Tag: Structured Cabling

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An IT Network at Your Company Will Save You

As the owner of a company one of your main goals of improved customer relations, increased profitability and fewer expenses.  It is critical that you adjust where it makes sense, cut unnecessary expenses, and only make changes that are in line with the companies end goal.  One aspect where companies often loose site of the value is within IT.

It is rare that in today’s business world an office will consist of just one or two employees.  This makes networking so important to your companies IT services.  There are a number of benefits and savings that can be found when companies network their IT systems. From managing important company data to simply sharing interoffice communications securely computer system networking can benefit companies both large and small.

Importance of IT Networking

Manage Data Critical to the Organization

In an organization there are always key elements that need to be accessible to top personnel at all times.  A network server allows for an organization to safely store document on one central server instead of individual computers.  This help to keep the records organized and allows changes to me made in real time. This means that when the document is pulled up anywhere in the office the changes that were made will be up to date when they are viewed.

When networking is done correctly records on the server will be cataloged in a manner that only allows them to be accessed by those with permission. If one department does not have the same permissions the files they are not allowed to access will be password protected to avoid documentation ending up in the wrong hands.   Only information that is to be accessible to the company as a whole will be able to see what is not password protected.

It Simplifies Sharing Data

In order to share information to individual PC’s that are not networked files must be downloaded and uploaded to each individual system from the original source.  When an IT network is in place the process of sharing information becomes far less demanding.  Information is stored and accessed from one central server.  This sever communicates with each PC individually.  In order to share information all that has to be done is for access to be granted. There is no need to exchange files between devices using external storage devices.  This saves a lot of time and energy when working on projects as a team.

Flexibility in Accessing Information

Since the files are on a central server it doesn’t make a difference what PC you are doing your work on.  You can work on a project from your personal computer at home or a PC at work.  No matter where you are working from the information will be shared to the server in real time and updated to allow individuals to see the latest information.

Shared Office Equipment

When computers in an organization are networked it allows them all to share one printer, one fax machine, and other necessary resources.  This is a whole lot cheaper than supplying a separate piece of machinery for each individual PC; thus saving time and money.

There are a number of reasons to consider consulting with an IT professional today to get your systems networked.  The benefits of networking your office will help meet your end goals of providing amazing customer service while increasing profits and decreasing expenses.

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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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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Hiring An I.T. Company That Does It All

Small business, large businesses and all the ones in between rely on computer systems, the internet and a variety of other I.T. services. How do business owners come by professionals to provide these services? Is it possible that one team of I.T. specialist can supply all of the services that businesses need? The answer is simple, yes. It is possible to find an I.T. team that specializes in a variety of services to offer reliable affordable computer repair, computer consulting, networking, server builds and installations, data back-up systems, computer troubleshooting, wiring, website design, graphic design, web hosting, SEO, iPhone and Android programming as well as custom programming.

There is a lot to consider when looking into I.T. services. A lot of times the idea that a company would need all of these services is a lot to think about. This is especially true because half of them are services that you had never heard about. Let’s look a bit deeper into each area and how your business uses these services to run more efficiently.

Computer Repair, Computer Tune Ups and Computer Malware and Virus Removal: Computers are a main stay in running any sized business. When the computer fails it can take the entire business down and out of service. What you need is I.T. services that quickly repair your computer issues so that your business is not out of commission for too long. Computer viruses, hard drive repairs, new mother board installation and more are services that your I.T. company should be efficient at.

Computer Consulting: Part of servicing company’s I.T. services it devising a technology plan for the company. Considering their budget and time frame a company then can begin implementing the stated plan and put it into action. Many times an I.T. plan includes computer networking, building and installing a server; putting back-up systems in place and the ability to trouble shoot any current computer issues.

Website Design, Graphic Design, Web Hosting and Search Engine Optimization Services (SEO): Much of a company’s business comes from their internet presence. It is crucial that not only does your business run with up to date computer technology but web presence as well. Companies that already work with you and understand your I.T. needs have a better understanding of what represents your business. That information can be taken and turned into a graphic playground in the form of a website. The presence of your company online is also crucial which is why SEO services are performed. It is important that your clients can find you online and that they are drawn to use your business services from the online presence that is present.

iPhone and Android Programming and custom programming: Apps have taken on a life of their own in the world we live in. These app ideas don’t come to be magically. They require custom programming. Bringing your ideas to life, in order to grow your business you will need to develop a mobile presence with the use of a website that is mobile friendly and apps for both iPhones and Android phones.

All of these services tie into one another and to find an I.T. company that can provide all of them for you in a one stop shop is the best possible scenario for your company. An all inclusive I.T. service company knows your company inside and out. This means that they will provide better services based exactly on what they know you need to continue to grow your business.

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.