If you’ve ever worked with a computer extensively, you’ve
probably experienced every single one of these problems at least once.
Computers by nature become outdated and will have to be worked on to
fix the common problems that occur during their life cycle. This
article will address the three most common computer problems and how
you should go about fixing them. If you’ve had any experience at all
with a computer, you’ve probably at least seen one of these issues.
1. Computer Speed and Performance Slowed.
This is probably the most
common complaint that users have with their computers today. There
are many reasons why computers slow down overtime, but the most common
reason is lack of proper housekeeping. If your computer has slowed
down, try to remove any programs you don’t use anymore. It’s also a
good idea to clear the recycle bin and clear out any temporary
internet files that you may have retained. It’s also extremely
important to make sure that you don’t have spyware or adware on your
computer, so run virus/spyware checks often. If none of the other
fixes seem to increase your computers speed, try to defrag your
computer.
2. Computer Keeps Rebooting.
This problem is usually associated with
overheating or faulty hardware. If your computer is overheating, the
computer will recognize that there is a problem and shut it will shut
itself off when it reaches an unsafe temperature. You must first
identify what’s causing the computer to overheat. Make sure that your
computer has plenty of ventilation room and try cleaning the insides
out before restarting. If the above didn’t work, make sure you’re not
overclocking any parts, and if you’re not try to install new methods
of cooling within your computer. If all else fails consult an expert
about possibly diagnosing the specific part and replacing the problem
altogether.
3. Blue Screen of Death.
There are almost an infinite number of
reasons that you could be seeing the blue screen of death, so it’s
very hard to recommend a course of action. The most standard actions
you should take however, is making sure you don’t have a virus by
running a virus scanner and removing anything suspicious you may find.
If this does not solve your problem, it’s time to call professional
support, as it could be something very minor that only an expert could
handle.
Most of the problems mentioned in this article can be prevented
by maintaining good house keeping with your computer. Remember to
keep your virus and spyware applications up to date and contact tech
support if you feel any problem is out of your grasp.
Photo Credits: russelljsmith
This post involves:
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Posted by Fix Handyman on September 16, 2009 in
Computer, Tech Repair
Running slow - get an influx of speed!
Old computer just doesn’t go as fast as it used to? Computers grow
old and often get bogged down as they grow older, but don’t fear
because there are many ways you can help make your computer feel
younger. This article will give you a few pointers that will make
your computer run as fast as it used to.
Clean Hard Drive Space.
When your hard disk space is taken up your
computer often slows down in the wake many applications being used
together. So how do you go about clearing some hard drive space?
It’s important to uninstall any program that you don’t use, clear out
any temporary internet files and empty your recycle bin. If you’re
using Windows Vista, you can also clear disk space from the “My
Computer Screen”. Once on the “My Computer” screen, right-click the C
Drive, go to properties, and then Disk Cleanup.
Don’t Run So Many Programs.
A silent problem with many computers is
the number of programs that hide in the background or that start
themselves on a fresh boot of your computer. Notable programs that
start themselves on the start of your computer are instant messengers
and anti-virus/spyware programs. The taskbar in the bottom right hand
corner of your screen often is where many of these programs minimize
too, search there for any you don’t wish to have running.
Run An Anti-Virus Program.
Don’t close that anti-virus software
just yet! Spyware often slows computers down and can cause no other
seeable results other than a slowdown in your performance. Many
spyware applications are hidden applications that only the trained eye
can find, so what can you do? Fortunately, many anti-virus programs
also come with a scanner that is great for located and destroying
pesky spyware programs. Be careful if you’re downloading a new
anti-virus program, however, as many of them are spyware applications
in disguise.
Defrag Your Hard Drive.
Defragmenting your hard drive can increase
the speed of your PC greatly, but be warned that defragging is time
consuming. Depending on the size of your hard drive and what you want
to defrag the process could take anywhere from 30 minutes to several
hours. The disk defragmenter program is very easy to find and is very
user friendly. If you want to access this program while running
Windows Vista, click the start button in the bottom left, and type
Disk Defragmenter into the search box and press enter. Select the C
drive as the drive you want to defrag and select enter.
These tips aren’t the only ways to speed up your computer, but they
are the most available and often times the most effective ways. If
you want to make sure that your computer is really speeding up, there
are many internet sites that will let you test your speed, simply test
before and after you try the above fixes.
Photo Credits: Gavin Loynes
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on September 7, 2009 in
Computer, Tech Repair
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