Simple Computer Problems
Practice useful phrases for everyday computer problems, from charging your laptop to asking for help.
Preview
Questions with solutions-
1. Escolhe a resposta correta.
You press the power button, but nothing happens. How do you describe the problem?
- My computer won't turn on.
- My computer won't turn off.
- My computer keeps restarting.
Show solution
- My computer won't turn on.
We use “won't” when a machine does not do what we want it to do.
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2. Preenche o espaço em branco.
You want to increase the size of the words on your screen.
The text is too small. Can you make it ___?
- smaller
- bigger
- brighter
Think about size, not light.
Show solution
The text is too small. Can you make it bigger?
“Too small” means the size is a problem. Bigger text can be easier to read.
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3. Preenche o espaço em branco.
Your laptop battery is low. You need to connect the charger.
Where can I ___ my laptop in?
- log
- sign
- plug
You need electricity, not access to an account.
Show solution
Where can I plug my laptop in?
“Plug in” means to connect something to electricity. You can also say, “Plug it in.”
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4. Escolhe a resposta correta.
You can see the video playing, but you cannot hear anything. What problem are you reporting?
- The screen is black.
- There's no sound.
- The video won't open.
Show solution
- There's no sound.
For a sound problem, checking the volume is a useful first step.
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5. Preenche o espaço em branco.
The Wi-Fi is working, but your laptop cannot join the network.
My laptop can't ___ to Wi-Fi.
- connect
- download
- upload
The laptop needs a link to the network.
Show solution
My laptop can't connect to Wi-Fi.
Use “connect to” with “Wi-Fi,” “the Internet,” or a network.
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6. Escolhe a resposta correta.
An app is open on your screen, but nothing happens when you click its buttons. How do you describe it?
- The app isn't installed.
- The app is closed.
- The app isn't responding.
The app is there, but it does not react.
Show solution
- The app isn't responding.
An app that isn't responding may also be described as “frozen.”
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7. Preenche o espaço em branco.
There's nothing wrong with your account, but you cannot remember your password.
I ___ my password. Can you help me log in?
- know
- forgot
- remember
You knew the password before, but you cannot remember it now.
Show solution
I forgot my password. Can you help me log in?
“Forgot” is the past form of “forget.” Many login pages have a “Forgot password?” link.
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8. Escreve a resposta.
The file is on your computer. You need a paper copy. The missing verb starts with “pr”.
Could you ___ this document for me?
Think about the machine that puts words and pictures on paper.
Show solution
Check that the printer has paper before you print.
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9. Preenche o espaço em branco.
You have changed a file and want to keep all your changes.
I need to ___ the file before I close it.
- delete
- undo
- save
You want your new work to be there when you open the file again.
Show solution
I need to save the file before I close it.
Saving keeps your changes. Closing a file does not always save them.
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10. Escolhe a resposta correta.
You deleted a file by mistake. You want to use it again. What do you ask?
- How can I get the file back?
- How can I delete the file?
- How can I change the file's name?
You want the file to return.
Show solution
- How can I get the file back?
“Get something back” means to have it again after losing it.
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11. Escolhe a resposta correta.
A friend says the form is on a website. You want to get the original file directly from that website onto your computer. What do you ask?
- How do I upload the form?
- How do I attach the form to an email?
- How do I download the form?
Think about which way the file is moving.
Show solution
- How do I download the form?
Downloading brings a file to your computer. Uploading sends a file from your computer to a website.
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12. Preenche os espaços em branco.
Your teacher needs a photo by email. The photo must be part of the message before you send it.
First, I ___ the photo to the email. Then, I ___ the email to my teacher.
- send
- attach
Add the photo first. The message leaves your computer after that.
Show solution
First, I attach the photo to the email. Then, I send the email to my teacher.
“Attach” adds a file to an email. “First” and “then” show the order of the steps.
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13. Preenche o espaço em branco.
You can hear the person helping you clearly, but they are speaking too fast for you to follow the steps.
Could you say that again more ___, please?
- loudly
- slowly
- quietly
The problem is speed, not volume.
Show solution
Could you say that again more slowly, please?
“Could you ..., please?” is a polite way to ask someone for help.
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14. Escolhe a resposta correta.
Your computer says, “Not enough space.” You cannot save a new video because the computer's storage is full. Which question asks about this problem?
- How can I make my screen bigger?
- How can I make my Internet faster?
- How can I make more space on my computer?
The computer needs room for another file.
Show solution
- How can I make more space on my computer?
Here, “space” means room for files, not the size of the screen.
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15. Escolhe a resposta correta.
Your computer worked before you installed a new app. It stopped working right after that. Someone helping you asks about the problem.
“When did the problem start?”
- It started after I installed a new app.
- It started before I installed a new app.
- It went away after I installed a new app.
The computer worked first. You installed the app next. The problem came after that.
Show solution
- It started after I installed a new app.
The app may not be the reason for the problem. “After” only tells us when it started.