Keep IT Simple

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 Figure 1: Keep It Simple – Stock photo by Depositphotos Source: depositphotos_59190071-stock-photo-keep-it-simple.jpg (600×343) 

 
 
The Most Overlooked IT Mistake That Slows Everyone Down 

How simple habits can prevent frustrating tech issues, from my co-op experience in Desktop Support Services  
  

-By Aakriti Neupane 

 

 

 

 

Introduction: It’s Not Always a “Big” Problem 

 
Your computer isn’t broken. It’s just neglected. 
 

From slow startups to black screens, most tech issues I saw during my co-op weren’t caused by faulty hardware; they were caused by overlooked habits. And the fix? Surprisingly simple. 

During my co-op in the Desktop Support Services department, I learned that skipping system updates and ignoring basic IT hygiene are two of the most common, and most preventable, causes of frustrating, time-consuming problems. You don’t need to be an IT expert to avoid them. You just need to know what to look for. 

 

 

My Role in IT Support 

 

As a co-op student in Desktop Support Services, I handled: 

  • Device imaging and hardware swaps 
  • Password resets and MFA setup 
  • Troubleshooting issues with monitors, printers, logins, and software 

  • What surprised me the most? Most problems weren’t technical; they were behavioral. And they could’ve been avoided with a few simple habits. 

 

 

Real Stories from the IT Front Lines 

 

Here’s a real example: An employee came to us because Docker wasn’t displaying his monitor. We checked the cables, the ports, the settings, everything looked fine. After nearly an hour of troubleshooting, we discovered the real issue: he hadn’t installed a system update. One click, one restart, and everything worked perfectly. 

 
Another time, the user’s screen kept going black unexpectedly. It turned out they were stacking one Dell laptop directly on top of another. Modern laptops use magnetic sensors to detect when the lid is closed, and when the magnets from one laptop align with another, it can trick the system into thinking the lid is shut, triggering sleep mode or shutdown. This isn’t a hardware failure; it’s a design feature being misused. 

These aren’t rare cases. I see them almost every week. 

 

 

Why This Happens (And Why It Matters) 

 

Most people don’t skip updates or stack laptops on purpose; they just don’t realize how important these small habits are. But here’s what happens when you ignore them: 

  • Software crashes: Apps like Docker, browsers, or Office stop working properly 
  • Security risks: Outdated systems are vulnerable to malware and phishing 
  • Hardware issues: Missing drivers cause problems with monitors, printers, and audio 
  • Performance drops: Your system slows down, freezes, or won’t boot 
  • IT overload: Support teams spend hours fixing problems that could’ve been solved in minutes 
  • False alarms: Users think their device is broken when it’s just reacting to magnetic sensors And the worst part? These issues are often misdiagnosed as “big problems” when they’re really just basic maintenance being overlooked. 

 

 

Troubleshooting Tips, You Can Actually Use 

 
Here’s a list of real troubleshooting steps I used during my co-op, and that you can use too. These aren’t just for IT professionals. They’re for anyone who uses a computer. 

 

Computer Running Slow 
  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and close apps using too much memory or CPU. 
  • Disable unnecessary startup programs. 
  • Run Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to free up space. 
  • Restart your computer; it clears memory and installs updates. 
  • Scan for malware using Windows Defender or your antivirus. 
 
Monitor or Display Issues 
  • Check HDMI or DisplayPort cables, unplug and re-plug. 
  • Try a different monitor or port to isolate the issue. 
  • Update display drivers using Device Manager. 
  • Restart with the monitor connected to some systems to detect displays only at boot. 
  • Avoid stacking laptops; magnetic sensors can trigger sleep mode or shutdown. 
 
Frozen or Unresponsive Apps 
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → End Task. 
  • Restart the app. 
  • Run the app as administrator. 
  • Clear the app’s cache (especially browsers). 
  • Reinstall the app if it keeps crashing. 
  •  
Login or Password Problems 
  • Check Caps Lock and keyboard layout. 
  • Use self-service password reset tools. 
  • Make sure your MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) device is working. 
  • Clear your browser cache if login pages won’t load. 
  •  
Internet or Network Issues 
  • Restart your computer and router. 
  • Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi. 
  • Try a wired connection (Ethernet) for stability. 
  • Update your network drivers. 
  • Disable VPN temporarily if it’s blocking access. 
  •  
No Sound or Audio Problems 
  • Check volume and mute settings. 
  • Right-click the sound icon → choose the correct playback device. 
  • Restart the “Windows Audio” service (services.msc). 
  • Update audio drivers. 
  • Plug headphones into a different port. 
 
Printer Not Working 
  • Make sure the printer is powered on and connected. 
  • Set it as the default printer. 
  • Clear the print queue (Control Panel → Devices and Printers). 
  • Restart both the printer and your computer. 
  • Reinstall the printer driver if needed. 
  •  
System Not Updating 
  • Plug in your device; updates may pause on battery. 
  • Free up disk space. 
  • Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. 
  • Restart and try again. 
  • Check update history to see what failed. 
  •  

 

Smart Habits to Prevent IT Issues 

 

  • Restart your computer at least once a week. 
  • Install updates when prompted, don’t delay. 
  • Lock your screen when away (Windows + L).  
  • Keep your desktop clean; too many files slow things down. 
  • Avoid placing laptops on soft surfaces: it blocks airflow and causes overheating. 
  • Don’t stack devices; magnetic sensors can trigger sleep mode or shutdown. 
  • Keep drinks away from your keyboard (seriously). 
  • Ask IT before installing new software or hardware. 

 

Final Thoughts: Be Your Own First Line of Support 

 

 You don’t need to be an expert to avoid most IT problems. You just need to be aware. 

My co-op taught me that good IT isn’t just about fixing things; it’s about preventing problems before they start. And that starts with small habits: restarting, updating, checking cables, and knowing when to ask for help. 

So, the next time your computer acts up, ask yourself: Did I update? Did I restart? Did I check the basics? You might be surprised how often that’s all it takes. 

 
 

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