Tuesday’s Technology Tips
October 4, 2016
A short (very short this time actually) guide to
learning more about Technology
Today’s topic: Rebooting Your Computer—Why?
Today’s newsletter features information related to the time trusted question we in IT are often
asked. I’ve been regularly asked and I quote for you, “Why in the world we ask our teachers
and staff and administrators to regularly reboot computers?”
We don’t ask you to reboot as a way of mind control. Nor do we ask you to do this because we
don’t think it’s important. We ask to reboot your computers because the reboot on a regular
basis will:
Wipe clean and restart the memory in your computer.
Your computer's random access memory (RAM) is also known as volatile memory, because it's
constantly in flux -- as opposed to solid-state memory, such as your hard drive. Your RAM
handles lots of different short-term tasks and data, like running processes and holding program
values. Rebooting your computer flushes out all this information, allowing your device to start
anew and helping it run faster and more efficiently.
Stop Memory Leaks.
Memory leaks occur when a program doesn't close properly. Every program that runs on your
computer uses memory (usually RAM) while it's open. When you close the program, that
memory should return to your computer. Outdated, overused or glitchy programs, however, can
have memory leaks, which occur when memory isn't returned to the computer. Rebooting your
computer each night can help prevent memory leaks from occurring.
Fix Small Errors.
Many computer users are unaware that when they reboot their computer, it runs diagnostics on
itself, automatically fixing minor errors. These errors can range from buggy or glitchy
applications to problems with the RAM. This is why you'll often find that when your computer
freezes, or has a problem you don't know how to fix, simply restarting resolves the issue.
Install Much Needed Updates. (This is the one we in IT appreciate so very much!!)
Software on your computer has the potential to receive updates, which can add new features to
an application or fix issues that occurred with older versions. In fact, Microsoft usually releases
new updates for its components on Tuesday of every month. Often times, you must restart your
computer to download and install the necessary updates and patches that could help it run
quickly and smoothly.
Usually Give Your PC Faster Performance.
Nightly reboots can also help keep your computers running quickly. As various programs are
opened and closed throughout the workday, various temporary files and processes run on your
computer. When a large number of temporary files occupy a PC, decreased performance speed
is likely to follow. However, by taking a few moments to reboot your office computers, you can
clear your systems of temp files and keep them running smoothly.
Now off to a few quotes…and the actual end (no I’m not kidding this time) of the newsletter.
One last plug…Have a great week everyone and enjoy those two extra special days off work
next week for Fall Break!! If you have a topic you too would like to see posted here, please
email me at [email protected]. Who knows, next time I won’t pester you to
reboot your computer because wait…you’ve already rebooted a few times each week!!