Computer Troubleshooters would like to congratulate one of its own!

Grant Bloomdahl, our part-time PC/LAN technician, is graduating on Friday, May 10th from Ursinus College! He will receive his Bachelor of Arts in History. Grant plans to attend Villanova in the fall to pursue a Masters Degree in Computer Technology. Grant plans to remain part of the CT Collegeville family during his post-graduate course work. Jim is actively taking Grant around to all of our clients for introductions and to explain the intricacies of their computer networks. Grant is particularly interested in software development using python and the development of web applications. He is also an avid outdoorsman who loves hiking and camping.

As if graduating from college isn’t enough, Grant also will be testing for his A+ certification later in the month. This certification will be a large accomplishment and will enable Grant to better serve our clients with the most cutting-edge technology.

The term “managed services” is generally defined as the practice of outsourcing day-to-day management responsibilities with the strategic goal of reducing costs while improving operational efficiency. A managed services provider typically refers to an outsourced information technology company that assumes responsibility for one or more aspects of a client’s IT functions. These responsibilities can range from a single specific task, such as managing network security or offering help desk support, to the complex management of running a client’s entire IT infrastructure. Most managed service providers bill a flat or nearly-fixed monthly fee benefiting clients with predictable IT support costs.

How Managed Services Can Immediately Benefit Your Business

Computer systems now form an integral part of most businesses’ ability to function. Can you remember the last time a computer crisis kept you from your “real job” – managing your business? It might be time to consider the immediate benefits of outsourced managed services for your business’ IT needs. Here’s a list of the top five benefits you can take advantage of by working with a managed service provider:

• Control IT Costs by working with a managed service provider to create a customized IT service plan that suits your budget and the needs of your business. A service plan can help business owners reduce IT operational costs while actually providing a higher level of IT service for their business. Plans can be customized by the number of support hours required or the level of monitoring and maintenance that is needed each month. Capital expenditures for equipment will be reduced in addition to staffing costs.

• Manage Labor Costs if you do not employ IT professionals in your business, you likely have a designated “go-to” person in the office that handles the technology issues for everyone. You can eliminate the time this person is spending on IT issues so they can get more of their actual work done.

• Quickly Implement New Technologies with the help of a managed service provider. Skilled IT professionals can save you both time and money with the efficiency of on-demand services. Also, a managed services provider will have a strong understanding of your business and your technology, allowing them to understand your technology needs as well as your budget. This will save you time in trying to understand new technology, and money you may waste on buying products you do not need or that will not work for your specific network.

• Increase Efficiency and Stay Competitive through economies of scale. Most managed service providers can provide small to medium sized businesses with access to technology and expertise usually only available to large companies. Your managed services professional can assist you with identifying the products and services that would benefit your business and are available in an option that will fit your needs.

• Security can require constant vigilance. Is your firewall up to date; are you protected against malware; do you audit your servers; are you using the latest customer transaction systems for credit, debit, e-checks and wire transfers? Outsourced security monitoring leads to less down-time, enhanced efficiency and greater profits for your business.

Be Proactive and Consider Managed Services Today

Are you ready to forget about those IT headaches? Whether you only have a few PCs, a network or more than one server, you are probably ready for a managed service provider. Computer Troubleshooters’ managed service experts can work with you to assess your IT needs and develop a customized plan for your business. As a business owner, don’t you want to stay productive by focusing on the actual management of your business – not spending time fixing problems or worrying about what you will do if your systems stop working? Computer Troubleshooters is here to help. Give your local Computer Troubleshooters office a call and one of our computer professionals will be happy to help you.

Are your old electronic devices piling up? Get rid of them at no cost to you.

Computer Troubleshooters accepts electronics for recycling from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays (except major holidays).  If you have old TVs (no larger than 40 inches), computers, fax machines, printers, key boards, or whatever, come down on Saturdays to lighten your load. Get rid of your clutter and help the environment at the same time.

Currently, less than 25 percent of the world’s electronics are being recycled. Computer Troubleshooters cares about the environment and is therefore offering this recycling service free of charge. For businesses with more recycling than they can handle with one drop-off, we can arrange a scheduled pickup.

For even more information about this service, click on RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRONICS to download our flyer.

Unfortunately, there are not many World War II vets around anymore. Within that dwindling number, there are probably even fewer using computers to track finances and e-mail.

Well, last week, we had the pleasure of tuning a computer for a gentleman named Elmer. We did our usual thorough virus checks, cleaning up of old stuff, and even a RAM upgrade. But what was interesting about this service call was that Elmer was ninety two (soon to be ninety three) and had served in the Navy back in the day. He remembers going downtown and signing up for the navy in 1943.

Can’t get into too many more personal details, to protect the innocent, needless to say, it was our pleasure to serve this gentlemen who took advantage of our Veteran’s special!

The story varies. Rachael Morrison from the CEDC (Collegeville Economic Development Coorporation) says I eagerly volunteered. I somehow remember being “voluntold.” No matter what the story is, it looks like I really will be dressing up as a duck for Collegeville’s Inaugural Rubber Ducky Regatta on May 4th. Also, to promote the event, I will be making a special appearance in the duck suit during Collegeville’s Community Day on April 20th.

So yesterday, I had a photo shoot, per say, at the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel in the duck suit so they could start promoting the event, in full. I did my best “superman” pose in the duck suit and other crazy stances. We determined we would have to borrow a fake belly from a Santa and get something to fill the tail. But all in all, the duck suit fits well . . .along with my wife’s black tights I had to borrow to complete the outfit!

I also can’t forget that Computer Troubleshooters is now selling to the public little rubber ducks. This is to raise money for the CEDC and so you can have a duck in the race on May 4th, for a chance to win a prize if your duck finishes 1st through 30th. Contact us for details. Don’t you want to say you bought your duck from the duck?

~Jim Carmody, Owner\Operator CT Collegeville

Vicki Louth,  Sales and Marketing

Vicki is originally from Naugatuck, CT, but currently she is a sophomore at Ursinus College.  She has declared Exercise Sports Science as her major and Education as her minor in hopes of becoming a school-based Occupational Therapist. Throughout her years in school, her parents and the strong beliefs they have given her, have motivated her to work hard in everything she does. Without them she would not be the person she is today and she is very grateful for them.

One of her favorite spots to go when she is not working or at school is Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This is where her grandmother lives and where all her family gathers for special occasions. These times are always the times she cherishes  the most. Being the Sales/Marketing specialist at Computer Troubleshooters has been a great learning opportunity for her. While it’s challenging not knowing all the “IT lingo” at times, Jim has helped her to grasp a better understanding for all things IT. This is obviously very important since this era is becoming more and more technologically advanced.

Newer and faster laptops, phones and tablets are being released every day it seems, but what are we supposed to do with the outdated devices we no longer want to use? The security of proprietary and personal information and environmental issues are the primary concerns when disposing of unwanted computers. Here are some guidelines we recommend when phasing out computers from your business or home.

Deleting a File Does Not Actually Erase Information

When you delete a file from the hard drive, the operating system only deletes the information that describes where the file is located. Simply deleting files, emptying the recycle bin or reformatting the hard drive is not enough to cover your digital tracks. In addition to documents, photos, videos, and private information that is accessible on your computer; there is also your Internet browser’s cache, cookies and history; email contacts and messages; and the recycle or trash folder.

Don’t take a chance with the security of your business and personal information. A Computer Troubleshooters technician can complete any of the following strategies when trying to secure your personal information on an old device.

•The most cost-effective and commonly used strategy is the use of a software utility that overwrites the hard drive with random characters and binary data anywhere from three to more than 30 times. These utilities are typically referred to as data destruction software, hard drive eraser software or disk wipe software.

•Another effective but more costly solution is degaussing. This is the erasure of information through the use of a powerful magnet. Degaussing disrupts the magnetic domains on the drive, which erases your data while also rendering the drive permanently unusable.

•The physical destruction of a hard drive is the only way to absolutely and forever ensure that the data is no longer available. There are contractors who will perform this task on site, using the appropriate tools and safety precautions. We do not recommend this type of hard drive destruction by consumers.

Donate or Recycle Your Old Computer

Extending the computer’s lifespan through re-use provides the highest environmental benefit. There are many donation programs that bridge the digital divide by providing schools, non-profit organizations, military personnel, low-income families and students with needed technology.

When you donate or recycle an unwanted computer, there are a lot of details you will need to be concerned with such as; maintaining the security of information that was stored on the computer, locating local technology recyclers and refurbishers, and tax guidelines for charitable donations. Don’t feel overwhelmed by all of these details. Let your local Computer Troubleshooters take on the burden. One of our professional technicians will be happy to explore the various options available to you when deciding how best to dispose of an unwanted computer. Here are some considerations when donating or recycling a computer:

•If your computer is less than five years old chances are it can be put to good use. Most organizations have specific technology needs, so inquire in advance regarding donation guidelines.

•Most charitable contributions are tax deductible and computers are no exception. Business donors can generally deduct the un-depreciated value of the computer and individuals can deduct the current market value of a computer. Remember to retain your receipt for tax records.

•Consider donating your unwanted computer to a refurbisher who is equipped to repair and upgrade older computers. Certified refurbishers ensure that equipment works well and will pass on ready-to-use equipment at little or no cost to individuals and organizations. It is recommended that you remove your hard drive from any system that you donate to a refurbisher to ensure the security of your data.

•Even if a computer cannot be reused or refurbished there are reputable technology recyclers that can ensure valuable raw materials are recovered from old computers and that any waste is disposed of in an environmentally-safe and responsible manner.

Let your local Computer Troubleshooters do all the work for you. Our technicians are trained experts in making sure your personal information is secure and responsibly disposing of unwanted devices.

More than ever, business owners need to squeeze even more productivity out of limited time, staffing and resources. Many small businesses see cloud computing as a way to access advanced technologies that were previously affordable only for larger companies. A recent survey conducted by CompTIA, a nonprofit IT industry trade association, stated that more than half of micro businesses (one to nine employees) and small businesses (ten to ninety-nine employees) use cloud-based business productivity applications. Analysts and industry leaders agree that global demand for hosted IT services will continue to expand rapidly as cloud-based solutions offer significant resolutions for organizations of all types and sizes. Can cloud computing services help your business succeed in the marketplace?

Give Your Business a Competitive Edge

Finding the right business tools is an important task. Cloud computing can help your business edge out the competition with reduced costs and enhanced productivity in a number of ways:

• The latest innovations in cloud computing are making business applications even more mobile and collaborative in ways similar to Facebook and Twitter. Consumers expect information in real time and more business applications in the cloud are heading in that direction.

• Accessing specialized computer resources as they are needed enables businesses to quickly deliver quality results with greater affordability. Faster turn-around time can propel you ahead of your competition.

• You can bring your product to market faster and generate higher revenues as customers are able to access the service immediately.

• Cloud computing can enable innovative business initiatives that generate new value propositions and revenue streams. Some companies, such as Spotify, are building entirely new business models solely using cloud services.

• Cloud computing services can help you gain “business agility” with efficient projects that allow your employees to spend their time on work that has a greater potential value to your business.

• Utilizing cloud computing services can enable your business to shift from a capital expense model to an operational expense model. By forgoing long term financial IT commitments, an organization can complete projects more quickly without losing any investment.

Cloud computing might sound over-hyped and tech-heavy, but in reality it’s a rising trend among small business owners. If you want to learn more about the advantages of cloud computing for your business, contact your local Computer Troubleshooters office. One of our computer professionals will be happy to meet with you to explore the benefits of cloud computing for you and your business.

Data Loss Prevention is Critical for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Most businesses report that they are not properly prepared to combat the risk or to bounce-back in the event they suffer a catastrophic data loss.  There are a number of factors that affect the majority of businesses today and may increase their susceptibility of a data loss:

• Business owners incorrectly assume that quality backup services are too expensive or beyond what they need.
• Businesses are often using out of date technology for their data backup and storage needs and assume that it is working.
• The number of online security threats has increased.
• Many companies are trending towards BYOD- or “bring your own device”- and therefore there is an increasing amount of company and client data stored on employees’ personal laptops, smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, that is likely not protected or backed-up even if the company devices are.

What is the Real Cost of Data Loss to a Business Owner?

According to the Gartner Group, 43 percent of companies that experienced a major loss of computer records were immediately put out of business and another 51 percent permanently closed their doors within two years.  This leaves a mere six percent “survival” rate.

What about a loss that is not catastrophic?  This type of data loss is an expensive problem as well that costs organizations an estimated average of $200 per record affected according to a recent survey by Ponemon Institute, though to some degree the true costs associated with data loss are difficult to measure.

What can be Done to Avoid a Catastrophic Data Loss?

Implementing a data protection program is essential for every organization.  While most business owners recognize that their data files are their livelihood, more than half admit to not having a quality data backup protocol in place.  Here are some tips on what you can start doing today to protect your business:

• Accept the fact that your data is at risk. The reality is that computer hard drives, whether on a server, a desktop, or a laptop, will fail.
• Invest now to save money, and your business, later. An automated and fully protected backup service starts at about $30 per month (depending on the amount of data being backed up) and provides you with the peace of mind that your data, and your business, are protected. The cost of attempting to recover deleted data, once lost, is significantly more expensive and it is estimated that 20 percent of lost data is not able to be recovered!
• If you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan, get one! Call your local Computer Troubleshooter and request an evaluation of your data backup needs.  They will then be able to provide you with options that will meet the specific needs of the business and your budget.
• Check the viability of the backed up data regularly. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your backups are being done, whether your company uses a manual or automated backup process.  Also, never assume the data is retrievable. Talk with your Computer Troubleshooter technician about your current backup solution to verify that it is still the best option for your needs.
• Make data protection a company-wide initiative. Work with your local CT to develop policies and a plan of action for all employees to follow regarding the proper location and access to company data to ensure that data is being backed up.

A proactive approach to protecting your data and establishing a plan for recovery in the event of a loss is smart business.  Ask your local Computer Troubleshooter about the best protective mechanisms for your data or for assistance with any of the above recommended tips before it is too late!