Upgrading your computer’s processor is not the fastest or cheapest way to improve its performance, but it can have dramatic results. You might be surprised by how a slow computer can turn into a powerhouse simply by using the right chip. There are some technical things you should know if your computer should need a repair or upgrade during the pandemic. 

Types of Computer Processors

Computer processing units (CPUs) are created on three levels based on performance and cost.

Budget processors

• Run basic computer tasks with efficiency and cost-effectively. 
• Handle most office programs, internet browsing, photo editing, and other general tasks. 
• Similar performance to a mainstream model. 
• More likely to be suitable for an older motherboard and slower memory.

Mainstream processors 

• Larger and can accommodate 3D gaming, video editing, and other multimedia-intense applications. 
• Uses more power and may have cores and caches, which are not suitable with older motherboards and memory. 
• If you upgrade your entire system, you will see a performance boost.

Fastest processors

• Used for gaming, intensive graphics, creating and editing professional videos, and statistical analysis, known as extreme or high-end.
• Pay extra attention to the specification for compatible components if you are updating an existing PC or computer.
• Uses more power and requires more memory as it is a high-end CPU.

Is it time to have your processor upgraded?

REASON 1: If your CPU is holding back your computers’ performance

To find out if your CPU is causing delays in your system, take a look at your CAM dashboard to monitor how much processing power your PC is using during gaming. 

If the number is close to 100% for a long time, you may not be able to repair your computer. In that case, it’s time to upgrade. 

Another indicator would be frame drops and stuttering during your gaming sessions.

REASON 2: Your computer needs a new motherboard

The motherboard is the most vital piece of the whole computer system because it holds your entire computer together. So, if you’re using an older motherboard model, you’re going to be stuck with older hardware as well. Not only does this include the CPU, but also the RAM, graphics card, and even accessories. 

Although older hardware typically works well for simple tasks, gamers will benefit from newer hardware. 

REASON 3: You’re building a new PC

You should always try to buy the latest, fastest, best CPU you can afford if you’re building a new PC. This not only makes your PC future-proof for many years, but it also means that you won’t have to worry about CPU problems. 

Don’t let a slow processor hold you back in the future when you can take care of it now!

Motherboard Issues

The motherboard is the backbone that connects all the components of a computer. None of the computer components (CPU, GPU, or hard drive) could interact without it. 

Therefore, a motherboard is one of the most important parts of a computer system.

It’s referred to as a motherboard because, like a mothership, it’s the foundation on which the whole computer operates. So, if there is no motherboard, there’s no PC.

Symptoms of motherboard problems

• Nothing will display 
• An error code appears
• One or more beeps 
• The device locks or freezes
• The system takes too long to reset
• A Windows blue screen of death occurs
• One or more of the ports, expansion slots or memory modules malfunctions
• Burn marks or burnt smell coming from the motherboard.

Since various components are located on the motherboard, numerous things can cause the problem.

Why motherboards fail

Some common reasons why a motherboard can stop working:

• Ageing: The motherboard has a limited lifespan. If properly taken care of, some motherboards will last longer. But eventually they will fail after they have reached their useful lifespan, and you will need to replace them or get a new computer. 
• Accidental drop: This can cause excessive shock to the components or cause damage to the circuits that can lead to failure of the motherboard. 
• Dust in the device: When dust or debris accumulates in your system, the air circulation that keeps the device cool becomes blocked. When the fans spin, a computer intake draws this stuff in, which blocks the airflow and causes overheating in response. 
• Smoke: In conjunction with dust, tar built up from cigarette smoke creates a sticky gooey material inside devices. It smells bad and is very difficult to remove. It can also cause the motherboard to overheat and become damaged. 
• Power surges or unstable voltage: In an electric circuit, an electrical spike or surge is a short-lived burst of energy. This can be the product of power-hungry appliances such as refrigerators or air conditioners, wiring issues or power grid issues in your town, and even weather conditions like lightning. This sudden voltage change can damage your motherboard’s fragile circuits. However, to accommodate tiny power surges, most power supply units and motherboards can change their voltages. But if it’s a huge one, the motherboard and all the components attached can be fried. 
• Overheating- This can happen if several operations are carried out together and the supply of power is continuous. Another factor could be due to changes in power supply or in one of the parts of the motherboard circuit. Fan clogging can also occur, such as having your laptop on your lap or on a soft surface can cover up intakes and exhaust fans causing your computer to heat up.

If you are having a problem with your computer, don’t hesitate to visit your PC repair shop for a computer repair.

Computer Memory (RAM) Problems

Random access memory (RAM) is a core part of computers, servers and just about every computerised piece of device. 

It stores the data that is used by the computer so that it can be easily accessed. The more programs run on your computer, the more memory you would require.  

The RAM serves as the intermediary between the CPU of your computer and the data stored on its hard drive so that the hardware-RAM is there to serve it up to you when you access the information, run programmes, and so on.

Symptoms of a RAM Problem

• Random crashes: Your computer reboots unexpectedly or it crashes every time you attempt to install something new.
• Blue screens:  Until you restart, a blue screen with white text flashes. 
• Failing to boot or the Computer appears to start, but the screen stays blank: Your machine restarts unexpectedly or freezes occasionally when you are in the middle of something. Almost immediately upon opening the desktop, it will also reboot.
• On-screen memory errors occur: You’re trying to reinstall your operating system, but you keep receiving error messages. For unexplained reasons, your attempts to install a new program repeatedly fail.
• Blurred graphics
• Crashing during activities using heavy memory, such as gaming, Photoshop, etc.

There are undoubtedly several issues that may cause the above problems, but defective RAM is an often-ignored root cause of problems. You are possibly facing a memory problem if you have one or a combination of the above problems. 

Get in touch with someone like computer repair Birmingham to find out the root cause of your problem.

Causes of Memory Damage

• Power surges 
• Extreme heat. Different components can overheat, or heat from one component can cause damage to nearby parts.
• Electrostatic discharge
• Your memory module has some errors that went through quality control and degraded over time.
• Overclocking any part of your computer incorrectly can cause damage in the form of excess heat.

Graphics Card (GPU) Glitches

When you turn on your screen, a graphics processing unit (GPU) creates the picture you see, whether it’s a plain Word document or a complex gaming experience.

Within most computing devices, a graphics card is a piece of computer hardware for displaying graphical data with high quality, color, image, and overall appearance. 

These chips can vary from simple integrated graphics that are part of the motherboard or processor to larger, more impressive expansion cards.

The better the graphics card, the smoother a picture. This is very important for gamers and video editors.

Symptoms of a Graphics Card Failure

Computer crashes

These crashes can range from a simple bluescreen to a freezing PC to random restarts and power-offs. 

Not every crash is triggered by the graphics card. The same kind of operation can be triggered by malware, a dying hard drive, and RAM issues. 

But your graphics card may be dying if you are facing screen glitches like seeing flickering or strange colors appearing on the screen. 

Driver crashes

The screen goes black for a few seconds. When it returns, you’ll be notified that the video drivers have crashed and had to be restarted. This will not crash your entire PC, but if it happens often, it can be disrupting.

Artifacting

A bad graphics card can result in strange objects all over your computer, similar to screen glitches. Excessive overclocking, heat and dust build-up can cause artifacts. This can be solved by a restart occasionally, but expect the problem to come back if you have a defective graphics card.

Black screens

You won’t see any graphic clues at all sometimes! A graphics card gone bad will simply decide not to show anything. 

Fan noise 

When you boot up the computer or software, you might hear what sounds like a small jet aircraft taking off within the PC. It could mean that the card is getting too hot if the fan on the card malfunctions. If you can’t get the fan to quiet down, it could be an indicator that there’s something wrong with it and your computer may need a repair.

Causes for Graphics Card Failure

Here are some reasons a Graphics card can die completely:

• Incompatible graphics card installation
• Moisture build-up on the card
• GPU parts fail prematurely due to faulty manufacturing
• Loading the graphics card on games with incompatible drivers for applications
• Static overload as the graphics card is being installed
• Overheating due to too much dirt or debris trapped on the cooling components
• Overheating on the cooling fans caused by damaged or worn bearings

To avoid many of these issues, keep the graphics card clean and make sure the software drivers for the graphics card are up to date. For more info see driversupport.com

Why not upgrade the drivers first instead of waiting for your graphics card to die?

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The power supply is a hardware component of a computer that supplies all other components with power. It turns the current from your wall outlet into a continuous form of power to the computer components that need it. It also controls overheating by regulating the voltage, which, depending on the power supply, can adjust automatically or manually. The power supply is vital hardware since the rest of the internal components do not work without it.

Symptoms of a Failing Power Supply

Before it causes damage to other hardware within the computer case, learning to spot the signs of a failing power supply will allow you to replace the failing component. Look for one or more of the following signs to be sure if you need a computer repair: 

• Extra noise coming from the PC case. Strange noises may emit from the back of the computer case where the cord is located.

• PC will not function, but your case fans will spin. This may also correspond with a blinking light on the front of the machine or an indicator on the back of the PSU. 
• Random computer crashes. The computer will turn on for a few seconds, and then turn right back off. While this can be a power supply issue, it may also indicate motherboard malfunction.

• Random blue screen crashes. The computer is on for a while, but while you’re playing a game or using another application, it turns off without warning. It may also display a blue screen of death.
• Recurring failure of PC components
• Smoke or a Burning Smell

Why PSUs fail

Failures can be triggered by something you’ve done, but sometimes the unit simply gives up. Here are a few common factors of PSU failure:

• Age: Most warranties last from 5-10 years, but your PSU’s life depends on how often you use your computer.
• Dirt and debris
• Brown-outs: deliberate or accidental voltage fall. These load reductions are often used in emergencies, such as during a heatwave where everyone needs their A/C. 
• Electrical interference: lightning, power spikes, etc.
• Overheating or ventilation failures

Overheating and lightning are the most common causes. If you’re a cigarette smoker, however, or the machine is in a dusty environment, rest assured that your PSU will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

If you encounter any of the above symptoms, one of the explanations might be the problem with power supply units. However, this does not help you fully confirm that your PSU is indeed failing.

So, to find out, you should get in contact with your local computer repair service.

The post Computer Repair Issues You Could Face During the Pandemic appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Their press release reads, “While Bright LED screens or safety regulations can pose limitations with traditional lasers, the Kensington Ultimate Presenter is optimized for use in conference rooms with TVs, online meetings with remote participants, and large auditoriums with multiple presentation screens for greater user flexibility. Kensington has removed the laser from the pointing feature to help address the growing need for a presentation tool that can be used where laser devices are not allowed as well as for online meetings where remote participants can see the pointer onscreen when using web meeting tools. The presenter is also adaptable and customizable to the user, with its companion software KensingtonWorks ^TM  for assigning different features to the top button. New customization features include mouse click, pen and magnifier, to improve upon the user experience.” See the full details here.

The post Kensington Announces Ultimate Presenter with Virtual Pointer appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Having one noisy keyboard might not be so bad. But having an office full of noisy keyboards, with actively typing people can be down right disruptive and annoying.

Here’s my review of the quiet keyboard.

The post VIDEO: How Noisy Is Your Keyboard? Ramon Tests The Cherry MX Silent Keyboard. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Public computers are found in a range of places, including libraries, schools and universities, cafes, and more. Free public Wi-Fi hotspots are also popping up all around us, including restaurants.

These public internet access points get used extensively and as per the Fifth Geek blog you should be carefully when using them if you have sensitive data.

In fact, in 2010 a national study found that 77 million people – that is one-third of the American population 14 and older – used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet within the past year. Researchers found that over 75 percent of these people had Internet access elsewhere but used the public computer for convenience.

That convenience comes with a price. Using a public computer can put your data at risk, including usernames, passwords, and other private information. Hackings of public computers frequently make the news, including just recently as the St. Louis Public Library system was hacked and held for ransom on January 19. 2017. And while there are no estimates of how often hacking occurs on public Wi-FI, we do know it is eerily simple for an experienced hacker.

This brings me to my latest Tech and Business video where I share four tips to keep your info safe when using a public computer, which can be fixed at whitcroft it. I will share the essential tips below, but please watch the video for more valuable information.

1. Don’t save your login information.
2. Use private browsing.
3. Be careful what you enter.
4. Choose technology that has security software built in.

The post 4 Tips for Staying Safe on a Public Computer appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Accelerate Your Business Recap

Accelerate Your Business was a symposium aimed at sharing information that will help small business owners take their businesses to the next level. It featured sessions that shared best practices in cloud-based technology, and new devices & apps that can make your business more productive and efficient. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with business leaders, industry experts, and digital innovators. It was a high-energy, high-impact event for all who attended.

The event started out with a keynote from Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and an investor in tech startups. He spoke about “Building a Community of Hundreds of Thousands of Communities,” which is exactly what he was able to do with the creation of Reddit in 2005.

The morning continued with three sessions that touched on different aspects of business growth and technology:

• Staying Safe in the Current Cyber Environment – Moderated by Gene Marks, this session focused on data security for the modern cloud-based workforce, with an emphasis on keeping both customer and business data safe.
• Managing the Modern Customer – Moderated by Carol Roth, this session focused on using technology to create a holistic approach to customer service.
• Q&A: What’s Hot, What’s Happening and What’s to Come – This Q&A session with Amy Cosper (Entrepreneur), Jordan Chrysafidis (Microsoft) and Eric Day (Dell) tackled questions about the future of business and what businesses today can do to prepare.

The Accelerate Your Business symposium then ended with a keynote and workshop on “Influencing Influencers” with Jon Levy, who shared his experience working with brands and companies as well as strategies for businesses to improve their product development, customer acquisition, and customer engagement.

Accelerate Your Business with Safer Technology

I participated in the session on staying safe in the current cyber environment. Today’s technology and cloud-based solutions have made it easier to run your business, but there are also data security concerns that every growing business should be aware of.

One way to keep your business safe is to upgrade your devices, because older devices are slower, heavier, bulkier, and pose security risks. This infographic explains the huge differences between old and new devices.

If it’s time to modernize your business technology, consider updating to devices based on the 6th generation Intel® Core vPro processor family  and Windows 10 pro.

• Fast boot and wake up times.
• Easy multi-tasking between apps, files, and websites.
• True Key technology to safely reduce the number of passwords you use.
• Facial recognition technology for simple and safe log in.
• BitLocker encryption that keeps your data safe even if your computer is lost or stolen.

You can get 6^th generation Intel Core processors and Windows 10 pro in a range of devices, such as desktop towers, touch screen All-in-ones, mini PCs, laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s. Check out the Accelerate Your Business site for more offers, information and the latest devices.

The Accelerate Your Business symposium emphasized the fact that to grow your business you have to be constantly moving forward with the latest technology and strategies for developing products and reaching customers. One way to get started right away is by upgrading your devices today.

This post was written in partnership with Intel; however, all opinions and experiences expressed are my own.

The post Accelerate Your Business Recap: It’s Time to Upgrade Your Aging Devices! appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Valentine’s Day Marketing

If your business hasn’t done any Valentine’s Day marketing yet, you probably think it is too late to capitalize on the holiday. Not so fast! This Smart Hustle article shares ten Valentine’s Day marketing ideas that you can try at the last minute. The list includes ideas for boosting sales and customer engagement, applicable to both online and brick-and-mortar stores.

Click to read 10 Last Minute Valentine’s Day Marketing Ideas

Tech Twitter Chat

Did you hear the news? Staples has recently unveiled a new feature called Staples Tech Services where you can get next day service on PCs brought to their store by noon. To explore the topic of how technology downtime impacts businesses, they are holding a tech Twitter chat on February 17, hosted by Ramon Ray and Denise O’Berry. This article will tell you everything you need to know to participate in this tech Twitter Chat – including some helpful information for those who have never participated before.

Click to read Staples #MakeMoreHappen Twitter Chat: Avoiding & Reducing Tech Downtime

Tips to Compete With – and even BEAT – Bigger Businesses

As a small business owner, you probably feel that you are at a disadvantage compared to the power and resources that your bigger business competitors have. While bigger budgets and more manpower are to their advantage, there are also several advantages that YOU hold over THEM. This article explores five key ways that you use your own small business strengths to your advantage.

Click to read 5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Beat Bigger Businesses

Making Pivotal Changes in Your Business

After you’ve established your businesses, making changes can be a risky endeavor. However, if planned carefully, pivoting your business can lead to greater success. This article gives a few examples of companies that have successfully pivoted and outlines how you too can use pivoting to give your business a fresh start.

Click to read Why Your Small Business Needs to Pivot

Marketing, technology, sales – what is your business focused on at this particular moment in time? Click to explore the articles that will help you the most, and stay tuned next week for another Smart Hustle recap.

The post Smart Hustle Recap – Valentine’s Day Marketing, Upcoming Tech Twitter Chat & More appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.