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Apple’s New Pro iMac Is The Most Powerful Computer It’s Ever Made

At WWDC, its annual developer conference, Apple has announced a brand new desktop aimed at the pro market — meaning the graphic designers and video editors of the world who need serious computing power. It’s called the iMac Pro and it’s the most powerful computer the company has ever made, says Apple. The company had said that it had “big plans for the iMa

The monster, which Apple says will put “workstation class performance in a 5K iMac design” will ship with an 8-core Xeon processor and will go all the way up to 18 cores. It will also be powered by a discrete AMD Radeon Vega graphics processor.

There’s a bunch of other specs that Apple showed off onstage, but all you need to know is that this monster will be capable of delivering up to 22 teraflops of half precision computation — powerful enough for things like real-time 3D rendering, immersive VR, and machine learning development.

The iMac Pro, which will be available in space gray, will be available in December for $4,999.

In addition to showing off the iMac Pro, Apple also announced updates to its entire Mac line. All Apple desktops and laptops will now use Intel’s latest Kaby Lake CPUs, they’ll support faster hard drives and GPUs, and they’re now slightly cheaper than they were before.

Original Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/pranavdixit/apple-just-showed-off-a-monstrous-pro-imac?utm_term=.ycYADmb0b#.gh4xdAOPO
Original Date: June 5, 2017, at 2:57 p.m.
Original Author: Pranav Dixit

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Is It Important To Network Your Companies Computers?

Have you ever lost files or data on your computer and could not get them back? Did your computer somehow get malware and you aren’t able to access your data? Did your files become corrupt and couldn’t be retrieved? The best solution would be to have some kind of backup before these problems occur. Data backup systems are one of the most important things you should have in place for your business.

The security of vital information is important.  Business owners must take necessary steps to ensure that the data is backed up regularly. Unfortunately, only about half of all business owners have a data back up in place.  A routine back up is necessary for all business owners. At times, business owners and managers are not experienced enough to carry out data backups on their own.  Thus the importance of working with an IT consulting firm that specializes in data backups and networking.

The sad part is that disasters don’t give warnings before they strike. As a matter of fact, dropping a hard drive by mistake can ruin a well-established business. Irrespective of the kind of tragedy your computer networking business may suffer from you should take steps to ensure that your files are in good hands.

The importance of data backup is numerous including:

Higher Reliability

According to IT consultants, the greatest importance of data backup is the reliability it offers. The beauty of the system is that the backup process can be carried out on a daily basis without any problem and that the process is fully automated. Aside from this, you can get access to your files instantly, as the data is stored on a cloud server. So, you needn’t wait for your files to be resent to you.

Easy Set-Up

At first, you may feel that creating a backup of your data is a hard nut to crack, but once you have got an understanding of the process, you will be able to do it with a few clicks. All you will need do to get the system ready and enable the automation feature. Once you have done that, rest assured that your data is safe and backed-up on a regular basis.

Reduced workload

It may take a lot of time to backup files manually. The manual process requires the services of at least one professional. On the other hand, remote data backup is automated, so you don’t need to worry about creating a backup of the files and then storing them on a DVD or USB drive. So, the whole process saves you lots of time.

Greater Security

In remote data backup, the data is stored in a safe location. So, the information is in good hands at all times. Usually, the security is increased through some advanced encryption systems. They are used in both software and hardware level. As a result, there is almost no chance of anyone breaking into the system. Your data will be safe from hackers as well.

Saves Money

For a moment, just think about the equipment required to create a backup of the files your business uses. Aside from the equipment cost, you will also spend a good deal of money to buy space for the equipment installation. And if you own a lot of computers with plenty of data, the cost of the equipment and space requirement will be very high. So, opting for cloud storage can save you plenty of money.

It is crucial that computers within your company are networked to a server that has an adequate backup running at least once a day to avoid disaster if the server or computer should ever fail.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

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Understanding What A Computer Virus Can Do

No matter how careful you are with your computer, it more than likely will face some issue over time. This typically includes slow speeds, error messages, file corruptions, and reboot issues. There are times these issues are due to the computer’s age or simple hardware issues. These can be rectified by replacing the part that has been causing the problem. In other cases, it may be due to a software problem.

However, in today’s day of high-speed downloads, the issue is usually due to a virus or spyware. Computer viruses are software programs that spread within the operating system by multiplying and corrupting essential files, eventually making the computer unusable. Whereas spyware is a piece of code that has been designed to obtain your personal information and send it out to third parties.

Spyware and viruses have the ability to enter your computer through a variety of means. Email attachments, software installs, online games, and untrusted downloads all have the ability to infect your computer with a dangerous virus or spyware. Both the spyware and virus have the ability to slow down your processor speed, change the homepage, alter registry settings, damage your files, and display a wide range of content and pop-ups.

One of the best methods for keeping your computer clean is to avoid putting your computer in such dangerous positions. Before you download anything from a website be sure to read the agreement. Your internet security settings should be set to medium or higher. Even taking the above steps is not enough to keep your computer safe from infections. When your computer is connected to a network, the threat level is magnified.

It is essential that anti-spyware and anti-virus software has been properly installed on your computer. There are a number of software suites available on the market that will cater to your individual budget and needs. However, like all things in life, not everything is what it would seem. There are some anti-spyware programs available online that are spyware programs themselves! It is quite important to download from only trusted sites and once again, read all of the fine print. Once the proper software has been installed on your computer, it is generally just a matter of hitting start to remove the unwanted programs from your computer.

If you feel you know where the culprit is hiding, you can start in that folder. However, it is typically best to scan the entire system, this is done by selecting all drives and folders. This type of scan will take several hours but it will find all viruses and spyware on the computer and remove them. In addition, there are many products available that will offer real-time protection for your computer. These products will prevent any form of malicious code from entering into the computer. They will continually scan the computer looking for anything that may be a virus of spyware and block it. In fact, these products have the ability to warn you of any suspicious sites before you even visit them.

These products are an excellent addition to your arsenal in keeping your files and computer safe. However, there are times when a computer is going to be too infected for one of these products to clean the system. In this case, you will have two options. One is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall all programs. Or bring it to a computer repair shop and hope that the system can be salvaged. They will back up your essential files and important documents and restore the computer to its factory settings.

The most important thing to remember is to think before you click when online. And if the situation becomes too bad, it is best to talk to a professional as soon as possible.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

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How To Choose The Right Commercial IT Specialists And Avoid Danger

As a small business grows it is essential that the amount of data that you store stays safe. This can include sensitive employee files or customer credit card information, regardless it is time to look into the hiring of dedicated commercial IT specialists. However, if you have little knowledge of the IT field, how can you be sure you are choosing the right company? Below are a few tips that will ensure that you hire the right professionals to keep your data safe and move your company in the right direction.

Understand Your Particular Needs

It is essential that you understand what you want and what you are looking to achieve. What role will the commercial IT specialist perform and what requirements will be needed of them? Many businesses will go with the least expensive option a newly graduated student for example. However, while they have the essential knowledge they will lack the formal experience.

A Team Effort

While an individual may be a more cost-effective solution, it may be inefficient. Many times IT is simply not a one-person job, this is especially true for larger businesses.

In addition, there is not one person who is going to be capable to contain all the knowledge that is necessary to perform the job to their fullest ability.

The Difference Between Skill And Talent

A professional IT specialist does not have the luxury to be technical, they must be able to understand it all. Businesses are used to hiring individuals who are skilled in one particular area, however, they may not always understand the process or procedure. It is essential that the commercial IT specialists that you hire are skilled at understanding why security breaches happen as well as how they can be prevented in the future. It is not always necessary to hire someone who is skilled with your particular system. As long as they possess the knowledge of “why”, they will have the ability to adapt and learn your system.

Experience vs. Certifications

While a certification will clearly show a certain level of knowledge, it is not a replacement for daily experience. A job should be posted looking for individuals not only with certifications but a certain level of experience.

The Value Of A Background Check

The individual or company who fills this position is going to have access to some of your companies most sensitive data. It goes without saying that there must be a certain level of trust.

Asking The Right Questions

If you are not familiar with the technology sector it might be well worth it to have an outsider help conduct interviews. It is important to be able to understand the potential candidates ability for troubleshooting on the fly, gauging risks, and prioritizing daily tasks.

A Recap Of Simple Tips For Hiring The Right Commercial IT Specialists

  • Be sure you know what you need and what you are looking for.
  • Never assume that one person is going to be capable of performing the job.
  • Understand the difference between skill and talent.
  • Do not rely solely on certifications, experience can be much more important.
  • Ask the right questions of the candidate.
  • Always run a background check.

Regardless of where you stand with technology, these simple tips will allow your companies data to remain safe while streamlining daily IT activities.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

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The Wide Scope of Computer Consulting

Computer consulting is becoming an increasingly popular field because more businesses are relying on technology in order to function efficiently on a daily basis. If you need computer services for your company, you will need to find computer consulting companies that can help your business get the technology that you need in order to offer the best services possible to your customers. Every business should invest in a computer consulting firm for all of their needs.

So what does a computer consulting firm do for your business? They will come in and look at your business as well as your current setup for computers and technology. You will discuss with them what your goals are for the technology within your business, including any special needs that your business may have. The computer consultant will take a look at all of this information and formulate a plan for technology based on your needs and what they think would work best for your business. They will work very closely with you to ensure that you get exactly what you need, even if you did not think it was something that important before. They will also discuss with you any other suggestions that they may have that will optimize your business for efficiency. A computer consulting firm also offers other services, including emergency repair.

Now that you know just how important these types of services are for your business, you will need to know how to choose a computer consulting company that can help you meet your needs. You should take a very close look at their experience and see if any other local business owners work with this company. You will want someone who has a great deal of experience in the field, which can give you the peace of mind that you need to trust that everything will get done properly and within the discussed budget. You also want a company with a good reputation. Business owners love to recommend good IT services, so talk to people to see who they use for their computer needs and what they think of the services that they offer. You do want to be sure you are choosing a company that is within your budget but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. This is a field that can be particularly helpful in the growth of your business so it is wise to invest in the best company that you possibly can. Finally, you need to check out the services that they offer. For instance, not every firm offers 24/7 emergency services but this could be something that is essential for your business.

Every business needs a computer, which means that every business could benefit from hiring a computer consulting firm to help them optimize their infrastructure and keep their computers in working order. It is very important to meet with a few different companies so that you can make an informed decision about what they can offer you and for how much they can offer it for.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

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Everyday Computer Repair Services

Our lives revolve around computers, which have made many things about everyday life a lot easier and more entertaining. The problem is that when the computers go down, our personal lives and our businesses suffer from this. When that happens, you would greatly benefit from the services of a computer repair technician. They can help you with a variety of serious problems especially computer virus removal services. If you are wondering if a computer repair service is worth the money, here are some of the benefits of hiring one for your needs.

The biggest reason you need to hire a computer repair technician to help with your problems is because this will help you to save you a lot of time. In cases of a business this can also save you money because every second you cannot work because your computers are down, you are losing money. Since computer technicians are highly trained in their fields, they can more easily diagnose issues which means that they can quickly get your computer back up and running sooner than you may be able to.

A computer technician will also be able to help prevent any further damage from occurring with your computer, which can be more costly and time consuming to repair. At some point, you may have had a computer problem and a friend or family member who is not a technician offers to help you fix it. Sometimes this works out and they can fix the problems. Other times, they may not be as successful when it comes to fixing it and could even cause more problems for you.

Lastly, you need to think about your data. You, like most other people, may have a lot of precious data on your computers. You have pictures of your children at major events or a big project that you were working on when something happened to your computer. When your data is compromised and especially when you are in need of computer virus removal services, you need a computer technician that is an expert in recovery to get as much of this data back as possible. They will also help you save this data beforehand so that you do not have to worry about losing anything important should something happen to your computer.

Computer repair services are as essential for both personal and business computers. Things can go wrong at any time and viruses are especially easy to get on your computers these days. As these problems get more complicated, you will want to make sure that you have only the most qualified person working on your computer. Look for a certified technician because this can help to ensure that your warranty does not get voided. Otherwise, you will end up paying for a lot more your repairs and a replacement. A computer repair technician is more than worth the investment when you think about all of these benefits. Next time you are having a computer problem or if you want some preventative maintenance, find a computer technician to help you.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

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Professional Virus and Malware Removal

Nobody is safe from getting computer viruses. Malicious people are getting smarter every day and they always seem to find a new way to expose computers to computer viruses that can be potentially damaging to your computer. When this happens, you need to find the best computer virus and malware removal services to get your computer back to working condition. Sometimes viruses and malware can be easily removed from software that you can purchase, but there are some instances in which you would actually need to find a professional to do this for you.

A lot of people have the misconception that as long as they have virus and malware protection on their computers, they are 100% safe from these harmful programs. While these types of software offer a great deal of protection, nothing is 100%. Any malware or virus can get through as long as there is an exploit that allows it to happen. These things can hide within the code of your computer and slowly cause damage or collect information from you and you may not even know it is there even with regular computer scans. This is exactly why you need a professional technician.

You may think that you have gotten rid of your virus but you may find out that you did not get rid of the entire virus or that there are viruses you never knew you had. There may also be viruses that are so complex that you cannot handle the problem on your own. In each of these scenarios, a highly trained and experienced technician is going to be the best tool on your side. These technicians are generally up-to-date on all of the viruses that are circulating around at the time and where they can hide. Whether it is within simple files or deep in your registry, the technician can find it and isolate it before it causes any further problems for you. They can clean out all of the infected files and can sometimes even find ways to salvage data that may have been lost during the process. It is important to know that these technicians can not only help you when you a get a virus but they can also be a huge help in preventing them. Even though viruses are not 100% preventable, you can make sure that all of your data is backed up and that you have the best anti-virus and anti-malware software to keep as much of these malicious programs from infecting your computer.

Everyone, individuals and businesses alike, can benefit from computer virus and malware removal services. These are complex programs that really require a highly trained professional to take care of. Not removing the virus or malware in its entirety can cause performance issues on your computers as well as steal the valuable data on it including passwords, social security numbers, and your banking information. These are just a few of the pieces of data that viruses can steal from you. Be sure that you have professionals on your side in case of a virus or malware.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

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Repairing your computer vs. replacing

One glance around in today’s culture and you can tell computers are a major part of daily living and functioning. We use computers for everything and we even carry tiny computers in our pockets which we refer to as smart phones.  So, when your computer goes down and needs to be fixed it’s a major issue. Should we simply toss out the old computer and purchase a new one or should you have your current computer repaired? Today, we look at some reasons why it would be more beneficial to just repair your computer rather than replace it.

  • The first thing to consider when deciding to replace or repair your computer is price. It’s like a car if it would cost more to fix the car than the car is worth we tend to junk the car and get a new one, your computer is the same way. If it will cost you more to repair the computer compared to purchasing a new one then you would obviously want to replace it not repair it.
  • The second consideration is age, how old is that computer anyways? If your computer is older than 7 years it might be high time to replace it. The traditional lifespan of a computer is between 3 and 7 years and a good thing to keep in mind is the price of your computer originally. Traditionally the more expensive your computer was to purchase the longer you can expect it to last. Technology and especially computers are constantly being upgraded and updated so if the broken computer is older than 7 years it might be a better option to replace it rather than repair it.
  • Software is licensed not owned so if you have special software on your current computer that may not be able to be transferred to a new computer then repairing your current computer would make more sense.

The decision really boils down to personal preference as well as that you will be using your computer for, having a computer repaired does tend to be cheaper than replacing it completely. Just keep in mind when you have your computer repaired to have it done by a professional because if you take your computer to someone who doesn’t really know what they are doing you run the risk of seriously causing harm to the system rather than helping or bettering it.

Some things to keep in mind when trying to find a reliable and skilled computer repair technician:

  • How long has the company been in business?
  • Are the technicians certified in computer repair services?
  • Do they have references that you can talk with?

These are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for a professional to repair your computer. Hopefully this has helped you not only decide whether to repair or replace your broken computer but also has given a little insight into who to select should your computer need repaired.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

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Is It Time To Replace Your PC

We get asked all the time if clients should replace their personal computers or if it is worth repairing.  Many of us get used to the quirks of our own computers.  Over time we know what works and what doesn’t. We know when to wiggle the connections and when a simple reboot will reset the system.  This is one reason it is so difficult to diagnosis when it’s time for a person’s PC to be upgraded.  Below are some of the signs we look for to know it is time to transfer that data to a new computer.

One sign that it is time to upgrade your PC is when you can no longer install the latest upgrades to the computers operating system.  New versions in operating systems weren’t always a priority for users however with the latest update to Windows 10 everything has changed.  Most of us stick with operating system our computers come with when we purchase them.  We ignore upgrades and continue functioning under the status quo of the system that is familiar to us.  Computer users with Windows XP are finding that computers still using this operating system are now obsolete.

We also know it is time to upgrade when users can no longer use the computer to run the latest apps and games.  Gaming on personal computers is costly.  All PC users try to “future-proof” their computers but there will always be something to upgrade when you own a personal computer.

Another reason to replace your PC is because it has become slow.  A slow computer means something different to every user.  You will know when your PC becomes too slow for you.  Does the computer boot up only after you have brewed an entire pot of coffee?  Can you type an entire sentence before even one word appears on the computer screen?  Is the computer grinding to a complete halt when you open more than a single screen?  If things used to work faster than they do and they are no longer functioning as you know them to it is time to upgrade your PC.

If you find yourself spending more time repairing your computer than enjoying it that is a clear sign you need to upgrade.  When it becomes a nuisance to own your personal computer then it is time to buy a new one.   Your computer should not crash without an explanation, the wi-fi should stay connected, systems should not freeze these are all signs, as is the blue screen of death, that your computer should be replaced.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

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Debunking The Myths Surrounding Technology and Computer Networking

The myths surrounding technology and computer system repairs are plentiful.  In this article we will look to debunk common myths surrounding computer repair, networking and I.T. consultants.

The myth that only a true computer geek can eliminate issues with your computer or network is one that is completely false.  Computers and the systems that surround their effectiveness used to be considered unknown areas where only a technology geek could maneuver.  Now day’s desk top computers are set up so that most anyone can troubleshoot problems and most often fix them.  It is important to understand that to work within the I.T. industry you will need to obtain certain credentials and certifications to be of value to most employers.

The myth that one rate fixes all computers is a complete myth.  Different issues associated with your computer require different amounts of time to repair.  If you see a company offering a one size fits all approach to fixing your computer or charging you to repair your system run the other way.  A flat fee is commonly charged but the overall rate you will be assessed should be determined on a number of items such as techs needed to fix your particular problem, hardware and software needs and time spent to completely resolve your issues.  Many flat fee companies work to temporarily solve your problem without completely fixing all of the issues surrounding your network.

Unless you know what you are doing you should never attempt to defrag your computer at home.    Many people have been told that defrag can be done at home by anyone however this results in a myriad of issues from more sever computer problems, complete system failures and unnecessary hardware replacement.  Although a program to defrag your system may be pre-installed within your computers operating system it is indeed a service that should never be attempted without a good deal of knowledge into exactly what you are doing.

Just because you think your technician is the best does not mean they are equipped to handle every system that is in place.  If the technician that most often works on your computer considers the problem fixed yet you are still having issues with performance it is probable that the problem is something unique that they may have not seen before and therefore are unaware of how to fix.  Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion for another tech within the company.

Just because the company charges a nominal amount more than what others charge does not mean that the service or parts used are of higher quality or greater value.  In computer repair and networking value is seen in the work performed over not the fee paid.  This is one service industry that the old saying you get what you pay for is not always true.  Be prepared to pay a higher fee for companies with more techs that specialize in a variety of services.  Specializing in a number of different areas allows companies to charge more than those that only offer a few basic services.  This is the same concept as you find between an urgent care facility and a doctor that offers services in one unique field.

Myths are plentiful no matter what industry you are in charge of hiring services to be performed.  Be sure interview several different companies before determining which I.T. consultants best fit your technology needs and goals.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.