How to Expedite Your IT Support Request

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When your technology isn’t working, you want a fix right now. Whether it’s an inability to connect to your network or to open an important presentation file, you’re quickly frustrated by the need to file an IT support request. You can’t wait! We get it, so allow us to share some tips to help you get faster IT support.

Whether you’re working with an internal IT help desk or are supported by your managed services provider, you probably start out by filling out a support ticket. You might be able to call in directly or email, but your IT gurus are still going to need certain information from you to get started.

The more you can put on the help ticket, the more efficiently we can help solve your issues. The following highlights some of the critical info we need from you.

Extent of Issue

Outline the impact of the tech issue. Is that printer crisis you’re writing about happening only on the personal printer of one individual who doesn’t print often? Or is the entire floor using that printer and looking to print year-end reports today?

It helps to know who is affected, those individuals’ roles, and the scope of the problem. This can help IT to weigh your needs against those of others in the company for urgency.

Urgency

If one person is reporting a security breach and another is reporting a buzzing noise from their desktop, the response may be triaged. The IT support desk is going to weigh criticality:

  • What will be the impact of downtime while waiting for a fix?
  • Are company customers affected by the issue?
  • Is the entire company unable to work?

Detailed Description

The better you can describe what is happening, the more likely you are to enjoy timely and efficient support. Always provide, if possible:

  • the location of the affected technology;
  • the name of the affected workstation;
  • the name of the engineer who recently helped (if this has happened before);
  • when the error occurred;
  • what you expected to happen;
  • what, if anything, you did in an attempt to fix the problem.

There are a few common troubleshooting steps you may want to try before submitting an IT help request. These include:

  • asking around to see if anyone else is affected;
  • searching online to see if someone else has encountered and shared a resolution to the issue;
  • quitting and restarting the application;
  • rebooting your device.

Error Messages

If there is an error message associated with your issue, please share it with the IT team. Taking a screenshot of the message on your computer and sending it to us can help your tech experts more efficiently figure out what’s up. The best thing would be, where possible, to take a screencast of the process causing the problem.

Contact Information

Share the quickest way for the service desk to reach you. If you’re going to be in a meeting all day, maybe share a number where you can be texted with questions. If you’re traveling, provide your cell phone number instead of letting an IT support callback languish on your office voicemail.

IT Support You Can Count On

Please don’t let your sense of urgency detract from the need for this essential information. You may be frustrated and stressed, but you can help us help you by taking the time to give us all the information needed to troubleshoot effectively.

Cut downtime and get back on track faster with these tips for expediting IT support. Our tech team is always here to help your business be at its most efficient and productive. Contact us today at (515)422-1995.

How to Choose Home Computer Repair

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It’s upsetting when a home computer breaks down: “My whole life is on there!” Then, you have to trust someone to take care of your device. It’s a lot to ask, and that’s why we’re sharing these five tips to help you feel better about your choice of repair person.

#1 Avoid the Big Brands

The big-box stores have name recognition, which may make you feel more secure, but the reason they advertise on TV and have big storefronts is to sell stuff. Their people are salespeople first, and their staff are not going to be as experienced with computer and device repair.

For tricky jobs, the big-box stores send your device to a remote, centralized location. That’s where the experienced staff are, so it’s good in that way. Yet you’ll now have to wait for your computer to ship to and from that location, which can mean a couple of weeks when you don’t know where your computer is or who is working on it.

#2 Consult Customer Reviews

You’ll probably start out by asking family, friends, and co-workers to suggest someone they’ve worked within the past. When you’re looking around for computer repair, read online reviews. Customer reviews can help you gauge whether you can trust the service promises.

You may also learn about any after-service support. It will help to have someone you can ask questions of in the future.

#3 Research Types of Support

It may help you to make your decision knowing that any work on your device is going to be done on-site. If they come to you, you’ll get to meet the person doing the work and keep an eye on them if you want.

Another option may be to have the IT tech remote into your computer to help solve your problem.

Then, there’s the option of drop-off and pickup from that repair shop’s own brick-and-mortar store. If you take this route, you might want to ask whether your device will remain on-site at all times.

You’ll also want to find out if that computer repair person has a particular area of expertise. Some companies specialize in working with certain brands, whereas others can handle all types of models or brands.

#4 Don’t Select by Price Alone

Who doesn’t love a bargain? But the cheapest computer repair may not actually be a better deal. Taking the budget approach, you could get an inexperienced tech with slightly more know-how than you. On the other hand, going for the most expensive repair company doesn’t guarantee the greatest service either. Ask the computer business what their experience is.

#5 Ask about Service Guarantee

Speaking of guaranteeing service, look for a service guarantee. A reputable repair company won’t charge you if they fail to fix your device.

They should also be able to cost out whether it makes more sense to make the fix or just replace the computer.

Our IT experts are here to help you repair any computer issues. We can work on-site, remote in, or you can bring your device to us for the professional attention it needs. Call us today at (515)422-1995!

What an MSP Does and Doesn’t Do

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Managed service providers (MSPs) pride themselves on high levels of support. Yet, there are some things we can do and others we can’t. Laundry and grocery shopping come to mind for the latter. But, more seriously, this article will explain what an MSP does and doesn’t do.

Your business faces many challenges today. You’re managing budget and employees while complying with government regulations and industry standards. Meanwhile, technology is changing the work environment, customer expectations, and market demands.

An MSP learns about your existing business technology and processes, as well as your objectives. This helps them suggest current, reliable, and secure technology solutions. Typically, you’ll engage an MSP for a consistent monthly fee. In return, you get up-to-date IT and the freedom to focus on the parts of your business you’re passionate about. You may even involve your strategic planning to streamline operations.

What an MSP Does

Let’s begin with what an MSP does do. As external IT help for your business, an MSP can:

  • support your technology in a break-fix situation;
  • help your IT infrastructure run better;
  • provide server monitoring and IT maintenance;
  • manage and meet your evolving technology needs;
  • reduce your business costs by reducing hardware and software infrastructure costs;
  • increase operational efficiency;
  • secure your systems, back up your data, and plan for disaster recovery;
  • support your users and their IT needs;
  • match your business with the right technology for the task;
  • develop strategy for your smooth cloud migration;
  • enable you to avoid recruiting and retaining your own large in-house IT team.

Sounds great, right? Before you sign the dotted line, however, keep reading to be sure that you understand what this service provider can’t do.

What an MSP Doesn’t Do

These IT professionals fix problems and help optimize your business technology. Still, they can’t do everything. Your MSP also can’t immediately fix every problem. While an MSP will understand the urgency, not every technology solution is a simple one.

You also can’t expect to never have a tech problem ever again. Yes, an MSP’s job is to monitor your hardware and software to keep it updated and secure, but they can’t prevent every issue. For instance, if an employee finds an infected thumb drive and plugs it into a business desktop, all the MSP can do is act to fix the issue.

Also, the tech team at your MSP cannot magically intuit what’s wrong with your IT infrastructure. The more information you can provide from the outset, the more focused their efforts are. When filling out a service or support ticket it helps to share:

  • who is affected;
  • the extent of the issue;
  • the urgency of the matter;
  • what you tried to do to fix it;
  • any error messages are seen.

Finally, the MSP should not be dictating policy or controlling how your business operates. Yes, these experts can offer input into how technology can help, and they can also weigh in on how proposed changes might impact your IT infrastructure, but you shouldn’t feel pressured by them to make decisions.

Partner with MSPs

Now you know what to expect of a partnership with your MSP. If a company is promising to do things on the doesn’t-do list, you might be in for terrible service.

Having a better picture of what an MSP does do, you can avoid unrealistic expectations. This can help you get the most from your investment in this IT partnership.

Questions about what we, as an MSP, can do for your particular business? Contact us today at (515)422-1995. We’d be happy to discuss it.

5 Ways to Build Small-Business Efficiency with Microsoft 365

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Business productivity needs to be more than a buzzphrase today. Without technology supporting communications and process productivity, remaining competitive is difficult. You’ll lack the agility and mobility needed to succeed. This article explores many ways a small business gains efficiency using Microsoft 365.

You may already be aware of the core functionalities of Microsoft 365. These include:

  • a business email address and shared calendaring services;
  • online storage offering a shared space for collaboration and large personal storage space for each user account;
  • productivity apps to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations;
  • communication tools, including messaging and video conferencing;
  • security features, including two-factor authentication.

Having all these features in one solution is helpful. Not having to switch between different vendors’ apps can help your business:

  • save time;
  • simplify deployment;
  • cut tech support and IT management challenges;
  • budget consistently with one invoice for one solution.
  • Yet there are still more ways Microsoft 365 helps run a small business more efficiently.

#1 Automate Processes

Powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Microsoft 365 allows everyone to automate work processes. The solution allows users to quickly and securely automate the mundane and repetitive. All it takes is using low-code, drag-and-drop tools, or prebuilt connectors.

Processing forms with automation can be a real time-saver. For example, you might use Power Automate to detect text in PDFs, which would then cue certain actions. A business spending hours scanning paper to digital could save a lot of effort this way.

#2 Enable Online Booking

Another tool to help save time, Microsoft Bookings promises “a simpler way to organize schedules and manage appointments.” A hair salon, financial services office, or home services business could all benefit. Bookings integrate appointment settings with Microsoft 365 or Office 365 calendars.

Customers appreciate the ease of finding available time slots, and you avoid double-booking. You can also specify information needed upfront or assign certain staff to different bookings.

#3 Streamline Chat

Everyone is accessible with Microsoft Teams. The software allows users to chat, call, or jump on video calls, all from one place. Teams also keep documents, chat history, and meeting notes in one place.

With the Microsoft Teams instant messenger program it’s easier to:

  • keep people focused;
  • reduce email clutter;
  • make decisions faster;
  • communicate and collaborate wherever you are.

The Teams Chat option also helps bring people together, even if they’re working remotely. GIFs, stickers, and emojis can help share personalities.

#4 Use Online Whiteboard

Touted as a “collaborative digital canvas,” Microsoft 365’s Whiteboard helps small businesses collaborate and brainstorm, wherever people work.

You might enjoy:

  • using a digital pen or text objects to add content;
  • adding sticky notes to convey ideas and provide feedback;
  • selecting and moving objects to organize tasks or ideas on the whiteboard;
  • highlighting and annotating;
  • creating diagrams and process flows with shapes, lines, and text;
  • uploading images to improve engagement.

#5 Amp up Data Analytics

Any small business can grow more data-driven with Power BI. The Business Intelligence tool enables business owners to find and share meaningful insights. Hundreds of data visualizations, built-in AI capabilities, and prebuilt and custom connectors reduce analytical complexity. The Excel integration makes reporting smoother, too.

Making the Most of Microsoft 365

You can choose a cloud-based Microsoft 365 plan, or download and install the software on up to 15 devices per user… or both! You’ll soon see the benefits of doing your small business with the support of Microsoft 365.

Need help deciding if Microsoft 365 is right for you? Or want to learn how to use its features more efficiently? Our IT experts are available to answer your questions. Contact us today at (515)422-1995.

Finding the Best Place for your Desktop PC

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There’s a lot of talk about the best places to use your laptop. We’ll recap that discussion briefly below, but the real focus of this article is where it’s best to put your desktop PC.

First, why does it even matter? Of course, you care how your workstation looks, but beyond the aesthetics, airflow is important too. Computers cool themselves with fans to suck in cool air and expel hot air out the back or top. If you’re not leaving room for the computer to “breath” it can overheat.

When a computer overheats it can become unstable or suddenly shut down. The hot air can also damage internal components. This is true of both laptops and desktops.

That’s why you’ll hear that it’s a good idea to put your laptop on a raised, slatted service where air can reach the vents. A table over a furnace duct or in direct sunlight should be avoided too.

OK, But Where Do I Put My PC?

You don’t want to put your computer somewhere it is going to get dusty, which is a good reason not to put it on the floor. It’s exposed to more dust, hair, and other junk that way. Since the computer’s fans are sucking in cool air, they can suck in the debris too.

Also, on the floor, you risk accidentally hitting or kicking the PC. Sudden jolts are bad for mechanical hard drives. Plus, USB drives or anything else plugged into the front could be knocked out, which damages the port.

Some desks have cabinets under the desk where you can put the computer. But, these may not have been designed with enough airflow.

It’s best to set up your computer on a stable surface to avoid any bumps or drops. You also want to position it so that the cord is not going to create a tripping hazard. If you fall, you could damage the power connection or, worse, knock the computer off your table or desk.

Since the big thing is airflow, you also don’t want to set the PC too close to the wall. This can damage cables in the back if they bend too much. Or, when the hot air exhausts out the back, it will be harder to expel the heated air.

Securing Your Desktop PC

Putting your PC parallel to the monitor, safely stable on your desk or table, with good airflow and room for the cords is your best option for the safety and longevity of your desktop computer.

Need help setting up your desktop PC or finding the best place to position it in your home? Our tech experts are available to help. Contact us today at (515)422-1995.

Why You Might Wait to Upgrade to Windows 11

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Microsoft is rolling out the next iteration of its operating system, Windows 11. Of course, new = better, right? But, when it comes to Windows 11, you may want to consider waiting. Here’s why.

Typically, software updates are something to install as a matter of course. The manufacturer, after all, is delivering the latest and greatest in its upgrade. This can be new efficiencies, improved processes, and increased security.

CNN calls the Windows 11 release “the biggest update we’ve seen to Microsoft PC software in more than half a decade.”

But when it comes to Windows 11, do some research first. You may not want to be an early adopter.

When to Upgrade

There are still people using Windows 7 and Windows 8, even though these systems are no longer supported by the manufacturer. That, we do not recommend. Without support or security updates, these systems are vulnerable to malware attacks.

Meanwhile, the release of Windows 11 indicates Windows 10 is on its way out. Yet Microsoft has said it will support Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. The company typically keeps a ten-year lifespan for its products.

So, you don’t need to upgrade immediately. And for some businesses, it makes sense to wait longer to make the switch from 10 to 11. After all, it is not yet an essential upgrade.

Those on Windows 10 will see some advantages, yes. We’ll talk more about that next. But, unless you’re a heavy multitasker or need a sleeker visual design on your desktop, you can wait.

By waiting, you’ll also get the advantage of others being the ones to discover the launch issues and bugs. The software has been available in beta since June. Still, as more users get access, you can expect more updates on the horizon.

To help you decide if you’re ready to upgrade, you’ll first want to see if you are eligible for the free upgrade. Also, visit Microsoft’s website to see if your PC can run the software (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications).

If you have a custom-built desktop, you’ll want to run a health check to see if you have the TPM 2.0 Windows 11 requires. This is a specific security module, so you don’t want to overlook this!

Why Upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 11 is a redesigned operating system aiming at improved user navigation. Expect:

  • a more Mac-like experience;
  • integration with Android apps;
  • a facelift for Microsoft Teams;
  • streamlined switching from monitor to laptop;
  • direct access to widgets from the Taskbar;
  • a few gaming performance enhancements.

How to Upgrade

The upgrade is rolling out gradually. Those who recently purchased a new laptop before Windows 11 was pre-installed have access now.

If you are an existing Windows 10 user, you’ll see the Windows 11 upgrade sometime between now and mid-2022. Most users will go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you’ll see a Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install.

Remember to backup all your important documents before starting the installation process!

Also, don’t fall for any fake versions of Windows 11. Wait to receive an official notification of a systems update. Do not click on links promising the software on social media or via email. You could end up downloading malware.

More on Upgrading Your OS

If you are in the market for a new laptop, make sure you’re getting one with Windows 11 pre-installed. That way, you’ll be sure to get one that will be able to run the new operating system without hassle.

Want to be sure you’re ready for the upgrade and need it now? We can help verify your eligibility and run a health check. We’ll also help you determine if you can safely continue with the software you’re using right now. We’re here to help. Call us now at (515)422-1995.

How to Free Up IT Resources

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Business success comes from capitalizing on opportunities, except it is harder to do so if you are resource constrained. This article explores ways to free up IT resources to drive productivity and evolution.

Your business depends on information technology resources. The right software can help manage expanding workloads and improve collaboration. Enjoy reliable, secure access to innovate and grow your business with appropriate hardware.

Yet you are probably operating at the edge of your IT capabilities. IT teams get overwhelmed with routine and mundane tasks. At the same time, the shortage of skilled IT experts hinders any attempts to hire more staff.

The answer to this problem? Taking a fresh look at existing IT infrastructure and business processes. Doing things “the way we’ve always done” works well for family holidays, but getting stuck in a rut with IT can mean missing out on technology value add.

Steps to Take to Free up IT

Meet with managers and individual employees to review the way you’re doing things. Do they still need to be done that way? With artificial intelligence and machine learning, you might automate the routine, everyday tasks.

You might be able to drop the human element of a task entirely or at least find a way to optimize a decades-old process or manual procedure. For example, business collaboration software offers file sharing and editing convenience. There’s no longer a need to print things out or email documents around the office.

Check the app store for your office software to see what new innovations could lighten workload. To start, there are many time-management tools available to optimize employee work.

Your business could also be due a hardware update. The business desktops could be doing OK, yet you could be wasting time waiting for an older computer to load up an application, or losing valuable time to a slow server or underperforming network. It may be only a few minutes on a given day, but multiply that across the work week, over the year, and that lost productivity adds up.

The Value of IT Outsourcing

There are several ways you can outsource IT to free up your on-site resources. For one, you might look at your existing infrastructure. Do you need to have that hulking hardware taking up space in the work environment? With so many cloud services available, your business could outsource its infrastructure. This lets you reclaim valuable real estate and cut utility expenses, plus, you hand technology maintenance and management off to a skilled third party.

Instead of your IT team performing time-consuming daily backups, investigate cloud-based data backup. The automated alternative lets employees focus on adding business value instead.

Hiring a managed service provider (MSP) to take on IT tasks also frees up on-site IT resources. An external IT expert taking a new look at your infrastructure may find better solutions, or integrations that do more with your already established software and hardware.

Business IT should facilitate growth. Take the time to re-evaluate your technology needs. Intentionally allocate tech resources. With an MSP’s expert backup, you can reduce costs and streamline operations. Freeing up IT resources also allows your IT team to focus on better enabling your core business.

Secure Your Remote Work with the Right Backups

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Working from home is no longer only for a few employees in special circumstances. The pandemic pushed many businesses to enable remote work. The priority was getting it working and securing access. Now that it’s routine, it’s also time to consider how you back up work from home.

Data backup creates a reliable copy of business data. An accessible, accurate backup prepares you for system failures, data corruption or deletion, natural disaster, or a security breach.

Regular readers of our articles know that we’re in favour of the 3-2-1 approach to data backup. You have three separate backups on at least two different mediums, and one is always off-site.

Yet even those with best practices in place may not have thought about work-from-home backups. Still, with so many people using remote networking, you need to take a fresh look at backup systems.

The IT team should have already set up automated backup systems for the on-site work environment, but what procedures are in place to protect data generated remotely?

Remote Work Backup Risks

Backup puts important business data in a protected place to ensure a quick emergency response. Without a backup, it will take a lot longer for your business to bounce back from an IT disruption.

In the home office, or when people are working remotely elsewhere, there are new risks. Saving files locally on a home computer may mean that data is not available to others who need it. Plus, the laptop could be lost or stolen (or broken when a furry colleague at the home office knocks it from the table). The business could also be disrupted if a remote worker’s system goes down due to power outage, fire, or an extreme weather event.

Businesses in regulated industries must also store data safely on- or off-site. Medical, financial, or legal industry businesses face data storage, protection, and audit regulations. The fact that people are working from home doesn’t mean they get a pass from compliance concerns.

Backup Best Practices for Work from Home

If your teams use MS 365, that can help with business collaboration. No matter where employees are, they can edit and share documents and other files. Tracking version history from any device also helps with data currency.

Yet this is not the same as a data backup. Set up an automatic backup of all files created on remote laptops and computers. Ask employees to back up to the cloud using Microsoft’s OneDrive, Google Drive, or another alternative.

We recommend setting up backups to upload every night in the wee hours. Backing up takes a lot of internet bandwidth, and scheduling for 2 a.m. is less likely to interfere with someone else’s Netflix binge-watching or video game play.

It’s also a good idea to get an outsider’s perspective on remote backups. You may need to manually save files to appropriate locations or to set up policies to safeguard off-site files in case of hardware, software, or security issues.

You could take advantage of remote monitoring and management, and you can test backups remotely. This also improves recovery time, as IT can restore data without physical access.

Need help backing up work from home? We can help. Contact us today at (515)422-1995.

Is Your Home Smart Enough for Your Devices?

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With the increasing reach of the Internet of Things, more of us have devices in the home to connect online: it’s no longer just connecting a computer to a dial-up modem. In fact, it’s estimated that the average home now has as many as 50 connected devices. All this could require a home network upgrade.

Beyond computers, smartphones, and tablets, there are many different types of connected devices in the home:

  • Voice-activated personal assistants tell the news and weather, and play Mad Libs or Name that Tune with your kids.
  • SmartTVs come with the software already installed to stream Netflix or Disney+.
  • Doorbells with integrated cameras let you see on your phone who’s at the door.
  • Air conditioners, heaters, and light bulbs are now smart so you can come home to pre-set conditions.
  • Refrigerators keep track of what’s consumed and add to your online grocery list.

And that’s only a sampling! Homeowners don’t have to be tech-savvy to start outfitting their smart home, yet adding all these connections could mean it’s time for a home network upgrade.

At a certain point, your router may not be enough to handle all the traffic. Your internet service provider may have provided you with its most basic router back when you signed up for your plan. You weren’t thinking of quantity of devices back then and simply wanted the best deal, but now you’re frustrated by performance and connectivity issues.

Don’t Settle for a Disappointing Network

A decade ago, having four to eight devices to connect at one time was a lot. Now, we’re looking at five to ten times that. Yet your bandwidth can handle only so much at one time. For many IoT devices, that’s not an issue, as they’re often designed to use as little bandwidth as possible. Yet the volume of devices adds up. Plus, as you’re not the only one in the neighborhood going online, you could be competing for a congested Wi-Fi service.

Or you might be stumped by Wi-Fi that can’t reach all the devices you want to connect in your home. You could try moving the router. If that isn’t enough, you could add more antennas or use a mesh wireless network to extend the range of your network.

Also consider whether you should be using a 5 GHz-capable wireless or 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz frequency is newer, faster, and less congested but has a shorter range, which means its signal cannot penetrate solid objects.

Internet speed is another element worth examining. If you increase the speed, you’ll be better able to handle many streaming devices at once.

On the router, you can also check if you can adjust the Quality of Service (QoS). This would let you go in and change the priority of certain devices or connections. Think of it like being able to choose to go in the fast lane on the highway. You could set the router up to let Zoom or Skype calls have priority over Netflix.

While thinking about upgrading your router, this is also a good time to consider one that provides a virtual private network (VPN) server. If you’re working both from the office and from home, you could benefit from being able to securely connect back to your home network while in the office.

Get Smart about Network Upgrades

With so many devices to connect now, you’ll face a number of considerations when updating your network. If you need help upgrading, we can help. Contact us now at (515)422-1995.

7 Common Business IT Myths Debunked

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MythBuster programs on television never focus on business misconceptions about IT. Too bad, because believing these myths can be both costly and dangerous to your business. This article debunks seven common business IT myths.

Sometimes myths are harmless, but when it comes to business IT myths, not knowing the truth is damaging. Make smarter tech decisions with accurate information and a better understanding of IT.

Myth 1: Consumer PCs are interchangeable with business PCs.

Sorry, this one’s false. Selecting a business-grade computer can impact productivity. Don’t squander your competitive advantage by relying on consumer PCs to get the job done.

Consumer PCs are largely about getting the price point down by using lower-quality materials, whereas business computers are built to last, use higher-quality components, and go through more testing. They have business-appropriate features such as fingerprint readers or encryption tools, and better warranties and support.

Myth 2: Apple computers can’t get viruses.

Microsoft Windows users are targeted more often because there are more Microsoft users, and the payoff is bigger. Plus, Windows PCs run any program requested, regardless of danger, whereas Apple has steps in place to prevent unauthorized malware from running.

This myth is also untrue. In fact, in September, Apple released a security update to fix its phones, tablets, and watches. Victims didn’t even have to click on a malicious file to risk device infection. So, if you’re using an Apple device, go into Systems and make sure you’ve upgraded to iOS 14.8, macOS 11.6, and/or watchOS 7.6.2.

Myth 3: One backup is enough.

In the case of data backups, you are much safer taking a 3-2-1 approach to data backup. Have three data backups available on at least two different mediums, one of which should be off-site.

You might backup your data to:

  • a second hard drive;
  • an external hard drive;
  • a thumb or USB flash drive;
  • a cloud service.

Myth 4: Antivirus software completely prevents infection.

Antivirus software is valuable, yes, and your business should consistently upgrade its antivirus software. But no antivirus is going to protect your business from every threat.

Security programs do their best to keep up with new threats and vulnerabilities, but infections can spread across the internet quickly. Plus, bad guys are getting better at crafting variations to evade antivirus tools. As a result, make antivirus software only one piece of your cybersecurity strategy.

Myth 5: Cybercriminals only target enterprises.

Attacks on enterprises grab the headlines, but nearly half of the cyberattacks hit small businesses. The bad actors know that small businesses are more resource-constrained and don’t have cyberattack prevention plans in place. It is easier to go after the little fish than targeting the enterprises with IT teams as big as a basketball squad.

Myth 6: It’s OK to wait until the computer fails to replace it.

You can wait, but it’s not going to be the best thing for your business. Long before a computer fails it could be slowing down your business. Older PCs disrupt productivity and reduce employee satisfaction.

As the computer ages, you’ll lose time loading applications and dealing with crashes. You may also be leaving your systems vulnerable to cyberattack if you can’t upgrade the software.

Myth 7: IT outsourcing is not effective for small businesses.

Maybe you think your IT systems are too small to need ongoing maintenance or monitoring, or (Myth 5) that you’re not at risk. Yet, IT systems of any size need ongoing, consistent attention, and outsourcing can help free up your IT resources to do more value-add tasks.

A managed service provider (MSP) can monitor hardware and backups, streamline systems for speed, and keep security current. The MSP can also manage firewalls, and identify and protect against threats. Partner with us for business IT support today! Call us now at (515)422-1995

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