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.

Technology is constantly improving and evolving to help make life that little bit easier- from the ever popular robot vacuum to help with the housework to the smart thermostat to heat your home or office as efficiently as possible, smart tech has slipped seamlessly into our everyday lives and we now rely on it to help keep up with our daily demands, keep our homes and businesses safe and secure and help us save money on our heating and energy bills.

If you find smart tech a bit overwhelming and you’re not sure what you actually need or how to install it into your home then read on for our top recommendations and what’s more if you need help we can even install them for you!

What is a smart device?
​In simple terms, a smart device is basically a product that you use in your home or office, such as a smart doorbell, that is connected to the internet in order to give it increased functionality. Smart devices can be linked to a central hub (such as a smart speaker or an app on a phone) and can be accessed and controlled remotely.

If you connect to your broadband using WiFi and you have a smartphone or smart speaker then you’re already on the right path to a smart home or office

Smart Lighting
Smart lighting solutions such as smart switches and smart bulbs are a great way to remotely control the lights on your home or office. You can set up timers and even programme them to come on at dusk.

Smart bulbs have added functionality such as coloured lighting options  and have the added bonus of being easy to set up and use with no fiddly wiring required.
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Smart bulbs are ideal for lamps and other easy to access lights.

Smart switches can be used to remotely control appliances other than lighting but may be more complicated to fit to your home if you're not confident dealing with electrics. Smart switches are great for hard to reach lighting such as outside lights.

Smart Thermostat
Connect your heating to the internet with a smart thermostat to control when the heating comes on, the temperature it’s set at and even instruct it to come on when you’re away so that it's the right temperature when you get back to the property.

‘Geofencing’ lets you set up a virtual boundary within a real location. The software or app can then detect when a mobile device is in or out of the area and control the heating to either come on or switch off accordingly.

Smart thermostats are relatively easy to install and set up

Smart Doorbell
A video doorbell is a great addition to your property, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to ‘answer’ the door without physically having to be there. Wired and non-wired options are available with battery operated doorbells making it simple to install a smart doorbell even if there was no doorbell previously.

Monitor and accept deliveries via the app when you are unable to answer the door.

Motion sensors let you know when someone is there even if they don’t ring the doorbell.

Smart Security Camera
Making sure your home or office is secure is easy to do with a smart security camera. Simple to install and set up, you’ll be able to make sure everything is as it should be even when you're away on holiday.

Record and save high quality video when motion is detected

Notify you when motion is detected so you can see what’s happening in real-time.

Smart Pet Camera
If you want to know what your pet gets up to while you’re out of the house then a smart pet camera is just the thing you need!

There are lots of choices out there depending on your needs and of course you could always use a normal indoor security camera if you only want basic video monitoring. Some pet specific cameras like the The Pet Cube Lite 2 have the capability to connect with a vet if you need advice and let you feed your pet treats remotely!

Give you peace of mind your pet is safe and secure while you’re away from your home

Keep your pet entertained with interactive toys and treat dispensing

To get the most out of smart devices requires a decent broadband connection and/or WiFi set up and up to date antivirus protection is a must.

Don’t hesitate to contact Ben for any help and advice with your broadband or WiFi or if you want assistance installing smart devices into your home or office.

We’ve come a long way since the days of dial up internet and the associated time it took for - well, anything to happen really. If you don’t remember those days, then you should count yourself lucky.

Using the internet was often interrupted by someone (usually your mum or dad) trying to make a phone call or generally just slow and irritating.
Then broadband came along and changed life as we know it.


Suddenly you could access the internet at the touch of a button, no annoying dial up tone and everything was super-fast. That’s not to say it always runs smoothly, in fact more and more of us are dealing with slow broadband connection speeds daily. With our reliance on the internet for pretty much everything these days, it’s more than a little irritating if your broadband connection is running a bit under par.

But don’t panic just yet, there are a few tricks and tips you can try to help get the most out of your broadband:

Run a Speed Test
If you think your broadband is running much slower than the provider has guaranteed, then you should run a speed test. There are lots of online speed test tools, Thinkbroadband.com gives comprehensive results which you can then use when you contact your provider. You need to check your broadband speed through a wired connection first and then check through the Wi-Fi - if the speed is slow through both methods you need to contact your provider. If the speed is ok through the wired connection but slow with Wi-Fi, then you have a problem with your router.
 
Contact Your ISP
They should be able to help you work out what the cause could be.
 
Slow Wi-Fi
If you connect to your broadband using Wi-Fi, then there are a couple of things you can try to improve the speed such as moving your router:

• Avoid metal objects and appliances that send out electromagnetic waves (metal is one of the biggest Wi-Fi signal disruptors) and keep it off the floor and as far away as possible from appliances such as tumble dryers, washing machines, microwaves and dishwashers. Ideally, your router needs to be as close to the centre of your house as possible and away from any obstructions.
• Give the signal a boost by making sure the antennae are vertical and place it on a high shelf.
• Update your router to make sure it’s running the latest firmware.
• If your router is old, it might be time to upgrade - older tech is often outdated and it’s probably a good idea to replace it.
• Invest in a Wi-Fi extender to give your Wi-Fi a much-needed boost. Check out TechRadar’s suggestions.
• Make sure your router is password protected.

 
Update Your Browser
Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser as this will offer better security and run faster.
 
Most importantly, remember you have a right to request a decent broadband service. From March 2020 if your download speed is less than 10 Mbps and your upload speed is less than 1 Mbps you have a right to request an upgraded service. Find out more here >.

Contact File Genie for further help with your broadband/Wi-Fi speed or for advice on upgrading your router.