Tag: internet speed
How to avoid mistakes when cleaning your own computer up
Sometimes our clients call in and they will say, “When I was trying to clean up my computer, I think I may have accidentally deleted something because…”
1.) My computer doesn’t work (you deleted something important that keeps your computer running smoothly)
2.) I can’t run XYZ program (you may have deleted some of the program files)
3.) The screen is now much larger, and I can’t access my desktop (you possibly deleted some of the graphics software)
4.) My iTunes collection is gone (your collection was associated with another profile and you may have deleted it by accident)
5.) My computer is running much slower than usual! (new software you installed may have had spyware built right inside)
I could go on and on with possible scenario’s of things that might go wrong, but these are just a few examples of what will most likely happen if you delete the wrong system files, folders, programs, and/or profiles.
The basic computer user should probably avoid doing anything more than a “disk clean” or “defrag” on the computer. If you don’t know what these 2 things are, you shouldn’t probably do any cleaning at all. Most of our clients that say “I did the disk clean and defrag and it’s still slow”…know just enough to be dangerous. These are the types of clients that get a bit curious and will also download programs off the internet to help speed up their computer. (which can have spyware built in) These are also the types of people that may on occasion delete system files, profiles, programs, etc. Are you this type person? If so, read on! If you are not that person, you are our type of client!
Moving along…
If you are the “Google Tech” as I call it and you want to try fixing things yourself, before you start any investigation of your computer for what may be slowing it down, you should always do a full back up of your computer. Not sure how to do this? Call us, we can help with that too.
Then start with the easy stuff, check your hard drive’s available space, check for possible spyware, check your internet speed, clean up your browser (do a full reset, not just cookies and temp files), check memory, and if you’re having a problem with Firefox, just uninstall it and remove that program (easiest fix for Firefox issues). If you want to learn our entire 22 pt checklist, we do offer special training for any client that wants more of a “one on one” session, and we schedule these by appointment for a small hourly rate. This way you can learn it once, and then you can do it yourself properly the next time around! Heck, you can even fix your kids computers then too:)
Keep in mind, we get clients who are technical engineers who will swear up and down that they did everything to clean up their systems, but cannot figure out why it’s still slow. Then they hire us and find that one glitch that was causing problems, outside of normal cleanings. Please also be aware that we do a 22 pt checklist for cleaning, not just to run a program or two, as there are many ways your computer can slow you down outside of a “defrag and/or disk clean”.
To book a computer cleaning or schedule an appointment with us, fill out the form below.
How To Check Your Internet Speed
Why would you do that you ask? Because you may be on a very old internet plan with Comcast, Qwest, Integra, etc….and need to have your plan upgraded! Many times, these companies will up you for free because you are paying for a plan that has better speeds and will they tell you about it? NOPE. You need to tell them!
If your internet is slow and sluggish but everything else is working fast, then an internet speed test is what you need to get done.
Here’s an easy link to test it yourself.
Click on the green “Begin Test” banner button above the map of the area you are at. (do not click on the orange “free scan” button!) For me, it’s a map of the United States. It also shows you the recommended server to test with, for me who is in Minnesota, it’s Sioux City, Iowa.
After you begin the test, you will see a meter pop up and it will show you how fast your internet is for download and upload speed. Wait until it’s done for you to get an accurate reading.
My test didn’t go that well. I am also on a wireless computer, upstairs from my router. I will go plug my computer in the router and do another test before calling. If you are on wireless, you will get a slower speed than if you were directly connected to the modem/router.
If you are hard wired to your modem/router and see it appearing very low, then you will want to call your internet provider and check into an upgrade if you want your Youtube videos and streaming to be better. This is the main reason why folks want faster internet these days.
Hope this information helps! If you get the test done and it’s fast (4 mg/s or higher) You may just need a computer cleaning. Call us today to get that done remotely!