National Computer Repair

Experienced in computer repair, data recovery, and a love for all things geek.

Tag: computer upgrades (page 2 of 2)

Laptops Computers vs Desktop Computers

While the age of paper thin and hyper speed computers are upon us, many still question whether a desktop or laptop computer would best suit them. Both types of computers have their benefits and their downfalls, but they all grant the gift of infinite possibilities and resources.

Performance

It’s entirely possible to find incredibly high performance computers that can accomplish everything you need in both laptop and desktop form. Though for the sake of comparison, a laptop equipped with comparable features and components to those of a desktop computer will not perform as well. This is due to the fact that laptop parts are made smaller and lighter for mobility purposes, sacrificing some speed and performance.

Price

Price is arguably the biggest factor most people consider before purchasing a new computer and those who haven’t shopped around recently may be surprised to see just how far their money can go. Even though desktop computers tend to have better rates of performance than laptops do, they often cost much less. A laptop computer with similar parts as a desktop computer can cost as much as fifty percent more.

Portability

Though this may seem obvious, desktop computers are not ideal for those who are frequently mobile. Desktop computers have a reputation for being bulky and heavy, and even though that is becoming less true every year, there is some truth to it. Those who need to be near a computer at all times would most benefit from the freedom a laptop offers, though there is always the option of investing in both!

Conclusion

While desktop computers are typically better performing and lower in cost, it can be hard to not see the appeal in a computer that’s both ultra-thin and lightweight. Computers are wonderful tools when they work properly but can be incredibly frustrating and confusing when they don’t. Contact us here whenever you need fast and affordable computer repair services, we are highly experienced in repairing both desktop and laptop computers!

Signs Its Time For A New Computer

Everybody fears the day their computer is no longer up and running. If you’re find yourself wondering if it is time for a new computer, continue reading along with this month’s blog to learn the common signs. 

Look out for:

Updating your computer to ensure all essential programs are current and running smoothly is an important task to for your computer’s health. If you are struggling to update because the new program updates aren’t compatible with the year of your computer, it may be time to upgrade to something more current. 

Another sure sign that it is time for a new computer is if your current one is making a lot of noise. If the vent fan is suddenly sounding louder than normal and is potentially over heating, it may be time for an upgrade. When your fan isn’t working properly, the insides aren’t going to last much longer. 

If you are finding it increasingly difficult to multitask on your computer, it may also be time for an upgrade. Being able to multitask without frustration over how slow your computer is performing is essential. Likewise, if your computer is crashing often, the end may be near!

Finally, if the computer repair costs are adding up to be more expensive than a whole new computer, it is definitely time to upgrade! While it may be comforting and seem like less of a hassle to simply get a repair instead of an upgrade, ultimately you could be saving yourself money in the long run. Repairs can be costly and quickly start adding up!

Conclusion:

Nobody likes to admit that it may be time to purchase a new computer. If you are struggling to decide whether it is time for a repair or an upgrade, we here at National Computer Repairare here to help!

Ways to Keep Your Computer Running Faster

A computer is an incredible and revolutionary piece of hardware that can do seemingly everything you need it to do. However, if not taken care of properly, the device that you consider one of the most important parts of your daily life can become a consistent source of stress. There are a multitude of reasons why a computer starts to slow down when it comes to performance, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that there are plenty of ways to keep this from happening. In the article below, you will be given a few simple steps that can do wonders for keeping your computer in tip-top working condition.

Don’t Let Any Programs Run Automatically:

Something that is often overlooked by most people are the programs that are set to open by default when turning the computer on. Not only is this usually unnecessary except for antivirus programs, but it also greatly effects the overall functionality of your computer. While it may not look like it to you, the programs running in the background take up a lot of your computers RAM, which basically means that they are taking away some of the attention your system has to give, directly effecting how much it can provide to whatever you are actually using the computer for. The fewer programs running the better when it comes to any hardware, which means unclicking that pesky little “start automatically” box can make a whole world of difference.

Uninstall Any Unused Programs:

How many people know every single bit of software and every program on their computer? Besides professionals that work with computers for a living, it is most likely that you don’t know every program or file that is taking up memory and space on your hard drive, which is understandable. With such an intricate system, there are bound to be certain programs that are completely irrelevant to you while possibly being extremely important to other people. The important thing to do in this situation is take the time to search through your computers downloads and applications to see exactly what is in there and how much space it takes up. If you know you aren’t going to use it much or at all and it serves no true daily purpose to be on your computer, uninstall it. The more space you can free on your computer, the faster it will run.

Save All Videos & Photos on External Hard Drive:

Speaking of freeing space on a computer also brings audio, video and picture files to mind. When it comes to these kinds of files, it is extremely easy to lose track of just how many of them you’re saving on your computer. In today’s digital age there is no shortage of opportunities to take a selfie or capture that amazing view, which then gets saved onto your hard drive to take up even more space. While there is nothing wrong at all with saving cherished memories, there is also no reason to keep them on your computer. Purchasing a simple external hard drive of 1 or 2 terabytes will allow you to store every bit of media footage, whether it’s photo or video on that drive and delete it from your actual computer, thus saving a huge amount of space for you to devote towards performance and speed.

Run Consistent Disk Cleanups:

With so many different websites we visit and temporary files we need for either school or work, a virtual junk drawer of unneeded files, programs and cookies can steadily start to pile up in your computer. While at first it may seem harmless, given enough time these random little bits of space can add up to a very slow operating system. Luckily, there is a very easy way to counteract this frustration, which is to run monthly or even weekly diagnostic checks and disk cleanups. By running these checks or merely just going into your computer to delete any recent unnecessary files or cookies, you save vital disk space and allow your computer to operate at its finest.

Conclusion:

Plenty of issues can arise with such a complicated piece of technology, but your computer is actually a relatively simple device to keep up if you know how. Following these few simple tasks can do wonders with creating better functionality and less frustrations for you. If there is an issue that can’t be fixed simply by yourself, however, National Computer Repair is happy to help you get back up and running in no time!

PC Problems: Should You Upgrade or Start From Scratch?

If you built your computer from the ground up and got used to optimal performance, sometimes even the smallest dips in speed can seem much more drastic than they are. This familiarity with speed and convenience makes knowing when to upgrade and when to cut your losses and build a new PC rather difficult. Many times, users can convince themselves an entirely new computer is necessary simply out of excitement of being able to craft a new machine with completely modern parts. And while we would never scold you for being excited about the new PC innovations out there, the more budget-friendly option can often be just replacing a part or two.

If you find yourself walking a tightrope unsure of whether you want to upgrade or rebuild, we urge you to read on. Below, we’ve covered a few of the important questions you need to ask yourself if you plan on making some changes to that current rig.

How Necessary Is the Upgrade?

Having the funds necessary to build up an entirely new computer can be exciting, but knowing when’s the right time to simply opt for a upgrade can keep your computer running well until an even more impressive set of parts worth that excitement are released! Always ask yourself just how essential the upgrade or rebuild really is. Is your computer running slowly across the board or is it only when you perform certain tasks or utilize a certain part? If it’s the latter, you could save quite a bit by simply swapping out that one trouble-making piece.

When Is a New Computer Necessary?

One of the many perks of custom-built computers is the fact that many of their parts are reusable. If you needed a brand new motherboard, for example, you can still use your old power supply, graphics card, and even power supply.

That being said, this doesn’t necessarily rule out the need for a brand new computer in certain circumstances. After all, if everything in the computer is so old that it isn’t even worth recycling or if the parts are so outdated they wouldn’t meet the needs you now have for a PC, it could be simpler to start with a new rig and upgrade it as time goes on.

 

What Parts Need an Upgrade?

If you’ve come to the realization that a complete rebuild isn’t necessary, the next step is nailing down what parts actually need that upgrade. Much like when you build a new PC, it’s essential to start with what you need out of your computer. If you’re simply looking to speed it up for the sake of efficiency, you can get away with a simple SSD. If, however, you want to game more and have your computer keep up with higher visual settings, a new graphics card could be the way to go.

Unfortunately, it can sometimes be the case that one individual part depends on another component to run effectively. In these kinds of situations, swapping one out can mean having to upgrade the other. For instance, if you plan on upgrading your CPU, you might need to invest in a new motherboard that can hold it if your current one isn’t a proper fit. A brand new graphic card, on the other hand, may not depend on any given part in such a way but, if your power supply isn’t up to snuff, you won’t be able to leverage the abilities of that new video card in the first place.

Conclusion

It can sound like a lot to keep all of this in mind, but there’s no reason to be discouraged! Whether you’re a tech savvy person yourself or you don’t know the first thing about custom rigs, there are countless teams, forums, and blogs like ours online that can help fill the gaps in your knowledge. Do your homework, speak with the professionals, and create that computer that lasts you for years to come!

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