Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Providing support as a service means we answer hundreds of questions every week. So we put together this page with the most common questions we hear in hopes of assisting you in solving your computer issues or even just clearing doubts.

General Questions

My computer isn't turning on, what do I do ?

First test the computer’s power cord, verify if it is completely plugged into the wall socket. If you are using a plug strip, verify if it is completely plugged into the wall socket and that the switch on the plug strip is turned on. Some plug strips also have an imbedded circuit breaker which usually looks like a black or red button near the power switch. Reset it by pressing the button and see if that solves the problem.

My computer crashed. Why am I getting a blue screen ?

I am sure you are familiar with the classic “blue screen of death”. The problem is, it doesn’t indicate one specific problem. The most common culprits are driver conflicts, memory issues and other hardware issues. If you ever get an error code such as “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED”, write it down and get in touch with a preferred professional.

Is it bad to leave a computer running 24/7 ?

Although computers today are designed with durability in mind, leaving them running 24/7 could cause issues with the computer’s fans which are essential for keeping your PC nice and cool. So our recommendation is that you turn off or restart your computer at least once a week in order to install updates and give it a reset.

My computer is making weird noises when I turn it on.

The sounds your computer makes are important indicators that something may be very wrong. A faint grinding can indicate that a hard drive is failing and you should contact a professional right away. If it sounds more like something spinning or whirring with a wobble, It may be that one of your fans is faulty and needs to be changed.

Nothing is showing up on my monitor, what do I do ?

Check that the monitor is correctly attached to the rear of the computer and plugged in. If there is no power light (green or orange light) on the monitor display, press the power button until it turns on. If your computer monitor was on when you stepped away and black upon returning , it’s likely that the computer is asleep. 

Can I turn off the computer with the power button ?

Simply pressing the power button is not recommended unless there is an issue with the computer and it is required. The Shut Down feature was designed to take the computer through all the necessary steps required before shutting down.

My computer is so slow, what do I do ?

  • If your computer has not been rebooted recently, make sure to reboot it before following any of the next steps.
  • One of the most common reasons for a slow computer is programs running in the background. Remove or disable any programs that automatically start when you boot.
  • Deleting the temporary file stored in the hard drive helps improve computer performance (we suggest using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files and other files no longer needed on the computer).
  • Make sure there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This allows the computer to have room for swap files to increase in size and give room for temporary files.
  • Make sure all your drivers are updated, especially the video drivers. Slow performance is just one of the issues out-of-date drivers can cause.
  • If the instructions above did not solve your speed issues, the next step would be to contact a professional and request that they check the machine personally.

I can’t connect to the Internet. Where is my Wi-Fi ?

  • Sometimes the culprit can be something as simple as a loose cable on a modem or router. If not, the next step is to check if your network’s interface card is enabled and functioning properly. Check your Wi-Fi settings by clicking Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and then switch Wi-Fi to the “On” position.
  • Many times, restarting the router or the computer can fix your connectivity issues. Routers and computers need to be restarted every now and then in order to clear cache or refresh running processes.
  • When you install two software firewalls such as Windows Firewall and another third-party firewall on the same computer, the contention between the two can incorrectly block traffic. If you run two, consider disabling one temporarily to determine if it’s the cause of the connection issue.
  • If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, you should be aware that the distance between your wireless access point and your device affects connection performance. The further you walk away from the Wi-Fi router or a wireless access point, the slower the internet connection becomes, and any further drift results in a complete collapse.
  • Windows has a tool known as Windows Network Diagnostics, which lets users troubleshoot internet connection issues. Simply go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Next, view under Network Settings and click Network Troubleshooter. The tool will then run a couple of tests to determine what’s possibly causing your internet connection issues. If any issue is discovered, you will be given a list of possible actions to take to restore your connection.
  • In heavily populated urban regions, internet service providers or cellular internet carriers may be unable to support network traffic peaks, resulting in periodic outages for some users. If you can’t find out why you can’t connect to the internet, your ISP should be able to help.
  • If you have tried everything and still can’t get your internet back up and running, try giving an IT professional here at Infradapt a call. We would love to help.

How do I delete browser cookies?

Microsoft Internet Explorer users go to “Tools”, then go to “Safety” and choose “Delete browsing history”, you can then choose to delete your Internet cookies. In Google Chrome, go to “More Tools” and choose “Clear browsing data”. Firefox users can go to “History”, then choose “Clear recent history”.

What is malware ?

Malware, short for Malicious Software is a catch-all phrase for a wide range of software that is used to compromise your computer system. It includes adware, bots, bugs, ransomware, rootkits, spyware, trojan horses, viruses, and other malware. Malware is used to cause problems for users, propagate to other systems, collect or delete data, and do a variety of other unwanted behaviors.

How do I protect my network against malware?

Typically, businesses concentrate on preventative measures to prevent breaches, they usually assume they are secure by adding security the perimeter. Some advanced malware, on the other hand, will eventually find their way into your network. As a result, it is critical to deploy technologies that continuously monitor and detect malware that has evaded perimeter defenses. Sufficient advanced malware protection necessitates multiple layers of safeguards as well as high-level network visibility and intelligence.

How do I know if a website is secure ?

Every time you access a website and view a closed padlock next to the URL, it means that the website is secure. Although some people think that it is only essential for online stores because they require the input of personal data and credit card information, this is not true.

A secure URL should begin with “https” rather than “http.” The “s” in “https” stands for secure, which indicates that the site is using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate. This lets you know that all your communication and data is encrypted as it passes from your browser to the website’s server.

How do I pick a strong password ?

Passwords that are truly strong are long (more than 12 characters) and random.

Here are some modern approaches for establishing secure passwords:

Use mnemonic methods – Think of a memorable phrase (or can keep near your computer without raising too many eyebrows). “I was born on January 1, 1975 in Dallas, Texas,” for example. To make your password, combine the initial letter of each word (including capitalization) with any symbols and numbers: “IwbiD,ToJ1,1975” You’ll build a password that is lengthy, random, includes more than simply words or characters, and is easy to remember or write down without anybody guessing its actual purpose.

Use randomization – It may seem contradictory, but combining four or more completely random words results as an excellent password, even without extra capitalization or other mutations. Most passwords are simple to guess because individuals only choose one or two words that make sense together or have some connection to them. Take out a dictionary or a book, turn to a random page, and place your finger on a word. Repeat this process a few more times, and you’ll have a strong password. Furthermore, it should be easier to remember than determining if you turned that A to a @ and which characters you capitalized.

Service Related

What is the cloud ? What is a cloud ?

The term “cloud” refers to Internet-accessible servers as well as the software and databases that run on those servers. Cloud servers are housed in data centers worldwide. Users and businesses who use cloud computing do not have to operate physical servers or run software programs on their own equipment.

Because computation and storage take place on servers in a data center rather than locally on the user device, users may access the same files and programs from nearly any device. This is why, if a user logs in to their Instagram account on a new phone after their old phone breaks, they will discover their previous account intact, complete with all of their photographs, videos, and chat history. It is the same with cloud email services such as Gmail or Microsoft Office 365, as well as cloud storage providers such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

How does cloud computing work?

Cloud computing is made feasible by a technique known as virtualization. Virtualization enables the development of a simulated, digital-only “virtual” computer that acts like a real computer with its own hardware. A virtual machine is the technical word for such a computer. When correctly designed, virtual machines on the same host computer are sandboxed from one another, so they do not communicate at all, and files and programs from one virtual machine are not accessible to the other virtual machines, despite the fact that they are on the same physical machine.

Virtual machines also make better use of the hardware that houses them. By operating many virtual machines at the same time, one server becomes many servers, and a data center becomes a network of data centers capable of serving multiple businesses. As a result, cloud providers may provide access to their servers to considerably more clients at once than they could otherwise, and they can do it at a cheap cost.

Even if individual servers fail, cloud servers in general should remain online and accessible at all times. Cloud companies often backup their services across many computers and geographies.

What is VoiP ? (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. VoIP services transform your voice into a digital signal that can be transmitted over the Internet. If you dial a standard phone number, the signal is transformed to a regular phone signal before reaching its destination.

VoIP allows you to call from a computer, a dedicated VoIP phone, or a standard phone linked to a special adaptor. Furthermore, wireless “hot spots” in airports, parks, and cafés allow you to connect to the Internet and may allow you to utilize VoIP service wirelessly.

What is an MSP ?

A managed service provider (MSP) provides network, application, infrastructure, and security services to clients through continuous and frequent support and active management on their premises, in their MSP’s data center (hosting), or in third-party data center. MSP was originally applied to infrastructure or data-centric services, but it has now grown to cover any ongoing, regular management, maintenance and support.

Contracting for services provides a number of operational advantages and financial benefits, including:

  • Staff is available around the clock for a small fee.
  • Contract, clearly describes the task of IT support.
  • Can provide coverage for on-site catastrophes
  • Data backup management can be included to prevent data loss.
  • Scalable, with more resources added progressively or temporarily.
  • Removes the possibility of a corporation being slowed down by industrial action.
  • Reduces the issue of firms vying for limited competent IT specialists, causing wages to rise.

How is technology important for business ?

Communication – Technology allows for faster, broader, and more efficient communication. This includes interactions inside your team as well as encounters with clients, potential consumers, investors, and the general public. Video conferencing technology such as Skype and Zoom make it possible to have meetings across geographical boundaries. Within your business, a software like Slack or Asana may help you streamline communication.

Security – With the growth of cybercrime and data breaches, all firms must implement stringent security measures. Today, the majority of company assets are held in the cloud or on endpoints. As a result, businesses must implement stringent security measures to protect their data as well as that of their consumers.

Efficiency – Overall, technology aids in the improvement of system, product, and service efficiency. It aids in the tracking and streamlining of operations, the maintenance of data flow, and the management of contacts and staff records. In reality, increasing operational efficiency helps to minimize expenses while while allowing the organization to develop faster.

Time & Money – There is no doubt that technology enables organizations to accomplish more in less time while maintaining product or service quality. Indeed, technology is already undertaking monotonous activities that were formerly undertaken by humans. This helps by lowering personnel costs or directing them to places where they are most required. Businesses must have a thorough grasp of technical tools in order to fully utilize them. Management information systems play an important role in assisting businesses in tracking data, sales, productivity levels, and costs. Data can also reveal areas for improvement as well as potential for expansion. Knowledge of information systems will assist firms in streamlining administrative procedures, lowering operating costs, innovating, entering new markets, improving customer service, and gaining a competitive advantage in the market.

Can I hire an MSP if I already have an IT person ?

We are not here to take jobs. Our goal is to become a valuable extension to your team and help your company/organization become more productive and give them the ability to fully take advantage of available technology while providing reliable IT Support.

How Much do Managed Services Cost ?

There is no such thing as standardized pricing for managed IT services. That solely depends on the service provided and the duration of the service. IT MSP pricing often includes per-user and per-device fees. Sometimes low-cost services are followed by high-variable-cost services. Mid-tier services are frequently regarded as the greatest value for most firms. Furthermore, high-end services have greater fees and are better suited to specific scenarios.

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