Computer Repair – When to do it Yourself and When to Send it to an Expert

Ah computers, everyone loves them and praises them to the skies until something goes wrong, which in this world of rapidly evolving technology and mass personal computers can be fairly often. But how do you fix your computer if you don’t have an in house IT support consultant? With the rise of downloadable problem solvers available through the internet, most issues can be solved by applying the right software to them. However there are a few persistent issues that it is best left to an expert tackle, especially because unless you’ve had multiple friends successfully use online software without issue, then you never know what you’re going to get. We’ve put together solutions for the two most common issues computers present, with suggested remedies.

Your computer is running slowly or shutting down regularly: This one you can probably fix on your own, with the right tools. Common causes of a computer running poorly or going on the blink fall into three basic categories: virtual and actual mess, cluttered registries or something more serious. The trick here is to approach the issue step by step.

First delete all unnecessary files, especially videos, or photos, you can either delete them directly if you’re sure you wont want them, or pop them on a USB stick before you trash them. Empty the trash. Then turn off your computer, unplug it from the wall power point socket and open the tower case and clean out the filters. This stops the computer from overheating and shutting down. Make sure you’re using specific computer tools to rearrange any of the cords or to replug a cable. If you still feel that the issue may be a power one, use a power supply tester to get a definitive result on the power source to your computer.

Secondly, use a register cleaner to remove obsolete information from your windows register that is unnecessarily slowing down your computer. These programs do the whole job of identifying unused and antiquated files and programs and fully uninstalling them, and their existing files.

Thirdly, if your computer is still not running well it’s time to invest in a computer diagnostic card. These cards can be plugged into your computer (exactly where depends on the card) and it will reveal a diagnostic code that reveals what’s wrong with your computer. Depending on what problem your computer presents, you can decide from there if this is an issue you can solve, or if you need to call in computer support.

Your computer has been infected with Malware: Do NOT download anything promising to remove viruses, spyware or adware without double and triple checking the source. Many online software promising to remove and protect your computer from Malware are actually exactly what the real anti-Malware will protect you against. While some viruses just mess up your computer’s functioning, many more are designed to log your keystrokes, steal your passwords or credit card details or colonise your address book and spam others under your name. Don’t even click any of the buttons if you suddenly get a helpful pop-up offering your protection, or relief. Instead use the windows bar and click the little “x” button for close. The best way to beat viruses is to use the official Microsoft security systems. If your computer is still overrun with viruses and spyware, do not go hunting for another software, call an expert for a consultation.

Remember if you’re not sure what’s wrong, and can’t find an official way to fix it, call an expert.

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