“Why Does My Computer Suck?” Here Are 5 Reasons Why And How To Fix Them (For Free!)
Shit…
Everyone’s been here. You’re working on some big assignment, whether it’s for school or work, typing over 40 WPM because it’s due that night. You're on the second to last paragraph when suddenly you look at the clock, 11:39 PM. So now you’re typing 50 WPM and finish your paper at 11:50 PM, now you just have to email it, easy right? Wrong, WRONG! What you forgot is that your computer takes 2 mins to open up your browser and an extra minute each time you want to go to a different page. By the time you send the email it’s 12:07 and you’re already looking at available classes next semester for CHEM 100: The Science of Water.
Computers are a great tool in life that can be utilized in many different ways, but in my many years of working with computers (I got my first computer in 2008 when I went to high school) I’ve learned that a lot of people don’t share that same opinion, mainly because they think their computers are just expensive pieces of metal that don’t work. Well that’s why I’m going to clear the air with some insight on what’s happening when you use your computer and ways on how to keep it as new as the day you brought it.
1. You have too many unwanted programs
As you continue to use your computer you’ll begin to download programs that you’ll need to various things, most of them coming from the web. What you probably don’t know is that when you download some of these programs you’re also downloading unwanted programs that take up space on your computer, or worse.
The Solution: Remove the programs manually or download Should I Remove It? This will help free up space on your computer as well as clean up any unnecessary clutter.
2. The browser you’re using sucks
If your not comfortable using a computer you’re probably reading this post on Internet Explorer, Windows built-in web browser. Dont! (Bryson Tiller voice) Internet Explorer is a terrible web browser that hasn’t been updated in years (2012 to be exact).
The Solution: Download a different browser such as Firefox or Chrome. Both are great browsers created by big names in tech that have a ton of features behind them.
3. There are too many ads when browsing the web
Whether it’s searching for that new Beyoncé song or buying a USB-powered aquarium (yes that’s a real thing) you’re more than likely to run into ads while browsing the web. Not only are these pesty little things a pain in the ass when clicked, they also take up processing power, meaning that it takes more time to load a page when ads on present.
The Solution: Download an ad-blocking web extension such as AdBlock. These lifesavers work by scanning a page of any ad related content and removes them before loading the page.
4. You’re running out of disk space
Towards the end of your computer’s lifespan you may encounter a message stating that it has ran out of disk space. That usually means that the photo album from last week’s family vacation took up the last bit of space on your computer.
The Solution: Run Disk Cleanup. It’s a built-in program for Windows that creates free disk space by removing any files you set as unnecessary. For Macs you can also use CCleaner as a third-party disk cleaner. CCleaner also works on Windows too!
5. Your computer’s just, well, old
Sorry to break it to you but if you’ve had your computer for a while and it starts to break down on you it may be time to put it to rest. A computer for typical use is meant to last ~5 years, anything after that is fair game.
The Solution: Cough up some dough because it’s time to buy a new computer!
For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your computer, go to Techy or follow us on Medium.
