Why Your Wi-Fi Slows Down in the Evening — Explained by a Wickford Tech
It’s 7pm. You’ve settled down to stream something, your kids are on Roblox, and suddenly the Wi-Fi feels like it’s running through treacle. Sound familiar? You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common complaints I hear from customers in Wickford, Basildon and Rayleigh.
With a background in the telecoms industry as well as years of local IT repairs, I see the same patterns over and over. The good news? A lot of them can be fixed.
Peak-time congestion
Think of broadband like a motorway. At 2pm it’s clear, but at 7pm everyone’s piling on at once. Streaming, gaming, Zoom calls, smart TVs, tablets… the more households using the network, the busier it gets.
In Wickford, where many homes share the same street cabinet or exchange, that demand shows up as slower speeds for everyone.
Hub placement mistakes
Here’s where my telco experience really comes in. I’ve seen countless homes where the broadband hub is shoved behind a TV, under a desk, or even in a cupboard. Wi-Fi signals hate that. Thick walls, fish tanks, even Christmas lights can block or weaken the signal.
Simple fix: keep your hub out in the open, raised up, and central in the home.
Household overload
It’s not just the neighbourhood — it’s your devices, too. If three people are streaming, one’s gaming, and another is downloading updates, the hub has to juggle it all. Older hubs especially struggle.
Evening interference
Evening is when microwaves are on, neighbours are home, and smart gadgets kick in. All those signals compete, especially on the common 2.4GHz band.
What you can do
Reposition the hub: central, raised, away from TVs or thick walls.
Check connected devices: old phones and forgotten smart plugs eat bandwidth.
Consider mesh Wi-Fi: if coverage is patchy, adding mesh points can transform it.
Review your package: sometimes the issue is simply not enough bandwidth for the household.
When to get help
If your Wi-Fi crawls every evening no matter what you try, it could be more than congestion. Faulty hubs, outdated firmware, or line issues may be at play.
Local support in Wickford
At LaunchLayer, I combine telco experience with local IT repair to help households and small businesses get stable, fast Wi-Fi. From better hub placement to diagnosing line faults, I’ll give you clear, no-nonsense advice before you spend a penny.
3 Signs Your Laptop Battery Is About to Fail
Laptop batteries don’t usually die overnight — they give you warning signs first. Spotting them early can save you hassle, money, and sometimes even keep you safe. As someone who sees dozens of faulty laptops across Wickford, Basildon and Rayleigh, here are the top three red flags I’d look out for.
1. The laptop won’t hold charge for long
If you unplug your charger and the laptop dies within an hour (or even a few minutes), the battery cells are wearing out. Over time, batteries lose capacity — but once you’re charging more than you’re unplugged, it’s time to think about a replacement.
2. The battery or case looks swollen
One of the most common faults I see is swollen batteries. The laptop case may bulge, the trackpad might sit unevenly, or the bottom panel can feel “spongy.” This isn’t just annoying — it can be dangerous. Swollen batteries should be replaced quickly before they leak or put pressure on other components.
3. Random shutdowns or charging issues
Does your laptop switch off suddenly at 40% battery, or refuse to charge beyond a certain point? That’s a classic sign of a failing battery. The internal sensors can’t read power levels properly anymore, leaving you guessing.
What to do next
Don’t ignore swelling — stop using the laptop and get it checked.
Get a free diagnosis — I’ll confirm whether it’s just the battery or something deeper.
Consider an upgrade — fitting a fresh battery can extend a laptop’s life for years, often much cheaper than replacing the whole machine.
Local battery replacements in Wickford
At LaunchLayer, I offer battery replacements, laptop servicing, and performance upgrades with a no fix, no fee guarantee. If you’re not sure whether it’s time for a new battery, book a free check-up and I’ll give you clear, no-nonsense advice.
Building a Custom PC: Inside a Thermaltake Performance Build
When it comes to balancing performance, reliability and value, an off-the-shelf PC rarely delivers exactly what you need. That’s where a custom PC build makes all the difference. At LaunchLayer, every system is designed around the customer’s requirements, tested thoroughly, and handed over with complete confidence.
Recently, we built a machine for a customer who needed a fast, reliable PC for study and creative workloads with plenty of headroom for gaming. Here’s how we approached it.
Choosing the Right Components
For this project we used a Thermaltake case — excellent airflow, tidy layout, and plenty of room for future upgrades. Inside, the build features:
AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D processor — superb multitasking and gaming performance
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card — cutting-edge RDNA 4 GPU with 16 GB VRAM, ideal for 1440p and capable at 4K
Corsair 850W PSU — stable, efficient power delivery with headroom for future upgrades
High-performance cooling — keeping CPU and GPU temps in check under heavy load
Fast NVMe SSD storage — rapid boot times and application performance
This spec provides a brilliant balance of raw power, efficiency, and future-proofing, with the RX 9070 XT giving serious graphical performance for both gaming and creative workloads.
Why Go Custom?
A custom-built PC gives you advantages prebuilt systems simply don’t:
Tailored to your needs — built around what you’ll actually use it for
Better value — your budget goes into the components that matter
Upgradeable — cases like Thermaltake’s give space for extra drives, GPUs, or cooling down the line
Reliability — every part is chosen for performance and quality, not just to hit a retail price point
Testing and Quality Assurance
Every system we deliver goes through a full suite of checks:
CPU/GPU stress testing (Cinebench, FurMark)
RAM stability checks (MemTest86+)
Storage health tests (CrystalDiskInfo)
Port and connectivity tests (USB, audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, display outputs)
Thermal testing under heavy load
We also provide a handover sheet with results and warranty information, so customers know exactly how their machine performed before delivery.
The End Result
The result was a clean, quiet, high-performance system built to last for years — a PC that’s as comfortable handling study and productivity tasks as it is playing the latest AAA games at high settings.
Thinking About a Custom PC Build?
If you’re considering a custom PC build in Essex, LaunchLayer can help you design and build a system tailored to your exact needs, whether that’s:
A powerful workstation for study or creative projects
A high-end gaming PC with the latest graphics cards
A reliable everyday machine with room to grow
👉 Get in touch today to talk through your own setup.
How to Recognise a Scam (and What to Do if You’ve Already Been Caught Out)
Scams are becoming more common in Essex, and many of them look convincing at first glance. Whether it’s a text pretending to be from the Post Office or an email claiming your Netflix account has been suspended, the goal is always the same: to trick you into handing over money or access.
As someone who regularly helps residents in Wickford, Basildon and Chelmsford clean up after these scams, here are the red flags to look out for and the steps you should take if you think you’ve been targeted.
Common scams to watch for
“Hi Dad, I’ve got a new phone, save this number” – family impersonation designed to make you act quickly.
Post Office or delivery texts – often asking for a small payment to release a parcel.
Fake account emails – warnings that your bank, PayPal or Netflix account has been suspended with a link to “log in.”
Small business scams – messages pretending to be from Meta or Google, threatening to shut down your page unless you click a link.
Cold calls offering support – scammers who convince you to let them remotely control your computer.
How to stay safe
Do not click links in texts or emails you were not expecting.
Go directly to the official website or app instead.
Never share passwords or banking codes with someone who has contacted you first.
Do not allow remote access to your PC unless you have asked for help from a trusted source.
Take a pause before acting. Scammers rely on panic and pressure.
What to do if you have already been scammed
Disconnect immediately
Turn off Wi-Fi, unplug the Ethernet cable or switch off your router. Speed matters more than shutting down properly.Do not log in to anything
Avoid banking, email or social media on the compromised device. Scammers often leave software behind that records what you type.Run a quick check, but don’t trust it fully
Antivirus scans may miss hidden monitoring tools.Change your passwords safely
Use a different device to reset your email, bank and key account passwords.Get your PC checked properly
This is the step most people miss. Scammers often leave behind hidden software that can collect data for weeks.
Local scam recovery in Essex
At LaunchLayer, I specialise in post-scam clean-ups. That means removing hidden software, securing your accounts and making sure your system is safe to use again.
If you think you have been scammed, you can book a free initial check. There is no judgement and no jargon, just clear advice and honest repairs from someone local.
AI for Small Businesses: Lessons from the UK’s Copilot Trial
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are everywhere in the headlines. They promise faster work, fewer headaches and a new era of productivity. But as the UK government’s recent Microsoft 365 Copilot trial shows, the reality is more complicated—especially for small businesses trying to figure out where AI fits.
The key lesson? Start with the problem, not the tool.
The Promise of Copilot
The government trial, which ran across several departments, found that employees saved around 25 minutes a day when using Copilot for routine tasks. Drafting emails, summarising documents and pulling together reports all got quicker.
Feedback was also strongly positive. Around 70–80% of participants said they’d prefer to keep using Copilot rather than go back to old workflows. Neurodiverse colleagues and non-native English speakers reported particularly strong benefits, as AI reduced some of the friction of everyday communication.
For small businesses, that sounds appealing. Saving half an hour a day could be the difference between closing a sale and chasing paperwork.
The Reality Check
But the trial also surfaced problems that every SME should note:
Inconsistent productivity gains – For creative, complex or accuracy-critical work, Copilot didn’t help much. In fact, some users found it slowed them down.
Extra verification needed – Drafts often needed heavy corrections. The time saved up front was lost again in editing.
No clear impact at scale – While individuals felt more efficient, at a departmental level the trial found no measurable productivity improvement once review and training were factored in.
In other words, AI delivered value—but not everywhere, and not automatically.
Why ‘Problem First’ Matters
This trial highlights a classic product principle: don’t start with the solution, start with the problem.
Too many businesses are rolling out AI because it feels like the “next big thing.” But without clear use cases, you risk:
Adding complexity instead of removing it.
Creating compliance risks, especially around GDPR and data security.
Wasting effort on tools that don’t fit the task.
A smarter approach looks like this:
Define the problem — Where are the real pain points? Is it admin-heavy tasks, customer queries, compliance documentation?
Start small — Apply AI to low-risk, high-volume areas first.
Train your team — Make sure staff know when an AI output is a draft and when it can be trusted.
Iterate and scale — Review what worked, refine the process, then expand.
This is the same mindset that good product teams use to build successful features—and it works just as well for AI adoption.
What This Means for Small Businesses
At LaunchLayer, we’ve worked with local businesses who are excited about AI but quickly hit barriers:
Staff unsure how or when to use it.
Drafts that look good at first but miss key details.
Tools adopted without considering GDPR or data security implications.
The solution isn’t to avoid AI—it’s to adopt it cautiously and with intent. By mapping out your business problems first, you can choose the right tools and get the benefits without the frustration.
Final Thought
AI isn’t here to replace human judgment. It’s here to amplify it.
The companies that thrive with AI won’t be those who adopt tools the fastest, but those who use them with clarity, training and the right problem in mind.
If you’re considering how AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT could help your business, start with your challenges first—and if you want a partner to guide you through that process, LaunchLayer can help.
Top 5 Most Common Laptop Issues (And How to Fix Them)
Laptops are great until they aren’t. Whether it’s a sudden slowdown or a screen that won’t turn on, these machines have a way of letting us down at the worst time. The good news? Most problems are fixable without replacing the whole laptop.
Here are the top 5 laptop issues we see at LaunchLayer — and what you can do about them.
1. Laptop Running Slowly
Nothing’s more frustrating than waiting minutes for a page to load. Slow laptops are usually caused by:
Old hard drives (HDDs instead of SSDs)
Too many background apps
Not enough memory (RAM)
Quick fix: Restart your laptop, uninstall unused programs, and clear temporary files.
Pro fix: Upgrading to an SSD or adding RAM will give your laptop a new lease of life.
2. Overheating & Loud Fans
If your laptop sounds like it’s about to take off, dust and worn thermal paste are often the culprits. Overheating can also shorten the lifespan of your components.
Quick fix: Use your laptop on a hard surface, not soft furnishings.
Pro fix: A professional thermal clean and re-paste keeps your system cool and quiet.
3. Battery Won’t Hold Charge
Laptop batteries wear out over time, especially if you keep them plugged in 24/7. You might notice your laptop dies within minutes of unplugging it.
Quick fix: Reduce screen brightness, close unused apps, and switch to battery saver mode.
Pro fix: A replacement battery is usually affordable and restores full portability.
4. Broken Screens or Keyboards
Cracked displays, flickering panels, or missing keys are all too common — especially if the laptop travels with you.
Quick fix: External monitors or USB keyboards can tide you over in a pinch.
Pro fix: Screen and keyboard replacements are cost-effective and usually cheaper than buying new.
5. Virus, Malware & Scam Pop-Ups
From endless pop-ups to strange toolbars, malware is still one of the biggest headaches. Scammers also trick users into fake warnings and unwanted subscriptions.
Quick fix: Run a full antivirus scan and uninstall suspicious apps.
Pro fix: A virus and scam clean-up not only removes infections but also adds protection to stop it happening again.
Final Thoughts
Most laptop issues don’t mean the end of your device. With the right upgrades or repairs, you can often get years more use from your machine.
At LaunchLayer, we offer:
Free diagnostics (no guesswork, just clear answers)
No-fix-no-fee guarantee
Local collection in Wickford, Basildon, Rayleigh, Billericay, Southend, and Brentwood
👉 If your laptop’s showing any of these signs, book your free check-up today and we’ll get it sorted.
Laptop Not Turning On? Here’s What to Check Before You Panic
Not all dead laptops are truly dead. Sometimes, the fix is easier (and cheaper) than you'd think. Whether your machine shows no signs of life or just refuses to boot, here are the common causes — and what you can try before you book a repair.
1. Check the basics first
Power cable and socket
Sounds obvious, but it's always worth confirming. Try another plug socket, and check if the charger light turns on (if it has one).Loose or broken charger
Inspect the power cable for kinks, frays, or damage. If the charging pin feels loose or sits awkwardly in the socket, the port could be damaged or the charger might be failing.Battery reset
Some laptops have a pinhole battery reset button on the underside. Press it with a paperclip and then try powering up again. Useful on brands like Lenovo and some Acers.
2. Try a power drain reset
Remove the battery (if removable)
Unplug the laptop, remove the battery, hold the power button for 30 seconds, then reconnect everything and try again.For internal batteries
Just hold the power button for 30–60 seconds while it’s unplugged. This can clear up power-related quirks.
3. No screen, or screen is black?
External display test
Plug in an external monitor or TV via HDMI. If the laptop’s on but the screen’s dead, this will help confirm if it’s a display issue.Keyboard lights or fan spin?
If the laptop sounds like it’s running but you see nothing, the backlight or screen cable might be faulty. This is common in older models and can be fixed.
4. BIOS or beeps? Pay attention
Beeps or flashing lights at startup
These are error codes. They might sound cryptic, but they help narrow things down. One long beep and two short, for example, often points to a display issue.BIOS corruption
If you see the logo then it freezes, your BIOS might be corrupted or misconfigured. This needs a careful reset — or, in some cases, a reflash.
5. Still nothing? Could be hardware
Motherboard or power circuit failure
These are the worst-case scenarios and usually the most expensive. If the laptop’s totally dead despite all of the above, it could be internal damage or failure.Liquid damage?
Even small spills can corrode components over time, leading to power failure down the line.
Final thoughts
If your laptop isn’t turning on, it’s not always game over. Many times, it’s something simple — a dodgy charger, a drained battery, or a confused BIOS. Try the basics, take a breath, and if you're still stuck, that’s where I come in.
I can check the internals, test the board, swap the charger, and give you a quick, honest answer. No guesswork, no pressure. And if it is done for? I’ll tell you that too — and help you find a good replacement.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Swollen Laptop Battery
You notice your laptop’s trackpad bulging a little. Maybe the base isn’t sitting flat on the desk anymore. It still turns on, so you carry on. But that swelling isn’t cosmetic — it’s a red flag, and you shouldn’t ignore it.
What causes a swollen battery?
Most laptops use lithium-ion batteries. Over time, especially when exposed to heat or damage, these batteries can start to degrade. One outcome is gas build-up inside the battery cells. That pressure causes the battery to swell, pushing against the laptop’s chassis.
It’s not rare — I’ve seen this in everything from MacBooks to cheap supermarket specials.
Why it’s a problem
A swollen battery can:
Crack your trackpad or lift the keyboard
Warp or split the chassis, damaging internal components
Overheat, posing a fire risk
Fail suddenly, leaving you with no working machine
It’s not just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. If left unchecked, a swollen battery can become unstable or even catch fire, especially during charging.
Signs your laptop battery might be swollen
Trackpad no longer clicks properly or sits flush
Laptop case bulging or not closing properly
Screen or base lifting on one side
Hotter-than-usual running temps
Battery life suddenly worse than normal
If you’re unsure, don’t try to open the laptop yourself. Puncturing a swollen cell is risky. I’ve had customers come in with batteries puffed up like a balloon inside — one knock away from disaster.
What to do next
Stop charging it if you suspect swelling
Back up your data in case it fails completely
Bring it in to be safely assessed and replaced
Battery replacements are usually straightforward if caught early. The sooner you act, the less chance of further damage.
Prevention tips
Avoid leaving your laptop plugged in all the time
Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight
Don’t ignore signs of battery health warnings
Use proper chargers — not cheap knock-offs
A swollen battery isn’t something to leave for “later.” If your laptop doesn’t sit flat anymore, or something feels off with the shape, based in Essex? Drop me a message. A quick check might save you from a much bigger issue.
Why Your Laptop Is Making That Noise (And What to Do About It)
Laptops aren’t meant to sound like jet engines. If yours is getting loud, buzzing, grinding, or rattling, that’s a sign something isn’t right — or is about to go wrong.
These noises don’t always mean the laptop is broken, but they’re rarely harmless. Here’s what the most common sounds mean and what you can do about them.
1. Loud Fan Noise
This one’s the most common. If your laptop sounds like it’s about to take off, the cooling system is working overtime. That usually means:
Dust buildup inside
Old thermal paste losing effectiveness
Poor airflow from blocked vents
Background apps pushing the CPU
Fix:
A clean-out and thermal refresh usually sorts this. Replacing the paste and clearing the vents can drop temperatures by 10–20°C, which means a quieter, longer-lasting machine.
2. Clicking or Ticking Sounds
If you’re hearing rhythmic clicks or ticks from inside the laptop, that’s often a failing mechanical hard drive. SSDs don’t make those noises, but older spinning drives do.
Fix:
Back up anything important immediately. This is the sort of issue that goes from annoying to catastrophic very quickly. Swap it for an SSD and enjoy a big speed boost while you're at it.
3. Grinding or Rattling
This often points to a fan issue. The blades might be catching on dust, debris, or even a loose cable inside the case. In some cases, it’s just a dying fan bearing.
Fix:
We’ll open it up, clean it out, and replace the fan if needed. It’s a straightforward job, and it’ll stop that awful noise from getting worse.
4. Whining or Coil Whine
Some laptops (especially gaming or high-performance ones) make a high-pitched whining noise under load. This is often caused by the power circuitry — not harmful, but annoying.
Fix:
Sometimes this is just how the hardware is built. There are a few tricks to reduce it, like disabling certain power states or using external power filters, but it varies by model.
5. Optical Drive Spinning
If your laptop has a CD/DVD drive, you might hear it spin up randomly. Usually harmless, but if it’s frequent, check startup apps or scheduled tasks.
When to Worry
If your laptop sounds different than usual and is also running hot, lagging, or freezing — it’s time to act. Noise is often the first warning sign before a bigger failure.
We Can Help
At LaunchLayer, we regularly clean, service, and repair laptops in Wickford and the surrounding areas. From noisy fans to full thermal refits, we’ll sort the issue before it gets worse.
If your laptop is louder than it used to be, get in touch. A bit of preventative work now can save you from a dead machine later.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Laptop Maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind — until your laptop starts acting up.
Laptop maintenance isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about keeping the machine efficient, cool, and responsive. Skip it, and even a decent machine can end up crawling within a year.
Let’s break down what’s actually at risk, and why a bit of care goes a long way.
1. Overheating cuts performance and lifespan
Dust blocks vents, thermal paste dries out, and airflow tanks. That heat builds fast — and instead of pushing harder, your laptop throttles performance to protect itself. Worse still, that heat shortens the lifespan of internal components.
Real example:
A client brought in a decent Dell laptop that had slowed to a crawl. Inside, it was packed with dust, and the CPU paste had completely dried out. After a full thermal service, it dropped 15°C and ran like new.
2. Battery health takes a hit
Excess heat and poor charging habits degrade batteries quickly. If your laptop’s always running hot or stuck at 100% on charge, don’t be surprised if the battery gives up early.
Tip:
Keep it cool, unplug now and then, and try to keep charge levels between 40–80% when possible.
3. Performance gets bogged down
Junk files, bloated startup processes, and background apps all pile up. Even decent specs can’t save you from a system that’s clogged with nonsense.
Fix:
Regular software tune-ups and driver updates make a world of difference. Half the laptops I see don’t need replacing — just a clean install and fresh setup.
4. Hard drives and SSDs aren’t invincible
Mechanical drives wear down. SSDs slow when full and don’t like constant write-heavy tasks. Running your storage to 95% full is a great way to tank performance.
What I do:
Health check the drive, remove clutter, and recommend upgrades when needed. An SSD swap is still the best bang-for-buck upgrade out there.
5. Keyboard gunk and port failures
Crumbs, dust, and grime build up under keys. USB ports stop working from years of cable strain. It’s all avoidable with occasional cleaning and care.
Simple fix:
Clean ports gently with isopropyl alcohol and a brush. Keep food away from the keyboard. Sounds obvious, but it adds years to a machine.
Maintenance isn’t just for high-end kit
Even budget laptops benefit massively from a bit of care. I worked on a Teclast recently that was sluggish and overheating. Swapped the SSD, did a full clean, updated everything, and added a copper shim mod to help with the cooling. The owner was blown away by the difference.
How often should you service your laptop?
Light use (email, browsing): Once a year
Heavier use (work, gaming, school): Every 6–9 months
Any time it’s hot, slow, or noisy: Book it in
Final thoughts
It’s easy to forget your laptop needs upkeep. But regular maintenance isn’t a gimmick — it’s what keeps your tech useful, fast, and reliable for years.
If yours is due some attention, or you’re not sure where to start, drop me a message. It’s probably easier — and cheaper — to fix than you think.
Why Your Laptop Fan Is Always Loud (and What You Can Do About It)
Laptop sounding like a jet engine lately? You’re not alone.
Loud fan noise is one of the most common complaints I get, especially from people using their laptop on a sofa or bed. It’s not just annoying — it’s often a sign something’s not quite right.
Here’s what causes that constant whirring, and what you can do to calm it down.
1. Dust and blocked vents
This is by far the most common cause. Over time, dust builds up inside your laptop, clogging the vents and coating the fans. It stops heat from escaping properly, so the fan kicks in harder and more often to compensate.
Fix:
A proper internal clean. Not just a blast of compressed air from the outside — I’m talking about opening it up and cleaning the fans, heatsinks, and vents directly.
2. Dried or poor thermal paste
Old or low-quality thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink can lead to poor heat transfer. That means more heat, which means your fan goes full throttle even under light loads.
Fix:
Replace the thermal paste with something decent. I use high-grade paste and apply it properly — no blobs or smears. This alone can drop temperatures by 5–10°C.
3. Cheap cooling design
Some budget laptops just have poor airflow design. I had one on the bench last week — a thin HP model with one tiny fan doing all the work. Even after cleaning and re-pasting, it still ran hot because the vents were too small.
Fix:
In some cases, you can help it with copper mods or better placement (like using a laptop stand). But sometimes, it’s just the trade-off of a slim design.
4. Background junk
You’d be surprised how many laptops run hot just because they’re overloaded with background apps and junk software. Antivirus bloat, manufacturer bloatware, auto-updaters — they all stack up and keep your CPU working harder than it needs to.
Fix:
Clean up startup programs and unnecessary apps. A lean system runs cooler and quieter.
5. Wrong usage surface
Using a laptop on soft surfaces like beds, cushions, or even your lap can block airflow completely. It’s like trying to breathe through a pillow.
Fix:
Use it on a hard, flat surface. Even a chopping board is better than a duvet. Better yet, get a stand to elevate it and improve airflow.
What I do during a fan noise service
Remove all internal dust and debris
Replace dried or poor thermal paste
Clean vents and heatsinks
Check for BIOS or driver updates
Tweak system settings for balanced cooling
Recently, I worked on a Lenovo laptop that had been driving the owner mad with constant fan noise. Inside, it was packed with dust, and the thermal paste had gone crusty. After a full clean and repaste, it ran 10°C cooler and the fan barely spun up under normal use.
Final thoughts
A noisy fan doesn’t always mean something’s broken. But it’s nearly always a sign your laptop needs a bit of attention. Whether it’s a deep clean, a thermal repaste, or just better usage habits, I can help get it back to running quietly and cool again.
The Truth About Cheap Laptops: What to Watch Out For Before You Buy
Not every laptop is built to last forever. And that’s okay.
Sometimes you just need something to get through a course, handle basic admin, or serve as a child’s first computer. But if you’ve ever had a machine that felt slow after only a year or two, there’s usually a reason.
Here’s what makes some laptops age faster than others, and how to know if a budget option actually suits your needs.
Cheap doesn’t always mean bad
Budget laptops have their place. They’re ideal when money is tight or when you only need something for browsing and emails. But they’re usually designed with specific use cases in mind. Push them beyond that and things start to fall apart.
This isn’t about avoiding budget laptops. It’s about knowing what you’re getting and avoiding a headache down the line.
What you often get with cheaper machines
Slower storage
Some still use old hard drives, and even when they include SSDs, they’re often the bottom tier. That means slow startup times, lag when opening files, and a generally sluggish feel.Lower RAM
4GB is still the standard in many budget models. It’s just enough for Windows to run, but not much else. If you want to run multiple apps, 8GB should be your minimum.Basic processors
Entry-level CPUs are fine for browsing and light work, but they struggle with multitasking, video calls, and more demanding tasks. They also become obsolete faster.Weak cooling
Budget laptops often lack proper cooling. They run hot and throttle under pressure, which kills performance.
One example from my bench recently was a Teclast laptop. Looked decent on paper, but in use it was slow, ran hot, and lagged constantly. Under the hood though, the hardware had potential. I replaced the SSD, cleared out the bloatware, updated all drivers, and added a copper shim to stop the CPU from throttling.
After a bit of work, it now boots quickly, multitasks without freezing, and actually makes use of its hardware properly. Small upgrades made a huge difference.
Set your expectations
If you're buying a budget laptop for browsing and simple tasks, it might be spot on. But if you plan to use Zoom, spreadsheets, and edit photos, it’ll likely feel underpowered quickly.
A cheap laptop isn’t a bad one. It just has to fit the job.
What to look for in a cheap laptop
SSD over hard drive
8GB RAM or more
A recent-ish processor
A decent screen and keyboard
When budget laptops make sense
Kids doing schoolwork or learning the basics
Spare machine for emails or browsing
Temporary option while saving for something stronger
Final thoughts
Budget machines can do the job if you’re realistic about what they’re for. The biggest issue is expecting high-end performance from a low-cost build.
If your laptop feels slower than it should, there’s often something that can be done. A good clean, a RAM upgrade, or a bit of thermal work can bring a struggling machine back to life.
If you're unsure whether to repair or replace, I’ll give you an honest take. Sometimes it’s worth fixing. Sometimes it’s time to move on. Either way, you’ll know for sure.
Why Your Laptop Slows Down Over Time (And What You Can Do About It)
That once-speedy laptop now takes five minutes to boot, struggles with simple tasks, and sounds like it’s trying to take off. You're not imagining it — laptops do slow down over time. But it’s not just “old age” and it’s often fixable.
Let’s break down the real reasons why it happens, and what you can do to get it running like new again.
1. Software bloat creeps in quietly
Every program you install adds something to your system. Some start with Windows, run in the background, or constantly check for updates. Over time, your system ends up juggling a bunch of unnecessary processes, draining performance.
What to do:
Uninstall programs you don’t use
Disable startup items (Task Manager > Startup tab)
Use tools like CCleaner carefully to tidy up junk
2. Mechanical hard drives are painfully slow
If your laptop still uses a traditional spinning hard drive (HDD), that alone could be the bottleneck. Modern software is built with SSDs in mind, and HDDs just can’t keep up.
What to do:
Upgrading to an SSD is the single best speed boost you can give an older laptop. I’ve done dozens of these upgrades in Wickford — it turns a frustrating machine into something actually usable again.
3. Thermal issues throttle performance
Dust, dried thermal paste, and blocked vents can make a laptop run hot. When that happens, the processor slows itself down to stay cool, even if you're not doing anything intense.
What to do:
A clean-out and a fresh thermal paste or pad can drop temperatures by 10–20°C and stop throttling. It also reduces fan noise and extends lifespan.
4. Background updates and antivirus scans
Windows updates and antivirus software often run when you're not expecting it. If your laptop suddenly slows down out of nowhere, it's usually one of these in the background.
What to do:
Keep your OS updated but schedule updates outside your normal work hours. Make sure you’re not running multiple antivirus tools at once.
5. RAM limits and multitasking
4GB of RAM used to be enough. Now it struggles with just a browser and email open. More demanding users (especially with lots of Chrome tabs) will feel the strain.
What to do:
Upgrading to 8GB or 16GB RAM (if your laptop allows it) makes multitasking smoother. Worth doing if you’re not ready to replace the machine.
Final word
A slow laptop doesn’t always mean it's time to buy a new one. Most issues are gradual and fixable with a bit of cleanup or a sensible upgrade. If you’re in Wickford or nearby and your laptop’s dragging its feet, drop me a message — I’ll give it a proper check and tell you straight if it’s worth fixing or not.
What Parents Really Need to Know About Roblox, Minecraft & Fortnite
Whether your child is building blocky castles, battling in a cartoon warzone, or asking for Robux for the third time this week, this guide’s for you. It’s quick, straight-talking, and built to help Wickford parents stay one step ahead without needing a computer science degree.
Roblox: What Parents Need to Know
What is it?
A platform with thousands of user-created games — obstacle courses, roleplay, dress-up, racing, pet simulators. Hugely popular with younger kids.
Recommended Age: 9+ (PEGI 7 officially, but lots of under-9s play)
Parental Control Tips
Turn on Account Restrictions to limit access to vetted games only.
Set a PIN to lock privacy and chat settings.
Disable chat, or set it to "Friends only".
Either set a monthly spending limit for Robux or turn off spending completely.
Create a Parent Login — gives full control but requires your own Roblox account.
What to Watch Out For
Free Robux scams — they're all fake.
In-game purchases piling up — avoidable with spend controls.
Inappropriate games slipping through moderation.
Strangers in chat, especially in roleplay games — avoidable if chat is off.
Minecraft: Building Fun or Hidden Risks?
What is it?
Digital Lego meets survival sandbox. Kids explore, build, mod and sometimes blow things up. Versions differ between mobile, console and PC.
Recommended Age: 8+ (PEGI 7, but depends on how it's played)
Parental Control Tips
Use Microsoft Family Safety for Xbox and PC versions.
Disable multiplayer if you want solo-only play.
Set the game to Peaceful mode for younger players.
Use whitelist-only servers if you’re allowing online play.
Explore education.minecraft.net for safe learning maps.
What to Watch Out For
Unmoderated online servers with bad language or trolling.
Mod downloads from dodgy websites.
Arguments over griefing or "stealing" in shared worlds.
YouTube rabbit holes leading to questionable content.
Fortnite: More Than Just a Shooter
What is it?
Cartoony shooter meets dance-off. Players fight in 100-person matches, but it’s more social than violent. Big on emotes, skins and squad chat.
Recommended Age: 12+ (PEGI 12 for mild violence and online interactions)
Parental Control Tips
Turn off or limit Voice Chat — or set it to "Friends only".
Use Epic Games parental controls for screen time and spend limits.
Enable the Mature Language Filter.
Lock purchases with a passcode.
Use parental settings on PlayStation/Xbox as a second line of defence.
What to Watch Out For
In-app spending on V-Bucks, skins and Battle Passes.
Unfiltered chat with older teens or adults.
Post-match rage or frustration.
Phishing scams offering free V-Bucks or hacks.
Final Tips for Wickford Parents
Play with them for 10 minutes — it tells you more than a blog ever could.
Stay curious, not controlling. Ask questions, don't just lay down rules.
Don't rely on headlines — most kids use these games safely with the right guardrails.
If their PC or console is running slow, don’t replace it yet. We do speed boosts, repairs and upgrades right here in Wickford — usually for less than a new controller.
How Often Should You Service Your Laptop? A Local Tech’s Honest Answer
“How often should I service my laptop?” I get asked this all the time, especially when someone brings one in that’s already overheating, slow, or sounding like a jet engine. The honest answer is: it depends on how you use it, where you use it, and whether you want to keep it running like new or just wait for it to break.
Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown.
1. If you work from home or use it daily
Laptops used every day, especially for work, should be serviced once a year. That means internal dust removal, thermal paste or pad refresh, and checking for any signs of fan wear or component issues.
One of my recent customers in Wickford had a three-year-old HP EliteBook. Still in decent shape, but the thermal pad had dried out, and the fan was packed with dust. Cleaned it up, reapplied the pad, and the fan noise dropped by half. It now runs cooler and faster.
2. If it sits on a bed, carpet or soft surface
Dust builds up much faster in these cases. Vents get blocked, airflow suffers, and the machine works harder to stay cool. You’ll hear the fans spinning up more often, or the whole system will start to throttle performance.
For laptops used like this, servicing every 6 to 12 months is smart. It’s also a good idea to raise it up with a stand or tray if you can.
3. If it’s a gaming or performance laptop
These generate more heat and push their components harder, so they need more frequent attention. Every 6 months is ideal if you want to maintain top performance and avoid long-term damage.
High-performance laptops are often poorly cooled from the factory too. I’ve opened up gaming models with design flaws that practically invite overheating. In those cases, repasting and cleaning can make a huge difference.
4. Warning signs it needs a service now
Fan noise is louder than usual
It gets hot even with light use
Slower boot-up or lag during simple tasks
Random shutdowns or blue screens
You’ve never had it cleaned and it’s more than a year old
If you’re seeing any of these, get it looked at sooner rather than later. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
Final word
Servicing isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about preventing them. A quick internal clean and thermal refresh every year can add years to your laptop’s life. Whether it’s a workhorse laptop or a gaming rig, I’m happy to take a look and get it sorted. We offer this service. Click here to find out more!
Budget Projectors and Dust: What to Know Before Buying One
You’ve probably seen them on TikTok or Amazon — small, stylish projectors that promise 4K picture and surround sound for under £100. They seem perfect for film nights, gaming, or distracting the kids on a rainy weekend. But after seeing a few come through my workshop in Wickford, I can tell you these budget projectors have one big weakness: dust.
If you're thinking about buying one, or you've already got one that's suddenly sounding like a hoover, here’s what you need to know.
1. Budget projectors aren’t built for the long haul
Most cheap models look decent on the outside but are poorly ventilated inside. The fans pull in air and every bit of dust that comes with it. It doesn’t take long for the internals to clog up, especially if you’re using them on carpets, shelves, or anywhere near a radiator.
I’ve opened up a few of these recently. One was completely blanketed in dust within a few months of light use. No filter, no mesh, just a fan spinning dust straight into the lens and circuitry.
2. The first sign of trouble: fan noise and overheating
You’ll notice the projector getting louder, running hotter, or randomly turning off mid-movie. That’s your cue something inside isn’t happy.
Once it starts overheating, image quality drops and internal components degrade fast. Left long enough, the LEDs or board components can fail entirely. And since most of these projectors aren’t designed to be serviced easily, you’re left either binning it or calling someone like me to carefully open it up and clean it.
3. Cleaning them isn’t always easy, but it helps
The good news is a proper internal clean can bring them back to life, or at least extend their lifespan. I recently cleaned a small LED model for a customer in Wickford. Looked brand new again inside and out, but I warned them it'll likely need doing again in 6 to 12 months.
If you’ve already got one and want to avoid another breakdown, it’s worth booking a quick service. It’s cheaper than replacing it every year.
4. Tips if you’re buying one anyway
Avoid using it near carpets or radiators
Raise it off surfaces with something like a laptop stand
Blow out dust from vents every month with compressed air
Don’t run it for hours straight without breaks
And if you see “easy to clean” in the reviews, be suspicious. Most are sealed with clips or glue.
Final word
I get the appeal (I’ve got one myself!) These little projectors are affordable and surprisingly decent for the price. But just like with laptops, regular cleaning makes a huge difference in how long they last. If yours is already noisy or getting hot, don’t wait for it to die. I’m happy to give it a once-over and get it sorted.
LaunchLayer Featured in Child’s Wish Magazine: Supporting Local Families in Essex
At LaunchLayer, we believe in more than just repairing computers—we believe in community. That’s why we were proud to support the Child’s Wish magazine, a publication dedicated to helping children across the UK experience something truly special.
In their latest issue, we took out an advert to show our support for the incredible work this charity does. Whether it’s helping a child meet their favourite footballer, take a dream trip, or simply escape from hospital life for a while, every story in the magazine reminds us why we’re proud to be a local business in Essex.
Our ad was featured in the printed edition of the magazine, but while the digital version doesn’t list advertisers, we wanted to share our involvement here to mark the occasion and encourage others to explore what Child’s Wish does.
Why We Chose to Support This Cause
We see first-hand how tech connects families—whether it’s a grandparent video calling the grandkids or a child using their laptop for learning and entertainment. So, supporting a charity that brings happiness to children felt like a natural fit for us.
If you’d like to check out the magazine online, you can view it here. You won’t see our name listed, but the stories inside are what matter most.
Want to Support a Local Cause?
We’re always happy to spotlight Essex-based charities or causes that make a real difference. If you run something great, or know someone who does, drop us a message. We might be able to help you spread the word—or fix your dodgy laptop while we’re at it.
What Is Thermal Paste and Why It Matters for Laptop Longevity
If your laptop is running hot, slowing down, or randomly shutting off, the culprit might not be what you think. Often, it's not the fan, dust, or age. It's thermal paste.
What Is Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste is a heat-conductive compound applied between your laptop’s processor (CPU) and the heatsink. Its job is simple but vital — transfer heat away from the CPU so your system can cool itself properly. Without it, your laptop can overheat fast.
Why It Matters
Most laptops leave the factory with decent thermal paste, but it degrades over time. By year three, many devices are already seeing a drop in performance because of it. The paste dries out, cracks, or loses conductivity. Once that happens, heat builds up, throttling the CPU and slowing everything down.
Signs You Might Need a Thermal Paste Refresh
Your laptop gets hot even when idle
Fan sounds like a jet engine under light load
System lags, freezes, or crashes under pressure
You’ve never had it cleaned or serviced
What Happens When You Replace It?
Reapplying thermal paste and cleaning out the heatsink and fan can drop temperatures by 10–20°C in some cases. That means less strain on the hardware, better battery efficiency, and improved performance without upgrading anything.
How Often Should It Be Done?
Every 2 to 3 years is a good benchmark for most laptops. Gamers, designers, and anyone running heavy software might need it sooner.
We Do This Properly
At LaunchLayer, we offer full internal cleans that include replacing dried-out thermal paste using quality compounds like Arctic MX-4 or NT-H2. No rushed jobs, no half measures. Just cooler, quieter, longer-lasting laptops.
Based in Wickford? We’ve Got You Covered
We provide laptop servicing and thermal repasting across Wickford, Basildon, Billericay, and surrounding Essex areas. Book a check-up or drop us a message if you’re not sure whether it’s needed — we’ll give you an honest answer.
Giving Old Tech a New Purpose: LaunchLayer’s Community Refurb Project
We’re collecting old tech and giving it a new purpose — repairing and donating devices to people who genuinely need them.
Not all tech has to end up in a drawer or landfill. Some of it still has life left, and sometimes, all it needs is a bit of care to make a real difference for someone else.
Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking about how to make more of the work I already do. I help people every day with PCs, laptops, upgrades, and repairs. But what happens to the stuff that gets replaced? The machines sitting idle in cupboards? Or the ones that still work but just aren’t fast enough for the original owner?
That’s where this new project comes in.
The idea is simple
If you’ve got an old laptop or desktop you’re no longer using, I’ll take it off your hands. I’ll check it over, clean it up, fix what’s fixable, and get it back into the world. This time, it’ll go to someone who genuinely needs it.
That might be a local student trying to keep up with schoolwork. It might be a family on Universal Credit who need something for job applications or online forms. Or it could be a charity that could do more with just one extra machine.
If the machine is salvageable, I’ll rehome it. If not, I’ll recycle it properly.
What I accept
I’m mainly looking for:
Laptops, working or not
Desktops or mini PCs
Screens, keyboards, and mice
Chargers and accessories
Even if you’re not sure something is useful, feel free to ask. If I can get it working, I will. If I can’t, I’ll make sure it’s disposed of responsibly.
Where the machines go
Once a device is ready, it goes directly to someone who needs it. I’m already working with local schools, youth organisations, and community support services to make sure these machines end up in the right hands.
This isn’t a big charity program or a formal scheme. It’s just something I can do with the skills and tools I already have.
Why I’m doing it
Because working tech should stay useful. And because I know how hard it can be when you don’t have access to it.
Someone’s old or slow laptop might be the only machine another household has. If I can bridge that gap, even a little, it’s worth doing.
Want to help?
If you’ve got something to donate, send me a message or use the contact form on the site. I can arrange drop-off or collection depending on what’s easiest.
And if you’re part of a group or service that could use a few devices, please reach out. I’d love to help.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just useful tech doing something good.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace (And How to Decide)
Repair or replace? Here’s how I help people figure out what’s worth saving — and when it’s time to move on.
It’s one of the most common questions I get, should I fix this, or is it time to move on?
Sometimes the answer is obvious. A cracked screen on an otherwise perfect machine? Probably worth fixing. A decade-old laptop with multiple faults and a puffed battery? Not so much.
But most of the time, the decision falls somewhere in between. Here’s how I usually break it down with clients.
What’s the problem and how big is it?
Start with the fault itself. Is it a simple issue like a clogged fan, slow performance, or a dead battery? Or something deeper, like a failing motherboard or corrupted storage?
The cost and complexity of the repair matters, but so does how likely it is to happen again. Replacing a worn part once might give you another two years of use. Replacing something on a machine that’s already on its last legs might not be the best use of your budget.
How old is the machine?
This one matters more than most people think. Even if your laptop technically works, age brings a few key issues:
Security updates stop coming.
Parts become harder to find.
Performance bottlenecks increase as apps evolve.
If your machine is five to seven years old and starting to feel sluggish or unreliable, you’re often better off putting the repair cost toward something new.
Is it still meeting your needs?
The machine might still run, but if it can’t keep up with what you’re trying to do — video calls, multitasking, light creative work, then fixing it won’t improve the experience much.
A well-serviced machine that’s still underpowered is still going to feel slow.
Are you emotionally attached?
This sounds silly, but it isn’t. Some people have a device they love, or one they just don’t want to give up on yet. If it’s repairable and you’re happy with it otherwise, that’s totally valid. A quick health check can help confirm whether it’s got more life left.
How I usually advise
If the fault is isolated and the machine is otherwise modern, repair often makes sense.
If the machine is already struggling and the repair cost is high, it might be time to look ahead.
If you’re unsure, a proper diagnosis can often make the decision clear without pressure.
Final thoughts
Repairing can save you money and reduce waste. Replacing can give you a fresh start and more performance headroom. Neither is always right or wrong, it depends on the machine, the fault, and how you actually use it.
If you're on the fence, I can run a full check for free and talk you through your options. No sales pitch, just an honest answer based on where you’re at.