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Professional user support is essential for quickly resolving these problems, allowing employees to focus on their work without unnecessary downtime. 

Our Head of Managed Services, John Gillies, looked into the top 10 IT issues employees commonly face and how user support can solve them efficiently.

1. Software Crashes

Software crashes can occur without warning, disrupting work and potentially leading to data loss. Whether it’s a productivity suite like Microsoft Office or specialised software, crashes can be caused by various factors, including bugs, compatibility issues, or insufficient system resources.

How User Support Helps

Professional user support can quickly diagnose the root cause of software crashes, apply patches or updates, and provide temporary workarounds if needed. They can also assist in recovering lost data and ensure that the software runs smoothly in the future.

User support services also provide proactive measures such as keeping your software up-to-date as well as the latest IT security and data protection to prevent crashes occurring.

2. Slow System Performance

A sluggish computer can significantly hinder an employee's productivity. Slow performance can be caused by a variety of factors, such as outdated hardware, insufficient memory, or too many background processes running simultaneously.

How User Support Helps

User support teams can perform system optimisations, such as clearing unnecessary files, upgrading hardware components, or configuring software to reduce resource consumption. They can also advise on best practices to keep systems running efficiently.

3. Printer Issues

Printer problems are a common annoyance in any office environment. Issues such as paper jams, connectivity problems, or low print quality can disrupt work and cause delays.

How User Support Helps

A user support team can resolve printer issues by guiding employees through troubleshooting steps, such as clearing jams, updating drivers, or reconnecting network printers. They can also manage printer settings to ensure optimal performance and minimise future issues.

They can enable you to connect to printers over the cloud, enabling convenient and flexible printing from any device, anytime, anywhere.

4. Email Problems

Email remains a critical communication tool, so when issues like undelivered emails, spam, or syncing problems arise, they can disrupt workflow.

How User Support Helps

User support can assist with configuring email clients, troubleshooting delivery issues, and implementing spam filters. They can also help with archiving emails and managing storage to ensure important communications are not lost.

The team can shield web and email communications, ensuring safe browsing and email usage for your staff.

5. Network Connectivity Issues

Intermittent or slow network connections can prevent employees from accessing essential resources, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.

How User Support Helps

User support can diagnose and resolve connectivity issues by checking network configurations, restarting devices, or working with network administrators to identify and fix larger infrastructure problems. They can also educate employees on how to avoid common connectivity pitfalls.

The team can provide oversight into your network activity using comprehensive monitoring and find ways to optimise your bandwidth usage, overall improving performance and reducing costs.

6. Password Problems

Forgotten passwords or account lockouts are frequent issues that can prevent employees from accessing their systems or applications.

How User Support Helps 

User support teams can assist with password resets, unlocking accounts, and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security. They can also provide guidance on creating strong, memorable passwords to reduce the frequency of these issues.

7. Virus and Malware Infections

Despite the best security measures, employees can still fall victim to viruses or malware, which can compromise system performance and security.

How User Support Helps

User support can quickly isolate infected systems, remove malicious software, and restore systems to their pre-infection state. They can also ensure that antivirus software is up-to-date and provide training on recognising phishing attempts and other online threats.

The team can proactively manage and monitor your systems to address security flaws and protect against vulnerabilities before they happen.

8. File Access and Permissions Issues

Employees may encounter difficulties accessing certain files or folders due to incorrect permissions or misconfigured sharing settings.

How User Support Helps

User support can adjust permissions and access settings to ensure that employees have the necessary access while maintaining security. They can also assist with setting up shared drives and ensuring that data is accessible to authorised users only.

They can also prevent data loss by proactively preventing unauthorised access, ensuring the correct access requirements.

9. Application Compatibility Issues

As new software applications are introduced, compatibility issues with existing systems or other software can arise, causing disruptions.

How User Support Helps

User support can help by testing new applications in the existing IT environment, identifying compatibility issues, and providing solutions such as updates, patches, or alternative software recommendations.

10. Hardware Failures

From malfunctioning keyboards to dead monitors, hardware failures can bring an employee's workday to a halt.

How User Support Helps

User support can quickly diagnose hardware issues, arrange for repairs or replacements, and provide temporary equipment to minimise downtime. They can also perform regular maintenance to prevent hardware failures before they occur.

Conclusion

IT issues are a common part of the modern workplace, but with professional user support, these problems can be resolved quickly and efficiently. By addressing issues such as software crashes, slow systems, and network connectivity problems, user support ensures that employees can work without unnecessary interruptions. 

Investing in reliable user support is essential for maintaining productivity and keeping your business running smoothly.

We provide fully outsourced IT solutions covering many different technologies. These include a dedicated service desk teamed with our expert engineers. We take the time to understand your business and tailor a solution for you. We provide cover for end-user support, workstations and servers.

Not only do we handle your queries and resolve your problems, but we also ensure you have the latest IT security and data protection to empower your success.