Let’s face it—the damsel in distress act is a great way to get the tech guy to fix your computer problems at the office. But if you work for yourself or are simply trying to operate your electronics at home, you might not have the time or the resources to wait for tech support. So many things in our daily lives depend on technology these days—from socializing, to our work, to a lot of what entertains us. If you are hamstringed in your daily pursuits by technology, you will end up frustrated, unproductive, and maybe even isolated.
The first step is to manage your frustration. There’s a popular saying going around that the best way to know the true self of someone you just started dating is to watch them cope with a slow Internet connection for five minutes. Don’t rage at the screen; it’s not becoming. The second thing to keep in mind is that your gender is really not indicative of your tech savvy. You are just as capable of troubleshooting problems with computers as anyone else. Make sure to play around a little with menus and functions, so that you become more familiar with your gadgets. Avail yourself of owner’s manuals or online help when you need guidance. Stay open and creative about your approach. Thomas Edison, the father of electronics famously said, “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.” However, if you see something crazy like an ad saying you can wirelessly charge your brand new iPhone in the microwave, think twice! With that, here are some common computer problems that us ladies should learn how to wrangle.
1. Installing Your Printer
Most printers are plug and play these days. However, if your computer requires a driver to pick up and communicate with your new printer, you can usually find it on the installation CD included in the box. Another resource is the manufacturer’s website, which should allow you to download the necessary software for free.
Read Related: Digital Abstinence: 15 Things that May Happen if you Put Yourself on a Tech Fast
