Top Ten
Computer Problems
 We've
heard it all -- and then some.
Computers are marvelously complex pieces of
machinery. When you consider how many different
hardware devices, drivers, dll's, and subroutines
have to all play nicely with other just to make the
system boot up -- not to mention the many thousands
of lines of software code that have to be executed
if you actually want the machine to do something
useful -- it's amazing that computers aren't even
more cantankerous than they are. The list of things
that can go wrong seems almost endless.
And yet,
the majority of the problems we see on a regular
basis fall into the following ten broad categories:
My computer is running sloooooowly.
This is usually the result of a combination of
factors. Too many programs auto-starting, adware and
spyware
running in the background, inadequate RAM,
filesystem and/or pagefile fragmentation, registry
conflicts, and a buildup of garbage files on the
hard drive can all contribute to general slowness.
Usually, a tune-up
(and maybe a RAM upgrade) is all that's needed to
perk up a sleepy machine.
Can't get on the Internet.
Many of the same factors listed in number 1 (above)
can also affect Internet and network connectivity.
Other possibilities include a bad modem or network
card, bad cables, corrupted drivers, or viruses.
Computer dials itself onto the
Internet all by itself. Adware or spyware
is usually the culprit. Other possibilities include
programs that are set to update themselves
automatically are opening up an Internet connection
to do so; malicious programs (viruses, worms, or
trojans) are attempting to do their dastardly deeds;
or "dialers" installed by unsavory Web sites are
trying to connect.
My browser's home page or default
search engine has changed itself.
No, it's been hijacked. This is another type of
marketing spyware
that is becoming more prevalent in recent months.
My computer locks up,
freezes, or goes to the Blue Screen of Death.
Spyware, inadequate or defective RAM, registry
conflicts, missing or corrupted dll's, filesystem or
pagefile fragmentation, bad device drivers,
viruses... the list goes on. But amazingly, about 80
per cent of the time, a tune-up is all that's needed
to rectify the problems.
My computer keeps turning
itself on all by itself.
Usually this means that the BIOS is set to "wake on
LAN" or "wake on modem."
My computer's clock keeps losing
time.
The CMOS
battery is dying. It's replaceable.
My computer spontaneously
reboots itself.
This is almost always a hardware problem. Usually
its the power supply, RAM, processor. or a dirty or
defective cooling fan. Some viruses, worms, and
trojans can also cause this to happen.
My computer is making noises.
Most likely, some moving part is failing. It could
be the hard drive or one of the various fans.
Sometimes, however, squealing or whining sounds can
have purely electronic origins. Whatever the case,
it's important to shut down the machine and have it
checked immediately.
My computer won't boot.
Could be any number of things, starting with the
power cord not being plugged in. Check that first.
You wouldn't believe how many times we've responded
to calls where the computer simply wasn't plugged
in. If that doesn't work, then call us:
0124 - 4071535
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