Slow running technology, especially a computer, or a complete crash, can cause immense frustration, especially as people become more reliant upon technology. The level of frustration, as well as the common issues, can be detected through an analysis of Internet search engine terms.
In an earlier article, Digital Journal presented the U.K.’s top five most Googled computer problems. In this follow-up article, specific tactics to address these continued concerns are outlined.
READ MORE: ‘Slow computer’ is the most Googled tech problem
Ideas for addressing slow machines and search problems have been suggested by PC Shield. These have been examined and the key points extracted. In terms of how to address computer related issues, the optimal things to try by category are:
Computer is too slow
- Uninstall unnecessary software.
- Limit the programs that run at startup.
- Add more RAM to your PC.
- Check for spyware and viruses.
- Use Disk Cleanup and defragmentation.
- Consider a startup Solid State Drive (SSD). This allows the computer to boot into an interface that the user can navigate.
- Take a look at your web browser, consider clearing out your cache.
Forgotten Password
If you’ve forgotten your password to Gmail or Facebook, you can usually choose to reset the password and gain access to your account. Many security experts recommend using a password manager to create complex unique passwords for each account you create.
If you’ve forgotten your password for Windows, it can be slightly trickier:
- Password reset options are available by answering security questions (if you completed this when you first set up your PC) .
- It is possible to create a “password reset disk” using a USB stick.
- If all else fails, reinstalling windows will reset your password, but it may also cause you to lose your files.
Blue Screen of Death
This can be caused by numerous things, including corrupted apps that need to be reinstalled or incompatible hardware/peripherals. These are easily fixed, but sometimes the “BSOD” will not allow you to even access your desktop. You can boot up your PC in “safe mode”, however, and perform some changes from there – namely, reinstalling windows.
Windows 10 update problems
Along with more advanced fixes, some of the most basic ways you can troubleshoot problematic Windows Updates includes:
- Free up some drive space so you can run updates
- Restart to apply installed updates
- Run Windows Update again
- Disconnect external hardware
- Update third-party drivers
- Check Device Manager for errors
Internet is too slow:
- Turn things off and on again.
- Move your router to a better location.
- Adjust your router’s antennas.
- Make sure you’re on the right frequency band.
- Prune unnecessary connections.
- Change your Wi-Fi frequency channel.
- Update your router’s firmware.
- Replace your equipment.
- Extend your Wi-Fi network.
These issues exemplify how technology and social innovation, ostensibly intended to overcome the negatives of the digital age, can also cause additional negative consequences, especially the frustrations on the part of the user. The more common areas can be overcome, as this article has presented.
