Ever had technology problems the night before a big assignment is due? Or had an important presentation ruined by a sudden computer crash? We’ve all been there. Somehow computer problems always seem to pop up at exactly the wrong time. Luckily, you can look out for some early warning signs to preempt any disasters down the road.
From strange noises to the dreaded “blue screen of death,” read on to discover the five key signs you need computer repair.
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1. It Is Running Slowly
It seems obvious, but this is often the very first warning sign that there is something wrong with your computer.
There are lots of potential reasons for your system running slowly. It could be anything from computer viruses to a lack of available memory to outdated software.
As a general rule of thumb, any modern computer should be able to deal with day-to-day browsing or basic office tasks without lagging. A small delay now and again isn’t something to worry about. But if your system is consistently slow you should consider contacting a computer company for help.
2. You Keep Getting the “Blue Screen of Death”
Any long-term computer user will shudder at the mention of the “blue screen of death.” This is often a sign of a major internal fault meaning a call to a repair company is often needed.
You will know if this happens to you. Your screen will turn blue and will display a short error message before rebooting itself.
The first time this happens, you should make note of any information displayed on the screen that may indicate what the cause was. If it happens a second time, it is a sign your computer needs urgent repairs.
3. It Is Running Hot
This is more of a problem with laptops, but can still occur in heavily-used desktop computers. If a computer overheats, it either turns itself off or starts running slower to create less heat. This second process is called thermal throttling and is common in Macbooks.
Fixing a computer with an overheating issue may be a simple task. Try dusting the vents of your systems. If the issue continues, professional repairs will be needed.
4. It Is Making Strange Noises
One of the most common computer issues is strange noises. “Normal” noises include fans and spinning-disk hard drives. “Strange” noises can include buzzing, screeching, or grinding.
If you hear any of these noises, it may indicate that a component is failing, or about to fail. If you hear any of these noises AND your computer is slower than usual, contact a technology company immediately.
5. It Freezes, Crashes, or Turns Off
If you are regularly experiencing any of these things, it is a clear sign that something is wrong.
Remember that there are lots of reasons this could be happening. It may be that the computer isn’t powerful enough for what you are using it for, or it may be that a certain site causes crashes every time you visit.
Take note of what you are doing each time your computer crashes or reboots, and tell your technician so they can more quickly find the source of the problem.
Get Your Computer Problems Fixed Today
Computer problems are always inconvenient, but can very often be fixed if you catch them early. With this guide, you will know what to look out for to make sure you avoid any untimely crashes or expensive emergency replacements.
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