Tag Archive for: updates

The Benefits of Keeping Your Computer Regularly Updated

In today’s fast-paced digital world, maintaining your computer’s software and hardware updates is crucial for optimal performance, security, and reliability. Here are some key benefits of keeping your computer regularly updated:

Enhanced Security

Regular updates protect your computer from the latest security threats. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new vulnerabilities to exploit, and software developers respond by releasing patches and updates to counter these threats. By keeping your system updated, you ensure that your computer has the latest defenses against malware, viruses, and other security risks.

Improved Performance

Updates often include performance enhancements that can make your computer run faster and more efficiently. These improvements can optimize resource allocation, reduce latency, and fix bugs that may be slowing down your system. Whether you’re using your computer for work, gaming, or everyday tasks, regular updates help maintain smooth and responsive performance.

Better Compatibility

As software evolves, compatibility issues can arise between older drivers and newer applications or operating systems. Regular updates ensure that your computer remains compatible with the latest software, preventing crashes and other stability issues. This is especially important for users who rely on their computers for professional tasks or complex applications.

Access to New Features

Software updates often come with new features and functionalities that can enhance your computing experience. These updates can introduce new tools, improve existing ones, and provide a more user-friendly interface. Staying current with updates allows you to take advantage of these improvements and keep your system modern and efficient.

Extended Hardware Lifespan

Keeping your computer’s drivers and firmware updated can prolong the lifespan of your hardware. Updates can optimize the performance of your components, reduce wear and tear, and ensure that your hardware functions at its best. This not only saves you money in the long run but also helps you get the most out of your investment.

Reduced Operating Costs

Regular updates can help reduce operating costs by improving energy efficiency and minimizing the need for repairs. Updated systems are less likely to experience crashes or other issues that require professional assistance, saving you time and money. Additionally, efficient resource management can lower energy consumption, contributing to a greener computing environment.

Quick Problem Resolution

Updates often include fixes for known issues and bugs that may be affecting your system’s performance. By staying on top of these updates, you can quickly resolve problems and maintain a stable and reliable computing experience. This is particularly important for business users who need their systems to be dependable and efficient.

Future-Proofed Systems

Regular updates ensure that your computer is prepared for future software developments and technological advancements. By keeping your system current, you can avoid compatibility issues and ensure that your computer remains relevant and functional as new technologies emerge.

In conclusion, regularly updating your computer is essential for maintaining its performance, security, and reliability. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, staying current with updates helps protect your investment and ensures a smooth and efficient computing experience.

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Information Technology Services
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An I.T. Manager’s New Year’s Resolution

An I.T. Manager’s New Year’s Resolution

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to review your systems maintenance program, tweak your plans and processes and optimize your overall I.T. strategy.

Review, Evaluate and Optimize.
More than likely, your business could live or die based on your IT strategy. We have all become dependent on our technology both in our personal and professional lives, so be sure to give it the TLC it needs. Review your key procedures and plans such as network failure testing, disaster recovery, business continuity, virus protection and data backup (for an integrated, online backup, storage and sharing application, click here). For those of you with an on-site backup solution, now is the perfect time to run those backups with a test recovery. With erratic weather on the rise and winter around the corner, taking the time to be sure you have a tight, foolproof strategy in place to keep both your systems and your information protected from loss or damage.

Be Smart About Your Data.
Inadequate protection or spotty management of critical data can have a profound effect on sustainability. Regularly scheduled testing of your backup strategy and implementing a daily backup routine will help prevent the disasters that prove fatal for many companies.

  • 31% of PC users have lost all of their files due to events beyond their control.
  • 34% of companies fail to test their onsite backup solution, and of those that do, 77% have found back-up failures.
  • 60% of companies that lose their data will shut down within 6 months of the disaster.
  • Every week 140,000 hard drives crash in the United States.
  • Simple drive recovery can cost upwards of $7,500 and success is not guaranteed.

We recommend assessing your existing data protection strategy and learn what data repository and storage medium options are available. It’s important to understand traditional backup methods as well as the benefits of developing an enhanced protection solution that meets the needs of your particular business.

Think of it as a Flu Shot for your Systems.
There are lots of people out there determined to infect your computers with viruses. Optimize your security with new or updated anti-virus, Spyware and Malware software. Be wary of free anti-virus software that sounds too good to be true because it often is.  You get what you pay for, and software that protects your computer needs regular and consistent updating to stay useful because viruses are constantly being generated. This is especially important if you use a networked computer system. Do your homework,  invest in effective software and keep it updated. (For an easy-to-use, simple, and effective anti-malware application, try Malwarebytes)
Give your Computer a Tune Up.
Straight out of the box, computers have often been loaded with unnecessary programs at the factory.  So, from day 1, your computer is accumulating software programs, update reminders, “bonus” software, and random files that you don’t need and over time it will become increasingly sluggish. By taking a few important steps, you can get it running efficiently again, for a lot longer. The first thing you should do is disable the programs that start up when your computer boots.  While there are many places this can occur, the easiest one to check is the Startup menu in your Programs menu. Additionally, simple tasks such as clean out your Windows Registry, remove unneeded files and programs, empty your recycling bin or trash, and perform a disc defragmentation can make a huge difference.  Even if your computer has been performing slowly for some time, beginning this regimen is sure to produce results.

Email – a Blessing or a Burden?
Most of us are guilty of being slaves to our inbox, whether we like to admit it or not. We keep every thing that has ever been sent to us out of some sort of unfounded fear of not having it should we ever need it. And the “reply all” function makes it exponentially worse. Well, each of those emails, particularly the ones with large attachments, take up space on your computer  – and space in your head when you are actually trying to find something. Email is the third largest culprit of workplace interruptions and email mismanagement costs you money.   Take charge and clean up that clutter by creating folders and subfolders to organize your communications. Save the attachments that you will need later onto your hard drive in a logical place, then delete the email if its unnecessary. Set your computer to delete your Trash after 30 days. Anything you can think of to reduce the number of emails in your actual inbox will save you time and money down the road.

GCInfotech can get you started on the path to a leaner, more efficient IT strategy. If you don’t have an IT Manager to make a New Year’s Resolution for you, then give us a call.

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