Did you know that a typical workday on a desktop computer consumes 200Wh, resulting in a yearly use of roughly 600kWh, or around $75, according to MakeUseOf?

Of course, your own computer usage may vary.

For businesses that rely on computers, leaving them on for 24 hours a day can lead to a significant increase in monthly energy costs. It could also harm its internal parts. If your fan is working overtime to keep the computer cool, that could present a problem. In addition, leaving your computer on all the time could cause the hard drive to fail.

Due to this, the sum will increase by the cost of repairs. If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, the cost of repairs may have been wasted because your device would break down sooner.

Therefore, remembering to shut it off at the end of the day is the most crucial step for the longevity of your computer.

If you’re needing help with computer problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Boulder Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Boulder, CO please call or text the local office at(720) 441-6460.

Locking your computer is an absolute must while you are not using it. If someone gains access to your computer, they may steal information, use your identity, and access your online accounts without your knowledge or consent.

Since you won’t be closing out of any open programs, locking your computer is the quickest and easiest way to prevent unauthorized usage. Getting back to where you left off just requires entering your password. Obviously, it’s important not to give that information out.

Also, according to DuGood, mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, should always be locked while not in use. Complaints from customers indicate that 3.1 million electronic devices were stolen in 2013 and 1.4 million were lost. The numbers point to a steadily increasing rate of loss and theft over time. Attackers may get access to sensitive information if these devices are left open.

Here’s how to lock your computer

You may lock your computer with a single keystroke on any Windows device by hitting the Windows logo key plus L. On macOS, use Command Option Power to log out. Just hitting Command + Control + Q locks the screen on the newest version of macOS (High Sierra).

For help with computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Miami Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Miami, FL please call the local office at (786) 780-1540.

A computer’s advanced age can be determined by the amount of redundant information stored on its hard drive.

It’s possible that old, unused software and files are taking up more space on your hard drive than you know. A lot of unnecessary data, such as old applications and files, will probably be stored on your computer. Over time, these distractions can add up to a serious drain on productivity. You may find your computer lagging or freezing more often than not.

Here are a few ways you can remove unnecessary files and data on your computer:

• Run Disk Cleanup for Windows: Go to the Start Menu and search for “Disk Cleanup.”
• Empty Recycle Bin: Right-click the Recycle Bin and choose “Empty Bin” from the list.
• Clear browsing data: For example, Chrome’s data can be erased by clicking the three dots in the top right and then choosing More tools > Clear browsing data.

If you’re needing help with computer problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Boulder Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Boulder, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

On Part 1 of our blog post, we shared the importance of protecting your identity when it comes to selling your laptop.

When preparing to sell your laptop, being certain all is in working order is of the essence.

Investigate the general functioning of the laptop. Give the computer a few days of battery life to see whether the OS freezes. Having the laptop formatted if necessary. The recommendation is significant. Be sure to wipe your hard drive clean of any sensitive data as well.

Also, look at the physical side of the laptop. Determine if the battery life has significantly altered or if the LCD panel has any dead pixels. The outside of the laptop is yet another potential weak spot. Look for dings and scratches, among other obvious faults, to determine the overall condition.

If you are experiencing computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Riverview Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Riverview, FL, please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

You may be able to save money by purchasing a refurbished, used computer instead of a brand new laptop or desktop. There is often a 30-70% price difference between a new and used computer.

Most used computers don’t have the latest features that come with brand-new ones. If all you do with your computer is look at websites, check your email, and make documents, you can get by with an older model.

What to check for in a used computer

According to the NYTimes, physical condition, make/model number, and specs are the three most significant things to check for in a used personal computer.

Some used-PC sellers post pictures of the actual computers they’re selling, which makes it easier for you to assess a computer’s condition. Others might assign it a letter grade—stick to systems with an A or B rating to reduce the risk of visible damage or wear. The only way to guarantee you’ll get something that looks truly new is to buy a manufacturer-refurbished system.

Source: NYTimes

Recommended computer brands

Experts say that you should buy used computers and laptops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Apple. Used PCs from smaller companies like Acer or Asus are an option, but it has been said that older PCs from big companies are often easier to get parts and help for.

If you have any refurbished computer questions, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Henderson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Henderson, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

When liquid is spilled on a laptop, the results can be severe for the internal components. This means quick action is required to salvage the device.

Turn off your machine fully and wait until you are certain it is completely dry before using it again. The next step is to figure out what kind of liquid got on the laptop and clean it up.

Normal water has a much lower acidity level. The high acidity of sugary and alcoholic drinks makes them efficient distributors of electricity. These liquids are not only hard to clean off of electrical panels, but they also have the potential to permanently harm the circuits and ports on your laptop.

Depending on how much liquid spilled, you can position the laptop so that the screen and keyboard form an upside down V on a table. This will help the liquid drain out of the laptop.

Wipe down the computer with a paper towel or clean rag. Do not take the laptop apart unless you are confident in your knowledge of computer hardware. Laptop water damage repair can be quite costly if not done properly.

If you have any laptop water damage and need help, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at Mansfield Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mansfield, TX, please call our local office at (817) 756-6008.

When data in a file is corrupted, it is usually because of an unforeseen event. It is feasible to undo or fix file corruption in some circumstances, but not always. Knowing the causes of corruption and potential preventative measures is preferable.

Depending on which files were corrupted and how vital they are, a variety of symptoms may be present after file corruption. The reasons could be anything from a faulty hard drive to a power outage to malicious software.

A corrupted file will either not open at all or will open with illegible or otherwise unusable results. The streaming nature and moderate damage tolerance of several file formats makes them ideal for sharing online. Your own work, or other file formats, may open but be missing data.

One of the best ways to remedy this issue before it becomes a disaster is to back up your files. We recommend Carbonite online backup solutions which will protect your data regardless of any type of attack or problem.

If you are needing help with computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ, please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.