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Think you’ve got what it takes to learn how to fix your own computer? Or maybe you’re eager to understand more about your PC or Mac. Dive into our DIY section and discover how to handle repairs and troubleshooting like a pro. Ready to Do I.T.? Start now!

how to

To take a screenshot on a MacBook, you can use keyboard shortcuts:

  • Capture the entire screen: Press Shift-Command-3
  • Capture a portion of the screen: Press Shift-Command-4, move the crosshair pointer to the start of the screenshot, press the mouse or trackpad button, drag over the area, and release
  • Capture a window or the menu bar: Press Shift-Command-4, press the Space bar, move the pointer over the window or menu bar, and click
  • Capture a menu and menu items: Open the menu, press Shift-Command-4, and drag the pointer over the menu items
  • Open Screenshot: Press Shift-Command-5
  • Capture the Touch Bar: Press Shift-Command-6
Business Virus removal
Malware and viruses can significantly slow down your PC, compromise your data, and disrupt performance. To ensure your computer is safe and functioning optimally, it’s important to remove any harmful programs as soon as possible. If you’re wondering- How to remove virus or malware from my computer, try these steps:
  1. Download and install antivirus software
  2. Disconnect from the internet
  3. Restart your computer in safe mode
  4. Delete any temporary files
  5. Run a virus scan
  6. Delete or quarantine any detected viruses
  7. Restart your computer
  8. Change all your passwords 
     
    If you’re still having trouble, you can try these additional steps:
  • Close any open browsers
  • Cancel any downloads or installations in progress
  • Search for any unfamiliar or unwanted downloads
  • Uninstall any unfamiliar or malicious extensions
  • Clear your cache and browsing history
  • Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files 
     
If antivirus software doesn’t solve your issue, you can call a professional. Half Price Geeks virus removal experts will be happy to help!  

This is how you can speed up your computer:

Restart your computer: This clears data from RAM and only loads essential applications. 

Check your Task Manager: This shows you how much of each resource you’re using. 

Free up disk space: You can remove unnecessary files and apps, use built-in cleanup tools, or upgrade to an SSD. 

Pause OneDrive syncing: This can free up disk space and resources. 

Disable unnecessary startup programs: You can turn off applications that run in the background. 
 
Update your operating system and drivers: Make sure your CPU driver, graphics card driver, sound drivers, and applications are up to date. 
 
Check for and remove viruses and malware: Viruses and malware can target older operating systems or outdated programs and software. 
 

Check your web browser and add-ons: Close tabs and disable extensions if your browser is using a lot of memory. 

Defragment your hard disk drive (HDD): This can help improve performance. 

How to find out which programs are slowing down your PC

Your computer might be being bombarded by high-level apps that start automatically and run in the background, or maybe by a program you opened and then forgot to close.

Closing, or even removing unnecessary programs, can instantly speed up a slow computer.

For Mac:

Press Command and Space to open Spotlight Search. Type “Activity Monitor” and press Enter. In Activity Monitor, you’ll see which programs are open, and how much CPU and memory they’re using. You can close any programs you’re not using.

For Windows:

To do this, simultaneously press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete on your keyboard, and select Task Manager. On the Processes tab, you’ll see which programs are open, and how much CPU and memory they’re using. You can then close any programs you’re not using.

If you need professional help, contact Half Price Geeks for help

wifi connection
Here are some things you can try if you’re having trouble with your Wi-Fi connection: 
  • Check your device

    Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and you’re connected. You can also check that your device’s Wi-Fi switch is turned on. 

     
  • Restart your router and modem

    Unplug the power cords for your router and modem for at least 15 seconds, then plug them back in. Wait for the lights on the devices to turn on and check that all cables are secure. 

     
  • Check your internet service provider

    Contact Half Price Geeks for help. You can also contact your internet service provider. 

     
  • Run a speed test

    Use a speed test tool to check your upload and download speeds. You can run the test on different devices and in different locations to see if the issue is specific to one device or location. 

     
  • Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system
    A mesh system can be a good solution for larger homes or homes with lots of dead zones. You can plug in multiple access points throughout your home to create one big network
Here are some ways to recover deleted files: 
  • Recycle Bin
    Check the Recycle Bin to see if the file is there: 
     
    1. Open the Recycle Bin 
       
    2. Select the files or folders you want to recover 
       
    3. Right-click and select Restore 
       
  • File History Backup
    If you have File History Backup turned on, you can: 
     
    1. Type “Restore files” in the search box on the taskbar 
       
    2. Select “Restore your files with File History” 
       
    3. Look for the file you need, then use the arrows to see all its versions 
       
  • Restore previous versions
    You can restore a file or folder to a previous state: 
     
    1. Navigate to the folder that used to contain the file or folder 
       
    2. Right-click it, and then select Restore previous versions 
    3. You can also set up a confirmation dialog so a pop-up will appear on your screen every time you go to delete a file. 
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Here are some ways to speed up your Mac: 

  • Update macOS

    Running the latest version of macOS can help your Mac run faster. You can check for updates by opening the App Store and clicking the Updates tab. 

     
     
  • Free up RAM

    Freeing up RAM can improve performance and reduce CPU usage. 

     
     
    Add an SSD

    Replacing your mechanical hard drive with an SSD can make your Mac run faster and extend its life. 

     
  • Remove unused apps

    Uninstall old and large apps you no longer use to free up space. 

     
     
  •  
    Restart your Mac

    Restarting your Mac can free up memory and clear away old cache files. 

     
     
  • Manage startup items

    Manage login items on startup to reduce boot time. 

     
     
  • Turn off visual effects

    Visual effects like animations, transitions, and icons bouncing around can negatively impact your performance. 

     
     
  • Clean your desktop

    A desktop filled with folders and files can be a drain on your memory. You can clean up your desktop by: 

     
    • Sorting your files into folders 
       
    • Storing them in “All My Files” in the Finder 
       
    • Disabling icon previews of files that remain on the Desktop 
You can also: Stop unnecessary processes using Activity Monitor, Close unused browser tabs, Remove unnecessary browser extensions, and Regularly empty the Trash
Half price Geeks offers professional help in optimizing your Mac.
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To uninstall a program on a Mac, on Windows, open the Control Panel, go to Programs and Features, select the program you want to uninstall, and click “Uninstall.” Navigate to the Applications folder in Finder, locate the program you want to remove, drag it to the Trash, and then empty the Trash;

Key points: 

  • Mac: 

     
    • Open Finder 
       
    • Go to Applications 
       
    • Select the program you want to uninstall 
       
    • Drag the program to the Trash 
       
    • Empty the Trash 
       

  • Windows: 

     
    • Open Control Panel 
       
    • Go to Programs and Features 
       
    • Select the program to uninstall 
       
    • Click “Uninstall” 
fix a computer
If your computer won’t turn on, first check the power supply by ensuring the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet, and that the power switch on the computer is turned on; then, try disconnecting any external devices, and if that doesn’t work, check the power button itself for a loose connection, and consider performing a hard reset by holding down the power button for a few seconds; if still no power, you might need to investigate potential hardware issues like RAM or power supply problems.
 
Basic troubleshooting steps: 
  • Check power source: Verify the power cord is plugged firmly into both the computer and a working outlet. 
     
  • Check power switch: Ensure the power switch on the computer is turned on. 
     
  • Remove external devices: Disconnect all peripherals like USB drives, external hard drives, and even the mouse and keyboard. 
     
  • Check the power button: Press the power button firmly to ensure a good connection. 
     
Further troubleshooting: 
  • Perform a hard reset: Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds to drain residual power. 
     
  • Check the monitor connection: Make sure the monitor is properly connected and turned on. 
     
  • Listen for beep codes: Some computers may emit beep codes that can indicate hardware issues. 
     
  • Check RAM: If possible, remove and reseat the RAM modules to ensure they are properly installed. 
     
  • Check the power supply unit: If you suspect the power supply unit might be faulty, consider replacing it. 
     
When to seek professional help: 
  • If you hear unusual noises when trying to power on the computer. 
     
  • If you suspect internal hardware damage. 
     
  • If you’ve already tried basic troubleshooting steps and the computer still won’t turn on. 
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To update drivers on a PC, you can use Windows Update or Device Manager: 

  • Windows Update 

     
    1. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button and typing “Update” in the search box 
       
    2. Click Check for updates in the left pane 
       
    3. Select the updates you want to install, and click OK 
       
    4. Click Install updates 
       
       

  • Device Manager 

     
    1. Open Device Manager by: 
       
      • Typing “device manager” in the search box on the taskbar 
         
      • Right-clicking on the Start button 
         
    2. Select a category to see device names 
       
    3. Right-click the device you want to update 
       
    4. Select Update driver 
       
    5. Click Search automatically for updated driver software 
       
    6. Restart your computer to complete the installation 

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer’s website. You can usually find the driver on the product page for the device, under a Support or Downloads page. 

Drivers are software that allow your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Without drivers, devices you connect to your computer won’t work properly. 
Here are some things you can try if your computer keeps crashing: 
  • Check the power source: Make sure your computer is getting enough power. 
     
  • Restart your computer: You can try restarting your computer or performing a hard reset. 
     
  • Check for overheating: A malfunctioning fan, clogged vents, or too much dust can cause your computer to overheat and crash. Try moving your computer to a more ventilated area. 
     
  • Check for hardware issues: You can check your hardware or run the System File Checker to verify and restore important operating system files. 
     
  • Update your software: Check for updates and make sure you have an up-to-date antivirus program. 
     
  • Scan for malware and viruses: Run a scan to check for malware and viruses. 
     
  • Uninstall unused programs: Remove any programs you don’t use. 
     
  • Check the Event Viewer: Open the Event Viewer and look for critical errors or warnings around the time of the crash. 
     
  • Boot into safe mode: You can try booting into safe mode. 
     
  • Run a startup repair: You can try running a startup repair. 
     
If your computer’s symptoms continue to worsen, you can contact certified data recovery professionals. 
A computer can crash for a variety of reasons, including:
  • Accessing invalid memory addresses
  • Incorrect address values in the program counter
  • Buffer overflow
  • Overwriting a portion of the affected program code
  • Executing invalid machine instructions
  • Triggering an unhandled exception
  • Hardware failure
  • Software errors
  • Malware
  • Power outages 
To fix an unresponsive program on either Windows or Mac, open your system’s task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows, or Command + Space, then type “Activity Monitor” on Mac), locate the frozen program, and select “End Task” (Windows) or click the “X” to quit it (Mac) to force close it and restart the application; if the issue persists, consider restarting your computer.  
  • Access Task Manager: On Windows, press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open the Task Manager. 
     
  • Access Activity Monitor: On Mac, press “Command + Space”, type “Activity Monitor”, and select the program. 
     
  • Force Quit: Select the unresponsive program and click “End Task” (Windows) or the “X” to quit (Mac).
     
  • Restart the program: After force quitting, try relaunching the program. 
Here are some ways to improve your computer’s performance: 
  • Restart your computer
    Restarting your computer can help flush RAM, fix bugs, and stop memory leaks. 
     
  • Uninstall unnecessary programs
    Uninstalling programs you no longer use can free up storage space and speed up your computer. 
     
  • Update your drivers
    Updating your drivers can improve the functionality, performance, and compatibility of your hardware devices. 
     
  • Add more RAM
    More RAM allows you to store more files and programs, which can improve performance and speed up multiple programs running simultaneously. 
     
  • Check for viruses and spyware
    Viruses and spyware can use up a large portion of your internet connection. 
     
  • Disable startup programs
    You can disable programs from launching at startup by opening Task Manager and clicking the Startup tab. 
     
  • Defragment or upgrade your hard drive
    Defragmenting or upgrading your hard drive can improve performance. 
     
  • Use cloud storage or an external hard drive
    Using cloud storage or an external hard drive can help improve performance. 
     
  • Adjust performance settings
    You can adjust your computer’s performance settings to improve performance. 
To repair a corrupted file on a PC, you can try these methods: 
  • Run CHKDSK

    This tool scans your hard drive for bad sectors and file system errors, and can help repair and clean up your PC. To run CHKDSK, you can: 

     
    1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator 
    2. Type chkdsk /f [drive letter]: and press Enter 
       
  • Use the DISM tool

    If an SFC scan doesn’t identify the problem, you can use the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair the system image. 

     
  • Run Startup Repair

    This Windows recovery tool scans your computer for problems and tries to fix them so your computer can start correctly. 

     
  • Replace the files manually

    You can locate the corrupted files in the SFC process details and replace them with a clean copy or a backup. 

     
  • Use the Open and Repair command

    In Microsoft Office programs, you can try the Open and Repair command to recover a corrupted file. To do this, you can: 

     
    1. Click File > Open > Browse 
       
    2. Go to the location of the corrupted document 
       
    3. Click the file you want, and then click the arrow next to Open 
       
    4. Click Open and Repair 
       

You can also try using a software program’s built-in repair functionality. 

 
 
 
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Here are some ways to optimize startup programs on a computer: 
  • Disable unnecessary programs
    Use the Task Manager or system settings to identify and disable startup programs that you don’t need or use often. Startup programs can increase boot time and consume resources in the background. 
     
  • Prioritize programs
    In the Task Manager, you can prioritize programs with a low impact to run at startup. 
     
  • Upgrade hardware
    Upgrading your RAM or SSD storage can enhance overall system performance and efficiency. 
     
  • Use Disk Cleanup
    Disk Cleanup can help you find and delete unnecessary files and programs from your computer. 
     
  • Defragment your hard drive
    Use the built-in defragmentation tool to reorganize and optimize your files. 
     
  • Adjust power settings
    Changing your PC’s power setting to high performance can boost computing speed, but it will also draw more electricity. 
     
  • Disable special effects
    Windows 10 comes with special effects that can slow down your computer. 
     
  • Restart your PC
    Restarting your computer clears out all the temporary files and processes running. 
     
  • Delete old software
    Delete any third party software that you might not need. This is known as bloatware and can take up storage space.