Computer St. Louis Blog/News
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know
It’s undeniable that using keyboard shortcuts activate computer commands faster than dragging a touchpad or a mouse. To that end, if you’re using Windows 10, there are a couple of 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. Known as […]
The basics on 2-step and 2-factor authentication
Cybersecurity is a vital component to businesses these days. You need to make sure that criminals cannot just hack into your network. When it comes to verifying users’ identity, there are two types of authentication used: two-step and two-factor. These two are so similar, many confuse one with the other. Learn the difference between the […]
How to protect yourself from cryptojacking
Hackers use cryptojacking to mine cryptocurrencies, and this process can cause PCs to run below optimal speeds. If you have a relatively new computer but are experiencing performance problems after clicking a link or visiting a website, you might be a victim of cryptojacking. Here’s what to do. Hijacked hardware Instead of paying for computing […]
Avoiding Office 365 migration failure
Office 365, the cloud-based version of Office, is one of the most popular software suites used by small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) today. With an ever-increasing number of companies migrating to this solution, it’s not surprising that many others are considering making the move. However, there’s always a chance of migration failure. Learn how to […]
Manage transactions better with an OMS
Order management systems (OMSs) nowadays are more powerful and more intuitive than ever, which is the main reason why a growing number of businesses deploy one. What are the benefits of having one for your e-business? First off, we need to clarify that inventory management systems (IMSs) are not the same as OMSs. The former […]
Why it’s costly not to virtualize
You’ve probably heard that virtualization saves money, but how can you take advantage of this? Did you know that choosing not to virtualize can hurt your business? Answer these four questions to discover why virtualization is good for you. Studies have shown that over 70% of IT budgets go to “keeping the lights on.” If […]
Advantages of call recording
Even the most attentive customer service representative can make mistakes; after all, he or she is only human. If your business uses VoIP as its telephony solution, errors can be lessened through call recording. Find out how this helpful VoIP feature can benefit your organization. #1. Improve customer service One of the most important reasons […]
Help yourself: use these Office 365 features
Need help getting some work done? Microsoft constantly releases new Office 365 features that can give you an edge over the pile of work on your computer. With some of the new Office 365 features, you can Skype over a document with your coworkers, plot charts into Excel with ease, and even sign for a […]
Speed up your Windows 10 updates
In May 2019, Microsoft will be releasing another Windows 10 major update with security patches, bug fixes, and new features. More than improving user experience, these updates will help your organization secure your IT systems. If you can’t afford to let an update be a long and frustrating process, here are some tips that will […]
Warning signs your computer has malware
With the rise of eCommerce and online banking, cybercrime has evolved. Like criminals who pull smash-and-grab jobs, they go where the money is. However, unlike bank robbers, cybercriminals do their best to avoid detection by letting malware do the work for them. Viruses and ransomware sneak into PCs to quietly steal passwords, financial credentials, and […]
Boost your new laptop in 5 steps
Laptops may not be the most powerful computers, but the benefits they provide are undisputable. For one thing, they deliver a similar user experience as your huge desktop PC, but much more conveniently and affordably. But before you reap their many benefits, here are five steps you should take before using them to improve their […]
Web design trends you should follow today
Many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) nowadays build and maintain their own website to reach more customers. But because a majority of your competitors also have a website, an underperforming site just won’t do. Follow these web design trends to increase web traffic and boost your bottom line. Scrolling Scrolling is a convenient method to […]
What goes into a business continuity plan?
Events out of your control can disrupt your business operations. While you can’t necessarily control the unexpected, you can take some precautions to prevent most business disruptions. Here are some things to consider when developing a business continuity plan (BCP). Backup your data, applications, and servers Today, companies are more dependent than ever on IT […]
What makes hypervisors weak?
Hypervisors have changed the game of cybersecurity. They provide unmatched cyber protection for your data as they keep it in the cloud. However, hypervisors still have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Find out how their weak points can be addressed. A hypervisor is a software application that distributes computing resources (e.g., processing power, RAM, storage) […]
VoIP hardphones or softphones for SMBs?
Your company has decided to avail of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and has given you the task of choosing between the two types of phones: traditional desk phones (hardphones) or software-based phones (softphones). To help you decide, we’ll break down the benefits of each type. What’s a hardphone? A hardphone is a desk phone […]
Make the most out of your O365 subscription
It may seem as if Office 365 is merely Microsoft’s way of joining the online subscription bandwagon, but that’s not the case. O365 is Microsoft’s way of upgrading its ubiquitous Office suite by augmenting it with cloud features. Office apps and the files you create with them are accessible wherever there’s an internet connection, but […]
How Windows 10 features keep ransomware at bay
The ransomware threat isn’t going away anytime soon, which is bad news for computer users everywhere. Fortunately, Windows 10 has built-in security features to keep you from falling victim to ransomware. Controlled Folder Access This feature allows you to list certain documents and folders as “protected.” Only whitelisted programs can access and edit these folders, […]
Tips to monitor employee activities online
There are a lot of pros and cons when it comes to monitoring your employees online. We’ve put together an honest and transparent list of arguments for and against this practice. And if you decide it is something you want to pursue, we’ve provided some tips for a smooth implementation process. The case for monitoring […]
How to boost your SMB’s social media presence
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) nowadays are more competitive than ever. As an SMB owner, you’re probably constantly looking for ways to boost your social media presence, outdo your competitors, and increase profits. Here are some ways to do that. Create buyer personas Social media data is a great tool to gather information about your […]
Best Chrome extensions to install
Google Chrome is fast, clean, and versatile. It delivers a great browsing experience to users, so it’s no surprise that it has the widest user base out of all web browsers. It’s also expandable and customizable, thanks to the thousands of extensions available at the Chrome Web Store. It can be quite taxing to sort […]
Productivity tip: Email automation
If you’ve ever received what looked like a personalized email from a huge corporation, there’s a good chance it was actually written using an email automation platform. This technology saves time and money while strengthening customer relationships, and contrary to popular belief, it is well within most SMB budgets. What is email automation? Usually included […]
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Best practices for virtualization first-timers
Virtualization’s benefits are numerous: centralized IT management, faster hardware resources, improved business continuity, and reduced overhead costs. It makes perfect sense for everyone to jump on board. But to maximize virtualization’s benefits, beginners should start doing the following best practices. Conduct an assessment Evaluating your IT environment is an important step in the implementation process. […]
How to choose the best VoIP system for your SMB
Many industries now utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for better communication quality with lower costs. And with the many options on digital communications, taking your pick could be overwhelming. This guide will help you decide which VoIP system suits you best. What are “proprietary” systems? When most companies release VoIP software, such as Microsoft’s […]
Work Smarter in Outlook with these tips
People are constantly searching for an easier way to keep their email inboxes in order, customize their email signatures, and improve group communications. The good news is that Microsoft Outlook has these features built in, you just need to know where to look. Clean Up your inbox No matter how meticulously organized your Outlook inbox […]
Time to migrate to Azure, SQL Server 2008 users
In July 2019, Microsoft is ending support for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2. If your company is still on either of these platforms, it’s best to migrate to Microsoft Azure as soon as possible, or else you’ll leave your data vulnerable to breaches or loss. What’s the big deal with losing publisher […]
Every business needs an MSP for cybersecurity
Businesses can no longer afford to relegate cybersecurity to the bottom of the budget, not with cyberattacks targeting any business regardless of size, strict security, and privacy regulations surrounding data. Businesses with a small or limited budget have the advantage of partnering with a managed IT services provider (MSP) for their cybersecurity needs. Why is […]
Tips for extending laptop battery life
If you want to use your laptop in an airport, a co-working space, or a cafe, the first thing you would look for is a power socket. If you are not lucky enough to find an available outlet, you’ll have to depend on your laptop’s battery (assuming it still has power after your last charge). […]
Cloud security: Everything you need to know
Cloud technology is becoming more pervasive every day. A Forbes report found that 77% of enterprises have at least one application or a portion of their enterprise computing infrastructure in the cloud. But somehow, myths about its lack of security remain. Hands-on management Unless you have an overinflated budget, relying on local copies of data […]
Manage your business better with ERP
From accounting to inventory, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need various systems to function, and managing them simultaneously is a colossal task. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can help you manage these systems efficiently and improve business performance. ERP explained ERP is a program that integrates all your systems into a single database, so if […]
Stop ransomware with virtualization
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your data and makes it impossible to access unless you pay a ransom. While it may appear to be difficult to stop, you should never give in to the hacker’s demands. Before you end up being a victim of ransomware, protect yourself with virtual disaster recovery (DR) […]
Which VoIP service is best for you?
Is it better for your company’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system to be on-premise or cloud-based? What’s the difference between a mobile VoIP client and a software-based application? What VoIP service is best for your business? The following compilation of VoIP options will help you answer these questions and choose the ideal service for […]
How do I create an effective Facebook ad?
Facebook has uses that go way beyond posting cat photos, complaining about restaurants, or stalking your ex — it’s also an incredibly effective advertising platform. From small businesses to big corporations, anyone can benefit from Facebook’s marketing tools. Read on to leverage Facebook to your advantage. Why advertise on Facebook? Above all else, the cost-effectiveness […]