Regular Maintenance for both workplace and home computing Over the last few months we took a look at ways to get your business more efficient with Google Apps or Office 365. This month we'll be taking a look at regular maintenance to help keep your computer clean and healthy. If you feel overwhelmed with your computers slowness, and would like help with cleaning it out or even upgrading it, we offer these services to anyone working with us. Just let us know and we will be more than happy to … [Read more...] about August Newsletter: Cleaning up Viruses, Temp files, and more
San Ramon
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?
Computer Security
Computer Security Turn on automatic update and leave it that way. Windows releases computer security updates on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and these should be applied immediately. More information on Windows Update can be found here. Mac users should also apply updates when they are made available. Install antivirus and make sure it is receiving updates. Windows Defender is included with Windows 8 and Windows 10. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download for … [Read more...] about Computer Security
Google Apps
We hear a lot about cloud computing these days, so I thought I'd cover one of the most popular and powerful suites of cloud-based services available today: Google Apps. (By the way, Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and mobile devices on demand.) As usual, feel free to suggest topics which you would like to see covered in an upcoming newsletter or on the Grundig IT news page, which can be found at … [Read more...] about Google Apps
Backup and Data Recovery
Backup and Recovery Data Recovery Hard Drive - A hard drive (or multiple hard drives) store all the valuable user data in a computer or server Hard Drive Failure - A hard drive can fail at any time. Mean Time Before Failure is from 3-7 years for most drives. A computer that stops working usually has most or all of the data intact. However, it is not accessible or not recognized by the filesystem. In case of damage to the filesystem, data can usually be recovered using specialized … [Read more...] about Backup and Data Recovery
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
2 Time-Saving Tools
Keeping track of contacts within an email application such as Outlook can be a tough task, especially if one is not in the habit of saving everyone's information. I first started using XOBNI for Outlook 3 years ago when I downloaded the free version (a pay version with more features is also available). It's a simple, easy-to-use tool that searches and indexes your mail in order to be able to quickly access contact information when you ask it to. XOBNI is also available for GMAIL, … [Read more...] about 2 Time-Saving Tools
Cloud Computing Revisited
Cloud computing refers to computing that is taking place somewhere other than on your computer or local server. Since the computing in cloud computing takes place elsewhere, it requires a good, stable internet connection to be accessed from your PC, laptop, Mac or smartphone. For example, web-based email can be considered a cloud service and has been around for a long time. Other, newer services, such as Google Docs, Office 365 and others are becoming more popular every day. QuickBooks online … [Read more...] about Cloud Computing Revisited
Here’s what I am thankful for this year in the computing world and in my business. What are you thankful for?
Here's what I am thankful for this year in the computing world and in my business. What are you thankful for? Windows 7 I am thankful for Windows 7. The successor to Windows Vista, and Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7 was officially released on October 22nd, 2009. It's faster, easier to use and has better built-in backup than Windows Vista, among other new features. Windows 7 is my first choice for most business and residential computer systems that will be … [Read more...] about Here’s what I am thankful for this year in the computing world and in my business. What are you thankful for?
The smartphone is the new computer . . .
You will probably pay more attention this year to your selection of a smartphone than to buying a computer. The personal computer has been around since the early 1980s. The original Macintosh followed shortly thereafter, in 1984. Computers as we know them are over 25 years old. Smartphones, on the other hand, such as the Blackberry from Research in Motion and the iPhone from Apple, are relative newcomers on the scene. Today's smartphones are packed with more computing power than the … [Read more...] about The smartphone is the new computer . . .
