Tips to Troubleshoot Common, but Annoying Computer Problems

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Just about everything requires a computer these days.  When your computer works, it’s great.  When a problem arises, the first thing to do is try not to panic.

There are many different things that could cause a problem with your computer. No matter what’s causing the issue, troubleshooting will always be a process of trial and error.  You may find yourself trying a few different approaches before you can find a solution.  Some issues are easy to fix and others may require the help from a professional, but if you decide to try to tackle it on your own here are a few tips.

  1. Write down your steps. Once you start troubleshooting, you may want to write down each step you take. This way, you’ll be able to remember exactly what you’ve done and can avoid repeating the tasks. If you end up asking other people for help, it will be much easier if they know exactly what you’ve tried already.
  2. Take notes about error messages. If your computer gives you an error message, be sure to write down as much information as possible. You may be able to use this information later to find out if other people are having the same error.
  3. Always check the cables.  It’s very easy to accidentally knock a cable out of connection, so if you’re having trouble with a specific piece of computer hardware, such as your monitor or keyboard, an easy first step is to check all related cables to make sure they’re properly connected.
  4. Restart the computer. When all else fails, restarting the computer is a good thing to try. This can solve a lot of basic issues you may experience with your computer.

Process of Elimination.  If you’re having an issue with your computer, you may be able to find out what’s wrong using the process of elimination. This means you’ll make a list of things that could be causing the problem and then test them out one by one to eliminate them. Once you’ve identified the source of your computer issue, it will be easier to find a solution.

This is just one example of an issue you might encounter while using a computer. You are trying to print, but the printer won’t print.  You have some ideas about what could be causing this, so you go through them one by one to see if you can eliminate any possible causes.

  1. First, you check the printer to see that it’s turned on and plugged in to the surge protector. It is, so that’s not the issue. Next, you check to make sure the printer’s ink cartridge still has ink and that there is paper loaded in the paper tray. If things look good in both cases, so you know the issue has nothing to do with ink or paper.
  2. Make sure the printer and computer are communicating correctly. If you recently downloaded an update to your operating system, it might interfere with the printer. But you know there haven’t been any recent updates and the printer was working yesterday, so you’ll have to look elsewhere.
  3. You check the printer’s USB cord and find that it’s not plugged in. You must have unplugged it accidentally when you plugged something else into the computer earlier. Once you plug in the USB cord, the printer starts working again. It looks like this printer issue is solved!

Simple solutions to common problems.

Sometimes, problems can be fixed using simple troubleshooting techniques, like closing and reopening the program. It’s important to try these techniques before resorting to more extreme measures. If the problem still isn’t fixed, you can try other troubleshooting methods.

Power button will not start computer.

  1. If your computer does not start, begin by checking the power cord to confirm that it is plugged securely into the back of the computer case and the power outlet.
  2. If it is plugged into an outlet, make sure it is a working outlet. To check your outlet, you can plug in another electrical device, such as a lamp.
  3. If the computer is plugged in to a surge protector, verify that it is turned on. You may have to reset the surge protector by turning it off and then back on. You can also plug a lamp or other device into the surge protector to verify that it’s working correctly.
  4. If you are using a laptop, the battery may not be charged. Plug the AC adapter into the wall, then try to turn on the laptop. If it still doesn’t start up, you may need to wait a few minutes and try again.

An application is running slowly.

  1. Close and reopen the application.
  2. Update the application. To do this, click the Help menu and look for an option to check for Updates. If you don’t find this option, another idea is to run an online search for application updates.

An application is frozen.

Sometimes an application may become frozen. When this happens, you won’t be able to close the window or click any buttons within the application.

  1. Force quit the application. On a PC, you can press (and hold) Ctrl+Alt+Delete (the Control, Alt, and Delete keys) on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. On a Mac, press and hold Command+Option+Esc. You can then select the unresponsive application and click End task (or Force Quit on a Mac) to close it.

  1. Restart the computer. If you are unable to force quit an application, restarting your computer will close all open apps.

Slow Performance.

  1. Empty your recycle bin by right-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon (usually on the desktop) and choosing the “Empty Recycle Bin” option.
  2. Check your mail files. Remove any large attachments and delete unused mail. Images and videos take up a lot of space, so consider moving those to an external drive.
  3. Remove temporary files from your internet browser
  4. Perform a disk cleanup

Virus.

A virus is a malicious computer program that is designed to interfere with the operation of a computer program or destroy computer programs. They occur in various forms and they normally attack computers from various sources such as infected external memory modules, fake software, or the internet.

  1. Installing anti-virus software is the best way to eliminate malware and other forms of malicious computer software. However, it is important to ensure that you install an antivirus software that is compatible with your operating system and computer specifications.
  2. It is also important to routinely check for software updates. It is worth noting that the best remedy for this problem would be to avoid using infected secondary storage devices with your computer and avoid visiting websites that are likely to have viruses. This due to the fact that sometimes, the anti-virus software may degrade the performance of the computer.

The computer is frozen.

Sometimes your computer may become completely unresponsive, or frozen. When this happens, you won’t be able to click anywhere on the screen, open or close applications, or access shut-down options.

  1. (Windows only): Restart Windows Explorer. To do this, press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. Next, locate and select Windows Explorer from the Processes tab and click Restart. You may need to click More Details at the bottom of the window to see the Processes tab.   Run a virus check when the computer goes back to its normal working condition.
  2. (Mac only): Restart Finder. To do this, press and hold Command+Option+Esc on your keyboard to open the Force Quit Applications dialog box. Next, locate and select Finder, then click Relaunch.
  3. Press and hold the Power button. The Power button is usually located on the front or side of the computer, typically indicated by the power symbol. Press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to force the computer to shut down.
  4. If the computer still won’t shut down, you can unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet. If you’re using a laptop, you may be able to remove the battery to force the computer to turn off. Note: This solution should be your last resort after trying the other suggestions above.

Mouse or Keyboard Stops Working.

  1. If you’re using a wired mouse or keyboard, make sure it’s correctly plugged into the computer. Be sure the cord is not damaged.  If it is, replace it.
  2. If you’re using a wireless mouse or keyboard, make sure it’s turned on and that the batteries are charged.
  3. Clean the bottom of your mouse, and use compressed air to clean the keyboard.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

This is a very common computer problem especially if you have installed sketchy or buggy software. The most important question to ask yourself is what did I just do before the device stopped working? If you installed a new piece of software, plugged in to new hardware, downloaded custom drivers, installed a Windows update, or changed settings, this could be the cause.  Depending on what you just did, the repair may depend on that change.

  1. If your computer is unusually hot, it could be due to running high-performance settings.  This may be the cause of BSOD.
  2. If this is the first time you’ve encountered a Blue Screen of Death on your computer, you can run your PC’s Blue Screen troubleshooter to try to diagnose the issue:
    • Open Start
    • Click Settings
    • Click Update & Security
    • Click the Troubleshoot tab
    • Click Blue Screen
    • Click Run the troubleshooter
    • Review the solutions and follow any on-screen instructions
  3. Remove any unnecessary hardware. Things like USB flash drives, Ethernet or HDMI cables, controllers, printer cables, SD cards, and so on can be removed from your computer without impacting the computer’s performance. Furthermore, flaws in hardware items such as these can trigger a BSOD and continue to trigger it until they are removed.
  4. Wait for your computer to restart. Once BSOD appears, Windows will diagnose the problem, attempt to fix whatever the issue is, and then restart. If your computer restarts like usual and doesn’t run into a Blue Screen error again, you can make some changes right from your desktop.  If the BSOD appears again while your computer is attempting to restart, check its error code. If the error code is 0x000000EF, you should immediately skip ahead to the next part. If not, try rebooting in Safe Mode.
  5. Run a virus scan. While rare, sometimes viruses can trick your computer into thinking that it’s malfunctioning, which can in turn cause the BSOD crash.  If the virus scan comes up with any malicious software, remove it immediately.
  6. If the virus scan sends software settings suggestions (e.g., battery life) to you during the scan, try implementing them. A flawed setting may cause the BSOD to appear.

No Sound.

  1. Check the volume level. Click the audio button in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the screen to make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is up.
  2. Check the audio player controls. Many audio and video players will have their own separate audio controls. Make sure the sound is turned on and that the volume is turned up in the player.
  3. Check the cables. Make sure external speakers are plugged in, turned on, and connected to the correct audio port or a USB port. If your computer has color-coded ports, the audio output port will usually be green.
  4. Connect headphones to the computer to find out if you can hear sound through the headphones.

Blank Screen.

  1. The computer may be in Sleep mode. Click the mouse or press any key on the keyboard to wake it.
  2. Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
  3. Make sure the computer is plugged in and turned on.
  4. If you’re using a desktop, make sure the monitor cable is properly connected to the computer tower and the monitor.

If you don’t find a solution to your problem, you may need to ask a family member or friend for assistance.  You can always search the Web, look for a YouTube video or a chat line.  Keep in mind that some computer problems have simple solutions, although it may take some time to find them.

For more complex problems, more in-depth solutions may be required, such as reformatting your hard drive or reinstalling your operating system.  Call us at 978-562-6077, or email us at ITExperts@Bryley.com.  We are here to help.

Tis The Season for Porch Pirates – Don’t Let a “Would Be” Thief Ruin Your Holiday

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Technology has made it very convenient to purchase just about anything and have it delivered at our doorstep. Online buying and package delivery has really become the norm for retail shopping. However, especially during the holiday season, there’s an unfortunate piece of news – “porch pirates” – those modern day thieves who steal packages from doorsteps. In a report from Package Guard, it claims that 11 million US homeowners have had packages stolen from their front door or porch in 2017, and those numbers are due to be higher by the end of this year.

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When To Replace a Server

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Every IT professional would agree that servers are the lifeblood of your organization. No matter what daily task you perform, whether it is responding to email, preparing for a presentation, or completing other workday tasks, it’s important to have a server in your office that runs smoothly. No organization, no matter what the size, wants to face the IT issues associated with a slow or non-responsive server. While there is no way to accurately predict when a server will need to be replaced, there are some general guidelines you should observe to ensure that this critical piece of equipment is running properly.

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Keep Your Electronic Devices Protected – Power Strips vs. Surge Protectors

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With all the electronic devices that are used in homes and offices in today’s high tech world, oftentimes there just aren’t enough electrical outlets to plug them all into. Power strips offer a solution which enables a single outlet to handle multiple devices. But if you don’t choose one that also offers surge protection, you could be putting your devices at risk.

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The Value of Communication – An Inspirational Moment Shared…

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Oftentimes, when you come across an article that someone is raving about as a ‘”MUST READ – Changed my life”, you glance through it with some skepticism, and then realize that it won’t change your life. However this time I came across one of these “life changing” articles and wow – it peaked my interest! It gave me an entirely different perspective on how to approach a conversation.

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FTC Warning: Beware of Card Skimming at the Gas Pump

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The Federal Trade Commission recently posted an article advising consumers to keep an eye out for card skimmers when paying for gas at the pump.

Skimmers are discrete devices which can be attached to payment terminals, allowing criminals to capture your credit card information.  Once they have your information they will either sell it to another party, or use it to make purchases on their own.

Unfortunately these devices are hard to spot and tend to blend in, especially when our attention is focused on pumping gas.

By educating yourself on what to look for, however, you stand a good chance to avoid becoming a target of criminals employing this technology.

The FTC has several examples posted on their website of what to look for.  They also advise:

  • Look for a seal (sticker) on the gas pump.  If the seal is broken or appears to have been tampered with, use a different pump and alert an attendant.
  • Check to see if the card reader at your pump looks different than the readers at other pumps.  If it does, move to a different pump and let an attendant know.
  • Keep a close eye on your credit card statements.  Be sure to report any fraudulent charges to your bank or card issuer.

Click here to read the full article on the FTC’s website.

Another Annoying Robocall. Help!

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How many times have you answered your phone only to hear a recorded message instead of a live person?  It’s annoying, it’s illegal and it’s known as a robocall.  “The FTC has seen a significant increase in the number of illegal robocalls because internet-powered phone systems have made it inexpensive and easy for scammers to make illegal calls from anywhere in the world, and to hide from law enforcement by displaying fake caller ID information.

To date, the FTC has brought more than a hundred lawsuits against over 600 companies and individuals responsible for billions of illegal robocalls and other Do Not Call violations.

The FTC also is leading several initiatives to develop technology-based solutions. Those initiatives include a series of robocall contests that challenge tech gurus to design tools that block robocalls and help investigators track down and stop robocallers. They are also encouraging industry efforts to combat caller ID spoofing. Here’s the FTC’s game plan to combat robocalls:

  • continue aggressive law enforcement
  • build better tools for investigating robocalls
  • coordinate with law enforcement, industry, and other stakeholders
  • stimulate and pursue technological solutions

There are options for blocking robocalls and other unwanted calls.

Mobile Apps.  Call blocking apps let you create blacklists – lists of numbers to block from calling your cell phone. Many of these apps also create their own blacklist databases from numbers that have received significant consumer complaints and some even use complaints to the FTC as a source.  They also let you create whitelists – numbers to allow – that are broader than just your personal contacts.

Some mobile apps let you choose which types of calls you want to block. For example, you might block all calls except contacts, or all calls except your contacts and numbers on a whitelist that you have created. Some apps offer additional features: reverse call look up, providing data on incoming numbers (like community-based reviews or data about the number from a search engine), blocking unwanted texts, logging the number of calls received from a number, and silent ringers for unknown callers. Some mobile apps give you choices about how to respond to an incoming call. For example, you can send a prewritten text message to the caller or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. And some apps let you block calls based on the geographic location or area code of the incoming call.

Many call-blocking apps are free or only cost a few dollars. However, some apps may upload your contact information, along with information about what numbers you call or call you. The app’s privacy policy should explain how it gets and uses your information.

Features Built Into Your Mobile Phone.  Many mobile phones come equipped with features built into the device that can block calls from specific numbers. These features can let consumers block specific contacts, identify unwanted incoming calls for future blocking, and set “do not disturb” hours. You must manage these lists on your own, and the device may limit the number of calls you can block.  Since these features are built into the phone’s operating system or come pre-installed, you may not need to download an app unless you want some more sophisticated features, like tapping into a database of blacklisted numbers.

Cloud-Based Services.  Cloud-based services can block unwanted calls for mobile phone lines or phone lines that operate over the internet, like phone service provided by a cable company. Your carrier may give you information about a cloud-based service operated by another company. The service might be a mobile app or a service that requires you to register your phone line. Cloud-based services reside on large, shared computer systems that can collect data from lots of users and use it to build crowd-sourced blacklists.  These services rely on accessing your call data to add to their databases. Some cloud-based services and mobile apps require all calls to be routed through their service, where they are instantly analyzed.  You may have choices about how unwanted calls are handled – for example, they might ring silently, go straight to a separate voicemail, or go to a spam folder. Some cloud-based services are free and some charge a monthly fee.

Call-Blocking Devices.  Devices that block unwanted calls can be installed directly on a home phone. Some devices use blacklist databases of known spam numbers and allow you to add additional numbers to be blocked. Other blocking devices rely on you to manually create and update your own blacklist. Some devices divert the call after one ring, and some show a blinking light when an unwanted call comes in. Other devices connect the unwanted caller to a recording with options that allow legitimate callers who were mistakenly blacklisted to ring through.

Some devices rely on a whitelist that limits incoming calls to approved numbers.  Some also allow you to set up “do not disturb” hours. You’ll have to pay to buy a call-blocking device, and not all devices work on all types of home phones and carriers.

Carrier Services.  You may consider using services provided by your phone service carrier. Carriers typically have solutions for all phones – landline, cable, internet and mobile devices. Many carriers allow you to block between 10-30 numbers, but you are responsible for identifying the numbers to block. Robocallers frequently shift the numbers they use, so the robocaller may still be able to get through by changing the number they use.

 

Many carriers also allow you to block calls from anonymous callers – those who prevent their phone number from appearing on a CallerID device, or whose number shows up as “ANONYMOUS” or “PRIVATE.” But robocallers often show fake numbers on your CallerID. Some carriers also offer services that allow you to block calls or divert them to voicemail for periods of time. This lets you set up quiet or “do not disturb” hours.”1

Some carriers provide these services for free; others charge a fee. You can check your carrier’s website or call customer service for more information.

Reference:
1  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the nation’s consumer protection agency.
Federal Trade Commission, Privacy, Identity and Online Security.

End-Of-Life Hardware – Retire or Not Retire?

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Many IT departments have processes to keep costs under control and systems running smoothly. However, most organizations fail to adequately plan and properly manage the end-of-life (EOL) transition for routers, firewalls, switches and other critical network infrastructure. A device that is fully depreciated does not yield cost savings – these devices actually represent potentially higher costs due to non-compliance, chance of failure and lack of adequate support.

There are many reasons why organizations do not proactively manage EOL network assets. Two of the most common reasons include:

  1. Reluctance to spend money and time on something that is working
  2. Insufficient resources to prioritize the task of managing network assets

However, underlying risks and costs exist if you do not establish and follow a well-defined process to transition EOL devices out of your network.  Operating legacy hardware poses a significant risk and higher operating cost due to the following reasons:

  • Regulatory non-compliance
  • Excessive support costs
  • Decreased productivity
  • Business disruption

Regulatory Non-compliance:  Non-conformance costs will become an issue if the device is unable to achieve control objectives defined by your policies. This may be due to a lack of technical capability or because the device is no longer able to receive updates that address security vulnerabilities.

Excessive Support Costs:  The primary reason for increasing support costs are due to vendor end-of-sale and EOL policies. As a device approaches EOL, the support services can become more expensive. Failure to secure or renew a maintenance agreement before critical EOL dates expire will prevent you from receiving vendor technical support and maintenance upgrades. Therefore you may be forced to develop or maintain more expensive in-house skills or contract externally for those needed services.

Decreased Productivity:  IT technology is a significant business productivity driver. Therefore when new IT technologies are not adopted and utilized, then opportunity costs may negatively affect bottom-line financial performance. This is also a problem when the organization wants to expand service only to discover that the underlying infrastructure won’t support the business requirements because it is no longer supported. This discovery then forces unplanned expenditures and cost overruns.

Business Disruption:  This risk often produces a broad spectrum of affects caused by catastrophic device failure and often leads to business disruption and accompanying lost revenue and/or brand damage. These problems are amplified when remediating a legacy device consumes even more time because spares cannot be located or the replacement device requires extensive install and configuration effort.

Tracking EOL devices can be difficult because of the challenge to effectively manage, track and verify the information.

  • There is no pattern for how long a vendor will keep a product in market or when they will issue an EOL announcement.  Therefore, you simply can’t perform this research annually (without the likelihood of missing several announcements throughout the year). Vendors make it your responsibility to watch for these announcements. If you miss any announcement then you will miss out on important transition dates and options.
  • Vendors often communicate end-of-sales/end-of-life announcements according to a product series as opposed to a specific model or part number. Therefore an EOL announcement may, or may not, apply to your specific device.  Tracking EOL dates takes time because you have to carefully read each applicable announcement and determine how it applies to your equipment.
  • It is very important to have an accurate inventory of your devices, including serial numbers, part numbers, etc.
  • All of this data has to be well integrated with management, and if it’s not part of your network management system, it will require more effort to properly manage all of this data.

If you don’t have an internal system for tracking this information, your managed service provider should be tracking this for you.  Any organization running EOL technology faces many unknown and potentially costly challenges. It’s important to work with a firm that has vast experience and expertise in helping organizations transition to newer technology.

Rely on Bryley Systems as your trusted partner to assist your organization properly phase out EOL technology and adopt new technologies, so that your IT functions are operating at its maximum potential.  Contact us at 978-562-6077, or by email at ITExperts@Bryley.com to learn more. We are here to help.

My Software Has Reached End of Life. Now What?

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When software reaches end of life (EOL), all of a sudden you find yourself wondering what impact will this have on our organization?  Take a moment to understand what vulnerabilities may be at hand and what are some best practices for planning ahead.

Never just ignore EOL timelines because there are some risks to be concerned about.

EOL Software Dangers:

  • Security vulnerabilities: When using software that’s no longer supported, computers become a gateway for malware.  When vulnerabilities are no longer patched, it leaves the door wide open for hackers.
  • Software incompatibility:  New applications are optimized for the most recent operating systems. That means when using EOL operating systems, you can’t upgrade to the latest and greatest, so you’ll have to hold onto legacy applications which are likely also EOL, or soon to be.  When the legacy applications come to their EOL, they are extremely difficult to migrate onto new infrastructure, costing your business time and money.
  • Poor performance and reliability: Chances are, if you’re still running legacy apps or old versions of Windows, then you have some aging servers and workstations too.  This will add to your risk because these likely out-of-warranty devices are prone to breaking down. Consider the downtime alone could be more costly than an overdue upgrade.
  • High operating costs: If technology is out-of-date or out-of-warranty, both cost and downtime are magnified when a failure occurs.  Your organization can’t afford a mission-critical app failing, and trying to maintain and bug-fix any post-EOL software can be very expensive.
  • Compliance issues: Regulated industries like healthcare and e-commerce deal with lots of sensitive customer data. Entrusting your critical information to a decade-old OS or an insecure application?  In addition to security lapses, it could result in big fines, company shutdowns, or more legal issues that could ruin your organization.

There is no bulletproof way to run EOL software.  Security, compatibility and compliance are all challenges with EOL software.

 

What are some best practices to plan ahead?

  1. Define business service management requirements:   Identify nice-to-have capabilities desired for incident management, service level assurance, problem resolution, change management, configuration management, self-service options, and integration requirements.
  2. Evaluate needs:  Focus on options that will enhance profit, ease business operations, increase revenue and reduce company operational costs. Know what you are looking for and what you want to do for an EOL replacement.
  3. Focus on processes for operations:   Identify service management processes that are unique to your business when considering vendors and purchases.
  4. Leverage modern technology:  A good objective in EOL replacement is to apply the benefits of newer technology to resolve the most obvious pain points in your IT management organization. Investing in the latest software is great, but being mindful about outdated operating systems is even better.

EOL software poses a large risk to organizations every day.  With an adequate understanding of the risks involved, advanced planning, and help from Bryley Systems, you can identify and migrate away from EOL software.  Contact us at 978.562.6077, or by email at ITExperts@Bryley.com to learn more. We are here to help.

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High Tech Gadgets to Travel With

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Summer is here.  Everyone is eager to plan those well-deserved long weekend trips and vacations.  Here are some trendy, cutting edge and fun gadgets that may come in handy as you head out on your next adventure.

Interested in taking high quality photos and videos on the go?

If you’re taking that dream vacation and want the perfect shot, you may be interested in Selfly.  It has a detachable, universal drone living in its 9mm phone case, which allows you to take photos on its 13mp camera and even film 1080p/60fps videos. If you’re looking for that flawless hands-free travel shot, this easy-to-carry camera can help you capture those memorable moments.

Are you a social media user?

Perhaps you would like to spice up your Facebook page or record some fun videos of that day trip with the family. The Insta360 Nano Camera brings you to a whole new world for video.  Take 360-degree photos and videos by simply plugging the device right into your iPhone or using it as an independent camera. Regardless of how you choose to film, capturing the world around you in 4K is remarkable.

Travel to Europe without the language barrier.

Overseas travel and immersing yourself in unfamiliar territory can be exciting but language barriers can be confusing.  Remove the fear of not speaking a different language by taking along Travis the Translator.  Travis is a small handheld device that can interpret 60 languages when it is connected to a Wi-Fi via a SIM card, and 20 languages in offline mode.

Planning a cross country drive?  Taking a cruise?  Flying somewhere?   For those who get motion sick, you may think about the Reliefband, which is a high tech wristband that uses electric pulses to regulate and reduce that awful feeling of nausea associated with motion sickness.

Recharge your mobile phone with iOttie. These safe and stylish fast charging solutions offer wireless charging cases and mounts for cars, bicycles, and tabletops.  Belkin also offers wireless chargers.  Even though this technology isn’t brand new, its wider spread implementation is.  Using QI-certified pads, the energetic technology can deliver a charge to your QI-enabled smartphone (including newer models of iPhone and Samsung) by simply having the phone placed on top of the pad. And there’s a bonus – for phones with lightweight cases, there’s no need to “disrobe” to make the connection.

Planning your next getaway is just half the fun.  Traveling with handy technology will help your trip be more enjoyable.