Laptop Malfunctions
A common problem with laptop computers is that they are prone to malfunctions. This is because laptops still use a relatively new type of technology and consist of many different pieces that are very close to each other in a small amount of space. Laptops must include everything that a desktop computer would, such as a fan, hard drive, and motherboard, but in a much smaller area. Because of this, parts often overheat, damage each other, or break off. Furthermore, users are more likely to drop a laptop more often than a desktop or treat it more roughly in generally.

Screen
A common malfunction with laptop computers is that the screen gets damaged when the computer is dropped, tossed, or sat on. When a laptop screen is damaged, the user may notice color spots, areas that distort the text or image that is being displayed, or even deep scratches or cracks in the glass. It is also possible to completely break the screen so that it is no longer usable. Generally for these types of damages, the user must take their laptop to a computer repair store or purchase a new laptop. A warranty might also cover the damages if the user has one. A temporary fix for this problem would be to plug a desktop monitor into the laptop by using the blue monitor port on the side or back of the computer. While this limits the user's portability, the laptop will be accessible.

Power Supply
Another common problem with laptop computers is that the power supply port comes loose from the computer's frame and may even get stuck inside of the actual computer. This is a big problem because laptop computers are not easily taken apart and for a novice user to do so could mean the end of the computer. When a power supply port comes loose, it makes it increasingly difficult for the user to charge his/her computer and will eventually stop working altogether. This problem can be repaired if the user has a warranty or takes the computer to a repair shop but the problem is likely to happen again. The best solution for this problem is to have an external power supply port mounted onto the computer to replace the internal power supply port.

As not all laptop problems are caused by faulty hardware, it is important for the user to maintain the computer's software as well. This includes running virus scans, updating the operating system, and cleaning the registry. To do this, users can choose from a wide variety of programs such as the following that allow the user to repair software-related errors.

Spyware Terminator
Spyware Terminator is a free, antispyware software designed for the Windows operating system that allows users to perform both quick and full scans. Spyware Terminator is able to detect, quarantine, and delete virtually any malicious software that is located on the user's hard drive. Spyware Terminator includes a real-time shield that is able to detect any program activity and ask the user if it should allow the program or block it. Spyware Terminator also includes an extended browser application called ClamAV that is able to perform the same tasks as Spyware Terminator and also allow the user to delete all history, cookies, temporary files, form data, usernames and passwords, and cached webpages. Spyware Terminator includes both scheduled scanning and scheduled updates and is available at http://www.spywareterminator.com/ .

CCleaner
CCleaner is a free software that is able to remove redundant files from the user's registry, replace missing registry files, and repair corrupted registry files in order to improve system performance. CCleaner is also able to empty the user's Recycle Bin and delete browser information such as history, cached webpages, cookies, form data, and temporary files. CCleaner is available at http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner .