Tip of the Day: Tweaking Computers

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Computers have changed a lot over the past decade. They are becoming more user-friendly and easier to manage. Newer computers such as smartphones and tablets aren’t as tweakable as older-style computers, nevertheless, all types can be tweaked in certain ways.

Many people don’t understand computers on a deep level and don’t have the time to learn about them. Throughout the workday of an average computer user, there is seldom time to search the internet for solutions to the little annoyances that creep up from computers; even if one can find the time to do so, search results can be vague and relatively useless. However, if the tips below are followed, one could minimize the frequency of those little annoyances that creep up:

Manage boot-time programs

Whether a newer or older-style computer is being used, there is almost always an option to prevent programs from running at boot time. Boot time is when a computer is powered on. When a program is installed on a computer, sometimes it’s automatically enabled to run as soon as the device is powered on. Learning how to disable programs from running at boot-time will help a computer to run faster. It can also help reduce conflicts on a computer overall.

Disable antivirus features

Again, for all types of computers, antivirus software can be overwhelming if not appropriately configured. Many antivirus features are automatically enabled after the software is installed. There could be too many features running within the software causing conflicts. Understanding antivirus software will help mitigate these issues. When installing software downloaded from the internet, great care should be taken. Regardless of what style of computer is being used.

Watch for malicious software

Usually, when a device gets infected with a computer virus, it’s because the software was downloaded from a malicious website set up by criminals. Software that initially looks good is commonly tainted with malicious software.

Add RAM memory

Lastly, no matter how much one pays for a new computer and how many great features it has, if it doesn’t come with sufficient RAM memory, one can count on a dull experience during use. Lack of RAM memory can cause sluggishness and various conflicts. Laptop and desktop computers’ RAM memory is generally easier to upgrade than smartphones’ and tablets’ RAM memory.

Please contact us for a consultation if assistance is needed with the tweaks suggested above.

Fixed Fee IT Support

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Many companies that provide managed IT services offer fixed fee IT support. With fixed fee support, a company takes care of managing and maintaining your IT infrastructure for your business. You pay a set fee regularly that covers all services. The approach can save money and keep your technology up-to-date and functional.

What Does it Offer?

Fixed fee IT services cover the acquiring, maintenance, security, and support of the hardware and software for your business. It can include purchasing servers and computers plus setting up and administering a network. The company buys software for you and keeps it updated. You can get backup services when desired along with cloud options. Companies offer technical support either over the phone or on-site for no additional cost.

How Would my Business Benefit?

With one fixed fee based on various factors, your business has access to the latest technology and software. It is scalable and upgradable to include more users and devices as your company grows. Fixed fee IT support takes care of monitoring the daily operation of your infrastructure. It also works with your business to plan upgrades and maintenance. In the case of technology failure or disasters, your system gets restored at no extra cost.

How is it Priced?

Companies price fixed fee IT support in different ways. Usually, they charge a monthly or quarterly fee based on the number of users or the scale of your infrastructure. This fixed fee covers all your IT needs during that period. If something breaks, the company provides support during the period for which you have paid the fixed fee. This prevents surprise high expenses that could occur during this time.

What are Other Options?

While some providers offer fixed fee managed services, there are reasons to go with other types of managed services. Paying a provider a variable fee based on the amount of service they provide at a given time may save money. Depending on your business’s needs, unlimited support for a given period may not be worth the extra cost.

For information on managed services for IT support, please contact us.

3 Ways IT Support Will Improve the Efficiency of Your Small Business

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As technology evolves at an exponential rate, it’s crucial that your small business continues to adapt accordingly. To ensure you’re powered by the fastest, most secure network possible, you must integrate the latest software, applications, and antivirus programs when necessary.

However, this can be a difficult process for entrepreneurs like yourself, whose time is occupied mostly by tasks relating directly to their businesses. Though you may not have time to focus on enhancing the performance of your network, it nonetheless plays an integral role in the success of your company.

Fortunately, IT support providers are available to take on the responsibility of implementing, monitoring, and maintaining all your technology needs. Below are three ways IT support services will improve the efficiency of your small business:

Cloud Hosting Solutions

By putting your data up in the cloud, your staff can easily access, store, and share files and documents in one secure location. This application may be customized to the specific needs of your business. Therefore, helps to streamline your processes and create a more efficient workplace.

In addition, the cloud is scalable, which means it can easily grow alongside your business. Above all, your staff can access files and documents from anywhere, anytime via mobile devices. This enhances collaboration across your company and makes it possible to work remotely.

Regular Updates & Upgrades

With the technology world advancing so quickly, it’s no surprise that small business owners need to continuously improve technology at their workplace. Because, after all, your ability to adjust to the ever-changing technology landscape will make all the difference between either the success or failure of your company.

By staying on top of the latest developments, your IT support provider will limit downtime. Ensuring your staff has all the resources they need to complete tasks as quickly as possible. Say goodbye to slow loading times and welcome an optimal level of efficiency.

24/7 End-to-End Network Support for Your Small Business                                      

From cable installation and cloud services to data backup and disaster recovery, trained technicians handle everything related to your network. This means you don’t have to worry about software updates or installing programs yourself. Your team will do it all for you.

This way, you can spend more time focusing on what matters most: keeping your business running smoothly. When you’re backed by a reputable IT support provider, you have peace of mind about the performance of your technology every step of the way.

Ready to improve the efficiency of your small business? Contact us today to learn more about IT support services!

Why IT Support For Small Businesses is Beneficial

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Owning a small business is a dream for many people. While being an entrepreneur can be very profitable and a great career path, being successful does require you to deal with a number of different challenges.  One challenge that a small business owner will need to have to deal with on a regular basis is building and managing an appropriate IT and network infrastructure.  There are several reasons why small businesses should consider outsourcing their IT services to a third-party provider.

Build and Establish Network

The first service that an IT company can provide is the establishment of a network. They will be able to develop a cloud-based network that is accessible to you from anywhere in the world. This will allow small businesses to stay connected and organized at all times.

Provide Network Security

Due to the continued increased risk of hacks and other data theft, making sure your network is properly secured is very important. A third-party IT service will be able to build a network to ensure that it is secure using the top firewall protections. They will also be able to verify that it has not been compromised and will be able to upgrade the security system when necessary.

Help Desk

Finally, having a third-party provider for IT services is helpful because it can act as a help desk. Computers and networks are very efficient and reliable today. However, there are situations in which they will break down and not work correctly. If this happens to your network or equipment, the IT service will be able to troubleshoot the problem. Then, have it fixed immediately. This can get you back up and running quickly and make you more efficient overall.

If you are in need of IT services, contact us to learn about the services and benefits that we can provide to your company.

What Can You Expect from Good IT Support?

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Your business depends on a good network 24/7. Not only do employees have more and more varied schedules (especially if you have employees scattered across the country or around the globe), but your website is a 24/7 store. Any outage or data corruption isn’t just costing you money, it’s eating into your revenue. But good IT support prevents most problems before they start instead of fixing something after it breaks.

What Should You Expect from Good IT Support?

The first thing you should expect is a mindset shift. Good IT support is proactive instead of reactive; its goal is to keep your tech running smoothly instead of making money when something goes wrong. Here’s how they do it:

Regular Security Testing and Monitoring

IT support companies have a resource that their individual clients don’t: a wide pool of network systems that need monitoring. That means IT companies have access to and can afford enterprise-level security software that monitors every network separately 24/7. It tracks downloads, software patches, cookies, and everything that goes in and out of your network connection. Most of the software you can buy on an individual company basis won’t be as effective. They also have employees ready to respond to each alert and indication of a potential problem.

Proactive Maintenance

Managed IT support is structurally better than traditional companies. Most companies get paid when they solve a problem. That means they have little incentive to build strong protections, catch problems ahead of time, or offer preventative advice.

This doesn’t mean IT professionals can’t be trusted; it means the incentive structure was in the way of a good business relationship, but managed IT support services have an incentive to prevent problems before they’re a problem. They get paid the same monthly subscription price even if they have to pour hours into fixing a problem, so they have as much incentive to keep your network strong and in good condition as you do.

Go to Bluwater Technologies to get started on a better IT plan.