Software Issues? Here’s How to Troubleshoot Software

Anyone who has used a computer, tablet or cellphone has had software issues, such as apps freezing or suddenly closing in the middle of performing a task. Yesterday everything was working fine, and now you’re stuck. It’s the same device. So, what happened?

Why Do My Apps Keep Crashing?

There are several common types of software issues with different symptoms to consider before you try to troubleshoot software:

• Freezing and Crashing Apps – A frozen device must often be restarted. Unfortunately, any unsaved work is lost in the process. Sometimes, forcing the problematic apps to quit will free up the overall device.

Several common issues can cause a frozen computer:

• Insufficient RAM – The more robust programs become, the more RAM is required for them to function smoothly. Also, running too many programs simultaneously can drain the device’s RAM and other system resources, causing a freeze or crash.
• Spyware and Viruses – Sometimes, a frozen computer can be caused by hidden spyware or a virus installed by hackers and running in the background, unbeknownst to you.
  • When your system or other software becomes unresponsive, it could indicate that your device has been infected with some type of virus or spyware. So first, shut down your device. Then reboot and run a complete virus scan to determine if your system has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware.
• Corrupt or Missing Files – Corrupt or missing files are often the cause of computer freezes. Often a related program is searching for a file that’s not there or a corrupt file that cannot be accessed. Unfortunately, the average user might not be able to determine which files are causing the problem.
• Registry Conflicts – Registry errors are usually caused by improperly uninstalled applications or too many unused files that come into conflict when booting up your computer. Many users don’t know that merely deleting an application does not fully uninstall it. Uninstalling removes all unused, extraneous files related to the application you wish to uninstall.
• Software Updates Not Installed – Many users don’t know how to update software or don’t take software updates seriously. Developers do not just create new applications. They also work on ongoing updates to software that has already been released. Sometimes the updates are just to fix minor bugs. However, updates often include critical security fixes. Over time, ignoring software updates can lead to conflicts or severe malware attacks.

How to Update Software

• For a Mac – You can set your Mac to receive automatic updates. Enabling the automatic updates will ensure that your software is always up to date. Here’s how:
  • Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and click on “System Preferences”
  • Then click on “Software Update”
  • Select “Automatically keep my Mac up to date”
  • To set advanced update options, click “Advanced,” then:
    • Select “Check for updates” to automatically find any uninstalled updates available
    • To further automate the process, select “Download new updates when available”
    • To install operating system updates automatically, select “Install macOS updates”
    • To install specific software updates from the Mac App Store, click “Install app updates from the App Store”
    • Finally, to ensure you always have the latest system and security updates click, “Install system data files and security updates”
    • Click “OK”
• For Windows –
  • Click on the “Start” button in the lower-left corner of your home screen
  • In the search box, type “Update,” and then, in the list of results, click either “Windows Update” or “Check for Updates”
  • Click “Check for Updates” and Windows will search for the latest updates available for your computer
  • If updates are available, click the alert to view and select updates to download or install
  • From the list, select the checkboxes for any updates to install and click “OK”
  • Finally, click “Install Updates”

Important Note: Do not install or download updates when you are operating only on battery power. A shut down during updating can lead to file corruption and threaten the functionality of your device.

Software Issues and Troubleshooting Software

Unfortunately, most small to midsized businesses have neither the time nor the expertise to troubleshoot software on their own. In addition, tasks such as how to update software, systems and other comprehensive repairs can be confusing and, to many, daunting. For such functions, it is prudent to enlist professional IT consulting services. The IT experts can also ensure that you maintain software compatibility, security protections and other protocols to safeguard your hard-earned data systemwide.

IT Maintenance

IT maintenance has become a 24/7/365 operation for many small to midsized businesses. Computers and all your devices must be regularly monitored and maintained. Up-to-date systems and software, established security protocols and defenses must also be in place so you don’t find yourself wondering, “Why do my apps keep crashing?”

With the expanded use of remote and work-from-home employees, having a team of IT experts to support your systems is essential for the smooth operation of your business. An IT support team can train your staff, update your software, inspect and monitor your hardware and provide iron-clad cyber security for all your devices and networks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized Managed IT Services for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices. When your system is down, they will perform on-site computer repairs. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7/365, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support must be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are all related and must be consistent and proactive.

Call 877-GEEK-AID^® / 877-433-5243 to help you solve software issues and maintain a secure and fully functional system.