Tag Archive for: Hardware

Proven tips for caring for your computer and other hardware

With time, pesky dust and dirt build up sneakily within your device and can lead to overheating or failure. Heed our expert advice and make your computer’s care a breeze.

Regularly clean computer components

Make it a habit to keep your monitors and peripherals clean by gently wiping them with a microfiber cloth specifically designed for computer components. This ensures a static-free and scratchless cleaning experience. And when it comes to cleaning hard-to-reach areas like keyboard surfaces, a quick blast from a can of compressed air works wonders.

Don’t underestimate the power of frequent cleanings. Excessive dust accumulation can hinder a computer’s airflow, impacting its performance. Moreover, make sure to keep your workstation out of direct sunlight or heat exposure and ensure proper ventilation for optimal performance.

Properly organize your cables

It’s time to bring order to the chaos of tangled wires in your office by using cable organizers. Not only does organizing your cables keep your workspace tidy and uncluttered, but it also boosts your computer’s performance by preventing overheating and improving airflow.

And if you’re planning to move your workstation sometime in the future, streamlining your computer setup now can minimize the hassle of relocating later. Keeping those wires in order can save time, energy, and plenty of headaches down the road!

Don’t forget your printers

Printer maintenance is an important part of keeping your device in top condition. Take the time to deep-clean the outside and inside of your printers, paying special attention to paper trays, which tend to accumulate dirt. You should also clean and inspect parts and accessories such as printheads and cartridges, and make necessary repairs or replacements if needed. Lastly, to ensure the best performance from your printing devices, remember to download any available software updates immediately before putting them back into action.

Evaluate your inventory

An accurate record of all your hardware can help you optimize their life cycles and can inform purchasing practices. Maintain an accurate inventory list of all of your business’s devices, including details such as device type, serial numbers, owners, and locations.

Keeping track of your hardware will help prevent buying items already on hand while also allowing you to identify those that are nearing the end of their life span.

Establish and implement a robust hardware policy

Implementing a solid hardware policy and technology guidelines can help your organization reduce the need for costly repairs in the future. By providing clear instructions on how to use, store, and replace equipment properly, you can ensure that all of your business-critical resources are well maintained. It’s ideal to establish these protocols now to efficiently manage both current and upcoming maintenance needs.

If you’re having trouble maintaining or updating your computer and other business hardware, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to find out what solutions we can offer you.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by

Keep your work devices clean and running smoothly with these tips

It’s no secret that a clean work environment is more productive than a cluttered one. The same principle applies to your computer and mobile devices. If you allow them to accumulate dirt and dust, you’re going to start seeing glitches and hardware failures — both of which will affect your productivity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for cleaning your computer and mobile devices to maximize your productivity.

Desktop monitors

You spend several hours looking at your computer monitor, but have you ever thought about how much dust and dirt may be collecting on the screen? To keep your monitor looking bright and clear, gently wipe your monitor down with a soft and lint-free cloth, like a microfiber cloth. Don’t press too hard on the display, as this could damage the pixels on the monitor.

You can also use a mild cleaner specifically made for monitors if you have stubborn dirt or smudges that won’t come off. Don’t spray the cleaner directly on the monitor, instead spray a small amount of cleaner onto the cloth. Avoid using paper towels or harsh cleaning materials, as these can damage the screen.

Laptop and mobile screens

Like desktop monitors, laptop and mobile device screens need to be cleaned. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe the display. For tougher dirt or smudges, you can dip the cloth in a small amount of water or a mild cleaner, then squeeze the cloth to remove any excess liquid before using it to clean the device.

Some people suggest rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and disinfect screens. While this will work for some devices, many manufacturers advise against this because the alcohol can wear down the protective film on some screens.

Be sure to avoid using too much liquid or scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the display or cause malfunctions, which can be costly to repair. Also, don’t splash water directly onto the device, as this could damage electrical components, which can void your device warranty.

If you find dust or gunk in the edges or cracks of your screen, take the device to a mobile shop for a more thorough cleaning. Do not open the laptop or smartphone yourself, as this could also void the warranty.

Keyboards

Before you start cleaning your keyboard, be sure to unplug it. Then gently run cotton swabs dipped in water or rubbing alcohol over the surface of the keys to get rid of accumulated dirt and debris.

To remove dirt between keys, you can use a keyboard brush or compressed air, which you can buy at most office supply and computer stores. Use caution when using compressed air, as excessive force can damage the keys and circuitry.

To keep your keyboard clean, you can purchase a silicone cover that fits snugly over your keyboard. This will not only reduce dirt and dust, but it can also protect against spills or wear and tear on the keys.

Computer mice

Mice, like keyboards, can harbor a lot of dirt and grime from dust and your fingers. To clean it, unplug the mouse then use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface. To clean the underside of the mouse, you can use a cotton swab to dislodge dust and dirt from the sensor.

Computer towers

Before you start cleaning your computer tower, unplug it from the wall and any other connected devices. To clean dust and dirt off the exterior of the case, use a soft cloth or non-static duster. Be careful when cleaning around ports and other components, as you don’t want to damage them.

Dust can also clog up cooling fans, which can cause your computer to overheat. If you want to clean the fans, you can use compressed air or a dry cloth. Try not to use too much force, as this could cause the fan to break.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your work devices, you can extend their life and keep them running smoothly. If you want more advice on how to optimize your IT, our technicians are here to help. Call us today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by

What is firmware and why is it important?

Securing your small business is a never-ending battle, but there are some steps you can take to make it a little bit easier. One of those steps is making sure your firmware is up to date. But what is firmware and why is it crucial to update it regularly? Read on to learn more.

What does firmware do?

Firmware is a type of software that is stored on read-only memory (ROM) chips. It is used to control the hardware of a device, such as a computer, and is typically permanently programmed into the ROM. Firmware is different from other types of software, such as application software and operating system software, as it is designed to work with specific hardware components and cannot be easily transferred to another device.

Firmware typically contains instructions for how the hardware should interact with the rest of the system, as well as low-level routines for tasks such as booting up the device or managing memory. While firmware can be updated, it is usually more difficult than updating other types of software, and in some cases may require special equipment or knowledge. As a result, firmware updates are often reserved for fixing critical bugs or adding new features to the hardware.

Why is it crucial to upgrade firmware?

Microsoft’s 2021 Security Signals report warns that firmware attacks are increasing. These types of attacks force malware onto computer systems in order to disrupt the firmware on motherboards or hardware drivers. They can use such malware to remotely control the infected devices, extract data, and even block users from their devices and systems.

Updating your business devices’ firmware ensures that everyone is using the most recent version of the firmware. This can help prevent data breaches, as well as keep your devices running smoothly. In addition, updating firmware can help improve compatibility with other devices and software, as well as provide new features and bug fixes. In this way, updated firmware protects your business and maintains peak device performance.

What is the best way to install firmware updates?

The procedure for upgrading firmware varies from device to device. On iOS and Android devices, you may simply download and install firmware upgrades. However, devices such as routers will require firmware updates that can only be accessed from the manufacturer’s website or administrative console.

Updating the firmware may be time-consuming and laborious. Firmware updates might cause your devices to be reset, resulting in lost customizations on your computers, routers, and other devices. Additionally, you could also risk damaging your equipment if you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

Firmware updates are an important part of keeping your business secure, and it’s something that you should be doing on a regular basis. This task can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step that should not be ignored. If you need help getting started, contact us today. Our IT experts are here to guide you.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by
,

Cleaning tips for your work computers and mobile devices

Allowing work PCs and mobile devices to accumulate dirt can lead to glitches and hardware failures, both of which can affect productivity. To avoid these issues, you must properly maintain your work devices. Here are a few tips to keep them clean.

Desktop monitors

You spend several hours looking at your computer monitor, so it’s important to make sure it doesn’t have any dust or smudges. To clean your monitor, turn it off first and gently wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth.

If there are still spots, try dampening the cloth before wiping but make sure you don’t spray water onto the screen. Don’t press too hard on the display, as this could damage the pixels on the monitor. Also, don’t use paper products like napkins or tissues, as they can leave a residue and scratch the monitor.

Mobile screens

Mobile devices will usually accumulate fingerprints. The best way to clean your mobile device’s screen is to wipe it down a microfiber cloth. For tougher spots, dip the cloth in a small amount of water and then gently wipe the screen. Don’t splash water onto the device itself, as the liquid could get inside and damage internal components, which can void your warranty.

Some people suggest rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints and disinfect the device. While this will work for some screens, many manufacturers advise against this because the alcohol can wear down the protective film on some devices.

If you find dust or gunk in the edges or cracks of your screen, take the device to a mobile shop for more thorough cleaning. Do not open the device yourself, as this could also void the warranty.

Keyboards

Debris and dirt can accumulate between the keys of your keyboard. Before you start cleaning your keyboard, be sure to unplug it. Then gently run cotton swabs dipped in water or rubbing alcohol over the keys.

To remove dirt between keys, you can use a keyboard brush or compressed air, which can be purchased at most office supply and computer stores. Spraying compressed air in between keys should be enough to get rid of most of the dust and grit.

Computer mice

Similar to the keyboard, mice can get quite dirty with grime from dust and your fingers. To clean a mouse, unplug it then use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Computer towers

Before you start cleaning your computer towers, disconnect the power source and all wires to avoid short-circuiting.

Next, take a slightly damp microfiber cloth and wipe down all sides. Be careful when cleaning the front and back, as these parts house sensitive ports and components.

Dust can also clog up cooling fans, causing them to stop working properly. This can potentially lead to other components overheating. To clean the insides of your computer tower, remove the casing with a screwdriver. Then, use a brush or short bursts of compressed air to remove accumulated dust.

Making sure your computer is clean and running optimally is important to staying productive at work. If you want more advice on how to optimize your IT, our technicians are here to help. Call us today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by
,

The importance of updating firmware

Businesses today are aware of the importance of regularly updating the different software they use to keep these running optimally and protected against cyberthreats. However, they often overlook the firmware of their computers and other devices. At best, firmware is only updated if there’s an issue with the hardware. But it’s actually a good idea to always keep firmware updated, and here’s why.

What is firmware?

Firmware is a basic type of software that is embedded into every hardware component in computers, computer peripherals (e.g., keyboards, mice), printers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things devices. It’s also found in some household appliances and gadgets such as TV remote controls, as well as everyday objects like traffic lights.

Essentially, firmware controls the device it’s installed on, sending instructions for how the device communicates with its different hardware components. It is only compatible with the make and model of the particular hardware it is installed on, and it cannot be uninstalled or deleted.

Why is updating firmware important?

According to Microsoft’s 2021 Security Signals report, firmware attacks are on the rise. These attacks involve injecting malware into computer systems to tamper with the firmware on motherboards or hardware drivers. From there, cybercriminals can do any number of things to the infected computers, including remotely controlling the devices, disabling the antivirus software, exfiltrating data, and blocking access to the devices and the data they contain.

Experts recommend installing firmware updates as soon as these become available to effectively protect against firmware attacks and other threats to your business’s cybersecurity. Users will also enjoy increased speed and enhanced performance with a firmware update.

How to install firmware updates

The method for updating firmware differs from device to device. For instance, you can simply download and install firmware updates on both iOS and Android devices. However, for devices such as routers, you will have to apply firmware updates from the manufacturer’s website or administrative console.

Keep in mind, however, that updating firmware can be tedious and time-consuming. In some cases, a firmware update can reset your devices and restore factory settings, causing you to lose custom configurations on your computers, routers, and the like. And if you fail to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, you risk damaging your systems.

It’s therefore best to leave the installation of firmware updates to the experts. For more information about firmware security and how to safely install firmware updates, or for any questions related to business IT, give our specialists a call today.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by
,

When should you purchase a new Mac?

Like it or not, there will come a time when your once lightning-fast Mac computer can no longer meet modern computing demands. When this happens, you’ll face the following dilemma: should you stick to your current Mac computer or purchase a new one? To help you make this decision, we’ve listed several signs you need to watch out for.

Your device can’t support the latest macOS version

Apple releases a new version of macOS every September or October. Typically, Mac models from the past several years are supported. So if your device can’t update to the latest version, it’s a sign that you need to have your Mac replaced.

The latest macOS version that’s currently in public beta is 12 Monterey. Here are the following Mac models that support the update:

  • MacBook (early 2016 and later)
  • MacBook Air (early 2015 and later)
  • MacBook Pro (early 2015 and later)
  • iMac (late 2015 and later)
  • iMac Pro (2017 and later)
  • Mac Pro (late 2013 and later)
  • Mac mini (late 2014 and later)

This means that devices made earlier than those in the list cannot install macOS Monterey. For instance, a 2010 Macbook Pro running Mac OS X Lion cannot support the upcoming version of macOS. Your device is likely obsolete, and while you can keep on using it as usual, you won’t get any new features and its slow performance may cause productivity issues.

You’ve run out of free space

File sizes are constantly growing, which means that they are bound to take up more space in computer hard drives. If your Mac only has 128 or 256 GB of storage space, you’ll find yourself freeing up space for new files often. You have the option to purchase flash drives or external hard drives, but these aren’t built into your system, so the chances of losing them are high.

It’s therefore more ideal to purchase a new Mac instead. Newer versions offer as much as 4TB of storage, which will allow you to store more files in the long run.

Your Mac has poor specs

If frozen screens, slow-loading apps, and poor battery life are already a part of your typical day while using your Mac, then it might be time to replace it.

For instance, the performance of a hard disk drive (HDD) slows down with age, which could cause your computer to load files and programs sluggishly. The same principle applies to your battery. You may experience short standby and usage times, or the device could suddenly turn off. There’s the option of plugging your device into an outlet while using it, but this sacrifices portability.

To mitigate these issues, you can add more random access memory (RAM), swap out the HDD, or replace the battery. It’s important to note that some components are soldered to the motherboard, so replacing them may not be an option. The money you would spend on upgrading your Mac would be better put toward a new machine, which will not only be faster, but also much more reliable.

Your Mac’s hardware is damaged

You need to replace your Mac if it has suffered serious physical damage. This could range from a broken display, damaged hard drives, missing keyboard keys, or nonfunctioning USB and charging ports.

It’s easy to have your device fixed, but it’s not the most financially sound decision to invest money in an obsolete machine when you can buy a new one that will last longer. Also, small issues can become major problems. Let’s say you’re using your Mac with a heavily cracked screen. The device might be usable for a while, but the display might stop functioning anytime, which is a major hindrance if you’re in the middle of something important.

If problems on your Mac are already affecting your productivity, consider replacing it with a newer version that performs much better and has no hardware damage.

You’re experiencing software issues

An outdated Mac can experience software problems such as unresponsive apps, visual glitches, and random shutdowns. If your Mac is running an older version of macOS, it might run into software compatibility issues. For instance, a program may refuse to run because your operating system is outdated.

You can usually fix these problems by freeing up your RAM or storage space. Reinstalling macOS is also a good option. If the problems persist, however, you should consider investing in a new Mac.

It’s important to have a Mac that not only performs well, but also helps you become more productive and efficient. If you want to learn more about replacing your Mac, drop our experts a line today and we’ll be in touch.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by

Beat The Heat! How The Dog Days Of Summer Can Wreak Havoc On Your Technology

The dog days of summer are here, and it’s hot out! Homeowners and business owners alike are bracing for their upcoming power bills as they run their air conditioners around the clock trying to keep cool. But for many business owners, it’s not just about keeping your team cool – it’s also about keeping your technology cool.

Every piece of technology you use is susceptible to heat damage. Sometimes they overheat due to internal issues. Maybe they’re processing a lot of data. Or maybe the internal cooling system isn’t enough. But they can also overheat due to external issues, such as high summer temperatures and inadequate air conditioning.

If heat overwhelms your systems, it has the potential to knock out your business. If computers go down or servers can’t run efficiently due to heat, it can be a costly disaster. The average computer is built to work in external temperatures of 50 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Laptops and tablets can handle 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Every business should be aware of just how much damage heat can cause.

For example, heat can damage individual components in your devices. There are records of graphic cards bursting into flame as a result of overheating and heat-related electrical issues. These components are designed to withstand high heat, but they can only take so much.

Heat can also disrupt productivity.

It’s one thing if your business is warmer than usual and you have fans running. It can make work harder. But heat slows down devices. They cannot run as efficiently and, as a result, programs and apps will struggle to run. In some cases, they might not be able to run at all because they require a certain amount of data processing that is negatively impacted by too much heat.

If your systems are disrupted or damaged, you can also lose critical data.

Heat can damage hard drives and solid-state disk drives, leaving you without access to your data. Sometimes, with proper cooling, this data can be recovered, but if the heat and damage persist, the data may be unrecoverable if you don’t have a backup.

What’s the next step?

Every business needs to fully understand its cooling needs. It’s one thing to cool people working in an office. It’s something else entirely to cool a server room. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Does your business have adequate and efficient air conditioning?
  • Does your technology (such as a computer or server room) have adequate air conditioning?
  • Do individual devices have adequate cooling (have employees complained about weird app slowdowns)?
  • On top of this, it’s critical to ask questions about your data security needs:
  • Do you keep all of your data on-site?
  • Is your data protected from natural disaster or outside intrusion (have you invested in cyber security)?
  • Do you have a plan if your data is damaged or lost?
  • Do you routinely back up your data to the cloud or another off-site solution?

You never have to compromise your data or your business. There are countless solutions on the market today to help you protect your most valuable assets – and to help with your technology cooling needs. As you navigate the dog days of summer, remember you have options. A managed services provider (MSP) or an experienced IT services firm can help you determine if your tech is as cool as it should be. They can help you ensure the longevity of your technology and keep your data safe.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by
,

3 Questions to ask before replacing your servers

Your company’s servers will eventually need to be replaced. To conserve and maximize your resources, you need to anticipate the best time to do this, as well as consider alternatives that offer the same — if not better — outcomes for your business.

When do my servers need to be replaced?

This is a difficult question, but there are two factors you will want to consider: age and performance. The useful life of a server is around three years. While it’s not unheard of for servers to function properly beyond year three, relying on them past this point can be risky, as hardware problems may occur more often. This means you will have to deal with costly repairs and possible sudden downtime.

In terms of performance, it doesn’t make sense to keep your servers around until year three if they are slow and too costly to maintain. It’s important to compare how much money you will lose in repairs and downtime versus the cost of buying new hardware.

Do I have an alternative to buying new servers?

Believe it or not, the answer to your server problems might not necessarily be purchasing more physical servers. One solution is to embrace server virtualization. This process allows your servers to be stored and maintained off-site, with all your resources being delivered to your office via the internet.

There are two notable benefits of virtualizing your servers. First, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on new equipment. Second, virtualization is a scalable technology, meaning you only pay for the data capacity you use. For instance, you can have just two and a half servers, if that’s all your business needs. This is in contrast to having physical equipment, which would require your business to either make do with two servers or splurge and buy a third one even if you didn’t need all of that space.

Of course, there are a few things you need to consider before making the switch to server virtualization. One of the biggest issues is security. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable keeping all of your data off-site. While this isn’t a concern for some companies, others may not see this as palatable. There are several workarounds to this issue, including the hybrid option where you keep sensitive data on-site and everything else off-site.

Can I do anything to prevent a full-scale server replacement?

Yes. It’s certainly possible for you to buy some time and give your current servers additional life, but these are short-term fixes, not long-term solutions. Server upgrades are a good place to start if your servers are less than three years old but are performing poorly. Installing additional CPUs or memory may increase server performance at a fraction of the cost of buying new servers.

It’s also possible to extend the life of servers that may have four or five years of wear-and-tear on them via repurposing. Instead of swapping out all of your servers, use the old ones for non-critical processes and purchase new ones to handle critical workloads. This will help you get a better ROI on your technology while avoiding a wholesale hardware purchase, which could cripple your budget.

If you have any questions about your servers and how you can increase their performance, get in touch with us today. We can help you procure new hardware or explore other alternatives such as server virtualization.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

/by