Top Ten Computer problems

Ask any two technological experts what they believe are the most common  problems faced by people at home on their computer, and each will have a different list. Software and hardware issues are prevalent, and can affect any  no matter what operating system it runs or which company built the system. While rankings might differ from one expert to the next, there are 10 computer problems that most frequently appear.

Insufficient Memory

Processor-intensive programs also demand a lot of memory. Random access memory (RAM) aides the central processing unit (CPU) by storing instructions linked to common operations. Without enough RAM, software crashes and slowdowns can occur.

Adware

Mysterious pop-up messages and random banner ads that hamper the performance are symptoms of adware. The only purpose of adware is to violate computer screens with advertising. Adware is annoying, but is generally easy to remove.

Slowdown

Today, computers are supposed to perform processes faster and better, which makes the occasional bout of slowdown more pronounced. Video out of sync with audio, longer than normal load times and stuttering mouse movement all indicate either a fragmented hard drive or an overtaxed CPU.

Weird Noises

Whirling fans are sometimes accompanied by other clicks and flutters that could signal either a pending mechanical failure or that a part is loose. The problem is usually minor and can be fixed by shifting a wire's path or by tightening screws.

Failing Power Supply

A computer that suddenly shuts off or has difficulty starting up could have a failing power supply. Without sufficient power, a computer will not operate.

Overheating

Computer components generate heat during operation. If the case lacks a sufficient cooling and ventilation setup, the computer parts could burn themselves out. Under rare circumstances, when the electrical system is damaged, the computer could become a fire hazard.

Bad Hard Drive Sectors

Over the course of a hard drives life, parts of the hard drive begin to fail. Mechanical problems are possible, but the biggest threat are bad sectors. Data stored in bad sectors can become corrupted and can cause problems with data and settings throughout the computer.

Rootkits

A rootkit gives a remote user complete control over a victim computer. The computer bearing a rootkit often becomes a tool to attack other computers, and at worst implicates the unwitting user in the crimes of someone else.

Spyware

Spyware can monitor computer processes and log key strokes. Banking records, passwords and other forms of private information are recorded and then exported, and this could result in identity theft.