The natural reaction, when you have network problems, is to think the cause of the trouble is something special or unusual. This impression is enhanced by the tendency of many a computer issue to crop up in a variety of different ways--even if the underlying problem is something you have encountered previously.

The fact is, there are a limited number of things that can go wrong with your network, and what you are seeing today may very well be a repeat of something you have seen before.

If you find yourself acting as your own network technician--either because your regular support is unavailable, or because the problem is so urgent that you can't wait for assistance--then you will do yourself a big favor by carefully reviewing your previous computer issues. If you have been keeping a log of problems and their resolutions, that will be a tremendous help.

Pull together a brain-storming session of anyone else in the office who has been involved with earlier problems. Compare notes and recollections, and try to match-up your current difficulty with something you have already encountered and resolved. You may find that the solution is sitting right in front of you--all you have to do is put all the information together to see the answer.

Not every computer issue requires a network guru to solve it. Making sure you understand the cause of the problem, and taking careful notes about the solution, can save you time and money if it ever happens again. By resolving these previously-encountered difficulties without calling in outside help, your business can maintain productivity and contribute directly to the bottom line.