Computer St. Louis Blog/News
Simple tricks to boost your productivity
When you spend more than eight hours a day staring at a computer screen, it can be easy to lose focus on important tasks. While your device gives you access to some of the most useful applications, an ever-growing number of distractions are vying for your attention. Here are a few tricks for boosting your […]
Here comes Firefox Quantum
Google Chrome wasn’t always the browser of choice for internet users. Before 2008, people turned to Safari, Opera, and even Internet Explorer. But all of that changed with the arrival of Firefox, the reigning champ of its time. And now, we think it deserves your attention once again.
Power considerations for computers
Considering that computers won’t be able to run without one, it’s a shame that power supply units (PSU) rarely get as much attention as RAM or graphics cards. When it’s time to install a new workstation, business owners do not fully understand all the variables that go into choosing the correct PSU, and often select […]
How to create a Facebook ad that sells
Your products and services won’t sell, no matter how exceptional they are, if no one knows of their existence. That’s how advertising comes into play. Yet for a small business with a limited budget, an advertisement can cost big. But that’s no longer the case, thanks to the cost-effective online advertising platform hosted by Facebook. […]
Cloud-hosted vs. On-premises VoIP
Business communication has come a long way since traditional landline calling. Today, it’s all about internet-based phone systems, aka, VoIP. But before investing in VoIP phones, you need to determine how you plan to deploy them — in the cloud or on-premises.
Who are the ShadowBrokers?
The WannaCry ransomware strain was created by amateurs who copied and pasted security vulnerabilities from a famous hacker group. It’s no longer a threat if you have updated your computer, but as evidenced by a recent announcement, the hacker group will continue to release dangerous security exploits for anyone to use.
MS redesigns Office 365 web app launcher
Microsoft is improving the way Office 365 users access their apps and files and collaborate with colleagues. With Office 365’s redesigned web app launcher, users get quicker access to the tools they use the most and useful snapshots of their recent activities. Learn how it can make you work more efficiently. Key changes to the […]
What you can learn from Equifax’s leak
When it comes to security, it’s better to be safe than sorry. But as the Equifax leak case has taught us, once a security breach does happen, it’s best not to be sorry twice. Read on so your business doesn’t experience the same fate as the giant, bumbling credit bureau. What happened to Equifax? Equifax, […]
Need business management software? Try ERP
Whether you run a startup or a well-established corporation, there are always ways to improve how the business is managed. For some, introducing new corporate policies can streamline business processes, but if you want to see significant improvement, consider enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. What is ERP? Simply put, ERP software integrates various aspects of […]
How SaaS can benefit your business
As technology progresses, more solutions are created to help businesses reduce costs and increase efficiency. One such solution is “Software as a Service,” aka SaaS. To know if this new solution can be of benefit to your business, you need to know first what SaaS actually is. Read on to learn more. What is SaaS […]
Troubleshoot your WiFi with ease
You’ve invested in WiFi routers so you can access emails, collaborate in real-time, browse Facebook, and watch YouTube videos at blistering speeds. But when your WiFi refuses to work the way it should, the frustration sets in and you begin to contemplate smashing your router into pieces. Avoid the temptation with these easy ways to […]
Virtualization saved SMBs from hurricanes
One of the most brutal hurricane seasons on record is coming to a close and many small businesses are already planning for the next. Regardless of your organization’s location, you need to be prepared for any kind of disaster, natural or manmade. Virtualization is one of your best bets for staying operational through thick and […]
Microsoft launches My Workspace for macOS
If you’re using Office 365 on a Mac computer, here’s some good news: Microsoft has introduced a new tool that will help you manage your Office 365 apps much more easily. My Workspace is a productivity-enhancing application that offers quick access to frequently used apps and files. Office workspace for Mac My Workspace sits in […]
5 types of clutter that slow down Windows
If you’ve noticed that your Windows 10 operating system has been running slow, yet no virus has been found and everything seems to be running okay otherwise, your PC might have too much clutter. Clutter can impede its performance and eat away its memory.
Office 365 users face new phishing scam
With the popularity of Office 365, hackers are trying to find new ways to exploit its users, and they’ve come up with a new idea: a credential-harvesting campaign that uses personalized spear-phishing mails as a tool. If you’re an Office 365 user and don’t want your account compromised, read on.
Is your business ready for hurricane season?
In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread power outages and floods across Texas and certain parts of Louisiana. Weeks later, Hurricane Irma hit the coast, affecting Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina businesses. Now, experts are saying there are more storms to come, which is why you need a good disaster recovery (DR) plan that […]
Take a look at Outlook.com’s new features
Are you looking for a business email service provider? A convenient option would be Gmail, which lets you sync your emails easily with Google applications. But if discreet ads, a cleaner design, increased storage, and other productivity enhancements sound appealing to you, we recommend taking a look at the following new Outlook.com features. Easy elimination […]
Facebook faces devious adware
When you receive an email from an unfamiliar source urging you to click on a link or download a file, it’s easy to send it straight to the bin due to its spam-like nature. It’s a completely different story when the message is sent via Facebook Messenger by one of your friends. Such is the […]
5 Simple ways to cut your printing costs
It may not seem as though your printing infrastructure is costing your business a great deal. But if left unmanaged, you could end up with an overinflated IT budget dominated by equipment maintenance and hardware and supplies purchases. Here are some ways to avoid that. Replace outdated printers Outdated and cheap printers may be functional, […]
Benefits of virtualizing Windows on your Mac
A common reason for running the Windows operating system (OS) on a Mac computer is to bypass compatibility issues. Virtualization is the only way to efficiently install OS-specific software on any machine, so let’s go over some of the ways this solution creates synergy between the two platforms.
Should you use Voice over IP?
You’ve probably heard of VoIP phone systems by now. But do you know what they are and why they’re so popular among small- to medium-sized businesses? If you’re reluctant to ditch your traditional phone system, these VoIP benefits might convince you otherwise.
OneNote: the hidden gem in Microsoft Office
Almost everyone loves PowerPoint, Excel and Word, but there’s another Office application that should be recognized as a must-have: OneNote. It’s an app for pulling together text, video, audio, and other visual resources to create shareable notebooks full of useful information. With this article, you can master OneNote in no time at all. OneNote is […]
Critical Windows security updates from Microsoft
Earlier this month, Microsoft released a patch that includes several security enhancements and addresses 48 vulnerabilities for all supported versions of Windows. If you’re not in the habit of installing security patches when they come out, now’s a good time to start. Let’s take a look at August’s updates and the issues they address. Windows […]
New Locky ransomware: what you need to know
In 2016, the Locky ransomware infected millions of users with a Microsoft Word file. It was eventually contained, and cyber security firms have since created protections to detect and block previous Locky variants. However, a similar malware is currently spreading worldwide and has so far infected tens of thousands of computers. Quick facts According to […]
Surf the net with Microsoft Edge
People prefer one web browser over another for all kinds of reasons, including ease of use, applications, security and of course, performance. If you’ve recently downloaded Windows 10, there’s a new browser on the block: Microsoft Edge. Here are some nifty features you may find useful. Import favorites You can easily import the list of […]
What to do with your dinosaur PC?
When smartphones first outsold PCs in 2010, people no longer have to put up with slow and bulky computers to do business. This comes as no surprise why many stashed their aged PCs away. But there are ways to breathe new life into your ancient laptop and computer, so if you haven’t trashed them, it’s […]
How to protect your VoIP system from phishing
Your business may be well-armed against email-based phishing scams, but you shouldn’t neglect your VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems. Through ‘vishing scams,’ hackers can disguise themselves as a bank representative and convince your employees to provide confidential financial details via a seemingly harmless VoIP call. Your business will be well-served by guarding itself from […]
Office 365 gets a slew of new upgrades
There’s a good reason why businesses like Office 365: It’s a feature-rich productivity suite that gets plenty of upgrades throughout the year. Last month, Microsoft announced four new upgrades that will make the cloud platform even more irresistible for small- and medium-sized businesses. Microsoft Connections Email marketing campaigns are a great way to build relationships […]
Useful business features in Windows 10
The Windows Fall Creators Update released in April introduced many useful and interesting features, including a decluttered Start menu, more control over Windows updates, and an enhanced Microsoft Edge browser. Five months later, Microsoft follows up on all those enhancements with a new set of features. Here’s everything business users should get excited about. Files […]
Black and white: Not all hackers are bad
When a cyber security researcher stopped the spread of WannaCry, the headlines praised him as a savior. But just a few short months later he was in handcuffs for allegedly creating a piece of malware that steals banking information. Even if he is innocent, it’s important to understand the difference between white hat, black hat […]
CRM tips and tricks for beginners
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is essential for every marketing, sales, and customer service department. It allows you to capture your customers’ information and keep a record of their interactions with your business. If you’re new to the concept of CRM, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of […]
Google cloud just got much faster
The Google Cloud Platform can do virtually any business computing task you need it to. From pre-written machine learning modules to high-end data analysis, it’s limited only by the internet connection you use to access it. But now, even that is being improved upon. What is Google Cloud Platform? Similar to Amazon Web Services or […]
Tips for keeping your mobile devices safe
Businesses are using mobile devices more than ever to increase productivity and profitability. However, like desktops and laptops, smartphones and tablets are highly vulnerable to hacking, and some employees expose them to threats in ways they may not even be aware of. To protect your company from these threats, follow these tips on keeping mobile […]