This month we thought we’d take a look at common problems you might encounter with your computer or laptop and offer ways in which you can remedy them and stay connected.

PC Not Turning on
This scenario always fills the user with dread – no response when you switch on your computer? No familiar whirring as the machine powers up? It’s an awful feeling and we’ve all been there! First things first – don’t panic! It’s likely to be a simple issue that  can be fixed with little to no cost.

• Is it plugged in and switched on at the wall? If the answer is yes, try a different socket.
• If you’re using a laptop – does it need charging? If it’s plugged in already, try a different charging cable.
• If you are tech savvy you can try booting up in safe mode to find the issue. Using a Mac? Try booting up in safe mode by following the instructions on this page: Safe Mode on a Mac
• If you still can’t boot up you might be best getting some expert help! 

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Computer Running Slow
If your machine is taking ages to load apps, non responsive or freezing mid task there are a few remedies to try before you throw the thing out the window!

• Clear the clutter – Over time your computer can get clogged up with files and apps that you no longer need and this will cause your machine to slow down. Spend some time decluttering and you might see an increase in performance.
• Check for Malware – If decluttering doesn’t work you should do a scan to check your PC hasn’t picked up any malware or adware. 

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Slow Internet Connection
A common complaint that causes unnecessary stress, especially if you are in the middle of an online meeting!

• Do a speed check! – Are you getting the speed your provider states you should be getting? Run a speed check – you need to do this through a wired connection first and then through WI-FI. If the speed check comes back as slow through both connections you  need to contact your service provider.
• Update your Router – If your router is old it’s probably time to replace it. Make sure it’s running the latest firmware. Make sure your router is password protected.
• Update your Browser – Ensuring your PC is running the latest version of your internet browser will mean it is secure and it will run faster. Read our blog Get The Most Out Of Your Broadband.

PC Overheating
If your machine is overheating you will see issues such as poor performance and your machine randomly shutting itself down. It can be worrying when this happens and you do need to act promptly to prevent further problems.

• Bust the dust – Dust is often the biggest cause of overheating. Use compressed air to clear dust from vents and fans.
• Give your PC Space – Your PC needs to be in a well ventilated area with space around it to keep it cool. Laptops can be kept cool by using a cooling stand which allows the air to circulate.
• Keep it cool – Use a cooling mat for your laptop to help stop it overheating.  Keep it on a flat surface and avoid using it on your lap or on a bed.
• Check the fans – If the fans don’t seem to be working properly you may need to replace the thermal paste on the CPU - we would recommend seeking help from a technician.

Unresponsive Apps
It’s frustrating when you’re mid task and suddenly the app freezes. 

• Force quit the app – key combination in Windows Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting Task Manager, or press Option (or Alt), Command and Esc on a Mac.
• Restart the computer – If force quit didn't work then a restart might do the trick.
• Update or reinstall the unresponsive app – Make sure you’re running the latest version. Sometimes apps can get corrupted so uninstalling then reinstalling can fix the bugs.

It can be stressful when your computer or laptop starts misbehaving or malfunctioning. If the solutions listed here aren’t working or you’re not confident carrying out some of the more complex tasks it’s advisable to get help from a professional. File Genie can help diagnose and repair your PC or Laptop and even teach you how to maintain your tech yourself.

Get in touch and find out more about our IT support.

Here are 5 common issues you might come across and easy ways to fix them:

• Battery Draining Fast
  There’s nothing more annoying than having your phone battery die when you least expect it – on a train with tickets securely located in your digital wallet, about to make a purchase using your phone or in the middle of an important meeting – you need your phone to stay charged for as long as possible. First steps would be to adjust your phone settings such as reducing screen brightness and deleting unused apps to help reduce the strain on the battery. Sometimes the battery itself needs replacing, this might be a simple procedure depending on the make and model but in some cases a professional tech specialist will be your best.

 

• Cracked Screen
  Most of us will have experienced the pain of a cracked phone screen. Not only does it look rubbish it can also affect how well the phone runs, so it’s important to get the screen replaced as soon as possible. Replacement screens can be found online and with the right tools you can have your phone looking good as new in no time. We would recommend using a professional techy for this job unless you are confident in your skills and knowledge of replacing a phone screen!

 

• Soggy Smartphone
  We won’t judge if you dropped your phone in the toilet (well maybe a little bit), bath or sink but your phone will definitely not like having a dip!  If you’re lucky your phone might just need a good dry out – turn it off, take it out of its case if it has one, remove the sim and memory cards (and battery if possible) and put it in a sealed container with silica gel packets if you have some. With a bit of patience your phone may just survive. Resist the urge to use heat to dry out the phone as this can damage the delicate components in your phone. Similarly using compressed air to blow the water out could make things worse by pushing water further inside the device! Again, it's never the wrong choice to get in touch with a professional to help you out.

 

• Software Glitches
  If your phone is being annoying – freezing when in app or crashing then the first thing to do is try restarting it. Often this does the trick and everything is right in the world once more. If a restart doesn’t fix it then you might need to check it’s running the latest version of software, sometimes an update fixes bugs and glitches. Still no joy? A factory reset might do the trick. Back everything up first (factory reset erases everything on your phone) and hopefully your phone will be back to it’s spritely self again. If you’re still having problems then seek professional advice – they will be able to run diagnostic tests to get to the root of the problem.

 

• App Crashes
  If an app is unresponsive you can try force closing it and then reopen it. If that doesn’t help check if there are any updates available and make sure you are running the latest version of the app.

The important thing is to act quickly and seek professional help if you feel out of your depth – solving any issues straight away will help minimise any damage and help your phone last longer.

Having problems with your smartphone and need an IT professional to take a look? Get in touch and File Genie will get your phone running smoothly as soon as possible.
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Our Top Tips for Productivity
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Set Your Daily Goals
​Spend the first part of your day setting out what you want to achieve for that day – apps such as Hive  and Todoist are a great way to visualise and track your goals, they are great for individuals or teams and have sharing capabilities.

Read the manuals!
Yes, it’s tempting to just plug it in and figure it out as you go along but honestly, reading the user manuals and getting to know your new device/app or software will save you so much time in the long run. It might seem like a boring job you don’t need to add to your workload but there are often tons of features you only find out about by getting to know your product thoroughly- it really is worth investing a bit of time in.

Track your Time
If you have a lot of different tasks to complete it’s easy to get caught up on one and neglect the others. Set a schedule and try to stick to it – dedicate the time you need to complete each task and make an effort to get each job done within the time. There are some great time-keeping apps available to help you get organised –Clockify is a free app that can help you track actual time spent, great for freelancers and business owners who need to track hours across projects.

Put your Phone on Silent
Important job to complete? Putting your phone on silent and out of reach will help you focus on the task at hand and help stop you from getting distracted by social media. As soon as you start working on your tasks, put your phone on silent and set a time in the day to answer any texts/calls you might have received – try not to deviate from that. Most smartphones have a ‘Do not Disturb’ mode which will mute the sound, and block visual distractions and vibrations.

Use a calendar to get organised
Deadline looming? Get the dates in the calendar, block out enough days to get the task completed and set reminders to alert you the deadline is approaching. Get organised and schedule all your work and home commitments so you can see everything at a glance. There are lots of apps to choose from, many of them with free options, Google Outlook are popular choices.

Top Time-Saving GadgetsThere are some great gadgets out there to help make life a little bit easier in a time-crunched world. Here are some of our favourites:

Robot Vacuum
If you get easily distracted by jobs around the house then a robot vacuum could be just what you need to stop the procrastination.

Charging Dock
A clean desk free of wires can help you focus on the task at hand so get rid of the clutter of cables and invest in a docking station to charge your devices. There are lots to choose from, but we like these from Anker.

Productivity Timer
Make every second count by setting a timer to work to increase productivity and get those tasks done! There are plenty of timers to choose from which use the Pomodoro technique where you work in 25-minute sprints followed by 5 minutes of rest. Check out these timers at Ticktime.

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Earbuds or Earplugs
If you work in a noisy environment, then noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones are a must. Have a look at Tech Radar for their pick of the best noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds. If you don’t want to listen to music or podcasts then earplugs are a great alternative- take a look at this Which guide for a selection of earplugs to suit different needs.

Hopefully, we’ve given a few ideas on how to tackle that to-do list and increase your productivity.

What are your favourite gadgets or hacks for productivity at home or work?