Computer St. Louis Blog/News
4 Security risks of the BYOD strategy
Taking work home, or practically anywhere, has never been easier. The bring your own device (BYOD) strategy has become a popular approach for many businesses to conduct work more efficiently and flexibly. But this strategy is not without risks. BYOD, if not implemented correctly, can make your system susceptible to a number of attacks. Here […]
Perks of using dual monitors
Many employees are uncomfortable using two monitors at their desk, so it’s no surprise that dual monitor setups aren’t as popular as single monitor setups. But working with two screens provides ways for employees to work more productively. Here’s a look at some of the main reasons why your employees’ desktops should be upgraded to […]
What you need to know about e-commerce & AI
Many business owners are looking to artificial intelligence (AI, or “machine learning”) for its potential to improve communications with their customers. It is predicted that by 2020, 85% of all interactions will originate from machine learning “bots.” If you operate...
The pitfalls of business continuity planning
Your service provider, tasked with looking after your company’s IT, has kept your business up and running for the past 10 years. Unfortunately, that kind of longevity in developing continuity plans can result in some providers overlooking or underestimating certain issues. Here are some of them. Over-optimistic testing The initial testing attempt is usually the […]
Virtualization security risks & management
While virtualization security is often viewed as an afterthought, it is nevertheless important. Like all technology, securing your virtualized infrastructure is vital to your business’s success. Let's take a look at some of the security risks posed by virtualization...
7 ways to more retweets
It can be discouraging for any business to post a thoughtful tweet in the morning just to see that it barely has any retweets by the end of the day. To maximize your tweets’ exposure, consider these 7 ways to increase your retweets. Schedule your tweets There is absolutely no point in tweeting out any […]
How your business can prepare for VoIP
Companies that want to stay ahead of the curve are switching to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions to drive productivity and mobility. To get ready for the upgrade, you need proper planning and network preparation -– here are the most critical considerations. Network stability Implementing a VoIP phone system presents unique challenges, such as […]
Time-saving tips for Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word remains one of the most popular and user-friendly apps for business. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac and can be used to create a wide array of business documents. While millions of people use Word every day, most don’t know how to maximize its potential. And since it is constantly being […]
4 tips to speed up your Windows 10 computer for free
If your Windows 10 computer is starting to slow down after some time, there are ways to make it run faster without breaking the bank. The following tips will improve your computer’s performance without the need for more hardware. Prevent programs from launching at startup Windows loads several programs at startup so they’re quickly available. […]
Spectre makes a comeback
When one cyberattack is stopped, another more powerful variant almost always takes its place. It happens all the time with ransomware, computer viruses, and Trojan horses. Recently, this has become the case with Spectre attacks, which exploit a fundamental flaw in modern computer chips. Here’s everything you need to know. Spectre 101 For those who […]
Are you sufficiently cooling your servers?
In this day and age, almost every business employs some type of server management. If yours is hosted locally, temperature control could mean the difference between running smoothly and running into the ground. Understanding how to properly cool your servers prevents data loss and ensures the longevity of your hardware’s life. How does temperature affect […]
Work productively with Chrome extensions
Well over half of all surveyed internet users utilize Google’s Chrome web browser, and it’s not difficult to see why. The ability to customize your browser via third party apps, extensions, and more makes web surfing a truly personalized experience. Keep on reading to discover the most practical extensions to enhance productivity. Taco The first […]
Top 4 benefits of web monitoring
Although the occasional three-minute YouTube video never hurts anyone, wasting hours of your working day on these websites reduces productivity. When it comes to increasing employee productivity, keeping a close eye on their internet behavior reaps various benefits. Time-saving measures Internet monitoring software saves employees from visiting entertainment, gaming, or online shopping sites by restricting […]
5 types of virtualization defined
For many businesses, managing and maintaining their entire hardware and software infrastructure can be a daunting and prohibitively expensive task. But with virtualization, this is no longer an issue. Virtualization allows businesses to maximize the use of their IT resources at a reduced cost — this is why it has become so popular in the […]
4 apps that offer the ideal VoIP experience
If you wish to bring down your wireless bill, download and use a VoIP app for making calls instead. Most apps are easy to use, and are low-cost or free depending on how you make your calls. Here are four of the best VoIP apps in the market today. WhatsApp The increasingly popular WhatsApp provides […]
Security tips for Office 365 migration
Making the decision to migrate from an on-site system to a cloud-based Office 365 is easy, but the migration process itself presents numerous security challenges. By covering these essentials, you’ll minimize security breaches and ensure you can enjoy the benefits of Office 365. Identify your company’s sensitive data… Most files housed within your servers contain […]
Privacy protection tips for Windows 10
Speculation has been circulating that Windows 10 gathers more info than it should. Whether or not you think privacy lines have been breached, here are some tips to protect your privacy in a matter of clicks. Slip off the grid Thanks to location tracking, nearby restaurants and future weather predictions are at your fingertips. While […]
IT policies to protect your business
Employees are one of your biggest security holes. There is no foolproof prevention method for human error, which is why employee mistakes are one of the most common causes of a security breach. To reduce potential risks, we’ve suggested a few IT policies you should implement to protect your business. Internet In today’s business world, […]
Things to consider when buying a new computer
Tech items like computers are likely to be among the most popular gifts for your loved ones. But there are so many different computers out there that finding the perfect one can be difficult. We’ve outlined some tips that will help you understand more about computer parts and how to make the right choice. Desktop […]
4 misconceptions about the Cloud
Cloud computing has proven to be a cost-effective necessity for small businesses. However, there are still many owners who remain misinformed about the intricacies of cloud solutions. Here are some common misconceptions you should stop believing about the cloud. #1. Cloud infrastructures are unsecure Information security is a necessity for every business. And the most […]
Improve the value of your business data
Are you making the most of your business’s greatest assets? The data your employees and customers generate is an unsung hero, just waiting to take your business to the next level. Obviously, enough information can help any company make better decisions, but how can a small or medium-sized organization use data analysis to increase revenue? […]
How does virtualization improve business?
Call-quality issues for internet phones
The earliest phones had power and leakage issues surrounding the wet cell batteries. More recently, cell phones have had their failings as well, such as dropped calls and short battery life. Today, VoIP technology has to deal with some minor complications, too. The keyword, though, is “minor,” and our aim today is to identify these […]
Office 365’s apps get a revamp
If you’re one of the million-plus users taking advantage of Office 365’s premium productivity apps, you’ll soon notice some changes. Last June, Microsoft revealed that Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word will be getting a design revamp in the coming months. Here’s a preview of what’s to come. Simplified ribbon The biggest update is with the […]
5 ways you could blow your online reputation
As a small business owner, you’ve probably used social media to establish a connection with your customers and share stories that will shine a positive light on your brand. While social media is a great tool to foster your business name, if used incorrectly it could just shatter your online reputation. Here are some common […]
Microsoft expands Bing’s Visual Search
How many times have you wanted to search the internet for something you didn’t know the name of? It’s a common problem that Microsoft helps solve with AI features included in its search engine, Bing. Visual Search allows users to replace text queries with images for more nuanced results and it’s now available on your […]
Consider the security risks of your software
Cybersecurity is an issue that hounds businesses of all types. Sometimes organizations invest in security software without realizing the risks that come with it. Here’s why identifying threats before buying cybersecurity products is paramount. Uncover threats and vulnerabilities Every business should evaluate the current state of its cybersecurity by running a risk assessment. Doing so […]
Energy saving tips for your PC
You want to save energy, but you need to use your PC every day. So maybe you just resort to turning off your computer when you’re not using it. But a plugged-in PC or electrical appliance, even when turned off, consumes standby power. Here are some tips on how you can save energy with your […]
How consumer habits changed the web
The average web user’s attention span gets shorter every day. People don’t want to spend hours sifting through a website to find the information they need; they want it as soon as the page loads. To keep up with the times businesses have drastically changed how they develop their websites. Bite-sized content While there are […]
How to minimize risks after a data breach
Despite efforts to protect your data, some breaches are beyond your control. When an online company with your personal details gets hacked, you have no choice but to manage your risks on your own. These practical tips can help you reduce risks of identity theft and other threats. Determine what was breached Whether its names, […]
Best uses for virtual desktops
In the world of IT, there is a continuous quest to build systems with less time, funds, and effort. This is why virtualization has become so popular. One type of virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), provides a consistent desktop experience from any device. It is most helpful in the following scenarios: Healthcare In an industry […]
How to ensure collaboration tools adoption
Businesses continue to install tools like Skype, Slack, Yammer, HipChat, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams, but many struggle to get users to adopt them. Adoption, however is not something that comes overnight; it requires in-depth strategies. Here are ways to ensure people make use of your collaboration tools. #1 Conduct an audit and have your […]
Top 7 Office 365 Productivity Add-Ons
Microsoft’s cloud-based Office 365 has successfully made day-to-day business operations more efficient with popular apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and Outlook. What’s more, it also offers productivity-boosting add-ons that streamline users’ workflow. #1. StaffHub You can now easily keep track of your employees’ work hours, allow employees to swap shifts, and make changes where […]