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
Tips on Fixing Microsoft Office 2010 and 2013 Licensing Issues
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...
Network Troubleshooting – Using A Trace Route
This network troubleshooting tip of using a trace route is something every IT person should know, regardless of whether they work in networking or not. All IT staff should have the basic skill of diagnosing and escalating issues. The Point of Using a Trace Route? This...
Modem and Internet Connection Issues
This post is a frustrating tale of working through internet connection issues with my Internet Service Provider. It worked out well but it will be beneficial to share the tips I learned along the way. Accessing Your Modem First and foremost, here's how to access your...
Useful Shell Commands For Windows
Shell commands are one of those time savers that are fun to use but not many IT pros use them. See below for the more useful shell commands. In order to quickly open special folders in Windows, you can use shell:COMMAND as a shortcut to access these folders. You can...
Useful Environment Variables For Windows
To get a complete list of the environmental variables on your system, all you need to do is type set into a CMD prompt. Here are some of the most common, most useful environment variables for Windows: LocationNotesWin7 x64Vista x64Vista x86XPAll Users...
Useful Run Commands For Windows
There are way more commands to run in Windows than you're currently using. Here's a list of useful run commands for Windows you can start using right now if you already aren't. Enjoy the speed! Office Shortcuts winword – Microsoft Word excel – Microsoft Excel powerpnt...
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.