A
computer is a symphony of hardware and software from various
manufacturers. The players usually get along well, but every now and
then you’ll hit a hiccup that freezes your computer. Sometimes
rebooting is all you can do, but there are easier ways than combing
through dust bunnies and tangled wires to unplug your system, says Matt
Nelson of Geeks on Call, an onsite computer and network service
franchise. Try pressing the Alt Control Delete buttons all together,
once or twice. If that doesn’t work, see if your computer has a reset
button near the power button, and if so, try pushing it. Next, try
holding in your power button for about 10 seconds or so -- this will
often shut down power to the computer. If all is still frozen, go ahead
and pull the plug. Don’t be too concerned about occasional glitch, says
Nelson, but if you’re experiences several per week, consider asking a
repair professional to check your computer hardware and software and to
make sure you aren’t harboring a virus or other digital threat.