Computer Repairs

Laptop is overheating

• Ensure the laptop is on a flat, hard surface to allow proper airflow.
  
  
• Clean the air vents and fans to remove dust and debris.
  
  
• Update the BIOS and drivers to the latest version.
  
  
• Use a cooling pad or external fan to help dissipate heat.

Laptop has slow performance

• Close unnecessary programs and browser tabs.
  
  
• Run a disk cleanup and defragmentation.
  
  
• Update the operating system and drivers.
  
  
• Scan for malware and viruses using a reputable antivirus software.
  
  
• Consider upgrading the RAM or storage.

Laptop has Wi-Fi connectivity issues

• Restart the laptop and router/modem.
  
  
• Check if other devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network.
  
  
• Update the Wi-Fi driver.
  
  
• Reset the network settings.
  
  
• Move closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.

Laptop has no sound

• Check if the volume is muted or set too low.


• Update the audio driver.


• Run the audio troubleshooter in the operating system.


• Check if external speakers or headphones are connected properly.

Laptop has a black or blank screen

• Check if the laptop is in sleep or hibernation mode and wake it up.
  
  
• Adjust the screen brightness.
  
  
• Connect an external monitor to check if the issue is with the laptop’s display.
  
  
• Update the graphics driver.
  
  
• Perform a hard reset.

Laptop’s keyboard or touchpad is not working

• Restart the laptop.
  
  
• Check if the keyboard or touchpad is disabled in the settings.
  
  
• Update the keyboard and touchpad drivers.
  
  
• Clean the keyboard and touchpad surface.
  
  
• Connect an external keyboard or mouse to check if the issue is with the laptop’s built-in

Laptop’s battery drains quickly

• Adjust the power settings to a more energy-efficient mode.
  
  
• Close unnecessary programs and browser tabs.
  
  
• Decrease the screen brightness.
  
  
• Disconnect peripherals when not in use.
  
  
• Check the battery health and consider replacing it if it’s degraded.

Backing up your Data

Data is the most crucial part of our lives. In contrast to our cell phones, we store more files and larger files on our computers. Backing up this data can seem like a daunting task because of the sheer amount of data. Additionally, the files are stored in several locations on a computer and can be difficult to locate and back up. There are several programs out there that can help you backup your data as well as the built-in Windows feature called File History. File History is a great way to keep you data safe from accidental deletion because it allows you to go back and retrieve files. Further, it can be set to a schedule such as daily backups that run in the background. Apple’s macOS computers have a similar program to Microsoft Windows’ File History called Time Machine.

Most backups should not be to the computer itself, therefore both Time Machine and File History enforce that the files are backed up to another drive, such as an external USB drive. There are many other options available for backing up files and some programs that offer encryption for extra security. Always make sure the program is developed by a reputable company, is easy to use, and has the features that you need for your computer.

Windows Default Programs

When a person clicks on a file, Windows executes the default program set to open that file. When you install a program, part of the program’s setup is to inform the computer which extensions the program is capable of utilizing. For example, Microsoft Excel files are saved as .xls or .xlsx and when someone opens those file extensions, Windows knows to use Excel to open that file. If you download OpenOffice or any other program with compatibility for .xls file types, then you can set Windows to use another program to open those files instead.

Setting your default programs is important to getting functionality out of your computer. To set these default programs in Windows 11, go to Settings, then click on Apps, and finally click on Default Apps. You can manually set certain extensions’ default program on the computer as well as click on specific programs and set their commonly used extensions. On computers with a previous version of Windows, these settings are in the Start Menu or the Control Panel under Default Programs.

Change Search Engine

The default search engine is what your computer’s web browser uses when searching keywords or terms. The computer uses this search engine automatically and will display the results on the search engine’s search result page. By default, the Microsoft Edge search engine is Bing and Google Chrome’s search engine is Google. But if you have a preference such as DuckDuckGo, Ask Jeeves, Yahoo, or Dogpile, then you will have to set the default search engine manually for your web browser. To do this, go into the settings on the web browser.

Computers use web browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox to access the internet and each have a similar path to find and set the default search engine. Usually you start with the ‘…’ which is an indicator for a menu, and then you choose Settings. From there, keep in mind that each browser will navigate slightly differently, you will be looking for Search Preferences or Search Engine. Once you locate the correct settings page, then you can remove the current default search engine and add your own.

Optimal Sleep Timers

Standby mode, hibernate, and sleep mode are all ways that your computer handles being idle. These modes reduce power consumption and strain on the computer’s internal components. It’s important to set these modes up properly though to prevent frustration when reading a website, article, or digital book. For example, if the setting is too low such as 1 minute before the monitor goes to sleep then the display will turn off abruptly while you are still trying to use it.

A sleep timer such as 10 minutes is better suited for most people because within the 10 minutes an action will occur which resets the sleep timer. For hard disk or computer standby timers, it is recommended to set it to no less than 30 minutes, and optimally set it for an hour. When a hard disk or computer is put to sleep, it takes much longer to resume than a display going to sleep. Rarely should someone set the sleep timer to “Never” because then the computer will just run non-stop. The downside is wear and tear on the internal components and the monitor or display. Monitors and displays will start to have ghost imaging or coloration defects from being on for too long. Additionally, computers can consume quite a bit of power if left on and for businesses that could mean 5, 10, or maybe 100 computers consuming power for no reason.

Installing Anti-Virus

To keep a computer running well, and to prevent data loss and other consequences of having a virus, it is recommended to be proactive with a legitimate subscription-based anti-virus software product such as Malwarebytes Premium. The built-in Windows Defender will catch some malware, but it should not be relied on. Similarly, for Apple macOS computers, there is no built-in anti-virus security. Contrary to popular belief, macOS computers can get viruses, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs.

There’s two concepts to anti-virus protection that are important: real-time protection which blocks incoming threats before they get a chance to install to your computer, and routine scanning both on-demand and scheduled. Malwarebytes Premium offers both aspects and more. Genius CPR is partnered with Malwarebytes to bring virus protection and peace of mind to all its customers. Make sure you download Malwarebytes from the company’s website and nowhere else, and make sure you sign up for Premium. The free version does not provide real-time protection and is only good to delete the virus once it is already installed. Viruses cause changes to the computer that cannot be reverted simply by deleting the virus. Those changes must be reverted manually, and you may not know what it changed until it is too late.

Setting up Webcam

Having a computer with a webcam is essential for calling and meeting services such as Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoTo Meeting, WebEx, and Google Meet. Webcams will generally have a built-in microphone for audio and t least a 720p camera for video. Setting up a webcam can require some work, however. Optimal webcam location is important so that participants are not subjected to awkward angles from the webcam being too low, too high, or from the side. For a desktop or laptop computer, webcam placement is easily accomplished by affixing the webcam to the top of the screen in front of you. It should be the proper height and direction if affixed to the top of the screen. Distance from the user will also be optimal for sound, video frame, resolution, and clarity.

Once the webcam is positioned well, then it needs to be plugged into the USB port on the computer. If the computer is connected to the internet, the webcam may automatically install the necessary drivers and support software. If it does not, then it may have come with a disk or diskette for your computer to install the drivers and support software. Many companies are going with web-based support and drivers instead of a diskette, so the last resort is the webcam manufacturer’s website for drivers and support software. Once the software is downloaded and installed, it is recommended to give the computer a restart to ensure the camera software is working properly. Then the camera should work for calls and meetings as well as picture-taking and video recording. Many laptop computers have a built-in webcam, but if that camera should fail you can always purchase a stand-alone webcam to supplant the built-in one.

Wireless Printer Setup

Wireless printers need setup on your wireless network before they will communicate and print. Their setup is easier if the printer has an LCD panel to navigate the software and access the network settings. Once you see the list of nearby wireless networks, select the wireless network that your computer uses. If it is an encrypted network, then it will prompt for password, otherwise unencrypted networks will connect right away.

Very few printers require a computer to setup a wireless printer anymore. If your printer is dated and does not have an interface, then you will use software on your computer to configure the printer while it is connected to the computer via USB. Once configured, it will retain the settings programmed into it from the computer using the setup program that came with the printer, usually on a disc. After the printer is configured either manually through the computer, or with the LCD interface on the printer, then the computer will need to download and install the proper driver and support software to print to the printer. In Windows, you go to the Settings or Control Panel to Add a Printer or Add Hardware, and as long as your computer is on the same network as the printer then select the printer from the list. If Windows can locate the driver software automatically online, then it will be fairly autonomous, but if it fails then you will need to seek the driver and software package from the printer manufacturer’s website. Additionally, if you plan to scan documents from the printer to your computer then it is recommended to go to the manufacturer’s website and get the full feature download else those functions may not be available.

Configuring E-mail

Whether you use Outlook, Windows Mail app, Mozilla Thunderbird, or any other mail application, the setup for e-mail can be very frustrating.

The best thing to do is to have your passwords at the ready, because whichever e-mail program you choose will need your account and password information. If you use one of the mainstream e-mail companies such as Yahoo, Google, Hotmail, or iCloud, then the setup is generally easier because those companies work out easy sign-in modules which preconfigure the account on your device.

Otherwise, if you have your own domain or a company e-mail account then the domain hosting company such as GoDaddy, Bluehost, InMotion, or Dreamhost will have ports and DNS/IP addresses to use that are specific to their service. When setting up Outlook, a facet of the Microsoft Suite 365, many setting must be configured such as the inbound and outbound address, port numbers, security and encryption method, and the username and password. The good news is that when the setup of your e-mail is complete, rarely does it need to be adjusted. The computer will hold the settings in the mail application of choice and e-mails will then continue to flow into your inbox.