Tech issues happen. Your computer freezes, you can’t figure out how to install or use a program, or you’re not even sure where to start.
ITS is here to help guide you through tech issues, and determine how best to resolve them—often without having to call us for help.
If you run into a tech issue, here’s what to try first:
- Turn it off and turn it back on again. Whether it’s your computer, your cellphone or a software program—try turning it off and turning it back on again. If you’re trying to access something from the Internet, try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser to see if you can duplicate the issue. It’s simple, but it’s often enough to resolve an issue.
- Update. Keep your devices and your software up to date. Don’t ignore updates as they can contain vital security patches or resolve bugs and prevent issues before they start.
- Check ITS communications. If you’re having an issue, maybe someone else is too? Look to see if ITS has posted an outage notification on its website or service portal. Twitter user? Follow @DrakeITServices. Want to have outage notifications sent directly to you? Opt in by texting DrakeITS2020 to phone number 226787.
- Research it. Having issues with a Drake system? Start by looking at our knowledge base (how-to guides) in the IT service portal. You can either look for guides by category or use the search bar in the upper right corner. Issue with a non-Drake system? Use the search within the program you’re using, or use quotation marks and search the error message in Google. Be sure to look for help for the specific type of device and/or version of the software you’re using.
- Still need help? If you’ve tried the other suggestions and are still having an issue, let us know. Call 515-271-3001 (or 3002 for a classroom emergency) or report your issue in our service portal 24/7.
ITS is here to help you learn to use technology more effectively, and to provide direct support when needed.
—Carla Herling, ITS