And yet the hard-working IT specialist really only feels like a cosy get-together, delicious food and Christmas cheer ... Just lazing around with their loved ones, that was the plan. Hm. But: We already know this topic from the last years, and somehow it is also quite nice to stand there as the IT hero at the end. Let the annual ritual begin! With these five top tips from your favorite IT recruiter, you can get through the IT update with your family in the best possible way:
1. Stay relaxed: patience is key
Some things just don't happen. Do they? When grandma has a fancy iPhone and blithely downloads all the private pictures and data of the whole family - including the grandchildren, of course - into the iCloud without knowing what that "strange cloud" is? Or when Dad's new computer has become so slow with all the adware, crapware and bloatware that the old Windows 95 computer was a rocket in comparison. And: Who is this Alexa anyway? It's maddening. Actually. It's easy to get upset about the ignorance of others - but should you? It's Christmas, so please relax. Have another cookie and pour yourself a nice mug of Glühwein. There you go! After all, you're doing a good work and making the rest of the family happy. Or to put it another way, you're even giving the family a really nice Christmas present. You can expect a little gratitude later on. But first, get to work and start the good deed. So: Provide yourself with enough cookies/chocolate/marzipan potatoes and then make yourself comfortable at the device in need of explanation together with the owner.
2. The basics: don't use technical jargon and make a back up
And then shift down a gear first, please. This means explaining things to your relatives as simply and patiently as possible, preferably without "technical jargon", because unfortunately no one understands this except you. In other words, use simple terms and don't go into too much detail. Everything is easy. The more your relatives understand, the less work you will have next year. Maybe.
The first deed in practice is then the data backup. How to make a proper backup is, by the way, also basic knowledge for the average user. That's why your relatives are welcome to take a closer look.
3. Fresh updates and hardware check
The whole year the annoying pop-ups and update messages were clicked away, which then avenges itself in no longer functioning programs and crashes. When it comes to updates, you can therefore make things as simple as possible and update everything that works: all apps on your cell phone, computer or smart TV, the operating system, the browser, the virus protection - the whole lot, please! And while you're at it, you can also check the devices you're using for their suitability for everyday use in the coming year 2023. If the battery dies after a few minutes or it takes several minutes for the computer to boot up, it might be time for a new purchase. The advice of the family's own expert is certainly welcome.
4. IT security check - especially at Christmas!
Of course, security is especially important for devices used by less tech-savvy relatives - especially before and after Christmas, when online business is booming. This starts with a virus and malware scan and continues seamlessly with a detailed password check. Not too simple passwords, no multiple use - if these basics are internalized, the dear relatives are already well advised. The increasingly popular multi-factor authentication in addition to the password also makes online shopping and banking much more secure.
-banking much more secure and can be set up with pleasure. And what about privacy settings, for example on grandma's iPhone? What data, such as location or contacts, is transmitted from the family's devices to whom? Many people don't even know what is being collected from them by default settings and are happy about more data protection.
5. See IT support as part of Christmas - and as a gift.
The annual computer support should therefore not be seen as a chore, but as a gift to the dear family. It's quality time! After all, it's Christmas - and you get together to solve annoying everyday problems. You chat with each other, enjoy Christmas treats, you help each other within the family. This can create not only a good mood, but a real festive mood! If - yes, if - you as an IT expert approach it with the necessary amount of composure. And if, as a relative, you don't have exaggerated expectations. In the end, it's hardly possible to set up and clarify everything that needs to be done in just one day; instead, you can only deal with the most urgent problems. And then there is also more time for the nice things - like wine, pastries and co. ...
Survived Christmas? And the next challenge can come?
How about a new job? If you are looking for new exciting projects in the coming year, we have a good idea for you: Come to the top IT recruiter! Our team has the right job for you and is looking forward to your inquiry.