Can’t See the Screen? Here’s a Simple Way to Make Your Computer Easier on the Eyes
Stop squinting and start enjoying your computer screen again.
Does using your computer feel like a workout for your eyes? If you find yourself leaning closer and closer to the glass just to read an email, you aren’t alone. As we spend more time on our devices, a blurry or small computer screen can lead to headaches and frustration. The good news is that you don’t need a magnifying glass! Here are two tips to make your tech clearer and your computer happier this spring.
The “Big Text” Trick
Most websites are designed with standard text, but “standard” isn’t always “readable.” You don’t have to settle for tiny print.
The Fix: You can “zoom in” on any website in seconds using a simple keyboard shortcut.
How to do it:
- Hold down the Ctrl key (usually in the bottom left corner of your keyboard).
- Tap the + (plus) key. Each tap makes the text on your computer screen larger.
- To go back, hold Ctrl and tap the – (minus) key.
Try the “Big Text” trick right now on this blog post; your eyes will thank you! If your computer is still running hot or your computer screen seems dim, give me a call. I’d be happy to swing by for a professional “Spring Tune-Up.”
The Easter Egg Hunt Is Done. Now It’s Time For The Dust Bunny Hunt To Begin
While we’re talking about what you see on the screen, we need to talk about what’s happening behind it. If your computer sounds like a jet engine or feels hot to the touch, you likely have “dust bunnies” clogging the vents. When a computer can’t breathe, it slows down to protect itself from heat.
The Fix: A gentle “spring cleaning” for your hardware.
How to do it:
Pro Tip: If you have a can of compressed air, give it a few short bursts to blow the dust out. This keeps your fan quiet and your computer screen from flickering due to heat stress.
Turn off your computer.
Locate the vents (usually on the sides or bottom of a laptop, or the back of a desktop).
Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the vents.
I’m always happy to swing by and give it a proper cleaning and tune-up for you. While I’m there, I can show you the big text trick in person.
At The Tech Shed, we keep tech going strong and keep e-waste out of Cowichan’s landfills. Reach out if you need a good computer cleaning. Give Robert a call at 250-710-0595 or click here to fill out the form, and he will get back to you.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Common Questions About Your Computer Screen
Why does my computer screen flicker sometimes? Flickering can be caused by many things, but often it’s a loose cable or the computer getting too hot. Cleaning the dust out of the vents is a great first step to fix it.
Does zooming in mess up the website? Usually, no! Modern websites are designed to “re-flow,” meaning the pictures and text will just shift around to stay neat even when you make the words much larger.
Can I clean my screen with window cleaner? No! Standard window cleaners have chemicals that can strip the protective coating off a computer screen. Always use a dry microfiber cloth or a cleaner specifically labelled for electronics.