Ed from Gardner e-mailed me this week’s first question. He asks: “What would cause my computer to run slow and make clicking noises?” Well Ed, it seems you may be experiencing a hard drive failure. Hard drives permanently store the operating system, data (pictures, documents, etc.)and files necessary to make your computer function. The hard drive is the single most critical mechanical component inside your PC.
Hard drives are comprised of several components which work simultaneously to read and write data when the computer calls for it. Inside the hard drive are several components: the platters which are connected to a motor, the head which is connected to an electromagnet, and the controller which tells the motor and head how to function. It’s amazing that all these parts work simultaneously to store your data. The clicking noise you mentioned is a malfunction of one of these parts.
We see a tremendous number of hard drive failures at the shop, and it’s one component which needs to be replaced periodically to maintain data integrity. There are many factors which can impact the life of a hard drive. Age is probably the biggest detriment to the life of a hard drive because it is running whenever the computer is powered on. Some other factors which affect hard drive life are dusty environments, drastic temperature fluctuations and the drive being subjected to substantial mechanical shock. It’s always good practice to backup your data periodically to minimize loss in the event of a hard drive failure.
Ethel from Gardner had some unrelated service at the shop this week and asked the following question regarding internet service. Ethel’s question is, “I live in Gardner during the summer months and Florida in the winter months. Can I take DSL service with me?” Ethel, I spent some time on the phone with our local DSL provider’s technical support people and it turns out you probably will not be able to travel with a DSL modem in-hand and expect it to function correctly at an alternate location.
DSL stands for “digital subscriber line” and requires the customer to subscribe (or setup) the specific location for the service. Hence, each location would require a separate activation and account to function correctly. DSL works by transferring a specific frequency through subscribers’ telephone lines. This frequency is translated into usable signals through the DSL modem provided there is an activated account at each location.
I believe the best way to transport internet service from one location to another is a dedicated broadband card. Such cards are offered by cellular telephone providers and connect to either a laptop or desktop computer through one of several means. Most commonly, these cards occupy a USB connection on the computer and require software installation prior to use. Typical costs for these services vary depending on the service provider; but generally range between $40.00 to $60.00 per month.
Tip of the week: Microsoft Windows updates are critical to the function of your computer and you should allow them to fully download and install prior to turning off your computer. I suggest running periodic Windows updates through Microsoft Internet Explorer’s Tools menu to make sure you are current. Making sure your computer is fully up-to-date takes minutes and costs nothing- repairing a problem on your system which could have been remedied with updates can be pricey.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com.)