MTC Dynamics

Again while we can build you a custom computer from the ground up or service your computer for viruses and other problems; I must re-iterate - I am not adding any new clients!

So what I will do here on this page is offer some "self-help" solutions to common computer problems.

Common Issues

• 1. If your computer doesn't work at all - Check allyour power connections, power strips, and plug-ins to you computer before calling a service tech! Don't just say you did - get down on your knees and check. This will save you the possiblity of spending up to $100.00 for someone to come out and plugging your computer back in or flipping the switch on the power strip that you you or anther user of your system accidently tapped off.
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• 2.  Don't load programs on your Windows based computer without rebooting. Within your system is several files which compose the "REGISTRY"! This registry can be damaged if it isn't "cleared" of old data values by the reboot. This may cause your system to run slow or not work at all - most of the time it just causes your system to run slower.

3.  Got a laptop, treat it with respect and keep animals, and children away from it. Many laptops have been destoyed by animals snagging the cord and dragging the laptops to their demise on the floor. Or small toddler thinking that they'll do Mommy a favor and clean her $1,500 system with the water from their "tippy" cup. Likewise to the former, keep your feet clear of the power cord and look to where it is before you stand up and move away from it. Please, make sure that you set it on something solid with all four of it's feet full on that solid object . What good is a table when most of the laptop is hanging off in mid-air?

4.  Not every thing is good on Facebook! You can get viruses here as well as else where! Don't download every app you see. And be sure that you only place information on it  that you don't care if everyone in the entire world saw it. Realize, however, that if you do - you could open yourself up to identity theft!

Viruses

• Viruses are a very common problem with computers. The thing is, you can get a virus by simply visiting a website. Some symptoms of computer viruses are: weird or strange behavior within the operating system, extremely slow performance, and non-responsive applications.

  The solution to getting rid of viruses is simple: You need anti-virus software. The four most common software developers of anti-virus software are AVG, TrendMicro, McAfee and Norton. If you don't have the money to purchase either of these, try  the free versions of AVG or TrendMicro. 

Malware

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  Malware is another common problem infecting many computers. Malware stands for malicious software. Some examples of common malware are worms and Trojan horses. Malware often infects your computer through email attachments and using P2P programs such as Limewire. The severity level of malware ranges anywhere from infecting one file to destroying your entire hard disk.

  It is often hard to get rid of malware. It is recommended that you do either a system restore, or a wipe and reinstall of your operating system. For less potent malware, you should try a program such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Spyware

• Spyware is the most common computer problem. You can pickup spyware on your computer from just about anything. Tracking cookies are often considered spyware if they sit in a certain place on your computer such as the registry. The most common symptom of spyware is a significant slowdown of computer performance. Also, you may notice certain programs that you never remember installing being on your computer.

  There are a lot of programs on the market that will remove spyware; and most of them are free. Try out Spybot Search and Destroy or Adaware.

Computer Running Slow

• If you do not have any of the problems above, and your computer is still running slow, it should only take a couple actions to fix.

  Do a disk cleanup: "Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup."

  Defragment your hard drive: "Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter."

  If the above two things do not fix your computer, tweaking the startup will normally do the trick: "Start > Run > Type 'msconfig.'" After you have done that, it will open up your system configuration utility. Select the tab that says "General" and put a check in the box next to "Selective Startup."

  Next, click the tab labeled "Startup." Here you will get a list of programs that are running in the background. All of these programs automatically start when you turn on your computer. You can get some of your resources back by unchecking some of them. Do not uncheck any Windows system applications. Anything else should be fine.