Computers can start slowing down over a few months to years. This can be a lot of factors like. Windows Corruptions or Hardware needing upgrade.

Try reloading computer and running tests ,check your Task manager/Performance to see if some of your Hardware needs to be upgraded.

Usually upgrading Ram and HDD To a new SSD will solve the issue, but if CPU is running at 100% then the CPU is the issue and needs to be replaced.

Find out how to speed up your computer here.

If Your Computer is not older than 5 years it would be a good option to upgrade instead of buying a new computer.

Note as well other factors go into consideration for this.

-Is the computer hardware in a Healthy state.

-Is the slow issue related to hardware or corruptions in Windows if so then first try and reload the computer before checking to see if a upgrade is needed.

Find out more pointers to help you make the right decision in this help article here.

It is essential to be prepared and plan for the worst situation. If you run your office from home, what equipment do you have in place to power your devices, router, computer, monitor, printers etc whilst you have several hours of load shedding effecting your productivity.

Find out how to get your home office setup for load shedding in this help article here.

There are several reasons why your Outlook hangs. The first is that Outlook could be busy downloading or uploading data to the Cloud. In this case, it is best to leave Outlook connected to the internet overnight to complete its upload or download. Another issue that may cause Outlook to hang is if there are too many emails and tasks open simultaneously.

Try closing some of your emails and Outlook items or reboot your workstation. Sometimes your workstation simply does not have enough resources to run Outlook. If you have already tried closing some of your open applications and it is still slow, you may need to upgrade the RAM or HDD to SDD.

If you need some IT Help, contact Westech to get help from a IT Support professional.

When choosing an ISP, fast speed and reasonable pricing should be your primary concern, but it will also depend on which ISP providers are available in your area. To establish this, you can check https://www.findmyfibre.co.za/ to see which ISP providers service your area.

It is preferably to choose a well-known ISP provider such as Liquid Telecoms or Afrihost that can provide you with excellent customer support and after-hours service. Also, check what additional installation or equipment costs there may be as well as any data capping that may apply to your selected package.

OneDrive is a Microsoft online Cloud storage software service that is included with Office 365. It allows you to store and synchronise all your data to its Cloud drive to provide you with your latest data across all your devices with access from anywhere with an Internet connection.

OneDrive is a file hosting service and synchronization service operated by Microsoft as part of its suite of Office Online services. It allows users to store files and personal data, such as Windows settings or BitLocker recovery keys, in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files with others. OneDrive is integrated with Microsoft Office, enabling users to collaborate on documents and projects in real-time. It offers various storage plans, including free and paid options, catering to both personal and business use.

View Westech’s IT Software solutions.

OneDrive is a private cloud-based service that is linked to your Office 365 account. It uses data encryption and can only be accessed using your login credentials. Only you or anyone with the required permissions can see your OneDrive files. This may include your IT Administrator. You have the option to share specific files or folders with whomever you choose at any point in time. This is done by sending a link to the file or folder. You can also specify that specific files or folders are Public, in which case, anyone will be able to view them.

By installing the Microsoft Authenticator App on your cell phone or linking your cell phone number to your Microsoft account, you can add an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorised access to your Internet accounts, even if the other person has your password. This is achieved by a random code that is sent to your cell phone or emailed to you, which has to be verified by you during any login attempt. In short, it means that you will require two separate forms of identification (a password and a code sent to you – or even your fingerprint) to access specific data, platforms or programmes.

VPN stands for virtual private network, which provides you with a safe and secure connection over a public network such as the WiFi connection at your home or a WiFi connection at a nearby coffee shop. A VPN will safely connect you to your office network and files so that you can access your work while working offsite.

All Internet and data traffic is routed via your VPM through an encrypted virtual tunnel. This serves the purpose of disguising your IP address when you use the Internet to enable its location invisible. VPN’s can be set up for desktops, laptops and smartphones.

What is a VPN? Read the full explanation here.

Encryption is a process that scrambles readable text so that it can only be read by a person or device with the decryption code. Its purpose is to provide data security for sensitive information. For example, in situations where your computer has been stolen or misplaced, your files on your hard drive cannot be accessed without the encryption key to decipher the code.

Most websites that are legitimate use a form of encrypting data called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), which protects data while in transit. Encryption not only protects you from hackers, ransomware and other cybercrimes but also your online privacy. It is also a legal requirement in some instances and assists businesses in remaining compliant with regulatory standards.

Secure your networks with Westech.

Office 365 is the latest Office suite application sold by Microsoft. It includes an online login and popular Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., along with the downloadable Office package. OneDrive and Teams, the latest software, is also included with these packages.

Office 365 is a Cloud-based service that connects all Microsoft apps and services. It enhances easier teamwork and allows businesses to work from any location with an Internet connection at any time of the day, with its secure access to content, tasks and schedules.

New variations of malware of emerging more frequently than ever before, and everyone should be concerned about computer viruses. If you have any of the following issues with your computer, it may have been infected with a virus:

Find out more about this in this help article here.

Westech understands that it can be rather difficult to remember all of your passwords. Luckily, as a client of ours, we can help you reset your password for either Outlook or your computer.

Sign up with Westech for IT Support.

There are many reasons why your Internet isn’t working as it should. First, check if your computer is connected correctly via the cable, and if you are using WiFi, check that the router is on and working perfectly. If everything seems fine, you can then check your IP configuration or contact Westech for assistance. We will run a ping to your gateway device and then to the Internet. Depending on the outcome of tests, we will then be able to determine where the problem lies.

Ask Westech to troubleshoot this issue for you.

5G is the latest Internet technology provided by Cellular Networks, and this technology will replace 4G (LTE) in the future. 5G runs on the same radio frequencies as WiFi networks and your smartphone but will enable technology to do a lot more such as, download a full-length HD movie in seconds!

It provides at least double the speed of 4G with fewer delays (latency) and greater bandwidth. Once this technology is fully implemented, it will transform a host of services that are currently viewed as futuristic.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is just one of the services that Microsoft has made available on their Microsoft 365 upgrade for Windows 10, Windows 11, and versions of Windows Server. Find out more in this Westech’s blog post here.

Find out what all of the Microsoft Office 365 packages are and what you need them for. Microsoft Office provides a collection of purpose-suited applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, to name a few. Microsoft’s latest version, Microsoft 365, distinguishes itself from older versions. Microsoft Office integrates its applications with the Cloud and is a subscription-based service. This means that you only need to pay for what you use.

In its Office 365 collection, Microsoft offers a range of packages suited for individuals, families and businesses. We list a full range fo Microsoft office 365 applications in this article here.

Have more Microsoft Office 365 related questions? Check out these blog posts below.

Get help from Westech’s IT Support team here.

As a South African IT support company, we at Westech know that when you use your computer, it is inevitable that temporary files created by the operating system or apps and files that you have created, but forgotten about, are stored on your computer. Here are some tips on how to clean up your computer.

If you battle to remember all your passwords, you may find it convenient to use a Password Manager. According to PC Mag, some of the best Password Manager Applications include; read more here.

MSP Meaning / Managed Service Provider Definition

MSP stands for Managed Service Provider. Westech, a prominent local Managed IT services MSP in South Africa, specializes in providing comprehensive solutions to businesses by managing their IT infrastructure and services.

As an MSP, Westech offers a range of services including proactive monitoring, maintenance, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT support. Their aim is to ensure that their clients’ IT systems run smoothly and efficiently, allowing them to focus on their core business objectives without worrying about technological challenges. By outsourcing IT management to Westech, businesses can benefit from expert support, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and enhanced security, thus gaining a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape. Learn more about the definition of an MSP here.