Today, we’re going to talk about the top 5 common technology problems that can be easily resolved through a great IT and technology partnership.
Everyone loves their devices.
Like your staff and employees, we do too.
Computers and technology are so awesome, until they don’t work. As tech experts, it’s pretty easy for our team to troubleshoot IT and technology issues and solve them.
For the rest of the world, technology struggles can be very frustrating things that can push you over the edge and make you want to toss your device out the nearest window. Be encouraged because most technology and computer problems aren’t fatal, and people don’t typically die when technology doesn’t work. In fact, most of them are fairly simple to fix.
I’m going to show you how to fix the most common technology issues you may encounter when using devices at home or at work.
#1. My computer or device has locked up
First and foremost, reboot the darn thing. Obvious right?
You’d be surprised how many people call us before they turn off their device and turn it back on to see if the problem has been solved.
There have been many instances over the years with onsite visits where our customer explains the list of issues they are having with a device, but after a quick reboot or by turning the device off, the problem is solved. We promise, there’s no magic behind this technique. Whatever the device; Windows, Macintosh, Smartphone, tablet, router, or printer, if it doesn’t work, reboot it or power it off can solve a lot of issues, pain, and Advil.
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#2. The computer or device is slowing down (or it’s infected with a virus)
Your first step to fixing a device that’s slowing down is to verify the device is the source of the problem.
Many people make the mistake that their device has slowed down when it’s actually an internet connection or software issue. If you are experiencing videos that are buffering or websites that are slow to load, verify your Internet connection is working properly. Visit SpeedTest (www.speedtest.net) to test your internet speed.
If you feel this isn’t the problem, reboot your broadband modem or router If this doesn’t work, you can check to make sure your device hasn’t run out of storage. All tech devices need to have freedom to work well. If you think you’re running out of storage, you can consider downloading something like CCleaner to clear off any junk from your devices.
If you feel your device is acting strange, your problem could be malware or a virus.
When you or your employees click on strange links in emails or websites, or even when you get messages telling you ‘your device has been infected,’ it probably a scam. To fix this, try rebooting your device because most virus scams are designed to trick you into thinking your device is infected so you will call the 800 number that appears or click a link. Rebooting will remove the message.
#3. Email attachments people send me won’t open
If you can’t open attachments, people send you, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software.
You can always google the type of file it is (such as .PDF, or .RAR) to find out how to open it. If you’re on a smartphone or tablet, remember you may not be able to open attachments as you would on a desktop or laptop computer. You can also ask the person to resend the email in .PDF or Adobe format.
#4. Printer won’t print
If your printer has ink, paper, and updated drivers, try unplugging it, then plugging it back in.
Some models of printers are designed not to print if ink or toner is low on just one cartridge. If you notice one of your printer cartridges are low replace it. Keep spares on hand so you will always be able to print.
#5. Keep disconnecting from the internet
Internet and Wireless problems occur because of number of reasons.
They can either come from problems with your Internet provider, router or your device.
- Your first step is to contact your Internet provider to verify there are no outages in your area.
- Next, you want to restart your router, to eliminate any issues with your router. For the sake of easy troubleshooting, you should always get a router from your Internet provider.
- Finally, once you’ve eliminated the first two things, concentrate on your device. If are still having issues, you may need to replace the wired or wireless adapter on your device.
- For computers and laptops, this can easily be done, for a smartphone or tablet, you may need to replace the device.