Tips from the computer whiz!

Yikes!! Computer Virus

Anti-virus software is essential for protecting your computer and MalwareBytes is an excellent product. Remember, downloading music, pictures (and oh yeah, porn sites) is the easiest way to get infected!!

If a virus alert pops up after turning on your machine, it may mean your computer is already infected with a virus. Don’t follow the associated links as they will lead to a ‘fake’ anti-virus software site which will take you for a ride (financially that is).

Unfortunately, most anti-virus software will not destroy a virus already embedded in your hard drive – but there are some specialised programs that can clean up a virus. Check with a computer specialist.

Just Dropped your Laptop?

It sounds crazy, but the best thing you can do is backup all your data to external hard drive or USB sticks .
The most shock sensitive part of the computer is in the hard drive, but sometimes it takes days to weeks before the computer fails due to the dropping incident. So, if you don’t back up the data immediately after a drop, and the computer subsequently fails, it will be too late to retrieve the data.

Does Your Laptop Charge The Battery?

Is the charger the culprit? - 'borrow' a compatible charger from your room-mate and if it works (keep it – just joking) if it works, you need to buy a new charger.
Is the battery the culprit? - go to CONTROL PANEL -> POWER OPTIONS -> POWER METER. If the total battery remaining shows ‘unknown’ or 100% AND the computer shuts down when you remove the power source it means you probably need a new battery – uh oh…sorry not the cheap option
Is the power socket the culprit? - remove the battery while the computer is on and if it still works, the socket is okay…..but if it shuts off, the power socket is the problem
If none of these options are the problem, you may have a more serious issue like a charging board that needs replacing

Liquid Accidents

If you spill liquids onto your laptop - turn your computer off immediately, remove the battery and call your computer specialist.
In some cases, recovery and repair after a spill is possible.
Unfortunately the keyboard in all cases needs replacing , but if you turn it off on time the liquid will not damage anything else inside

Does your Laptop Shutdown During Use?

If this happens, it can indicate activation of the thermal safety mechanism. Use the HWMonitor tool to monitor the temperature. So, if you can restart your computer 20-30 minutes after the initial shut down the computer may be overheating due to build up of dust inside.
Simply remove the bottom cover and clean away the dust. However, if this doesn't’t solve the problem, the thermal compound may need replacing by a computer specialist.

Posted: July 7, 2011