Category: Articles

Today, the majority of us are extremely digitally savvy, but there are still a number of myths circulating the internet about how to effectively protect your device from cybercriminals. In this blog, we’re debunking 3 common myths about cybersecurity.

Complicated passwords are enough

Experts strongly recommend that you set a strong password for all of your online accounts, so make sure you don’t skip this step. A password that has lower and upper case letters and several numbers and symbols is an essential first step to preventing hackers from accessing your data, but it is just one of many security layers that you need. Make sure that each of your passwords is unique and ensure you activate two-factor authentication wherever possible. To remember your complicated passwords, it’s a good idea to use password management software.

It will be obvious if my computer is infected

In the past, when cybercriminals would hack into computers to steal data, there would be obvious signs of infection such as annoying pop-ups or slow loading times. However, nowadays, cybercriminals have developed new methods of infecting devices with malware without making it obvious. Malware is developed to be untraceable and undetectable, so it may be a number of months before you notice that something is wrong. To protect your data against malware, make sure that you install robust antivirus software and stay up to date with the latest security developments.

I don’t need cybersecurity because I only access safe locations

Many people are under the illusion that simple common sense is enough to protect them from identity theft, phishing, malware and more, but there are many security vulnerabilities that are not visible to the naked eye. Cybercriminals have the ability to insert malware into safe websites to infect your system, so even if you trust the site you’re using, you may not be as safe as you think. Malicious software is evolving constantly, so just because they’re not visible does not mean they’re not there.

Is your business in need of 24-hour remote IT support services? If so, get in touch with our team of experts at Rapid IT today.

One annoying trend in the computing industry is the way that brand new parts become slower over time, eventually breaking down in what feels like no time at all. This results in you having to spend even more money on computer parts. With this in mind, here are a few simple IT support tips that can help you get the most out of your PC’s lifecycle.

Restart it often

“Turn it off and on again” might sound like a fairly stereotypical response when it comes to tech support, but it’s important to note that this didn’t come from nowhere. By having your computer on for days or even weeks at a time, you’re significantly damaging the speed at which it can effectively run. A restart will clear your PC’s cache, reset the RAM and get your computer back to its optimal speed in no time at all.

Dust your computer

For some people, this isn’t an easy solution, as you might be using a laptop or a desktop that is hard to take apart. If possible, you should try and get inside your PC in order to clear out any dust that might have built up over the years. Dust on your components can cause them to overheat, which will degrade the performance of your device not only in the short term, but will potentially cause permanent damage that can shorten its lifespan. If you’re using a laptop or locked down desktop, you can always use a can of compressed air to try and clean it out.

Uninstall any unused programs

Over the years, some programs will eventually fall by the wayside and no longer see use. These programs will need uninstalling, or you risk keeping your hard drive full to the brim. A full hard drive won’t be able to work as quickly, so uninstalling old programs and deleting old files can squeeze out a few more months of high-end performance from your PC.

If you’ve tried all of these tips and still can’t get optimal performance out of your PC, get in touch with Rapid IT Support today and our team of friendly experts can get you back up and running.

One of the biggest problems with laptops, especially older models, is overheating. Resulting data loss and irreparable damage to parts of your computer are something we all want to avoid at all costs but what do you do if your laptop temperature just keeps increasing?

First of all, it is important to work out why your laptop is overheating – if it’s a simple issue of maintenance, that’s something you can take care of yourself. But the last thing you want to do is start dissembling your computer without knowing just what you’re looking for, so be aware of all the possible variables.

There are a range of issues that could be resulting in overheating. For example, if there is dust or other foreign particles lodged inside the heatsink of your laptop, this can result in bad heat flow. Perhaps there is a basic design fault in your laptop; or it could be the application of thermal pads in some designs which work to create a separation between the heatsink, the GPU and the CPU, also resulting in increased temperatures. If you are not sure what is causing your overheating, make sure you employ professional IT support to ensure your laptop gets the attention it needs.

If, however, you are confident you have identified the source of the overheating, you can then take steps to fix the problem. Take apart your laptop to find the heatsink and fan location, and give it a good clean. A drop of mineral oil on the axle of the fan can also help, if the fan is spinning a little unpredictably. It is also a good idea to see if you need to update the thermal pads to make the heat flow more efficient – copper shims are a good option because they really improve the heat transfer.

For the longevity of your device, it is necessary for you to address any overheating problems as soon as they arise. If you have tried the DIY method and are still experiencing problems with your laptop overheating, ensure you contact your trusted computing support technician as soon as possible.

Buying your first laptop can be a daunting experience. In the modern world, where choices seem endless and the next big thing is right around the corner, it’s hard to know who to trust. Don’t fret however, because by answering a few simple questions you can know exactly which laptop will be right for you.

1. Know your purpose

Different people buy different laptops for different reasons. Knowing why you want your laptop not only makes it easier to choose, but it also narrows down exactly which elements you should be looking for. For example, someone who wants a laptop for graphic intensive work and someone who wants one merely to browse will be looking for different things. By knowing why you want the laptop, you can ensure you don’t overspend or get a computer that doesn’t fulfil your needs.

2. Check and compare prices

That computer that you just bought for $2,000, they had down the road for $1,750. You could’ve known that by checking for price comparisons online and saved yourself $50. This can be the case for many purchases. So yes, go into a shop and figure out which computer is right for you, but don’t buy it right away. More often than not, you will be able to find a cheaper price online.

3. Know what to do if something goes wrong

If something does go wrong with your new machine, you should know your options. If it’s under warranty, you might be eligible for a replacement. For all other cases though, you will need to go to a professional, such as Rapid IT Support.k

4. Protect it

As soon as you obtain your computer you can take steps to ensure its wellbeing. The first thing you should do is install an antivirus programme. This will scan your computer and detect and block any unwanted adware. You should also take care when opening links and suspicious emails. If you follow these steps, hopefully you can avoid any problems, but if they do arise, know that there are options.

When you purchase a PC, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on how to take care of it. Along with other well-known mistakes – such as not maintaining your PC properly and clicking on random advertisements – avoiding these three common mistakes can ensure you have a healthy computer in the long run.

1. Installing default programs

When you install a program you’ve downloaded, you’ll often find that some other products or adware are also installed by default. These can slow down your computer and become a huge headache, so make sure you keep your eye on the installation and untick any boxes next to features and programs you don’t want.

In a similar vein, you should check out the programs on your PC that were pre-installed when you bought it. There’s a good chance that you don’t need many of these and they’re simply slowing your machine down. You can go to Control Panel and remove them via Programs and Features (for Windows 10, you’ll need to go to Settings > System > Apps & Features), or you can use a free tool such as PC Decrapifier.

2. Neglecting to restart

Frequently, when computer users have a problem with their machine, they spend a considerable amount of time researching the issue and trying to fix it, when the first step should be restarting it. Rebooting can fix a multitude of problems with computers, whether they’re simply running a little slowly, keep losing a Wi-Fi connection or are doing something else equally frustrating.

3. Not updating your software

Developers release updates for a reason, so it’s not a good idea to ignore them when they are bugging you for it. Yes, it may be a minor inconvenience but most software updates can run in the background while you’re busy working away. Updates are important because they fix bugs, introduce new features and most importantly fix any security loopholes that viruses or hackers may be able to use to their advantage. This includes the notoriously annoying Windows OS update.

We do hope identifying these common mistakes can assist you in maintaining a healthy computer. Should you ever need any assistance in following through with this information, why not give the friendly team at Rapid IT Support a call? We’re here to help with our 24 hour IT support services.

One of the few things that depreciates more rapidly than cars is technology. You can buy a $2,000 computer brand new, and then just a few short years later you’ll be struggling to make back 10% of that, especially if your computer isn’t an Apple product.

Instead of forking out another couple of grand and repeating the cycle ad infinitum, why not consider doing some DIY laptop repair? Sometimes all you need is a larger hard drive or more RAM. If a larger hard drive is all you need, then you can either consider an external hard drive, or perhaps even look into swapping in a new hard drive with a greater capacity.

Whatever the case, don’t be so quick to throw out that computer you’ve had if it’s just a little more sluggish than when you first got it. Sometimes a good defrag or re-image is all you need to get your computer back to speed.

Another great idea is to run reputable virus scan and removable software. There are, of course, a seemingly infinite range of options for virus removal, so it is essential to do your research before parting ways with any cash. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free anti-virus program available for Windows and Apple operating systems that can scan and remove malware (kind of like a virus) that infects and compromises the speed, stability and reliability of your computer. Although this powerful software is free, those who are serious about real-time security should consider the paid version, which has the added benefits of real-time protection from malware, a scan scheduler, and a flash memory scanner.

Finally, if you’re like us and enjoy playing a decent game on the computer every now and then, but you feel that your computer is no longer cutting the mustard, a new graphics card, in addition to more RAM, can really breathe life back into your old computer. However, sometimes your computer really is at the end of its tether, and it might, in fact, be a good idea to part with your old machine. If this is the case, it is, like most things, a good idea to shop around to make sure you get a good deal for a computer or laptop that satisfies your requirements.

You’ve purchased a new PC and are feeling excited about opening the box. But before you even switch the on button be sure to read this guide so you know how to to optimise your PC and get your new computer running to the best of its ability.

1. Enable Windows updates

Try not to surf the internet or use any of your computer’s programs until Windows has completed its updates. To do this, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. Why is it important to have these updates in place? Because if your computer is running on the latest version of Windows then it’ll be faster and more optimised.

2. Install a faster internet browser

Internet Explorer comes standard with PCs but these days there are other browsers that allow you to browse the internet at a faster speed. Consider downloading Chrome or Firefox to your desktop for optimised internet usage.

3. Get you anti-virus software in place

The last thing you want is for a new computer to get a virus soon after it’s been purchased. Windows 8 comes with its own program called Windows Defender which is an adequate security system. However, it certainly isn’t the most fully-featured anti-malware software on the market, so purchase or download better security if you really want to keep your computer secure.

4. Delete what you don’t need

Often your PC will come with software you don’t need and if you get rid of these programs then you’ll find your computer runs more efficiently. Head to your control panel and uninstall any programs you don’t think you’ll use.

5. Make sure your files are backed up securely

Now your PC is ready to be used, make sure you have a way of backing up everything so you don’t lose any of your data. If possible, create a clone of your computer’s primary hard drive and save it to another hard drive. There are lots of free back up tools on the web to help you make sure you don’t lose important files. It is handy to purchase two external hard drives and save everything to both on a regular basis so you have multiple copies.

You should now be ready to use your computer in an optimised way. Have fun! If you need any help, we offer 24 hour computer support, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

There is nothing more frustrating than a computer that takes a good ten minutes to boot up. But we’ve compiled five simple tips for making your computer run faster so you can avoid those moments of annoyance.

1. Have programs you’re not using? Uninstall!

A lot of computers come with programs you don’t need and will never use, which run in the background whenever your computer is turned on. This slows down your computer processing speed, so delete these where possible.

Open your list of installed software and uninstall all programs you’re not using, avoiding any that are linked to your computer’s hardware needs.

2. Delete any temporary files

Temporary files are often accumulated on your computer’s hard disk, slowing it down. Get rid of these files by opening up your Temp folder, selecting any files that are older than the current day and delete these.

Don’t forget to empty the recycling bin or trash to ensure they disappear for good!

3. Back up and delete

If you are storing a large amount of photos or video footage on your computer, it is bound to slow it down. Regularly back up your files on to two external hard drives and then delete what’s on your computer.

If you are finding your hard drive is continuously getting to more than 85% full, consider installing a new hard drive in your PC for added space.

4. Clean up your PC

Windows offer an in-built cleanup system for your PC called Disk Cleanup.

How does this work? It simply scans your computer for large files that aren’t being used, such as temporary internet files, and deletes them.

To open the tool, find it under Accessories > System Tools and put it in to action to get your computer up to speed!

5. Clear the dust

Dust can be very damaging for your computer, as it stops it from cooling down and allowing airflow to happen. By cleaning out the dust, you can stop your computer from overheating and allow it to work faster.

The easiest way to clean your desktop or laptop is to remove the exterior of your computer and use a hoover with a small attachment and on a low setting to suck out some dust. Ensure all cables are disconnected and that your computer has been switched off for at least half an hour.

There you have it – five simple steps to ensure your computer operates faster and causes you minimal frustration! But if these don’t help, there could be a more serious issue with your computer, so contact the computing support technicians at Rapid IT Support.

Everyone experiences internet connectivity issues at some point or another. Luckily, most problems can be fixed reasonably easily. If you are experiencing internet connectivity issues, try out the following common fixes.

1. Does your router have power?

If your router isn’t getting power, you won’t be getting internet connectivity. The easiest way to check your router is getting power is to check your router’s LED status indicators. If none of the status indicators are lit up, odds are that the router is either unplugged or turned off. If this is the case, disconnect the power and then reconnect it after a few minutes while ensuring the power switch is on. If the LED indictors still do not operate, you could have faulty wiring, a failed adapter or a fried router. In this case you may need a new router.

2. Is your router connected?

If you are sure the router is getting power, but you are still experiencing issues, you should check the router’s internet or WAN indicator. Most routers will indicate this connection via a green, flashing LED. If your router doesn’t have LED indicators, check the back of your router and ensure the Ethernet port lights are blinking. If you can’t see any internet activity, switch your router off and unplug it completely. Afterwards reconnect each cable into its appropriate port and then reboot the router.

3. Do you need to boost your signal?

If you are experiencing internet connectivity issues, check the Wi-Fi signal strength on your PC and mobile devices. If the connection is indicating one or two bars, you are experiencing a weak internet connection. If this is the case you can first try readjusting your router’s antennas or changing the location of the router to further your Wi-Fi’s range. If this doesn’t work, you should invest in a signal booster or range extender.

If you still can’t fix your internet connectivity or are experiencing regular internet connectivity issues, it is best to contact an professional IT support service. At Rapid IT Support, we offer 24 hour computer support including trouble shooting, repairs and remote support.

When the sound stops working on your computer, things can get really frustrating really quickly. After all, we depend on sound for nearly everything – from making calls to watching videos. Here are five tips to help you troubleshoot computer audio for Windows.

1. Check the cables

This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how many people don’t check their cables before panicking. Make sure, first, that all cables are attached correctly and, second, that all cables are working properly. Faults can pop up unexpectedly.

2. Make sure that the volume is turned up – everywhere

For sound to work, there must be audible volume at every point – the internet browser (if relevant), the computer and the speakers and/or headphones.

3. Run the Windows Playing Audio troubleshooter

This efficient program runs through the computer’s whole system, including volume settings, sound cards, sound drivers, speakers and/or headphones. To troubleshoot computer audio this way, click Start, then Control Panel, then type ‘troubleshooter’ in the Panel’s search box. Click Troubleshooting, then click audio playback, which you’ll find in the Hardware and Sound section. You might need an admin password. For best results, be sure to use an updated version of the troubleshooter.

4. Check your drivers

Every now and again, your drivers can become disabled or faulty without you knowing it. This can sometimes be caused by a virus or malware. To check this, open your Windows Device Manager, then click on Sound, Video and Game Controllers. Here, you’ll be able to see if the drivers have been disabled – you can reverse this easily, by simply clicking Enable. If you’re unable to see your drivers or you see a warning symbol, you can try either reinstalling or updating your drivers.

5. Visit the computer manufacturer’s support page or website

If none of the above tips solve the problem, it might be time to seek some extra, and more specific, information. The easiest way to do this is to go straight to the support section of your computer manufacturer’s website – some brands even have entire sites dedicated to this. Or get in touch with the knowledgeable team here at Rapid IT Support.