Becoming a Problem Solving Tech
Tactful Tech is the project that helps you learn IT skills. You really should learn about the stuff you use everyday. Save time, make yourself feel awesome, and learn something new by becoming tech savvy. This is especially important if you offer tech support!
Some of What You Need to Know
Laptop and Desktop Repair
Sometimes good tech goes bad. You need to know how to diagnose issues and work with manufacturers and their RMA process.
Malware Removal
This category includes viruses, spyware, adware, and more. Sometimes users accidentally install this garbage. Most of the time it's on purpose because they choose shady applications.
Data Recovery and Backup Plan
You can't always recover deleted data but you can try. Most of the time stuff goes out and data isn't recoverable. Make sure to stress the importance of backups.
Network Support
You'll most likely be supporting wireless connectivity but it also helps to understand how to terminate ends if you have to run cable. Cable management a plus.
Mobile Device Support
Email and wireless will be huge here. There will be general application support but the big issue now is EMM (MDM) usage and support.
Cybersecurity
This category encompasses so many things. You'll run into this with basic support to accounts, antivirus, filters, system availability, VPNs, and more!
There's so Much to be Excited About
You don't have to be a tech for the rest of your life. IT and even cybersecurity are such broad fields.
There are many pivot points and so much stuff to manage!
If you don't have a clear path or even have a tech job yet, volunteer or freelance! I did this as side husles and even in gaps in employement.
Tactful Tech Articles
Synology NAS Package Center Doesn't Connect
You go to your Package Center and your packages don't load at all. The error is Connection failed. Please check your network and time settings. The problem is the URLs required by the Package Center can't be resolved. There are a few issues that can cause this. They...
NAS Hard Drive Disappears From Synology Storage Pool
Upon entering your office, you hear beeping from your NAS. You log in to DSM and see that there is an alert that a drive has been removed, causing a System Partition Failure. The problem is the drive was never removed. To get the missing drive to show back up again,...
Some Services Can't Reach Internet With Unbound
If you recently changed your Unbound configuration and now you can't access the Internet, you can verify Unbound is behaving properly by doing the following two things: Verify Unbound is actually running.Verify your configuration is actually running. This was tested...
Raspberry Pi Web Interfaces Don't Connect After OpenVPN Killswitch Script Install
I had an interesting interaction when using DietPi. I turned on the killswitch option in the VPN section and suddenly I couldn't access the web interface for any installed package on the Raspberry Pi. It looks like DietPi didn't include scripts to automatically...
Synology: Transferred Files Inside Shared Folder Disappeared
You added a network Location to This PC in Windows 10 from your NAS or other computer. You move stuff over and when you go to your network drive, the folders that you just moved aren't there. Where did they go? Did something go wrong in the move? Luckily, no. What...
Can You Crack a KeePass Database if You Forgot Your Password?
It's certainly possible to crack a KeePass database, but is it practical? I often wondered this, not just as a security-conscious KeePass user, but as someone who forgot the password to one of my databases. So I looked for an answer. If you look, it won't take you...
Discover Your Favorite Tasks
Even though techs are deemed generalists, you can still find stuff to specialize in. You'll naturally gravitate to things anyway.
My favorite aspect was working with hardware – desktops, laptops, servers, and network devices. I love tech and could tinker with the hardware all day.
You Still Have Other Obligations
Unfortunately you can't spend all your time doing what you love. You still have to meet the needs of the department and overall business.
Learn to become a people person if you aren't becoming one already. This is the biggest lesson in being a Tactful Tech. Learn to talk to anyone and learn to love people! Don't get too swept up by tech or coding.
Invest in Yourself
Education doesn't stop after college and experience isn't the only thing that matters out there.
Keep up with learning by using learning platforms such as Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and CBT Nuggets.
You're not done when you get that course certificate though. Prove you're ready to use your new knowledge and put yourself out there.
What Employers Are Looking For
Potential Tactful Tech Topic Sources
It's quite a challenge coming up with everything you'll see in IT. Listed below are some of the things I could think of that I've gone through as a tech. At some point I'll most likely write about these topics.