Have you restarted your computer?

We realize that this is probably the most common question you are asked when you call a computer support company, however the reason that most problems can be solved by a restart is a simple one.  When a computer starts or "boots" it loads all of the files that you will need in order to run your windows session.  If this sounds like old computer lingo that is because it is!  Computers still operate on the same principles they did in the 1980's, the only difference is the advancement of technology and software.  When a computer boots improperly, it will sometimes still start up, however certian services or files will not have loaded properly thus causing issues later on in your session, or when your computer is turned on.

If I unplug the power cord, will that damage my computer?

Turning off the power without logging off is called a Hard Boot.  What happens when you do this is anything that is currently running and has not been saved will return to its previously saved state.  So, it does not damage your computer directly, but if you are running a program install or defragmenting your hard drive and you "hard boot" then you could possibly corrupt your system files.  That is why commonly it is recommended that you only hard boot if there is no other way to restart your computer.

The "blue screen of death" is on my computer, what do I do?

The most common cause of the dredded windows fatal error or blue screen is RAM failure.  Before you panic, try removing one of your RAM chips from the mother board and see if the error still happens.  If it does, consult an IT professional.

I installed a program and now my computer doesn't work.

If you have not setup windows restore points do it now, click here to see how.  If you have system restore setup properly, simply restore your settings back to before you installed the software.  If this is not an option then the best thing to do is attempt to uninstall the program by using the disc it came with.  If it was a downloadable program, seach the site you downloaded it from for the uninstall method.

I have a virus, is my personal information at risk?

Most viruses work in stages, the first stage is always trying to take over your computer.  You will notice that you will no longer be able to go to certain website, or that your screen flickers, or any of hundereds of different symptoms.  These are all the warning signs, if you are alert and catch them early, there is a good chance that none of your personal information will ever be tampered with.  However, if you do not act and let a virus take over your computer then there is a good chance the person that is connected to your computer is getting the information they wanted.