Tag Archives: maintenance

Make Tech Easier

Keep your computers running smoothly – avoid headaches!

Full article is at https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-keep-your-remote-work-setup-running-smoothly-with-regular-maintenance/

Computers and laptops really do need regular maintenance to keep running. NONE of this is difficult, but will avoid a LOT of headaches.

It does NOT look like this!

EVERY WEEK

  • Check for Updates
  • Shut down the device [don’t just restart]. Wait a few minutes. THEN turn them back on.
    • It REALLY DOES solve a variety of mysterious issues.
  • Clean up – use a cloth to remove dust and fingerprints and all the other ickiness from your device.
    • Most microfiber cloths will do just fine. You do NOT have to go buy something “computer specific”.
    • Clean the webcam as well.

EVERY MONTH

  • Refresh your internet connection – unplug your cable modem, router, switches – any gizmo relating to your internet connection. Wait a couple of minutes, then turn them back on.
    • It will take several minutes for all the device to reconnect and get settled in. Go have a glass of sweet tea while you wait, and take a deep breath.
  • Check your accounts. Go to  Have I Been Pwned to see if any of your accounts have been in a data breach. Apple’s Safari Browser as well as Google Chrome might also prompt you about accounts that have been compromised.
  • Check your backups – you DO have a back up of important data?
    • If you don’t, you’d best get on that right now. Machines DO fail – it is only a matter of time.

EVERY YEAR

  • Review your setup. Retire anything you don’t use.
    • That is a great idea from a security perspective, could save money on your power bill, and will certainly help declutter your space.
  • Document your setup – write it down! How are things connected, what gizmos do you have in the house, serial numbers, etc.

iPads

Basic iPad Advice

Here are some things to check and some things to do to prevent some headaches with your iPad:

Reboot

Do the iPad reboot dance – DON’T just shut it down, you MUST swipe out of all your running apps. THEN shut it down, wait 20 seconds, crank it back up again.

Clear it out

You always need to leave some working room on your device. Running out of space causes quite a few really weird symptoms. CLICK HERE for details on how to check and what to do.

Update your OS

If you have an operating system update pending, that it taking up room on your iPad, AND often the system update fixes bugs and adds new features. PLUG IN YOUR IPAD and the open up Settings –> General –> System Update, and install it.