5 Common Tech Problems and How to Solve Them
I thought I'd start off 2025 with something simple for everyone, so here are 5 common IT issues you might get at home or work...
Technology is an integral part of our daily lives, both at home and in the workplace. However, it can also be a source of frustration when things go wrong. Here are five common tech problems and how to solve them:
- Slow Internet Speeds
- Home
- Restart your modem and router: This simple step often resolves temporary connection issues. Sometimes 10 seconds is needed to clear any cached issues
- Check for interference: Cordless phones, microwaves, and even baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your router to a different location. But before moving you can use your mobile connected to the Wi-Fi to see if there's interference between rooms by watch in the signal strength or use a Wi-Fi Analyser App
- Run a speed test: Use online tools like Speedtest.net to measure your actual internet speed. If it's significantly slower than your plan, contact your internet service provider (ISP). Be prepared to answer questions and spend up to about 30 minutes to an hour for involved testing.
- Work
- Optimise network traffic: Identify bandwidth-hogging applications and limit their usage during peak hours
- Conduct a network audit: Identify potential bottlenecks in your network infrastructure and address them accordingly
- Upgrade your internet plan: If your current plan can't handle the demands of your business, consider upgrading to a faster and more reliable plan
- Forgotten Passwords
- Home
- Use a password manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can securely store and generate strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
- Enable browser autofill: Most browsers allow you to save passwords for websites you frequently visit
- Write down important passwords: Keep a secure, offline record of essential passwords in a safe place (locked away in a notebook not a post-it note on your desktop)
- Work
- Implement a company-wide password policy: Enforce strong password requirements and encourage employees to use unique passwords for each account
- Consider a single sign-on (SSO) solution: SSO allows employees to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, reducing the number of passwords to remember
- Provide password reset options: Offer self-service password reset options to employees to minimise IT support requests
- Printer Problems
- Home
- Check the printer connections: Ensure the printer is properly connected to your computer or network
- Check the ink or toner levels: Low ink or toner can cause printing issues, this can also be avoided by using a cartridge replacement service like HP Instant Ink
- Clean the printer heads: Dust and debris can clog the printer heads, affecting print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for cleaning instructions
- Work
- Regular printer maintenance: Schedule preventive maintenance to keep your printers running smoothly
- Implement a print management solution: Monitor print jobs, track usage, and control costs with a print management system
- Provide adequate printer support: Equip employees with the knowledge and resources to troubleshoot common printer problems
- Slow Computer Performance
- Home
- Free up disk space: Delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused programs, and empty the recycle bin
- Update your software: Outdated software can cause performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Install the latest updates for your operating system and other software
- Disable unnecessary "Startup Apps": Many programs launch automatically when you start your computer, slowing it down Disable unnecessary "Startup Apps" in your system's settings
- Work
- Invest in adequate hardware: Ensure your computers have sufficient RAM, storage space, and processing power to meet the demands of your business applications
- Implement a regular maintenance schedule: Regularly clean up temporary files, update software, and run antivirus scans to maintain optimal performance
- Consider a managed IT services provider (such as MBC): Outsourcing IT maintenance can help you maintain a stable and efficient computing environment
- Malware Infections
- Home
- Install and update antivirus software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and run regular scans to detect and remove malware
- Be cautious of suspicious emails and websites: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders
- Use strong, unique passwords: Protect your accounts from unauthorised access
- Work
- Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: This should include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices
- Conduct regular security audits: Identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your network and systems
- Consider cybersecurity insurance: Protect your business from the financial consequences of a data breach
- Home
- Restart your modem and router: This simple step often resolves temporary connection issues. Sometimes 10 seconds is needed to clear any cached issues
- Check for interference: Cordless phones, microwaves, and even baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your router to a different location. But before moving you can use your mobile connected to the Wi-Fi to see if there's interference between rooms by watch in the signal strength or use a Wi-Fi Analyser App
- Run a speed test: Use online tools like Speedtest.net to measure your actual internet speed. If it's significantly slower than your plan, contact your internet service provider (ISP). Be prepared to answer questions and spend up to about 30 minutes to an hour for involved testing.
- Work
- Optimise network traffic: Identify bandwidth-hogging applications and limit their usage during peak hours
- Conduct a network audit: Identify potential bottlenecks in your network infrastructure and address them accordingly
- Upgrade your internet plan: If your current plan can't handle the demands of your business, consider upgrading to a faster and more reliable plan
- Restart your modem and router: This simple step often resolves temporary connection issues. Sometimes 10 seconds is needed to clear any cached issues
- Check for interference: Cordless phones, microwaves, and even baby monitors can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your router to a different location. But before moving you can use your mobile connected to the Wi-Fi to see if there's interference between rooms by watch in the signal strength or use a Wi-Fi Analyser App
- Run a speed test: Use online tools like Speedtest.net to measure your actual internet speed. If it's significantly slower than your plan, contact your internet service provider (ISP). Be prepared to answer questions and spend up to about 30 minutes to an hour for involved testing.
- Optimise network traffic: Identify bandwidth-hogging applications and limit their usage during peak hours
- Conduct a network audit: Identify potential bottlenecks in your network infrastructure and address them accordingly
- Upgrade your internet plan: If your current plan can't handle the demands of your business, consider upgrading to a faster and more reliable plan
- Home
- Use a password manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can securely store and generate strong, unique passwords for all your accounts
- Enable browser autofill: Most browsers allow you to save passwords for websites you frequently visit
- Write down important passwords: Keep a secure, offline record of essential passwords in a safe place (locked away in a notebook not a post-it note on your desktop)
- Work
- Implement a company-wide password policy: Enforce strong password requirements and encourage employees to use unique passwords for each account
- Consider a single sign-on (SSO) solution: SSO allows employees to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, reducing the number of passwords to remember
- Provide password reset options: Offer self-service password reset options to employees to minimise IT support requests
- Home
- Check the printer connections: Ensure the printer is properly connected to your computer or network
- Check the ink or toner levels: Low ink or toner can cause printing issues, this can also be avoided by using a cartridge replacement service like HP Instant Ink
- Clean the printer heads: Dust and debris can clog the printer heads, affecting print quality. Refer to your printer's manual for cleaning instructions
- Work
- Regular printer maintenance: Schedule preventive maintenance to keep your printers running smoothly
- Implement a print management solution: Monitor print jobs, track usage, and control costs with a print management system
- Provide adequate printer support: Equip employees with the knowledge and resources to troubleshoot common printer problems
- Home
- Free up disk space: Delete unnecessary files, uninstall unused programs, and empty the recycle bin
- Update your software: Outdated software can cause performance issues and security vulnerabilities. Install the latest updates for your operating system and other software
- Disable unnecessary "Startup Apps": Many programs launch automatically when you start your computer, slowing it down Disable unnecessary "Startup Apps" in your system's settings
- Work
- Invest in adequate hardware: Ensure your computers have sufficient RAM, storage space, and processing power to meet the demands of your business applications
- Implement a regular maintenance schedule: Regularly clean up temporary files, update software, and run antivirus scans to maintain optimal performance
- Consider a managed IT services provider (such as MBC): Outsourcing IT maintenance can help you maintain a stable and efficient computing environment
- Home
- Install and update antivirus software: Keep your antivirus software up-to-date and run regular scans to detect and remove malware
- Be cautious of suspicious emails and websites: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders
- Use strong, unique passwords: Protect your accounts from unauthorised access
- Work
- Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: This should include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices
- Conduct regular security audits: Identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your network and systems
- Consider cybersecurity insurance: Protect your business from the financial consequences of a data breach
By understanding these common IT problems and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can minimise downtime and maximise productivity, both at home and in your business.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered professional advice specifically for your requirements. Always consult with a qualified IT professional such as myBizConcierge for specific guidance.
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