How to view applications on my laptop

Hello PCFix, how can I view the applications that are running as soon as my laptop is turned on? I have Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Operating System installed on my laptop. George.

Answer:

Hi George, before you go about disabling application software that start automatically when you boot up your computer, you should realize that there are basic application software that are required to start up automatically to keep your computer working in good working condition.

Disabling system-required software from the start-up folder can cause your computer to malfunction and become unstable during usage. Security software [anti-virus, firewall, and anti-spyware], Virtual Private Network [VPN] software, Cloud computing software, Synaptics [touchpad] software, and hardware-specific software are part of the system-required start-up items.

You can make use of the native dialogue window that comes with your operating system software called “MSCONFIG”. To access it, click on the start button and type MSCONFIG, press the enter key and click continue when the User Access Control dialogue box pops up. Click on the Startup tab and you will see a list of application software with checkboxes already checked, and you can uncheck the ones you want to disable [prevent from starting up automatically].

A safer measure is to download diagnostic software; examples include – Ccleaner, Iobit Advanced System Care, Kingsoft PC Doctor, and Tune up utilities. Any of these application software will help you categorize your startup items in order of importance [based on feedback from millions of users worldwide], so that you do not inadvertently harm your computer while trying to make it perform better.

It is also worthy of note to pay close attention when installing application software on your computer, by reading the instructions and disabling the options to allow the software startup automatically when your computer starts. When you have disabled all unnecessary software from starting automatically, a system reboot is necessary, and it is good practice to run the system cleaner option [usually bundled with diagnostic software] to clear the temporary folder on your computer and delete junk files.

Frozen laptop

Hi PCFix, my laptop suddenly froze while booting up, what could be the cause for this, and can I solve the problem? Gabriel M

Answer:

Hi Gabriel, there are a number of factors that could be responsible for your computer freezing during usage [or in the process of getting ready for usage], both hardware and software-related causes could be responsible.

First of all, be informed that heat is not a good friend of your computer [desktop, laptop] and the buildup could have caused your computer to freeze up on you. Heat buildup can be caused by dust clogging the air vents, effectively shunting the free flow of air into and out of the computer.

Dust will cause the cooling fans to work faster than normal to get the heat out of the computer and shorten their lifespan. Granted, the processor generates a significant amount of heat, hence, the huge heat-sink that is fitted onto each one to dissipate the heat effectively through the vents on the side, behind, or underneath the computer.

Different manufacturers have their proprietary way of dealing with the heat generated inside their computer, hence, the differences in the placement of vents, fans and heat-sinks. The solution in this case is to get a professional to open up your computer and clean the fans, vents and the various components with a blower, or a soft brush. That should get your computer back in good working order.

Corrupt operating system files could also cause your computer to freeze, and whenever you startup, it gets to the same stage and freezes. This could be caused by incorrectly shutting down your computer, due to a power failure or pressing the power button until the computer power cuts off. Doing this repeatedly will not only corrupt your operating system software, but will damage your computer hard disk as well.

Virus software could also be responsible for the corrupt operating system software and your anti-virus software might have [in the process of dis-infecting your computer] deleted the infected critical operating system software files. The solution in this case is to repair your operating system software using the optical media [CD, DVD] that came with your computer, or using the recovery partition that exists on your hard drive. If all else fails, please, do consult a computer maintenance expert.

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