How To: Technology 101

Want to Fall in Love with Your PC Again?

Published on: February 18th, 2015

The Thrill is Gone – do you remember that classic blues song? It’s a heart-breaking reminder about the loss of a once exhilarating and passionate connection. It’s a bitter realization when the old spark seems gone forever. Excuse us, but we are talking about your relationship with your PC!

Tips on Learning to Love Your PC Again

Yes, even your formerly beloved computer can slow down over time until the thrill is most definitely gone. It’s very likely that the relationship between you and your computer is salvageable; it just needs a little extra attention. Try these steps to put some zip back in the relationship with your computer:

Slow Startup?

Does it take your computer way too long to wake up and get to work? It’s possible that there are too many non-critical programs launching during the start-up process. Streamline the start-up process by consulting with a technology professional who can identify unnecessary programs that are slowing down the functioning of your computer. Cutting back on these boot problems should speed things along.

Is Your PC Bloated?

PC makers often throw in a lot of free tools. Initially, it sounds good to have all of those freebies, but a lot of techies call those freebies “bloatware” for a good reason. It’s possible your PC is running slowly because of bloat. If these free programs aren’t helping you, removing them might lighten the load on your computer.

Ready to add RAM?

Does it seem like your old PC is in a perpetual state of sleep-walking? Is it nearly overwhelmed every time it has to open a spreadsheet? If yes, then maybe it’s time to spend a few bucks and add more RAM or memory. To assess your current RAM status, check System Properties to see what you have onboard. How much RAM should you add? Do you simply surf the net and check your e-mail or do you have a kid who’s a high-speed gaming fanatic? Have a technology professional effectively assess your needs and add the required RAM to your PC.

 Is Your PC Ready for a Second Life?

Didn’t everyone’s grandmother use the phrase – “Don’t throw good money after bad?” At some point, it’s probably not worth pumping more money into a really old PC. That doesn’t mean it can’t still enjoy a second life as something other than your smoking hot primary computer. Turn it on a secondary computer. Do you love “old-school” gaming? Check into those older games that can run on your older operating system. You can also donate it to a local school, daycare center or charity organization if it’s not completely ancient.

Time to Retire and Recycle?

If your old PC is not even up to enjoying a second life, maybe it’s time to pull the plug. If you are going to retire your PC, remember to be responsible for both the environment and yourself. First, be sure to eliminate all of your data from the PC. Deleting files, emptying the recycle bin or reformatting the hard drive is not enough to cover your tracks. Even the browser’s cache, cookies, and e-mail contacts can contain sensitive information. Don’t jeopardize your digital security. Contact a technology professional for assistance with secure data removal. Also, be environmentally responsible and never toss an unwanted PC in a dumpster. Recycle the equipment through a reputable recycler.

Improve Your Relationship with Your Computer

If you can’t afford a new computer at this time, it’s very likely that your current computer can be improved with some professional maintenance. Computer Troubleshooters can help you increase the efficiency of an older PC with a little TLC and maybe some added RAM. Consider a deep cleaning to remove unnecessary programs that are doing nothing but slowing down the functioning of your PC. Give your local Computer Troubleshooters office a call and one of their technology professionals will be happy to evaluate the status of your current computer.