Dear Dr. Z, my laptop is always running hot! I’ve had it for about three years, and for the past couple months it’s been loud and hot. I bought a fan for it, but it’s not really making a difference. What can I do? James in Hello James, I understand your concern. Dealing with a loud, hot computer can be very annoying, not to mention harmful to the internal structure of your laptop. The source
Dr. Z, I’m having a little trouble with my computer. It seems to be running slower than usual, and Apps move sluggish. My nephew came over this weekend and opened a PDF file in an odd email he received. The file turned out to be gibberish but I’m thinking that it may have given my PC a virus! What should I do? Ann in Hello Ann, first things first, you must be extra careful
Dr Z, I was called by a strange number yesterday that told me they were from Microsoft and my computer was infected with viruses. They said my computer was sending messages to the Microsoft office, and I could pay them to fix it remotely. It made sense because my computer has been acting funny, but something didn’t seem quite right. I told them I would call them back, but I’m not sure. What do you
Dear Dr. Z, The hinge on my laptop is broken, and my Boyfriend keeps begging me to get it fixed. Right now, I feel like I have more pressing needs. When I use it, I prop the Laptop against a book and it’s been working fine. Honestly, I’m wondering if I ever need to get it fixed because it’s just a silly cosmetic issue. It’s not like my motherboard or screen is in danger. I
Hey Dr. Z, I’m so worried! I turned my Macbook on this morning and all it’s showing is a gray Apple screen! I don’t know what I did wrong, it was working last night when I went to sleep! I have a paper to write I really don’t have time for this help me!!!! -Frustrated Student, Rutgers I understand exactly how you could be frustrated at your Macbook. As good as Apple products are, even
Dear Dr. Z, I made a dumb mistake. My hard drive is almost to the max, so I cleared out my recycle bin. I realized though that a file I really needed was still in there. I thought I deleted a previous draft of it, but in fact the file was the final version. I put so much work into it, it would stink to have to do it again. Is there any way I
Dear Dr. Z, I have Windows 8. My internet browser is moving so sluggish! It was working fine, but over the past few months it’s become so slow. Just trying to read my favorite news sites is a chore. What can I do? -Larry in Morristown Larry, check your internet connection. Are you using DSL? If so, examine your wiring. Sometimes bad telephone lines will fray and effect your internet speed. If you’re using a
OK Dr. Z, I’ve seen you help others so help me. My computer keeps giving me runtime errors when I try to use certain programs and it’s annoying. I don’t know what a runtime error is, or the cause. A little guidance? Thanks! -Nathan Hey Nathan, Runtime errors are annoying, and unfortunately they’re fairly common on Windows operating systems. Runtime errors occur when there is a miscommunication between the program you’re running and the computer,
