Whether you have an age-old Windows laptop or a Mac desktop, troubleshooting is a part of working with computers.
Technical support services can be expensive, and you are not required to call the professional help each time your computer slows down or displays any performance issues.
There are some common problems that can be resolved at home without spending money.
Before you take any action to remediate any issue, make sure to backup your data.
As a first workaround procedure, restart your computer to check if the problem still persists.
Next, make sure that your operating system is updated and upgraded, as avoiding updates can prevent you from installing important performance and bug fixes.
Here’s How To Fix Common Computer Issues
1. Abrupt System Shutdown
If your Mac restarts abruptly with a message, the chances are that your system is the victim of kernel panic attacks. If this happens, there might be faulty software causing the problem.
An incompatible, redundant, or damaged hardware component can also be responsible for kernel panics.
Before you try any workaround, figure out what’s causing Kernel Panic and then proceed further.
Restarting your Mac in Safe mode can help resolve the problem, but you can also try other resolution procedures.
Uninstall any plugins or third-party software applications and keep the ones downloaded from Apple App Store.
Try to disconnect all peripherals connected to your computer, except for the ones manufactured by Apple.
Get rid of hardware upgrades from Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) cards or Random Access Memory (RAM), and restart your computer to check if the problem still exists.
If yes, you might need to call professional help to resolve the problem and bring your system to a normal working state.
2. Slow Performing Computer
On identifying slow performance, the first thing that you should do is to determine the actual source of the problem.
Websites that are loaded slow or videos that buffer for longer may not be a performance hog created by your computer.
It can be the result of a slow broadband connection, or your WiFi may not work appropriately.
If your computer is at fault, start by checking your hard drive to identify how much storage space the apps and files stored on your computer are consuming.
The operating system needs space to create files while the system is in running mode, and if the hard drive lacks storage, the performance will suffer.
Check all the Startup items to identify what applications are consuming maximum system resources and disable them accordingly.
If you are not sure about any of the applications or programs running in the backend, don’t disable them as they might be essential for your system to run smoothly.
3. Sluggish Program Downloads
Visit Speedtest.net if you are facing any connectivity issues. Running a speed test will help you determine your upload and download speeds.
With the ping under 100 milliseconds, the speed should ideally be at least 50 percent of what your internet service provider advertised for.
This is an assumption, and your system can record anything higher or lower than the 50 percent mark.
Make sure that you are not downloading or uploading any content inadvertently, as many downloading programs running in the background will impact your system performance.
Check your network drivers and update them if required because slow downloads can be a result of outdated drivers.
Resetting your modem and router can be a potential workaround, so switch off and then switch on the devices to ensure proper connectivity.
Once done, disconnect and then reconnect to your WiFi connection. If nothing seems to work for reestablishing faster connectivity, contact your internet service provider and ask for support.
4. Inappropriate Google Functionality
Browser hijackers can influence the way your system works and can steal your information, making your computer susceptible to viruses and malware attacks.
The malware can take over your browser and redirect your web searches and queries to unsolicited pages with the intent to steal your personal information.
It is advised to install and run antivirus applications to prevent your system from attackers and viruses.
Download the application from a trusted website and scan your computer regularly at least twice a month to ensure complete security against potential threats.
A trusted antivirus and malware protection program will also help to block ads and spam. It will provide defense against hacking attempts and data thieves.
With responsive virus protection, you can add an additional layer of security to the files and folders stored on your computer and prevent unauthorized access.
These applications can nosedive any security threat before it enters your network and ensures proper protection to your device and data.
5. Screen Flickers
A flickering screen is not a good sign regardless if you are using a laptop or a desktop computer. In fact, this particular issue is worse for laptop owners.
For a PC, you can get a new monitor if the flickering does not stop or is impossible to solve.
Meanwhile, laptops have “integrated” screens, and you cannot really replace them, meaning that you will need to throw the device and purchase a new one.
So, the question is, what causes screen flickers, and how does one deal with them. The likeliest cause is related to hardware, particularly the graphics processing unit.
Sometimes, there are incompatibilities between the GPU and a computer’s operating system.
If you notice flickers after you update the OS or install the latest GPU drivers, try going back to an older version and see if it fixes the problem.
If degrading updates do not help, you will likely need to get help from a computer service store because tinkering with such hardware with no prior experience is not a good idea.
6. Loud Noises and Overheating
A loud noise is expected when you start the computer, particularly if it has an SSD and loads the system quickly.
However, the sound should not persist after the computer finishes loading and is left in an idle state.
In case you hear loud noises randomly that subside after a few seconds, and there are no resource-heavy processes running in the system’s background, you need to take some action.
More often than not, it is the dust inside that is making the hardware overheat, which leads to the internal fans getting overworked.
The issue only snowballs from there, and unless you clean the dust inside, it will not disappear on its own.
For desktop computer owners, cleaning the filth inside is not that difficult as you can take the case apart easily and put it back together.
Pro Tip: Apply thermal paste if you have not done that in a while, as it will also help with overheating.
Now, for those who have a laptop, the process is not that straightforward. You are likely to take on the task yourself.
The reluctance stems from having to take a laptop apart and putting it back together. However, even if you have the step-by-step instructions on how to do it, you are still likely to go wrong somewhere and damage the device.
Paying someone to clean the dust inside a laptop is not always cheap, but it is better to leave such work for those who know what they are doing.
Finally, if overheating and loud noises from the internal fans persist on a laptop despite removing the dust inside, you still have the option to get a cooling pad.
Hopefully, the accessory will solve the problem.
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