FAQ

Firstly, make sure all power connections are complete (Power cord is completely plugged into the wall socket, plug strip is turned on etc). Some plug strips have a circuit breaker built in which may have tripped, there is generally a button on the plug strip, push this to reset it and see if your computer will now turn on.

A computer “crash” is when the computer stops working, responding or “freezes”, and can occur for a multitude of reasons. Try restarting your computer (Can often be done by holding down the power button).

Shut down your computer, and restart. This can help you to identify if the hard disk is the underlying problem. If the computer fails to properly restart it is likely the disk is severely damaged, in this case, it is a job for the professionals.

Firstly try moving your mouse, clicking the buttons or pressing the spacebar on the keyboard, if you have been using the computer recently, it may have “gone to sleep”. Make sure that the monitor is turned on, this is sometimes a separate task to turning the computer on, if there is no power light, try holding down the power button until a light comes on. The monitor may not be connected properly to the main computer, check all cables are plugged in properly.

A distorted image can be the result of a poor cable connection. Disconnect the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer and check that the needles aren’t bent or damaged. If they appear to be intact, reconnect the cable.

Make sure that the monitor and computer are successfully connected. If they all appear fine, make sure there isn’t a loose connection by unplugging them and plugging them back in. (Some computers have screw ends to ensure a tight connection.)

Erratic behaviour from a mouse is most often due to dirt or dust on the underside of the mouse, if when you clean it you still encounter issues, I’m afraid it is likely you mouse if now defective. If you connect the mouse to another computer with the same affect, it is time to replace the mouse.

If it does not seem to be a physical problem with the wheel itself, try adjusting the mouse settings on the computer.

A wireless local-area network (WLAN) connects devices such as laptops, computers, smart phones etc to the internet using radio waves from a router.

A wireless router can extend it’s signal up to approx 300ft depending on the device.

Whereas a wireless network does not need any cables to connect necessary devices to the internet, a wired network connects them through cables. It was traditionally believed that cables were faster and more secure, however continued advances in technology regarding WLAN’s have mostly erased those concerns.

A router (often provided by your internet/broadband company) acts as a WLAN access point, connecting multiple computers, devices and wireless-capable printer to a single WLAN and therefore the internet. If you need the internet over a larger area you can use additional wireless access points in various locations to extend a wireless signals strength and range. Most laptops and devices have built in wireless networking so it is easy to link up to your WLAN.

There are multiple ways you can ensure your WLAN is secure from unauthorised users, including:

• User authentication, unfamiliar computers are identified when trying to access your network.
• Secure access using a password for users and guests.
• Data encryption, only authorised users can gain access to information over your wireless network.
• Control systems in place to protect computers and devices that use the network.

Check that your computer or device has a strong connection to the internet. If after checking connections they all seem fine, you can test this by trying to open up another page on the internet (e.g. a simple google search). If this doesn’t work, contact your internet provider.

If the email inbox itself is full or your computer or device has low storage, this could stop you from receiving an attachment. If it is likely to be a virus, some email service providers block certain files from you to protect your computer from receiving a virus.

CyberSecurity is a collection of technologies, processes and practices which protect network computer systems, data and information from unauthorised use or harm.

• Cyber attack – an offensive action towards your networked computer system
• Cyber threat – the possibility that an attack may occur
• Cyber risk – the risk associated with a threat to determine the probability of potential losses that may occur

Cyber hygiene is the term used to describe activities undertaken to improve cyber security whilst online. These include but are not limited to:

• Segmenting networks
• Enforcing “need to know” user permissions
• Enforcing strong password rules and changing passwords regularly
• Ensuring firewalls are installed effectively
• Ensuring all anti virus protection software is properly installed and up to date
• Removing all unauthorised software

It is important to remain up to date on all software and information releases to ensure your network and computer systems are efficiently protected at all times.

Malware is a specifically designed software intended to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s informed consent.

Malware can infect any computer causing damage and disruption to both your computer and your personal information in many ways. These include but are not limited to:

• Opens your PC to identity theft
• Exposes your personal information and accounts
• Corrupts your hard drive
• Sharing your passwords and usernames

A computer virus is software which has intentionally been developed to cause problems for the computer user, spread to multiple computers/devices or destroy data. They are designed to relentlessly replicate, infecting your computer programs and files, altering the way your computer operates and stopping it from working altogether Software developers have released multiple antivirus programmes to protect the computer. However it is always advised not to open any email attachments from people you do not know.

Computer viruses are software codes and therefore cannot damage hardware. They are  designed to spread to computer files and other computers, and delete/damage files on the computer.

The following steps are ways to protect your computer from a virus:

• Use anti-virus protection and firewalls and keep them up to date
• Regularly update your operating systems
• In your settings, increase your browser security
• Avoid questionable websites or links
• Only download any software from sites and contacts that you can trust
• Do not open emails or click links from unknown senders
• Immediately delete any messages that you suspect to be spam