4 Quick Fixes For Common Computer Issues

Here’s a not-so-fun fact of computer repair: calling tech support can cost around fifty dollars. Why not try your hand at few do-it-yourself techniques? These quick fixes to some common problems can help save you money, and spare your sanity.

Reboot

It’s the catchphrase of every tech-support worker for a reason. Tried and true, restarting your computer really can work wonders to fix small glitches. If your machine is hanging or freezing up, just repeat after us: “Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on?”

Wi-Fi Disconnecting?

Maybe it’s the router, maybe it’s the computer, who can say? All you know is, you can’t get online because your WiFi keeps disconnecting. Before you call you service provider, try a couple things. Make sure your computer is in range of your router. A weak signal can kill your connection. Simple things like thick walls, and mirrors can block wifi. Next step is to make sure that your computers wireless card is up-to-date. If your computer is a few years old, it may be time to switch it out. You can also let Windows try to solve the problem: right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and select Troubleshoot problems.

Download speeds down?

When it comes to slow download speeds, speedtest.net can be a huge asset in diagnosing issues. Use the site to see what internet speeds you’re actually getting. Ideally, you want at least half what your internet service provider has advertised. If those speeds prove not to be the problem, check your task manager for downloads that may be running in the background. Several torrent downloading programs can run in the background and minimize into the system tray instead of the task bar, so you could be downloading inadvertently.

Also check your network hardware. Occasionally there are updates for network cards that should definitely be downloaded if available. If that doesn’t do the trick, try resetting your router. A quick reset can work as well for a router as it does for a computer.

Slow Computer?

Sometimes your computer may not be to blame for the slow speeds you’re seeing. As we mentioned in the last paragraph, background programs and a spotty broadband connection can make your computer seem like it’s running slow, but in fact, it’s another issue entirely. Verify that your computer is indeed the culprit of your slow speeds before proceeding. Next, check to see how much available space you have on your hard drive. Your computer needs room to create files while your system is running, and if your hard drive has no vacancy, performance will suffer.

Another tool available in your arsenal is Microsoft’s System Configuration. If you have too many applications starting automatically when your machine boots up, your boot time will drag out. Clean up your start up items by pressing Windows-R, typing msconfig, and pressing the Enter key. After opening msconfig, click the start up tab to clean up your applications.

If these tips don’t help, don’t go it alone. It’s important to know when to seek help from a professional and avoid potentially damaging your machine with a do-it-yourself fix that goes wrong. If you’re not sure, call your internet service provider or a computer technician, like the one’s at Arizona Computer Guru for troubleshooting help.