Try these fixes for tech problems

As someone who has answered numerous questions about all things tech and digital for years, I can tell you the problems never end.

I’ve heard from many people genuinely concerned their phone or computer is being watched. Have you ever had that feeling? It’s eerie.

Other problems are more mundane, but no less frustrating. Maybe it’s a computer that won’t stop crashing, lost logins or Bluetooth devices that won’t stay connected.

Luckily, so many of these issues are easy to stop in their tracks with the right knowhow. That’s where I come in.

1. Problem: Your Wi-Fi is spotty, and you can’t figure out why

It’s difficult to diagnose lousy Wi-Fi. It could be your internet connection, your internet gear misbehaving, interference or noise issues. Before you do anything, power down your router and modem.

Don’t just go turning things off haphazardly.

Next, make sure that the internet connection speed you’re paying for is what you’re truly getting.

Run a connection speed test a few times during the day. Be sure to test around 8 p.m. With so many streaming videos at night, it puts a strain on getting a steady, reliable connection.

One of the most wellknown internet speed test services available is Speedtest by Ookla. This service measures your connection’s ping response and download and upload speeds from a remote server.

If your connection speed is not what you’re paying for, call your provider and complain. Otherwise, look to your environment.

2. Problem: You need to get rid of old gear, but all your personal data is on it

You need to remove all your data totally. Unfortunately, you cannot simply put all your files in the trash or recycle bin. Specialized tools readily available online can retrieve data you think is long gone.

If you don’t wipe your device, your data can be found later.

All those deleted letters, financial documents and compromising photos are still lurking on your old devices. All it takes is a little know-how to recover them.

When a file is deleted, your system removes the file’s link and marks the space as free. Until it’s overwritten by new information, that file will still exist on your hard drive.

Before you donate a computer or phone, take time to remove your data for good. Free programs including Eraser, Free Eraser and CCleaner will handle the task for you. Do a complete factory reset on your phones and tablets.

3. Problem: You need to shop secretly on Amazon, but you share a computer or an account with someone else

Your Amazon account’s entire purchasing history is recorded. While this is great for reviewing past orders, there may be times when you want to hide items you’ve purchased, browsed or searched.

One way to avoid Amazon gift spoilers and hide your purchases from your family is by setting up an Amazon Household Account. This account is available for Amazon Prime members and lets you share Amazon Prime perks and your library of purchased digital content with another adult in your household.

To share your Amazon Prime membership with another adult, go to Amazon Household > Add Adult and choose whether to invite them by email or simply sign up together to verify the accounts.

4. Problem: You need to scan or fax documents, but you’re working from home

Missing all that office equipment you don’t have access to anymore? There are other ways to scan and fax, for free, using a phone or browser. No trip to an office supply store or print shop necessary.

Scanning is surprisingly simple on your iPhone. You don’t even need to download any. Just open up the Notes app.

Here’s how to use the scanning feature:

h Create a new note by clicking the note and pencil icon in the bottom right corner.

Tap the camera icon at the bottom of your new note, then choose Scan Documents.

If your phone is set to auto, the app will detect the document and scan it. In Manual mode, you need to snap the photo. Swap between modes at the top right of your screen.

h Tap the photo shutter at the bottom of the screen to complete the scan, then Save.

On Android, your best bet is Google Drive or Adobe Scan.

If you need to fax a document, try FaxZero. It’s free if you send no more than five faxes per day and only three pages at a time. To send up to 25 pages per day with no ads, it’s $1.99 per page.

To receive a fax, eFax gives you a virtual fax number to get up to 10 faxed pages per month for free. There are paid options if you need more.

5. Problem: You’re trying to download a new file, program, or app, and your device doesn’t have enough space

Today, most computers, tablets and smartphones have enough space to hold all our files. But if it’s been a long time since you cleared yours or you’re using a model without a ton of storage, there are steps you can take to clear out space.

Check your downloads folder.

That clutter is taking up storage, and most people forget to delete the contents from time to time. Here’s how:

On Windows 10: File Explorer Downloads

h Open and select the folder, either under Quick Access or This PC.

h Select any number of files you wish to remove and hit the Delete key on your keyboard. You can also right-click the files, scroll down the pop-up menu and click Delete.

On a Mac: h Click the Downloads folder in the dock, select the files you want to delete. Drag them to the trash can in the lower right corner of the dock.

h You also can hit Command + Delete to send your files to the trash.

Don’t forget to empty your recycle bin or trash can.

Unfortunately, you cannot simply put all your files in the trash or recycle bin.