When Do You Know Your Computer Issue Needs A Computer Technician?

There are a number of ailments that can curse your PC. Most computer issues can be troubleshot at home however more complex computer problems may require professional computer repair by a trained technician. Do-It-Yourself repairs may seem like a solid idea, however, overtime it may make more sense to take it to a computer repair store.

Software and hardware issues can often complicate the process of computer repair. When Do-It-Yourselfers start digging into their computers they can often have a difficult time getting the pieces put back together. There are some issues that just need an expert’s touch including some of the issues below.

Blue Screen of Death

The most common ailment seen by the experts at CPS have to do with the blue screen of death, commonly referred to as BSOD. Not only is it the most common issue to see it is also difficult to fix. When your laptop or desktop computer screen turns blue it means that the PC’s system has experienced something traumatic in which it had to come to a forced, abrupt stop. More often than not the problem has to do with the computer’s hardware or driver. This causes a STOP code to appear (the blue screen of death) and the computer shuts down.

When this occurs the only way to cure this computer ailment is to take it in to a computer repair store for a technician to diagnosis and repair it. Through a series of computer diagnostic tests, the technician will be able to determine an official computer diagnosis. Many issues give the Blue Screen of Death Error Code. Depending on the error code your computer is displaying, the pc troubleshooting steps differ. This is one of the reasons it is so important to take it into a computer repair technician over fixing it on your own.

Graphical Errors

Another common issue that is known to occur when you turn on your computer is that the screen is a muddled mess. Graphical errors may be common, but the necessary fix isn’t always which is why you should take it into a computer repair store for repair and diagnosis. Graphic issues are most often associated with software. If your screen looks distorted and the images are not displaying correctly it is time to take your PC in for diagnosis.

The technician will run some tests to determine if it is a software issue as sometimes a graphic disruption can involve a video card driver. A computer repair technician will have the capabilities to troubleshoot graphical errors.

Other common computer issues that occur which require a pc technician include blank monitors, operating system errors, virus warnings, and such. Contact the technical professionals at Creative Programs and Systems for any and all of your computer repair issues.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

January 30, 2019April 3, 2019

Networking Services Create Continuity Between Household Technologies

Very few of us have ever experienced a time without computers, cell phones, Netflix, and the likes. No longer are we looking for homes with big backyards but instead homes that have access to high speed internet and cable. Our generation experiences things differently than past generations. We desire reliable home networking, we want to be connected at all times. In order to do this, we need methods to distribute audio, video, and data throughout our entire home, as we would the networks in our workplaces. We accomplish this through structured cabling, also known as low-voltage wiring, that is professionally installed to allow the technology within our homes to work together.

Home networking allows our private collection of devices (computers, phones, gaming consoles, printers, and more) to connect to one another through a router or switch thus creating a local network. A network within your home creates an environment where your devices are able to communicate with one another. This leads to endless opportunities such as media streaming, network backup, multi-player gaming, and more.

Without any knowledge on how to network your devices the process of connecting all the pieces together can seem daunting. There are many companies, like Creative Programs and Systems, that offer both residential and commercial networking services, including structured cable installation. There are a number of devices that are at the center of connecting devices within your home or business alike. Routers, switches, and modems are all equally important entities in creating an efficient network.

Modem: A modem is a device that can either be rented through your internet service provider or you can purchase your own. A modem turns their network signal, which runs through a phone line, copper coaxial, or glass fiber, into a normally accepted computer network signal. For some generations this connection came from the modem dialing into a telephone in order to establish a connection. You could hear the connection trying to be established back in the day, today’s connections are silent and operate over a different infrastructure then a landline telephone.
Router: The router is a central point of contact between the devices within your network and the internet connection that is provided by your modem. In some cases, the modem will be built directly into the router. If you have both a separate router and modem, the router will plug into the modem with an ethernet cable plugged into the Wide Area Network, WAN port on the router.
Switch: A switch is used to extend your network. It takes one port and turns it into many. Switches can be purchased in a number of sizes from 4 ports to 24. Most switches that are used in networking homes are unmanaged, which means you just plug them in, and they are already configured correctly. Managed switches are mainly installed in commercial settings where different priorities are assigned depending on their importance.

Not only are there a variety of devices used to centrally connect your home there are different types of network connections.

Ethernet/LAN: The physical cables that plug into your router or switch into a LAN port are known as providing a LAN or Ethernet network. LAN cables can be run up to 100 meters without any lag in performance. The only factor that really limits this connection is messy cabling between doorways and through walls.
Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN: This type of connections functions similar to Ethernet or LAN without the need for cables. Instead the connection occurs through radio waves and doesn’t require messy cables.

There are also several methods of connecting to the internet including: Dial-Up, DSL, Cable, satellite, and USB dongle. A lot of different pieces need to come together to create a flawless system when it comes to creating a home network. The professionals at CPS specialize in both commercial and residential networking including structured cabling installation.

November 16, 2018

Managed IT Services: Finding A Compatible IT Provider for Your Business

As you are interviewing providers to provide your business with managed IT services it is crucial that you know what you need and exactly what services you are looking for. Below we will provide you with some tips you should keep in mind while you are interviewing companies to become your new managed IT services.

In business, no matter if you are growing or happy where you are currently at, your IT infrastructure is crucial. Many small business owners try to manage their IT services without hiring an outside source. However, as they grow, they find that their IT service needs become more than they can manage on their own. This is where companies such as Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, can help. Managed IT services leverage the use of technology to increase efficiency throughout your organization.

Managed IT providers, MSP, is a company that is an outsourced provider of set IT tasks for your business. Many MSP providers are seen as your company’s “internal” IT team as most are available to provide services to you 24/7, after business hours may be considered emergency only. A major benefit of MSP providers is that they become part of your company without the overhead and extra staff.

Important Features of Your Managed Services Provider

IT Support When You Need It – 24/7/365

One detail that many IT service contracts include is availability. Although most MSP providers offer services round the clock it is common that services provided outside of what is agreed upon as normal business hours is done at an additional premium. The point being that they are available when you need them. Catastrophes don’t always occur during “regular” business hours. It is important that even though your IT company isn’t open 24/7/365, they are available when and if you need them.

Backups and Data Recovery

It is crucial that your service provider has in place specific procedures for backups and data recovery. Most companies don’t know the benefits of an IT provider until an actual catastrophe occurs. When a data failure occurs, and you are required to restore your company information based on the backups that are in place is probably not the time to learn the company you hired is subpar.

Maintenance and Preemptive Support

Not only is the purpose of hiring an MSP about having support when a problem occurs, it is about being proactive and preventing issues before they occur. IT support providers need to be able to not only monitor the existing IT infrastructure they should also derail potential problems before they occur.

Hire an MSP Provider That Understands Your Company

Every business is unique and therefore needs special attention paid to their unique needs. Find a provider that wants to learn about your company in detail. In order to provide your business with a successful IT solution and suggest strategies to grow your company they must understand your companies wants and needs.

November 8, 2018

Outsourcing IT Services Through a Managed IT Provider

There are a number of ways in which business of all sizes receive IT support. From in house IT techs, on call IT professionals, and managed IT providers, specialists exist in a number of capacities to ensure that the IT needs of your business, no matter how large or small your company is, are met. Many companies are switching to managed it services simply because it is one less thing on their plate to manage.

In order to choose an IT infrastructure for your business it is important to evaluate your current needs and future growth. Although the services of managed IT professionals allow you to take a hands-off approach it may include more services than you actually need. In this installment we will take a look into the general overview of managed IT plans. It is important to note that different companies offer different services, so it is crucial that you find an IT plan and company that would fit your needs without having to pay for services you do not require.

Vital Elements of Managed IT Contracts

Security

Security within your organization is important for a number of reasons and it truly the first area of concern for many business owners. It is crucial that company and client data is kept secure. A breach in data security not only costs companies millions of dollars to clean up from it puts critical data in jeopardy. Managed IT service providers must have a detailed outline on how they will secure your specific IT systems. Look for areas including intrusion detection and prevention, encryption, and firewalls to be addressed as well as how the services will be carried out.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of your organization must be well cared for in order for your company to thrive and grow. No matter what size your company is the basics still apply, to run efficiently everything you need must be able to be performed on your systems network. This means that your managed IT service contract must include server & storage maintenance, network administration, backups, and basic services to issues arising within the network. You must work with your IT provider to develop a list of current and future IT services that are required for you business to continue to thrive.

Service and Support

The service and support of IT technicians can occur in a number of manners include over the phone, remotely, and in person. Does your company require 24/7 support to operate? If this is the case and your business will be dead in the water without 24/7 support, you will want to find an IT company that offers a managed IT service contract that supports your company no matter the time a day or day of the week. This type of support will come at a premium. Many IT companies support normal business hours and make accommodations for emergency support when needed. Support outside of normal operation times may require an additional fee above and beyond your monthly managed IT support.

Monitoring your Network

Monitoring your network is critical to successfully managing your IT services. An interruption within the network will mean downtime for your company. Managed IT services monitor every aspect of the network from in house, remote users, mobile devices, and virtual machines. Monitoring services should also include intrusion prevention and detection, firewall configurations, and 24/7 monitoring.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Having a complete backup of your data is crucial. If disaster strikes it is important to know that the data that keeps your company up and running is accessible and up to date. Does the company provide on site backup, cloud backup, or is a private source used to backup crucial company data? Not only should you know where to look for important company backups it is important to have access to this information when you need it. Your managed IT support provider should also include a detailed disaster recovery plan when addressing backup needs. It is essential that this information is readily available to prevent any downtime if your company should encounter an unexpected issue.

There are many aspects to managed IT plans. This installment provides basics to expect when looking into providers of managed IT service plans. Further questions should be asked to help you determine if these services are right for your company. When interviewing IT specialists and different service plans available it is important to note exactly what is and isn’t covered in different managed IT plans. Communication is the key element when it comes to a successful IT solution for your company.