Computers and Technology

In this age of ubiquitous computer usage, any time a computer crashes is a bad time. Almost all of us have a lot of data we need either regularly or occasionally stored on our computers. In fact, most of this data is probably stored only on our computers. As such it is vital to prevent frequent computer crashes and know how to deal with a computer crash.

Reasons for Computer Crashes

Computer crashes can occur because of several reasons. One, because you tried to run a new software on an older computer that was not designed for it. This will lead the computer to freeze or crash. Sometimes, the computer crashes because of mechanical failure. The read/write arm of the hard disk could fail. Though manufacturers try to ensure that this does not happen before hundreds of thousands of hours of usage, sometimes the hard disk fails a lot earlier. Yet another reason for a computer crash is a fault in the memory. The memory stick is essentially made up of many chips placed together. If even a single chip is corrupted or becomes faulty, your computer will freeze. This is because it is unable to locate memory that it is programmed to expect.

Prevention

While mechanical failure cannot be prevented by the user, a user can avoid using new software on an old computer. You can also be wary of clicking on suspicious links in e-mails and other attachments. Keeping your anti-virus subscription current and updating your OS and anti-virus system will also reduce the risk of computer crashes.

You can also use specific programs such as AOL Computer Checkup to ensure that all glitches in your computer are fixed and it runs smoothly.

Back Up

Even when you take adequate precautions, computer crashes can and do take place. To ensure that the damage from such a crash is minimal, make sure that all data is backed up. You can store important data in a back up storage device, or use online storage option. Either way, you will be able to retrieve data without too much trouble.

Be on the lookout for a slowing computer. Sometimes this is all the warning that you will get that your computer is going to crash. If your computer slows down, first back up your data and then trouble shoot.

Steps to Take

In case your computer crashes, the first thing you need to do is reboot. Many times, a computer will work fine once you restart it. If this does not work, ask for help from a computer technician who might be able to repair your computer. Even if that is not possible, a computer technician might be able to recover data for you.

There are times when a computer issue becomes inevitable but you can save some of your money by opting to use computer rental options rather than spending a large sum on buying a computer upfront. Technology has become transient and new technological advances are perpetually kicking the old out. A computer rental ensures that you will have the latest technology at your service and that too without burning a hole in your pocket.