Common computer problems affect most owners

I could be replaced — as a newspaper columnist, if not at home — by a baldheaded computer programmed to answer a handful of questions.

Looking through this week’s reader e-mail, I was struck by how many ask the same questions. Some involve serious concerns, while others are fairly minor issues. But because they’re on your minds, they are all important.

TECHNOBUDDY

E-mail Bill Husted

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Today I’ll run through a few. I’m sure they will continue to fill my in-box. But — for some of you — I may be able to cover questions you haven’t yet asked.

Q: My computer is slow. How can I speed it up?

A: The likely culprit is spyware or adware infestation. If that’s the case, the problem is as simple as using a good program to detect and eliminate it. I recommend two free programs, a free version of Adaware (http://tinyurl.com/2fexbw) or Spybot Search and Destroy (http://tinyurl.com/2c4c69). Please use these addresses, as there are programs with similar names that can create problems.

There could be other causes, of course. Here’s a Web page with more advice: http://tinyurl.com/d7dyw2.

Q: My computer’s clock is slowing or doesn’t work at all. What’s wrong?

A: Odds are the tiny battery that keeps track of the time when the power is off — as well as more critical chores — is dead or dying. It’s odd to think about batteries in a desktop computer. But your computer has one and it does an important job of preserving critical functions for your PC.

Most home users can handle replacement. The battery is often a silver disc, usually the size of a quarter or half dollar. The computer manual — either the paper version or on the maker’s Web site — should show its location.

Disconnect power as well as cables for keyboard, ethernet, printer, etc. Open the case. Find the battery. Touch a metal part of the chassis to avoid the chance of static electricity charges damaging any components. Remove the battery — it will pop out of its holder — and take it to an electronics store to get a replacement. Pop it in, connect everything up and nine times out of 10 you’re back in business.

Q: Will my VCR work after the change to digital broadcast signals?

A: Anything you’ve taped before, or movies that you purchased for the VCR, will work just fine. And the VCR will work if connected to a digital converter box for those of you who use an antenna. If you’re a cable or satellite customer, there should be no change at all in how you use the VCR.

Q: I’ve just installed a new computer with Vista on my home network, but it can’t find my other computers. What gives?

A: Networks may need a bit of tweaking when you add a machine with Microsoft’s Vista. Here’s a Web page that goes into more detail than I could on how to fix that problem: http://tinyurl.com/b7kuq6.

Q: My computer makes a funny sound.

A: Worst case, it’s the first sign of a hard disk going bad. So before you do anything else, back up all personal data.

It may not be so serious. Lesser problems — including something as simple as a poorly balanced machine, or a bent blade on the cooling exhaust fan — can create scary sounds. So assume the worst, but hope for the best.

Q: Should I turn off my computer at night or leave it on 24/7?

A: There are good arguments on both sides of the question. Modern desktop computers are designed to operate 24/7. Some argue that’s the best way to use them.

I disagree. For one thing, you’re wasting electricity (even if you use the sleep mode). For another, if the cooling system fails while the computer is unattended, it could do harm. Still another reason: The longer a computer stays online, the better the chance of it being used by a hacker.

That’s for desktops. There is no disagreement when it comes to keeping a notebook computer on all the time. Don’t do it. They just aren’t made for it.

We’ve just scratched the surface. So here’s still another Web page that covers some common problems that I didn’t mention: http://tinyurl.com/bbtblh.

Meantime, I’m sure that baldheaded computer is out there somewhere with dibs on my job. I’m safe at home until that robot learns how to take out the garbage.