September often feels like a fresh start. School bags come out, work calendars fill up again and everyone starts getting back into familiar routines.

It’s also the time of year when technology problems seem to appear at the worst possible moment. A laptop that was fine in July suddenly runs slowly. The printer refuses to cooperate. Wi-Fi is unreliable upstairs. A forgotten password stops you from joining an important meeting or accessing a school portal.

The good news is that a little preparation now can make the first few weeks much easier.

Think of this as a simple tech MOT for your home, family or home office. You don’t need to be a technology expert. Work through the checks at your own pace, and stop if something doesn’t make sense. There’s no rushing, no jargon and no judgment.

Your September Tech MOT Checklist ✅

1. Update your devices and software

Start with the basics. Check your laptops, desktop computers, tablets and smartphones for outstanding updates.

Updates often include important security improvements, bug fixes and compatibility changes. They can also help school and work applications run more reliably.

Check the following:

• Operating system , Install available Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android or iOS updates.
• Web browsers , Update Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox.
• Everyday applications , Check Microsoft 365, video-call software, school apps and other programmes you use regularly.
• Security software , Make sure antivirus and built-in security tools are active and up to date.
• Device settings , Check that automatic updates are enabled where appropriate.

If you’re updating an older laptop, allow plenty of time. Some updates can take longer than expected, especially if several have been waiting or your broadband connection is slow.

Don’t switch off a computer while an update is installing unless it has been completely stuck for a long time. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help.

2. Check your backups before important work begins

A broken, lost or stolen device is frustrating. Losing schoolwork, family photographs or important business files can be much worse.

Before September gets busy, check that your important files are being backed up properly. This might include:

• School essays, coursework and project files.
• Work documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
• Family photographs and videos.
• Password-manager data and important records.
• Business files stored on a home or office computer.

Cloud storage such as OneDrive or Google Drive can help keep files synchronised. You may also want a separate external drive for an additional copy.

Remember that synchronising a file is not always the same as keeping a long-term backup. If a file is deleted or damaged, that change may synchronise too. If you’re not sure whether your backup is working, test it by checking that you can open a recent file from the backup location.

A reliable backup means a device problem becomes an inconvenience rather than a disaster.

3. Free up storage and clear digital clutter

A nearly full computer can become slow and difficult to use. Old downloads, duplicate photographs, videos and unused programmes may be taking up more space than you realise.

Try these simple steps:

• Review your Downloads folder , Remove installers and files you no longer need.
• Clear the Recycle Bin , Deleted files can still use storage until the bin is emptied.
• Uninstall unused applications , Remove programmes you recognise and no longer use.
• Sort school and work folders , Create clear folders for the new term or working year.
• Move large files carefully , Back up photographs and videos before deleting them.
• Leave some free space , Your computer needs room for updates and temporary files.

Please don’t delete anything important just because the name looks unfamiliar. If you’re worried about losing a family photograph, school project or work document, leave it alone and ask for help first.

4. Give a slow laptop a calm health check

Has your laptop become noticeably slower over the summer? Does it take ages to start, freeze during video calls or struggle when several browser tabs are open?

Before assuming you need a new computer, try:

• Restarting the computer properly.
• Closing programmes and browser tabs you’re not using.
• Checking for updates.
• Running a trusted antivirus scan.
• Making sure the device has enough free storage.
• Keeping air vents clear and using the laptop on a hard, flat surface.
• Removing browser extensions you don’t recognise or need.

Our recent guide, Is Your Computer Running Slow? 7 Simple Fixes to Try Before You Call for Help, takes you through these checks in more detail.

Good computer maintenance can extend the useful life of a device. If the problem continues, the cause could be an ageing hard drive, limited memory, overheating or another hardware fault. A professional check may identify a practical upgrade instead of an unnecessary replacement.

5. Test your Wi-Fi where you study or work

Reliable internet is important for homework, online learning, video meetings, cloud applications and keeping in touch with colleagues.

Don’t only test Wi-Fi beside the router. Walk around your home and check the areas where you actually use your devices:

• A child’s bedroom or study area.
• The kitchen or dining table.
• Your home office.
• The garden office or outbuilding.
• Any room used for video calls.

If the signal is weak, try moving the router to a more central, open position. Keep it away from cupboards, thick walls and large electrical appliances where possible.

You may also benefit from a mesh Wi-Fi system, an extender or an improved broadband service. This can be particularly useful in larger homes and rural areas around Lincolnshire.

For a straightforward internet troubleshooting check, restart the router and your device, test more than one device and check whether the issue affects Wi-Fi only or the whole broadband connection. If every device is struggling, the problem may be with the broadband service or router. If only one device is affected, that device may need attention.

6. Test printing and video calls now

Printers and video calls have a habit of failing when you’re already late.

Before the first school assignment or working day, print a test page. Check that you have paper and enough ink or toner. If children need to print from a laptop or tablet, make sure they know which printer to select.

For video calls, test:

• Camera and microphone.
• Speakers or headphones.
• Lighting and background.
• Internet connection.
• Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or other required software.
• School or business login details.

If you work from home, consider having a quiet backup location for important calls. If one room has unreliable Wi-Fi, knowing where to move can prevent unnecessary stress.

7. Sort passwords and accounts

September can bring new school platforms, work systems and account reminders. Avoid being locked out on the first day by checking important logins in advance.

Make sure you can access:

• School email and learning platforms.
• Work email and business applications.
• Cloud storage.
• Video meeting accounts.
• Printer or device accounts.
• Banking and other essential services.

Use a separate, strong password for each important account. A password manager can make this much easier. Turn on two-step verification wherever it’s available, and check that your recovery email address and mobile number are current.

Never share a password or one-time security code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

8. Stay alert to September scams

As schools, colleges and workplaces get busy again, scam messages can increase. You may receive fake emails or texts pretending to be from a school, employer, bank, parcel company or software provider.

Be cautious if a message:

• Creates urgency, such as “pay now” or “your account will be closed”.
• Asks you to click a link and sign in.
• Requests a password, payment or one-time code.
• Comes from an unusual email address or mobile number.
• Contains unexpected attachments.
• Uses poor spelling or an unusual web address.

Don’t click suspicious links. Instead, open the official website or app yourself and check for messages there. Never provide passwords, banking details or security codes through an unexpected message.

If you think you’ve clicked something suspicious, don’t panic. Stop entering information, contact the organisation using a trusted phone number and change any affected passwords. We can help you work out what to do next.

9. Know who to call when something goes wrong

Even with careful preparation, technology can fail. A laptop may need computer repair, a printer may stop working or your broadband may need a closer look.

Knowing your support options before the first day back can make problems feel much more manageable. At EB IT Support, we help families, seniors, home workers and businesses across Boston and Lincolnshire.

You can choose the option that suits you:

• Free drop-in technology advice : Visit us at our Boston location any weekday, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Advice is free; repairs are charged separately.
• Remote support : Get help with many software, account and device problems from £55 per hour.
• On-site support : We can come to your home or business from £79.99 per hour.
• Computer repair and upgrades : We can investigate slow, unreliable or damaged laptops and desktops.
• Broadband and Wi-Fi support : We can help improve connectivity, including rural broadband solutions.
• Business IT support : Our managed IT service helps businesses stay secure, connected and productive.

When we visit, your safety comes first. Our engineers carry official photo ID and confirm your unique customer PIN before entering. If an engineer cannot provide your PIN, do not let them in. Call us to check.

Ready for a smoother September? 🌟

You don’t have to complete every check in one afternoon. Start with updates, backups and internet access, then work through the rest when you have time.

Whether you’re preparing a child’s laptop for school, getting your home office ready or helping a family member feel more confident with technology, we’re here to make it simpler.

You can contact EB IT Support, call 01205 627240, email [email protected] or drop in for friendly advice in Boston.

We aim to respond to enquiries within three hours during business hours. One familiar local team, plain-English guidance and no pressure ( we’ve got you covered for the new term.)