But before you head to the store (or Amazon) to drop serious money on a new machine, here’s something we tell our clients all the time:

It’s probably not dead. It’s probably just tired.

💾 The Real Culprits Behind Sluggish Performance

Most of the time, it’s not about the age of the computer — it’s about what’s going on inside. If your system is crawling, there’s a good chance one of these is the reason:

• Your hard drive is still the old spinning kind (HDD)
• You’re running low on RAM
• Too many programs are launching at startup
• There’s malware or just years of digital clutter

We’ve seen machines from 2014 fly again after a few smart upgrades. No joke.

💡 So What Actually Helps?

Here’s what we do to breathe new life into “slow” computers:

🚀 Swap the hard drive for an SSD

This is hands-down the biggest improvement you can make. SSDs (solid state drives) are ridiculously faster than the old mechanical drives. We’re talking booting up in 20 seconds instead of 3 minutes. Apps open instantly. Everything just feels… snappier.

🧠 Add more RAM

RAM = breathing room for your system. If you’re running multiple browser tabs, Zoom, email, maybe a spreadsheet or two… more memory makes a huge difference.

🧹 Do a proper cleanup

We check for startup bloat, unnecessary background apps, outdated drivers, and even sneaky malware. A clean system runs better — no surprise there.

💸 Why Upgrade Instead of Replace?

Simple: You save money, time, and headaches.

• Upgrades typically cost a fraction of a new machine
• You keep all your files and programs exactly how you left them
• No reinstalling, no digging for passwords, no learning curve

It’s like getting a new computer… without actually buying one.

👨‍🔧 Want the Honest Truth?

At Mount Vernon Computers, we’ve helped a lot of folks in Alexandria, Fairfax, and around DC rescue their computers from the scrap heap. And we’ll always shoot straight with you.

If it’s worth upgrading, we’ll say so. If it’s time to move on and replace it, we’ll tell you that too — and help make the transition smooth.

📍 Let’s Take a Look

Not sure if your system can be saved? Bring it in or give us a call. We’ll take a look, run a few quick tests, and let you know what’s possible — no pressure.

📞 Contact us today → Get in Touch

What’s Lurking Inside?

We’ve seen a lot over the years at Mount Vernon Computers—but nothing quite prepares you for what’s inside a broken PC until you crack it open. From snack crumbs and mystery liquids to live animals and stashed cash, each repair tells a story (some we wish we could unsee).

In this post, we’re sharing some of the most bizarre, hilarious, and downright head-scratching things we’ve found inside desktops and laptops around Northern Virginia. Consider it part cautionary tale, part tech confessional—and all true.

1. The Keyboard That Ate Lunch

We once had a laptop come in with about 40% of its keys non-responsive. Turns out the issue wasn’t software—it was sandwich. After opening it up, we found layers (yes, plural) of breadcrumbs, lettuce shreds, and what we think was mustard pooled under the space bar.

What it says about you:
You’re busy. You multitask. And lunch is sacred—even if that means typing mid–tuna melt.

Tech Tip: Your keyboard is not a lunch tray. A quick keyboard vacuum every week goes a long way. And please—no condiments near the Ctrl key.

2. The Hairball MacBook

This one goes out to the cat lovers. A woman brought us her MacBook Pro complaining of loud fan noise and random shutdowns. Inside the vent was what can only be described as a feline felt pad. It had collected so much fur, the exhaust fan couldn’t spin.

What it says about you:
You adore your pet. They adore your warm laptop. And that means their shedding season becomes your tech’s allergy season.

Tech Tip: Use your laptop on a hard surface, not the bed or couch. And if you live with animals, schedule a regular cleanout—we specialize in desktop repair for pet owners too.

3. The Roach Motel (and They Didn’t Check Out)

Yes, this one’s gross. We popped open a desktop tower to upgrade the power supply and were met with… movement. Inside were not one, not two, but over a dozen very crispy former residents.

What it says about you:
Hey, we’re not judging. Sometimes computers live in basements, garages, or warm spots that roaches love. You probably didn’t even know.

Tech Tip: If your PC lives in a humid or dusty environment, consider regular interior cleaning. (Also: a can of Raid never hurts.)

4. Liquid Assets: The Great Wine Spill Epidemic

It’s happened more times than we can count: someone enjoying a cozy evening with their laptop and a glass of wine… until gravity takes the wheel. Red, white, rosé—it’s all been poured, accidentally, into keyboards, ports, and fans like some kind of high-stakes tech tasting event.

We’ve opened up laptops that smelled like merlot; fans crusted with dried chardonnay, and one machine that looked like it had been baptized in cabernet. Spoiler: electronics and vino don’t mix well.

Common wine-related symptoms we’ve seen:

• Sticky keys that type like they’ve had a few glasses themselves
• Fried logic boards (the true hangover)
• Internal corrosion that smells suspiciously like a vineyard

One client said, “It was just a sip!” The motherboard said otherwise.

Pro tip: If you’re going to drink near your device, at least invite it to dinner first—and maybe keep the glass off to the side.

💬 Yes, we clean wine out of laptops. No judgment.
Whether it was a celebratory sip or a full-blown pour, we’ve seen it—and fixed it. If your laptop’s been drinking, bring it in. We’ll handle the cleanup while you handle the cork.

5. The Coin Slot That Wasn’t

One of our favorite calls came from a parent who said their desktop’s CD-ROM tray wouldn’t open. Upon inspection, we discovered it had been turned into a piggy bank. Several coins—pennies, dimes, and one very determined quarter—had been inserted into the tray like it was a vending machine.

What it says about you:
You have a curious kid. Or you thought the CD drive was finally good for something. Either way, your computer deserves hazard pay.

Tech Tip: Teach kids early what each part of the computer does (and doesn’t do). And if your CD tray won’t open, resist the urge to force it—we can help.

Why We Share These

We’re not just telling these funny computer repair stories to make you laugh (although we hope they did). These moments remind us that tech is human. Behind every glitch is a person juggling work, kids, pets, deadlines—or just lunch. And we get that.

Whether your issue is pet hair, snack residue, or something much weirder, we’ve probably seen it. We serve homes and businesses throughout Northern Virginia with friendly, respectful, on-site and in-shop service.

Got a Weird One?

Have your own story to share? We’d love to hear it—and maybe even feature it (anonymously!) in a future post. Email us or tag us with your weirdest tech repair stories. We promise—we’ve seen stranger.

Let’s face it: no one wants to call tech support.

It usually means something’s not working—maybe your Wi-Fi is glitchy, your screen is frozen, or your printer just stopped existing according to your computer. And while we at Mount Vernon Computers are always happy to help, we also believe in empowering our clients.

So before you pick up the phone or schedule a housecall, try this quick checklist. These simple steps might just fix the issue—and even if they don’t, they’ll help us diagnose the problem faster when we arrive.

1. Restart the Device (Yes, Really)

We know. It sounds cliché. But restarting your computer, phone, router, or printer clears memory leaks, resets stuck drivers, and often resolves temporary bugs.

Pro tip:
If your device hasn’t been turned off in weeks, you’re long overdue. Go ahead and give it a proper reboot. Not sleep. Not hibernate. A full shutdown and power back on.

2. Check the Connections

Loose or unplugged cables are some of the most common laptop problems at home. That includes power cords, HDMI cables, USBs, and Ethernet connections.

Is your keyboard acting up? Try unplugging and plugging it back in.
No internet? Check if your router or modem is blinking red or needs to be reset.

Bonus Tip:
For wireless devices like Bluetooth mice or AirPods—re-pair them. You’d be surprised how often a simple re-connection fixes everything.

3. Run Basic Updates

Outdated software can cause all sorts of strange behavior. If your apps are crashing, your web browser is lagging, or your system just feels off, check for:

• Windows or macOS updates
• Antivirus software updates
• Browser updates (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)

These are quick to run and often resolve compatibility issues.

4. Try a Different User Account

Sometimes, problems are tied to your user profile. If you’re getting strange error messages or slow performance, try logging into a different user account (or create a new one temporarily). If the problem goes away, your original profile may be corrupted—and we can help fix or transfer your data safely.

5. Listen for Strange Sounds

Fans making a racket? That could be dust buildup or worse. A loud fan is often a clue your system is overheating—and if you’ve got pets, don’t rule out the culprit being fur clogging up ventilation.

Search for “fix laptop fan noise” and you’ll often find suggestions for opening the case or cleaning the fan—but that’s best left to professionals. If you suspect computer overheating from pet hair, that’s where we shine. (We offer desktop repair for pet owners and detailed cleanings that don’t void warranties.)

6. Clear Out Old Tabs, Apps, and Temp Files

If your computer feels sluggish, you may be dealing with resource overload.

• Close unused browser tabs and programs.
• Run Disk Cleanup (on Windows) or Optimize Storage (on macOS).
• Restart your browser and clear the cache.

This alone can breathe life back into a slow machine.

7. Take a Picture or Screenshot of the Problem

If the issue is intermittent—or you’re not sure how to describe it—snap a photo or screen recording. Whether it’s an error code, a glitchy display, or a disappearing file, this can save us precious time when you do call in the cavalry.

We love when clients do this. It shows you’re proactive, and it helps us zero in on the fix faster.

When to Call Mount Vernon Computers

If you’ve tried these steps, and you’re still stuck, don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for.

We never make you feel silly for calling—even if the solution turns out to be a loose plug. In fact, many of our clients tell us they appreciate our patience, clarity, and zero-judgment approach. We offer everything from remote sessions to local computer cleaning services, and we’re just a call or click away.

Bonus: Print This Out and Keep It Handy

We’re working on a free printable checklist you can tape near your desk, share with friends, or use as your personal tech first-aid kit. Want early access? Just ask—we’re happy to send it your way.

Mount Vernon Computers: Human-Friendly Tech Support
Need help with a persistent issue? Call us. We offer approachable tech support in Alexandria and Northern Virginia, with no pressure, no jargon, and no overpriced nonsense.

📞 Let’s fix your tech—together.

You love your pets. We do too. But here’s something most pet owners never realize– your fluffy companion might be contributing to some of the most common laptop problems at home. From clogged fans to mysterious shutdowns, pet hair and household hazards can quietly wreak havoc on your desktop or laptop. Let’s explore 7 surprisingly common (and easily preventable) causes of computer damage—and how to protect your devices from becoming furry casualties.

1. Pet Hair Clogging Vents and Fans

If your laptop sounds like it’s preparing for takeoff, it could be pet hair clogging the internal fan. Most pets shed, and their hair drifts—right into those tiny ventilation holes on your laptop or desktop. Once inside, the buildup restricts airflow, traps heat, and leads to overheating. Eventually, this can cause thermal shutdowns, motherboard damage, or even hard drive failure.

🛠️ Fix:
Search for “computer overheating pet hair” and you’ll find plenty of horror stories. If your laptop fan noise gets louder over time, that’s your cue. You can use compressed air for light cleaning, but for anything beyond surface-level, a professional local computer cleaning service can open the case and safely clean out the buildup.

2. Food and Drink Spills (Courtesy of Couch Computing)

Snacks, pets, and laptops—an all-too-familiar trio. It only takes a second for your dog’s tail to knock over your iced coffee, or for a cat to send a glass of water flying. Even a small spill can fry internal components instantly.

🛠️ Fix:
Keep beverages off your desk or table when pets are nearby. If a spill happens, power off the device immediately, unplug it, and seek help. Resist the urge to power it back on “just to check”—that’s often what does the real damage.

3. Chewed Cords and Power Cables

Puppies, kittens, and bunnies (and let’s be honest, some adult pets too) love to chew. Power cords, USB cables, and mouse wires are often irresistible. Not only can chewed cords damage your hardware, but they also pose a fire and shock risk.

🛠️ Fix:
Use cable protectors or tuck cords away in pet-proof sleeves. If a cable looks frayed, replace it. Some pets are repeat offenders—try bitter apple spray or cord covers as a deterrent.

4. Shedding on Keyboards and Touchpads

Pet hair and dander tend to collect around your keyboard and touchpad. Over time, this can affect responsiveness, cause sticky keys, or introduce moisture and oils from pet fur that interfere with sensors.

🛠️ Fix:
Regularly wipe your keyboard and touchpad with a microfiber cloth. If you suspect debris under the keys, turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. For deeper issues, contact a local computer cleaning service that can safely disassemble and clean your keyboard.

5. Fur-Coated Air Filters and Intakes (Especially Desktops)

Desktops often have more powerful fans—and more intake vents. When placed on the floor (especially carpet), they suck up not just dust but fur, lint, and dander. Before long, your internal filters are blanketed.

🛠️ Fix:
Place desktops on a raised platform. Clean the vents regularly with a vacuum or compressed air. If your machine feels hotter than usual or shuts down unexpectedly, it might be time to open it up—or let a pro do it. This is a common issue flagged in desktop repair for pet owners.

6. Pet Hair Shorting Out Ports

Pet hair isn’t just soft and fluffy—it’s also mildly conductive. When enough accumulates in USB ports or headphone jacks, it can cause connection issues or even short circuits.

🛠️ Fix:
Inspect ports regularly. If you notice loose connections or your USB devices behave erratically, a buildup may be the culprit. Avoid poking inside with metal objects—use plastic picks or bring it in to a local tech who knows what they’re doing.

7. Blocked or Obstructed Exhaust Areas

We all love a cat curled up behind a warm laptop, but that heat has to go somewhere. If your pet parks itself near your machine’s exhaust vent, it can block airflow completely. This is one of the sneakiest causes of computer overheating in pet households.

🛠️ Fix:
Place laptops on a cooling pad or laptop stand to elevate them. For desktops, allow several inches of clearance behind the machine. And if your pet insists on cozying up, relocate the computer—not the cat.

Bonus Tip: Schedule a Seasonal Deep Clean

Even if your devices seem fine, a professional computer cleaning service once or twice a year can extend the life of your equipment dramatically—especially in pet-friendly homes. At Mount Vernon Computers, we specialize in gentle, thorough cleanings that help prevent problems before they start.

Conclusion

Your pet doesn’t mean to be a menace—but even the cutest cat can cause chaos for your computer. By staying aware of these 7 common threats, you’ll be better equipped to protect your tech (and avoid surprise repair bills). Keep the cuddles coming, but keep the ports clean.

Need help?
📞 Contact Mount Vernon Computers—your friendly, local experts in laptop and desktop repair for pet owners. We’ll get you back up and running, no judgment, no nerd-shaming.

Let’s be real—when your computer crashes, the last thing you need is a lecture from someone who treats your Wi-Fi like it’s rocket science.

Too many folks in Alexandria (and their laptops) have been burned by the “geek squad” mentality: lots of jargon, zero bedside manner. You end up feeling more confused than helped—like you accidentally wandered into a Comic-Con panel titled Why You’re Wrong About RAM.

We’re not saying these folks are evil—they just tend to explain things like you’ve already got a computer science degree. And don’t get us started on surprise upgrade pitches: your mouse stops working, and suddenly you “need” a $2,000 tower. Uh, no thanks.

Mount Vernon Computers: Tech Help for the Rest of Us

At Mount Vernon Computers, we do tech differently. No buzzwords. No judgment.

We speak human, not robot. Whether you’re a digital whiz or still figuring out “the cloud,” we meet you where you are—with patience, clarity, and maybe even a dad joke if the mood’s right.

We believe in honest solutions, not smoke and mirrors. Just real support, by real people, who actually like helping you.

So next time your computer acts up, skip the tech snobs and give us a call. We’ll fix the issue—and never make you feel bad for asking, “what’s an SSD?”

The Dirty Secret Behind “Recycling” Your Old Electronics

You know that feeling of moral victory when you finally drop off that crusty old laptop or outdated flip phone at a “recycling” bin? Cue the imaginary gold star on your chest—you’re saving the planet!

…Except, plot twist: a large chunk of that “recycled” tech ends up doing a world tour—straight to a landfill, or worse, an unregulated junkyard overseas.

Let’s break it down (pun intended):

• 29% of e-waste? Straight to landfills.
• 40%? Exported overseas.
• The rest? Either incinerated or just… tossed in storage to think about what it’s done.

In many developing countries, people are disassembling these devices by hand, often with zero protective gear. Imagine cracking open a 2007 Dell tower and getting a face full of mercury and neurotoxins. Not exactly a wellness retreat.

The results? Higher lead levels, spontaneous abortions, cancer risks, and all sorts of horrifying words you’d rather not associate with a busted iPhone.

But wait—it gets worse!

Your data isn’t safe either.
Since this whole international recycling gig is the Wild West (read: unregulated and unlicensed), your photos, passwords, credit card info, and all those “definitely deleted” files could be floating around in someone’s black-market bargain bin.

And as of 2021, there’s no federal law in the U.S. stopping any of this.

A Failed Attempt at Doing the Right Thing

Back in 2004, Dell and Goodwill said, “Let’s fix this!” and launched a recycling program. They accepted any old computer, promising to dispose of them “responsibly.” Sounds good, right?

Except—plot twist #2—they were secretly shipping that junk off to Southeast Asia. The average “recycled” device traveled over 2,500 miles. Apparently, it’s not e-waste until it gets frequent flyer miles.

Staples and Best Buy also offer similar programs. Sadly, many of those devices take a one-way trip to a landfill or get dumped in places like Hong Kong or West Africa, where folks risk their health to strip out bits of copper and gold.

So… What Can You Do?

The best move? Don’t recycle—revive.
Keep your tech running as long as possible. That laptop from 2017? Still got some juice in it! Your desktop from 2015? Give it a little love, and it’ll keep purring like a confused but loyal toaster.

Here’s how to keep your computer happy and out of a toxic dump:

• 🔄 Weekly: Run OS updates, malware scans, and backups.
• 🐶 Yearly: Clear the dust bunnies and pet hair from your fans.
• 💾 Always: Keep your C: drive below 90% full—computers hate being bloated.
• ❄️ Every three years: Re-apply CPU thermal paste (like skincare, but for CPUs).
• ⚡ ASAP: Replace your old-school hard drive with a snazzy SSD for faster boot times and longer life.

TL;DR – Recycling tech feels good. But most of the time, it’s a smokescreen for something shady. Keeping your devices alive longer is better for your wallet, your data, and, believe it or not, the planet.

So go ahead—hug your laptop today. And maybe clean the crumbs out of the keyboard while you’re at it.

Sources; additional information: 
Columbia University •Vice • The Verge • 60 Minutes

Windows 11: Home vs. Pro – Which One Do You Need?

When choosing a new computer or upgrading your system, it’s important to know the difference between Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro. While both versions offer a fast, secure, and modern experience, Windows 11 Pro includes extra tools designed for business use, remote access, and advanced security. Below is a quick comparison to help you decide which version best fits your needs.

Windows 11 Home

Best for: Everyday consumers, students, home users.

✅ Key Features:

• Full support for touch, pen, voice input
• Built-in Microsoft Store, Edge browser, Widgets, and Snap Layouts
• Windows Hello for facial recognition/fingerprint login
• BitLocker Device Encryption (limited version — hardware must support it)
• Parental controls via Microsoft Family Safety
• Virtual desktops and support for up to 1 CPU socket and 128 GB RAM
• Required to sign in with a Microsoft Account (can be bypassed, but not easily)

❌ Missing:

• Domain Join / Group Policy support
• BitLocker full-disk encryption
• Hyper-V virtualization
• Remote Desktop host (can connect to others, but not be connected into)
• Windows Sandbox
• Assigned Access / Kiosk mode
• Azure Active Directory / Intune management

Windows 11 Pro

Best for: Power users, IT professionals, small businesses, and remote workers.

✅ Everything in Home, plus:

• BitLocker full drive encryption (with TPM support)
• Remote Desktop host (you can connect into your PC remotely)
• Group Policy Editor (advanced admin control)
• Domain Join (connects to on-premise servers)
• Hyper-V for virtual machines
• Windows Sandbox (run untrusted apps safely)
• Assigned Access (lock down device for kiosk use)
• Azure AD & Microsoft Intune support (manage devices remotely)
• Support for up to 2 CPUs and 2 TB RAM

💡 Which Should You Get?

🏠 Choose Windows 11 Home if:

• You’re using your computer for personal use, school, or light work
• You don’t need advanced security or remote access features
• You’re not part of a business or IT-managed environment

💼 Choose Windows 11 Pro if:

• You want Remote Desktop, advanced encryption, or virtual machines
• You work in a business environment, manage other devices, or need full control
• You plan to use bit-for-bit security tools or connect to domains

Need help upgrading or choosing the right version?
📞 Mount Vernon Computers is here to help with setup, licensing, and remote access!