Listing the top 10 most frequently asked computer questions is difficult because everyone has different computer setups, experiences, and needs. Therefore, we’ve created this list based on our experience supporting primarily new computer users for over 20 years. In addition, we’ve listed links to related pages where you can find more information about each question.
1. How do I fix a slow computer?
Nobody likes a slow computer, and because there are so many ways a computer can be slow, this is a commonly-asked computer question. Below are related pages that help answer why a computer isn’t performing optimally.
For help setting up a computer, see: How to set up a new computer.
See our computer questions and answers page if you’re interested in viewing the top 10 questions based on the number of visitors viewing the pages.
- My computer is running slow, what steps can I do to fix it?
- Why is my Internet connection so slow?
- What makes a computer fast and powerful?
- See our slow definition for all links relating to slow computers.
2. How do I connect to the Internet?
After purchasing and setting up a new computer, connecting to the Internet is often one of the first steps. Unfortunately, setting up a network, router, and Wi-Fi can be difficult for new users. Below are pages that help with establishing an Internet connection.
- How to connect to the Internet.
- How to access a home network router setup or console.
- How do computers connect over the Internet?
- How to turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- How to download an app, file, or program from the Internet.
- See our Internet definition for all links and information relating to the Internet.
3. How do I install a program?
After setting up a computer and sometimes even before connecting to the Internet, you may want to install a program. For example, you may want to install a word processor to help you create documents, or a graphics program like Photoshop to create and edit pictures. Below are links to help with installing software on your computer.
- How to install software.
- How to download an app or game from the Google Play store.
- Top 10 free PC programs everyone should have.
- See our install and program pages for a full list of computer-related programs and related help.
How to uninstall software
If you’ve installed software you no longer want or use, it should be uninstalled to ensure you don’t run out of disk space. Below are links to help with uninstalling software.
- How to uninstall software in Windows.
- How to uninstall a program on a Mac.
- How to uninstall a program using Command Prompt.
4. How to stay safe on a computer
Security-related issues are important to all types of computer users. Below is a list of pages to help answer many of the questions we’ve received about computer security over the years.
- How to protect yourself while on the Internet.
- How to install an antivirus program on a computer.
- Protect children from harmful material and people on the Internet.
- How does a computer get infected with a virus or spyware?
- How to prevent unauthorized computer access.
- See our computer security, malware, and virus pages for additional help and information.
5. How to create a new file or folder?
While working on a computer, you may find the need or desire to start creating files (e.g., pictures, documents, etc.) and folders. Below is a list of pages to help get you started with creating files and folders on a computer.
- How to create a computer file.
- How to open an existing document.
- How to create a directory or folder.
- How to delete a file, directory, or folder.
- How to create a Windows shortcut.
6. How to back up my data?
After creating and adding files to your computer, it’s essential to back up that data. If something happened to your computer, and the data was not backed up, it’d be lost permanently. Below are pages that assist you with backing up important data.
- How to back up your computer.
- How to install and update a computer driver.
- How to copy information from one computer to another.
- How to perform a system image backup in Windows.
- How to back up and restore a Mac.
- How to back up your Gmail messages.
7. How to update and upgrade a computer
As you use your computer, the operating system, software, and drivers that are installed often require updates. Updates help fix problems that may exist and can also help improve security if vulnerabilities are found. In addition to updating the software, you may want to upgrade the hardware in the computer to improve performance. The links below help with these questions.
- How to update a Microsoft Windows computer.
- How to update an Android or Apple smartphone.
- How to install and update a computer driver.
- Should I upgrade or buy a new computer?
- What can I upgrade in a laptop?
- How often should I buy a new computer?
- See our update and upgrade pages for additional help and information.
8. How to connect computer peripherals
Computer peripherals, like a printer, webcam, etc., can give a computer additional functionality. Below are useful pages for help with installing peripheral devices.
- How to set up and install a computer printer.
- How to install and use a webcam.
- How to connect a microphone to a computer.
- How to set up or install a joystick or gamepad.
- How to connect computer speakers.
- How to install computer hardware.
- See our peripheral page for a listing of computer peripherals and additional information.
9. How to recover lost or deleted files
Sometimes you or someone else who uses your computer may accidentally delete files. Thankfully, it may be possible to recover erased data or undo mistakes. See the following pages for further help.
- How to recover missing, lost, or deleted files.
- When I delete a file on my computer, where does it go?
- How to restore a deleted file or folder on Google Drive.
- See our undo page for steps to fix mistakes, such as deleting text or an image in a document.
10. How to troubleshoot computer problems
Regardless of your computer type, it eventually encounters problems; unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a problem-free computer. See our troubleshooting page for help with basics when fixing computer issues.
The search feature found at the top and bottom of every Computer Hope page can also help answer hundreds of thousands of computer-related questions.
Related information
- All computer questions and answers.
- Top 10 computer mistakes beginners make.
- What are the most important computer terms I should know?
- How to learn more about computers.
- How does a computer work?
- Computer training.
