Have you ever tried to identify a tech problem and just couldn’t figure it out?
You’re not alone. On average, employees lose a total of two weeks each year trying to fix IT-related issues.
If you’re not working with a managed service provider, you might be dealing with a tech problem alone. Even people who do have access to an MSP may want to try to correct the issue themselves before picking up the phone to call for support.
Fortunately, the majority of IT-related issues can be resolved with a few quick fixes. Here are five easy diagnostic tests to figure out how to fix your IT equipment.
What Is a “Tech Problem?”
A tech problem is an issue that prevents technology from functioning correctly. Ironically, as technology becomes more streamlined and user-friendly, diagnosing problems becomes harder. This multifaceted nature of tech problems makes pinpointing the exact cause challenging.
For cloud-based apps, issues could arise from:
- Servers
- Local devices
- Routers
- Firewalls
You can diagnose connectivity issues by checking network indicators, testing other devices, or consulting a down detector website.
How To Fix a Tech Problem
To fix a tech problem, follow these key steps:
- Restart the equipment
- Check for hardware issues
- Check the storage
- Check the connection
- Check your security
Restarting equipment is a basic yet effective way to identify tech problems, clearing background processes that consume RAM. If this fails, consider hardware issues such as overheating or unusual noises. Check storage, as nearly full storage can slow down your system. Verify connections, including internet and Bluetooth. Lastly, ensure robust security measures to protect against cyberthreats.
1. Restart the equipment
Restarting your equipment might seem like a basic solution to identify a tech problem, but it’s effective. IT professionals often use this method to resolve issues. Sometimes a system or hard drive just needs a reboot to fix underlying glitches.
Even when you exit a program, your operating system (OS) continues running background processes that consume RAM. A restart clears these processes to free up memory. This won’t resolve every issue, and you’ve likely tried it already if you’re reading this during a crisis. However, it’s a reliable step to remember for future troubleshooting.
2. Check for hardware issues
If a simple restart fails to resolve a tech problem, consider hardware issues. No disassembly is required initially.
Signs of hardware trouble include:
- Overheating
- Unusual noises
- Post-restart sluggishness
- Spontaneous shutdowns
These symptoms often indicate component malfunctions rather than software glitches.
It’s important to recognize that devices undergo wear and tear, inevitably requiring replacement. So if your device exhibits persistent issues despite software troubleshooting, you should investigate hardware integrity.
Consulting technical support or a professional technician can help diagnose and address underlying hardware issues. This helps ensure optimal device performance and longevity.
3. Check the storage
Before moving on to another step, make sure to check your computer’s storage. Equipment should be able to work when storage is almost full. Often, there may be some application or large file that’s taking up a lot of space in the background.
Photoshop users, for example, often find that the application takes up excessive space on a computer when it’s been running for too long or is about to crash. The case is similar for Adobe Premiere Pro and other visual editing applications.
Closing apps when you’re not using them can often keep you away from tech problems. If your business is constantly running into this issue, it might be time to consider data center services or advanced cloud storage solutions.
4. Check the connection
Another basic step you can take to identify a tech problem is checking your connection. Even if pages are loading, your internet might be experiencing some problems. This can be anything from an unplugged cord to a problem with your service provider.
A quick way to check how fast your internet is running is to do a speed test. If you search “speed test” on Google, you’ll see a tool native to Google search. Google’s speed test is great for a quick check, but you can also use a speed test site for more in-depth analyses and information about your IP address.
Connections aren’t just limited to the internet. If you’re having tech issues, be sure to check your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and any other important connections. These can connect you to the Internet of Things (IoT), making it especially important that they’re up and running properly.
5. Check your security
Few industries are safe from cybercrime in this day and age. This makes it especially important to check your network and IT equipment. When a hacker has taken over your computer, you’re going to see problems even before the cyberattack comes.
If you’re on a Windows computer, you can open Windows Security to see if it has noticed changes to your security. You can also run a quick scan to see if any issues arise. Note that some businesses will replace Windows Security with a more robust system. If that’s the case, your administrator will catch the issues before you do, but you should be able to check still.
Macs don’t quite have an equivalent of Windows Security, but there are plenty of options you can use. Just like Windows computers, your business can install an efficient security system on your Mac. Before downloading third-party software, make sure to ask your IT team’s opinion.
Can’t Identify a Tech Problem? Now What?
If you’ve gone through all the above steps to identify a tech problem, there’s a good chance you’ve fixed your issue. But, unfortunately, it’s not always that easy.
If you’re still seeing error messages, our tech team is ready to help. We’ll cure the headaches, and you won’t have to read articles like this anymore. We also provide cybersecurity and cloud solutions to ensure that you get the most out of your IT.
Contact us today to start a conversation.
Restarting equipment helps identify tech problems by clearing RAM-consuming processes. If this fails, check for hardware issues like overheating or unusual noises. Assess storage, as nearly full storage can slow down your system. Verify internet and Bluetooth connections. Lastly, implement robust security measures to protect against cyber threats.
In 2016, TenHats built the region’s first purpose-built colocation data center in over 20 years. Located in Knoxville, TN, our data center can serve any organization in East Tennessee and beyond. With our team’s IT experience, we provide a lot more than simply protected data. When you call us, you talk to a real IT expert. Connect with our team about our data center today!
