It’s frustrating when you’re in the middle of using a computer program, only for the program to close unexpectedly. Known as a program or system crash, it’s a common problem experienced by Mac and Windows users alike. While there’s no fix-all solution, you can lower the risk of your computer crashing by following these tips.
#1) Turn Off Your Computer
When you aren’t using your computer, turn it off. Many users are guilty of allowing their computer to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They simply allow their computer to enter sleep mode or hibernation, believing it’s harmless. Unfortunately, this means the computer is constantly drawing power and performing internal computing processes, degrading its components more quickly and increasing the risk of system crashes.
#2) Choose Compatible Software
Before downloading or installing new software on your computer, check its hardware requirements. Whether it’s a productivity program, graphic design software or a video game, it should have a list of the minimum hardware specifications needed to run it. If your computer doesn’t meet these specifications, the software may crash when executed.
#3) Open and Clean Case
Not all computer crashes are attributed to software. Some involve hardware failure. Neglecting to clean the inside of your computer on a regular basis, for instance, can result in the buildup of dust. As explained by Scientific American, this dust can short circuits and contribute to cooling problems, thus causing your computer to crash. By opening and cleaning the inside of your computer, you’ll prevent this from happening.
#4) Scan Registry
Computer crashes are often the result of registry errors. All computers have an hierarchical database of settings for their operating system (OS) and programs. Known as the registry, it plays a vital role in a computer’s performance. If your computer’s registry contains errors, however, it can cause the system to crash. So, scan and clean your computer’s registry to protect against crashing.
#5) Update OS
Finally, update your computer’s OS as soon as a new version is released. Even if it’s a minor update, running the latest OS is essential to protecting against system crashes. Outdated versions are more likely to have bugs or other problems than the latest version.
Computer crashes are bound to happen, especially with older systems. You can protect your computer from this frustrating phenomenon, however, by following these tips.
