By Eric Mekkelsen

Have you ever had the need to buy a new laptop or computer because you feel like your system is just running so slow? Many people out there run into this problem, and in most instances, sure, it’s time to get a new computer! Realistically, though, what many of us in IT or help-desk situations find is that a person’s system is often bogged down by various unnecessary applications; the hard drive is too full or maybe on its last leg. Very easy-to-repair, easy-to-fix problems. Often it’s the case that people will just purchase a new system. Sure, if you can afford to just buy a new laptop every year, this is a possibility. However, for most people, it’s not that easy. What if I told you that a simple application, regular updates and just checking your hard-drive space every so often could resolve this. What if a quick trip to Best Buy to buy a new hard drive and a screwdriver could save you hundreds?

If you feel like your system is running far slower than normal, there are some simple supplied features you can use. The first thing you should do is restart the device (yes, that same thing every tech-support person asks you to do). Secondly, make sure your machine is up to date.  On Windows, this feature is right in your start menu under Settings. On a Mac, this feature is in your Apple icon under Updates. Another option is to check how much hard-drive space you have. On Windows, simply open up My Computer or File Explorer and click on your hard drive.  It will give you a summary of how much free space you have. On a Mac, right-click your HD and choose Properties. This will also give you a summary of free space. After trying any of these methods, if you find that the issue isn’t resolved by a restart, update or clearing up some space, then don’t fret: There are still some easy solutions.

A next step would be to run a third-party application. I swear by CCleaner (and so should you), an application that will help clean up your system for you. It’s easy to find online and extraordinarily simple to use. Download the application and install it. Once installed, start it up — press Analyze, then Run Cleaner. That’s it! Nothing to it at all, and many support specialists use this tool all the time! If still your system is running very slow, there is a bit more that can be done. Yes, it may cost you money, but still far less than buying a new computer.

Next is hardware replacement, and please understand this is generally as easy as plugging something in or turning a screw driver. If your hard drive needs to be replaced, it may seem daunting, but it’s honestly very simple for most non-Mac machines. Just unscrew your computer’s case, you’ll see a large square box or thin square box with some wires running into it.  The box will even say the size of the hard drive on it, so you know it’s a storage device.

All you need to do is unplug it, unscrew it from its case, take it to your nearest Best Buy and ask someone for a similar hard drive. Bring the new hard drive home, screw it in and plug it in. Yes, you’ll have to reinstall Windows on it. But that’s what those recovery disks that came with your computer are for. Installing Windows is no harder than any other application you’ve installed on your computer. Heck, if you get stuck, you can always just use Google. There are tons of how-tos. Lastly, there is memory. If you know your memory is bad or lacking, go buy some — it can be so cheap! Take a few old sticks out (just Google what memory looks like, you can’t miss it), bring them to Best Buy and get the same type but with a larger size. They simply unclip from your motherboard and re-clip it back in. Now of course, these hardware swaps should always be done with the device off and unplugged.

That’s it, there isn’t too much to most computer problems that you can’t do yourself. So stop paying for tech support for your slow system. Open up Google, do a little reading and use some of these ideas. Technology can seem scary. But really, with simple issues, it’s no harder than changing a light bulb or putting together a coffee table that you bought at Walmart.

Eric Mekkelsen is an IT / Information Security student at SMCC. You can view this article online at http://www.ericmekkelsen.com/home/beacon-article/.