The problem with troubleshooting
"The problem with troubleshooting is that trouble shoots back." -Anonymous
Troubleshooting a computer is essential to make sure that everything is working well on your PC and that there are no inconvenient hiccups.
Nevertheless, if you're like me, you might have posed the question, what is troubleshooting? Well, the definition of troubleshooting is a form of problem-solving that is often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or system.
Therefore, since a computer is an imperfect machine with an active system known as software that suffers from various problems after years of use, troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms of the issue.
To effectively solve the issue at hand, the first step of troubleshooting a computer is gathering information on the problem such as an undesired performance or a lack of functionality. After the issue has been identified, the next step that must be completed is to eliminate all the potential causes of the problem; the process of elimination!
Also, depending on the computer problem, additional steps are needed to root out the issue and effectively troubleshoot.
Without further ado, Superprof is here to explain to all, especially those who are not technologically savvy and do not quite fully understand how to identify computer problems, how troubleshooting can be done to find hardware and software issues on a PC along with how to effectively troubleshoot a MacBook.
Hardware Troubleshooting
"The problem with troubleshooting is that trouble shoots back." -Anonymous
When using a computer, no one likes to have to deal with issues. The purpose of a PC is to work efficiently and get the job done much quicker. Nevertheless, since computers are not meant to last forever, technical problems arise that can cause a lot of frustration.
It is essential to state that although many PC users know how to use their computer effectively, they may not have any previous knowledge about how to fix or identify the technological malfunctions experienced by their device.
Major hardware issues such as keyboard problems, mouse problems, power cord problems, and motherboard problems may be challenging to manage without any previous expertise on the matter.
Therefore, what can be done to troubleshoot specific problems on PCs?
We will consider some specific hardware issues and how users can address the problems by applying helpful suggestions from technological experts.
Slow Running Computer
There are many reasons why you're computer may be running slow; by troubleshooting the situation, a solution may be found.
Have you considered...
- Rebooting or restart your computer if you haven't done so in a while,
- Removing all background programs slowing your computer down,
- Deleting temporary and unnecessary files,
- Freeing the hard drive space to prevent a sluggish computer,
- Running some scans to make sure that there is nothing corrupted or wrong with your hard drive,
- Scanning for viruses and malware,
- Updating Windows,
- Increasing the speed of the hardware,
- Erasing the computer and starting over.
By trying all of the above, the issue is identified, and a slow running computer can be brought to life again!
Computer Won't Turn On
There is nothing more traumatic for a PC user then when his or her computer does not turn on. Why is it not turning on? What can be done?
By troubleshooting issues such as the power cord not being properly connected, a faulty power strip, defective third-party software, bad power cable, power supply button, incorrect power supply, or a bad battery, the solution to the issue can be found and your computer will be back to sending emails and surfing the web in no time!
PC Turns Off Without Any Warning
You're writing an important document or video calling your boss when your computer shuts down completely without any previous warning about battery levels or automatic updates.
What's the problem?
Potential issues such as failing hardware, severe problems with the operating system, an infectious virus, a significant problem with UPS or surge protector, and several hardware issues may be the cause of unexpected shutdowns. We cannot emphasize troubleshooting enough; the problem can be found by using logic and process of elimination.
Wi-Fi Isn't Working
A computer and wi-fi are the perfect pair, they go together like fish and chips, and one is useless without the other. Therefore, it can be quite irritating when a wi-fi connection has stopped working since many computer-based tasks require internet.
Verifying specific issues such as if the wi-fi is turned on, the wireless connection is enabled, the SSID and security key are correct, resetting the modem and router, disabling firewalls, restoring Windows, and reinstalling wireless devices are all part of troubleshooting and be done to find the right solution to the problem at hand.
The four above mentioned hardware issues are quite common among PC users; nevertheless, it is essential to state that there are many more computer hardware problems that may need troubleshooting. Thankfully, the internet boasts a wide variety of reputable online resources to troubleshoot any issue!
What about purchasing an anti-virus for your computer?
Software Troubleshooting
Computer software is necessary on a PC; without it, your computer is as useless as a camera without an SD card or film! The software on a laptop is essential since it is the collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work correctly.
The software systems developed by Microsoft that are commonly known as Windows are exceptionally well made and highly recommended; although you don't need our suggestion since you're already probably using the software!
Nevertheless, since we are imperfect people working towards creating things, flaws and mistakes are inevitable.
At times there are software issues that may arise, and troubleshooting is necessary to find the item and prevent it from happening again. We will consider some of the most common software-based problems on a computer.
Unable to Install a Software Program
It is not unheard of to undergo issues when downloading or installing a new software program. However, that doesn't make it any less frustrating! What can be done?
Consider troubleshooting the following steps to uncover the issue:
- Verify the CD to see if it is readable,
- If the CD has no errors, it may be necessary to see if your computer meets the minimum requirements of the software system. Remember, that if you do not have enough disk space, the program won't install.
- Ensure that the program or utility is compatible with the operating system you currently have on your computer. Some software programs do not work with others, and this could cause issues.
- A software system usually has a verification or product key that must be typed in; make sure you are typing the number correctly. If problems continue to arise, consider calling the company where the software was developed.
By verifying these steps, further problems such as error during installation will be avoided; this is successful troubleshooting in action!
An Installed Game Crashes While Being Played
Even though you have successfully installed a video game on your computer, it does not mean that there will not be any problems in the future.
Sometimes games crash which can be completely heartbreaking if your progress was not saved.
What troubleshooting steps can be done to avoid future game crashes? The following are a few tips that should be taken into consideration:
- Check the game developer's webpage to search for the number of drivers for your game.
- Make sure that the programs running in the background are not occupying too much space; this can cause games to crash since the computer is working extra hard.
- The latest updates for your video and sound card should be verified to make sure that everything is up to date.
- If all else fails and your game continually keeps crashing; reinstall it and start again from scratch!
Consider reading informative and recommended blog posts about troubleshooting from the software companies in question; this can help provide a bigger picture to solve the main issues.
How is troubleshooting done on a MacBook? Read the following subheading to find out.
Is it possible to build your own computer? Click this link to find out more.
Troubleshooting a MacBook
The operating system of a MacBook is quite distinct from that of a PC and the issues experienced by users may be different but equally annoying; computer issues are unavoidable!
A MacBook may have advantages over a PC; however, it still wasn't made to last forever and is prone to many problems over its lifetime.
What are some Mac issues that may need troubleshooting?
The following are two of the most common MacBook problems:
- An Unresponsive App: when an app freezes it can be quite annoying since it prevents you from doing anything else on your MacBook. Force quitting the application is an easy fix; however, that doesn't correctly identify the issue and prevent it from happening again. The application might be overloaded, not updated, or infected with a virus. Consider troubleshooting to prevent it from happening again.
- Spinning Beach Ball: we love to play with beach balls when we were at the beach; nevertheless, they're a bit less fun when they are seen on your MacBook's screen. If the beach ball is often seen, it's time to take a look at what might be causing the slowdown. Open Activity Monitor on your Mac to see the impact apps are having on your system resources. Further troubleshooting may be required if the issue still occurs.
In conclusion, whether you're troubleshooting problems on a PC or MacBook, many things can be done to fix your computer before getting so frustrated that you throw it out the window; that could be an expensive mistake!
Are there some tactics to speed up my computer?
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