Many clients still face enormous challenges when deciding on where to shop for computers. Computer shopping is tedious especially when one does not know where to find quality products and lower prices. Different shops in Kenya sell computers and their accessories at different prices. Knowing a store with substantial discounts can potentially save the buyer a few thousands of shillings. Wondering Where to Buy Computer in Kenya?
Here are some of the Considerations When Choosing a Computer Shop in Kenya.
Quality
Quality overrides pricing when it comes to buying a computer from a retail shop. In a market flooded with counterfeit, second-hand, wrong and fake products altogether, choosing products of good quality is crucial.
Research the Product
Before visiting any computer shop, gather as much information as you can about that particular product as this will enable you learn more about the available models and make a comparison of prices and features that will help you make an informed choice.
Guarantee and Reputation
Reputable computer stores are reliable for customer support and warranty claims. Reputable stores also offer additional services not provided in other stores.
Stock and Availability
A good computer shop should house most computers and their accessories. Enough stock is particularly important for customers who want to purchase multiple parts.
Customer Care and Staff
Customer support services are often necessary when acquiring new electronics. For this reason, picking a computer shop run by experts will likely minimize common configuration hustles associated with newer products.
A computer is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program
Or, it is a machine that takes in raw data and performs some calculations on it and gives us the formed output in the desired format.
Types of Computers
Based on their modes of functioning, size and functionality, computers can be classified into;
Analogue computers
These are old models of computers that work on the continuous analogue signals rather than discrete signals. They are not very accurate but extremely fast.
Digital computers
These are ccomputers that use binary system of counting using electrical pulses of ON and OFF. Unlike analogue, these computers function on discrete values and are generally more accurate.
Hybrid computers
These are ccomputers that have features of both digital and analogue computers. While the analogue part handles very complicated mathematical computations, the digital components handle these numerical and logical systems.
Mainframes computers
These are computers that are accessed simultaneously by several thousands of people at once. They are used in fields of banking and telecommunication where they have to handle millions of requests together in minimal time.
Supercomputers
These massive computers are used in the fields of engineering and scientific computations. They usually perform over a million instructions per second.
Servers
Servers are large repositories of information. They supply information to any computer that is on the same network as them. Servers handle large amounts of traffic since many people access them at the same time.
Workstation
This is the type of computer that scientists and engineers may be familiar with. It is generally used in scientific applications and has a faster microprocessor along with a spacious memory.
Microcomputer
This is a personal computer that you use at home. These computers are built for light use such as listening to music, or playing movies or accessing the internet.
Hardware vs Software
To make a computer’s meaning clear, you need to understand that there are two broad divisions of the computer.
Hardware
Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer device that we can see, feel or touch. They include the input and output devices as well as the processor chip itself.
Hardware can be replaced if broken or as per needs. Hardware can also be seen as the machinery or primary electronic part of the computer devices. These are used to build up the computer and bring it into a usable condition. For Example- Monitors, Central Processing Unit (CPU), etc.
 Softwares
Software is those programs which perform tasks, for example, the very browser that you are using to view this program is a software. It is a programming code that is executed on a computer processor to fulfill the required task. It is a set of programs and procedures generally written or designed in high-level programming languages which are also readable by non-technical people and the user of the computer.
Software is of two types. One is the operating system like Windows and LINUX, and the other part is the application software like MS Office, games, internet browsers etc. The computer without the software is nothing but a dumb machine. The software is what makes the computer useful to humans. Â
The high-level languages of software are converted to machine language instructions which can be understood by the computer to follow. These are represented in the form of binary code (0s and 1s) which is understood by the device. The installation of software occurs in the machine language or binary code. Â
 Types of Softwares
Software in a computer is divided into 2 parts. They are as follows;
System Softwares – System software is software in a computer that operates directly on hardware gadgets of the computer. The system software in a computer can be seen as a platform to use or run an application. It helps to use the system itself and run the hardware of the computer. System software is mostly pre-installed on the new computers. For Example- Unix Windows, etc.Â
Application Softwares – Application Softwares are software that is created for users to complete different tasks on the given computer system. Application Softwares can either be already installed in the computer device or can be installed later from to web or other sources. For Example- Games, Microsoft Word, WhatsApp, etc.
Key Parts of a Computer
Here is a brief look at the various components that make up a computer.
Central Processing Unit
Also known as the heart of the computer, the CPU can be equated to the human brain. It is a chip that has all the electrical circuits embedded in it which are responsible for reading, executing and storing programs.
Devices through which one can feed the computer some meaningful information. For example, a keyboard is an input device through which we key in data for the computer to process.
Output Devices
Devices through which the computer shows the output of its computation. For example, the screen on which appears the results is an output device.
Storage devices are those devices that read or store data — For example, hard drive. The place where information is stored is known as storage media.
Motherboard
Main-board on which memory, CPU, and other peripherals are connected.
These are the various components of a computer system that are critical to its functioning. Every computer, to be meaningful, needs to have these parts.
Benefits of Using a Computer
Computers Can Work 24 x 7
Since computers need electricity to run, they are capable of working without tiring. An example is the preparation of payslips for employees. A person and a computer can do the same work, but a computer will not tire nor make mistakes, which is quite possible for a person to do.
Computers Connect a Person to the Internet
In today’s world, buying, selling, advertising and interacting with friends has shifted online and the only way to access the internet is through a computer. The internet is also a storehouse of information which can be accessed in the blink of an eye.
Stores a Vast Amount of Information
Those who know what a computer is know that with the rise in technology, computers can store information in the order of terabytes. This amount is enough to save around 250 movies. So, imagine the vast information that you can have stored on the computer. Memory nowadays is cheaply available, so pictures, videos, music, and documents can all be stored on the computer at a cheap price.
Saves Time
The most critical computer basics are that the device saves time. Doing any computation on the computer saves you the time and the hassle of getting the task done. For example, preparing the monthly budget for a home can be easily accomplished on the computer in a matter of minutes, and the work is carried out not only efficiently but is also done correctly.
Computers Can Help You Make Money
If you are setting up a company of your own, you can use computers to connect to the internet and create a broader audience base. Knowing how to work with computers is a skill that is significantly in demand as many businesses have integrated their work in tandem with computers. Programmers and coders are some of the highest paid jobs in the market at present.
To replace a laptop screen, you will need to follow these steps:
Gather the necessary tools: a small Phillips-head screwdriver, a flat-head screwdriver, and a spudger (a plastic tool used for prying).
Power off and unplug your laptop, and remove the battery.
Remove the bezel (the plastic frame around the screen) by gently prying it away from the laptop with a flat-head screwdriver or a spudger. Be careful not to damage the bezel as you remove it.
Remove any screws that hold the screen in place.
Carefully disconnect the cables that connect the screen to the motherboard.
Remove the old screen from the laptop.
Connect the cables from the new screen to the motherboard and secure it in place with the screws you removed earlier.
Reattach the bezel, making sure it is properly aligned and securely fastened.
Reinstall the battery and power on the laptop to test the new screen.
Note: Laptop screen replacement will require some technical know-how and some care, as it can be easy to damage the internal components of the laptop. If you are not comfortable with this process, it is recommended to seek professional help.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are both types of storage devices that are used to store data in computers and other devices. The main difference between the two is the technology used to store data.SSDs use NAND-based flash memory to store data, while HDDs use magnetic disks to store data.Because SSDs use flash memory, they are faster than HDDs.
They can access and transfer files much quicker, and they have faster boot and load times. They are also more reliable and durable, as they have no moving parts that can break or wear out.On the other hand,
HDDs are generally less expensive than SSDs and can store much more data in the same amount of physical space.Overall, SSDs are better for performance, while HDDs are better for storage capacity and cost-efficiency.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the hardware in a computing device where the operating system (OS), application programs and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the device’s processor. RAM is the main memory in a computer. It is much faster to read from and write to than other kinds of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD) or optical drive.
Random Access Memory is volatile. That means data is retained in RAM as long as the computer is on, but it is lost when the computer is turned off. When the computer is rebooted, the OS and other files are reloaded into RAM, usually from an HDD or SSD.
Function of RAM
Because of its volatility, RAM can’t store permanent data. RAM can be compared to a person’s short-term memory, and a hard disk drive to a person’s long-term memory. Short-term memory is focused on immediate work, but it can only keep a limited number of facts in view at any one time. When a person’s short-term memory fills up, it can be refreshed with facts stored in the brain’s long-term memory.
A computer also works this way. If RAM fills up, the computer’s processor must repeatedly go to the hard disk to overlay the old data in RAM with new data. This process slows the computer’s operation.
RAM modules
A computer’s hard disk can become completely full of data and unable to take any more, but RAM won’t run out of memory. However, the combination of RAM and storage memory can be completely used up.
How does RAM work?
The term random access as applied to RAM comes from the fact that any storage location, also known as any memory address, can be accessed directly. Originally, the term Random Access Memory was used to distinguish regular core memory from offline memory.
Offline memory typically referred to magnetic tape from which a specific piece of data could only be accessed by locating the address sequentially, starting at the beginning of the tape. RAM is organized and controlled in a way that enables data to be stored and retrieved directly to and from specific locations.
Other types of storage — such as the hard drive and CD-ROM— are also accessed directly or randomly, but the term random access isn’t used to describe these other types of storage.
RAM is similar in concept to a set of boxes in which each box can hold a 0 or a 1. Each box has a unique address that is found by counting across the columns and down the rows. A set of RAM boxes is called an array, and each box is known as a cell.
To find a specific cell, the RAM controller sends the column and row address down a thin electrical line etched into the chip. Each row and column in a RAM array has its own address line. Any data that’s read flows back on a separate data line.
RAM is physically small and stored in microchips. It’s also small in terms of the amount of data it can hold. A typical laptop computer may come with 8 gigabytes of RAM, while a hard disk can hold 10 terabytes.
A hard drive, on the other hand, stores data on the magnetized surface of what looks like a vinyl record. Alternatively, an SSD stores data in memory chips that, unlike RAM, are nonvolatile. They don’t depend on having constant power and won’t lose data once the power is turned off. RAM microchips are gathered together into memory modules. These plug into slots in a computer’s motherboard. A bus, or a set of electrical paths, is used to connect the motherboard slots to the processor.
Most PCs enable users to add RAM modules up to a certain limit. Having more RAM in a computer cuts down on the number of times the processor must read data from the hard disk, an operation that takes longer than reading data from RAM. RAM access time is in nanoseconds, while storage memory access time is in milliseconds.
How much RAM do you need?
The amount of RAM needed all depends on what the user is doing. When video editing, for example, it’s recommended that a system have at least 16 GB RAM, though more is desirable. For photo editing using Photoshop, Adobe recommends a system have at least 3GB of RAM to run Photoshop CC on a Mac. However, if the user is working with other applications at the same time, even 8GB of RAM can slow things down.
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) makes up the typical computing device’s RAM, and as was previously noted, it needs that power to be on to retain stored data.
Each DRAM cell has a charge or lack of charge held in an electrical capacitor. This data must be constantly refreshed with an electronic charge every few milliseconds to compensate for leaks from the capacitator. A transistor serves as a gate, determining whether a capacitor’s value can be read or written.
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) also needs constant power to hold on to data, but it doesn’t need to be continually refreshed the way DRAM does.
In SRAM, instead of a capacitor holding the charge, the transistor acts as a switch, with one position serving as 1 and the other position as 0. Static RAM requires several transistors to retain one bit of data compared to dynamic RAM which needs only one transistor per bit. As a result, SRAM chips are much larger and more expensive than an equivalent amount of DRAM.
However, SRAM is significantly faster and uses less power than DRAM. The price and speed differences mean static RAM is mainly used in small amounts as cache memory inside a computer’s processor.
History of RAM: RAM vs. SDRAM
RAM was originally asynchronous because the RAM microchips had a different clock speed than the computer’s processor. This was a problem as processors became more powerful and RAM couldn’t keep up with the processor’s requests for data.
In the early 1990s, clock speeds were synchronized with the introduction of synchronous dynamic RAM, or SDRAM. By synchronizing a computer’s memory with the inputs from the processor, computers were able to execute tasks faster.
However, the original single data rate SDRAM (SDR SDRAM) reached its limit quickly. Around the year 2000, double data rate synchronous Random Access Memory (DDR SRAM) was developed. This moved data twice in a single clock cycle, at the start and the end.
DDR SDRAM has evolved three times, with DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4, and each iteration has brought improved data throughput speeds and reduced power use. However, each DDR version has been incompatible with earlier ones because, with each iteration, data is handled in larger batches.
Images of the various DDR formats
GDDR SDRAM
Graphics double data rate (GDDR) SDRAM is used in graphics and video cards. Like DDR SDRAM, the technology enables data to be moved at various points in a CPU clock cycle. However, it runs at higher voltages and has less strict timing than DDR SDRAM.
With parallel tasks, such as 2D and 3D video rendering, tight access times aren’t as necessary, and GDDR can enable the higher speeds and memory bandwidth needed for GPU performance.
Similar to DDR, GDDR has gone through several generations of development, with each providing more performance and lower power consumption. GDDR6 is the latest generation of graphics memory.
RAM vs. virtual memory
A computer can run short on memory, especially when running multiple programs simultaneously. Operating systems can compensate for physical memory shortfalls by creating virtual memory.
With virtual memory, data is temporarily transferred from RAM to disk storage, and virtual address space is increased using active memory in RAM and inactive memory in an HDD to form contiguous addresses that hold an application and its data. Using virtual memory, a system can load larger programs or multiple programs running at the same time, letting each operate as if it has infinite memory without having to add more RAM.
Virtual memory is able to handle twice as many addresses as RAM. A program’s instructions and data are initially stored at virtual addresses, and once the program is executed, those addresses are turned into actual memory addresses.
One downside to virtual memory is that it can slow a computer because data must be mapped between the virtual and physical memory. With physical memory alone, programs work directly from RAM.
RAM vs. flash memory
Flash memory and RAM are both comprised of solid-state chips. However, they play different roles in computer systems because of differences in the way they’re made, their performance specifications and cost. Flash memory is used for storage memory. RAM is used as active memory that performs calculations on the data retrieved from storage.
One significant difference between RAM and flash memory is that data must be erased from NAND flash memory in entire blocks. This makes it slower than RAM, where data can be erased in individual bits.
However, NAND flash memory is less expensive than RAM, and it’s also nonvolatile. Unlike RAM, it can hold data even when the power is off. Because of its slower speed, nonvolatility and lower cost, flash is often used for storage memory in SSDs.
RAM vs. ROM
Read-only memory, or ROM, is computer memory containing data that can only be read, not written to. ROM contains boot-up programming that is used each time a computer is turned on. It generally can’t be altered or reprogrammed.
The data in ROM is nonvolatile and isn’t lost when the computer power is turned off. As a result, read-only memory is used for permanent data storage. Random Access Memory, on the other hand, can only hold data temporarily. ROM is generally several megabytes of storage, while RAM is several gigabytes.
Trends and future directions
Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM or ReRAM) is nonvolatile storage that can alter the resistance of the solid dielectric material it’s composed of. ReRAM devices contain a memristor in which the resistance varies when different voltages are applied.
ReRAM creates oxygen vacancies, which are physical defects in a layer of oxide material. These vacancies represent two values in a binary system, similar to a semiconductor’s electrons and holes.
ReRAM has a higher switching speed compared to other nonvolatile storage technologies, such as NAND flash. It also holds the promise of high storage density and less power consumption than NAND flash. This makes ReRAM a good option for memory in sensors used for industrial, automotive and internet of things applications.
Vendors have struggled for years to develop ReRAM technology and get chips into production. A few vendors are currently shipping them.
3D XPoint technology, such as Intel’s Optane, could eventually fill the gap between dynamic RAM and NAND flash memory. 3D XPoint has a transistor-less, cross-point architecture in which selectors and memory cells are at the intersection of perpendicular wires. 3D XPoint isn’t as fast as DRAM, but it is nonvolatile memory.
Intel’s 3D XPoint-based Optane SSD
In terms of performance and price, 3D XPoint technology is between fast, but costly DRAM and slower, less expensive NAND flash. As the technology develops, it may blur the distinction between RAM and storage.
5G and the RAM market
In February 2019, the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association published the JESD209-5, Low Power Double Data Rate 5 (LPDDR5). LPDDR5 will eventually operate at an I/O rate of 6400 MT/s, 50 percent higher than that of the first version of LPDDR4. This will significantly boost memory speed and efficiency for a variety of applications. This includes mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets and ultra-thin notebooks.
LPDDR5 was published with a data rate of 6400 MT/s, compared to 3200 MT/s for LPDDR4 at its publication in 2014.
In July 2019, Samsung Electronics began mass producing the industry’s first 12-gigabit LPDDR5 mobile DRAM. According to Samsung, it has been optimized for enabling 5G and AI features in future smartphones.
Cost of RAM
By the summer of 2019, DRAM prices remained depressed from earlier levels — but volatile, nonetheless. A number of variables contributed to the volatility, including:
a supply glut
market tensions between South Korea and Japan (home to the world’s two largest memory chip makers, Samsung and SK Hynix)
the introduction of the next-generation mobile chip, the LPDDR5
the increased adoption of 5G technology
an anticipated increase in demand for consumer electronics in the Internet of Things (IoT), such as automobiles and wearable devices, which use the chips
If your Mac is feeling sluggish, upgrading the RAM is a great tweak to make. While swapping an old hard disk drive for a modern SSD is the most drastic hardware improvement, a Mac RAM upgrade lets you run more programs simultaneously.
However, what you can do with your Mac’s RAM depends on your exact model. We’ll look at which Mac models allow RAM upgrades, where to buy Mac RAM, and how to actually upgrade the RAM on your device.
Can I Upgrade the RAM in My Mac Model?
Unfortunately, most modern Macs don’t allow you to upgrade the RAM yourself.
Recent MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models have the RAM soldered to the motherboard. Some newer iMacs technically have user-upgradeable RAM, but doing so requires extensive teardown of the machine. We wouldn’t recommend trying this unless you’re extremely experienced with electronics and your machine is already out of warranty.
The below Mac models have user-upgradeable RAM:
iMac (All models up through 2020, except the following 21.5-inch models: Late 2012, Late 2013, Mid 2014, Late 2015, Retina 4K Late 2015, 2017, Retina 4K 2017, and Retina 4K 2019)
Mac Pro (All models)
Mac Mini (2010-2012 models)
MacBook (2008-2011 models)
MacBook Pro 13-inch (2009-mid-2012 models)
MacBook Pro 15-inch (2008-mid-2012 models)
MacBook Pro 17-inch (All models)
If you have one of the following Mac models, you cannot upgrade the RAM (in some cases, such as the 2018 Mac Mini, it is possible but quite difficult):
iMac Pro (All models)
M1 iMac (2021 and later)
Mac Mini (2014 and later)
MacBook Air (All models)
12-inch MacBook (All models)
MacBook Pro with Retina Display (All models)
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (All models)
MacBook Pro 16-inch (All models)
In essence, the newer your Mac model, the less likely it is that you can upgrade the RAM
How to Find Which Mac Model You Have
Many Macs look alike, so you should check the exact model that you have before you start shopping for RAM.
macOS makes this process easy. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose About this Mac. On the resulting Overview tab, you’ll see the name of your Mac at the top of the information. This will be something like MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016). This page shows how much memory you have installed, as well.
To avoid any mistakes, you should also get the exact model identifier for your device. To do this, click the System Report button. Then, in the Hardware Overview section, look for the Model Identifier field. This will be something like MacBook7, 1.
Keep this in mind as you look for RAM to buy.
How to Buy the Right RAM for Your Mac
Due to the sheer number of Mac models available, we can’t give exact details on the correct RAM for every machine. However, you’ll find a variety of sites that make finding the right sticks of RAM for your model easy.
The first place you should stop is Other World Computing’s Mac RAM page. This allows you to select your Mac model to find compatible RAM. You’ll see the Macs each kind of RAM works in, along with easy videos on how to replace it. The company even offers trade-in value for your old RAM.
As an alternative, have a look at Crucial’s memory hub. Here you can either enter your computer info (found earlier) or download a scanner tool that checks for you. You’ll then see a page containing SSDs and RAM that are guaranteed to work in your machine.
For more detailed guides, have a look at iFixIt’s Mac Repair page. You’ll find detailed steps for RAM upgrades here.
Ensuring Mac RAM Compatibility
When buying RAM, compatibility with your system is vital. Not every type of RAM will work in every Mac computer, so it’s important to make sure you buy a component that’s suitable. Otherwise, you could go through all the effort to upgrade the RAM and end up with an unusable computer.
This is why we recommend buying from a store that specializes in Mac RAM upgrades. You might be able to shop around and get a better price for RAM found on the above sites. If you do so, make sure you search by SKU so you don’t end up buying something that’s slightly different.
We recommend staying away from cheap, junky RAM with few or poor reviews. The few dollars you save isn’t worth the risk of bad RAM bringing down your system.
Finally, you’ll need to buy the right amount of RAM for your system. Have a look at OWC’s MaxRAM page to see how much RAM your particular machine will take. In many cases, this exceeds the “maximum” value provided by Apple.
This page also details how many memory slots your machine has; most MacBook models have two slots. To take advantage of dual-channel memory, you’ll want to buy two sticks that add up to your desired total. For example, if you want to upgrade to 8GB of RAM, buy the 4GB x 2 pack.
How much RAM you should buy depends on your needs. 8GB is a good baseline if you aren’t a heavy computer user. If you often multitask, and your computer supports it, jumping to 16GB is a good idea.
How to Upgrade the RAM in Your Mac
Finally, let’s review the general process for the actual RAM upgrade in your machine. As mentioned, we can’t go over the instructions for every single Mac model. Check the resources mentioned above for more specific instructions.
Below we’ll provide a basic overview of how this looks on a mid-2010 MacBook. While it may be slightly different on yours, the basic process for MacBook RAM upgrades is the same. Most iMac models have a convenient window to access the RAM compartment, making it even easier than on a laptop.
While working, beware of static discharges, which can damage computer components. Make sure to ground yourself on a metal object before you start this process, and work on a static-free surface. Don’t wear fuzzy pants or drag your feet on carpet while working, as those actions will build up static electricity.
When you handle the RAM, make sure you grab it by the sides so as not to touch any of the sensitive parts. Avoid handling the RAM by the gold connection pins.
Step 1: Remove the MacBook Cover
First, shut down your computer if it isn’t already. Next, unplug your Mac from its power source and remove any connected accessories. Flip your MacBook upside-down, and you’ll see several screws securing the bottom cover. Remove these using a standard Phillips head screwdriver.
Take care not to strip the screws as you remove them. You may want to have a paper towel or something similar around to place the screws on, as they’re small and easy to lose.
Step 2: Remove the Old RAM
Once the cover is off, you should be able to spot the RAM. It’s pretty obvious, as MacBooks don’t have many user-removeable parts. In the above image, the RAM is the small green component above the Samsung drive.
With our MacBook in this example, two small clips on either side of the RAM hold it in place. Gently push these towards the outside of the RAM and the stick will spring up, allowing you to pull it out.
Repeat the process of pushing the clips out to free and remove the second stick of RAM, then set the old components aside.
Step 3: Install the New RAM
Grab your new RAM and line up the notch in its connection pins with the notch in the RAM seat. It will only go one way, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find the right fit.
After lining up the notches at roughly a 30 degree angle and pushing in gently, push down on the RAM softly and you’ll feel it click into place. Repeat this once more for the second stick, and you’re all set.
After the new RAM is securely in place, you’re ready to put the cover back on. However, while you have your computer disassembled, it’s worth taking a minute to clean any visible grime. Use a cotton swab or some canned air to remove any dust buildups, especially in the fan.
To put the cover back on, simply line it back up and screw the screws back in.
Step 4: Confirm That Your Mac Recognizes the RAM
After this, you can boot up your computer to make sure it’s recognizing the RAM correctly. In the About This Mac window visited earlier, you should see the new amount of RAM next to Memory. If you want to see more details, you can open System Report and click the Memory tab.
Now you have everything you need to complete this process. Whether you’re interested in an iMac or MacBook Pro RAM upgrade, you know how to find the right RAM for your system and get it installed. It’s a relatively straightforward computer upgrade that will have a big effect.
Before spending money on new RAM for an old machine, make sure it’s not time to replace your Mac instead.
Laptops tend to have a rather short lifetime. They are outdated within weeks of being released, they are notoriously hard to upgrade or repair, and by nature they are subject to gradual decay or fatal accidents. Some laptop issues, however, are often easier to repair than you would expect.
Laptops tend to have a rather short lifetime. They are outdated within weeks of being released, they are notoriously hard to upgrade or repair, and by nature they are subject to gradual decay or fatal accidents. Once damage has been done, repairs tend to be only slightly less expensive than getting a brand new model.
These very unfortunate conditions — not just for laptops, but most other electronic devices — cause mountains of electronic waste. Some laptop issues, however, are often easier to repair than you would expect. This brief troubleshooting guide highlights the most likely damages, explores how to identify the culprit, and refers you to material that demonstrates how to fix it.
There are some critical laptop parts that are very difficult and expensive to fix. They include the motherboard and everything that is molded on top of it, including the CPU (central processing unit) and the GPU (graphics processing unit). When you are sure that one of these are broken, proceed to the end of this article. For your next laptop, however, note that you can prevent damage of the CPU and GPU, by making sure they don’t overheat.
Symptoms: If your laptop sounds perfectly normal, if the disk drive seems to be working, and if the display turns on, but the system just won’t boot all the way through, the problem may lie with the operating system.
Fix: Assuming you are running Windows, you can try to start in Safe Mode to diagnose and potentially fix the issue. Maybe it’s a faulty driver or a damaged registry. Rather than wasting hours trying to fix your operating system, it’s probably better to re-install it. You can back up data from a computer that won’t boot using a Linux Live CD / USB.
Hard Disk Drive / Solid State Drive
Your hard or solid state drive is the home of your operating system and stores all of your data on the computer.
Symptoms: Hard drives don’t always fail out of the blue. Sometimes there are warning signs, including:
A sure sign that your HDD or SSD has died is if the display turns on, the laptop’s indicator lights are blinking, but nothing else happens. You might see an error message that says something along the lines of a primary boot device missing. If the laptop is completely dead, however — no sounds, no lights, nothing — and if you have checked the charger, it’s very likely that the motherboard or one of its components has failed. In that case, proceed to the end of this article.
Fix: If your HDD or SSD has died, you can fix your laptop by replacing it. That is usually very easy. Remove the old drive, get a new one with an identical connector (IDE or SATA), and mount it in place of the old drive. My colleague Matt has demonstrated how to install a new laptop hard drive in a previous article.
CMOS Battery
The CMOS battery provides power for storing BIOS settings when the computer is turned off.
Symptoms of a bad CMOS: The laptop mostly boots up fine and everything appears to be normal, except for some petty issues:
occasionally, the PC won’t boot or simply turns off;
there is an elusive CMOS-related error while booting;
and there are other weird hardware issues.
Any one of these issues can be caused by a number of things. But if a few of them coincide, then it’s a sure sign that your CMOS battery is failing.
Fix: My colleague Chris has previously written an article that addresses replacing the CMOS battery on a desktop PC. Even on a laptop, the procedure is not so hard. The battery is usually accessible via the laptop’s underside. On some models, like my old HP Compaq nw8440, it might sit under the keyboard. In any case, it’s not as easy to access as the RAM or HDD / SDD, as it doesn’t come with its own door or panel. If you can manage to expose the motherboard as shown below, replacing the CMOS battery is just a matter of popping it out and replacing it with a new one.
RAM
The RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores any information the system needs to run as it is running.
Fix: Should your computer still boot, run a memory test to check for errors, for example using MemTest86.
If you’re lucky, maybe one of your RAM sticks isn’t sitting properly in its socket. Open the latch on the underside of the laptop to examine the RAM sticks, take them out and reseat them.
If that doesn’t solve your issues and if you only have one RAM stick, try moving it to a different slot. If you have two sticks, try booting the computer with one stick removed and try both sticks in different slots.
Should none of that work, try to get a working RAM module for a final test, but make sure you can return it in case it turns out that something else is broken.
Display
Until recently, I thought a display was almost impossible to fix. And then I dropped my laptop and my display was toast.
Symptoms: Other than obvious damage to the display, your display might not turn on at all. In this case, try to connect an external monitor, to exclude motherboard damage.
Fix: If everything works fine with an external monitor, chances are you can repair your laptop by replacing the broken display. I have previously described the process of dealing with a broken screen on your laptop. It’s not easy, but it often can be done without special tools or skills, and it’s surprisingly affordable.
What If Your Laptop Is Broken Beyond Repair?
Sometimes the damage is not to be found with any of those relatively easy-to-replace parts. When the motherboard, the CPU, or the GPU are damaged, or when one of the parts simply cannot be replaced easily, it’s best to salvage any parts that are still functional and recycle the remaining electronic waste [Broken URL Removed].
Have you ever repaired an old laptop? Which part was broken and how did you fix it? Shop for laptops, desktops, parts and accessories on our website https://hewlettcomputersolution.co.ke/
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Good article well explained on how to troubleshoot and repai...
Nice article.... very informative...