Greetings! Last month, we discussed computer security. This month's subject is backup. We've covered it before, but computer backing up is ALWAYS important. As Always, Happy Computing! -- Tom Grundig How important is your data? There is always a possibility of losing important files. Hardware can fail, files can be accidentally deleted or otherwise lost. The only sure way to entirely prevent the permanent loss of files is to have some sort of backup. Typically, backups … [Read more...] about July Newsletter: Backups
Windows 7 End of Life: Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Computer?
January 14th, 2020 marks the end of support for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. This means that Microsoft will stop updating these operating systems' security features. For years now, Microsoft hasn't been adding new features to Windows 7, but has continued providing security updates for it. When security updates stop for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008, it will begin to be unsafe to use them. Security updates for an operating system focus on changing or fixing newly arising … [Read more...] about Windows 7 End of Life: Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Computer?
June Newsletter: Email Migrations
Greetings! Last month, we discussed Ransomware, which remains a threat. This month: Email migrations. As Always, Happy Computing! -- Tom Grundig Email Migrations Email services are arguably the most important service for office functions. It is reasonable for someone to decide to switch email service providers, but doing so can be a bit tricky. In the past, this was done by manually exporting and/or downloading email data from each user account and importing and/or … [Read more...] about June Newsletter: Email Migrations
Switching Email Services: Part 2
Each new email address must have contacts, settings, signatures, and forwarding setup when moving email providers. However, with larger email providers like Microsoft's Office 365, there are programs that automate the process, making the switch seamless. The service Grundig IT uses for migrating email accounts to Office 365 is Skykick. This service transfers all email data associated with the old addresses to the new service. It also automatically transfers settings and other data as well. … [Read more...] about Switching Email Services: Part 2
Switching Email Services: Part 1
Email services are arguably the most important service for office functions. It's reasonable to switch email service providers for many reasons, but doing so can be a bit tricky. In the past, this meant manually exporting email data from each user and importing it to the new service. This process takes a lot of time and has a tendency to not work perfectly every time. This process can be faster and simpler for more than one user, plus it's not necessary to have all email data within the … [Read more...] about Switching Email Services: Part 1
Ransomware Protection
No one wants their computer to fall victim to malware. And among the most annoying malware viruses is ransomware. What is Ransomware? Ransomware has a very literal name. First it gets onto a computer, usually downloading on accident from an email or website. Then it will deny access to all data on the computer until you pay a ransom. Unless there's a device scanning the computer for ransomware, it lays dormant for an indeterminate amount of time before locking down the … [Read more...] about Ransomware Protection
May Newsletter: Remote or Local Backup and Ransomware
Last month, we discussed Windows 7, which will be going away soon.This month - Ransomware, which remains a threat. Find more on Blog at GrundigIT.comAs Always, Happy Computing! -- Tom Grundig Ransomware has a very literal name. Once it gets onto a computer, usually by downloading it by accident from an email or website, it will deny access to all data on the computer until a ransom is paid (even paying the ransom may not work). Prevention and Mitigation: CISA (Cybersecurity … [Read more...] about May Newsletter: Remote or Local Backup and Ransomware
File Sharing Limitations
With file sharing, there is a need to keep track of permissions, and the need for intense organization. Being clear what files are where can cause another issue to surface. For instance, Windows 10, by default, has a character limit on file names of 256 characters. So the entire file name, which includes the location of the file, can be no longer than 256 characters. Sometimes less depending on the program you're using. For example, a file called “estimate-for-company.pdf” located in … [Read more...] about File Sharing Limitations
File Sharing Options
Online file sharing is a common and important tool for an office. If the system currently in place already has a file sharing service picking which service to use is easy. However, there are situations in which neither Google nor Office 365 are being used. Or you think it might be a good idea to consider all options available instead of immediately going for what’s easiest to adopt. Picking an online file sharing service mostly comes down to personal preference. Google Drive, OneDrive, and … [Read more...] about File Sharing Options
Email Spoofing and Phishing Prevention: Part 2
There are ways to attempt to prevent spoofed emails making it to your inbox, but none of them will be 100% effective. The methods that are most effective also have the potential of blocking emails that should be getting through. So these methods should be deployed when spoofed emails are a serious concern. The most inclusive method is to block an entire domain from sending email to your server. This can be effective if you notice a lot of these emails are coming from the same … [Read more...] about Email Spoofing and Phishing Prevention: Part 2
