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4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believeExplaining the concept of virtualization is no easy task and failed attempts to do so have left it with a less-than-ideal reputation. We want to set the record straight about virtualization's many benefits by dispelling four of the most common misconceptions about it. Myth #1 – Virtualization is too expensive for SMBs Many people assume […]

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4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believe

Explaining the concept of virtualization is no easy task and failed attempts to do so have left it with a less-than-ideal reputation. We want to set the record straight about virtualization's many benefits by dispelling four of the most common misconceptions about it.

Myth #1 – Virtualization is too expensive for SMBs

Many people assume that the more advanced an IT solution is, the more expensive it is to install and maintain. That’s not the case at all for virtualization, which is a strategy to boost hardware efficiency and cut costs.

Sure, a virtual server requires more support than a traditional one, but the capacity boost means you won’t need to purchase a second server for a long time, resulting in a net reduction of hardware and IT support expenses. Furthermore, managed virtualization services usually follow a pay-as-you-go model that costs just a few bucks per hour.

Myth #2 – Virtualization adds workplace complexity

Most people feel comfortable with the traditional computing model, wherein one set of hardware equals one computer. Contrary to what many may think, adding a new model isn't necessarily more complicated than a traditional setup. With virtualization, one “traditional” computer can run as two or more virtual computers.

The technical aspects of how that’s accomplished may be confusing, but virtualization actually reduces complexity because it allows business owners to expand their IT systems whenever necessary without having to worry about hardware limitations.

Myth #3 – Support is hard to come by or inconvenient

You may be more familiar with the cloud than with virtualization, but that doesn’t mean the latter is a niche technology. In fact, it was one of the most in-demand technologies in 2016. Virtualization also works well with remote support, which means technicians can install upgrades or resolve issues without having to travel to your office.

Myth #4 – Software licensing is more difficult

There’s a misconception that if your server is running three virtual Windows 10 computers, you’ll have to jump through extra licensing hoops. In reality, virtualization follows the same licensing rules as traditional computing: one desktop, one license. This means you won’t need to rethink your software budget.

It’s natural for new technologies to cause confusion, and virtualization does require a new way of thinking about IT hardware. But as long as you have certified technicians like ours on hand, everything will run smoothly.

Give us a call today to find out how we can lower your hardware costs and simplify your IT support.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post 4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believe appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believeExplaining the concept of virtualization is no easy task and failed attempts to do so have left it with a less-than-ideal reputation. We want to set the record straight about virtualization's many benefits by dispelling four of the most common misconceptions about it. Myth #1 – Virtualization is too expensive for SMBs Many people assume […]

The post 4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believe appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believe

Explaining the concept of virtualization is no easy task and failed attempts to do so have left it with a less-than-ideal reputation. We want to set the record straight about virtualization's many benefits by dispelling four of the most common misconceptions about it.

Myth #1 – Virtualization is too expensive for SMBs

Many people assume that the more advanced an IT solution is, the more expensive it is to install and maintain. That’s not the case at all for virtualization, which is a strategy to boost hardware efficiency and cut costs.

Sure, a virtual server requires more support than a traditional one, but the capacity boost means you won’t need to purchase a second server for a long time, resulting in a net reduction of hardware and IT support expenses. Furthermore, managed virtualization services usually follow a pay-as-you-go model that costs just a few bucks per hour.

Myth #2 – Virtualization adds workplace complexity

Most people feel comfortable with the traditional computing model, wherein one set of hardware equals one computer. Contrary to what many may think, adding a new model isn't necessarily more complicated than a traditional setup. With virtualization, one “traditional” computer can run as two or more virtual computers.

The technical aspects of how that’s accomplished may be confusing, but virtualization actually reduces complexity because it allows business owners to expand their IT systems whenever necessary without having to worry about hardware limitations.

Myth #3 – Support is hard to come by or inconvenient

You may be more familiar with the cloud than with virtualization, but that doesn’t mean the latter is a niche technology. In fact, it was one of the most in-demand technologies in 2016. Virtualization also works well with remote support, which means technicians can install upgrades or resolve issues without having to travel to your office.

Myth #4 – Software licensing is more difficult

There’s a misconception that if your server is running three virtual Windows 10 computers, you’ll have to jump through extra licensing hoops. In reality, virtualization follows the same licensing rules as traditional computing: one desktop, one license. This means you won’t need to rethink your software budget.

It’s natural for new technologies to cause confusion, and virtualization does require a new way of thinking about IT hardware. But as long as you have certified technicians like ours on hand, everything will run smoothly.

Give us a call today to find out how we can lower your hardware costs and simplify your IT support.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post 4 Virtualization myths you shouldn’t believe appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Mobile search is now Google’s priorityOver 92% of internet users turn to Google when they need to search something online. The high demand drives Google to constantly strive to improve functionality and its users’ search experience. To that end, Google decided to make mobile search its top priority. Find out why and what that means for your business.' Google search […]

The post Mobile search is now Google’s priority appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Mobile search is now Google’s priority

Over 92% of internet users turn to Google when they need to search something online. The high demand drives Google to constantly strive to improve functionality and its users’ search experience. To that end, Google decided to make mobile search its top priority. Find out why and what that means for your business.'

Google search works by using ‘bots.’ These bots are responsible for trawling through the web and sorting and categorizing websites based on the content, location, and other factors associated with the site to give users the most relevant search results. Google has long used the same algorithms and search tools for all search platforms.

However, the newest Google search updates will move in a new direction. A mobile-only search index — available only to users accessing Google search from mobile devices — will be the primary search index. Essentially, this means that mobile users and web users will get different search results even if they input the same search terms. Mobile users will have better filtered, more updated, and more relevant search results than desktop users.

The primary reason for this change is simple. Google has found that the majority of searches are now performed on mobile devices. The company is merely catering to the bigger user base by making their user experience on smartphones and tablets as responsive as possible.

Another thing that led to the mobile-first priority is the context of people’s searches. People on mobile devices often look for quick information about business hours, addresses, or the weather, or for immediate answers to whatever questions they might have. Google wants to ensure that these users get what they need when they need it.

What does this mobile-first search tool mean for your business? A lot. With this new algorithm, Google will prioritize websites that have responsive designs, and will put those sites on top of the search results page. If your business’s website isn’t responsive — if it doesn’t change depending on the size of the screen — Google will assume that it has low relevance to mobile users. Your site might land on page 82 of search results, leaving you with no clicks and no potential customers.

But it’s not enough that your business’s site is responsive. Google also takes into consideration a website’s ease of use when users interact with it. As such, you must make certain processes like user login verification and online payment easier and more efficient via mobile devices.

Site speed is another consideration in mobile-first index searches. Your website must load quickly or it will turn away users. And as more users click away from your site, your rank in the search results also goes down.

Google has made changes to its search index algorithm — but can your business keep up? To make sure your enterprise is ready for this transition, contact us. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to help with your Google-related needs.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Back up your files with Apple Time MachineThere’s a common notion that Macs are the most reliable computer brand because they are less likely to get viruses or crash often — but they do. Like any other computer, Macs aren’t immune to coffee spills, theft, and cybercrime. And when these things happen, we often panic. Here’s why the Time Machine is your […]

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Back up your files with Apple Time Machine

There’s a common notion that Macs are the most reliable computer brand because they are less likely to get viruses or crash often — but they do. Like any other computer, Macs aren’t immune to coffee spills, theft, and cybercrime. And when these things happen, we often panic. Here’s why the Time Machine is your friend when it comes to restoring your data.

What is Time Machine and why should you use it?
Time Machine is a backup system software for Macs that run on Mac OS X Leopard or later. It makes regular periodic backups in the following intervals:

  • Hourly backups for the past 24 hours
  • Daily backups for the past month
  • Weekly backups for previous months

Since the scheduled backups don’t replace previously saved files and only save the changes you’ve made to a file, you don’t have to worry about storage space running out fast.

Let’s say you’ve been working on a file for five days. Time Machine has periodically created backups of the changes you’ve made every day. So if you need to retrieve a version of a file with changes made on day 2, you can do so even after you’ve made several changes on the file from days 3 to 5. This is because Time Machine stores multiple copies of the file from days 1 to 5.

In case you’re getting a new Mac, you can easily copy all your files from your old computer to the new one, with your settings, files, and folders intact. And if you’re backing up data from several Mac computers, there’s no need to use a separate device for each Mac, provided it has enough space for all files.

How to use Time Machine
To use Time Machine, you only need an external storage drive such as a USB, an SSD card, or any storage device that can be plugged into your Mac. Then follow these steps:

Connect an external storage device (or macOS server) to your Mac.
Go to System Preferences > Time Machine.
Click Use as Backup Disk. (It’s recommended that you click Encrypt Backup Disk before you do so, in order to set up a password for accessing your backup.)
If Time Machine doesn’t automatically pop up when you connect an external storage disk, go to System Preferences > Time Machine.
Select the storage disk you’ve just connected, then click Use Disk.

Other backup options
Although there are various other backup systems for Mac, Time Machine is one of the more practical options for users who value simplicity, convenience, and reliability. What’s more, it’s free.

That said, third-party backup systems may offer more comprehensive features. And since Time Machine only backs up data instead of the entire hard drive, restoring an entire system is relatively slower.

Despite this minor setback, Time Machine is a reliable, user-friendly, and economical way to back up your files. Whether you’re backing up a device for personal or business use, using Time Machine ensures all your files are safe and can be recovered. If you need more comprehensive backup solutions, our experts are ready to help — call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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