Common Software Problems – JSS2 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (Second Term)

A software problem is a fault in the programs or operating system of a computer that makes the computer behave strangely, work slowly or stop responding.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define a computer virus and malware.
2. State ways a computer can catch a virus and the signs that it has one.
3. Explain what freezing is, give its causes and say what to do about it.
4. List the causes of slow performance (lag) and how to reduce it.
5. Apply simple habits that keep a computer healthy.

What are common software problems?

There are three common software problems: viruses and malware, freezing (hanging) and slow performance (lag).

• Software: the instructions that tell the computer what to do.
• Why it matters: if the software has a problem, the whole computer acts strangely.
• Common reasons: the computer is overloaded, a program has a fault, or a virus has attacked it.
• Human comparison: a person can catch a cold or feel tired from overwork, and a computer can also run into trouble.

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a small, hidden program designed to infect a computer and spread from one computer to another.

• Why the name: it spreads between computers, like flu spreads between people.
• Malware: short for “malicious software”, any program made to harm a computer or steal information.
• Relationship: a virus is one kind of malware.

What are the types of malware?

Common types of malware include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and adware.

• Virus: attaches itself to files and spreads when the files are shared.
• Worm: copies itself from one computer to another, often through a network.
• Trojan: looks like a useful program but carries harmful code.
• Spyware: secretly collects information about what the user does.
• Adware: shows unwanted pop-up adverts.

How does a computer catch a virus?

• Infected USB flash drive: plugging in a drive that already carries a virus.
• Untrusted downloads: getting “free” games or movies from websites you do not trust.
• Email attachments: opening strange attachments from people you do not know.

What are the signs that a computer has a virus?

1. Files suddenly go missing.
2. Strange pop-up adverts appear on the screen, even when you are not on the internet.
3. The computer starts doing things on its own, such as opening windows.

How do you protect a computer from viruses?

• Install an antivirus: examples are Avast, Norton and Windows Defender (now called Microsoft Defender).
• Keep it updated: an old antivirus cannot catch new viruses.
• Scan regularly: run a scan, and scan any flash drive before opening it.
• Be careful online: do not click strange links or open unknown attachments.

What is freezing (hanging) in a computer?

Freezing, or hanging, is when the screen stops moving and the mouse and keyboard no longer respond.

What causes a computer to freeze?

• Too many tasks: opening about 10 big programs at the same time.
• Software bug: a mistake in a program’s code makes it clash with the computer.
• Overheating: if the cooling system fails, the computer can hang or shut down to protect the hardware.

What should you do when a computer freezes?

1. Wait: sometimes it is only a hiccup, so give it a minute.
2. Use Task Manager: on Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, open Task Manager and end the program that is not responding.
3. Hard restart: if nothing else works, hold down the physical power button until the computer turns off, then switch it on again.

• Warning: a hard restart can lose work that was not saved, so use it last.

What is slow performance (lag)?

Slow performance, or lag, is when a computer still works but takes a long time to respond, load programs or play videos smoothly.

• Everyday picture: it is like running a race in heavy boots.
• Signs: programs load slowly and videos stutter.

What causes slow performance?

1. Low RAM: too many tabs or programs are open in the “work table” (RAM).
2. Full hard drive: when storage is almost 100% full, the operating system has little space to move files around.
3. Too many startup programs: many programs start as soon as the computer is switched on, which slows down start-up.

How can you make a slow computer faster?

• Close programs: shut tabs and apps you are not using.
• Free up space: delete junk files and old files you no longer need, such as old photos.
• Empty the Recycle Bin: deleted files still take up space until the bin is emptied.
• Reduce startup programs: stop unneeded programs from starting with the computer.

What is the difference between a frozen computer and a slow computer?

A frozen computer does not respond at all, while a slow computer responds but takes too long.

• Frozen: the screen stops moving and the mouse and keyboard do nothing.
• Slow: the mouse and keyboard work, but every action takes a long time.

What are the simple solutions to common problems?

Each common problem has a simple first solution, shown in the table below.

How do you keep a computer healthy?

You keep a computer healthy by preventing problems, maintaining it often and installing updates.

• Prevention: do not plug just any USB drive into your PC.
• Maintenance: regularly delete files you no longer need.
• Updates: when a phone or PC says “Update Available”, install it, because updates often fix the bugs that cause freezing.

Teacher’s activity: emptying the Recycle Bin

Demonstrate how to empty the Recycle Bin, so students see that deleted files still use space until the bin is emptied.

1. Delete a test file and watch it move to the Recycle Bin.
2. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop to open it.
3. Check that no file inside is still needed.
4. Right-click an empty area and choose Empty Recycle Bin, then confirm.

Evaluation

1. Mention two ways a computer can get a virus.
2. What is the difference between a frozen computer and a slow computer?
3. Which set of keys on the keyboard helps you end a program that is not responding?
4. True or False: deleting old photos can help a slow computer run faster.
5. State two causes of slow performance.

Assignment

Draw a table with the headings Problem, Cause and Solution. Fill it in for viruses, freezing and slow performance, with one cause and one solution for each.