What is hard reset and hardware reboot? Detailed explanation of basic measures for PC troubles

Explanation of IT Terms

What is Hard Reset and Hardware Reboot?

A hard reset and hardware reboot are common troubleshooting techniques used to resolve various issues with personal computers (PCs). Let’s delve into the details of what they are and how they can help alleviate PC troubles.

Hard Reset:

A hard reset involves forcibly restarting the computer by cutting off the power supply to the system. It is typically performed when the PC becomes unresponsive or freezes, and other troubleshooting methods fail.

To perform a hard reset, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the power button on your computer. It is usually positioned on the front or side panel.
  2. Press and hold the power button for approximately 10 seconds until the PC shuts down completely.
  3. After the computer turns off, wait for a few seconds and then turn it back on by pressing the power button again.

It’s important to note that a hard reset may cause any unsaved data to be lost since the computer shuts down abruptly. Thus, it’s recommended to save your work regularly to avoid losing important files.

Hardware Reboot:

A hardware reboot involves restarting the computer by utilizing the software-controlled methods available within the operating system. It is often used when the PC experiences software-related glitches or intermittent issues.

To perform a hardware reboot on a Windows PC, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Start” button located on the bottom left corner of the screen.
  2. Select the “Restart” option from the power menu that appears.
  3. Wait for the computer to shut down and restart automatically.

On a Mac computer, the process is slightly different:

  1. Click on the Apple menu and select the “Restart” option.
  2. Wait for the restart process to complete.

Performing a hardware reboot typically resolves minor software glitches and can improve the overall performance of the computer. It allows the operating system to start fresh, clear any temporary files or data, and reload all necessary system components.

Conclusion:
Both a hard reset and hardware reboot are effective measures to tackle common PC troubles. However, it’s important to remember that these methods should be used as a last resort after attempting other troubleshooting techniques. If the issues persist, it may be necessary to seek help from a professional or consult official hardware/software documentation for further assistance.

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