Top 5 - Computer problems and solutions

ONCE you buy a computer, you must accept that sooner or later it will eventually crash due to a virus or some other massive error. If someone told you that your computer will last more than a decade, don't believe it because it is just a myth. But of course, you should take care if you want it to last longer without any defects.

However, there are people out there who would prefer to buy a new computer than spending time trying to fix it. Usually after the first two years, you will need some kind of maintenance because your computer tends to lose its original speed and performance. Here are some common problems a computer user usually experience.

* Computer speed or performance has slowed.

Lack of maintenance, fragmented data, corrupted registry, spyware, and unnecessary loading of computer programmes and services will surely effect your PC speed and performance. Managing your programmes and cleaning your registry will boost your computer's performance up to 30%.
* Computer system freezes and blue screens of death.

Computer virus or spyware may be some of the reasons why this is happening to your computer. Update your anti-spyware immediately to avoid this kind of problem and thoroughly scan your computer to see if it has any viruses or spywares. If you find your computer is free from spyware, then updating your hardware drive is the next step.

Hardware drives makes it easier for your computer to effectively communicate with other hardware components. Without an updated driver, the CPU may lock up and cause problems. If that doesn't work try to increase your computer RAM to avoid computer freezes. By increasing the RAM you get more use out your computer's computing power.

* The computer keeps on rebooting again and again.

This problem is usually associated with hardware issue,and faulty power supply is usually the cause. Dirty or defective cooling fan is another reason why your computer is rebooting spontaneously.

If your computer is trying to cool itself and the fan is defective, it will automatically switch off.
Dust that accumulates in your computer can also trap heat and make it hotter. Clean the fan and make sure it is running properly. Do not forget to check your power supply.

* Noises and vibrations.

High pitched noises are caused by electronic components. Unplug your computer, remove the case and run the computer to find the origin of the noise. If a loose wire or faulty fan is not causing the noise, then it is time to call a computer technician to help with your problem.
* Your browser home page changed itself.

This is caused by a spyware installed on your system. The spyware installed a java script into your web browser that tells your browser to change settings hence changing the default home page of your browser. You can run an anti-virus or spyware programme to remove the spyware from your computer.

All these problems can be avoided simply by maintaining your computer. The key to fixing it is to diagnose and identify what's happening to your computer. Take a few minutes to run some diagnostic tests, or seek help in forums before visiting a computer repair center.

TIPS

How to keep your computer running fast and smooth

Here are a few common problems that can slow down your computer and the steps to overcome it:

* Step 1

Keep your desktop and hard disk tidy - Storing files and lots of shortcuts on your computer desktop will take up more memory. Create a temporary working folder for it, instead of littering the desktop.

* Step 2

De-fragment your hard disk regularly - There are hidden files and abstract data recorded to your hard disk. Over time, the way it is organised becomes less efficient, and the disk is said to be fragmented. Fortunately, Windows has a "disk defragmenter", which can correct the fragmentation on your hard disk fairly quickly.

* Step 3

Keep your computer free from viruses - If you are connected to the Internet, it is possible to be infected with malicious viruses which will slow down your computer, corrupt your files, and render it useless.

Equip your computer with anti-virus software, and make sure the "definitions" are up to date.

* Step 4

Make all of the above easy - Everything can be automated using Window's built-in "Scheduled Tasks" manager to schedule tasks into a simple batch file with simple instructions for your computer to follow.

* Step 5

Automatic disk cleanup - Set the options for "Disk Cleanup" utility to use when "Scheduled Tasks" executes it.

* Step 6

Schedule it! - The tasks you have defined will now run on a regular basis as you have specified, which will help your computer run relatively trouble free for years to come.