Once upon a time it was common for industry figures to carry two phones. One that was loaned to them from their company (which paid for both the device and the service plan), and which they tolerated, and one that they purchased themselves, paid for themselves, and liked better. But, as you can guess, carrying two phones at the same time was frustrating, wasteful, and counterproductive. It was time for a better solution. Now, only a few years later, BYOD policies have appeared in many if not … [Read more...] about 7 Points for a Good BYOD Policy
Orinda
7 Easy Ways to Avoid Future Workplace Tech Problems
1. Auto Update Software Hardware failures happen, but they’re pretty uncommon when compared with software glitches and security flaws. Fortunately, many of these can be resolved before they cause issues if your IT service provider makes sure that all software is routinely kept up to date with downloaded updates and patches. Installation should be automatic and all antivirus updates should be given priority. 2. Have a Hardware Maintenance Schedule Once your hardware is in good order, it’s time … [Read more...] about 7 Easy Ways to Avoid Future Workplace Tech Problems
Which Computer is Right for Your Business?
As IT Consultants there’s little we love more than shopping for new computer hardware. But, for the uninitiated, the process can be a bit overwhelming. There are dozens if not hundreds of commercial computer models with multiple generations of each in a dizzying array of form factors, specifications, and prices. So, instead of throwing out our favorites or advocating for a one-size- fits-all approach, we’re going to offer a handful of big questions for you to consider that should narrow down … [Read more...] about Which Computer is Right for Your Business?
Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
Should I upgrade to Windows 10? This is a question we in IT computer consultant industry hear a lot from our clients. The truth isn't a simple yes or no question. However,depending on what programs you utilize, and what setup you need for your office or home, many different variables can determine the actual answer. Would I lose anything going to Windows 10? Yes and no. Data files, such as word documents, spreadsheets, photos, and videos would all be transferred … [Read more...] about Should I upgrade to Windows 10?
Passwords, iPhone 6 and Ask Leo!
Passwords: Computer security has been at the top of the news this year, especially with exploits such as the heartbleed bug and others taking advantage of vulnerabilities in computer security which are used throughout the Internet. The heartbleed bug puts our focus on passwords. Passwords are pervasive. We used them to access almost every site on the Internet. It is not enough to have strong passwords any more. The same passwords should not be used on different sites, especially … [Read more...] about Passwords, iPhone 6 and Ask Leo!
Windows 8 Preview
Windows 8 Windows 8 is expected to be released in the 2nd half of 2012. Windows 8 will be very similar in many ways to Windows 7, but will incorporate many new features such as the new Metro User Interface, Windows App Store and improved security features. New 'Metro-style' user interface with metro style apps Windows 8 certainly has got a mind blowing interactive user interface(UI), which has been extensively redesigned. The Metro-style design, which shows … [Read more...] about Windows 8 Preview
2012 Predictions
Ultrabooks gain in popularity Ultrabooks are a new class of notebook computer that are smaller and lighter than a standard notebook while bigger than a netbook. This type of device was first popularized by the Macbook Air. The term 'Ultrabook', though, refers to PC-compatible machines. They typically have 13" or 14" screens, fast solid-state hard drives and longer lasting battery life than regular laptops. Most Ultrabooks are priced in the $1000 range. Prediction: Ultrabooks will be the fastest … [Read more...] about 2012 Predictions
Backup Basics
Backup Basics Backing up personal or company data which is stored on your computer, server, or mobile device is a necessary, but often overlooked, part of the computing puzzle. In most cases, I recommend a combination of online backup and local backup to an external hard drive or set of drives. Not only is it necessary to make sure that backup of the proper data is taking place, it is also a good idea to periodically perform a test restore. Online backup services such as … [Read more...] about Backup Basics
Is what you HAVE is more important than what you DON’T HAVE?
Most of the time, what you have is more important that what you don't have. This applies, at least, when we are talking about our computer systems. Don't understand? Well, read on. All the things on and connected to your computer system (hardware, external devices, software, data, network(s), Internet connection, etc.) are really important. So, in this case, what you HAVE is more important than what you DON'T HAVE. You may not realize this until your hard drive crashes, your … [Read more...] about Is what you HAVE is more important than what you DON’T HAVE?
Netbook, Notebook, Desktop or Wait and Repair?
Decisions being made by computer owners or prospective owners are mainly being drive by price these days, for obvious reasons. Not everyone wants to spend a ton of money on a new PC, unless the return on investment is high enough. However, quality matters, too, as does the manner in which you will be using your machine. So, here are the 4 choices which I see right now for most business or home computer users. 1) Netbooks (a new term which has arisen over the last several years to describe a … [Read more...] about Netbook, Notebook, Desktop or Wait and Repair?