Computer St. Louis Blog/News
Secure your Mac computer in 6 easy ways
If you’re a Mac user, data privacy and security should be your #1 priority. Without the right security measures, you’re inviting cybercriminals to steal your critical data. Are you willing to take the risk? Secure your computer and fortify your defenses with these six tips. The basics First, let’s start with the basics and head […]
Ways IoT will change the business world
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of vehicles, appliances, and devices embedded with actuators, connectivity, software, electronics, and sensors that allow users to connect and swap data. The business world is steadily changing with the implementation of IoT in the following methods. Improved logistics With IoT sensors, supply chain management and order fulfillment […]
Simple tips to increase cloud affordability
Moving to the cloud can save you a considerable amount of money, which explains its rise in popularity over the years. What many business owners fail to realize is that some cloud services come with hidden costs. And while they might seem insignificant at first, they can add up to a staggering amount if left […]
Why CRM is important to your business
Investing in customer relationship management (CRM) software is absolutely essential for small- and medium-sized businesses that want to up their sales performance. It helps sales departments understand their clients, tailor their marketing efforts, and more. If your business isn’t using CRM yet, here are five reasons why you should. Grows with your business The ol’ […]
Fix these five problems in Windows 10 now
Although Windows 10 is packed with wonderful new features, it’s far from perfect. Users have complained about storage, connectivity, and update issues, among other things. If you’ve encountered any of these issues, no need to panic. We have listed down five simple fixes to the most common Windows 10 problems. 1. Less storage space When […]
App virtualization: What you need to know
As a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, you need to stay on top of IT trends to get ahead. However, many new IT solutions are quite confusing. One of those is app virtualization. To clear up the confusion, here is a quick overview of what it’s all about. What are non-virtualized apps? To understand […]
How to prevent VoIP threats
Now that digital collaboration is an integral part of any business, VoIP has become indispensable. Unfortunately, as it becomes more widespread, so do the threats against it. These attacks may not be as serious as ransomware or phishing, but they’re just as dangerous to SMBs. Here are five ways to protect your VoIP network against […]
The perks of being an Office Insider
Office 365 is already packed with the latest productivity features, but for premium perks, opt for the Office Insider program. This gives Office subscribers a heads up on upcoming Microsoft releases and updates before other companies do. Here’s why Office Insider is perfect for business owners. Early Access Subscribing to Office Insider gives you access […]
4 types of hackers that may target SMBs
When it comes to cyberattacks, most business owners get hung up on the technical and logistical details, forgetting another important aspect: motive. Why are hackers attacking people and organizations? And whom are they targeting? By answering these questions, you’ll have a better understanding of which of your business’s resources need the most protection. Script Kiddies […]
Best for SMBs: Laptop or desktop?
In today’s business world, computers are an essential investment. Considering the tight budgets of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB), one can’t afford to invest in the wrong hardware. Which is the smartest investment, especially for startups? Laptops or Desktops? Portability Laptops allow you to keep working when you don’t have an electrical outlet. However, this […]
Don’t let negative reviews ruin your brand
Negative reviews on sites like Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Ripoff Report will damage your brand's online presence . So how can you protect your company from defamatory and false reviews that show up on search results for your business? Here's the best strategy. Don’t...
Web conversion made easy with 5 tips
Are there surefire ways to attract prospects to your website and to convince them to sign up for your product or service? The first step is always to make your website easy to use. Read on for 5 tips that improve user experiences, site trustworthiness and conversion rates. Make it mobile-friendly More people are now […]
Disaster recovery myths you can dismiss
Technology changes so rapidly. With disaster recovery (DR), we see business owners clinging to ideas that no longer apply. What kind of DR myths are still widely accepted by the masses? Here are three that need to be retired immediately. Tape backups are the best DR solution Backup tapes are physical objects that deteriorate over […]
Hyperconvergence: IT for SMBs
Routers, switches, modems, gateways, firewalls, servers, and storage devices — these are just some of the many machines you need to build a network infrastructure that enables effective internal and external communications. Even when pared down to serve fewer users, the costs of building a similar infrastructure were prohibitive for SMBs, at least until hyperconvergence […]
SharePoint or OneDrive: What’s best for SMBs?
Storing files in the cloud is common nowadays, making things convenient for business owners who want to manage their data on the go. But the number of ways to do this can be daunting, especially to the uninitiated. Don’t get lost in the sea of options. This handy guide will tell you whether SharePoint or […]
Cool new Windows 10 features are coming!
Windows 10 is developed as a service, and regularly receives patches and bug fixes. It also gets feature updates at least twice a year, and 2018 is no different. This October, Microsoft unveiled the October 2018 update, also known as Redstone 5, which comes with some amazing new features. Your Phone Windows 10 is getting […]
Don’t let hackers fool you with these tricks
The volume of malicious cyber attacks is increasing every year. Although many companies use the latest network security systems, they aren’t immune to the hackers’ favorite strategy — social engineering. Unlike malware, social engineering tricks people into volunteering sensitive data. Here’s what you should know to protect your business. Phishing This is the most frequently […]
How to choose the right mouse
If you’re tired of using an uncomfortable mouse or struggling with your laptop’s trackpad, it’s time to buy a new one. But with so many brands and models out there, where would you even start looking? Here are a few tips that will help you decide on the right mouse. Cable or wireless? Choosing between […]
Which web browser is perfect for you?
The battle of the web browsers has raged on for years. While the classic rivalry between Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer has long passed, we are now facing a broader field of competition. There are currently four web browsers competing for space in your hard drive, and we’ve drawn up this list of their […]
Boost user productivity with MyAnalytics
Machine learning is all the rage nowadays, and few vendors are providing as many solutions powered by this new technology as Microsoft does. Office 365 includes “intelligent” functionality for analyzing your employees’ time and coaching them on how to use it more efficiently. What is MyAnalytics? MyAnalytics apply machine learning technology to your employees’ Office […]
Choose from these 5 virtualization options
Keeping up with tech trends as a small- or medium-sized business owner is tough. Virtualization is a great example of this. From the boost to network security and ability to scale your workstations and servers according to your business growth, it’s time to start learning more about it. One of the first steps towards virtualizing […]
Irate customers? VoIP features can calm them
When customers call your help desk, one of the the first things they hear is your automated on-hold message. This message can either uplift or worsen their moods, so you should choose wisely. Follow these simple steps to ensure you don’t frustrate your customers more than they already were. Hire professionals to record your on-hold […]
3 Microsoft Excel tips to master
Every computer user must be well-versed in various office programs, including Microsoft Excel. If you only know a few basic commands, you haven’t fully mastered Excel. Here are a few features that can make your life easier. Pie and Sunburst Charts Everyone knows that bombarding stakeholders with endless numbers and decimal points is the wrong […]
3 Tips on managing Windows 10 notifications
Microsoft has equipped Windows 10 users with a comprehensive set of tools to get their action center settings under control. Unfortunately, most desktops come with an abundance of software and features that result in more notifications. If you’ve reached the point of oversaturation, these three tips can help you better manage your action center. Overarching […]
6 tips for SMB Facebook pages
Facebook isn’t worth over $480 billion because people use it for just selfies and political rants. Businesses of all sizes and from all industries are using it to attract and engage customers, and yours should too. Aside from purchasing targeted advertisements, there are a host of free strategies to generate business with your SMB’s Facebook […]
5 Cybersecurity measures anyone can master
Avoiding malware and online scams takes a lot of work. You have to treat every email with suspicion, manage a long list of convoluted passwords, and avoid public WiFi networks. Ideally, you follow several other cybersecurity best practices, but many users don’t believe they’re worth the time. If you’re one of those people, here are […]
The benefits of Hardware-as-a-Service
Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) takes care of all your hardware-related issues, including upgrades, maintenance, and management for an affordable subscription fee. It’s a solution that offers small- and medium-sized businesses numerous benefits, and here are a few of them. Big savings For SMBs, cash flow is a crucial matter. HaaS is essentially like leasing hardware equipment so […]
Hybrid clouds make SMBs more flexible
Cloud computing has become an indispensable component in business IT because it’s cost-effective, flexible, and secure. Thanks to hybrid cloud solutions, organizations have access to even more agile computing resources. Hybrid clouds are a combination of private and public clouds. In the former, data and applications that require tighter controls are hosted either internally or […]
5 ways to capitalize on the latest tech fads
More money with less investment — that’s the dream, right? Counterintuitive as it may seem, flash-in-the-pan tech fads and trends may just be the way to achieve that. With the right tools, you can associate your SMB with popular new technologies. These are our five tips on how to cash in on things as silly […]
Quick Guide to Virtualization as a DR plan
Although many business owners think that Virtualization and Disaster Recovery (DR) are two separate services, the former can actually be used as a legitimate solution to the latter. Here’s how it works, along with some pointers to keep in mind should you choose virtualization as your disaster recovery plan. Unlike tape backups, Virtualization restores your […]
Utilize these VoIP features more often
Voicemail, Do Not Disturb, and call recording are some of the obvious reasons why companies choose VoIP services for their communication needs. But other VoIP features are often underutilized, like customizable hold music or in-call coaching. For a more efficient work flow, check out these overlooked features. Busy lamp field The busy light notifies you […]
New Office 365 cyberattack on the loose
Phishing scams disguise malicious links and emails as messages from trusted sources. The most recent scam to watch out for almost perfectly imitates a trusted invitation to collaborate through Microsoft SharePoint. It’s a three-step attack that’s easy to avoid if you know how it works. Step 1 – Invitation to collaborate email The first thing […]
7 Ways to personalize your Windows 10
Whether you want to have a darker color scheme, run several apps at the same time, or display multiple desktops, Windows 10 gives you many options to personalize your PC. And while some customization options are less obvious than others, it is worth the effort to get your Windows 10 to look and function the […]