How to fix most of your technology problems

Let's face it, you are not an idiot. (Well, some of you may be idiots, but if you are reading this, the chances are that you are not.)

However, for most of you, when faced with a technology problem, you freak the f**k out.

So, here are some easy rules for you to follow when you have a problem.

1) Restart the device.

Whether it is your smart phone, your computer, or your cable box, restarting may fix the issue. So often, people think that they will break it more if they restart it, but...for most things, if it is already broken, restarting will not break it any more than it already it.

2) Check the cables.

Make sure that every cable, including power, is properly seated. If it is frayed, it may not be working. You may want to replace it.

3) Upgrade the software.

Software has bugs. Sometimes pieces of software that are supposed to work together do not. If you have an ancient piece of software, and it is not working, and you have no reason but laziness preventing you from upgrading or patching, especially with free patching, it is your own fault. New is not always better but it is often better than what you have. (There are notable exceptions to this, but that is why you research.)

4) Do a little bit of research.

Are you having a problem? Chances are that a number of other people have had that problem. Google is your friend and a great teacher. Use it.

5) Backing things up is important.

Often the easiest thing to do with a broken device, especially if it is software related (Yes, your operating system is software.) is to rebuild your system. It isn't that difficult. Really, it isn't. However, it is important that you have copies of the software that you need. (If you downloaded it, chances are that you can download it again.) As for your documents, there are a number of places that you can store them online and USB storage is cheap. All you need to do is to remember to save it. Schedule time every so often (once a week) to save the things that you have to keep.

6) If it is old and broken, replace it.

Pieces of equipment wear out. Just like shoes and such, when they wear out, it is time to replace them. I have watched people freak out about broken equipment and that was that. No attempt to see what was wrong. I know that you are attached to your digital camera, your e-reader, your old laptop, or your old BlackBerry but there are times when you need to say goodbye. It is just tech and it can be replaced. (Plus: New Things! Yay!)