How to Fix Common PC Problems

If you are someone who is just an average computer user, you might find it difficult to handle system problems when they happen. You might feel overwhelmed at first but when you know the basics, you don't need to bring your desktop or laptop to a technician each time you encounter problems. Consultation and repair is not cheap, you see.

It might interest you to know that there are problems that even a non-techie person can easily solve. In this article, listed are some of the most common issues and how to fix them.

1. Your computer doesn't turn on.

So you turn your device on but it won't and there are no indicator lights or beeps, what do you do? The first thing to check is if it is plugged in or there are no loose cables. If you have checked everything but it still won't turn on, the problem could be in the hardware. But first, try these:

* Try transferring to a different power outlet. You can also try connecting a different electrical appliance to the power outlet to check if the problem is in the power source.

* Check the components of your computer; make sure they are in their proper places. Careful opening up the computer, especially if you are not an expert. Check if the cards and memory sticks are not dislodged.

* Establish if the system short-circuited. Check thoroughly for components that might have been burned out. You might need to replace those parts that were damaged.

2. "Freezing"

You might have encountered this issue a couple of times and you were only thinking that the system is just running slow each time. However, "freezing" can be an indication of a more serious problem. Viruses and spyware could be the culprits. Malicious files or programs might have been installed into your computer while you were browsing an unfamiliar website or an infected email. It can also be because of a hardware problem, like there is low memory.

Scan the computer, your antivirus software will automatically "heal" infected files and folders upon scanning. You have to ensure that your antivirus and firewall are working well. Do not click on suspicious looking files or emails and refrain from visiting unfamiliar and unsecured websites. Make sure that your antivirus software is always updated.

Check also for outdated hardware drives and make sure they are up to date. If there is a hardware problem, try to uninstall and reinstall a component or program.

3. Computer is running slow.

This could have been caused by a lot of issues. It could be in the memory or the hardware. Below are the most common causes and how you can fix them:

* Unused programs might be running upon startup. Configure your startup programs via the Advanced Task Manager option. This is accessible when you access the Menu button on the taskbar when you are using Windows 8.

* There might be overheating. There are instances when the processor might have been damaged due to overheating. Make sure that the computer fan is working and the interior is dust-free. If you don't have a cooling fan yet, install one.

* Scan the system to flush out malware infection that might be causing the slowdown.

4. The "Blue Screen of Death"

Regularly getting the "BSOD" indicates difficulty in accessing the computer's "RAM". Take note of the error message and check with the Microsoft support agents. If the error is caused by a memory problem, it would be easier to fix by upgrading.

If you can't find the right diagnosis for the problem, troubleshoot by swapping the memory sticks with another laptop or computer, but make sure they have the same type of memory. If you still cannot resolve the issue, you might want to have your RAM checked.

5. The speakers have no sound.

Instinctively, you have to check cable connections. If there is no problem with the connection and the speakers are turned on, you can do the following:

* Establish if the issue is with a defective sound card. When there is a red overlay on the volume icon, the driver might have a problem. Make sure that you know the model and manufacturer of the sound card so you can install updated drivers.

* You can also right-click on the Volume icon on your system tray and click Playback Devices. See if configurations are accurate.

Even if you are no IT-expert, you don't need to panic if you encounter problems with your computer and laptop. Resources are available online, so you don't have to worry.