Why Network Audits Should Be a Regular Part of Your Network Support

why network audits should be a regular part of your network support

According to this recent article, network auditing is the collective measures done to analyze, study and gather data about a network with the purpose of ascertaining its health in accordance with the network/organization requirements.

In order to maintain the safety and security of your network, it is important to have regular network audits included as part of your network support plan.

What is Network Auditing?

Network auditing allows IT technicians to study and analyze all of the information on your network. They can test the effectiveness of your network and identify any potential security issues that could damage your system. Once these details are found, any necessary changes are immediately made and your network is continuously monitored.

What Does Network Auditing Involve?

The network auditing process involves a network administrator mapping all computers on the network, including all of the software on each computer. The administrator inventories the software and checks for any delays or malfunctions.

After auditing of all computers and software, the network administrator can then move on to auditing all other network devices. These devices can include items such as routers, mobile devices, fax machines, and any other devices connected to the network.

The network auditing process is usually completed after auditing the network devices. All data is then analyzed by an administrator.

How a Network Audit Keeps Your Network Safe

A network audit can alert a network administrator to any changes on the network. For example, if a staff member installs unauthorized software that could cause harm to the network, the change is immediately reported.

Network audits also help with personal devices your staff may use in the workplace. Often times, staff do not take proper security measures with their own devices. The lack of security on personal devices could negatively impact your network.

Network auditing is an important part of network support. It is natural for changes to occur as new users and devices are constantly added to the network. Regular network auditing helps to ensure any potential security threats are quickly resolved before they can escalate into major problems.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team of qualified computer and network engineers develop preventative, proactive, and reactive solutions for any IT environment.

The Benefits of Office 365 for Business

the benefits of office 365 for business
office 365 for business

Switching over to the new Office 365 cloud comes with some excellent features and benefits. The top benefit is that your company can continue to use the software that it has been happily using for years because the burden is now shifted over to Microsoft. It becomes less worrisome. Due to the shift, there are quite a few other benefits.

What are the benefits of using Office 365 for business?

For starters, you can work with what you know because Office 365 hasn’t changed any of your favorites. Microsoft took note that users don’t necessarily want to give up their comfort zone. The only real change is that they are connected to the enterprise software out in the cloud. Everything else has remained the same so there’s nothing too new to learn. You can continue working without the need to learn anything new which saves time and money which can be great for any business.

Due to the fact that Microsoft is now taking on the full responsibility of security and reliability, your IT team can finally rest a bit and go about some more important things like giving tips to employees on how to get the most out of this software.

Microsoft is also aware that its users may not be completely comfortable with allowing them to do all the heavy lifting so they have provided extensive service level agreements to help put you at ease.

If you were to have any questions, they can help answer them. You may also contact us with any questions regarding this article.

Basic Windows 8 and Windows 10 Shortcuts

basic windows 8 and windows 10 shortcuts

Windows Shortcuts

When you spend your days on the computer, you want to make sure you use your time as wisely as possible. Whether you are using Windows 8 or 10, a few quick windows shortcuts will improve your speed and efficiency on your desktop.

  1. Switch to your last app

  • Keyboard – Windows logo key + Tab
  • Touch – Swipe in from left edge of the screen
  • Mouse – Move mouse to the upper-left corner of screen and click

  1. See a list of recent apps

  • Keyboard – Press and hold the Windows logo key + Tab
  • Touch – Swipe from the left edge, and with your finger still on the screen, move it back toward the left edge
  • Mouse – Move the pointer to the upper left corner, then move it down the edge

  1. Open the charms

  • Keyboard – Windows logo key + C
  • Touch – Swipe from the right edge of the screen
  • Mouse – Move the pointer to the upper-right or lower-left corner. Charms will appear, then move up or down the edge to click the one you want

  1. Show commands for an app

  • Keyboard – Windows key + Z
  • Touch – Swipe in from the top or bottom edge of the screen
  • Mouse – Right-click within the app

Windows also employs a few simple keyboard shortcuts to simplify usage. Here are some that are used often:

  1. Windows key + . (period) – Docks the application to the right or left.
  2. Windows key + E – This opens the file explorer to “My Computer” view and displays all your drives.
  3. Windows key + M – Minimizes all windows and opens desktop mode.
  4. Windows key + H – Inside an application, this allows you to email or share its content
  5. Windows key + L – Locks your screen and requires a password for access
  6. Windows key + P – Connects a second screen

These features are ones you need access to on a regular basis and should take advantage of these easy shortcuts. As you become familiar with these simple commands, you will save yourself valuable time.  For more suggestions on ways to maneuver through Windows 8 and 10 to increase your efficiency at work, please contact us today.

Why You Should Choose an IT Company that Offers On-Site Customer Support

why you should choose an it company that offers on site customer support

on site computer support

Choosing an outsourced IT provider is an excellent decision for any small business. Not only will it save your company money on staffing, training and future technical issues, but you know that you will be receiving support from some of the best trained IT support specialists in the industry.

Like this article notes, many small businesses fail to realize just how important good customer is for the overall health of your business. This can be a huge mistake, since good customer service isn’t just important… it’s absolutely vital.

However, when you choose an IT company, your company may prefer to work with a local IT company. They are able to provide on-site customer support, in addition to online support services.

Having the ability to bring an IT professional on-site will ensure that all issues are fixed in a timely fashion. Also, without any additional expenditures for your company.

Not All Issues Can Be Fixed Remotely

Although most software issues can be fixed remotely, hardware issues typically need a trained IT professional to fix them. Companies that rely only on remote IT support will have to turn to another provider for hardware failures.

Develop Face-to-Face Relationships

It’s nice to get to know the companies that you are working with. Developing a face-to-face relationship with your IT provider will help you to establish a more personal connection. Although receiving IT support remotely is almost always convenient when it is possible, you’ll want to know that you are working with a capable team that can help your business to solve any of its IT related problems. Using on site computer support service providers will help you to establish a relationship with your IT provider.

Help with Installation and Implementation of Technology

As businesses grow, the systems that they use grow with them. This means that you can expect your business to require new hardware and software to be installed with some regularity. An on-site support team can help you to seamlessly install new pieces of hardware and software, allowing your business to run smoothly with minimal downtime.

If you are interested in working with an IT company that provides on-site customer support, reach out and contact us today. We’ll get to know your company and let you know how we can help your business with IT problems today.

Top VM Software for Businesses

prepare early for hurricane season with continuity of operations planning

continuity of operations planning

Virtualization is an effective way to reduce IT expenses. Determining the top VM software for your business requires you to assess your company’s needs.

According to this article, most modern computers are powerful enough to run entire operating systems within your main operating systems, which means virtual machines are more commonplace today than ever.

The size of your business, the size of your budget and what you need the VM software to accomplish are all important things to take into consideration.

VMware is perhaps the top runner when it comes to VM software for businesses

They offer a free trial of the software so your business can determine if it provides the necessary services. It works well for small and midsize business alike. VMware offers slightly more third-party integration and support than other similar products.

Microsoft also offers a quality VM software called Hyper-v

It is a standalone version of the Windows Server. One benefit of this software is that the licensing cost is also part of server license as opposed to being individually licensed. Microsoft offers a free version of their software and may be a smart choice for a business that does not need multiple physical hosts.

VM software called Citrix is the lesser of three most popular options

Citrix is more experienced when it comes to application deployment than VMware, however, both have adequate abilities in this area. Citrix is flexible and has the ability to be run on several different servers. It offers full support for Windows, Mac, and Linux clients the same as VMware and Hyper-v. Citrix is able to meet the needs of both midsized to large businesses.

  • Choosing the right VM software for your business comes down to understanding what your needs are.
  • All three of these products have pros and cons, and one may fit your needs better than another.
  • Each software offers unique capabilities, but their main features are largely the same.
  • Understanding the needs of your business will better help you decide which of these software solutions is the best fit.

 

Contact us with questions or for more information on VM software for your business.