Prolong the Life of your PC

Prolong the Life of your PC

For most people these days, a computer is a permanent and important part of your daily life, whether you’re using it for homework, gaming, or just to keep in touch with friends and family through social media networks and email. While the cost of computers has gone down significantly over the past couple of decades, it’s still a significant investment for many people. Here are a few ways you can prolong the useful life of your PC.

Adjust the Settings

When you first get your PC, there are many “factory settings” that are already determined, but often these are not things that most users require on a daily basis, especially if you are using your PC for more basic work, such as surfing the internet, word processing, and email. Check out the factory settings and disable things that you do not use as often to maximize the functionality of the programs you do use. If you’re not sure which programs you use and which you can shut off, talk to the experts at ComputerfixSLC for some help.

 

Upgrade the Components

When you first buy your machine, you often cannot predict what types of functionality you will need in the future. Your computer may slow down when the RAM and storage space start running low. Instead of buying a new computer or taking it in for computer repair, consider replacing components that you need to improve, such as adding more RAM (random access memory), or storage. You may also want to get an external hard drive to store larger files (videos, photos, etc.) because they can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. This can also protect you in case the computer is ever stolen, or shuts down, because you’ll have a backup.

Keep the Machine Cool

If you use your PC a lot, and you have it stored in a confined space, it will often get very warm and not cool off properly while it is in use. This often happens with laptops too. Overheating is one of the most common problems that cause your computer to malfunction and require computer repair. Keep the machine in a well-ventilated area, and allow it to “breathe” while it’s in use so you can get the most out of your machine.

Clean the Computer Regularly

When you use your PC, and when it’s not in use, it is collecting dust and debris from the air nearby. Often this dust collects and is stored inside the computer, causing damage over time and speeding up the time it takes before you need to start replacing components. In addition, a computer that is not properly cleaned can be more susceptible to overheating, which is problematic.

Get the Right Accessories

Stop by ComputerfixSLC even visit out web site www.computerfixslc.com to discuss some of the most useful accessories you can have for your computer, including cleaner, fans, and things like laptop desks for your laptop PC. You can find exactly the items you need to keep your PC running in great shape, and ensure that investment is built to last.

 

 

 

Tips on Buying a Desktop Computer

 Tips on Buying a Desktop Computer

While many people have moved from the desktop computer to more portable options such as laptops and tablets, there is still a place for the desktop PC. In terms of price, power, and versatility, it still beats a laptop, and can be an essential part of your computing world—the key is to find the right one. Whether you decide to go with off-the-shelf models or custom made computers, it’s important to know which components will help you build the perfect machine.

Start with Processing Power

The Central Processing Unit, also known as CPU or processor, is like your computer’s “brain”, controlling how long it takes the system to boot, how well it runs applications, and how much power it requires. There are a wide variety of CPUs out there and a CPU upgrade can get pricey, so it’s important to know what you want your system to do in order to get the best one at the right price. If you’re not sure what you need, talk to the experts at Computer Fix.

 You can adjust your CPU for custom computers based on a few factors—the speed (measured in gigahertz or GHz), the number of cores that the processor includes, and the brand. Generally more GHz is better, and the more cores you have, the more programs it can run simultaneously without affecting the performance of the machine.

 

Choose an Operating System

There are basically three operating systems (OS) to choose from—the most common is Microsoft’s Windows, followed by Apple’s OS X and Linux. The OS is the foundation for running various programs, so you want one that offers reliability, stability, and as much functionality as possible.

Most PCs today come already loaded with Windows, unless you buy an Apple computer (Mac). Linux ranks third in terms of total users, and while it is a free open source system, it is often only utilized by people with a lot of experience working with computers and is not generally used by the masses. Windows offers a variety of different OS options, most notably versions for home or professional users, and you can decide based on how you intend to use the computer.

Hard Drive & Memory

The next choice for your custom made computers is how big you want the hard drive, and how much memory you need. These are not the same thing—each has a distinct role within the computer, but both are absolutely critical. The hard drive (measured in GB) stores your data, while the memory is what accesses and runs programs (measured in RAM). You will usually have hundreds or even thousands of GB of storage (hard drive), while you will only have about 4 to 8 GB of RAM (memory). Generally speaking, more hard drive and more memory are good things, especially if you intend to run RAM-intensive programs like Adobe Photoshop, or you want to store significant-size files, such as videos and pictures.

The Finishing Touches

You also need to decide whether you want custom made computers with upgraded video cards. If your purpose is to use the computer for word processing, spreadsheets, and email, a video card will not be as important. If you’re using it for video games and other graphics-intensive programs, consider upgrading.

The final step is to choose your accessories, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Decide whether you need wireless or wired accessories, and what size and resolution you want your monitor to be. Today’s monitors are often super high resolution and large, offering an experience similar to watching television on an HDTV.

When you know what you want from your computer, visit Computer Fix to build a custom machine with everything you need.

Is Your Computer Running Slow?

Slow Computer?

Computers certainly make our lives and our work easier in many ways, and they have become a permanent part of daily life for most people. That’s why when they begin to run slowly it can be extremely frustrating. Whether you have had your PC for a while, or it’s brand new, there are a few common reasons it may be running slowly. Use this checklist to determine if your machine is suffering from these common ailments, so you can fix the slow computer and get it back to working like new again.

Reason #1: Spyware, Malware, Viruses

There are so many different ways that a computer can pick up spyware, malware, and viruses throughout the course of normal use that it’s important to check for it regularly. You should have a proper antivirus and antispyware program installed on your machine to help protect it, but also avoid doing things that usually result in spyware—surfing non-reputable websites, opening attachments in emails from people you don’t know, or clicking on links that you are not sure where they will lead. If you have a serious case of spyware, you may need to take it to a professional shop like Computer Fix to have it cleaned.

 

Reason #2: Overload at Startup

When you first get your machine, it probably only contains a few of the factory-installed programs. As you use it regularly, you install more and more programs that take up space on the hard drive and claim some of the start-up status, which can slow the machine down significantly. You can check out your start-up list by going to All Programs, and remove any that are unnecessary to have starting automatically when you turn on the machine. That is often a default setting, but it’s not necessary for all programs.

Reason #3: Not Enough Memory

Perhaps you purchased the computer and at the time were not aware exactly how much RAM you might need, or perhaps the memory capabilities have declined over time with fragmentation from opening, using, and closing various programs and files. Some programs may also be hogging some of that memory by not releasing RAM after it closes. You may want to consider adding more memory, which you can do on your own, or you can take it to a place like Computer Fix and have the experts upgrade your machine to make it a faster computer.

Reason #4: Fragmented Disks

Every time you create new files, delete old files, and open or close programs, the computer splits it up and stores the files in several different places. Over time, the effort to recover those fragmented pieces becomes difficult on the computer, causing excessive wear and tear on the physical components inside the machine. To optimize the system and avoid unnecessary effort for the internal components, consider defragmenting your disk every now and then to maintain drive integrity and realign the items inside the PC.

Reason #5: Redundant Programs

Your computer has a limited amount of space, so it’s important that you only install and run necessary programs. If you find the PC slowing down and you’re looking for ways to fix a slow computer, look at your list of programs and find out if there are redundancies that you can eliminate by uninstalling programs. There are also programs out there that can help you detect and identify redundancies in your system, then remove them.

These tips can help you get a faster computer without having to purchase a whole new machine. At Computer Fix can help get your machine back in shape, hopefully running like it was when it was new.

Keeping your Computer Clean

Why is it Important to Keep your Computer Clean?
 
On a fairly regular basis you probably clean your home, your bathrooms, your kitchen, and even your car sometimes. Do you also take the time to clean your computer? Most people are not aware that you need to clean a computer—both inside and out—and if you’ve never learned how to clean a computer before, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Why Clean Computers

You probably spend money and time thinking about how you can protect your computer from external threats such as spyware, viruses, and malware. At the same time, very few people understand how and how often to clean the computer to protect against a hardware failure from a dust and dirt.

Without regular cleanings, dust and other irritants begin to collect inside the computer, affecting the hard drive, motherboard, and even disc drives, which eventually adds up to a lot of damage and requires costly replacement parts. Over time all this dust can lead to overheating, lower performance, and damage to the random access memory (RAM).

How to Clean the Computer

You can begin by taking off the cover of the computer, and vacuuming the internal parts of the machine to remove any loose dust that has accumulated over the years. Next, get a can of pressurized air that you can spray in hard-to-reach areas, focusing a blast of air to continue removing dust and dirt. Finally, use paper towels to wipe down the wires, sides, and bottom so you don’t have lingering dust.

You should also vacuum or dust around the base to remove excess dust that is in the area and prevent it from getting into the computer, and check for proper air flow to keep things moving the right way inside the machine. Fans are designed to maintain the proper temperature inside your computer, which means if they are not working right, or they are not receiving the right amount of airflow, the machine could be at risk of overheating. Use these tactics to clean your machine at least twice per year, more often if you are able. If the build up is too much for you to handle feel free to make an appointment! Computerfix Salt Lake City is happy to serve you. Computerfix SLC 801-415-9595 

Cleaning the Inside

You can also keep the internal files on your computer “clean” by performing regular maintenance. In these cases, it’s important that you keep up with a regular schedule to ensure smooth operations throughout the life of your machine.

First, begin by reviewing all the programs and applications you have installed. Go through and find ones that are no longer in use, and remove them from the system completely (uninstall them). Too many programs, especially unnecessary and unused programs, can quickly slow your machine down.

Next, consider “defragmenting” your disk about once a month. This consolidates files and organizes them in an efficient way so your machine doesn’t have to expend extra energy trying to find them later.

Finally, make sure you have proper antivirus software installed and it is updated and running whenever you use your machine, especially on the Internet. Without it, you could end up with nasty computer viruses that could harm the computer.

Essentials of Computer Security

We rely on our computers for just about everything these days, from paying bills to staying in communication with our friends and loved ones. But the worldwide web can be a dangerous place, filled with people who would like to hack your machine and gain access to your information, such as passwords, accounts, and security. The key to avoiding these online crimes is to know the essentials of computer security. If anything ever does happen, get it to your computer repair shop right away for help fixing it. Here are four computer essentials for everyone to stay safe online.

 

Firewalls

Firewalls are a small piece of hardware or software that blocks certain types of information from entering your system. The term “firewall” comes from the auto industry, where it is a literal term as a wall between the engine and the passengers to protect people in the event the engine catches fire. In the computer world, while it will likely not do much if your computer is on fire, it is a wall between you and the security threats. You can set it to protect against specific threats or file types, especially those you know that will be dangerous.

 

Virus Scanning Software

The next step is to have an up-to-date virus scanning software installed on your computer. There are several to choose from these days, but most have the same basic features: protection from spyware, malware, adware, and viruses that could harm your machine, or worse. Even with a firewall, some computer viruses will manage to get in, so an updated virus scanning software is essential to catching them early before they can do damage. If something does happen, take it in to Computerfix Salt Lake City for a thorough review.

 

Updated Security Software

Yes, software companies are always coming up with new, updated versions of their operating systems and software that require you to update those programs on your computer, which can be hard, but it’s critical that you do. Within every system there are “holes” that computer hackers can find and exploit to take advantage of the machine. Computer companies have teams working nonstop to identify these holes and fix them before a hacker finds them; however, sometimes it cannot be avoided and you will have to use your security software to scan and eliminate the threat.

 

Spyware and Malware Scanners

Your computer is a treasure trove of information for advertisers and companies alike. However most people believe that what they do on their computer, including online, should remain private. When spyware or malware is installed on your machine inadvertently, it silently collects data about what you do, your shopping habits, your internet browsing, and more. Often this information is sold in transactions to a third party, intended for nefarious uses. The most common way your system will become infected with adware, spyware, or malware is through “free” software downloads, which are often the packages for installing spyware on your computer. If you can avoid it, try not to download any free software to your computer, or if you must, be sure to run your virus scanner afterward to avoid any major spyware or malware problems. These programs can also cause you computer to slow down and run poorly, which can be an early sign of the problem.

 

In addition to all these important computer security essentials, it’s important to back up your machine at least once a month (so you don’t lose important files in the event something does go wrong), and set strong passwords for all your online and offline accounts so they are hard to hack.

Hack Proof Your PC

 

Most people live on their computers these days, storing tons of personal information and data that could be used to steal your identity, your credit cards, your bank information, or even just wreak havoc on your machine from a hacker somewhere who is just plain bored. When that happens, the short-term and long-term consequences can be devastating, mentally, and sometimes financially. Instead of waiting until the computer is hacked and you need computer repair, consider these steps to hack proof your PC.

 

Start With the Basics

 

Most people don’t really understand what’s happening inside a computer when you fire it up and go out to surf the internet, but hackers do. They know that the easiest way to compromise your PC is through vulnerabilities in your operating system (for example, Windows 8). Hackers spend a lot of time seeking out and learning how to exploit these weaknesses, then use programs, viruses, spyware, and other malicious programs to destroy your computer from within.

While hackers are working on finding the weaknesses, computer engineers from the operating system company (for example, Microsoft) are also diligently working to find the same weaknesses and create “fixes”, “patches”, or “updates” to the system. To ensure that you always have the latest fixes and patches, be sure to download regular security updates. You can even set the machine to automatically check for updates and install them automatically, so you won’t forget and miss something important.

 

Get an Antivirus Program

 

There are a variety of antivirus programs out there to choose from, and most will do an adequate job. If you can’t decide and want some help figuring out which are the best, talk to the experts at Computerfix in Salt Lake City and let them help you choose one that is affordable and will provide the right protection for your machine. Even a basic antivirus is better than none, so at least get something.

 

Use the Firewall

 

Windows has a built-in firewall in all its PCs, but you want to make sure it’s not disabled. You can check the firewall settings in the Control Panel, and turn them on to their highest blocking settings. If you don’t think that is enough you can supplement the Windows firewall with a personal firewall that will effectively block traffic through open ports and alert you in cases where something does manage to get by.

Make Your Passwords Hard to Guess

 

With all the different things you have a password for these days—email, bank accounts, credit cards, loan accounts, computers, phones, and more—it can be tempting to just find an easy password and use it for everything. The problem is that if a hacker does manage to crack your password, they will have free reign throughout your system. Instead, make your password difficult to guess, and vary it a little with every different account. Using symbols in place of certain letters, mixing numbers in, and changing the order of the words or letters can be effective for protecting your accounts.

 

Be Cautious on Clicking on Email Links

 

Email is one of the easiest ways for a hacker to enter your system, and often you are the one who lets them in. Hackers are good at disguising emails to look like legitimate messages from friends, family, and trusted institutions like your bank. These messages often include a link or attachment designed to install malicious viruses, spyware, malware, or other programs on your machine. To protect your machine, don’t automatically display images or download attachments, and be sure you never click on a link within an email message unless you are sure it’s from a trusted source. If you do get a legitimate message from someone or a company, and need to go to a website, open a browser window and type in the website address yourself.

5 Most Common Computer Problems

The Top 5 Most Common Computer Problems

Is your computer having problems? There are several basic problems that all computers suffer from. Here are the top five problems that you should be aware of when it comes to your computer.

Memory Issues

One of the major problems that a computer can have is a lack of memory. If your computer is slowing down it just might be because it doesn`t have enough memory to operate with newer software. Sometimes a memory stick can just die and this will reduce the processing capacity of your computer. A company such as Computerfix SLC can help diagnose these memory problems and help get your computer operating smoothly again.

Hard Drive Problems

Other compute problems occur because you might have problems with your computer disk. This can be because your disk is too full or because there`s an error or other issue with your disk. The hard disk is also a part that will just fail after a certain period of time and will need to be replaced. You should have an external backup to ensure that your data is always secure because a disk can die without warning.

Virus Infection

Another major cause of computer problems are viruses, malware, and spyware that get into the computer form programs, the Internet or through downloads. A virus can be annoying or it can damage your system severely. Computerfix Salt Lake City is a company that can help to remove these viruses and restore damaged files for you. Always use up to date anti-virus software to minimize the impacts from viruses. Always scan new programs before you install them on your computer to check for viruses and be careful of download sites which can have virus problems.

Dust

Computer problems can be caused by dust that gets into the computer system. Dust can cause sensitive components to overheat or the dust can damage the parts and they will need to be replaced. Too much dust can slow the entire computer down and it needs to be removed on a periodic basis. You can do this at home or take your machine to a qualified computer repair technician such as Computerfix SLC.

Problem Software or Drivers

Problems with your computer can creep up if you have conflicts with drivers and software. Sometimes older software won’t work well with newer programs and this can cause errors on your computer or even cause it to crash and becоme unresponsive.   This can be avoided by always using up-to-date software programs and installing new drivers form computer peripherals such as printers or for your video card. Often major problems are due to one of these conflicts caused by software that’s not compatible with each other.

If You Need Computer Repair

If you need computer repair a company like Computerfix Salt Lake City can help solve your computer problems. While you can solve many problems yourself don`t attempt this if you don`t know what you`re doing. Leave it to the experts to get your computer operating smoothly again.