Computer St. Louis Blog/News
How thin and zero clients can reduce IT costs
It’s no secret that cutting costs is one way to increase profit. When it comes to tech, most businesses do this by bringing their operations to the cloud, hiring pay-as-you-go service providers, and uninstalling unnecessary software. Another way to reduce costs is by swapping bulky desktops for thin or zero clients. What are thin and […]
Make Google Chrome faster with these easy steps
As one of the fastest browsers in the market, Google Chrome is the perfect match for quick-paced internet users of the 21st century. But like any technology that stores information, Chrome’s performance can slow down and frustrate its users. It can also affect their productivity and lower their motivation. If you’re using Chrome and finding […]
Productivity-boosting tips for PC users
We all want to become more productive. Business gurus always emphasize the importance of time management and taking breaks to avoid burnout. But aside from motivating yourself to work more efficiently, there are plenty of tools that increase your daily output. If you use a computer all day, check out these productivity-boosting tips. Monitor productivity […]
AI-powered VoIP: what businesses can expect
Automating business processes is a necessity for most organizations. While the human element is still important, automation increases time to market and saves money. And because telecom is an essential part of businesses’ operations, AI developers are introducing advances in VoIP telephony that will take automation to a whole new level. Contact center operations Highly […]
The basics of serverless computing
Serverless computing is one way to reduce management burdens brought about by the need to configure several servers. But before you adopt this technology, it’s important that you first understand its basic principles as well as how you can leverage it to improve your day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your bottom line. What is serverless computing? […]
Amazing improvements in Office 365
If you’re an Office 365 subscriber, you’re in for some souped-up enhancements. Most involve artificial intelligence (AI) making sense of your data for you, so you spend less time and effort manually processing it. Here are a few of the latest enhancements that’ll give you more time for value-added tasks (and for coffee breaks and […]
Simplify logging in with Windows Hello
Just like in sci-fi movies, Microsoft’s biometric logins can now recognize your face, fingerprint, or eyes when you attempt to access your device. Here’s everything you need to know when setting up Windows Hello. Say hello to fingerprint, iris, and facial scans Windows Hello is an advanced biometric identity and access control feature in Windows […]
Think your password is secure? Think again
A password policy designed for federal agencies must be secure, right? Surprisingly, that hasn’t been the case, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST created many of the password best practices you probably loathe — the combination of letters, numbers, and special characters — but it now says those guidelines […]
Are your mobile devices protected?
Businesses have embraced mobile technology, as it allows for constant collaboration, which increases productivity. But as the number of mobile devices used in daily operations grows, so do the incidents of cybercrimes targeting smartphones and tablets. Protect your company mobile devices by following these steps. Ensure mobile OS is up-to-date The updates on Apple and […]
Why SaaS is right for your business
Almost every business relies on software to operate, but most SMBs find lifetime licenses painfully expensive. What can you do to harness the power of software without breaking the bank? One good alternative is software as a service or SaaS. Read on to learn more. What is SaaS and what makes it appealing? SaaS is […]
The true cost of an ugly website
We are taught never to judge a book by its cover. But in this superficial age, looks are everything, especially for websites. Your website is a customer’s first impression of your business, and if it doesn’t wow them, you’re losing money. Follow these best practices so you don’t end up in that situation. A variety […]
Running Windows on Macs through VMs
If you own an Apple computer, you might think it’s impossible to install Windows-based software on it. But with operating system (OS) virtualization, you can run any application you want and enjoy exciting new cross-platform features. Configure an entire machine with a few clicks With programs like VMware and Parallels, installing Microsoft’s OS on your […]
5G’s impact in the evolution of VoIP
Mobile connectivity is a top priority for personal and business users alike. 5G, or fifth-generation wireless systems, will change not only people’s daily routines but also the way small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate. Here are three main ways that 5G will change VoIP for SMBs. Improved Video Conferencing The major factor holding web and […]
Get the most out of Office 365 with these tricks
Does your organization need to optimize its migration and provision of Office 365? Here are 6 strategies for managing and making the most out of your subscription to Microsoft’s premium cloud-based productivity suite. Declutter your inbox If you’re having trouble managing the overwhelming amount of emails in your inbox, then using Office 365’s “Clutter” feature […]
Get rid of these 5 types of PC clutter
Is your PC running slowly? It could be because of all the digital clutter it has to deal with. Clutter can impede your computer’s performance and eat away at its memory. To have your computer performing at top speed again, you need to get rid of these five types of clutter. Here’s how to do […]
Not all hackers are cybercriminals
Newspaper headlines and Hollywood movies have shaped our understanding of computer hackers, but in the real world it’s not so simple. Some hackers are making massive contributions to the field of cybersecurity, it just depends on which hat they’re wearing that day. Take a few minutes to learn about white, black, and gray hat hackers. […]
Security tips for your IoT devices
Major companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are investing a lot of money in the Internet of Things (IoT). But just like any other technological trend, it comes with minor bugs and setbacks. Because of the diversity in IoT, developers have yet to develop large-scale security solutions. In the meantime, here are some things you […]
Start using these six Gmail tips now
Twenty-four hours seem to pass by in the blink of an eye, especially if you’re a small business owner. In order to stand a chance against the competition, the last thing you should do is bury yourself in a pile of endless emails. With the following Gmail tips and tricks, you’ll spend less time with […]
Reasons to back up your mobile devices
Companies such as Apple, Samsung, and others have turned mobile phones into mini-computers that can serve as a substitute for your laptop, or as a storage device. If you’re using a smartphone as a communications and storage device, backing up now would be a wise move. Malware on mobile More than two-thirds of the world’s […]
Should I choose virtualization or the cloud?
Have you heard about cloud computing and virtualization technologies but don’t know the difference? Or maybe you’ve heard a fellow business owner talk about why one is better than the other? Here are the differences between the two and the things you must know to determine which solution is best for your business. Differences between […]
Is your VoIP distributor right for you?
Because it is cost-effective, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a popular choice today among small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to upgrade their phone systems. But before you contact just any VoIP distributor, make sure you are dealing with a respectable and trustworthy one. Here is a checklist of the must-have qualities of a […]
How to protect your Office 365 data
Office 365 is a complete cloud solution that allows you to store thousands of files and collaborate on them, too. In addition to its productivity features, the service comes with security and compliance solutions that will help businesses avoid the crushing financial and legal repercussions of data loss. However, even with its comprehensive security tools, […]
When Microsoft stops supporting Windows
Microsoft only supports each version of Window for a certain period and the end of its support for a software product can be a significant challenge for businesses. Currently, Windows 7 is on “extended support” until January 14, 2020. What does it mean when Microsoft terminates support of your Windows version? Let’s have a closer […]
The lowdown on cloud security
If you’re thinking of transitioning your business to the cloud, consider the security of the platform. While providers would like us to believe that the friendly, fluffy cloud image used to market the service means it is automatically secure, the reality is far different. Just ask one of the nearly seven million Dropbox users who […]
The right social media platform for your SMB
Facebook leads all social media platforms in terms of daily active users, audience reach, and cultural impact, but is it the best fit for your business? Every business has a unique audience, so what works for one business may not work for another. With all the available social media platforms to choose from, small- and […]
Outdated firmware: An overlooked threat
If most of your company’s computers are obsolete, they double or even triple your chances of experiencing a data breach. This emphasizes how dangerous it is to have outdated applications, operating systems, and even web browsers. Failing to update your firmware could expose your business to major security threats. What is firmware? Firmware is a […]
3 ways to browse the net safely at work
Amidst the current climate of malware, hacks, and phishing scams, the internet really isn’t safe for any company that doesn’t take precautions. Without safeguards, browsers that you or your employees use are vulnerable to cyber attacks that may cripple productivity and profit. There are wise steps that every company should take to browse the net […]
The benefits of technology business reviews
Small- and medium-sized businesses don’t have the time to maintain IT infrastructure, let alone assess whether it’s still driving value for the company. However, if you want to ensure everything runs smoothly, it’s important to be proactive and conduct technology business reviews when you can. What is a technology business review? A technology business review […]
Container facts you’re misunderstanding
Virtualization and container technologies are confusing topics in their own right, and comparing and contrasting them is even harder. To understand the differences between container and virtualization technologies, it’s best to clear up some commonly misunderstood information on how they work. Containers are made up of the bare minimum hardware and software requirements to allow […]
Don’t be a VoIP eavesdropping victim
In the digital world, eavesdropping is a form of cyberattack where voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone calls are intercepted and recorded, usually to glean personal or business information. Since it does not affect call quality, it’s hard to tell if you’ve been a victim of eavesdropping. Ensure that you never become one by implementing […]
Office 365 beefs up anti-phishing measures
There are plenty of things to love about Office 365. For a small monthly fee, it gives you the latest cloud-based version of Microsoft Office apps and robust communication tools that improve collaboration and productivity. But it’s also an extremely secure platform that can defend against the most cunning phishing attacks. Effective anti-phishing solutions must […]
4 handy Cortana commands for you
You’ll find Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-activated personal assistant, extremely helpful for daily tasks, like rescheduling meetings, drafting an email, or dealing with several other time-consuming work. Learn how to use the following Cortana commands to make life so much easier for you. Hey, Cortana Before asking her to do anything, we need to get Cortana’s attention […]
Is your IT security proactive?
Do you spend hours obsessing about the inner workings of DNS-layer security, intrusion prevention systems, and data encryption? If you’re not a managed IT services provider (MSP), you probably don’t. Instead, you’re probably looking for a business partner to manage those nitty-gritty details for you. However, there’s one thing you really ought to know: What […]