Question: It seems like every time I contact a knowledgeable friend or a professional about a computer problem, the first thing they say is, "Did you try rebooting?" Does rebooting (the technical term for restarting) really solve that many problems and, if so, how?

Answer: Yes, rebooting can solve many computer problems and here's why: As your computer runs, it starts and stops various processes but not always in the most efficient way. Some of them may remain open or partially open, using up valuable computing power. In addition, some programs may experience an issue and not run as expected, but may not be able to stop the problem without shutting down and starting again from scratch. That is why the "rebooting" advice is good not only for the entire device, but for individual programs as well. You can also try it if you run into issues with devices including a smartphone, tablet, or TV. Be aware, however, that if you're rebooting regularly or rebooting doesn't help, it may mean there is a bigger problem involved.