Friday, December 28, 2012

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.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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/

 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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!