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Small-business IT hardware checklist

It’s frustrating to return to the office after a long holiday only to be greeted by a disorganized workstation. If having clean, hassle-free technology is one of your company’s New Year’s resolutions, this technology hardware checklist can help.

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04 Jan, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Tips category
Small-business IT hardware checklist

It’s frustrating to return to the office after a long holiday only to be greeted by a disorganized workstation. If having clean, hassle-free technology is one of your company’s New Year’s resolutions, this technology hardware checklist can help.

✓ Clean up your computer components
Wipe your monitor with a clean, static-free fabric; remove excess dirt from your mouse’s exterior; and tidy up your keyboard with compressed air. Don't forget your computer tower! Dust build-up can block your computer’s air vent and affect its performance. Ensure that your workstation is getting adequate ventilation and isn’t directly exposed to sunlight and other heat sources.

✓ Manage your cables
If you’re not giving your computers’ cables the attention they deserve, now’s a good time to do so. Other than wiping the thick coat of dust on computers’ cables, consider using cable management solutions that unclutter and untangle messy wires. These don’t just organize and secure your cables, they also help ensure your PCs run quieter and are less prone to overheating as a result of blocked air vents.

Planning to relocate or upgrade in the near future? Organizing your computers’ cables now makes future relocation and upgrading processes much easier.

✓ Review and update your inventory
Keeping an inventory of all your hardware helps you manage hardware lifecycles and purchases, identify items that are near their end of life, and ensure you avoid duplicate purchases of items already in-stock.

Your inventory list should include all owned and leased devices: PCs and laptops, printers and scanners, tablets and smartphones, and modems and other network hardware. Update all your assets’ serial numbers and keep track of their respective users and location.

✓ Printer maintenance
Clean the interiors and exteriors of your printers, including paper trays, which are sure to have accumulated dirt from years of use. You should also repair and/or replace parts and accessories such as printheads and cartridges that are no longer in good condition. Should you decide to do a complete printer maintenance, check for the latest software updates for your printers and install them immediately.

✓ Implement a hardware policy
This is also a good time to create a technology guideline that your employees can follow to ensure they work efficiently. These guidelines reduce the need to spend on unnecessary repairs, keeping the succeeding year’s checklist shorter. With clear instructions on the proper use, replacement, and storage of your hardware and devices, you’ll be better able to manage your hardware for years to come.

With a more organized IT hardware inventory, you have one less thing to worry about. Want to get more in-depth hardware management recommendations? Call our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Is your laptop spying on you?

Strict parents can monitor their kids’ online activities, law enforcement officers can see your outgoing messages, and some employers can (unethically) check whether employees are on Facebook during working time. All they need to do is install a keylogger on one’s computing device.

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20 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Security category
Is your laptop spying on you?

Strict parents can monitor their kids’ online activities, law enforcement officers can see your outgoing messages, and some employers can (unethically) check whether employees are on Facebook during working time. All they need to do is install a keylogger on one’s computing device. Let’s get to know more about keyloggers and how you can protect yourself from prying eyes.

What are keyloggers?

Keyloggers are hardware devices or software programs that record every key you press on your computer’s keyboard. Most keyloggers can also capture screenshots and send them to a remote computer where someone is waiting to see what you’re up to.

And why does this matter? Because hackers can steal your usernames and passwords, keep track of the messages you send via instant messaging apps or emails, and other personal information you disclose on online forms. Imagine what they can do with all that data.

A keylogger spotted on hundreds of HP laptops

In early December, a security researcher discovered a keylogger pre-installed on an HP laptop. This led to the revelation that more than 460 HP laptop models, including ProBook, Pavilion, EliteBook, and the Envy line include the Synaptics touchpad driver -- which can be used as a keylogger.

Even though the keylogger on those HP laptops isn’t activated by default, an attacker who gains access to your laptop can enable it without much difficulty. HP themselves said the keylogger code had been added to the software by mistake and they’ve since released patches to fix the issue.

What should HP laptop users do?

If you own an HP laptop, check whether you’re affected by referring to this full list of affected models. If your laptop model is on the list, click on the link provided on the right side of the model name and download the security patch immediately to remove the keylogger from your computer.

How to protect yourself from keyloggers

The standard security measures -- which you should be taking to heart and keeping up to date -- can help protect you from keyloggers. You should avoid suspicious websites and never download files from them, and take extra care when opening attachments, text messages, or social media links from unknown senders since they can be embedded with a keylogger.

You should also have antivirus software installed and keep it up to date. Most antivirus software nowadays has already added keyloggers to their databases. It’s also good to be aware of the latest security patches from your hardware manufacturers and software developers since they’re made to fix current vulnerabilities.

And to make things even more secure, consider using one-time passwords and two-step verifications when you need to log in to important online services, such as those related to personal finance or services that require sensitive personal data.

Need more tips and tricks on how to protect yourself and your business from cyber espionage? Talk to our security experts today. They will be more than happy to explain IT security issues to you in plain English!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Microsoft rolls out junkware-free PCs

Are you tired of buying a new PC and getting a load of pre-installed crapware you don’t need? This unnecessary software runs concurrently with the app you’re using, often prompting you to upgrade it ASAP. Signature Edition PCs let you do away with all of it.

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07 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware, Windows category
Microsoft rolls out junkware-free PCs

Are you tired of buying a new PC and getting a load of pre-installed crapware you don’t need? This unnecessary software runs concurrently with the app you’re using, often prompting you to upgrade it ASAP. Signature Edition PCs let you do away with all of it.

What are Windows 10 Signature Edition PCs?

Microsoft Windows 10 Signature Edition is a new generation of specially configured PCs that are clear of junkware, which is unnecessary software pre-installed by PC manufacturers on new PCs. Microsoft is aiming to provide users with cleaner, more optimized PCs.

What’s tempting about them?

They are cleaner. It’s undeniable that PCs devoid of aggressive attempts to lure you to pay for upgrades is a more pleasant user experience. No more annoyances, no more need to spend time manually uninstalling unnecessary programs yourself.

They are faster. Once PCs are clear of third-party junkware, they’ll load quicker, whether you need to boot, shutdown, sleep, or resume working.

They are more secure, according to Microsoft. The Signature Edition PCs boast a built-in firewall and anti-virus and anti-phishing tools that come with ongoing security support and updates throughout their useful lives. What’s more, ridding your PC of bloatware means reducing the chances of you clicking on suspicious ads that will make your PC prone to attack.

You can find Signature Edition PCs in Microsoft’s brick-and-mortar stores and online, manufactured by leading PC makers such as Dell, Acer, HP, and Lenovo.

Is there any downside?

Possibly, yes. Signature Edition PCs usually cost more than similar machines containing bloatware. This is because bloatware is a source of extra income, and many vendors end up increasing the PC price to make up for the loss.

Another thing to note is that even though the Signature Edition PCs have less third-party software, much of Microsoft’s own crapware remains. That includes Candy Crush Soda Saga, Bubble Witch 3 Saga, and Drawboard PDF. The good news is Microsoft bloatware generally doesn’t affect a PC's performance unless it is running.

Interested in switching to a cleaner version of Windows, but unsure whether it would be worth it? Before spending your hard-earned money on a piece of hardware, you need to make sure you understand the pros and cons, so why not consult our experts today? They know about computers and can advise you on how to make the right IT investments.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Tips and tricks to prolong laptop battery life

A laptop would just be a cold piece of aluminum with a flat battery if you don’t have a power socket at hand. It's hard to get any work done when you're peppered with pop-ups and warning messages when the battery power gets low. So here are some tips you can use to prolong the life of your precious laptop battery.

The post Tips and tricks to prolong laptop battery life appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

01 Dec, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware category
Tips and tricks to prolong laptop battery life

A laptop would just be a cold piece of aluminum with a flat battery if you don’t have a power socket at hand. It's hard to get any work done when you're peppered with pop-ups and warning messages when the battery power gets low. So here are some tips you can use to prolong the life of your precious laptop battery.

Some truths about your laptop battery

Batteries in many devices nowadays are lithium-based -- either lithium-ion or lithium-polymer -- so users must take note of the following guidelines for their proper maintenance:

  • They can’t be overcharged, even though you leave your battery plugged in for a long period of time. When the battery hits 100%, it’ll stop charging.
  • Leaving your battery completely drained will damage it.
  • Batteries have limited lifespans. So no matter what you do, yours will age from the very first time you charge it. This is because as time passes, the ions will no longer be able to flow efficiently from the anode to the cathode, thereby reducing its capacity.

What else can degrade your battery

Besides its being naturally prone to deterioration, your battery can degrade due to higher-than-normal voltages, which happens when you keep your battery fully charged at all times. Even though a modern laptop battery cannot be overcharged, doing so will add a stress factor that’ll harm your battery.

Both extremely high temperatures (above 70°F) and low temperatures (between 32-41°F) can also reduce battery capacity and damage its components. The same goes for storing a battery for long periods of time, which can lead to the state of extreme discharge. Another factor is physical damage. Remember that batteries are made up of sensitive materials, and physical collision can damage them.

How to prolong your battery life

Now that you know some facts about your laptop battery, it's time to learn how to delay its demise:

  • Never leave your battery completely drained.
  • Don’t expose your battery to extremely high or low temperatures.
  • If possible, charge your battery at a lower voltage.
  • If you need to use your laptop for a long period of time while plugged into a power source, it’s better to remove the battery. This is because a plugged-in laptop generates more heat which will damage your battery.
  • When you need to store your battery for a few weeks, you should recharge your battery to 40% and remove it from your laptop for storage.

These are just a few tips on extending the life of your hardware. There are many more ways you can maximize your hardware efficiency and extend its longevity. Call our experts today to find out more!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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