4 Common Computer Problems you can fix yourself

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4 Common Computer Problems you can fix yourself

By Jeandre de Beer /  Kim Komando

 

pc repair 2Computers always act up at the worst times. You’re in the middle of a major report or playing your best game ever …

Often, users get so frustrated that they needlessly go out and buy a new computer.

With a cool head and a little know-how, however, it’s easy to fix the most common computer problems. In fact, the solutions I recommend below are free.

1. The Blue Screen of Death

 

Thankfully, Windows’ dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” is getting to be a rare event, but it still occurs. When it does, it isn’t very helpful in helping you hunt down the problem.

The problem can often be traced to bad memory modules. Memory is cheap and buying extra RAM capacity is usually worth it for the performance boost. 

It’s not difficult to remove and install memory modules. You’ll find video tutorials at all the major online memory stores.

Just remember to ground yourself when you open your computer. You don’t want to fry sensitive electronics with static electricity.

2. The Spyware plague

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8 Easy steps to get your email under control

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8 Easy steps to get your email under control

By Jeandre de Beer / Kim Komando

Postman with envelope and e-mail sign

Despite the rise in popularity of texting and social networking, email is still the preferred way for many to communicate, especially with co-workers and business associates.

A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that the average knowledge worker spends 28 percent of the work-week either writing, reading or responding to email.

You probably know some colleagues who spend more than half of each day dealing with the influx.

A high volume of email can make you feel overwhelmed and overloaded. And a cluttered inbox is a major productivity killer.

Follow these 8 steps to tame the daily barrage.

Then, you can spend a few more hours a week not glued to a glowing screen – or perhaps glued to a glowing screen for a more entertaining reason.

 

1. Send less email

The more email you send, the more you’ll get. Look for opportunities to use another form of communication that cuts down on the noise.

Could a quick IM chat, phone call or walk down the hall answer your question or resolve the issue? Face-to-face communication is better when you need to make a point or debate which direction to take.

It’s also the only choice when the subject is touchy. With body language, there’s less chance that your tone will be misconstrued.

It’s also a good idea to call an impromptu meeting if it looks like you’re headed for a confusing three- or four-way email conversation. Chats, on the other hand, are good when just a few words will do.

 

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How to delete files for good

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How to delete files for good

By Jeandre de Beer / Kim Komando

You don’t leave credit delete 2card and bill statements lying around where anyone can get to them. So why would you leave your digital data out for anyone to find?

It may be time to get rid of that old computer, or maybe it’s just time to free up some hard drive space. Whatever the reason, that data has got to go.

 

So now you’ve deleted your sensitive and classified financial information. No hackers could possibly steal your personal data, right?

 

Wrong! You might think your files are deleted, but really they’re only hidden.

New data will eventually replace it, but until then hackers could still read it. And even after that, magnetic field patterns could still be read from the disk surface.

If you want to get serious about your personal security, you need to erase sensitive data for good.

 

If you want to permanently delete data – you need to do more than just deleting the file and emptying your recycle bin. 

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How do I protect my eyes when using my computer?

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How do I protect my eyes when using my computer?

By Jeandre de Beer

eyes

 

When using our computers for an extended period of time – our eyes can become sensitive and irritated.

 

 

 

What can you do to minimize these negative effects?

 

1. Clean your monitor on a regular basis.

Monitors can become dirty from dust and finger prints. Make sure the monitor is clean to reduce strain on your eyes – especially when reading text.

 

2. What is the ideal distance between your monitor and your eyes?

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Should I remove my laptop battery when plugged in to lengthen its life span?

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Should I remove my laptop battery when plugged in to lengthen its life span?

By Jeandre de Beer

batteryMany users have their laptops plugged into the power outlet when working at the office.

Can you improve your battery life if you remove the battery when you are connected to the power outlet?

 

 

It’s one of those questions that have no right or wrong answer. For every answer out there, there are arguments for and against it.

I remove my laptop’s battery when I am connected to the power outlet and I only insert it when I am travelling.

It’s always better for batteries to discharge to about 20% before recharging them.

 

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What can you do with your old Computer?

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What can you do with your old Computer?

By Jeandre de Beer

Recycle 1

 

 

IT equipment has a limited life, but that does not mean that it can’t still be used by someone else.

So what can be done with your IT assets once it has reached the end of its life for your organization?

 

 

 

Here are a few ideas:

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