Fix Your Computer Problems by Yourself!

We are now living in a modern and sophisticated world. In this kind of the world, information technology is absolutely indispensable. Our world has gone through a rapid development in information technology. Several years ago only a few people have computers at home, but now… a computer is not regarded as a luxurious thing any longer. Computers are owned not only by companies, universities, and schools but also by individual households.

A computer can help us in doing our work, such as to type documents, to make databases, to design cards, to edit images and videos, to play games, to listen to the music, or to watch movies.
Working with a computer is really enjoyable. But, sometimes users feel so annoyed when they face a problem with their computer, for example, the programs do not run well, the computer does not want to boot, or even, the computer does not start at all when the power button is pressed. As a matter of fact, not all computer problems are hard problems. In many cases, users undergo small problems only. But, because they do not know what to do, they think that the problems are so hard.

In this article I would like to give you some tips on how to overcome several computer problems which a great number of users frequently come across.

1. When the game you play does not run smoothly
This problem usually happens when the hardware in your computer does not support. For example, you are going to play a 3-D game and you come across this kind of problem. The problem can be caused by several factors: first, the processor in your computer is not fast enough. This problem can be solved by upgrading your processor with the new one having faster and better performance. Second, the memory, or usually called RAM (Random Access Memory), of your computer is not adequate. Try to increase the capacity of your RAM. If your computer currently uses 256 Mega Bytes or 512 Mega Bytes of RAM, try to upgrade it with 1024 MB of RAM. Third, the VGA card can also become the cause of the problem. VGA card functions to display output on the screen of the monitor. The 3-D games usually require a good and fast VGA card. So, you can upgrade your VGA card to get a better performance.

2. When the time in your computer system rolls back to the past
Budi is very annoyed because every time he turns on his computer, the date, month, year, and time of his computer system are incorrect. He has tried to adjust them correctly, but then they rolled back to the past again and again.

This problem is usually caused by CMOS battery in the motherboard of your computer. (To know the exact position of the CMOS battery, you can check it in your motherboard’s manual book or CD) If you have used the computer for several years, the battery will be low. To fix this problem, try to replace the battery. This battery is cheap and can be bought in computer stores. The way to replace the CMOS battery is easy. It is almost the same as replacing batteries of your calculator. After you replace the battery, adjust the time, date, month and year again.

3. The computer is unstable
Sometimes the computer that we use restarts or turns off by itself. If this problem happens to your computer, there are some possibilities: first, your computer is too hot. To overcome this problem, install an additional fan inside the case of the CPU. This fan can function to make the CPU cooler. Second, the quality of the power supply in your computer is not good. Try to use a power supply with the output power of at least 350 Watts. The higher the power is, the better it will be. Third, the problem can also be caused by a virus. Try to update your antivirus and scan your computer regularly. But remember! Installing an antivirus program does not always guarantee that your computer is free from viruses. Some viruses cannot be detected.

4. When you turn on your computer, the monitor does not display anything and there is a long repeated beep sound from the CPU
If you come across this kind of problem, try to open the case of your CPU. Take a look at the memory module (RAM) installed on the slot of memory, which is usually called DIMM slot (To know the exact position of the DIMM slot, you can check it in your motherboard’s manual book or CD). This kind of problem usually happens when the memory module is loose. Pull it out and install again correctly and tightly. Close the case of your CPU and turn on your computer. The problem can be solved easily, can’t it? But, if what you have done above does not bear fruit, perhaps there is a problem in your memory module and you must replace it with the new one. The price of RAM is usually expensive, depending on the type and the capacity of the RAM.

5. When your CD/DVD gets trapped in the CD/DVD drive
CDs and DVDs are media that many people use nowadays. By using CDs or DVDs we can listen to the music, watch movies, or learn something. CDs and DVDs have also become an alternative to save data because the capacity is big.

One of problems that some computer users come across is that the CD or DVD gets trapped in the CD/DVD drive when the supply of power to the computer is cut due to electrical power outage or when the drive malfunctions. If you face this problem and you really need the CD/DVD trapped in the drive, don’t panic! You can manually eject the drive tray and remove the CD/DVD from the drive. Just take a paperclip. Make it straight and insert it into the emergency pinhole on the drive. Every drive must have this hole. Then pull out the tray carefully and remove the CD/DVD.

Hopefully, the tips above will be useful for you, especially those who often work with a computer. If you want to know more about how to overcome computer problems, you can read the book entitled "Troubleshooting Komputer" by Hendro Darsono, published by Puspa Swara Jakarta.

Using a computer to help you do many kinds of job is good, but it will be better if you also have knowledge on how to troubleshoot your computer problems. So, when some day you come across a problem, you won’t be nervous because you know what to do!