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5 tips to lower your printing costsYour growing printing expenditures may be the result of over-dependence on hard copies, the lack of an effective printing workflow, and obsolete printers. With some fresh ideas, clever problem-solving, and the following tips, you could significantly cut down your printing budget. Replace outdated printers Outdated and cheap printers may be functional, but they are putting […]

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5 tips to lower your printing costs

Your growing printing expenditures may be the result of over-dependence on hard copies, the lack of an effective printing workflow, and obsolete printers. With some fresh ideas, clever problem-solving, and the following tips, you could significantly cut down your printing budget.

Replace outdated printers

Outdated and cheap printers may be functional, but they are putting a huge dent in your IT budget.

Any piece of equipment that is seven years old (or older) requires frequent repairs and causes more trouble than it’s worth. Because old printers are no longer under warranty, fixing them is more costly and challenging. It’s also difficult to replace parts for old printers because manufacturers have stopped carrying them for models that have been phased out.

When you replace outdated equipment with newer, multi-functional printers, you’re investing in hardware that will pay for itself with increases in productivity and efficiency.

Avoid purchasing unnecessary supplies

A poorly managed printer environment could result in a stockpile of cartridges, toners, and reams of paper. This happens when, for example, an employee uses a printer that’s about to run out of ink and makes an unnecessary request for new ink or toner. This is more common than you may think, and definitely more expensive.

In the absence of a dedicated printer manager, you can avoid this situation by automating supply replacement. Assign a point person to proactively place orders when supplies are about to run out, so your company can avoid needless purchases.

Impose strict process workflows

Submitting expense reports, filing reimbursements, and other administrative tasks require a proper document workflow. Without a guideline, employees and administrative staff tend to print an unnecessary amount of documents.

Automate your company’s document-driven processes to reduce or prevent redundant print jobs that result in stacks of abandoned documents. Not only are these printouts wasteful, they're also a security and privacy concern.

Go paperless

Designing a document management solution that reduces paper consumption is the best way to save money. It may not be possible in every department, but those who can do their jobs without printing should be encouraged to do so by management. Printing lengthy email chains that can be discussed in a meeting is just one example of a wasteful practice that should be avoided.

Reduce IT support calls for printing issues

Calling your company’s IT guys to assist with problems like paper jams, printer Wi-Fi issues, and other concerns reduces employee frustration. You and your IT personnel could avoid dealing with these productivity killers by identifying the problem areas of your print environment. Then, you can work on solutions specific to your office, such as drafting a printing workflow, or getting help from document management experts who can recommend time- and budget-saving solutions.

Having a group of experts manage your IT workflow can make your day-to-day operations more efficient and help you save on printing costs. Our experts will gladly recommend best practices and tips on document management. Call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Breathe new life into your old PCDon’t be so quick to dump that old computer! Despite being slow, clunky, and prone to crashes, your old desktop or laptop might just be perfectly usable — after a few light upgrades that will breathe new life into it and enable you to use it for other computing needs. As mentioned, you have to […]

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Breathe new life into your old PC

Don’t be so quick to dump that old computer! Despite being slow, clunky, and prone to crashes, your old desktop or laptop might just be perfectly usable — after a few light upgrades that will breathe new life into it and enable you to use it for other computing needs.

As mentioned, you have to make a few upgrades on your old PC. You may want to try a lighter OS, for example. Keep in mind that the latest version of Windows or MacOS won’t work optimally without a fast processor, so a Linux-based OS, which comes in a variety of options called “distros,” would be a better option. It will make your computer feel brand new without exhausting its hardware.

Popular distros options such as Ubuntu, elementary OS, and PinguyOS can be easily installed. Plus, they have similar interfaces to Windows and come with a boatload of software packages. The best part is they require a minimum of 4GB of RAM, so you won’t have to invest much at all.

Once you’ve upgraded your old PC, you can start using it as a NAS server, a dedicated privacy computer, or a digital media hosting platform.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your home or small business network that lets you store files that need to be shared with all the computers on the network. If your old PC has at least 8GB of RAM, you can use it as your own NAS.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, that enables you to create a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS has access permissions and allows you to stream media to a mobile OS, like iOS and Android.

But if you’d rather convert your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, this free private cloud server turns your computer into a storage website, letting you access files from anywhere on any device.

Tonido offers up to 2GB of file syncing across computers, and there are even Tonido apps for iOS and Android.

Secure your online privacy

Install The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) on your old computer and enjoy your very own dedicated privacy PC.

TAILS routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it difficult for anyone to track you online. All of this Linux-based software’s integrated applications like web browser, Office suite, and email software are pre-configured for robust security and privacy protection.

Kick your media up a notch

Looking for a way to listen to music and podcasts or watch videos on other PCs or mobile devices? Server software like Kodi can help.

Kodi brings all your digital media together into one user-friendly package so you can use your old PC as an audio and video hosting platform. From there, you can play files on other devices via the internet. There are remote control apps for both iOS and Android, and even an app for Kodi playback on Amazon Fire TV.

Kodi works on any Windows, MacOS, and Linux computer, and even on even rooted Android and jailbroken iOS devices.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. Want to know more about how to utilize hardware to your business’s advantage? Give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Keep your mobile devices safe with these tipsMore businesses are now allowing their employees to use mobile devices to increase productivity and profitability. But smartphones and tablets are just as vulnerable to hacking as desktops and laptops. Worse, employees may be exposing their mobile devices unwittingly to cybercriminals. Here are some helpful tips to keep your devices safe. Ensure mobile OS is […]

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Keep your mobile devices safe with these tips

More businesses are now allowing their employees to use mobile devices to increase productivity and profitability. But smartphones and tablets are just as vulnerable to hacking as desktops and laptops. Worse, employees may be exposing their mobile devices unwittingly to cybercriminals. Here are some helpful tips to keep your devices safe.

Ensure mobile OS is up-to-date

The updates on Apple and Android operating systems (OSs) improve overall user experience, but their most important function is to fix security vulnerabilities. Reduce your business’s exposure to threats by installing updates for all devices as soon as they become available. Don't wait for a few weeks or months to update, as this give hackers ample time to exploit vulnerabilities on devices that run on an outdated OS.

Install business applications only

Downloading apps seems harmless. But lenient policies on what should and shouldn’t be downloaded on company mobile devices could lead to staff downloading and installing non-business-related apps from third-party stores, most of which are notorious for malicious advertising codes and other threats.

Be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks

Emergency situations may compel you to use password-free Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, cafes, and other public places. Connecting to an open network can expose your confidential information and sensitive company data to hackers connected to the same network.

You can avoid this by providing a practical internet data plan, preferably one that includes roaming services, for remote workers. And if you really have to connect to an open Wi-Fi, don’t use the connection for transferring sensitive data.

Enable phone tracking tools

It’s sad but inevitable — losing a company-issued mobile device happens. Devices can be misplaced or stolen, and enabling Find My iPhone for iOS devices, GPS Phone Tracker for Android, or any device-tracking app helps users locate lost phones. Some also have the option to delete data in stolen devices. Downloading and setting up such an app only takes a few minutes, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if your phone is lost or stolen, its contents will not be compromised.

Screen SMS carefully

SMS phishing can be used to trick you into clicking malicious links. Hackers send messages purporting to be from someone you know, asking you to urgently send confidential data. Should you encounter such an SMS, you can either delete it or alert your IT department. You can also block unknown senders without even opening their message.

Mobile devices are becoming more critical to operations. And with more devices open to attack, businesses must bolster their cybersecurity efforts. Hackers will exploit every possible vulnerability, and that includes those in unsecured smartphones and tablets. Get in touch with us if you need comprehensive security solutions for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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