What are the most creative solutions to common IT problems?

1 Use a rubber duck

One of the most frustrating IT problems is finding a logical error in your code that prevents it from running correctly. You might spend hours staring at your screen, trying to spot the mistake, but nothing seems to work. That's when you need a rubber duck. Yes, you read that right. A rubber duck is a technique where you explain your code line by line to a rubber duck (or any other inanimate object) as if you were teaching it. By doing this, you force yourself to verbalize your logic and assumptions, and often, you'll discover the error or inconsistency that you missed before. It might sound silly, but it works.

3 Use a CD

Another common IT problem is recovering data from a damaged or scratched CD. CDs are prone to wear and tear, and sometimes, they become unreadable by your computer or other devices. However, there might be a way to salvage your precious data using a simple household item: a banana. Yes, a banana. A banana can act as a natural polish and fill in the scratches on the CD surface. By rubbing a banana peel on the CD, you can smooth out the imperfections and make it easier for the laser to read the data. After that, you can wipe the CD with a soft cloth and try to copy the data to your computer or another device.

5 Use a paper clip

Another common IT problem is ejecting a stuck CD or DVD from your computer or other device. Sometimes, the eject button doesn't work, or the disc is jammed inside the slot. You might be tempted to pry it out with a knife or a screwdriver, but that could damage the device or the disc. Instead, you should use a paper clip. Yes, a paper clip. A paper clip can act as a manual eject tool and release the disc from the slot. By straightening a paper clip and inserting it into a small hole near the slot, you can push a lever that will pop out the disc. Just be careful not to scratch the disc or the device.

6 Use a hair dryer

Another common IT problem is dealing with a wet or spilled device. Whether it's a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet, water and electronics don't mix well. If you accidentally drop your device in water or spill something on it, you might panic and think it's ruined. However, there might be a way to save it using a hair dryer. Yes, a hair dryer. A hair dryer can help you dry out your device and prevent corrosion and short circuits. By removing the battery and the SIM card (if possible) and blowing warm air on your device for several minutes, you can evaporate the moisture and reduce the damage. Just be careful not to overheat your device or melt any plastic parts.