Pc remedies often DO exist for common pc problems.
Previously, we looked at 5 common PC problems and their solutions. This time, we look at five more including Viruses, Printers, Software, Overheating and Power Supply problems.
Your PC or laptop is a complicated mechanism with numerous levels of computer hardware and software that must cooperate and share resources while functioning at accelerated speeds. Under these conditions, conflicts are very probable or even likely and, over time, become harder to avoid.
| CAUTION! - Opening your PC case or altering computer settings can cause serious harm to your computer and void manufacturer guarantees. By following the information below, you recognize that you're doing so At Your Own Risk! |
1. Viruses
Viruses are everywhere in today’s complex computing environment. It’s not a question any more of “IF” you will get one or not. You will eventually get one or several. It’s just a question of time so be prepared.
Frequently, the initial sign of a computer virus infection is unstableness. A lot of viruses wipe out the boot sector of a hard disk drive, making it hopeless and near impossible to start. That’s why it's a bright idea to make a Windows start-up disk when you first bring your PC home. Don’t leave it until you’re facing a virus before taking this important step to protect yourself.
To create a Startup Disk open:
* Start-Settings-Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs
At this point, locate the Start Up Disk tab and begin the procedure using a blank floppy disk.
Virus protection requires constant watchfulness so virus scanning software is a must have tool in your anti-virus arsenal.
Virus scanners rely upon a well maintained and frequently updated list of virus signatures in order to have the ability to identify viruses. These signatures are stored in a DAT file. DAT files should be updated weekly from the website of your antivirus software manufacturer.
Well known antivirus programs include McAfee VirusScan by Network Associates ( www.nai.com ) and Norton AntiVirus made by Symantec ( www.symantec.com ).
My personal choice in this category is Anti-Virus Plus by ParetoLogic. It’s not as well known but it has identified and eliminated viruses on my own computer when the better known brands couldn’t.
2. Printers
The act of sending a document to a printer creates a larger file, known as a postscript file.
Printers only have a small amount of operating memory, called a buffer. The buffer can be easily overloaded during a print job which can cause erratic printer behavior. Printing also consumes a large amount of CPU power while the print file is being rendered. This will slow down the computer's performance somewhat depending on your system’s RAM size and CPU speed.
If the printer is attempting to print unusual characters, these might not be recognized, and can crash your printer. Periodically, printers won’t recover from a crash because of confusion in the buffer. The way to clear the buffer is to unplug the printer for ten seconds or more. Booting up from a powerless state, also called a cold boot, will restore the printer's default settings and you might be able to carry on printing at this point.
3. Software
A frequent cause of computer crashes is faulty or poorly installed software. Most likely, the problem can be remedied by uninstalling the software and then reinstalling it. Use Norton Uninstall or Uninstall Shield to completely and effectively remove an application from your system. This will also remove references to the program in the System Registry and paves the way for you to install a fresh copy.
The System Registry can become corrupted by old references to obsolete software that you thought was uninstalled. Use RegCure to clean up the System Registry and remove obsolete entries. It’s a leader when it comes to fixing registry problems and works on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Study the operating instructions and use it cautiously so you don't permanently harm the Registry. If the Registry is damaged you'll have to reinstall your OS.
Oftentimes, a Windows issue can be solved by booting up in Safe Mode. This can be done during the initial start-up. When you see the message "Starting Windows" press F8. This should take you into Safe Mode.
Safe Mode loads a minimal amount of drivers. It allows you to detect and fix issues that keep Windows from loading properly.
4. Overheating
CPU's (Central Processing Units) are ordinarily outfitted with fans to keep them from overheating. Whenever the fan gives out or if the CPU gets old, it might begin to overheat and yield a specific kind of error called a kernel error, better known as the “Blue Screen of Death”. This is a common issue in chips that have been over-clocked to function at higher speeds than they're supposed to.
One cure is to buy a more robust fan and install it on top of the CPU. Specialty cooling fans and heatsinks are available from www.computernerd.com or www.coolit.com.
This type of remedy might work if you own a desktop pc, but what if you own a laptop where accessibility to the inner workings of the computer is limited? There is a solution for both laptops and desktops that works via software.
My Toshiba notebook suffered from overheating and would shut down several times per day. It was very frustrating to say the least and I did a lot of cursing. It was a real hair-puller. It got so bad that I would anticipate the shutdown and simply shut it down myself, wait thirty minutes and then resume what I was working on. I wasted a lot of valuable time that could have been used getting my projects done.
I finally solved the problem with a piece of software called CPUgenie by GreenVantage LLC. I downloaded the trial, installed it, ran the configuration and within minutes the problem disappeared. After months of loosing valuable time and effort, I had my laptop back and running as it was meant to be. Thank you GreenVantage…
5. Power Supplies
There are times when the electricity will go down in your neighborhood. Storms, accidents and new construction can cause power disruptions without any warning. And when the power comes back on again, a power surge or spike can crash a computer as easily as a power outage.
If this problem has become a pain in the neck for you, then you should think about purchasing a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). This will offer you a filtered power supply free of noise and spikes when there is electric current and it will also provide you with a few minutes to save your work. Then you can do a controlled shutdown in the event of a cut in power. A UPS is essential if your data is critical and is definitely worth the investment. After all, when it comes to data, you’re only as good as your last save.
Final Words
Still feel like screaming at your computer? Free PC remedies can only do so much and after that you’ll need to spend a couple of dollars. If you've done everything suggested here and you still can't resolve your computer issues, you most likely need professional advice and assistance.
Our partner, JustAnswer has 1000's of qualified, experienced computer techs available to resolve your computer troubles via email. Remedies come in an average of under 10 minutes and many times include pictures or video.
100% Risk FREE. You Pay Only for the Answers You Like. Fees are Typically $9 - $15 .