Unfortunately, there are times when the issue is both software or hardware-related, just to make your day interesting. 

Read on to become informed on basic fixes to the 6 most common IT issues seen by professionals. However, it still doesn’t hurt to have expert support on hand when disaster threatens to strike.

Your Computer Is Slow

If your computer is an older model (and if you’ve always had working, reliable anti-virus software and don’t download anything suspicious from the internet), it might be slow because its RAM is low. This means you have too little memory space in your computer to do anything new.

You have two possible solutions: buy more memory for your laptop or PC or download the data onto an external hard-drive for extra space. 

However, if you’re the type of person who:

• rarely deletes anything 
• has cookies saved for years
• has a crowded desktop

That’s probably the cause of your slow computer.

Clear Your Cookies and History.

Delete anything saved you don’t need and all other temporary files. In this case, your hardware is slowing down because you’ve added too much software.

After doing this, if you find your pc is still running too slowly, it may be more economical to call a reliable IT support company than invest in a new computer.

Your Computer Keeps Crashing And/Or Restarting

This can be a software or hardware-induced problem. If it’s hardware-related, one of your network drivers could be at fault. It might be the graphics card or an issue in the motherboard. Regardless of which is the cause, don’t try to do anything yourself unless you know how to fix hardware. Once again, outsource for help or find an in-house IT specialist to do it.

A software-related issue can be due to malware or a problem with your OS. There’s a chance it can be solved by updating software. Check that your computer has had its updates and run a virus check to see if there’s something nasty hidden away. 

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Your Internet Is Slow

Many of us have old technology working hard beneath newer software systems. Using a perfectly good laptop that’s five years old is commendable, but problems can arise when your hardware no longer has the capacity to run newer systems. 

Another possible hardware issue is your hard disk starting to fail, which can cause your network to feel as though it’s crawling through heavy traffic. You’ll need your trusty IT person to check all hardware and ensure your infrastructure is as modern as it can be. 

One software issue that can cause your internet to run too slowly to get anything done is app drainage. This is when an app in the background is using the majority of your bandwidth. Head to your control panel to see how much each app uses, then decide if you truly need the ones that use the most.

For small businesses, you can make use of the “free quote and call out” service that some specialist IT companies offer. You’ll learn about what you need to do – or simply authorise them to do – to improve your systems and have a faster internet service.

Your Screen Goes Blue

The awful blue screen of death that unchangingly stares back at you for hours signals hardware problems. Instead of throwing your device against the wall in a fit of tech-rage, call an IT support company for help. 

Though it’s possible to get remote assistance, the blue screen of death has this particular reputation for a reason. Getting help sooner is better than later. 

Your Dialogue Box Says Corrupt Files

Corrupt files are usually software issues rearing their ugly heads. You might have downloaded a corrupted file or only partially downloaded a file, which is the cause of your hard drive crashing or the file not opening. 

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Your App Command Is Ignoring You

Usually, the app itself is the culprit if it won’t open. When more apps refuse to open, it’s more than likely a hardware issue causing the problem.

In the case of only one app failing, it might need an update or have a bug that needs fixing. Multiple apps failing can be related to your OS, which may be sorted out with an upgrade.

Sometimes, the solution is as simple as deleting the app and downloading again. Your data might get lost when you delete it, but it might also have saved backups in the cloud, depending on the app. 

Going to your control panel, you should find ‘programs and files’ and from there, you can see which apps you have, how big they are, and un-install them. 

Delegate to Those Who Specialise

In these times, tech literacy is as normal as traditional literacy and numeracy. It’s currently being taught in schools, and kids are becoming more conversant with technology than their parents. Don’t feel bad if you need help with IT issues, whether for business or for your personal life. 

Apart from teaching yourself some basic computer know-how in terms of troubleshooting, it’s wise to find a reputable company that can support you. Take the time to meet the right local PC support team, and in the future they can help fix any of your software or hardware issues remotely. 

The most common software and hardware issues can be solved quite quickly with minimal cost and fuss. Troubleshoot in confidence with these tips or delegate to those who can before a ‘problem molehill’ becomes a ‘problem mountain.’ 

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