Basic Tech Tips Everyone Needs to Know
Technology is complicated. There’s loads of it, and it’s always evolving. Just when you think that you’ve mastered your iPad or the cloud, something changes, or something new is developed, and you’re lost once more. Even people that think that they’ve got a good understanding of modern technology can find themselves lost occasionally, and even the most fundamental problems stump some of us.
In fact, it’s often the most basic solutions that elude us. There’s a reason that the first question many IT helplines ask is “is it turned on?”, followed by “is it plugged in?” Often, we’re so focused on more complicated solutions to our problems, that we can’t see what’s right in front of us. The basics get overlooked because there is so much more to think about. Let’s take a look at some of the most basic tech tips that everyone should know.
Resetting Your Password
We’ve all forgotten a password from time to time. Most modern computers save and even suggest passwords, and if your devices are synced, they’ll all have the information that you need. This can be very useful, but combined with the sheer number of passwords that we have, it can make them harder to remember.
If you forget a password online, it’s typically easy enough to fill in an online form or answer a security question to reset it. But, what about the password to log you into your device? You can reset Apple password easily, and most other devices have a similar process.
Setting Up a Backup
We all know that we need to back up our computers. No matter how careful you are, you never know when your system might crash. When this happens, without a backup you can lose files, data and your personal settings. A backup protects you. Apple’s time machine or windows backup can be a massive help, but it’s also a good idea to have an online backup in case something happens to your hardware.
Setting Up Shortcuts
Whether you use your computer for work, or it’s just the family computer at home, chances are you are busy and always looking for ways to save time. Setting up shortcuts can be the answer and yet so few of us even know that we can. On windows Ctrl+F is find, to search a text. Ctrl+S will save the file you’re working on, Ctrl+P will print it out, and Ctrl+T will open a new tab on your browser. On a Mac, you can set up your own shortcuts and commands to make life easier.
Wifi Issues
There are some wifi issues, such as faults on your line, that you might not be able to deal with yourself. In which case, you’ll need to get in touch with your provider. But, if you are struggling with your signal or speed, there are some great ways to boost things, without needing a vast knowledge.
Security
Viruses and malware is a big problem, especially if you use windows and have no built-in security. Even if you only use your computer for basic tasks, you are at risk. But, that doesn’t mean that they are hard to avoid. Protect yourself by installing some basic security software.