a laptop battery

Troubleshooting common computer problems is a huge pain in the butt. I know exactly how you feel.

In this article, I'll discuss 5 easy steps to troubleshoot most PC computer problems, from software to hardware, from Windows to Macs.

Step 1. Determine if it's a software or hardware problem

Usually it's a silly performance issue - either a PC computer running slowly, or your monitor is flickering, or the internet has no connection.

Computer performance issues are 85% of the time caused by software - and 85% of the time it's a Windows OS computer because they just fuck up a lot.

Macs are built cleaner and lighter - with less trojans and viruses. You have fewer concerns and fewer bad guys trying to beat the crap out of it.

Step 2. If it's a software problem, uninstall the bad program

How do you find the bad program? Whatever application loads and causes your computer to fail, or is running when your PC is extremely slow is probably the culprit.

You can also run an Antivirus program or Resource management program to determine which software applications are hogging the most resources or behaving erratically.

Then, remove the offending software program. Install the latest version, making sure you download patches for any driver updates.

Reboot the offending computer - this should solve it.

Step 3. If it's a hardware issue, isolate the equipment and get a replacement

Let's say it's your CD drive. Your rewritable CD drive isn't burning CDs, doesn't read a DVD, or simply keeps whirring for no reason.

There are only 2 possible solutions - replace the drive yourself, or find a local computer repair store (unless you're still under warranty, have a ton of patience, and want to test manufacturer computer support).

Step 4. Clean your computer thoroughly

This means both the software and hardware. Use a pressured wind spigot can to clear dust from your keyboard, monitor, mouse, wire ports, and speakers. Keeping small particles out of your hardware parts clean while prolong their useful life.

Then, do a software cleaning. Defrag your hardware harddrive. Install new updates to OS components and key components like AVG Anti-virus.

In addition, remove programs that you only "use rarely". Delete files and mp4s and docs that you don't want to keep. Use something like CCleaner to repair the registry and key drivers and remove DLL files.

Step 5. Turn your computer off and let it rest

Don't reboot your computer - that's key. Turn it off, unplug the power cable, and let it rest for a day. Often hardware is simply exhausted and needs to cool down for a short period to let key hardware parts run easily once again.

That finishes our examination of computer troubleshooting tips!

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