When computers stop working it can be difficult to know what’s gone wrong, let alone how to fix it. Whether you work from home on a single computer or rely on a network of computers on multiple sites, it is important to think about how you tackle ICT problems when they arise.

If you use Microsoft Windows™ it is vital that you keep it up to date to prevent attacks from viruses and ensure best performance. Use the Microsoft update service to automatically check for updates and download and install the software required.

Anti-virus software works by comparing individual files with a list of known viruses. The list is usually updated at least every day by connecting to an online database which monitors the latest threats.

The internet is a great tool for fundraising. Here are three things it can do for you:

You need enough money to buy, install, maintain and use the right solution for you. This requires capital as well as revenue budgets – like buying a car and budgeting for petrol, insurance, an MOT or driving lessons.

It is almost impossible to stop viruses attacking your computer so you must make sure you are able to deal with them.

Work with other people in your organisation to write an ICT plan. Think about where you are now, what ICT equipment and skills you have, what you think of it, how much it costs and common problems and limitations. Think about what you want to achieve in the next three years, whether budgets will grow [...]

Most staff, volunteers or trustees need to be happy using a mouse, saving and retrieving files, working with different programmes, turning a computer on and off, sending and receiving emails, writing, printing and saving documents in a word processor and looking things up on the internet.

Sales of new IT equipment are often driven by the demands of new software, especially system software such as new versions of Windows™. At the same time ICT prices have dropped to levels at which it is often cheaper to replace than to repair or re-use equipment.

Very carefully. There are legal constraints on what you are allowed to do, environmental issues about behaving responsibly and security issues about removing data.

You can pay-as-you-go by the hour or take out a contract. What you pay depends on what you need, the supplier, the number of computers you have, the level of support offered, your own capabilities and your location.

Online information such as the ICT Knowledgebase is a great resource but sometimes a book is better. User-friendly options such as Dummies Guides are handy as a reference, as well as for learning new skills.

Work more efficiently by making sure your computer systems are set up to collect, store and retrieve information quickly and easily.

It’s a well-worn phrase, but does it really work? Before calling for help turn your machine off for 30 seconds and then restart. This may well resolve the issue you were having because closing down your computer shuts all running services and processes, whilst starting up restarts these services and process in the right order.

Registered charities can get very cheap software through a national scheme operated by Charity Technology Exchange. Visit their website for more details at www.ctx.org.uk. As an alternative any individual or organisation can download Open Source Software from the internet.