### ZDNET’s Review Process and Reader Commitment
ZDNET is a technology news and review site that prides itself on delivering rigorous, trustworthy recommendations for tech products and services. Their editorial team spends significant time testing, researching, and comparing items before making any recommendations. This process includes gathering information from reputable sources, such as vendor and retailer listings, as well as independent review sites. Importantly, ZDNET also sifts through customer reviews to understand what real users appreciate or struggle with in a product.
It’s essential to note that ZDNET may earn affiliate commissions when readers purchase products or services through links on their site. However, the company insists that these commissions do not influence editorial content, coverage, or recommendations in any way. The price readers pay remains unaffected by these affiliations. ZDNET and its authors do not receive compensation for their independent reviews, and strict editorial guidelines ensure their content remains unbiased and uninfluenced by advertisers.
The ZDNET editorial team’s mission is to serve the reader first. They aim to provide the most accurate information and the most informed advice to help consumers make smarter decisions when buying tech gear and other products. Every article undergoes thorough review and fact-checking to meet high editorial standards. If mistakes or misleading information are discovered, ZDNET is committed to correcting or clarifying the content promptly. Readers are encouraged to report any inaccuracies directly.
### Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems
Computers have an uncanny knack for crashing at the worst possible moments, often interrupting important work sessions or leisure time. Even well-maintained systems are not immune to sudden slowdowns or the infamous “Black (or Blue) Screen of Death,” which signals a critical system failure. These issues are frequently the result of running too many processes in the background, which can exhaust your computer’s RAM and cause it to crash.
Restarting the computer and closing unnecessary apps is the simplest fix for many performance issues. However, sometimes more involved troubleshooting is necessary, especially on Windows PCs. Learning to diagnose and address these problems early is vital—not only can it extend your device’s lifespan and boost performance, but it can also save you money by reducing the need for professional repairs or premature upgrades. ZDNET’s guide series is designed to help users learn the best ways to handle common PC issues, starting with how to overcome slowdowns and tackle system crashes.
### Fixing Slow Performance
If your PC remains slow even after shutting down extraneous apps and browser tabs, one of the first remedies is to install the latest Windows 11 update. Microsoft regularly releases patches—typically on the second Tuesday of each month—that address security vulnerabilities and improve performance. However, it’s wise to be cautious: for example, the October 2025 patch reportedly introduced a “serious recovery mode glitch.” While workarounds exist, you might choose to delay such updates until any major bugs are resolved.
Another effective way to improve performance is disabling unnecessary startup programs. This can be done via the Task Manager