Computers- the machines everyone loves to hate. It’s said that we control them but as specialists in business IT support in London, we know how easily those scales can tip in the favour of the machine. Their compliance with us hangs by a thread and if they go wrong, they instantly throw out any kind of good mood you were in right out the window! But there are ways we know to help tame these silent beasts as well as make you feel like you’re in control (because you are!), and we thought it’d be a good idea to share some of these nifty tricks and tips with you here - remember to pass them on! 

Use Problem Steps Recorder

This incredibly handy tool records all of your mouse clicks and takes screenshots for you. The next time you need some kind of tech support, go to Run by pressing the Windows button and R together, and then type in ‘psr’. Use the tool and by the time you’ve finished, you’ll be able to send this information, neatly compiled and everything, to the person helping you with the issue. We should note here, that this is only a feature on Windows 7 so it won’t work on any earlier OS.

Reducing the number of start-up programmes

A common problem people have with their computer is a long boot up time and the reason for this is because there are too many programmes running at start-up. This is an easy fix and will make your computer run much faster. To change the items running at start-up, go to Run and type ‘msconfig’. A small dialogue box will open; select the Startup tab. Here, you’ll see a list of start-up programmes which allows you to turn off any unnecessary programmes which should result in your computer being several seconds (or minutes) quicker upon booting.

Cloud backup

If you need another reason to see what wonders the internet can do for you, look no further than cloud backup services. If you’re working on anything important, whether it’s for school, work or maybe just something you don’t want to lose then cloud storage is imperative. Sure, backing up locally is fine, but with these services you’ll never have to worry about losing your files again. ( Psst, check out our cloud back-up services here.)

Finding/deleting space wasting files

This is another handy tool for all those who’ve experienced some speed problems, as well as helping you clear space for more files. This tool is called WinDirStat (or Windows Directory Statistics for all you anti-abbreviators) and it can be used to locate the files and folders which take up the most space on your drive. From there you can delete the ones you don’t require and clear up as much space as you need!

That was just a small helping of useful tips to help you make the most of your computer, as well as saving you some stress for when they decide to mess up your day. If you’d like to know more, contact us today on 01707 378 453 and we’d be happy to share our expertise!