Overview of 12 most common computer issues:
1. Slow Computer
A slow computer can be incredibly frustrating to deal with. Computers slow down naturally with time, but computers can also slow down dramatically over a short period of time. This can be characterised by a longer than average time to boot the computer. It can be noticed when computers take massive amounts of time to do simple processes, such as checking email or opening web pages. A slow computer can also be identified if dialogue boxes can be dragged around the screen and leave a trail.
2. Blue Screen
The blue screen is colloquially referred to as the ‘blue screen of death.’ This is probably one of the easiest computer issues to identify, as it is literally just a blue screen. Usually, the blue screen will happen at the same times, making it even easier to identify. The most common occurrences are during booting or when running low level software. The blue screen will be accompanied by a general error that says something generic about needing to restart.
3. Computer Making Loud Noises
Another easy to diagnose issue is loud noises coming from the computer. If the computer is a desktop with a separate tower, these noises will likely be coming from the tower as that is where all the components are. If the computer is a laptop, the loud noises will be coming from directly beneath the keyboard. These noises may be a constant whirring noise or a sudden and sporadic banging. Computer noise may also be accompanied by other performance issues.
4. Slow Internet
Slow internet is a frustrating issue, especially if it occurs suddenly. Before prescribing this issue to your computer, be sure to check for network issues. If you can rule those out, the issue is likely the computer. Slow internet as a result of a computer issue usually gradually slows down, but in some cases it can be stubborn. This can be recognised by the internet struggling to keep up with everyday tasks.
5. Computer Freezing
Computer freezing is when the computer screen gets stuck on whatever task was being done but becomes unresponsive. Usually there will be no error warning when a computer freezes, it will just suddenly stop. In some cases, you may be able to wait out the frozen computer until it becomes responsive again. In other cases, however, you may need to fully restart the unit.
6. Computer Won’t Start
This issue seems bad, but often it is not as bad as it seems. This is basically when a computer doesn’t not turn on, despite repeated pressing of the power button. There are several different causes of this issue, but regardless of the cause, the issue looks the same. If you are unable to turn the computer on in any capacity, then the screen will remain black and none of the buttons will illuminate. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting guides to address this exact issue.
7. Abnormally Functioning OS or System Software
Software routinely has issues, but system software and the machine’s operating system have issues less often. This can look widely different, depending on your specific model of computer. In general, this issue will be characterised by boot-up issues and navigation issues within the menus of your computer. Abnormal operating system function can also be recognised by sudden changes in system settings that aren’t associated with a recent system update. Finally, if the operating of your system looks suddenly different, this may also be abnormal function of system software.
8. Windows Not Booting
This is an issue that is specific to windows systems, so if you have an Apple PC, this cannot be your issue. Windows failures will be usually be an error message on start-up that notes that Windows cannot boot. It may or may not be accompanied with an error code or more specific information. Sometimes, Windows will allow you to start-up the computer but then fail shortly after booting. This is usually a symptom of the same problem.
9. Overheating
Overheating is an easy issue to diagnose. In tower computers, it will be characterised by the tower growing extremely hot during normal computer usage. In laptops, the bottom of the computer will become hot during standard usage. Computers without issues may be become hot while using intensive programs, such as photoshop. Thus, this issue is diagnosed when computers become warm under normal circumstances.
10. Computer Keeps Restarting
When you are using your computer normally and it suddenly restarts, this is not necessarily cause of concern. When it happens near constantly, however, then it may be. It can also be incredibly frustrating to deal with. There will be no warning signs of a restart, just a sudden black screen and then the normal booting process. In most cases, there will be no defining features from these random restarts that wouldn’t be present for a planned restart.
11. Computer Is Slow to Boot
More specific than just being slow, some computers are slow only in the booting process. This is a specific and distinct issue. To diagnose this, time your computer starting. If it takes more than thirty seconds to boot, but runs normally once booted, there are definite booting issues. If the computer is just running slow overall, that is a different issue entirely.
12. Applications Not Installing
This issue can be just applications not installing, or files failing to download at all. Essentially, if you click on a file or application to download and you get a warning message or error, then that is an issue. On some operating systems, the reason for this error will appear and on some systems, it will not. More Information about fixing computer malfunctioning
Common Computer Problems and their Remedies
What are the steps in the troubleshooting process to solve the problems?
1. Slow Computer
The single most common cause of a slow computer is malware or a virus that the user was unaware of. There are a few ways to ensure that this is the issue and fix it. First, run a spyware scan with a trusted program. Likely, it will come up positive. Use the software to remove the malware from your computer and consider scheduling regular scans to stay on top of any issues. If your computer is older than five years and comes up clean for viruses, it may just be time for a new one. More Information about fix slow computer issues
2. Blue Screen
Blue screen of death is not the dramatic issue that it used to be on older PCs. Most of the time, after a few restarts, the computer’s operating system can solve the problem on its own. If this isn’t successful, use a system restore as your first course of action. If this is unsuccessful, check the device’s drivers as well as the hardware. You can also look up the specific error message for detailed troubleshooting advice.
3. Computer Making Loud Noises
Strange noises coming from either the tower or the underside of your laptop are a result of hardware issues somewhere with the computer. Most commonly, the computer fan is noisy, especially as the components get dirtier. If possible, on your computer model, clean the insides with a compressed air can. It is also important to remember that noisy computers are more likely to fail than their quiet counterparts. Thus, consider examining critical components when cleaning your computer.
4. Slow Internet
Before turning to the computer, make sure that this is not a network issue. Some internet providers throttle content after a certain threshold. If you are sure that this is not the case, run a malware and spyware scan, as that is the most likely cause of randomly slow internet. Install a trusted virus protection software as well as a good firewall to prevent the same issue from happening again.
5. Computer Freezing
When your computer freezes, wait for several minutes. If it is still frozen, restart the computer by holding the power button until it reboots. Computer freezing is caused primarily by insufficient RAM or computer memory. Thus, consider deleting some files or moving them to an external drive. If this isn’t the issue, it may be a virus, which can be handled with spyware programs. Finally, corrupted files can also cause freezing, and they will need to be deleted or repaired to restore normal function to the computer.
6. Computer Won’t Start
Surprisingly, the most common reason that computers won’t start is because their battery is dead, or their power source is plugged in incorrectly. Thus, ensure that your laptop charger is functioning and connected, or your tower power cord is connected. If the issue is not with any section of the power supply process, the computer may be legitimately dead, in which case, it is best to consult to registered repair person.
7. Abnormally Functioning OS or System Software
There are several reasons why an operating system will become unresponsive. The main cause is a virus. Thus, standard virus procedure applies. If the virus scan comes up clean, consider looking for recently installed programs that may be conflicting with your computer’s operating system. Some intensive programs can cause coding paradoxes, making the OS crash.
8. Windows Not Booting
For Windows users on Windows 7,8, or 10, Windows can sometimes encounter boot issues. Usually, these are caused by booting software becoming conflicted or corrupted. The easiest way to solve this is to boot the computer into safe mode from a recovery point where Windows was functioning well. When you do this, look for recently added, created, or installed files that may be causing conflicts. If this doesn’t work, you may need to system restore and re-install Windows anew.
9. Overheating
Overheating is a computer hardware issue. When running intensive programs, the computer will heat up, but a functioning cooling system mitigates the build-up of heat. Usual cooling systems are liquid cooled or fan systems. When these systems begin to fail, the computer begins overheating. To fix this issue, use less intense programs on your device, or replace the cooling system entirely.
10. Computer Keeps Restarting
This can be either a hardware or software issue. Some issues with the operating system can make the computer restart or a virus can have the same effect. Run a virus scan as your first line of defence. Secondly, boot in safe mode to see if there is an operating system issue. If you can rule out software issues, it may be the graphics card, motherboard, or one of the other drivers.
11. Computer Is Slow to Boot
To fix this issue, open the task manager once your computer starts up. This will allow you to view all the tasks that are executed by your computer upon start-up. If there are several intensive tasks to be completed every start-up, it will inevitably take longer. Consider disabling every unnecessary process. You can do this simply by pressing disable.
12. Applications Won’t Install
There are two main reasons that things will not download or install on your computer. The first is that you are simply out of disk space on your device. If this isn’t the case, check that your security program does not have limitations on where you can download from, as many programs have this as a security feature.
List of Computer Hardware Problems and Solutions
What are common computer hardware problems?
Common computer hardware failures include the inability for a computer to communicate with connected devices, such as printers or projectors. Other hardware issues are clock resets, beeping inside the computer despite good performance, restart loops, and screen display issues.
To fix communication issues with external devices, try downloading the most current drivers from the device’s website, as this will make it easier for your computer to communicate with your device. Clock resetting issues can be remedied by replacing or recharging the CMOS battery on the computer’s motherboard.
To find the right type of battery for your computer model, check online. Interior beeping coming from the inside of a computer is a part of the built-in assessment system. These are indicative of issues that may be occurring, so give your PC a good look over. If your computer is stuck in a boot loop, boot in safe mode and find what is conflicting with the device.
Finally, if your computer screen looks weird, but isn’t externally damaged, it is probably an issue with the VGA connection points.
What is hardware failure in computer?
Hardware failure in a computer is when the physical components of a computer fail. This is not a software issue or a virus or similar – rather, hardware refers to the pieces that your computer is made from.
What are the hardware problems in PC?
Blank monitors are common hardware issue in PCs. These are usually caused by loosened cables. Mouse problems on external mice are also common, causing the mouse to jump around the screen erratically. Many PCs also have issues recognising USB attachments, but this can be solved by updating software.
Mechanical keyboards can become stuck or unresponsive on PCs, often requiring professional repair. Finally, insufficient memory can cause a host of other hardware and software issues if not addressed. The easiest way to fix this is to remove files from the computer or add more storage to the PC.
What are the hardware problems in Laptops?
Laptops have a lot of the same problems that PCs do, but they also have several other issues. One of the most common is the failure of the power cord. Due to the constant movement and compression of charging cords for laptops, they are one of the fastest components to die. Laptops also have motherboard failures more often. Laptops have significantly less protection around their components than other computers, meaning that sensitive areas are exposed to more stimulus.
Graphics card issues are common hardware issues of laptops as well. These can cause weird display issues and strange colours to appear on screen. Usually, this will require a replacement, as it is difficult to repair a graphics card.
