Tech Tip Tuesday: Basic Internet Repair

It’s all too common of a problem these days. Seemingly out of nowhere, typically in the midst of being used, the internet connection will suddenly drop. This frustrating event can sometimes be handled with a quick fix and knowing how to take care of the simpler problems can save you from having to call your internet service provider or worse, tech support. As someone who has never met anybody who was happy about having to call tech support, let me provide a quick list of how to do some basic internet repair.

  • Try unplugging the power cable for the router and/or modem, count to ten slowly, and then plug it back in. Give it a minute or two to boot back up before testing your systems.

  • Switch the plug being used for your ethernet connection. Most modems and routers have multiple plugs to use - sometimes switching to a different plug can fix the issue.
    Note: This does NOT mean that the plug you were originally using is broken!

  • Check if your computer needs an update - this can be done at the same time as our next suggestion.

  • Try turning your computer off and back on again, either with the Shut Down or Restart options from your system menu. While going to either Shut Down or Restart the computer, you may see a suggestion to update the computer as well - always go with the update option if it is available.

  • Go into your network settings on your computer and click the ‘Troubleshoot’ option. Sometimes the computer will find the error and be able to self-repair itself. Other times, it will be able to provide the reasoning for the error which will be useful if you need to call Tech Support or your internet service provider.

Unfortunately, in the world of technology, there are some issues that can be handled with steps that are considered to be rather silly. Even when broken down and explained in the most technological format, the reason for simple issues happening and how they are fixed is ridiculous. The phrase we all have to come to accept with technology is, “Should it have worked? No. But did it work? Yes.”