Some of us are blessed with being knowledgeable when it comes to technology. Being able to look at a piece of tech and understand how it works and the best way to counter common issues can make your life a lot easier.

Yet no one wakes up one day and just happens to know how a computer works. Rather, it is something you need to study and learn so that you know how best to counter any problems that may appear.

Learning about technology, however, can seem very overwhelming and difficult. Plus, if you do not want a job in IT, then why should you even bother? Well, with more people and businesses relying on technology (and people carrying out most of their work on laptops or PCs), it would be in your best interests to learn as much as possible when it comes to computers. Not only is it a valuable skill, but it can also diminish any frustrations you may feel if an error message pops up on your screen.

Read on for the best tricks and tips that you should learn and that will serve you well in your personal and professional time. 

Learn the Difference between a Windows Laptop and MacBook

There are numerous differences between a Windows laptop and MacBook. Firstly, the appearance is extremely different, but also, the operating systems are completely different and the most crucial part of both. A MacBook will run on MacOS, and its interface is completely different from that of a Windows laptop. Therefore, if you are wondering which is worth your time and money, you need to know which will suit your style of work, which has the best functions for you, and whether you like Apple or Android products. Here is a guide detailing the difference between the two so that you can make an informed and educated decision. 

Why is Your Laptop Shutting Down?

Is your MacBook randomly shutting down? If so, this can be very problematic and disturb your workflow but also your general enjoyment. The last thing you want is to have a temperamental MacBook that shuts down without warning, causing you to lose your work. There could be numerous reasons for your laptop shutting down, such as a dodgy battery or more severe hardware issues. However, you may wish to study and figure out the best ways to troubleshoot this issue as it could easily happen to you. Setapp have a detailed and easy to read and understand guide that you can use to get to the root cause of why your MacBook Pro keeps shutting down. Head to their website and see the common reasons why but also how you can fix this issue. Plus, you can also see the other useful blog posts they have so that you can learn how to troubleshoot some other MacBook problems. 

How Do I Store My Cables Properly?

Cables can be very temperamental and delicate. Therefore, you will want to ensure that you learn how to store them properly so that you do not accidentally break or cause damage to them. If you accidentally break a charging cable, then you will be unable to charge your laptop, and this can be a costly replacement to make. 

Ideally, you will want to create a little loop and wrap the cable several times. Make sure that the loop is not too severe as this can cause damage to the cable. Apple products such as MacBooks will usually have two claws that allow the wire to be wrapped around it, making their products easier to store. You should always refrain from just throwing your cables into a drawer and allowing them to become a tangled mess. 

Should I Use a Password?

The simple answer is, yes, you should use a password. You should have a password so that people cannot access your PC, but also you should have passwords in place and stored securely so that you remember them and know how to access and change them if needed. Google Chrome has a Password Manager that is very useful. However, there are other great password managers out there, so be sure to do your research before choosing one. This can be very useful and stops you from writing down your passwords somewhere, only for you to lose them or have them fall into the wrong hands. Here is a list of the best password managers out there. 

Learn Hotkeys

Hotkeys is a term you may have heard of a few times but never bothered to look up and learn the meaning behind them. Plus, you may even be using hotkeys without even realising it. For instance, the most common hotkeys are:

• Alt + F (file menu options for the current program you are using)
• Ctrl + A (allows you to select all text on the document/page you have open)
• Ctrl + X (cuts the text/item)
• Ctrl + C (copy the text/item)
• Ctrl + V (paste the text/item)

The above hotkeys are the generic hotkeys, but depending on whether you are a Windows or MacBook user, you may have your own hotkeys available to you that you should learn. Hotkeys can make it easier and quicker to perform certain tasks. You can also create your own hotkeys. This can be app-based or even for your PC as a whole. 

Where To Repair And Sell Used Computers?  

You’ve learned some helpful computer tricks above and how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning desktop or laptop. But do you ever wonder where used computers go? How can you recycle or dispose of defective or second-hand computers? Where can you take your computer for repair if you can’t troubleshoot it? 

For personal computers or laptops that you no longer use at home, one great tip is to sell them. There are many online and offline computer recycling service centres where people can conveniently sell defective or second-hand computers at competitive market prices. You can receive an instant quote from a computer service platform once you submit the accomplished online form containing all your device’s details.   

Most computer service recycling platforms offer free postage labels and home collection. Hence, you don’t have to pay for any shipping fee. Moreover, these computer service companies also guarantee data security to avoid identity theft, which is possible through a secure storage device data wipe.

Furthermore, many computer service companies can also collect, install, customise, and repair computers. They can upgrade computers and remove viruses and malware. Aside from that, they can replace malfunctioning parts, such as cracked computer screens and laptop keyboards. Find out more about PC recycling and computer services at Bits & PCs.

Technology can seem overwhelming and therefore very scary and unnerving for some, which is why a lot of people tend to avoid it and allow others to fix any issues that may arise. However, with so many companies and people relying on technology for business operations, it could be time for you to learn how to troubleshoot common PC issues and learn the above tricks and tips. Even if you are not looking for a job in IT, having proficient IT skills will always look great on your resume and make you much more desirable. What’s more, you can feel great once you have fixed an issue.