A user reports that their computer is experiencing sluggish performance and frequent application crashes. After gathering information and verifying any recent changes, you test the theory that the system might be overheating. Inspection reveals fans caked with dust and higher-than-normal interior temperatures. The hardware is several years old, and future upgrades could help, but you want to resolve the current issue first. Which of the following is the BEST next step in your plan of action?
Advise the user to close or reduce the number of resource-intensive applications to alleviate sluggish performance.
Ensure that all device drivers are up to date to resolve potential incompatibilities causing application crashes.
Clean the dust from the cooling fans and the inside of the computer case, then monitor temperatures.
Upgrade the internal components such as the CPU and memory.
Cleaning the dust from the cooling fans and inside the computer case is the best next step. Dust obstructs airflow, raising internal temperatures and causing thermal throttling or crashes. Removing the dust restores proper cooling and may eliminate the performance problems. Closing resource-intensive applications only masks the symptom, updating drivers does not address the physical cause, and upgrading components should come after basic maintenance proves insufficient.
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What are the possible consequences of overheating in a computer?
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How can I prevent dust buildup in my computer?
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Which internal components should I consider upgrading for better performance?