Anyone who owns a computer should know how to troubleshoot problems. Of course, there will always be problems that you cannot fix, but you’d be surprised how easy many common problems can be to fix. A lot of people have run into trouble when they have tried to troubleshoot their computer the wrong way though. However, luckily, there is a right way to do it as well. So, without further ado, here are six steps to troubleshoot your computer the right way.
Troubleshoot Your Computer The Right Way
Recent Changes
If you have made recent changes to your computer, you should see if these are the root of the problem first. These changes could include software or hardware changes, such as installing a new program or adding RAM. In making any change, you increase your odds for having a conflict. Luckily, Microsoft Windows will allow you to turn back those changes to fix any software problem (without affecting changes made to filed). However, f it is a hardware problem, you may need to remove the hardware altogether or consult a specialist. That said, the majority of problems that most users will experience will come from software issues. These include software not being configured properly, or being the wrong version.
Virus
One of the biggest causes of problems for most computer users is are viruses. With Microsoft Windows, you can get a virus just by being on the Internet and going to infected websites. There are quite a few free anti-virus programs that can tell you if you have any virus or spyware installed on your computer though – AVG is a very trusted and free version. Viruses and spyware are often difficult to detect, but if your computer is slow, it may be due to a virus. In the future, remember to use a secure browser and the most up to date anti-virus software.
Never Forget
Anyone with a computer needs to realize that an old piece of equipment will perform slowly. If your computer is more than five years old, the problem may be straightforward – your computer may simply be too old. New programs and websites often need a new, up to date computer. If your computer is really old, it may be time to replace the computer.
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Ask Around
A great way to cut back on maintenance fees is to ask around for help before consulting a professional. First of all, if your share your computer, you should ask other people who use the computer if they have made any changes. A simple hardware or software conflict can arise if someone installs a bad program or piece of hardware on your computer. If you share your computer with someone who is tech illiterate, ask them if they used your computer for anything out of the ordinary or installed something on the computer.
Then, if you still don’t have a solution, contact those you know who use the same programs or hardware. It’s likely that someone will have a few tips. Also try a Google search – almost every computer problem you’ll ever encounter has already been experienced elsewhere. People will often post their questions in forums/message boards, and then people will respond with their suggestions. If nothing comes up, post your own question on a few sites!
Cut Your Losses
In some cases, you may need to take your computer to a professional or perhaps even junk your entire system. Serious virus issues, problems with the software, and operating system issues may be handled better by a professional, or perhaps cost so much to fix that it’d be a better investment to start from scratch with a new computer. It is important to know that a professional will do the job right the first time, which will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Author Bio: Vanessa Gilmore writes about technology and education. Her most recent work focuses on the top online computer science programs.
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