Fixing Your Computer
Hardware
Hardware problems can be just as common as software problems. Most people are less informed on how to handle hardware problems than they are software. If something went wrong on your computer, you might just think to buy a new one. However, it is much cheaper and sometimes simpler to fix or buy only a broken part. Another misconception that most people have is that if there is a problem with a part on their computer that the only option is to send it to a technician and pay them to fix your computer. In some cases that is the correct idea, but if it is a simple fix or change it will be better to do it on your own.
| Of Note | The information below does not cover ALL possibilities for hardware problems. If you have a problem not indicated below, try calling you computer manufacturer for information on fixing it. |
Hard Drive
Unorganized hard drives can lead to serious problems. It is a good idea to run disk defragment regularly. Disk defragment reorganizes and moves files, which are used together, together. It is also good to run disk cleanup regularly to make sure you don't have any unnecessary files taking up your hard drive space. Disk cleanup will get rid of useless files, such as temporary internet files, trash can files, unused installation files, etc.
If you turn on your computer and get a message, before Windows loads, that your hard disk/drive could not be found, then you have a serious problem with your hard drive. If your hard drive is relatively new or has a lot of space, it would be a good idea to go to a licensed professional computer technician and ask them how much it would cost to repair the hard drive. If it costs more to fix than it does to buy a new one or your hard drive is very old or small, then you should go out and buy a new one or use a replacement you might have.
Power Supply
What happens when you press the button to turn on your computer and absolutely nothing happens? No lights, noises, nothing. The first thing to check is that your computer is plugged in. If it is plugged in, it is probably your power supply. Open up your computer and check your power supply(a metal box in a corner of your machine). If all of the cords haven't unconnected themselves from the power supply it is probably a burn-out power supply that you need to replace. Take out the power supply and bring it to a computer hardware store to get a compatible type.
If your computer turns on, but the CD drive, hard drive, floppy drive, or fan don't turn on, then it might be that the connector for that device has disconnected from the power supply. Open your computer and look at the cords connecting to the power supply. If you find a cord similar to those connected to the power supply that is not connected to anything, see if it connects to the not working device on the other side and if it does, reconnect it to the power supply at the empty port.
Memory
Does your computer randomly crash regularly? If so, you might have a memory problem. The best thing to do is run a memory diagnostics test. Memtest 86 is a good program for that. If you have multiple memory sticks inside your computer, try removing one of them to see if the problem still occurs
| Of Note | Your computer might act very slow during this test |
Monitor
Do you turn on your computer, but nothing shows up on your monitor? If your monitor power light still comes on, but the picture doesn't show, it could possibly be a video card problem. First, check to make sure that you monitor is properly plugged into the back of your computer. If it is, open your computer and check to see if your video card is built-in to the motherboard. A video card is built-in to the motherboard if the VGA port(place where you connect your monitor to the computer) is connected directly to the motherboard. If the video card is built-in, it is not replaceable. You will need to go to a hardware store and buy a new motherboard or computer. However, if the video card is not built-in, check to makes sure that it is locked into its slot firmly, because it is possibly for them to slip out slightly. If that doesn't do the job and u have another computer in the house with a non-built-in video card, take out that card and try it on your broken machine. If that solves the problem and you don't have any extra video cards, go to the store and buy a cheap video card(NOT one of those $400 ones for intense gamers, unless you are one of them).
If the power light does not come on the problem might rely in the monitor. Check the monitor power connection to the wall or surge protector. If you have another monitor in the house, connect the computer to that monitor and see if the picture shows:
- If it does show, then your monitor might be broken or fried. It is never worth it to fix your monitor. Go to a monitor retail store and purchase a new one or use a different monitor. It could possibly be a connector break which is replaceable.
- If you run the separate monitor test and the other monitor still doesn't show the picture, it is probably a problem with your computer. If you have another computer in the house, try connecting the original monitor to that computer. If the monitor works then it is definitely a computer problem. You should bring your computer into a specialist or consider buying a new one.
Software
Security Keywords
A lot of security software uses keywords that some people are clueless about. It is important to know what these words mean and how they are used for security software.
Viruses/Anti-Virus
A virus is a self-replicating computer program that spreads by inserting copies of itself into other executable code or documents. A computer virus gets its name from a biological virus which works by inserting itself into cells which then reproduce to form more and more virus-infected cells. Viruses can be incredibly silent and deadly. They can be inserted into the smallest files on your computer which might be used once throughout the history of your computer, but no matter how small they are they can evolve to infect your entire machine.
Anti-virus is software that attempt to identify, thwart and eliminate computer viruses and other malicious software (malware). Anti-virus software works be searching your computer for infected files and then working to fix them. Sometimes, anti-virus software will just delete the files if they are causing too much harm to your system. Anti-virus software will also work to watch how easily infectible files behave making sure that if they do get infected, the virus will be taken care of immediately. Anti-virus software keeps a dictionary of possible viruses that have been around before which is checked against the files on the computer to see whether or not they are corrupted. This is dictionary needs to be constantly updated to make sure that it includes all of the latest viruses hackers have created.
Firewall
A firewall is a piece of hardware and/or software which functions in a networked environment to prevent some communications forbidden by the security policy. Firewalls are the first line of defense. They manage everything that comes in and out of your computer through your network. Firewalls use trust zones which specify how much you or the firewall trusts a specific part of your network. For example, the trust level for the Internet is none since nobody can trust the Internet, but the trust level for your computer is high since you are the one who runs your computer.
Spam
Spam is the abuse of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited, bulk messages. The most common type of spam is e-mail spam. E-mail spam is very common when you input your e-mail address into a form on a web page for a company. Sometimes, that company might give your e-mail address out to another company who in return will do the same thing. This can cause you to get an incredible amount of email messages which you just DONT want. Many e-mail applications today contain spam filters and spam/junk folders which will search throughout your incoming e-mail messages and check to see if they are common spam messages or an your spam list.
Spyware
Spyware is malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of that machine's owner or legitimate user. Hackers love spyware because it gains them control of your computer and all of the operations your computer runs. With spyware hackers can watch your every move and even know everything about you and what you do just like a stalker. Once hackers see everything on your computer, they will know all of your saved passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, and contacts you have saved. Unlike viruses, spyware does not replicate. Instead, it just sits somewhere on your computer and watches around as everything happens taking note to important information you pass around. Once hackers can access your system, they can use your computer as a launchpad for any other attacks he/she wants to make onto other computer without giving away his/her true identity.
Malware
Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system, without the owner's consent. Malware is basically the general term for all the hacks, viruses, breaks, adware, spyware, and other damaging entities that can be placed on your computer by a hacker. Malware is different than defective software in that defective software was useful software, but just contained a few bugs. Malware is something that you did not purposely intend to have running on your computer.
Adware
Adware is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used. Adware can be incredibly annoying and sometimes absolutely pointless. Placing adware on a computer will only annoy the person who uses that computer, not make them more willing to look at the products advertised. Adware is usually hooked onto a specific program. Adware can exist in the tiniest file of an unpopular program which you might never be able to find.
Security programs
There is a wide range of security programs available on the market today. Some of the top leaders like Norton and McAfee offer all types of security programs usually sold in suites. However, there are also some very good free security programs available out there.
Virus Scan Tools
When you think you might have a virus on your computer, it is easier to use an online virus scanner to check your computer.
| Of Note | ALL of the following online scanners require you to use Internet Explorer. They cannot be used withe Firefox or any other web browser. |
Norton
Norton can do a virus detection scan which will search for viruses and a security check which will check your system to make sure it is secure. Norton uses ActiveX to look through every file on your computer for viruses(similarly to the way the Norton Antivirus Software works). When the scan is finished you will be given a virus scan rating and a list of defected files. However, the scan will not fix the problem. The security scan works similarly except the result is a rating of how safe your computer is to threats.
How To Use Norton Online Scanner
McAfee
The McAfee online virus scanner is very similar to the Norton scanner. However, the McAfee scan lets you choose one of three locations to scan. Therefore, if you only want to search your My Documents folder, you won't need to waste your time searching your entire computer. The interface is very simple and uses DirectX(just like Norton).
How To Use McAfee Online Scanner
BitDefender
BitDefender is basically just like all the other online scanners. However, you do not get to select specific locations to search, but it does update itself before it searches your computer. The results are very similar to other online scanners.
How To Use BitDefender Online Scan
Spyware
Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. Ad-Aware has the following key features:
- Scans drives, memory and Windows registry
- Detects malware by using the Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology
- Removes aggressive spyware and malicious content
- Logs information about scans and malicious content removals
How To Download/Install Ad-Aware
SpyBot Search and Destroy
SpyBot: Search & Destroy searches for and removes spyware on your computer. SpyBot lets you backup your registry, immunize your computer, and restore any changes SpyBot makes. This makes fixing your computer much easier and safer. The interface is very simplistic and difficult to misrepresent. SpyBot is recommended for beginners to spyware protection.
How To Download/Install/Setup SpyBot: Search & Destroy
Spyware Blaster
SpywareBlaster can help keep your system spyware-free and secure, without interfering with the "good side" of the web.