Three Very Common IT Issues Everyone Deals With

Any computer issue you have can be extremely frustrating, but when something happens you should know you’re not alone. There are a few things that anyone that uses a computer has dealt with. This month, we take a look at three extremely common technical problems people deal with and what to do about them.

Your Internet is Criminally Slow

Connectivity is extremely important and people who deal with slow Internet speeds are at a huge disadvantage. Most everyone has been put in a situation where they get little to no connectivity. Sometimes it happens in your own house. If you are connected to a wireless network that leaves you with connectivity problems, here are some things you can try to speed things up.

The first thing you should do is do a speed test on a device to see what the upload and download speeds are that you are working with and match them with the Internet speeds you should have by your ISP. If they are substantially different, do the following:

• Restart Your Router - Your router is a computer and sometimes needs to be restarted. The simplest way is to unplug it or restart it, keep it off for a few minutes then start it up again. It’s amazing how many times the simplest action is the best action.
• Move Closer to Your Router - If that doesn’t do the trick, try moving closer to your router. Even with higher frequency routers that have a tougher time penetrating obstacles, the closer to the device the better your signal will be.
• Invest in Better Internet - Most ISPs offer multi-hundred MB connectivity, so if your speeds are slow, it might be time to go up a price tier.

Storage Problems

Are you running low on storage on your computer or smartphone? You aren’t alone. Every day, people have to delete files just so their computer can function. This typically happens more on mobile devices since most computers come with ample storage. When that amount isn’t enough, however, here are some ways to maneuver. 

• Clear Cache - Computers process a lot of data and save some to make the user experience more efficient. Sometimes so much data gets saved that it can make a big difference in the performance of your computer and fill up otherwise useful storage.
• Delete Unnecessary Apps - Most devices that fill up are usually those with excess software on them. By deleting apps, especially those you use very infrequently, you can free up more space pretty quickly. 
• Transfer Files to the Cloud - The cloud is a great option for people who need to move files off an overloaded device. Space is relatively cheap and you can access any saved content on a lot of different devices. 

Forgotten Passwords

People forget their passwords all the time. It is one of the most common IT issues our help desk confronts. Forgetting passwords can be a frustrating experience, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid it. One of the most effective solutions is to use a password manager. These tools store all your passwords securely (using encryption), and you only need to remember one master password. Many password managers also generate strong, unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of using the same one across multiple sites, which is a common security mistake. Some password managers even have autofill features, making logging in quick and easy. Two other suggestions include:

• Use association - We often tell users that they should avoid using easily guessable passwords, but when you are creating a password for a particular account, you still can use kind of a personalized system of choosing a password that associates you with the app that you are using. For example, while I wouldn’t create a password for your Google account that’s “G00gl5!” using the function you use it for would work a lot better to create a secure password or passphrase (seen below). Something like “W5sE@rChwithG00gl5” might be memorable enough to not forget it while still meeting basic security criteria.
• Use a passphrase - Another way to remember your password more effectively is to use a distinct passphrase. The more characters and more complexity you put into a password, the better, so creating a password like “@ct!vegu@cam0le” would be easily secure enough since nothing can connect you and guacamole, making it unlikely to be guessed by a hacker or any platform they use to crack accounts open.

Everyone will run into some type of technology trouble, but knowing how to operate when they happen can keep you secure and get you back up and running quickly. If you would like to talk to one of our consultants about getting a comprehensive help desk solution to help your employees handle their technology troubles with limited downtime, give us a call today at (202) 640-2737.