IT support.  The support guys always answered the phone with, "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"  This is a basic step to troubleshooting, but why?

Without getting too technical, all of your data and programs need to be accessed via the CPU (the computer's "brain").  To do this, the CPU reads this information from main memory.  Read Fact #2 again.  The problem is, all the programs use the same area of memory.  While there are "rules" that prevent programs and data overwriting each other, they are more "gentlemen's rules" rather than hard control.  When data and programs overwrite each other, the information in memory becomes corrupted.  The reason this doesn't happen all the time (causing consistent computer crashes) is the memory in the modern computer is pretty sizable.  The exception, of course, is more complex programs use a LOT of this memory and don't like sharing their space with other programs.  (Just ask anyone who works with graphics or is an avid gamer!)

So can't we simply close the programs that don't behave?  Sure, that works sometimes.  Each program is supposed to "clean up" memory when it closes, but that doesn't always work perfectly - they still can leave a mess behind.  Think of how your typical teenager considers what "clean your room" means.

So why do we say to turn the computer on and off again?  The answer is simple.  The main area of memory in a computer is a bank of electronics - and electronics require power.  Cut the power, and memory clears out.

Now look again at Fact #1.  Not only do your computer peripherals (such as a printer) have memory, but so do many modern appliances - your dishwasher, TV, cable box, etc.  Have you ever had to "reboot" your cable box because the TV "locked up"?  It's the same thing.  Memory was corrupted - this will happen more often than on a PC since appliances have much less memory.

I was reminded of Fact #1 recently when our year-old washing machine kept "coding."  That is, it would stop right before the rinse cycle with an error message.  Simply restarting the cycle would fix it sometimes.  This leads me to definitions around "rebooting".

• Logoff:  Logging out a user on your computer is the simplest and quickest method.  It should close all open files and programs.  Log back in and the memory may be cleaned up.
• Warm boot:  This is simply telling your operating system (Windows, Mac OS, etc.) to restart.  This closes all programs, including the operating system itself.  It does NOT, however, cut the power.  (So memory isn't truly cleared out.)  For an appliance, this is usually accomplished by pressing a reset button.
• Cold boot:  This is shutting a machine all the way down, cutting the power.  This should clear anything and everything in memory.
• Icy boot:  Completely disconnecting power from the appliance, and waiting awhile before powering back up.

Okay, before all the tech junkies jump all over me, I made up a name for the last scenario (there is no "official name").  However, it is the only way to truly clear out memory and get things working correctly again.  The reason is a combination of Facts #1 and #2.  Memory is electronic.  It therefore just needs a signal to keep powered.  You probably think "no problem, I'll just unplug it from the wall!"  That would work, except....

Many electronic curcuit boards contain a piece of electronics known as a capacitor.  A capacitor is designed to keep a charge, and will do so even with power disconnected.  I was reminded of this when I left the washing machine unplugged for 5 minutes.  It worked for a bit, but then starting erroring again.  However, when I left it unplugged overnight, the problem seemed to be resolved.

Many techs will tell you of another issue, stated in the following point:

Fact #3:  The power cord isn't the only wire that can send power.

What does that mean?  Let's go back to the TV example again.  Sometimes it doesn't just work to power the cable box off and on, or even to leave it off for awhile.  If you call tech support, they will tell you to disconnect the coaxial (cable TV cable) as well.  The reason?  That cable also sends an electronic signal, which means that the device is not "truly" powered off.  Ergo, the memory isn't really cleared out!

So this all sounds crazy!  What is the best way to clear the memory on different appliances?  I'll list a few examples below.

• Computer:  Try logging off then on again first.  If that doesn't work, go right to the cold boot.  Make sure you turn off the battery backup as well (if you have one).
• Computer peripheral:  Perform an "icy boot."  Leave power disconnected for about 5 minutes.
• Modem:  Go right to the "icy boot," and also disconnecting the cable that connects you to the Internet (Coaxial, DSL, Fiber).  For some modern modems, you may have to disconnect a battery as well.
• Home network:  Unplug power from all interconnecting devices (routers, switches, hubs), and shut down all computers and peripherals.  Perform the step for the modem, and wait until all the lights are on.  Then boot up each interconnecting device one at a time (in order they are connected).  Finally, boot up all computers and peripherals.
• Video game system:  Eject and check the game media (disc) first to make sure there is no dust or scratches.  Then, check and make sure the game system isn't too hot.  (If it is, you are either blocking ventilation or have been playing way too long!)  Finally, cold boot.
• TV:  Cold boot works in most cases.  If you have a modern TV that includes streaming media (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), and it crashes while doing so, follow the instructions for home network.
• Cell Phone: Cold boot works in most cases.  If still having problems, go with an "icy boot" by removing the battery for a few minutes after powering down.
• Automobile:  Do not follow any of the above methods.  Disconnecting the battery will only cause your car stereo to require an unlock code and all other crazy things.  Bring to a professional to diagnose.

So remember these basic concepts and you'll have less stress with modern appliances.  Remember you can always get the kids to program the DVR.

Hope you found these tips helpful!  Tune in next time for a new set of troubleshooting tips for the rest of us.