I would be lost if my laptop had computer issues as I rely on it for so much. I work on it, I play on it, I shop and bank on it. That is why understanding common computer issues and solutions is a must. Laptop or PC downtime in my house is not an option.
The blue screen of doom strikes fear into my heart, however, more often than not this, and other common computer problems I (and you) might face can be fairly easily sorted which is essential for those of us running businesses.
Now and again we will all encounter small hiccups and issues such as slow wifi and blank screens. Here are some of the most common computer problems you might face and how to solve them.
Common Computer Issues
The Computer Won’t Start
Sometimes you will be happily in the middle of a video of a cat or you will be writing up some work and the computer will suddenly switch itself off with no warning. This can be a huge annoyance and it can run the risk of you losing all of the work you have just done. The most common explanation for this happening is that the power supply you have in has an issue. Make sure you check that the computer is plugged into the power properly and test the power lead on a different device to determine the cause of the issue.
Blank Screen
If you are trying to turn on your computer in the morning and you notice that the screen remains blank, this is most likely due to the cable not being plugged into the screen properly. A lot of the time a simple wiggle of a cable will set you on your way and you will be back online in no time at all. If this doesn’t work it could be a sign that the internal wires of the machine need to be tinkered with and you will need to call a professional.
Operating System Acting Up
If something seems odd or seems to be glitching with the computer it could be a sign of a virus. Turn off the computer and turn it back on, then run a virus scan to check for issues. If there is a virus on the machine you might need to call a professional to get rid of it.
Windows Won’t Load Up
If Windows doesn’t want to load up at all, you will need to turn off your computer and try again. If it still isn’t working, you will likely need to run a reinstall of the program and start all over again. If you don’t have a download disk for windows you should be able to do it through the App Store. If you aren’t confident, get an expert to have a look first before reinstalling.
Frozen Screen
Sometimes you will be happily in the middle of a browse on the internet and suddenly your mouse becomes unresponsive and the screen will freeze. The main annoyance with this is running the risk of losing your progress work-wise and it can be a pain. You can solve this issue most of the time by restarting your machine, or as Daddy Pig would say “Try switching it off and on again”. Most of the time freezing is caused by issues with the RAM or spyware being present on your machine. Make sure to check for all of this once the computer is up and running again.
Slow Computer
If you start to notice one day that your computer is working slower than usual, this is often a sign that your storage is getting low and you need to clean out some of your old files. When your computer comes clogged up with lots of files it can cause the computer to struggle running its programs and therefore your computer will be slower on the whole. Spend some time clearing out things you no longer need and this will largely solve the issue for you. Make sure you have antivirus installed to keep the computer safe and you should see an improvement in the device.
Annoying Noises
If your computer starts to wurr one day (a technical term) and it becomes very loud while you are trying to work, this is usually due to the fan inside the machine being clogged up with dust or it being about to die completely. The fan inside your computer usually stops everything from overheating and from burning your skin. However, when it begins to make noises you need to either clean it out or get it replaced. No one wants a hot laptop or computer at their desk.
Slow Internet
There will always be times that the internet in your house is slower than usual, and there is often a simple explanation for it all. If you have a family and you all have your own devices, you are all trying to access the WiFi at the same time and this can slow down everyone’s devices. You could also have too much cache built up on the computer which needs to be cleared. Clear cache and cookies to free up space on the browser and this should make your internet move quickly.
In Summary
If you educate yourself about common computer issues and their solutions you will save yourself time, increase productivity and potentially save yourself money on repair bills.
