Top & Common Computer Tips & Tricks

Computer Tips & Tricks

Computer Problem

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a slow, sluggish computer. When a computer is brand new, it works wonderfully well. Over time, though, its performance can slowly begin to worsen. This happens for a number of reasons, but the biggest culprits are things like spyware, adware and other computer threats that are unwittingly downloaded along with other content while online. You don’t have to download thousands of MP3s, movies or other items to experience these problems, either – nobody is immune to them. Instead of accepting the situation, there are plenty of techniques and strategies that you can use to make it better – a few of the best ones are outlined below.

 

1: Clean Your Computer’s Windows Registry

The biggest cause of slow, sluggish PC performance is errors and problems within its Windows registry. Adware, spyware and other threats usually target the registry, damaging or misplacing important files within it. When it comes to PC cleaning, a daily Windows registry cleaning should be at the top of your list of priorities. However, this should never be done manually – there are too many opportunities for major errors that could seriously damage your PC’s operating system. Instead, invest in a high-quality Windows registry cleanup program and configure it to run once per day – you won’t believe the difference that it makes.

2: Remove Unneeded Files

Every time you log on to the Internet or otherwise use your computer, temporary files are generated. They are usually only needed once; however, they don’t disappear on their own. Instead, they accumulate over time until they are cluttering up your computer’s file system and affecting its performance. While it’s possible to remove these files one-by-one, it’s much easier and quicker to use a PC cleaning tool that’s designed for the purpose. Try to do so about one time per week to keep your computer humming along with ease.

 

3: Remove Unneeded Programs

Like many people, you probably download and try out many different programs each month. How many of them do you actually end up using on a regular basis? Chances are, not very many of them. By getting into the habit of uninstalling unused and unneeded programs, you can keep your computer’s file system a lot less cluttered. In turn, your PC’s performance will improve dramatically. You can optimize your computer in this way by using its Add/Remove Programs feature. Its location varies by operating system, but you should be able to find it somewhere in the Control Panel.

4: Empty the Recycle Bin

When you click “delete” on a file or a program, it doesn’t go away for good – not immediately, anyway. Instead, it sits in a kind of purgatory in your computer’s Recycle Bin. As things pile up in the Recycle Bin, your computer can start exhibiting some very annoying problems. If sluggish startups and frequent crashes are occurring with increasing frequency – and your computer’s recycle bin is very full – go ahead and empty it. From then on, get into the habit of doing so about one time per week. This small but important strategy can make a huge difference.

5: Perform a Disk Defragmentation

Windows isn’t very efficient when it comes to storing files. It actually splits them up, depositing them into whatever spaces are available. The more spaced apart the pieces of a file are, the harder your computer has to work to make them run. The Windows disk defragmentation system tune-up utility works to piece all of those files back together again. The process is a long one, though, and only needs to be done about four times per year. Set it up to run automatically once every three months. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your computer running in tiptop shape.

When it comes to keeping your computer running optimally, small but regular maintenance is the best way to go. Protecting your PC only does so much; even the most careful Internet users in the world unintentionally download malicious software from time to time. By using basic system tune-up tools, cleaning your computer’s Windows registry regularly, performing regular file-cleaning maintenance and otherwise optimizing your PC, you should be able to keep it in like-new condition for a lot longer. Even if your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen is sure to produce results. In the end, you’ll be able to enjoy a computer that flies along – instead of one that spins its wheels.

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5 common computer problems you can fix yourself now

Computers always act up at the worst times. You're in the middle of a major report or playing your best game ever and ---

Often, users get so frustrated that they needlessly go out and buy a new computer or pay for a computer repair. With a cool head and a little know-how, however, it's easy to fix the most common computer problems. In fact, the solutions I recommend below are free.

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1. Speed up a sluggish PC

Computers slow down over time -- that's normal.

If your PC is fairly new and it's slow, remove the pre-installed programs, or bloatware, that came with it. PC Decrapifier will remove trial programs and other junk in a snap.

To give an older PC a speed boost, break out the CCleaner. This tool looks through Windows, Web browsers and other third-party programs for unwanted clutter and gets rid of it. CCleaner can also scan and fix errors in Windows' registry. Just make sure you allow it to backup the registry before making changes.

Grab Duplicate Cleaner to remove duplicate files that might be clogging up the system. But, limit your file hunt to the Documents area of your computer. You don't want to accidentally delete important system files.

In your cleaning process, you might find programs you no longer need. Windows' built-in uninstaller has a tendency to leave fragments scattered around your hard drive. You can remove those fragments efficiently with Revo Uninstaller.

2. The Blue Screen of Death

Thankfully, Windows' dreaded "Blue Screen of Death" is getting to be a rare event, but it still occurs. When it does, it isn't very helpful in helping you hunt down the problem.

The problem can often be traced to bad memory modules. Memory is cheap and buying extra RAM capacity is usually worth it for the performance boost. You can find out what kind of memory your computer takes with this scanner.

It's not difficult to remove and install memory modules. You'll find video tutorials at all the major online memory stores.

Just remember to ground yourself when you open your computer. You don't want to fry sensitive electronics with static electricity.

3. The zombie spyware plague

A message pops up on your screen repeatedly, telling you to buy a security program. It happens so often that you can't get any work done.

Your gut tells you that this is a rip-off, and your gut is correct. The message is adware that found its way on to your system, probably through an online ad for a "free" security scan you clicked on.

If you do download - and often pay for - the security program, you'll end up with fraudware. No matter how many times you run the program it will always find the same problems and keep trying to get more money out of you.

Before you buy any security software, make sure it's real. Use this site to stay current on fake antivirus programs.

Once you have fraudware, running a real antivirus program probably won't help. To stop the pop-ups, you must run an anti-spyware program. There are a number of good ones -- I'd start with Ad-Aware. You can find that and more legitimate free security software in my Security Center.

4. SD card stuck in CD/DVD slot

This is one for the Mac people. If you're distracted or pre-occupied, it's annoyingly easy to shove an SD camera card into an iMac's superdrive. The two slots are right next to each other on the right side of the computer.

You don't have to take the machine apart or ship it to a service center. The fix is easy. Cut an L-shape out of cardboard to use as a fishing hook. Slide it in and pull out the SD card. Watch this video to see how it's done.

5. Network issues

If your wireless network is dead, your router, cable or DSL modem probably crashed. It happens. Reboot the gadgets by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. That usually solves the problem.

If your signal is weak or the connection is slow or drops out, there are a few tricks you can try to improve your home Wi-Fi, such as the beer-can antenna booster. I made a fun video to show you exactly how to make your own. Watch it now.

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Computer Problems and PC Error

Every PC user has a computer problem now and then. Even the most stable, secure machine is not safe from buggy software, failing hardware, or even the occasional loose wire. PC problems can be a huge headache, bringing productivity to a halt and potentially costing you money. Here are some of the most common computer problems, and their possible causes.
The Computer Won't Turn On

This can be a computer user's worst nightmare. You hit the power button and nothing happens. Any number of things can cause this computer problem — it may be something as simple as a loose cord, or as serious as a dead power supply.
Another common PC problem is when the computer turns on and the fan and lights come on, but the machine doesn't boot, or shows a blank screen. This could be anything from a dead (or unplugged) monitor to a dead hard drive or corrupted boot sector.
Lockups and Freezes

The infamous "blue screen of death" has frustrated many a user, as it brings the computer to a halt and displays an error message that's utterly indecipherable to most computer users. Lockups can be caused by any number of issues — sometimes it's buggy software, or a system running out of memory.
Sometimes it's a bad hardware driver causing the issue. More seriously, it can be a sign of overheating, RAM going bad, or the hard drive failing. Components get loose inside the machine and can also cause computer errors, sudden lockups, or even spontaneous shutdowns.
Slow Performance

When you delete files and applications from the computer, all kinds of junk can get left behind. Useless files and data can accumulate and degrade system performance. Ironically, antivirus and anti-malware software, while vital to the health of a computer, can slow down a PC's performance. Low hard drive space or not enough RAM in the machine can also cause computer errors and slow down the machine.
Strange Noises

Is your machine making a strange whirring noise? It might be a fan dying. Computers accumulate dust over time, and when fans get clogged, they can slow down, decreasing their effectiveness and making an unpleasant grinding sound.
Another common computer problem is the dreaded "click" of a dying hard drive — one of the most potentially destructive PC problems there is. If you hear a rapid clicking or clunking noise inside your computer, it's best to get a backup plan in place, if you don't already have one — chances are your hard drive is close to dying and taking all your valuable data with it. Then again, it may be a loose component or screw inside the machine. Either way, don't ignore it.
Overheating

Dying fans, poor ventilation, or even heavy use can create computer problems as the PC heats up. Most computers are designed to shut down when things get too hot, as a precaution against permanent hardware damage, but it can be pretty alarming when a machine just switches off seemingly out of nowhere.
Overheating can cause all sorts of other computer problems. Overheating can cause mouse glitches, strange performance in software, or lockups, while an overheating video card can cause the display to momentarily fail.

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