The main goal of troubleshooting is to maintain a system or piece of software in the proper state, particularly when a problem occurs or becomes apparent. Depending on the severity of a task, troubleshooting is a systematic strategy that is carried out across one or more phases. Troubleshooting enables repairing and restoring a computer or piece of software when it starts to break down, stops working, or behaves abnormally.
Basic troubleshooting execution helps you to diagnose issues on your own when your computer behaves poorly. You won't need to rush to the computer repair shop every time a problem arises if you do it in the right way.
Your computer may be experiencing several issues, but you can typically identify and resolve the issue on your own. Below are some of the troubleshooting methods that you might apply, the following method could be more on preventive maintenance so you could avoid much more complicated errors in the near future.
1. Check for updates
Make sure your operating system and other software are up to date.
If you are experiencing slow feedback from the software that you are using, this step might help you, outdated software can cause a lot of issues especially when you are trying to venture advanced features from that software.
2. Check for malware
Malware (viruses, trojans, etc.) can cause all sorts of problems on your device. Run a malware scan to see if that might be the issue, you can buy a licensed anti-virus for this or simply enable your Windows defender, it’s built into your computer. Keep in mind that no malware scanner is perfect, and it's always possible that new or unknown malware could evade detection. It's important to practice good cybersecurity hygiene to protect yourself from malware, such as keeping your software up to date, using strong passwords, and being cautious when downloading and installing programs.
3. Check your storage
If your device is running low on storage, it can cause all sorts of problems. Make sure you have enough free space available. You can free some space if you delete and uninstall unnecessary programs and files.
4. Check your connections
Make sure all cables are securely connected and not damaged. A lot of end-user find this very basic yet very crucial it deals with the user's safety and convenience, so don't forget to double-check your cables, especially cables that are connected to the outlet.
5. Check for overheating
Overheating can cause all sorts of problems on a laptop or PC. Make sure your device has proper ventilation and isn't getting too hot. Dust and debris can block the airflow in your PC, which can cause overheating. Make sure to regularly clean out your PC to ensure that it has good airflow.
If you are using a PC for gaming, editing and other heavy software you might want to invest in liquid cooling, this type of cooling system uses a combination of water blocks, radiators, and pumps to circulate coolant over the components and dissipate heat. Liquid cooling is generally more effective than air cooling, but it's also more expensive and requires more maintenance.
6. Use system restores
If your device was recently working fine and then started experiencing issues, you can try using the system restore function to roll back to a previous point when things were working properly.
7. Check your power supply
If your device is having power issues (e.g. turning off unexpectedly), make sure you have a stable power supply and that your battery (if applicable) is fully charged.
8. Reset your device
If all else fails, you can try resetting your device to its factory settings. This will erase all data and reinstall the operating system, which can sometimes fix issues.
If you've tried all of the above and are still experiencing issues, it might be time to seek professional help. A trained technician will be able to diagnose and fix any underlying issues. Luckily at Wizmaster Corporation, there are a lot of certified computer technicians that are handling expertise in troubleshooting and repairs from different PC and Laptop brands.
Resources:
https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/pc-hardware-problems-solutions/
Now seems like a pretty good time to ask a senior high school student the question: Should you buy a laptop or a desktop PC? In the past, desktop PCs were mostly used by students to do their school work, especially those who couldn’t afford to buy their own. Before the pandemic, countless students went to internet shops and spent their money to research print, and edit pictures, and videos. They were accustomed to it, and the thought of purchasing their PC or laptop did not occur to them because it would be prohibitively expensive. That was before the pandemic; now that most of the classes are done online, many students are asking, "Should I buy a laptop or build a PC?"
We all know that a desktop computer stays at home or in the office and must be connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but a laptop has all these components built in and can be transferred simply as a single, functional unit that can be used in most settings. The best answer to the previous question might be buying a laptop since laptops nowadays are so much better than they used to be. It will be very convenient for senior high school students to do their school work anytime, anywhere.
Wizmaster has been providing laptops and computers to their valued customers for years now, from budget-friendly to high-spec gaming laptops and computers.
With the various brands they have such as Acer, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Thunderobot here are some budget-friendly laptops Wizmaster offers that are fit for high school students.
1. Brand: Acer
Extensa 15 -EX215-52-56H5
Processor: Intel Core i5-1035GI
Memory: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCI-E NVME SSD
LCD: 15.6 LED LCD FHD ACER
Battery: 36WH LI-ION
OS: Windows 11 HOME SL
2. Brand: HP
14s-DQ2616TU
Processor: Intel Core i3-1115G4
Memory: 4G DDR4 SODIMM DDR4
Storage: 512GB SSD
LCD: 14.0 LED Display
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
OS: Windows 11
3. Brand: Dell
INSPIRON 3511
Processor: Intel Core i3- 1115G4
Memory: 4G DDR4
Storage: 256GB SSD
LCD: 15.6 Display
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
Battery: 31WH 3 Cell
OS: Windows 10
4. Brand: Lenovo
IdeaPad 3 14IGL05
Processor: INTEL N4020 1.1GHz
Memory: 4GB Memory
Storage: 256GB SSD
Graphics: Integrated
Display: 14.0 HD TN
Battery: 2CELL
OS: Windows11 HOME SL
5. Thunderobot
IGER E1-THUNDEROBOT
Processor: Intel Core i5-1020OU
Memory: 8GB DDR4 Memory
Storage: 512GB SSD
LCD: 15.6 LED Display
Graphics: INTEL UHD Graphics
OS: Windows 10 SL
All of these laptops are capable of helping high school students do all of their activities and the best part is it only range from price of twenty to forty thousand pesos each. Beyond that, one laptop is suggested to be the best choice for students. It is lightweight and has a Ryzen 3 3250 processor and AMD Radeon Integrated graphics card. The HP 14S-DK1505AU Natural Silver Laptop is the perfect fit for students who have a low budget yet still seek a handy and fast laptop. With its price, 14-inch display, 4GB memory, and 2.2kg weight, this laptop is undeniably fit for a senior high school student.
If a student happens to choose a desktop computer instead of a laptop, then Wizmaster also gets it covered. Building a budget-friendly computer is also a good choice because it can also do all the things a student needs in order to accomplish all his/her school assignments and play his/her favorite game online/offline at the same time. Indeed there are more things you can do using a PC than a laptop.
Photo from: The Build by Wizmaster
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063923085854&mibextid=ZbWKwL
]]>Students were moved to an online class setup mode of learning and were having a hard time adjusting to the new environment. Although the classes were in the comfort of their homes and were somehow convenient for students, others, unfortunately, are struggling to adjust, especially those who don’t have the necessary gadgets needed for online classes.
Mr. Ernan Cantero, a BSBA Marketing Student from Mindanao State University, Iligan Institute of Technology was one of the many students who have been through an online class set up during the first two years of the pandemic. Incorporating modular and answerable sheets prepared by teachers for those in lower years helps mitigate the burden of parents purchasing a device that will be used online by their children. However, that is not the case for the higher years. Indeed, there is a comprehensible necessity for laptops to them.
Mr. Cantero had faced difficulties attending his everyday online classes. He also was having a hard time using his old laptop. He had already known that by sticking with his old laptop, he cannot continue to go on attending online classes knowing that it cannot cater to his needs as a student adequately. Aside from his previous device showing weak performance, it doesn’t have the necessary applications an online student must have like Microsoft Word and even Excel because it has very low storage that is not suitable for software updates.
He had these considerations at the back of his mind. Forcing him to use his old device for the entire online class academic year would not be a good thing. It can only cause inconvenience and can affect his studies. With that, he was more than willing to purchase his new laptop.
But then purchasing a good laptop that suits students is not as easy as it could be. Mr. Cantero was also having a hard time making decisions in purchasing one. What’s the good thing is that he already knew Wizmaster Corporation, and was able to physically see the right one he was looking for. The only thing that he finds difficult upon purchasing is the best laptop with a good processor that will not slack and delay which would then lead to any further destruction during his online sessions, which he already experienced with his previous device. A laptop with an i5 processor or higher should be purchased, considering that he is a student looking for an affordable and budget-friendly laptop.
He then finally purchased his HP laptop 15s-eq2xxx. A laptop that appears to be the best value for his money. As he said, his HP Laptop was worth the price value because of its specs that had reached his expectations. It can cater to his schoolwork efficiently and in terms of him attending and listening to his online classes, the laptop does come with a stereo speaker that handles simple audio playback. He also can go wireless, since his device supports wireless connectivity like Bluetooth.
“There is no regret in purchasing one, the specs are worth the price”, Mr. Cantero said. Buying his new device has been one of the reasons why he finishes his online studies for the past two years successfully. Many devices out there are budget-friendly but with good performance, and is it an investment in something that can last for a long time.
As we are now living in a technologically advanced era, devices like laptops and smartphones have also become essentials in our day-to-day lives. For students, especially those who are in college, laptops are a must-have. Imagine the struggle of every student that they would have faced if their devices had a slow performance, it can surely affect their whole performances in their classes.
]]>As much as the internet helps us with almost everything, it has also become a space full of malicious links and viruses. When one click can cost thousands or even millions, users need actionable to-dos that can help them stay alert and safe online. That is why it is important to secure and get more knowledge when it comes to cyber security to protect your devices from running down, which will result in a series of damages, and to protect confidential information.
To safeguard your devices, here are the top 8 cyber security tips for you:
3. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication: This authentication security has been added to any device like smartphones and androids to tighten your devices’ security. Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a service that improves the security of the standard password method of online identification.
If two-factor authentication was not available, you would generally enter a login and password. When utilizing two-factor authentication, you must enter a second type of identities, such as a personal identification code, a different password, and even your fingerprints. Under multi-factor authentication, you would be required to provide more than two extra authentication methods after entering your username and password.
4. Install Anti-Virus Software: Malware and computer viruses are common. Computers are protected from malicious malware and unauthorized code by antivirus software like Bitdefender, Panda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Avast. Viruses can cause consequences that are obvious, such as slowing down your computer or deleting important information, or they can be less obvious. Antivirus software is essential for protecting your device since it detects real-time threats and saves your data. Some reducing security software solutions provide automatic updates, further protecting your computer from new threats that appear on a daily basis. Remember to run your antivirus software after installing it. To keep your computer virus-free, run or program routine virus scans.
5. Protect Your Sensitive Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is any data that a cybercriminal could use to discover or identify a specific person. PII includes names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, IP addresses, location data, and other physical or digital identifying data. Companies that follow PCI DSS requirements should protect your credit card details.
6. Use Your Mobile Devices Securely: Your mobile device is now a target for more than 1.5 million new cases of mobile malware, according to McAfee Labs. Here are some quick mobile device security tips:
● Make a Difficult Mobile Passcode Using Anything Other Than Your Birthdate or Bank PIN
● Install Apps from Reliable Sources
● Maintain Device Updates - Hackers Take Advantage of Security flaws in Unfixed Older Operating Systems
● Sending PII or sensitive information by text message or email is not recommended.
● Leverage Find my Iphone or the Android Device Manager to prevent loss or theft
● Use mobile backups like iCloud or Enable Backup & Sync from Android
7. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi: Never connect to a public WiFi network without a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
When VPN software is activated, the connection between your device and the VPN server is hidden. As a result, a hacker will have a significantly difficult time accessing your data on your smartphone.
8. Review Your Online Accounts & Credit Reports Regularly for Changes: Consumers must now more than ever protect their online accounts and keep an eye on their credit reports in light of the recent Equifax breach. The best way to protect your credit history information from hackers now is to set a credit freeze on it. In essence, using a personal identification number (PIN) allows you to secure your credit privately. Then, if necessary, apply for credit.
Cybersecurity threats are becoming more common, so it's very important to understand what you can do to secure your information online. However, staying safe from cyberattacks is hard these days. When hackers are constantly looking for new ways to uncover security flaws, it's challenging to keep up.
While there is no permanent way to prevent a cyberattack, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk.
Key Sources:
Carlson, B. (2021, October 7). Top cybersecurity statistics, trends, and
facts. CSO Online. https://www.csoonline.com/article/3634869/top-cybersecurity-statistics-trends-and-facts.html
Chen, S. (2022, September 28). 21 Cybersecurity Tips and Best Practices for Your Business [Infographic]. TitanFile. https://www.titanfile.com/blog/cyber-security-tips-best-practices/
Freedman, M. (2022, October 20). 18 Ways to Secure Your Devices From Hackers. Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/11213-secure-computer-from-hackers.html
Computer maintenance is essential to ensure that our PC will run smoothly. A computer's performance may suffer if it is not cleaned of dust and debris. Nevertheless, if your anti-virus software is not up-to-date, it may cause your computer to become infected with viruses or malware. Even if you have the best computer on the market, if it has poor maintenance, it will still be useless if you do not perform regular PC maintenance.
Therefore, we have prepared 5 tips in order for you to have effective PC maintenance:
1. Make use of a protective case.
We frequently accidentally bump, slip, or drop our electronics, giving the impression that they were not handled with care. It would be impossible to protect your computer if you were one of those people who used to bring their computer with them wherever they went.
Protecting your PC against the possible risk begins with a protective case, whether you're in public or private spaces. Thus, there are multiple varieties of protection available with different levels of functionality and armor, such as:
2. Maintain Your Operating System
This is the most basic computer maintenance that will definitely keep your computer from malfunctioning. Windows, Mac, Linux loyalist, or whatever your computer’s operating system may be, keeping it up-to-date is the easiest solution there is. This is done to keep your PC running at peak performance. In addition, updating our devices prevents security issues, improves compatibility and program features, keeps viruses at bay, and ensures that they run smoothly when we use them.
3. Run your antivirus software regularly.
We can’t avoid the fact that malware strikes can happen at any time. That’s why it’s better to have knowledgeable antivirus software installed on your computer. Nonetheless, it is suggested that you run your antivirus software weekly to make sure that your computer is always free from malicious software.
A malware infection will degrade the performance of your computer and may obtain and share sensitive information with cybercriminals. There are many things that a virus can do to your system, such as:
Thus, you need to consider running your anti-virus software regularly. Even just a basic scan can help detect any obvious threats or any unusual activity on your computer.
4. Unwanted Files or Programs Should Be Removed From Your System.
Your PC is bound to have its fair share of digital debris on your desktop or in your start menu, from outdated software to retired versions of your files. The number of unused files on a computer's hard drive is the best indicator of its age. Unused programs and old junk files are probably taking up more space than you think. If these programs and files continue to build up, they can quickly become a burden on your system.
Here are some tips for minimizing your PC and preventing it from requesting more storage space:
5. Do not overcharge or overuse your PC.
Many people are concerned about battery power because of their increased reliance on wireless devices. Few things are more frustrating than a dying battery when you still have hours of work and play ahead of you.
Overcharging can occur when you charge your computer while knowing it does not need to be plugged in. This frequently appears to be a laptop that can't hold a charge as well as it once could. Therefore, it is not advisable to charge your laptop whenever it falls below 50% battery life. This level keeps the battery in good working order, reduces capacity loss due to aging, and permits self-discharge. However, remember to unplug your device once it has reached 100% charge, and never do so if the battery is still full.
]]>According to Whitson Gordon (2021), here are some behaviors to avoid:
If you feel like your machine is a bit sluggish and not running as fast as you would like, don’t forget about shutting it down and restarting it properly every once in a while. Just like humans, computers need to shut down and recharge sometimes to keep running smoothly.
Don't regularly run your computer battery down to 0% before you recharge in order to prevent damage to your computer battery over time. Shallow discharges and regular recharges work better for your machine than completely draining it.
By using the same password or weak passwords, you make yourself a target for hackers. You may create and maintain your passwords with a password management tool like LastPass.
Delete any software you don't use if it's installed on your computer. Most likely, that unused program is not regularly patched and updated. This gives hackers an opportunity and adds to the clutter on your system.
When working in cafes, restaurants, airports, and other public places, always choose the safer route of caution. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure that your data is secured and difficult for hackers to access.
Laptops are usually built with air vents under or on its side. If you block it by using a computer on your lap or another soft surface it can obstruct airflow that may cause overheating and may shorten the hardware's lifespan.
If you don't install OS updates regularly, you could miss out on important security patches. Bugs, contrary to security vulnerabilities, don't always open a path for hackers to penetrate a system, however, they may hinder overall usage. Also, your operating system may suffer a major data breach and/or malware infection due to a hacker exploiting an OS vulnerability.
These days, working lunches are pretty standard, so it's likely that you'll spend some time eating and drinking next to your computer. Your keyboard is a major source of bacteria, filth, and dust, in addition to the potential for spilling something like soda or coffee on your computer and having to pay for an expensive repair. Be careful with food and drink near your computer, and be sure to frequently clean your keyboard!
Reference:
Gordon, W. (2021, December 15). 8 Bad Habits That Are Destroying Your PC - PC Magazine.
Medium.
https://medium.com/pcmag-access/8-bad-habits-that-are-destroying-your-pc-1d0d2e4081f4
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Are you looking for affordable and high spec laptops for teaching and learning?
It has always been a dilemma for most of us when it comes to choosing what best fits our needs from out of the many choices available in the market and being satisfied with our purchases.
This blog will help you gain insights and figure out what best fits your needs and your preferences.
Wizmaster Computer Sales and Services Corporation offers affordable laptops that are suitable for your needs. They have been in the market for years serving you with high quality trendy products for computers, laptops, desktops, printers, accessories and trusty IT solutions from installation, cabling, repair, consultation and design.
Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a laptop for office and student use.
Requirements for office and student use:
To avoid serious pitfalls in your purchase, it is essential to take into account the following factors:
Now that you know the things to consider when choosing a good laptop for academic use. Now, let us look at some recommended minimum technical specifications required for laptops.
Recommended Minimum Technical Requirements
The speed and performance of your laptop can significantly affect the quality of your online and off-line activities. A good-performing laptop for standard usages like online browsing, document encoding, and a minimal set of multitasking applications should, at a minimum, meet the following system requirements:
NOTE: If you want to experience a light, fast, and responsive laptop when loading and saving program files, consider purchasing an SSD Solid State Drive Storage rather than a traditional HDD Hard Drive, or you can also choose a dual storage for optimum experience.
Choosing the best laptops for educational use can be both exciting and perplexing. With so many options available, you would want to get one with the best features for your personal and teaching needs at the best price.
Here at Wizmaster Corporation, we are partnered with top-quality, affordable, and trusted brands for laptops. To give you a brief insight, we have sighted some example laptops offered in the market presented with their capability and compatibility.
Good for browsing and Single Task Workload |
Good for Office, Student and minimal multi-tasking workload. |
Good for Office, Student with drafting application usage, minimal gaming. |
Designed for Gaming, Office, Student with drafting application usage, and multitasking workload. |
PROCESSOR: INTEL PENTIUM SILVER N6000 MEMORY: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM STORAGE: 256GB SSD GRAPHICS: Integrated graphics LCD: 14" INCHES BATTERY: 48WH LI-ION BATT. OS: WINDOWS 11 |
PROCESSOR: AMD RYZEN 5-5625U MEMORY: 8GB DDR4 SDRAM STORAGE: 512GB SSD GRAPHICS: integrated graphics LCD: 15.6" INCHES BATTERY: 3CELL 41WH LI-ION BATT. OS: WINDOWS 11 |
PROCESSOR: INTEL CORE I5-1135G7 MEMORY:16GB DDR4 MEMORY STORAGE: 512GB PCIE NVME SSD GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GFORCE MX330 3GB VRAM LCD: 15.6 FHD IPS SLIM BEZEL BATTERY: 48WH LI-ION BATT. OS: WINDOWS 10 HOME |
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 17-9750H MEMORY: 16GB DDR4 SODIMM STORAGE: 512GB SSD+ 1TB HDD LCD: 15.6 IPS LED DISPLAY GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GFORCE GTX OS: WINDOWS 10 SL |