(Newswire.net — July 9, 2020) — Learn about some of the most common computer problems and their solutions, so there are fewer disrupts during your busy workday.
Did you know that an unmanaged PC can cost upwards of $5,000 a year to maintain? These costs include all the times you have to call IT up to help get your machine running again.
The more often you need to send the computer out for a computer repair or call the tech team, the more money the computer costs you.
Not all of us are tech wizards, so it’s tempting to get a professional’s help at the first sign of trouble. The next time you encounter one of these common computer problems, wait before you pick up the phone. There’s a good chance you can fix the issue with ease.
1. The Computer Won’t Boot
One of the more common computer issues is that the computer won’t power on or start up. The good news is this is usually an easy fix.
The first thing to do is make sure your computer is plugged in. If you’re working on a laptop, you may want to attach the power cord. The battery may be drained, so you’ll need to charge it.
Next, make sure the screen is functional. Sometimes, the computer does actually turn on, but the screen isn’t working. If the monitor is separate, make sure it has a power supply and that it’s plugged into the tower.
2. The System Freezes
System freezes are fairly common, and they can put a real dent in your productivity. Before you call tech support, try rebooting the computer. Be warned that you may lose work if this happens, although some programs may have recovery files.
Common causes of freezes include:
- Insufficient RAM
- Registry conflicts
- Corrupt or missing files
- Spyware
Insufficient RAM is usually the most common problem if freezes are rare. It often means you’re trying to do too much and the computer is overloaded. Try lightening the load by closing some programs and working on one thing at a time.
If freezes happen quite often, even when you’re working on just one or two things, it may be time to install more RAM. You may also want to try reinstalling the operating system, which could solve registry conflicts and corrupted files.
Spyware could be overloading the computer’s RAM, as it runs in the background. Sweep the computer using an anti-virus or anti-spyware program approved by your IT team.
3. The Computer Is Slow
Perhaps the most common of all computer problems is the complaint that the computer is “slow.” Much like freezes, a slow computer has quite a few different causes.
Your computer may run slowly for the same reasons it freezes. This includes insufficient RAM, spyware, and other issues.
If you’ve noticed your computer running slower than you’d like, try closing some programs. You may also look into upgrading the RAM if the computer seems unable to handle more than one or two tasks.
Also take a look at what’s running in the background. Malware, spyware, and other programs eat up the computer’s working memory. Removing them may speed your computer up again.
4. Noisy Hard Drives Cause Concern
Does your computer sound like it’s about to take off? Before you call a computer repair service for a noisy hard drive, try one of these fixes.
Most often, the noise is the fan. Fans are very easy to replace, so pay attention to when the computer is making noise. Most fans cycle on and off, so if the noise gets louder and then seems to quiet down again, it’s probably the fan.
Cleaning your PC may also help reduce noise.
A hard drive may also start making noise before it’s about to fail. If you’ve ruled out the fan, make a back-up of the hard drive. Then take it to a specialist or try out an app to measure hard drive health.
5. Common Computer Problems with Internet
Connecting to the Internet is one of the most important tasks computers perform. It’s extra concerning when computer problems crop up here. Your Internet may be slow or your computer may keep dropping WiFi.
In either case, take a moment and reset your router. Often, the issue isn’t with your computer at all. If you don’t have access to the router or the modem, you may have to ask the tech team to handle this for you.
If your WiFi is still dropping, the issue might be with your network card. Windows has a power-saver mode for this card, which can sometimes cause issues. You can change the setting under Advanced -> Power Options -> Wireless Adapter Settings.
If the Internet is slow, you can try clearing cookies and temporary Internet files. Background programs may also be slowing you down, so check to see what’s running.
6. The Computer Overheats
Fans are often the culprit of a noisy computer, but they can also cause another issue. Your computer may overheat. Luckily, it’s easy to fix computer issues related to overheating most of the time.
The first thing to do may be to move your computer. Try to keep it in a cooler location with airflow. If your computer is sitting in a hot room with the sun beaming in on it, it may be more likely to overheat.
Next, make sure your fan is working. If it’s noisy or seems to run constantly, clean it by using some compressed air.
If that’s not the problem, there are apps you can use to check in on the fan operation. Some even let you change the settings. If the computer is overheating or the fan isn’t operating well, it could be time to replace the fan.
7. The Infamous Blue Screen of Death
Last on this list of computer problem-solving tips is the blue screen of death. This is also known as a system crash or STOP error. It often pops up suddenly, crashing the whole computer.
Common problems include corrupted drivers and viruses. Updating your drivers could resolve the issue. Removing viruses should also help.
If the BSOD keeps popping up, you can try resetting your BIOS settings to their defaults.
If you’re still getting the BSOD after that, it’s time to call in the specialists.
Keep Your Systems Running
Many common computer problems are easy to fix, even if you’re not an IT professional yourself. Knowing how to solve these issues on your own can help you save both time and money.
Looking for more technology tips to help you keep your cool around the office? Check out the archives for all the latest trends and great advice.