Computer St. Louis Blog/News
How to create engaging content
With 4.75 billion pieces of content shared on Facebook and 500 million tweets shared every day, harnessing crucial social media data is becoming an increasingly monumental task. Businesses need to leverage social media in order to deliver relevant and personalized content to customers. You can make it happen by taking these four steps: Identify what’s […]
Google Cloud gets new Citrix features
More businesses are moving their operations to the cloud, but sadly some applications are getting left behind. Today, customers want to access their desktop software as easily as they can access their G Suite apps from any device. Luckily, Google listened to their customers and developed new features with Citrix. Workspace Service Organizations often struggle […]
Dedicated circuits improve VoIP calls
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service providers are fully aware of the causes of static, dropped calls, and other problems that occasionally diminish call quality, and may offer higher speed plans as a solution. The same problems may persist and you may end up switching to other providers, but it’s not likely to eliminate the […]
Comparing Office 2016 and Office 365
Pairing your business with the right productivity-enhancing tool is a challenge. Fortunately, you can choose between two popular options: Office 2016 and Office 365. But which is right for you? Here are three main differences that may help you decide. How they’re paid for Office 2016 is a stand-alone suite, and regardless of the quantity […]
Introducing Microsoft 365
Microsoft pays more attention to customer feedback than you might think. Many business owners who complained about having to purchase Office 365 and Windows 10 separately are finally getting what they wanted: Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 combines Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security into one solution, which will be available in two […]
What you need to know about malware
You’ve all heard of viruses, spyware, ransomware and trojans. But did you know that they’re all types of malware? They’re all designed to ruin your digital life, but different types of malware put your computer at risk in different ways. Understanding what sets them apart can keep your business guarded. Viruses Once created to annoy […]
Google launches new Backup and Sync app
Employees don’t usually prioritize managing files and photos because they can be tedious and time-consuming. Those who have to deal with a high volume of files and photos across different devices often depend on the auto-sync functions of Google Drive or do manual backups on external drives or SD cards. With Google’s nifty new application, […]
Six Gmail tips your business needs
For most small-business owners, processing email takes up a good chunk of the day. If you use Gmail, you’re already working with a powerful platform with numerous productivity-enhancing features. But what if you could streamline the process even further while ensuring each message is dealt with appropriately? These Gmail tips will do the trick. Undo […]
How to secure your IoT devices
More firms are using the Internet of Things (IoT) to create new business opportunities. For instance, companies that install smart sensors can automate data entry and monitor their inventory. However, if left unsecured, IoT devices also give hackers an opportunity to breach your network. In order to keep attackers at bay, we advise you take […]
Amazon releases high-end virtual desktops
It’s nearly impossible to discuss virtualization without bringing up Amazon Web Services (AWS). It was one of the first big names in user-friendly virtualization services and it’s only gotten better over the years. With its latest release, AWS is providing customers with some serious computing power. What are AWS virtual desktops? If you have employees […]
Skype for Business vs Hangouts Meet?
There are plenty of VoIP solutions available in the market today, but the two clear standouts are Microsoft’s Skype for Business and Google’s Hangouts Meet. Each product offers stellar voice and video conferencing features, and rich integrations with other apps. So which solution is best for your business? To answer this question, you first need […]
New Microsoft Workplace Analytics
Workplace Analytics is a program that helps managers determine staff productivity levels using data gathered from their email, calendar, documents, and other applications within Office 365. Previously, Microsoft’s MyAnalytics allowed only employees to view their individual data, but with this updated version, managers now have access to this data, too. How it works Now available […]
Microsoft’s protection plan for Windows 10
The recent WannaCry and Petya ransomware attacks have caused massive disruptions for Windows users. Although ransomware infection has slowed down in the past few weeks, many experts are saying that this is only just the beginning. Soon, newer and far more dangerous strains of malware will be developed. To help people defend against these threats, […]
Why Nyetya is more threatening than WannaCry
The WannaCry ransomware, which infected 200,000 business globally and made over $100,000 in ransom payments, is said to be one of the worst cyber attacks in history. However, a new ransomware strain named Nyetya is shaping up to be a more formidable security threat. It has already affected businesses globally, and security firms and researchers […]
Automate mundane emails to get more done
Everyone wishes there were more minutes in a day. Between repetitive emails and seemingly endless meetings, it’s hard to find time for important tasks. Thanks to the increasing affordability of enterprise-level IT however, SMBs can start getting at least half of those problems under control with email automation. What is email automation? Usually included in […]
Four Facebook features for your business
Facebook has numerous built-in features to help small- and medium-sized businesses thrive. But chances are that most business owners are taking advantage of only just a few. With Facebook’s audience reaching 1.8 billion users monthly, it’s vital for your business to leverage the right tools to enhance growth. Here are four features you should start […]
Ad blocker is coming to Chrome
Pop-up ads and videos can easily turn people away from a website. Google knows this and has come up with a solution set to launch early next year. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about Chrome’s ad blocker. What is it? Ad blocker from Chrome actually works like an ad filter, […]
How thin and zero clients save money
Businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing growth. For the longest time, many believed that they had to purchase workstations with its own processing power, RAM, and hard drive. But thanks to virtualization, companies can save money and get the computing processes they need with thin and zero clients. What are […]
How does virtualization improve business?
Truly understanding the ins and outs of virtualization is not for the faint hearted. It’s a complicated field that is constantly evolving, but one thing mostly remains the same: its benefits. Read on for a simple recap of just a few of virtualization’s greatest advantages. More technology uptime Virtualization vendors use fancy names for the […]
3 ways 5G data will change VoIP
Our craving for data seems to increase every year, fueling the constant advancements in wireless technology. The latest is 5G, an abbreviation for the fifth-generation wireless systems, and it is set to transform VoIP for the better. Here are three ways it will do that. Improved video conferencing The major factor holding web and video […]
Important Office 365 Upgrade
If you wished Microsoft would streamline its Office 365 ProPlus update schedule, your prayers have been answered. The cloud solution, which includes the Enterprise E3 and E5 plans, will be updated twice a year, rather than three times a year. Here’s everything you need to know about the new ProPlus update schedule. Why the new […]
Windows XP receives security update
Microsoft products usually have an end-of-support date, where no more feature updates and security patches will be offered. However, earlier this month, Microsoft has released a security update for Windows XP, an operating system that has been unsupported since 2014. Although releasing a patch for an old system seems unusual, Microsoft does have its reasons. […]
Wikileaks details router vulnerabilities
When we write about how antivirus software isn’t enough to keep you safe from malware, it’s not just scare tactics. There are so many ways hackers can break into your system that antivirus solutions will never catch. For a real-world example, look no further than the router exploit kit recently leaked from the CIA. The […]
Microsoft Power BI and Office 365 analytics
As machine learning, digital storage, and analytics software get more advanced, data is becoming more valuable than ever. Even businesses that don’t rely on data to operate are starting to find ways to get more value out of their information. Microsoft’s newest platform is an excellent example of that — and it’s free! What is […]
5 ways to ensure the Cloud’s affordability
Cloud computing saves businesses a considerable amount of money, which explains its rise in popularity over the years. What many business owners fail to realize is that there are hidden costs associated with Cloud services. And while they might seem insignificant at first, they can add up to a staggering amount if left unchecked. Minimize […]
Why businesses need a UPS
Power outages caused by utility failure, accidents, and natural disasters such as storms, flooding, or earthquakes are inevitable. There’s very little you can do to prevent any of these from happening, but you can avoid the consequences to your business by using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). What is an uninterruptible power supply? An uninterruptible […]
Common misunderstandings about containers
Business owners barely had time to acquaint themselves with virtualization before the next trend stormed onto the scene. Although container and virtualization applications both allow users to divvy up software and hardware more efficiently, containers have many advantages over virtualized machines. There are a number of misunderstandings though, and it’s time to set the record […]
Keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10
It’s undeniable that keyboard shortcuts can activate computer commands faster than dragging a touchpad or a mouse. To that end, if you’re using Windows 10, there are a couple new keyboard shortcuts worth trying. Windows Snapping If you’ve never used Windows Snapping, you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Previously known as […]
6 more Office 365 productivity tricks
By now, you’re probably familiar with popular Office 365 productivity features like Skype for Business, and real-time collaboration in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You might even remember a few time-saving keyboard shortcuts that will make your Office 365 experience a lot smoother. But even after all that, there’s still much to learn about Office 365. […]
Tips to enhance your on-hold messages
Bad customer service is one of the reasons why customers switch to competitors. It often begins the moment they pick up the phone to report a service issue, only to end up getting frustrated with your phone system. Your on-hold message may seem inconsequential, but it can play a big role in your customer’s dissatisfaction. […]
Marketing your SMB with Pinterest
Last October, Pinterest launched its first paid advertising service, “Promoted Pins,” which is geared toward large enterprises. Recently, a similar product named “DIY Promoted Pins” was released for small- and medium-sized businesses. This shows how popular social media has become in helping to establish an online presence for your business, and here are some tips […]
Basic PC fixes are costing you money
When your employees seek your IT security staff’s help to fix their personal computer (PC) problems, it’s often perceived as a productive use of everyone’s time. After all, employees must have working computers and IT professionals are expected to resolve any technology issues. What doesn’t get acknowledged, however, is that instead of troubleshooting technical problems, […]
Hurricane season DR tips
The chances of your business being hit by a hurricane are slim. But this year, the odds are actually alarming — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts up to four unusually active hurricanes. If you don’t want to fall victim to data loss and tarnish your business’s reputation in the process, read on. […]