Have You Tried Turning It Off And On Again?

A Timeless Fix for Slow Devices

If you’ve ever watched The IT Crowd, you will know the iconic tech support question: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” While it’s played for laughs, there’s truth behind the advice. It’s also a surprisingly effective remedy for sluggish devices. Recently, we had a client with a device that had been running for over 360 days without a restart! Unsurprisingly, they were experiencing issues, and a simple restart made an immediate difference.

Ever shutdown your computer, only to find it still hasn’t fully ‘refreshed’? Many Windows devices use Fast Startup, which doesn’t always completely power off your system. This ‘quick shutdown’ often means that temporary files and background processes stay active, leading to sluggish performance.

Why Regular Restarts Matter

1. Breathe New Life into Your Device: Restarting clears out temporary files and cached data, giving your computer a fresh start. It’s like hitting a reset button for better performance!

2. Kick Out Unwanted Guests: Background processes can pile up, slowing your computer down. A quick restart kicks out these unnecessary apps, freeing up valuable resources for the tasks that matter.

3. Update Like A Pro: We get it- updates can take time and you want to get things done. Try to carve out a few minutes at the start or end of your day, or during lunch, to let your computer handle those pending updates without interrupting your workflow.

Computers Need TLC Too!

Just like you and I need to switch off and recharge after a long day, computers require their own form of tender loving care. Regular restarts and updates ensure systems operate at peak performance, allowing everyone to return refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. When technology runs smoothly, it empowers us all to be more productive and focused on our work.
 
Want to check your devices uptime? Just go to Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab, and look under Up Time.

A Little Humor Goes A Long Way

If you haven’t seen The IT Crowd, you’re definitely missing out on some classic tech humour!

The show perfectly captures the quirks of tech support and the absurdity of everyday tech issues. It reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions, like turning it off and on again, can yield the best results.
 
At Bluespires, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy tech environment. If you need support in managing your technology or implementing best practices, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@bluespires.co.uk or give us a call on 01865 959160.
 
Let’s work together to ensure your IT is working as reliably as your team!