A computer problem, occasioned by the breakdown of a component or malfunction of a program is a very costly occurrence for business. It is important for a user to be able to tell the cause of a computer problem when it occurs. Is it hardware related? Is it a software issue? These questions will be looked into in more detail in this article.

For a user to differentiate a hardware problem from a software problem, the two components should first be clearly understood. Hardware is the physical part of the computer system. This includes the computer monitor, system unit, keyboard and mouse. In other words, it is any part of the computer system that can be physically touched. Software is the programmed part of the system, for example the operating system, device drivers, office suites, internet browsers and email clients.

A hardware problem is therefore an occurrence that is caused by the failure of an electrical component. Like with other electrical devices, a hardware issue occurs with little prior notice. Hardware problems call for replacement of failed parts or repair. Where the computer runs a critical process, like a store checkout, this would require a costly replacement. On the other hand, software problems occur when programs execute in a manner that is not expected of them. Software problems require re-installation, or provision of particular requirements that were deliberately installed by the software creators, for example a license key.

Signs That Your Problem is Hardware Related

• The hard disk seems to work harder than usual by producing uncommon noise. This may indicate that the hard disk is failing. If not immediately remedied, data would be lost when the hard disk ‘crashes’.
• The computer monitor displays inconsistent output. The display may lack color, be patchy or be wrongly oriented. This indicates that the graphics system is failing. The monitor should be checked for damage or the video display section should be tested for errors.
• A computer that shuts itself off. This would indicate that the motherboard is trying to protect the processor, if it senses that the on-board fan is not producing a sufficient cooling effect. The fan should be monitored for rotation. The fan’s programmable settings should be counter-checked for possible scheduled spin downs.
• The major input devices: the keyboard and mouse are not functioning as is expected of them. Since these devices are exposed to the highest degree of wear and tear, it might indicate that they have stopped working. If not so, the malfunction is related to the port setup.

Signs That Your Problem is Software Related

• A program fails to start. This indicates that the software is in conflict with your system setup. You need to go through the documentation to ensure that all the requirements are met before executing the software.
• Two similar programs fail to execute the same task. For example, you print a document from two word processors and one fails, it would indicate that one of them is malfunctioning. This would require checking for compatibility between the software and its operating environment.
• The computer seems to be taking an abnormal amount of time to run a non-resource intensive program. This indicates that there is another program or routine hogging the resources. This should be taken seriously as it might indicate that Trojans or Malware are running in the system.

Hardware or Software Problem

If you suspect that your system is suffering from hardware problems, you should undertake the following steps to remedy this.
• Check if your warranty covers the repair of the system.
• If you are not covered by warranty, you then need to contact a qualified repair personnel.

You can also try these free hardware diagnostic tools.

Either of the suggestions listed above is guaranteed to take care of the hardware problem or offer working alternatives to the malfunctioning hardware.

Software problems can either be of two levels:
1. The system is not accessible (it cannot boot).
2. The system is accessible.

If the system is accessible, you should carry out data backup routines first. For example, in Windows XP, use the utility called: ‘Files and Settings Transfer Wizard’ to backup data. This can be accessed by clicking: ‘Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools’. The data will be transferred to another device then copied into the new system.

In a non booting system, you need to run the computer with operating systems that run on Live CD. These systems do not have to be installed into the machine for them to run, they include Ubuntu Live, Fedora Live, among other Linux systems. Once the machine is running on a Live System, it is time to backup important data before formatting the hard disk and re-installing the system.

A Windows XP system would minimally only require the backup of the ‘My Documents’ folder. This folder contains the files that the user had created. Thus, this is what should be backed up to an external device before formatting the hard disk.

After backup, the user should go on to re-install the system. Once complete you should restore the backed up files. Programs that were wiped off should also be re-installed or re-downloaded. In cases where a technician fails to troubleshoot a software problem, re-installation of the operating system is often the surest way to bring back the system to normal operation.

In conclusion, computer systems are increasingly being designed in such a manner that the hardware and software share design. This has lead to the principle of ‘Co-design’. It is therefore imperative that technicians keep abreast with the changes in technology to avoid down-times in business. It is now not enough for one to be able to troubleshoot hardware without the knowledge of how to troubleshoot the software. Additionally, hardware is supplied with inlaid firmware, which determines how the hardware will relate to the software. In a world where technology is converging, it is unacceptable to ignore changes to unrelated technologies. They will affect one’s field of expertise tomorrow.