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!

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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.

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Tactful Tech Articles

Reminder, Printers are Computers too

Mar 1, 2017 | Hardware

That's right. Printers are computers too. Remember when we found out a Canon Pixma printer can run Doom? That fun hack was nearly 3 years ago (at least published 3 years ago anyway). A security researcher from Context Information Security used modified firmware from...

Mobile Phone Migration Checklist

Sep 7, 2016 | Mobile Devices

After upgrading to a Galaxy GS6 I decided it would be a good idea keep a simple inventory of stuff I need to do. Especially since I don't plan on using a premium backup service. Let's go over what you might see in a mobile phone migration checklist. If you're...

Windows 8.1 Installation Checklist

Nov 28, 2015 | Windows

There's nothing quite like automating or in the very least, making OS reloads easier. I love it, but that's probably because I remember having to install Windows using 3.5" floppy disks. Anyway, here's to making Windows 8.1 installation easier. Preparation Download...

Windows 10 New Admin Info

Oct 18, 2015 | Windows

Windows 10 is surprisingly fun to use. It's like they took Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 and combined the two. They didn't get it all right though. This article contains some tips you should probably know when you start using it. The Problem With Windows 10 Microsoft have...

Tips on Fixing Microsoft Office 2010 and 2013 Licensing Issues

May 26, 2015 | Windows

If you're like most enterprises, you have a variety of Office products floating around. Office 2010 and 2013 can be a bit of a pain sometimes to register correctly. These tips will help you out. How to Activate Microsoft Office 2010 and Office 2013 With any Microsoft...

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.

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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

No matter how great you are at your technical skill set, if you can’t play nicely, then you won’t last long. Boost your collaboration credibility by seeking out opportunities to work in a group environment, especially cross-functional teams. Donavan McDonald

President, Belcan TechServices

Strengthening a soft skill is one of the best investments you can make in your career, as they never go out of style. Plus, the rise of AI is only making soft skills increasingly important, as they are precisely the type of skills robots can’t automate. Paul Petrone

Editor, LinkedIn Learning

We actually value skills over experience in the grand scheme of things. Apply if you have the relevant skills even if you don’t have the right experience, because we’re looking underneath the surface for what’s really going to matter here and that’s what skills you can bring to the table. Janelle Gale

VP of HR, Facebook

Critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and problem solving are a must as companies continue to blur the lines between business and IT. Michelle Wingard

Co-founder, Dynamo

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.

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Dealing with enterprise customer service from places like IBM

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Are you productive or just busy?

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The joys of email spam filtering

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Browser and operating systems usage stats

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Limitations with local network and internet connection speeds

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Administration of and blocking against P2P and other unauthorized file sharing programs

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Dealing with firewall and VPN issues

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Having spares

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Are floppies still obsolete?

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Keeping a virtual toolbox

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Stay hydrated and move, desk jockey

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What to do when you don't know the answer

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Dealing with staff who are just plain wrong

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Finding jobs and dealing with relocation and other steps

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Becoming aware of server functions and potential issues

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Getting industry certifications and whether they actually help

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Terminating an RJ-45 cable manually and with tools

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The importance of backing up data

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What to do when you make a big mistake

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People should be grateful, but most are not

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Best ways to use your ondemand tech skills in a side hustle

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Keeping stations and machines clean

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Dealing with users who've forgotten their passwords

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Managing ID badging systems

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List of commonly failed hard drives

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Take charge of file locations

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Rapidly deploying new tech

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Starting education versus experience

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