As the stereotype goes, when you report a problem to your IT team, their first question is often, "Have you tried restarting your computer?" or "Have you tried turning it off and on again?". While it might seem annoying, the reality is that many issues can indeed be fixed with a straightforward reboot. The longer you keep your computer running without a restart or shutdown, the higher the chances of encountering problems. 

As a general practice, it's advisable to shut down computers running older versions of Windows every night to ensure optimal performance. Computers running newer versions of Windows and Macs can be shut down at the end of the day to help increase your devices lifespan, to enhance your devices performance, to protect your device from power surges, AND to help prevent cyberattacks. It's important to note that a computer entering sleep mode isn't the same as a complete shutdown; background processes continue to run during sleep mode. 

Suppose you encounter problems, and your computer has been continuously operational for over a week. In that case, it's advisable to initiate a restart before delving into any additional troubleshooting, whether by yourself or with the assistance of your IT team. Over time, it's normal for a computer to exhibit decreased performance when left running without interruption. Restarting it leads to performance improvements. This phenomenon occurs because a reboot effectively liberates memory space and eliminates temporary files accumulated from various software applications. 

Rebooting your computer frequently resolves problems related to freezing or unresponsive applications. In cases where your computer becomes unresponsive, and you can't access the start menu to perform a restart, you can manually power it down. This process is done by pressing the power button, allowing a brief pause after it shuts down, and then pressing the power button again to restart it. If the issue persists after the reboot, contacting your IT team for further assistance may be prudent. 

Whenever you install a Windows update, it’s important to restart your computer. This rule also applies to numerous software updates or installations. 

A computer restart can also be a solution for network drive-related problems. If you encounter difficulties in connecting to one or all of your network drives, performing a computer reboot makes it attempt the connection again. 

Frequently rebooting your computer, especially when encountering the described problems, can significantly reduce IT support inquiries. Reboots save you valuable time and cut down on business expenses. Furthermore, it streamlines troubleshooting for your IT team, as they will know that a reboot has been attempted before seeking their assistance. And, perhaps most importantly, being able to confidently respond with "Yes, indeed!" when asked, "Have you tried restarting your computer?" can be pretty satisfying.

When it comes to your technology, free is a word you need to use with caution. It sounds good, of course, but free Wi-Fi, free software, or free screen savers all come with risks. The same is true of free virtual private networks (VPNs). A VPN can provide valuable protection, but here’s why you want to pay for this tech.

VPNs create a secure and encrypted connection for your online activity. A VPN encrypts your access to private networks or the internet. It's like a private tunnel that maintains your privacy, confidentiality, and security. The VPN helps protect your data from eavesdropping, censorship, and unauthorized access.

That all sounds good, right? Add the word free before VPN, and it might sound great, but be wary of using free VPNs.

Risks of free VPN

When you use a VPN, you are using that company’s bandwidth and encryption technology. Why exactly would they want to give that away for free? Seldom out of generosity. As with Facebook or other social media, you’re likely giving something in return you don’t really think about. Your data.

When you’re not paying for technology, you are likely the product. The VPN company could be monetizing your data. When they sell your data to the highest bidder, it's the cybercriminals that benefit rather than you.

A free VPN may also make money by data logging and selling your browsing history. They compromise your privacy by tracking your online activity. Then, they sell your personal preferences to third-party advertisers.

Plus, you can’t expect a free VPN to have the resources to develop and maintain top-notch security features. This could make you vulnerable to malware, hacking, and other cyber threats.

Other limitations of free VPN

That lack of resources at a free VPN company could also translate to slower internet speeds for you. They typically have limited bandwidth to offer, as it cuts their costs. They might also place a limit on how much bandwidth you can use each month to get you to upgrade to their paid plans.

Free VPNs may also lack the server locations needed to support user activity. This server congestion can also slow your online experience.

You also can’t expect much in the way of technical assistance. If you run into difficulties, don’t expect much help troubleshooting your issue. Their customer service is generally non-existent or severely understaffed.

Finding the best VPN for your needs

Instead of relying on free VPN (and paying the price for that choice), select a paid provider. A reputable VPN provider can reliably ensure your online privacy and security.

Want to learn more about VPNs or need help finding the right provider for your home internet use? Our experts can help.



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