Reasons That Slow Down Your Computer

Reasons That Slow Down Your PC

Is your computer running slow or are you having Internet access problems? There are many reasons why your computer will run slow and your Internet experience might not be as good as it could be.

Memory

If your computer is lacking in memory you might not be able to load programs properly and online you can experience slowdowns as well. Having enough memory in your computer will allow it to perform at its best. If your computer has slots for extra memory then install a new memory stick for added performance both online and offline.

Configuration Issues

If you have network programs or Internet access problems this is often caused by a misconfiguration or a setting that isn’t right. Computer Fix SLC is a company that can help you with computer repair issues such as Internet access problems. Often the problem is very simple but you might not be able to pick up on it yourself, so a technician can help in these cases.

Stuffed Hard Disk

If your computer disk is too full it can have problems accessing files and folders on your compute or loading programs. Your disk should never reach near capacity because this will slow your computer down. What you should do is use an external drive for storing your non-essential files. You should also clean and defragment your disk on a periodic basis so is loads programs and files quickly. Delete programs or files you don’t need on your computer to speed up the disk.

Dust

One cause of computer problems is dust buildup this can slow down your computer and cause it to run hot.  By cleaning put the dust you’ll help your computer run faster. Dust needs to be removed as it can also cause computer components to fail on you.  Computer Fix SLC can remove the dust from your computer for you if you don’t want to perform this task yourself.

Cache

If you’re having network problems or Internet access problems then the browser cache may be full. By emptying the cache of your browser you can gain significant speed when browsing online. A full cache may make your browser appear slower. Be sure to check for plug-ins that may be causing problems and make sure the plug-ins that you do have are updated when there are new versions available.

Updates

Make sure your computer has all the updates it has. If you are running old software and attempt to install new software there can sometimes be conflicts with drivers and other parts of the software which can crash or slow your computer down. The programs might be incompatible with each other and this can cause your computer to behave strangely. Make sure you also have updated ant-virus software so you are protected from malicious code and programs when online.  For computer repair and problems accessing the internet consider Computer Fix SLC as they have the tools and technicians to repair your computer so it performs at its best.

Common Computer Problems

The Most Common Computer Problems and Some Simple Solutions

Do you suffer from computer problems? We often panic when we have computer problems but many of them can be solved very easily. Here are some simple tips you can use before you seek computer help.

Backup

One thing you should have at all times is a good computer backup. If you do run into computer problems the backup will allow you to restore your data files in your new or fixed computer. Consider getting an external drive as this will give you ample room for a good backup. The drive will continuously backup your files as you use your computer.

Slow Computer

One common problem is a slow computer. Before you seek computer help here’s what you need to do. First of all make sure your disc is working well so run a disc defragmenter program to speed up the disc. (If any of this seems forign to you... its time to call Computer Fix SLC) Next you can empty the cache of your browser to clean out all the temporary files there. Make sure your software is updated and that you have updated anti-virus software. Seek computer help if this doesn’t speed up your computer as you may need more RAM or have a conflict somewhere with some software or hardware.

Computer Runs Hot

If your computer is running hot is just might be dusty. If it’s a PC then you can open it up and  clean out the dust with some compressed air designed for computers. Seek help if you don’t know how to do this. This is one of the most common computer problems. Your machine needs to be cleaned periodically as dust can accumulate. If you own a laptop to make sure you have a cooling pad underneath it as laptops can run hot because they are smaller.

Strange Computer Behavior You Can’t Pinpoint

If your computer is behaving strangely this might be caused by some software that is conflicting with your machine. One option is to perform a system restore to put your machine back to an earlier date. This will let you know if it’s a new program you recently installed that’s causing problems or something else. Seek computer help if a restore doesn’t work. At ComputerFix SLC we can help you with all your compute problems no matter how big or small they are.

Computer Freeze

Sometimes the computer will just freeze up and you can’t move the mouse. Reboot the computer and see if this clears it up. In most case sit will but if it occurs all the time you will need to seek computer help as you may have some software or hardware problems. http://www.computerfixslc.com/

 

The Most Common Computer Problems and Some Simple Solutions

Do you suffer from computer problems? We often panic when we have compute problems but many of them can be solved very easily. Here are some simple tips you can use before you run off and seek computer help.

Backup

One thing you should have at all times is a good computer backup. If you do run into compute problems the backup will allow you to restore your data files in your new or fixed computer. Consider getting an external drive as this will give you ample room for a good backup. The drive will continuously backup your files as you use your computer.

Slow Computer

One common problem is a slow computer. Before you seek computer help here’s what you need to do. Forst of all make sure your disc is working well so run a disc defragmenter program to speed up the disc. Next you can empty the cache of your browser to clean out all the temporary files there. Make sure your software is updated and that you have updated anti-virus software. Seek compute help if this doesn’t speed up your computer as you may need more RAM or have a conflict somewhere with some software or hardware.

Computer Runs Hot

If your compute is running hot is just might be dusty. If it’s a PC then you can open it up and  clean out the dust with some compressed air designed for computers. Seek help if you don’t know how to do this. This is one of the most common computer problems. Your machine needs to be cleaned periodically as dust can accumulate. If you own a laptop to make sure you have a cooling pad underneath it as laptops can run hot because they are smaller.

Strange Computer Behavior You Can’t Pinpoint

If your computer is behaving strangely this might be caused by some software that is conflicting with your machine. One option is to perform a system restore to put your machine back to an earlier date. This will let you know if it’s a new program you recently installed that’s causing problems or something else. Seek computer help if a restore doesn’t work. At ComputerFix SLC we can help you with all your compute problems no matter how big or small they are.

Computer Freeze

Sometimes the computer will just freeze up and you can’t move the mouse. Reboot the computer and se if this clears it up. In most case sit will but if it occurs all the time you will need to seek compute help as you may have some software or hardware problems.

 Game Won’t Play

Make sure your compute meets the minimum requirements for the game and that you have updated your video card. For new games you’ll need a fast system so don’t try to play games if your computer doesn’t meet the requirements as you’ll just tax the system too much. Our technicians at ComputerFix SLC can help speed up your system for gaming or recommend machines for the games you want to play.

Energy-Efficient Computers

Emphasis on Being Energy-Efficient

In today’s society, there is an increasing amount of emphasis on being energy-efficient. When you think about energy efficiency, you probably think of solar panels, fluorescent light bulbs, and the importance of turning off unnecessary lights. You may even have an energy-efficient appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, in your home. However, you might be overlooking the fact that your computer could be more energy-efficient than it is right now. If you make a few simple changes to the way you use your computer, you can conserve energy and help the environment by reducing your carbon emissions. You can also significantly reduce your utility bill. If you’re in the market for a new computer, you can conserve energy and save money even more easily by purchasing a computer that has been certified as energy-efficient.  

 How Can I be More Energy Efficient With My Computer?

Most simply put, an energy-efficient computer is one that wastes as little energy as possible. Turning your existing computer into a more energy-efficient machine is much less complex than you might think. Your computer will become more energy-efficient if you make a habit of turning it off when you’re not using it. You might assume that rebooting your computer several times a day would waste a lot of energy, but that is actually not the case, A computer that sits idle for as little as 20 minutes wastes more energy than a computer that is turned on and off throughout the day. It is also a myth that screensavers conserve energy. If you absolutely feel the need to leave your computer sitting idle, you should disable your screensaver; it uses up more energy than you realize every time it runs. Lastly, you should always unplug your computer when it’s not in use. Even when your computer is off, a certain amount of electricity is still surging through the power cord. This amount of electricity may be small, but your utility bill will definitely increase if you leave your computer plugged in continually.  

 Environmental Protection Agency Guidlines and Qualifications

In recent years, more and more computers on the market have been meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for energy efficiency. In order to meet the EPA’s standards, a computer must only use a designated amount of energy when it is off, idle, or in sleep mode; if it is a certain type of computer, the amount of energy it uses while running normally is considered as well. The computer’s power supply must also be considered efficient by the EPA. In addition, the computer must come equipped with a certain type of power management system and come with instructions that clearly explain how a user can take advantage of this system. Every computer that meets the EPA’s qualifications receives an “ENERGY STAR” label, just as other appliances that follow EPA guidelines for energy efficiency do. Since ENERGY STAR computers are only becoming more common, it would not be difficult to find one if you’re thinking about purchasing a new computer. If you obtain a certified energy-efficient computer, reducing your energy use and bills will be a simpler task than ever.

Cut Your Costs 

If you take steps to increase your computer’s energy efficiency or purchase a computer that is officially designated as energy-efficient, you will cut your own utility costs and become part of a larger movement to protect the environment. The EPA estimates that if every household had an ENERGY STAR computer, Americans as a whole would reduce their energy costs by over $100 million every year. They would also prevent more than 1 billion pounds of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the air and save almost 1 billion units of electricity.

Any Questions?

 

If you still have questions about how energy-efficient computers work or need help setting yours up, don’t hesitate to contact Computer Fix SLC. Our company’s friendly staff is also here to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing with your computer. When it comes to IT issues and computer repair, Salt Lake City doesn’t offer better service for your home or business!                

 

 

 

     

Computer Buying Tips

Congratulations! You have decided on buying a computer!  Shopping for a computer may be a confusing decision because of all the different options that you have, but going over a few key points will keep you from being overwhelmed.

First, for what tasks will you be using the computer?  This is incredibly important because knowing what you will use your computer for will determine what hardware to purchase.  If you only plan to use your computer for things such as Facebook and web surfing, you will only need a very basic computer.  If you plan to do some photo editing and video editing then you will need a much stronger computer.  A gaming computer calls for a different computer as well.  Once you have figured out your usage, we can translate that into something tangible.

The computer that you choose will be based on the choices you made in the previous section.  As we discussed before, the more complex your tasks, the stronger your hardware has to be.  Let us break down what we need into three separate sections. The first section is the processors.  Processors are what power the computer.  The faster the processor, the more applications you can use.  A good baseline for an all around computer is 2.5GHz. The second is the graphics.  The better the graphics card, the smoother and faster your videos and games will be. The last is the storage and memory.  The more storage you have, the more you videos, games, and photos you can have in your computer.

Once you have figured out what components you want and need, you can then go shopping.  This is the best part because since you know what you need, you can get the best price.  You have two options, either buy each component separately and assemble it yourself, or buy a computer that is already assembled.  We will stick with computers that have been preassembled because the ease of buying it is much better.  You can shop at many different places, so look for good deals.  Typical places to go shopping are the Apple store, Amazon.com, Best Buy, or other mom and pop computer stores.  Preassembled computers have different options so look for the computer parts that you want and shop for the best price. Remember also that ComputerFix SLC is here to help answer any questions you might have.

Computer shopping may be overwhelming at times, but if you keep a calm head and focus on what you really want, it will be a cinch to buy a computer perfect for you. Let us know if you need our help http://www.computerfixslc.com/.

 

 

Tired of Your Computer Running Slow?

 

PC Speed Killers

Are you wondering why your computer is so slow? Many things can slow down your system and cause you to have problems with speed. Here are some of the reasons why your computer is slow.

Lack of RAM

If your system is slow this might be because you don’t have enough RAM. Newer programs especially games and other graphics need a great deal of memory to operate properly. If your system is slow then you just might need a new RAM stick to speed the system up. Try having more RAM installed in your system and see if this speeds it up.

Slow Hard Disk

Sometimes your hard disk can get slow. This is due to the disk being too full or there might be errors on it that need fixing. A slow disk will make the entire system slow to a crawl. ComputerFix SLC can help you speed up your computer disk by fixing errors and other problems with it so your system operates better. Once the disk is fixed you will notice improved speed and performance.

Old Software

Your computer might be slow due to old software that’s incompatible with newer software on your system. This old software can cause conflicts and slow your system down with errors and other problems. Once you remove this software your system can perform better. Make sure you system software is upgraded and that you always use new versions of software programs to reduce errors with your system.

Too Many Programs

Sometimes you cаn have too many programs that open up when you start your system. Many of these are unnecessary and they can slow your system down. When you buy a new computer many of these programs are already installed. If you remove the ones you will never need then you can speed up your system. ComputerFix SLC can help you speed up your computer programs so your system has better performance.

Virus or Spyware

Your system might be slow due to a virus, spyware, or malware that you don’t know about. By using updated virus programs you can fund these problems and eliminate them from your computer. Many viruses will slow down your system and cause errors. Always ensure you have proper virus protection as well as Internet security on your system to ensure better performance.

Older Computer

Your system might just be too old to run some of the newer programs. By upgrading the motherboard and CPU you can get more speed out of your system.  ComputerFix SLC can help you upgrade components such as your CPU or video card so you can get better performance out of your system.

Many Things Cause a Slow Computer

There are many factors that contribute to a slow computer.  ComputerFix SLC has the skills and technicians to ensure that your computer system is working well and that you have optimal speed. We can help you fix your computer speed issues so you can enjoy a faster computer again.

Keeping Your Computer Clean

Why You Need to Keep Your Computer Clean

When something goes wrong with your computer it can be a real headache. Many computer problems are a result of not cleaning your computer properly and looking after it. Here are some things that you can do to ensure that it’s cleaned properly.

Upgrades

One way to keep your computer clean is to make sure your software is up to date. Often computer problems are caused by software that’s incompatible with each other. You will get errors and other problems that crop up unexpectedly.  ComputerFix SLC can help you solve problems with your software and make sure everything is running smoothly. Make sure you also upgrade your operating system when it prompts you as this can also cause problems with your system if you don’t upgrade.

Anti-Virus

To keep your computer clean you also need ant-virus software. There are far too many malicious programs out here to run the risk of not having protection on your computer system. You should also have Internet security, malware, and spyware protection as well. Most anti-virus manufacturers have these programs as a package for your system, such as Norton or the AVG program. Make sure your anti-virus program is kept up to date for the best protection for your system.

Run System Cleaners

Another way to keep your hard disk and other parts of your computer running well is to use the system cleaners that come with your computer or you can buy individual programs. These will vary for Mac and PC systems but they all do about the same thing. These programs ensure that your system is running at peak performance levels.

Backup

If you run into problems with your computer you need a good backup solution. An external drive allows you to backup all your files in case your system crashes. You can also use this to keep your main disk free of files you only need so often and instead store the on the external drive. Always ensure your system is backed up on a periodic basis.

Dust

Your computer can accumulate dust and this can cause heat problems, errors and parts can even fail. Having your compute cleaned periodically will remove this dust. ComputerFix SLC can help you clean your computer of this dust and ensure that your whole system is running well. Dust is a leading contributor to compute problems such as slowdowns and crashes.

Have Your System Serviced

Keeping your computer clean can be a large task and it’s difficult for some people to do this properly. ComputerFix SLC can help solve your PC problems and ensure that your system is cleaned and free of errors and other problems. If you’re having issues with your system then you probably need some servicing by computer experts to pinpoint the problem and fix your issues.  ComputerFix SLC is here to provide computer repairs and cleaning. We will ensure that your system is free of errors, dust, and other problems.

Computer Viruses

Computer Viruses What are They? What to do if Your Computer Is Infected...

Aside from mechanical or hardware breakdown, one possible threat which can negatively affect the performance or functioning of a computer is when the system eventually gets infected by a computer virus.

What are computer viruses and how do they attack

A computer virus is a small program or software which can linger and spread inside the entire computer system and has a general effect of corrupting or affecting the proper performance of existing computer software or program. And as computers advance, these viruses evolve as well. Majority of these viruses are now more powerful, destructive, and harder to eliminate or confine. Some of the viruses target the destruction, corruption, or even deletion of your computer’s most important files. And because they easily replicate, they can infect a large portion of computer data and system in a very short period of time.

If computer viruses are traditionally confined to specific types of destructive programs, today, several kinds of computer infections are now tagged and classified as a virus. The terms malwares and viruses are now often used interchangeably, there are also the worms, computer bugs, and the dreaded Trojan horses. Malwares are types of computer infections that have more devastating effects. Malwares can be programmed to perform the destructive capabilities of known viruses and at the same time perform a malicious or illegal act. Malwares can be programmed to destroy and at the same time steal computer or personal data. They can also be used by perpetrators to monitor or spy on the computer activities of an individual, etc.

All of these computer viruses are usually spread through several means. The primary culprits include the internet, through e-mails, download sites, infected external drives or flash drives, infected servers or computer networks, etc. Among the symptoms of a possible virus infection are; computer program malfunctions or errors, unexplained or sudden slowing of computer performance, frequent crashes or breakdown, data loss, or the simple alert or triggering of the antivirus program itself.

How to deal with it if your computer is infected

-           Run the antivirus program. Antivirus or antimalware software or programs are primarily installed to prevent viruses and other kinds of malwares from attacking or infecting your computer. These programs also have the capability of isolating and solving out the virus problem if a virus has eventually slipped through the computer security or firewall. Dependent on the type of virus that has infected your computer, an up-to-date antivirus program should be able to delete and resolve it.

-          Minimize the number of programs used. Since viruses and malwares can infect other computer files, data, and program in an instant, it is ideal not to run other unessential program while the virus problem is being solved. The less active the computer is, the less are the programs and data the virus can attack.

-          Start salvaging or saving files. After learning that your computer has been infected by a virus, it is recommended to backup and salvage as much important files as possible. This will prevent data loss if the virus problem eventually gets worse.

-          Consult and seek help from expert. If the computer virus problem is extraordinary to the extent that your basic clean-up efforts and the antivirus program aren’t that effective, it is best to seek the help of computer technicians or IT experts. This could be your last resort especially if you are trying to save very important computer files from being corrupted and destroyed. In Salt Lake City, Utah, the IT and computer experts of Computer Fix could be of great help. To visit our website click here on our name Computer Fix SLC. We look forward to helping you!

How to Improve your Computers Performance

Do you own a computer? Chances are that you probably do. You probably have a desktop computer and laptop. But do they work very well? Do they run quickly and use the applications that you need? If not then you need to upgrade them. If you are having problems with your computer speed then you may need a stronger, faster processor. If you don't have enough space to save all your information then you may need more memory. That means you're going to need a way to improve your computer performance.

Improving your computer performance means that you will be able to do more with it. You will also be able to get some great work done with this better computer. But first, you have to take it somewhere that will improve whatever you need. This means you need a great company that specializes in this type of work. You need someone that knows exactly what they are doing. After all, you can end up with a lot of problems if someone does 'upgrades' to your computer that aren't actually good. So you need someone skilled and reputable.

www.computerfixslc.com has a wide variety of these skills. They can take your computer and make it work faster and better than ever before. In fact, they can speed up your computer by more than 30% just by replacing parts, troubleshooting, fixing network problems and more. They will be able to take care of any of the computer problems that you may have. Located in Salt Lake City this company will make sure that your computer is running great. They can even help you with business computers by coming directly to your site and fixing however many different computers you have.

Computer Fix can also provide remote support. That means that they can help you to fix up your computer without having to come to you or your having to come to them. They will be able to simply take over your computer and see exactly what is happening. This means they can fix many different types of network problems without you having to move the computer. This is great when you have a desktop computer that is more difficult to move. All you have to do is download a simple application and they will be able to fix the problem from a completely different location.

If you have a computer then you know how bad it can be when it gets a virus. This makes you computer run slowly or makes certain programs not work. This can cause a big problem whether you use your computer for personal use or for business use. You need your computer to work properly and if it already works properly then you probably want it to work even better. With the right company, you can make your computer run better than it ever did. That means you won't have to replace it as quickly and you won't have to spend a fortune on a brand new machine.

Computer Security Tips

Basic Computer Security Safety Essentials

When you think computer theft you typically think of it being done in the home physically right?  That couldn’t be further from the truth though!  It happens every day right from the Internet highway without so much as a glimpse of you being aware it’s even happening.  Computer Fix SLC would like to share with you 5 ‘security essentials’ safety tips that can help keep your computer as private as it should be.     

What Can You Do To Keep Computer Theft From Happening?

Let’s face it; your computer holds some pretty serious and very private information sometimes.  Sometimes even the most common step can be overlooked.  We’ve put together a few simple tips that can help keep your information safe as well as your computer.

Security Essential Tip #1:  Always Use Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software is no doubt the best way to protect against the worst kinds of computer viruses which are one of the most horrible ways to get a security breach on your computer.  Most viruses will spread through email, and downloads but some sneak in through the network and sometimes even through USB drives.

More important than installing good anti-virus software is remembering to keep it up to date, most will update themselves but you always want to make sure not do disable the updating configuration.  You also don’t want to go too long without internet connection because then your software will not have a chance to update like it should.  Your anti-virus software will only protect your computer from any ‘known’ viruses, hackers write new ones every day believe it or not, so it’s important to continue on with this article and follow the rest of the tips we’ve given you.

Security Essential Tip #2: Use Your Firewall!

There are differences between bad anti-virus software and good software, but as for your firewall, it is very different.  Your computer comes with a firewall and can fully protect it from an automatic network virus attack.  Always make sure it is turned on, you can check it through your control panel.  If your anti-virus software came with a firewall, we suggest using that one instead because it will more than likely be much easier for you to use.  It will also keep things much more simple.

Security Essential Tip #3: Always Backup Your Computer!

In the event of something horrible happening like a fire, flood, etc., you need to make sure that everything on your computer is properly stored somewhere, easy to recover.  Nothing will keep your data safer than backing it up.  There are many online backup programs available either free or at a very low cost, you can find them by doing a simple Google search.

Security Essential Tip #4:  Keep Admin Access Restricted

At home or even in an office, often times your computer is shared by many people, everyone seems to always be at the mercy of someone else’s computer.  No matter how many steps you take to keep your computer safe, if anyone else has admin access, they have free reign to install a virus-infected program, while unintentionally or intentionally. 

If you are in a multi-user type of environment, you absolutely need to restrict admin access to only those who you know and trust to keep your computer safe.  We advise to only create one admin account per computer and give everyone else their own non-admin account.

The only time you should even use your admin account is when you need to either install a program or change some settings, other than that, leave it alone.  This will help you avoid any accidental situations where you leave your admin account logged in and then someone else sits down and uses it and accidentally downloads a virus somehow.

Security Essential Tip #5:  Always Investigate If You Suspect Anything!

If you notice your internet being more slow than normal, or maybe you are seeing an odd error message over and over, it probably needs to be investigated.  Viruses have no shame in using your computer processing power for the worst intentions, which causes it to run slow.  They will hide among other programs, which cause the error messages.  They can even send a spam email, which will make your ISP raise a red flag.  If you see anything like this, begin an investigation and don’t settle for anything until you know what exactly the problem is.  What happens if you don’t is you risk letting the little viruses install the bigger ones, and the worse ones, which can ruin everything!

At The End Of The Day …

Absolutely no one is immune to computer theft, viruses, or becoming a victim of phishing scams, or a target for spyware.   It just isn’t an option to stay away from all of today’s technology, so to significantly lower your risk of being a victim, follow the tips that Computer Fix SLC has outlined for you in this article and you will be well on your way to a safer computer environment!

Intel VS. AMD

Brain vs. Brain

Can you imagine if you had to pick out a new brain to purchase? What would be the factors to influence your choice – thinking fast, seeing better, dependability, cost? If you had to limit yourself to just a few choices with one model of a brain and a different few choices with another, picking out your new brain would be a complex task. Thus, you can imagine the complexity in picking out your computer’s brain.

So, which brain is better, AMD or Intel? The brain with the racing stripes looks really cool, but what I really need is better graphics. I like the brain with the better graphics, but what I really want is racing stripes. The better processor is which processor suits your needs. That’s it!

But, let us go a bit deeper than that answer some questions like, “Which chip is the best value for common tasks, nothing high performance?” You want to purchase an AMD processor, and here’s why. They come in both single and duel-cores; they can pair with other hardware such as motherboards for improved performance, and most importantly to the value conscious, they are affordable.

That’s great, but you’re not an average user and you want a processor that can handle the hardcore gaming you plan to do. Then, we have to go with the Intel processor. You will generate less heat which means your computer won’t hover off of its base trying to cool itself. It will consume less electricity, which also factors into cooling. The higher-end Intel processors are faster than the AMD equivalents, but you will pay more. There are high end AMD processors, as well. But, they will cost more than Intel and offer nearly the same.

In plain, non tech speak, you have your answer. If you are a normal person that doesn’t plan on playing any graphics intensive games or plan on running any fancy design programs than the basic AMD processors are for you. If you plan on hardcore gaming or you design for a living and need a processor that can handle your workhorse programs, Intel is the more expensive but better option for you.

Keep in mind these simple rules when making your purchase. As you move up in price, Intel will generally outperform AMD processors for less money. As you move down in price, AMD will generally perform the same tasks as Intel for less money.

Prolong the Life of Your Computer

We have Dr.’s reminding us always that “prevention is the best medicine”.  The same is for our computers.  If we want to get a long life out of our computers, we need to prevent. There are three basic things Computer Fix SLC recommends you do to maintain your computer keeping it in its best condition:  First, we want to keep our software updated.  Second, keep our computer clean. Third, back up your data. These three things will prolong the life of our computer.

Keeping software updated is an important part of keeping our computer healthy.  It is no longer an optional part of computer ownership, it is mandatory.  There all kinds of elements out there that can harm our computers.  Junk mail, hardware incompatibilities, software conflicts, worms and of course we’ve all heard about computer viruses. Updating our computer with the latest patches, fixes, and device drivers can help these immunize our computer and keep these annoyances at bay.  Updates are freely available on the internet for just about every antivirus program, email client, operating system, and piece of hardware you could possibly own. 

Keeping our computers clean.  We all know that things run a little better when they are clean.  When removing the lint from our dryer, it runs more efficiently.  When we take care of our cars, changing the oil etc., it runs better.  And water runs easier when our plumbing is clean.  Our computers are not any different.  Keeping our files and folders tidy in our virtual worlds and clearing the dust and grime that builds up inside and outside our computers, all play a part in keeping it running smooth all the time.

Lastly, Backing up our data on our computers is the most important thing a computer owner can do.  Consistently and reliably backing up the data stored on the hard drive will really helps our computers.  Hardware used to be the most valuable part of a computer but those bits and bytes are now the real investment.  Most people spend a lot of money on software, digital music, videos, and countless hours authorizing documents and organizing digital files.  If we don’t regularly backup this information, a serious computer problem could leave us with nothing but a huge feeling of regret. 

We want to get the most out of our computers and all we invest in it.  Yes, “prevention is the best medicine”.  It will be well worth it if we pay a little more attention to our computers.  Keeping the software updated, keeping it clean, and backing up data are three things we need to be doing to prolong our lives of our computers.  Let us know if Computer Fix SLC can help you in maintaining your computer.

7 Tips to Speed Up Your Computer

Seven Tips For A Faster Computer

A slow computer takes quite the toll on your time. Not being able to complete tasks on your computer in a timely and efficient manner is annoying! Here are seven tips you can utilize to help maximize the speed of your machine.

1.      Uninstall unwanted programs and/or programs that you do not use. Many programs run in the background even if they are not being used. This takes up memory and disk space.  You can do this by clicking start, then control panel, and selecting add/remove programs or uninstall programs.  Make sure you don’t uninstall important ones though! =)

2.      Use your Disk Cleanup tool to free up disk space by cleaning up your hard drive. You can access this by clicking Start, then click my computer or computer.  Then right click on the drive you would like to clean up, click properties, then click the tools tab at the top.  Disk Cleanup should be there!

3.      Check for and remove spyware and viruses. You can use programs like Malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org) or AVG antivirus (www.avg.com) to scan for those.  Both have a free version to use!

4.      Use the Disk Defragmenter tool to rearrange fragmented data on your hard drive to increase efficiency and performance. 

5.      Regularly check your computer’s performance by doing a performance test. You do this by clicking the start button, then typing in “performance”, then clicking “Performance Information and Tools” that should appear at or near the top of the search results. The meaning of the numbers derived after the performance test is explained when you click on, “What do these numbers mean?”

6.      Set up automatic updates so that you always have updated definitions from Microsoft.  In control panel you can access windows updates and make sure they are set to automatic.

7.      Close programs that are not currently being used. Do this by accessing the Task Manager. From the list of running programs, close the ones not being used.  Access the Task Manager by holding ctrl+alt+del and click Task Manager.

We hope you've found these useful!  Visit us at www.computerfixslc.com or give us a call if you need any computer help! 801-415-9595