Computer St. Louis Blog/News
Analytics are critical for effective data backups
Collecting data is vital for keeping records, tracking performance, and delighting customers. With so much on the line, it’s never been more important to have backups of all your files. If your data is growing at a rate that’s hard to keep up with, analytics tools are an awesome way to figure out which backups […]
Declutter your desktop and get more work done
Anything that hinders productivity is considered detrimental to profit, and a cluttered computer is one of them. Even a little time spent looking for files and applications in a crowded desktop can eventually add up to hours of downtime. Worse, it can mean losing critical data like important reports. Here are some tips to help […]
Beware of distributed spam distraction
It’s frustrating to receive dozens of spam messages in your email inbox. Spam mail is so easy to delete, which is why most people think it’s just a harmless annoyance. But hackers have devised a way to make use of spam mail for criminal purposes. It’s called distributed spam distraction, and here’s what you need […]
Is virtualization right for your company?
Virtualization has become a popular solution for many businesses to back up servers, upgrade hardware, or move to the cloud. Deploying virtualized systems has proven cost-effective and efficient for many companies, but is it right for your organization? Here are some factors you ought to consider. The advantages One of the most significant advantages of […]
Considerations for server replacement
If you’re thinking about replacing a server for your small business, then that probably means your company is experiencing success and is starting to grow. That’s great news. But is it really time to invest in a new one? Or does waiting too long risk slowing your business down? Either way, it’s important to consider […]
Selecting the right VoIP system for your business
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are taking over communications in the digital age, making your office landline a thing of the past. More companies are starting to deploy VoIP because it is popular and cost-effective. What factors do you have to consider before getting your own VoIP system? Here are some tips you can […]
Better ways to use Office 365
With Office 365, your business can gain a lot, but you won’t benefit from it if you don’t know how to use this service. Do you want your employees to be more productive? You can’t go wrong if you follow these simple steps to boost your business. Get the staff aboard To maximize your company’s […]
Are you maximizing your social media potential?
Social media as a component of marketing is continuously growing its own significant heartbeat in the industry — so much so that many businesses nowadays make exclusive use of it for their advertising and promotional needs. Having great content on your site is the magnet that attracts visitors. However, when there is too much competition […]
Hacks to boost the speed of your WordPress site
We’ve all experienced the frustration that comes with a slow-loading website. While 10 years ago, we would have waited patiently as a site loaded with all the urgency of a sloth, today’s internet surfers won’t hesitate to close the tab. Most expect at least a three-second load time, while some won’t settle for wait times […]
Comparing the top business dashboards
A dashboard is a single display that provides all the information you need to make important business decisions and manage your company. While dashboards are generally helpful, you need to choose the one that works best for your company’s objectives and goals. Here are three types of business dashboards to consider. Strategic dashboards Ideal for […]
What you need to know about hosted Exchange
A server can host most business programs, and many businesses rely on at least one server — most commonly Microsoft Exchange — to host their email platform. Some companies, however, don’t have enough room for a server. Hosted Exchange solves this dilemma. What is Microsoft Exchange? Microsoft Exchange is a messaging system that offers businesses […]
Keeping your email safe
If you think your email is safe from hackers, think again. A lack of sufficient email security measures can result in data theft, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and malware attacks. Here are some tips to secure your email account from unwanted intruders and the many troubles that come with them. Use separate email accounts […]
Software challenges for virtual environments
Since the very first software release, software licensing was already considered a challenge. In the past, many software licensing models were based on concurrent connections or number of installations. Today, virtualization and multicore CPUs add a new level of complexity, making it more difficult to track costs and how many licenses you’ll need. Let’s take […]
How to keep your laptop from overheating
More employees are opting for laptops because they’re compact and easy to carry around. However, small frames mean less space for computer chips, transistors, RAM, hard drives, and other hardware components. This leads to overheating. Causes of overheating Laptops generate heat when in use. That’s why they have internal fans that blow out hot air […]
How much does a VoIP system cost?
There are so many VoIP phone systems in the market that you’re bound to come across a few with similar features and add-on services. This might tempt you to compare their prices and purchase the more affordable option. But don’t just look at the initial price of the VoIP system; you must also look at […]
Improve your PowerPoint skills with these tips
Office workers are far too familiar with slideshow presentations that are either more soporific than cough medicine or are horrible time sinks that make them miss their deadlines. To avoid becoming the next target of their ire and resentment — and perhaps become the presenter everyone actually enjoys — here are some tips on how […]
Why should you automate SMB marketing?
One of the biggest innovations in business and technology is marketing automation. Previously reserved for well-funded enterprises, marketing automation is now accessible to small businesses, thanks to affordable cloud solutions. Here are five profitable benefits to automating some of your most mundane marketing tasks. Instant responses to email requests If a customer or prospect sends […]
The benefits of a cloud-based ERP
Businesses seeking to integrate their various systems may be intrigued by a cloud solution. An increasingly popular cloud solution for small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) is the enterprise resource planning (ERP). Find out what a cloud-based ERP is, and how your business can benefit from it. Define: Cloud-based ERP ERP is management software, usually offered […]
Windows 10 May 2019 Update introduces new features
Microsoft is constantly rolling out new versions of its Windows operating system, and the latest is finally here — the first major update of Windows 10 in 2019. Find out what you can expect from the Windows 10 May 2019 update and how it can help you be more productive. Light theme If Windows 10’s […]
How to make buyers out of Instagram followers
Instagram has become one of the most popular social networks to date. One billion active users consume its image-heavy content every day. Aside from it being a photo-sharing app with fun filters, Instagram has demonstrated its capability to turn your followers into customers. Make the most out of your Instagram account with these practical tips. […]
Tips for safeguarding business data
You can’t afford to lose business data. It takes away the trust of your clients, leading to loss of revenue. Cybercriminals are here to stay, so it’s more important than ever to utilize tight security measures to keep your business data safe. Still, some hackers may have advanced cracking skills, or are really determined to […]
How to cut your data center expenses
Many business owners tend to ignore the server room or pretend that it doesn’t exist. But this won’t change the fact that it can wreak havoc on your electric bills. Before you suffer, read this article to lower your energy bills. Perform an energy audit There’s a good chance your IT staff has never thought […]
Why your phone has slow internet speed
In today’s world, staying connected means having a strong internet connection and a feature-packed smartphone. But you may discover that your internet-based apps are loading much more slowly after using your handset for just a few months. Learn four possible reasons why your phone’s internet speed is lagging. Router location One simple yet overlooked reason […]
VoIP and remote work: The perfect combination
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems give employees the freedom to make and receive calls from any location. More importantly, a good VoIP solution allows you to enable work-at-home arrangements that will keep your workers happy and your company productive. So how exactly will VoIP and working at home equal to a more successful […]
Let Office 365 help you save the date
Arranging meetings that work with everyone’s schedules is a pain — especially if participants don’t work in your office. A calendar that is easy to share publicly simplifies everything from scheduling calls with clients to quarterly meetings with business partners. Here’s how you can achieve that with Office 365. Share an Office 365 calendar with […]
Is your business prepared for hurricanes?
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and certain parts of Louisiana the hardest. In the same year, Hurricane Irma devastated companies in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. During uncertain times, a disaster recovery (DR) plan is what saves companies from power outages and massive revenue losses. Let these tips guide you. Determine recovery hierarchy Certain […]
Get your Windows 10 privacy back
Windows 10’s Cortana can be helpful with various tasks — from displaying accurate and personalized ads according to your online searches to spamming word suggestions based on your most common keystrokes. But this operating system may feel intrusive. The following tips should help you avoid being seen by Microsoft’s watchful eye. Turn personalized advertising off […]
9 Cybersecurity terms you need to know
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. But you don’t need to be an IT expert to know how to protect yourself from a cyberattack. To help you get started, here are helpful terms you need to know so you’re not left in the dark, whether you’re teaching yourself how to update your anti-malware, updating your systems, or […]
Why virtualization fails
Virtualization has become commonplace in small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). After all, the idea of gaining the benefits of having an IT infrastructure without actually having to purchase pricey and space-consuming physical equipment makes it an appealing option. While virtualization is popular, migrations from physical to virtual systems are not always successful. Following are six […]
5 Ways to benefit from VoIP phones
If you’re making or receiving Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, you may gather a lot of valuable data without knowing it. Whether you’re still getting accustomed to your new telephone system, or you’re simply unaware of your VoIP data, here are five things you can do to benefit from it. Time/Date data The information […]
Choose the best Office 365 plan
Office 365 has become the go-to all-in-one tool for businesses in recent years. With different Office 365 plans — Business, Business Premium, Enterprise E1, E3, and E5 — you can have a set of services and features that are perfect for your business. We’ve summarized a list of the different features of each plan to […]
Boost online security with browser extensions
Protecting yourself, your employees, and your business when you’re using the internet is necessary if you want to remain safe, productive, and profitable. Given the proliferation of phishing attacks, hacks, and online fraud, we all need to ramp up our online security measures. Here are some ways to bolster security using browser extensions. Prevent browser […]
Technology tips to increase efficiency
Successful businesses make technology work for them, not the other way round. When used correctly, technology can make every task much faster to execute. So, if you’re looking to increase staff efficiency, consider the following methods to implement technology into your day-to-day business operations. Change office communication To increase efficiency, set up instant messaging software […]