Have you ever had a problem with your computer not working? All you want to do is go on Facebook, check your email, and listen to some music on iTunes or Spotify. You go to turn on your computer and nothing happens. You can’t access any information, data, pictures, or other files you want from your Windows or Mac computer. What to do?

The first thing to check is your power source. If you’re using a laptop computer, make sure your computer is charged. If you’re using a desktop computer, make sure the cord is plugged in. Both of these may sound silly, but it’s always good to double-check. You may be having a problem with your outlet and not your computer, so try plugging into a different one.

If your computer won’t turn on at all, no lights, no fans, you might have to replace your computer’s power cable or power supply. The power cable is the cable that runs between the computer case and the power source.  If it is a laptop, try using a friend’s cable. If it is a desktop computer, switch the power cable from your monitor to the computer.  The power supply is inside the computer and usually shaped like a box. If it is not functioning properly, it needs to be replaced.

If that doesn’t work it may be time to call for some help. TalkLocal, a free online service, can connect you to high quality computer repair businesses in your area within minutes. Just fill out a short form stating your problem, location, and availability and you will be talking with a service provider who can fix your specific problem.

It is frustrating when you are in the middle of working on something and your computer stops responding—it freezes—and prevents you from shutting down. When your computer is frozen and does not turn off, you may be immediately inclined to hold down the power button, unplug your computer, or remove the battery (for laptops). Although this definitely shuts down your computer, you run the risk of data loss and corrupting files. Instead of taking the shortcut that can damage your computer, you should try to identify the problem area. Your computer may be frozen due to viruses, program incompatibility, overheating, or more. Keep reading to learn what to do when your computer frozen and won’t turn off.

Viruses may cause your computer to randomly freeze and stop you from being able to shut down your computer properly. If your computer only works smoothly in Safe Mode, then you might have a virus. Make sure you install an antivirus on your computer and scan your computer regularly.

Another cause could be new software or updates installed on your computer. New programs might be incompatible with your operating system. When this occurs, uninstall the program and try to find a different program that is compatible with your system.

When your computer is frozen, it could actually be on the verge of a meltdown due to overheating. A hot computer is usually a slow computer, so check the CPU fan every now and then to make sure it is dust-free and functioning.

Running multiple programs at once can use up all the memory and cause your computer to freeze. In this case, try pressing “control + alt + delete” to open up the Task Manager if you are using a PC. You might need to select “End Task” to close the programs that cause your computer to freeze.

Still unable to control your cold-hearted computer? Use TalkLocal to help connect you to the best professionals in your area. Fill out a short form on TalkLocal’s website stating your problem, location, and availability. In minutes, TalkLocal will match you with up to three service providers who can help you “unfreeze” your cold-hearted computer.

Laptop Very Hot: What happens when a laptop overheats?

Overheating computers cause many problems, such as randomly shutting down your computer or losing valuable data. Know how to recognize the symptoms of overheating and learn how to prevent your laptop from getting very hot. Read the following steps to fix your overheating computer.

Causes of Overheating

Dust is not only the enemy of allergies, but also laptops. The accumulation of dust causes your laptop to get very hot because it builds up in the cooling fan panels and prevents the CPU fan, or cooling fan, from cooling the laptop. The heat sink can also become clogged with dust and overheat laptops.

Using your laptop on your lap, bed, pillow, clothes, carpet or other soft area contributes to overheating because it prevents proper ventilation. Soft surfaces, especially cloth, are more likely to hold dust and lint, which can clog the CPU fan.

When you run multiple programs at once on your laptop you can drive the CPU usage to its maximum capacity, thereby contributing to overheating.

Signs of Overheating

If your computer is overheating, your fan will make a lot of noise because it is struggling and overworked. Over time, the CPU fan accumulates dust and eventually gets clogged. This prevents the fan from effectively cooling down the laptop, which is why the bottom of the laptop gets hot.

When the bottom of the laptop is hot then your laptop is on its way to frying an egg—or your data.

How to Prevent Overheating and Cool Down Your Laptop

Stop dust accumulation before it builds up. Regularly clean the cooling fan by blasting away dust with a compressed air can. If you wait too long and allow the dust to build up, the compressed air will just blow the dust farther into your laptop, and will deteriorate the quality of the laptop much quicker.

Make sure to always use your laptop on a hard surface, such as a desk or a table. We suggest getting a cooling pad that blows cold air on the bottom of the hot laptop. You should also consider elevating the back of your laptop with a hard prop–not a pillow or blanket–so that air ventilation can pass through to enhance the cooling process.

If the overheating problem persists, you may need to take your laptop apart to clean the CPU fan and heat sink.. We recommend hiring a professional IT technician, which you can find easily through TalkLocal.

Basic computer maintenance is essential for the funtioning of your computer.  There is no guarantee of a perfectly functioning computer, but basic maintenance techniques can help preserve the life and efficiency of your machine.

If you regularly clean your hard disk, you will increase the productivity of your computer.  This includes getting rid of temporary files, temporary Internet files, and emptying your recycle bin. This unneeded information is only slowing your hard drive down.

Furthermore, you can restore your computer to its original speed by reinstalling all the programs on your system on a long-term basis.  However, make sure to save your files in a separate location before performing this action. You can also increase the speed of your machine’s activity by performing a disk defragmentation task.  Defragmentation regroups files neatly together, so the computer can read the files with more fluidity. A fragmented file must be reassembled every time it is accessed, which decreases computer speed.

Scanning for viruses is an essential maintenance practice.  Extensive corruption files and data can unknowingly occur if left alone too long.  A simple scan once a week can help to protect your computer against this.
Backing up your files is an easy way to avoid trouble.  If there is any content on your computer that you would be concerned to lose, save them in cloud storage, an external device, or use a provided backup program on your computer.

Keep your computer up-to-date by installing software updates at regular intervals.  Security updates are constantly occurring, so stay current to protect your computer from viruses. When restarting and shutting down your computer, take the proper steps–even if it takes a little longer. Wait for the computer to power down instead of simply eliminating its power source.

As with all technology, physically cleaning your machine and the area around it is an important task.  To promote the flow of heat away from your computer, it is best to keep machines off the floor and out of closets. Along with keeping your machine cool, take precautions to keep it dry. Be careful when handling drinks or food near your computer; the safest practice is to eat elsewhere.

If you experience difficulty or have questions on any of this, TalkLocal can conveniently connect you to a computer repair service for further advice and assistance.