You know the signs: your computer is slow. Webpages won’t load. You get strange popup windows, warning you of virus infections. Web searches are redirected to a page of ads that only looks vaguely like Google. Your computer’s got a nasty case of malware.

(We have a treatment for that: our $99 virus special. If you’re trying to fix it yourself, though, read on.)

You might have tried running an anti-virus or anti-malware scan. There are lots of top-

quality free products out there, from vendors like AVG and Avira. Even Microsoft itself is offering a free anti-virus called Security Essentials. This scan might have cleaned up the infection, but if you’re still having problems with Internet Explorer, like search redirection, here’s our favorite fix: resetting IE’s settings.

1. Open Internet Options, either from Internet Explorer’s tools menu, or from the Control Panel.
2. In the Advanced tab, click the Reset button. This reset will not affect your favorites (bookmarked pages) but it should reset most everything else to “factory default” and give your browser a fresh start.

Shop around: we found the price for one model of power supply varied by as much as $40.

If your computer won’t turn on at all, it’s probably a dead power supply. A computer’s power supply is a small electrical transformer that converts the wall outlet’s electricity into the lower voltages needed by your computer. In desktops, it’s located inside the case. A laptop power supply is usually a brick-shaped object attached to the power cord.

If you have a desktop, it’s easy to find a standard replacement. Here’s how to get a good deal on a replacement:

1. Check to see if your computer is still under warranty. Your computer’s manufacturer will usually replace a failed power supply free of charge under warranty, although you may have to do the replacement work yourself. If you’d like to leave it in the hands of the professionals, call us.
2. Don’t be sold more power than you need: all but the most power-hungry gaming computers should be fine with a 400 Watt power supply.
3. Shop on price: here at Santa Fe Computer we’re amazed at the prices others charge for the same model of power supply we sell. You can save money on labor costs too: it’s the same part-swap no matter where you go.

Looking for a laptop power supply? If your laptop won’t charge because of a frayed cord or just a burnt-out power brick, check with us. We have common laptop power adapters in stock and can order a good-quality replacement for you, if we determine the power supply is the problem. Sometimes, a poor connection or a damaged battery can also keep a laptop from powering up.