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:

1. 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 tuneup (and maybe a RAM upgrade) is all that's needed to perk up a sleepy machine.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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."

7. My computer's clock keeps losing time. The CMOS battery is dying. It's replaceable.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.