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Troubleshooting and Fixing Your Own Computer

Anyone who has ever owned a computer knows that troubleshooting computer problems and fixing a malfunctioning computer can be a regular occurrence.

Computers are extremely complex machines, so it can seem like a miracle that they even run at all. Many people have become completely dependent on their computers without ever learning much about them.

You have probably already experienced those telltale, panic producing signs that a computer that is about to crash. Maybe your computer is running slow, suddenly losing folders, your screen just went completely blue or your applications keep crashing.

It is fundamental in this day and age to be able to do some basic computer troubleshooting in order to avoid paying for costly repairs and to be able to get your computer up and running as quickly as possible. In this article are some helpful troubleshooting tips for addressing common computer problems.

Computer problems can be broken down into three basic types: hardware problems, software problems and Internet problems. We will look briefly at all three problems here.

Troubleshooting Tips for Hardware and Software
Hardware problems are generally found when starting up the computer. When a PC is first turned on, the hardware runs what is called a POST, or Power-On Self Test. If errors are encountered during the POST, the computer will typically communicate this to you via a series of beeps or by a code number flashed on the screen. With this coded information, it is possible to figure out what part of the system is experiencing problems.

Unfortunately, these are usually serious problems that require a professional fix, so there may not be much you can do under those circumstances. For this reason, it is smart to clean your computer's registry on a regular basis. Registry cleaning rids your computer of unnecessary information and should be performed at least once every six months, according to experts. Free online services can help you clean your computer's registry.

Software problems are far more common and easier for non-experts to troubleshoot. The most common problem computer users experience is a slow deterioration in the speed of their computer. Programs that used to spring into action now take minutes to load and keystrokes lag.

These problems are usually due to a lack of basic maintenance on the computer. When cache files, recycle bins and temporary folders are not emptied on a regular basis, your computer must do a great deal more work.

Failure to perform basic software maintenance can cause registry problems and doom your hard drive. There are two ways to fix this problem: either empty these bins and folders yourself at least every month or install a program like WindowWasher that can be scheduled to run these important functions whenever you tell it to.

Other necessary software maintenance tools are available at Start/All Programs/Accessories/ System Tools in the Windows software in your PC. Disk Cleanup is a great tool that should be run monthly to check for disc errors, and the Disc Defragmenter should be run every few months to keep your computer running smoothly.

Running these programs on a consistent basis will prevent most problems from ever occurring. Of course, there is the ubiquitous technique of simply shutting the computer down and then booting it back up every time something goes wrong, but one day it's not going to work and you are going to regret not maintaining your computer properly.

Fixing Internet Problems
Internet problems are a completely different set of computer problems that can affect your entire system. Anyone who has used a computer for very long knows the devastating effects a virus can have on system performance and the difficulty getting rid of them. Virus protection is an absolute must. Many free virus and spyware scanning and protection services are available to help you troubleshoot and prevent virus problems.

However, most Internet problems revolve around connectivity and modem problems. We are still in an era of transition from dial-up to high-speed modems and even high-speed modems can connect through cable or telephone lines, so many problems can arise when trying to use a computer online.

The one universal fix that you should try every time you are having connectivity problems is to just shut off your modem for a minute and then turn it back on. It's amazing how often that works, but if it doesn’t, you will have to consult the troubleshooting features of your particular modem’s software that you installed with the modem or call the technical support.

Avoiding Problems
To avoid problems, it is important to do regular maintenance on both your hardware and your software, but even when problems arise, it is possible to rejuvenate and repair the problem by cleaning them with available tools.

Knowing how to maintain your computer and troubleshoot and fix problems will save you lots of computer downtime and a lot of money. You just need to know where to go and what to do.