Tips & Tricks
Here's a few small tips and tricks that you can try before calling us that could help solve a problem you are having with your computer.
Internet connection has dropped.
Try switching off your router, leaving it for 1 minute, then turn it back on again. If still not connecting, turn off the router for 20-30 minutes, then turn it on and try again.
Desktop computer won't turn on.
Firstly make sure everything is plugged in and switched on (sometimes desktop computers have power switches on the back, usually located next to where the power cable plugs in). If the problem remains, try plugging the computer into a different mains socket, or change the fuse in the plug.
Everything on screen appears big.
The screen resolution could be wrong. Right mouse click on the desktop and then click Properties (Windows XP) or Personalize (Windows Vista) or Screen Resolution (Windows 7). In Windows XP, click the Settings Tab, drag the slider to the right and click OK. In Windows Vista, click the Display Settings option, drag the slider to the right and click OK. In Windows 7, click the drop down menu labelled Resolution, drag the slider up and click OK.
If everything appears big in Internet Explorer, try clicking on the zoom tool found in the bottom right of the screen until it improves.
Screen appears up-side down on laptop.
Some laptops can adjust their screen orientation by holding down the ctrl & alt keys and then pressing the up or down arrow keys.
Wireless keyboard and/or mouse stopped working.
Sounds obvious, but try changing the batteries. If still no luck, try re-syncing the keyboard/mouse to the wireless receiver. The mouse and keyboard will have a sync button, usually located on the bottom. The receiver will also have a button. If you press these buttons together, the devices should re-sync.
Laptop not connecting to the wireless network.
Make sure you haven't accidentally switched off the wireless. Most laptops have a switch located on them that can turn the wireless network card on and off. Locate this switch and make sure it is turned on. If your laptop doesn't have a switch, it may have a keyboard shortcut to do the same thing. Usually the button will be located on the Function Keys (F1, F2, F3 etc.) and will most likely look like an aerial and may have some waved lines emitting from it, but you will probably have to hold down the Fn key to initiate the correct function of the key.
Keeping your machine healthy
Run Windows Update.
Windows Update is usually located on the Start Menu under All Programs. Running this regularly will ensure you keep up to date with the latest security updates and patches.
Keep your anti-virus up to date and activated.
Anti-virus is one of the most important programs on your computer. If you don't keep it up to date and activated, you leave yourself exposed to a number of malicious programs floating around on the Web, some of which can cause havok to your computer and can steal your personal details.
Surge protect your equipment.
Power surges and power cuts are a major cause of computer problems. You can protect your computer and other electronic devices from surges by using a surge protected power gang that you then plug all this valuable equipment into.
Remove any unnecessary programs.
Over time, the amount of programs on your computer will increase. Often you may install a program to the computer which you either didn't realise you were installing, or you no longer use. Having these programs installed can begin the slow the machine down, so it is always advisable to remove any of these programs. The best way to do this is to open up the Control Panel (usually found on the Start Menu) and then selecting Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista & 7). A list will then populate with everything that is installed on the computer. Simply click on a program you no longer use, and then click Uninstall. (Be careful with this as sometimes you can remove a program that controls some function of the computer, such as sound. Only remove programs that you are sure about).