As a general point, always have a go at maintaining and repairing your computer yourself, rather than picking up the phone and ringing Handy Andy. Of course, bad things happen and there are things – such as it not coming on at all – that might stump you and need you to make that call, or take to a computer shop. But, try yourself first.

Indeed, if you have access to the Internet, or have another computer nearby which has access, you can always type your particular problem into a search engine and see what results pop out. Your computer is unlikely to have a unique problem, so you can bet there will be someone somewhere else who has experienced what you’re going through.

But let’s break down what you might be able to achieve into two areas again, hardware and software.

And remember that prevention is better than cure, so much can be done to avoid trouble, rather than waiting for it to happen.

Before we start though, let’s mention that old IT joke, which is a good bit of advice: “…have you tried turning it off and back on again…” You’d be surprised how much can be solved by turning off a computer and re-starting it. Indeed, this writer can admit to being puzzled why his monitor wasn’t working, sub-consciously calculating how much a new one would cost, when eventually realising that its plug had worked loose and it had no power. In other words, don’t always suspect the worse.

Part I – Hardware

There aren’t too many bits to a computer, but it’s best to have a quick look around occasionally to make sure everything is okay.

You’ve got the computer box, the monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, wiring and peripherals.

We’ll take the computer box in a minute. First, the monitor. These have quite simple settings and they either work, or don’t work. So if yours is playing up, nine times out of ten the screen had deteriorated and you will need a new one.

The keyboard is quite low tech and should be relatively long-lived, as long as you don’t throw tea all over it. Bear in mind that some of the latest models are wireless, so you might find it needs new batteries occasionally, or the link re-establishing. Same with the mouse and with the older models, the tracking wheels tend to ware, so they can be replaced, although getting a new one would be better. The speakers, well, there’s not much you can do with those if they stop working.

The wiring; don’t forget all those leads leading from your box to the various bits and pieces. They can come loose, power cables can become unplugged and all can get tangled; so check them over occasionally to make sure they are safe.

Give your peripherals the once over as well. And just because something has been attached to your computer for years, don’t leave it sitting there. If you don’t use it regularly, remove the cable and delete the software. You don’t want to be wasting electricity, or computer power.

Okay, back to the box. Computer boxes are quite straightforward inside, although you don’t want to get in there with your washing-up sponge. There is usually a power unit, a motherboard (largest circuit board inside the computer), a few fans, a hard drive and a disc drive. Being inside means you can change the memory cards, change/add PCI cards (for additional hardware) and get rid of dust.

One of the biggest problems with modern computers is the build-up of dust inside the computer box. This tends to collect around the key components and acts like an insulator. If you don’t clean this out occasionally, your computer could overheat and this will cause it to have a few wobbles. And while the case is open, make sure the fans in the box still work and move freely. If a fan is making a lot of noise, it may be near to burning out, the bearings might be getting worn, or a blade might be bent. They can be replaced quite easily, but when replacing any bits in the box, ensure that you make a note of the component’s exact position and the connecting cables. Don’t dismantle anything, then forget where it goes.

Finally, take care when opening a computer box. The box should be easy to open, either via a few screws, or a simple push and pull method. Before you do open it, isolate the power and earth yourself before you fiddle around inside. Lethal electricity can often be stored inside, so don’t mess about with any bits you’re not sure of. Being inside a computer allows you to do a few basic tasks, not experiment with what cable goes where. Only do the job you can manage and do not move components for the sake of it.

It is comparatively easy to upgrade memory – see Improve Your PC Performance, Memory Upgrades – and place in PCI cards, and you can theoretically replace hard drives, disc drives and power units, but you have to ensure that you have got a replacement that will fit exactly and remember how it does fit.

Do not attempt anything that might be beyond you.

What Can You Do Without Calling Out the Computer Repairman – Part I – Hardware – Recap

• check your hardware;
• remove all peripherals you don’t use;
• clean dust from box;
• watch-out, electricity about;
• new memory comparatively easy to install;
• don’t attempt too much.

Part II – Software

Remember that piece of advice earlier. If your computer freezes, then it’s best to turn off and start again. It’s quite common for computers to have a ‘seizure’ and become confused. This often happens when you have a number of windows open and you’re merrily swapping from one to another with gay abandon. If it happens too often, and at a time when the computer is not being stressed, then this could be a sign of problems.

Okay, general point first. A computer is really as good as its operating system (OS). Now, let’s not dwell on pirated software. If you’re using pirated software – and many people do – then you have a problem from the outset. Not only is it illegal, pirated software is often unstable, can be infested with bugs and does not allow you to seek help (you can be reported for using pirated software).

So, let’s not dwell on that. If you have a computer able to run the chosen OS without too much hardship, then it should be stable. The reason why it then becomes unstable is basically user abuse; you have to keep on top of things.

Firstly, make sure you download the Windows Updates as they become available. We show how this works in Staying On Top Of Windows Updates, but basically a software application such as Windows XP, or Windows Vista, is so complex and sophisticated, that they are sometimes launched with bits not quite right, so these need to be fixed later on. And then the applications are also attacked by cyber criminals, determined to penetrate the security. The resulting holes which are punched into the code must then be repaired and this is done by published patches which are offered as regular and free upgrades. Don’t refuse them. They usually are offered automatically, so don’t forget to accept the upgrades.

Secondly, delete any applications that you don’t need, as you must work hard to keep your hard drive from filling up too quickly. So, in Control Panel, use a facility called Add or Remove Programs, as the most stable way to get rid of bits of software you don’t want. You will see all the most major applications listed and give you an idea of how often you use them and their size. Just a word of caution here: Do remove programmes that are superfluous. Don’t remove anything you are not sure about, as you may remove a piece of integral software that could stop key applications working. So, be cautious.

Thirdly, download the latest drivers for your hardware. A driver is a lump of software that allows your Windows OS to talk to your other bits of hardware. Drivers are upgraded all the time and upgrades, usually offered free, are constantly available. Take advantage of them by going on their creator’s website and downloading the latest version. They are mostly OS system dependent, so if you upgrade your OS, then they will in turn need to be upgraded.

Fourthly, sort out the filing cabinet. Windows has a great, almost iconic tool for doing this and it’s known as the Disc Defragmenter. It’s an internal programme which has a look at the filing system and re-arranges it. Basically, it means that your hard drive has to do less work running around finding all the files you want and that in turn makes your computer more efficient, and faster. We show you how to ‘drefrag’ in Defragmenting Hard Discs, but don’t get hooked on it. Don’t be tempted to do the logical thing and defrag every day, as it can literally wear out the hard disc if you’re not careful.

Also, you should regularly delete Windows temp files. These little beauties are part and parcel of the Windows OS and are created as part of the natural computing process. But they have a habit of building up and gobbling up space, because Windows should, but often forgets, to automatically delete them. So, in Deleting Temporary Files, we show how this is done.

Furthermore, don’t forget about the temporary internet files which can be cleaned up as part of the above process, or go to Start, Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, then Internet Options and have a look at the Internet Properties box. In the General tab, have a look at the Browsing History, and here you can wipe out the temporary files. But, before you do that, click the Settings box and you can set the limits for how many files are stored and for how long. Bear in mind that you don’t necessarily want to get rid of all that, because it does save vital information for your surfing enjoyment.

The Recycle Bin should also be emptied on a regular basis as well, as although it’s a waste bin, because you are holding files in case you have made a mistake in getting rid of them, they also take up valuable space.

Finally, don’t forget to sort out your emails. These can build up to epic proportions and hog space like no-one’s business, so regularly clear out unwanted emails.

What Can You Do Without Calling Out the Computer Repairman – Part II – Software – Recap

• first plan – turn it off and switch it off again;
• delete applications you don’t use;
• download latest hardware drivers;
• defrag occasionally;
• delete temp files;
• empty recycle bin;
• sort out emails.