Surprisingly Simple Solutions To Common Computer Complications
Posted on: 14 July 2015
Slowing performance, overheating, and periodic crashes can be symptoms of some serious computer problems. More often, it's a far less complex issue, requiring much less expertise to resolve. For serious systemic problems, consult with a diagnostic program or a professional computer repair technician, but don't rule out these simple fixes.
Performance Lag
Reduction in processing time can be the result of several different issues, but eliminating the simple fixes can save you a considerable amount of time and money. One of the most common problems is an overcrowded start-up sequence, causing many programs to open all at once while your PC is booting up. If you've already cleared your start-up file down to bare essentials, you can try running a defragmentation protocol, which will reduce the amount of time your computer takes to access data on its hard drive.
While most sources of speed loss are system wide, some are limited to your internet browser. To speed up your internet navigation you can start by disabling certain scripts, such as flash or java, which are used to animate ads, or load videos. Some browsers allow you to do this for specific domains, rather than applying the change to every website you access. Consult with your browser's help files to find out which options are available to you.
Crashes Caused by Overheating
A common reason for some systems to crash stems from internal heat exceeding what the system can handle. Most systems have a default fail-safe which automatically shuts down the computer to preserve the processor rather than allowing it to continue heating up. You can alleviate some of the problem by periodically clearing the dust out of the inside of your computer tower, especially in and around any fans.
Unfortunately, certain components simply run hot, and without additional cooling there's no permanent fix. However, as a stop-gap measure you can use a temporary solution to reduce the risk until you can afford to replace or improve your cooling system. Start by soaking a wash cloth and wringing it out, then put it in a plastic zipper bag and empty as much air as possible. Once the bag is sealed put it in the freezer, once frozen, wrap the bag in a thin hand towel and brace it against the hottest part of your computer. This will give you a little time, and keep you from burning out your processor, until you can invest in a better cooling system, but it shouldn't be used as a long term solution.
While some common computer problems can be fixed with simple tricks, the more complex issues that can develop will require more experience to resolve. Cleaning and defragmenting won't hurt anything, but don't trust those steps to fix every problem. Instead, seek out professionals who can diagnose and fix what's wrong, either with a more complex solution or replacement components.
Share