Working remotely, we can find some issues that we have to be prepared to solve at any time. In this kind of situation Problem-solving skills can be a great ally, but this must come hand in hand with some basic technical know-how.

• Let see then the most common setbacks that can appear in this situation, and some possible ways to solve it.

Computer won't turn on: 

This is one of the most common problems we encounter. On this occasion the computer does not give any sign of turning on or never finishes booting up.

• Check that the computer is connected to the power supply properly. if this does not work, test the socket with another working device to confirm that it is not a problem with the electrical outlet.
• If the computer does not turn on, it may give warning through some sounds that you have not heard before, that there may be a hardware problem, which may require replacement of the damaged part.

We can't hear anything:

Possible solutions:

• Check the volume of the compute
• Check that the speakers are turned on and connected properly
• If you have earphones connected, disconnect them.
• Disconnect and reconnect the speakers.
• Try connecting the speakers to other devices (mobile phone, PC, etc.) to check that they work
• Reboot the computer

Black screen:

Possible solutions:

• Check that the monitor is connected to the network, to the computer and that it is switched on.
• Check that the monitor's connection cables are connected to the computer and are working properly.
• Disconnect the video cable from the monitor and PC and reconnect it firmly. After reconnecting the video cable, move the mouse to see if the cursor moves on the screen.

Mouse, keyboard or any other peripheral does not work:

Possible solutions:

• Check that they are connected to the computer.
• If they are wireless, check that they are switched on and have a battery.
• Turn off the computer, connect and disconnect the peripheral and turn it on again.
• Check for possible updates through Windows update.

Computer performance is slow:

Possible solutions:

• Clean your hard drive of unwanted files and unused applications.
• Use an external hard drive for extra storage if necessary to free up space.
• Check from the settings or the task manager which applications are running in the background and adjust it to your true needs of use.
• You can also install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware tools, and schedule regular registry scans.

Internet running slow:

Possible solutions:

• Check that you have enough speed for the performance of your work.
• Use an internet speed test to check your contracted speed, or confirm that your external network is working properly.
• In large workspaces where the Wi-Fi signal may not reach everywhere, consider purchasing an additional router to extend the Wi-Fi signal.
• Check with another device to see if the internet is slow on other devices.
• Check your computer for malicious software.
• Check for system updates on your PC
• To improve the performance of your Internet browser, delete cookies and temporary Internet files on a regular basis.

Internet does not work

Possible solutions:

• Find out if the problem is with your internal network or your internet service provider.
• Rule out that the problem is with your internet provider by checking the signal on different devices such as your mobile phone.
• If the problem is caused by your Internet provider, contact your Internet provider's technical support
• Restart the modem/router
• Install new drivers for your modem or router.

The Printer is not working:

Possible solutions:

• Unplug the printer, let it rest for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
• Check all cables if it is a wired printer.
• Uninstall and reinstall the printer software.
• Update the printer drivers

Operating system or software functioning abnormally:

Possible solutions:

• Restart your computer and run a virus scan.
• To avoid having this happen, install reliable anti-virus software

When everything else fails, restarting the computer is a good option. This can solve many basic problems you may experience with your computer.

There are so many factors that can lead to computer problems. The first step in order to have the necessary knowledge and basic tools for solving technical problems without cause any damage to your computer while you are in the process of trying to fix it, is to understand the basis of these problems. Here are some basic concepts for this purpose.