Information Technology (IT) continually becomes an integral part of our daily lives. From sending emails to online shopping, from cloud storage to conducting virtual meetings, we rely heavily on technology. Unfortunately, technology is not always perfect and can cause interruptions to our flow. Most of us are not experts in the IT world, but there are ways to empower yourself and your team to handle IT issues that arise. We will be the first to advise you to consult your IT expert first before troubleshooting any problems. Today, we will walk through the top items you can tackle yourself, and other issues you most definitely want to leave to the experts.
Here are three IT problems you can fix yourself:
- Slow computer performance: A slow computer can be frustrating, especially when you need to get work done. The primary culprit behind a slow computer is a lack of memory or a cluttered hard drive. To resolve this issue, start by closing all running applications, then run a disk cleanup tool to get rid of temporary files, clear your browser history, and delete unwanted programs. You may also consider adding more memory to your computer if you have the option. Shut down the computer and reboot it. If this does not work, reach out to your IT specialist.
- Malware infections: Malware infections are a common issue, and they can be detrimental to your computer’s performance and security. The good news is that you can remove malware yourself. Begin by running a malware scanner, which will detect and remove any threats from your computer. You can also prevent future infections by updating your antivirus software regularly and avoiding suspicious email attachments or downloads. With an increase in fraudulent activity on the internet, you’ll want to be especially careful here. Note – you may want to consult with an IT professional to help decide on which malware programs are best for your business.
- Wi-Fi connection issues: Weak or unstable Wi-Fi connections can be straight up annoying. Most of us have experienced this multiple times and there are some quick fixes that you should have in your back pocket. First, try resetting your router by unplugging it for a few seconds and then plugging it back in. Additionally, ensure that your computer’s Wi-Fi adapter is turned on and that you are within range of your router. If all else fails, you can try resetting your network settings. This should clear all issues and may help restore your connection.
While some IT problems may require the help of a professional, some can be resolved with a little troubleshooting and research. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can solve common IT problems and get back to your daily routine without interruption. When something seems beyond your knowledge, find and rely on IT support. In the meantime, we are listing some example issues of when not to take on IT issues yourself.
- Data loss and recovery: Losing important data is a nightmare for any individual or organization. While there are many software tools available for data recovery, it’s not always the best solution. Attempting to recover data yourself can cause more harm than good, potentially overwriting crucial files and causing permanent data loss. A data recovery expert has the knowledge and experience to handle the situation correctly and has access to specialized equipment that is required to recover the data without further damage. Let’s hope you never have to experience data loss. One of the best ways to prevent this is to ensure that your systems and software are safeguarded from the start (this is where we come in…).
- Server or network failure: When a server or network goes down, it can cause a significant impact on an organization – not to mention the effect of your time, energy, and finances. While there may be various reasons behind the failure, attempting to fix the issue yourself can result in prolonged downtime or permanent data loss. An IT expert can troubleshoot the issue, identify the root cause of the problem, and implement a fix to help minimize that downtime and prevent the issue from recurring in the future. This is another situation you don’t want to experience but it does happen. Make sure you have a resource and team to help monitor the server and network on a regular basis to avoid failure in any sense.
- Cybersecurity threats: Cyber threats such as malware, viruses, and phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated. So much so that it happens more often and it makes them challenging to detect and remove. Attempting to remove the threat yourself without proper knowledge and tools can cause further damage and compromise sensitive data. We advise you – don’t do it! An expert has the knowledge and experience to identify the threat, remove it, and implement measures to prevent future attacks.
As technology advances, the dependence on computers, software, and networks increases. With the increasing complexity of IT systems, many problems require specialized knowledge and skills that only a trained expert can provide. We know it’s tempting to try and solve IT problems yourself to save time and money. We can assure you that leaning on a professional will save you much more time, energy, and money in the long run. By seeking the help of an expert, any IT issues can be resolved correctly, efficiently, and with minimal risk to your organization.
Don’t have an IT expert on your side? Reach out to us and KineticTG will give you a whole team. It’s time to feel secure and worry less so that you can get back to the important stuff. Don’t wait until something major happens. Contact us now and we’ll get you started on preventive and precautionary measures that are specific to you and your business.
