While we specialize in computer repair, it is not necessary to bring your laptop or desktop into our shop every time something goes wro
ng. In some cases, you should be able to take care of the problem with a easy fix. In this blog post, we explore some of those simple solutions.
1. Reboot
As simple as this sounds, in many cases, rebooting does the trick. In fact, there is a long-running joke that all tech people do is tell their customers to restart their computers. Sometimes, the most effective fix is the easiest one. So, don’t skip this step. And if the computer you’re using doesn’t reboot, try turning it off and on. It achieves the same goal.
2. Run a virus scan
If your computer is acting buggy, a virus may be to blame. Check this by running a virus scan. In the process, you may discover that your malware protection has expired. Make sure you keep this up to date, as any lapse could spell trouble for your machine.
3. Exit/quit or force quit every program
In some cases, closing out of every program can get your computer back on track. Don't do this, however, unless the program will not quit normally. Apple Customer Support has this to say about Force quit: “Force Quit is not a good idea as all it does is stop the application very abruptly. It does not close down files properly or write away preference changes or any other items that should be written to the disk by the application. You stand a very high risk or corrupting the application, documents, or your operating system by using Force Quit, especially when there is no need to do so.”
4. Uninstall and reinstall software
If the computer is responsive but you’re struggling to work within a certain software program, try to uninstall and reinstall the offending program.
5. Delete browser cookies
Doing this may help websites load more quickly. This from Google: “When you use a browser, like Chrome, it saves some information from websites in its cache and cookies. Clearing them fixes certain problems, like loading or formatting issues on sites.”
6. Use a different browser
Do you use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer to surf the web? Sometimes, computer-related performance issues are browser related. Identify if this is the case by trying to access a troublesome website using a different browser. If a website loads slowly, and you have already made sure your Internet connection is not to blame, the issue could be due to the browser. If the problem persists, let us know. Our technician could come to your place of work or home and trouble-shoot.
7. Hard reset (Last resort) If a reboot doesn’t work, try a hard reset by depressing the start button. Or, if that doesn’t work, unplug it. (Mind you; don’t ever do this if your computer is running an update. Heed the instructions that prompt you not to shut down your machine while it is updating. If you can’t get it to respond, it’s time to bring it into the shop!)
If you’ve tried the above ideas and find that problems continue to plague your device, or if you’re overwhelmed at the idea of even trying, bring it into the shop. We will be happy to help.
About 208 Geek in Meridian, Idaho
Owner/Operator Jacob Van Vliet began building and repairing computer systems for friends and family out of his home in 2001. Jacob was receiving so many requests for computer repair, that in the Fall of 2005, he opened 208 Geek with the vision of providing outstanding service and peace of mind. He has committed 208 Geek to delivering unparalleled, friendly, and professional service, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.