Increasing business productivity can be a simple task. It doesn’t have to make a huge dent in your budget nor does it require major technology changes or even a deep understanding of IT. With some minor adjustments, you can easily make your business more productive and efficient.
Keep downtime to a minimum.
Plan technology changes ahead of time and take into account the future of your business. By doing this, you’re allowing yourself to keep your business up and running efficiently while avoiding rushed technology decisions that may not be the best long-term choice. It’s important that the technology you put into place helps support your lasting business goals.
Tidy up the office.
Another effective, minor change is to reduce noise and clutter in your office by making it more enjoyable to work in and a warmer environment to host customers and clients.
• Store information electronically — Reduce paper mounds and filing cabinets by storing documents electronically. This could be as simple as using Box.net or Dropbox and a Network Attached Storage box is easy and affordable and can be installed by anyone. This allows greater business productivity because documents are easier to find and share, it’s more secure and easier to backup and it can also save money with less printing.
• Use space saving technology — Replace the need for your PC and monitor with an all-in-one or ultra-compact system. You can also buy a multi-function printer that can replace your office’s fax, printer, scanner and copier.
• Use wireless technologies — Reduce cable clutter and easily move technology around between employees or when you change office settings by implementing a wireless network with wireless headsets, keyboards and mice.
• Be environmentally conscious — When purchasing new technology, save on energy costs by buying products that have low noise and heat standards; they may not cost any more than the high noise and heat products.
Use dual screens or larger monitors.
Save time switching between windows, documents and applications by using dual screens or larger monitors. Viewing more at once helps process information better, which can lead to increased productivity. This also aids in less printer use since you’ll be able to see everything on the monitor with no need to print.
Office layout is key.
Ensure your office layout is organized to cultivate a productive workforce. Do this by not having employees walk to far to execute the major parts of their jobs including accessing printers, fax machines and copiers. Less time in transit is more time to work.
Increasing business productivity is so very important and even the minor changes yield big results. Office improvements, whether big or small, should be explored in order to increase productivity levels in your small business. WTS can help by providing an array of technology options to ensure your business continues to thrive.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
When I buy a new Computer, what kind of processor should I get?
When you are shopping for a new computer these days, it can still be daunting with the differnet types of processors out there. Here are some simple tips to help you choose a good one.
There are 2 major players when it comes to processors - Intel and AMD. I'll start with Intel.
Intel - Dual core processor - slower since it has less cache on the chip. Avoid if at all possible
Core 2 Duo - This is the one to choose. It has more cache and will perform better overall relative to speed (2.2 Mhz, etc).
AMD - AMD is generally pretty simple when buying a desktop computer. Look for an Athlon X2 64bit processor and you can't go wrong. AMD's are generally lower cost relative to Intel, and whether they perform better is always a matter of debate.
So in closing, when choosing a processor, look for a couple simple things, and either Intel or AMD are good choices.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps! If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to call us at (520) 490-0726 or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
There are 2 major players when it comes to processors - Intel and AMD. I'll start with Intel.
Intel - Dual core processor - slower since it has less cache on the chip. Avoid if at all possible
Core 2 Duo - This is the one to choose. It has more cache and will perform better overall relative to speed (2.2 Mhz, etc).
AMD - AMD is generally pretty simple when buying a desktop computer. Look for an Athlon X2 64bit processor and you can't go wrong. AMD's are generally lower cost relative to Intel, and whether they perform better is always a matter of debate.
So in closing, when choosing a processor, look for a couple simple things, and either Intel or AMD are good choices.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps! If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to call us at (520) 490-0726 or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monsoon madness!
With all the talk this year about the later but stronger monsoon this year, it's always a good idea to make sure your battery backups (also called a UPS) are working correctly. Please remember that powerstrips (also called surge protectors) are not even close to being the same thing. A UPS has a battery that will last for about 20 minutes in most cases, when your power goes out. They also tend to protect against lightning strikes better.
Some examples are here , and here. Why the wide swing in price? The main reason is how much each one can handle in the way of equipment. The more you need to protect, the more power the UPS needs to have.
Seem too technical for you? The bottom line is, when the power goes out, you want to be able to save your work, and shut down your computer yourself. Sudden power outtages can damage both hardware and software, creating repair bills you don't want.
Give us a call for a free consultation and we'll help make sure you're protected.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps! If you need computer or network services, feel free to contact us at (520) 490-0726 or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Some examples are here , and here. Why the wide swing in price? The main reason is how much each one can handle in the way of equipment. The more you need to protect, the more power the UPS needs to have.
Seem too technical for you? The bottom line is, when the power goes out, you want to be able to save your work, and shut down your computer yourself. Sudden power outtages can damage both hardware and software, creating repair bills you don't want.
Give us a call for a free consultation and we'll help make sure you're protected.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps! If you need computer or network services, feel free to contact us at (520) 490-0726 or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Monday, August 31, 2009
7 reasons to upgrade to Windows 7
I found an interesting article here that talks about some of the new features in Windows 7 coming out Oct.22nd. I'm recommmending this new operating system from Microsoft. So far all testing has shown that it outshines Vista by leaps and bounds.
Of course with any new operating system, some of your old programs, and hardware, may not work right off the bat. With Windows 7, that seems to be less of a problem than in the past. However, keep that in mind when planning for an upgrade. Sometimes waiting a few months after the release date is a good idea.
Good information to have at hand when you are ready to make the change!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Of course with any new operating system, some of your old programs, and hardware, may not work right off the bat. With Windows 7, that seems to be less of a problem than in the past. However, keep that in mind when planning for an upgrade. Sometimes waiting a few months after the release date is a good idea.
Good information to have at hand when you are ready to make the change!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Monday, August 10, 2009
How to avoid spyware and viruses
Spyware and Viruses are some of the most common problems I see out there. You can avoid most of them with a few simple steps.
Email: Opening an attachement in an email is one way you can get a virus. A good rule of thumb to use is that if you don't know who it's from, or what they are sending you, don't open it.
Websites: While there are "Drive by" installs of spyware from websites, there is another common way to get spyware from them. Ever see those pop-ups that offer a product, especially the ones that tell you your computer is infected? Most of those are scams that install spyware on your computer. They won't go away until you buy the product. How to avoid those? Click the X at the top right of the window, or better yet, down next to your start button, locate the rectangle that has it's name on it, and then right-click and select close.
Cleanup: Cleaning viruses and spyware can take time, and there are a few things you can do yourself.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Email: Opening an attachement in an email is one way you can get a virus. A good rule of thumb to use is that if you don't know who it's from, or what they are sending you, don't open it.
Websites: While there are "Drive by" installs of spyware from websites, there is another common way to get spyware from them. Ever see those pop-ups that offer a product, especially the ones that tell you your computer is infected? Most of those are scams that install spyware on your computer. They won't go away until you buy the product. How to avoid those? Click the X at the top right of the window, or better yet, down next to your start button, locate the rectangle that has it's name on it, and then right-click and select close.
Cleanup: Cleaning viruses and spyware can take time, and there are a few things you can do yourself.
- Either purchase antivirus, such as Symantec, Mcafee, or ESET. Or get a free product. 2 that are recommended are AVGFree, or Avast. The free products are free for a reason, but do offer reasonable protection. My choice for the products you can purchase is ESET. It doesn't slow your computer down, and in my testing, catches almost everything that comes at it.
- For anti-spyware, there are 2 free products that will take care of most spyware for you. Spybot search and destroy, and Adaware. Spybot has an "immunize" feature that will block known bad websites and software, and Adaware has a good realtime agent.
Of course, any anti-virus or anti-spyware is only as good as the latest update. Make sure you update and scan your system regularly. This will help keep it in good running condition.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Do you really need a new computer?
I get the quesion from customers all the time. Should I get a new computer?
My answer? Maybe. I today's economy, buying a new computer is the last thing most folks want to have to do.
Usually folks ask me that question because their computer has gotten slower over time, or they are having trouble with something that they've learned to live with, and are finally tired of it.
In both of these cases, fixing the problem, or simply cleaning up the computer will make it run like new again. A service call by a professional computer service can do that job in 1-3 hours depending on what needs to be done, and sometimes takes even less time!
If you call some of the big, national companies for service, it can get very expensive. Using a local computer service company not only keeps the local economy healthy, but will also save you some of that hard earned cash.
On the other hand, if you really, really, want a new computer (or the one you have just donesn't work), there are some great deals out there. I'll help you find them, and you pay what the store charges. There are a few things to look for when buying a new computer, including warranty that you'll want to make sure you have.
The bottom line is: I won't sell you a new computer just because you might think you need one. I'll help you find the most cost effective solution that fits what you need.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to call, or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
My answer? Maybe. I today's economy, buying a new computer is the last thing most folks want to have to do.
Usually folks ask me that question because their computer has gotten slower over time, or they are having trouble with something that they've learned to live with, and are finally tired of it.
In both of these cases, fixing the problem, or simply cleaning up the computer will make it run like new again. A service call by a professional computer service can do that job in 1-3 hours depending on what needs to be done, and sometimes takes even less time!
If you call some of the big, national companies for service, it can get very expensive. Using a local computer service company not only keeps the local economy healthy, but will also save you some of that hard earned cash.
On the other hand, if you really, really, want a new computer (or the one you have just donesn't work), there are some great deals out there. I'll help you find them, and you pay what the store charges. There are a few things to look for when buying a new computer, including warranty that you'll want to make sure you have.
The bottom line is: I won't sell you a new computer just because you might think you need one. I'll help you find the most cost effective solution that fits what you need.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to call, or look at our website at www.wtsaz.com. You can also click on the image at the bottom of the page to get there.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The power of backups, and the backup of power?
Ok, so this is an old horse that's been beat to death repeatedly over the years... But it just keeps getting back up. Why? Because everyone has lost that proposal file, or invoice, or the family pictures at least once in their life. The data can be retrieved, but can get expensive fast!
What is a backup? Well a backup is really just a 2nd copy of any file, or files, that you don't want to lose. It can even be a backup of your windows installation and all the programs.
Simple backup: This is simply copying the files you want to another hard disk, USB thumb drive, or even burning them to CD. Remember all those pictures of the family? Windows XP has a built in option to "burn" them to a cd. Simply highlight the files you want, and right click. Select "send to" and choose your cd rom drive. Follow the prompts and it will burn them to a blank cd for you. You can also connect a USB thumb drive to your computer and simply copy the files there. This is a simple backup and works great for a small to medium number of files. This process is usually done manually. Meaning that you have to copy or burn the files yourself whenever you want to save them.
Compressed backup: This is a backup that compresses, or tightly packs the files into a single file that is then sent to another location such an external hard disk. This requires a program that will do the backup for you and also requires that same program to retrieve the files later if need be. The good news is that these programs can be setup to automatically do the backups for you! Windows comes with MS Backup that has limited options. You can also purchase various programs that have lots more options, and work well for businesses where there are alot of things to backup. More recently online backups have come into being that save your data on a server on the internet. These have proven very reliable, but there is a monthly fee. For home users and small businesses these can make alot of sense. But for businesses with large amounts of data to save, a local solution works better, both in cost, and in immediate access to the data if needed.
Imaging: This can almost be considered a backup. What imaging does is takes a snapshot of everything installed on your computer and creates a file on another device (external hard drive, etc). If your computer or server crashes, you can then "re-image" or write everything back to your computer and it will be exactly the same as when you created it. The thing to note here is that if you imaged your system a month ago, everything that happened since then will not be there. The good news is that imaging software for both home users and businesses can be automated to image once a day, or whenever you choose. You just have to have enough external storage to hold the files. Some of the the new imaging software available is comparable in price to the backup programs out there. The great news about this is that, in the event of a crash, you can be back up and running in about 1/4 of the time it takes to restore conventional backups!
WHEW! Had enough yet? Ok, take a deep breath, get a drink of coffee....
The backup of power? The heck you say! What is that? Simply put, it's a battery backup for your computer. What this does is, should you lose power at your location, it allows your system to run long enough for you to finish what you were doing, save your files, and power it down correctly. This saves damage to both the hardware and software. With the monsoons every summer in Arizona, this can be a lifesaver for any computer. System repair and replacement can get expensive in a hurry, not to mention lost time. Battery backups are also relatively inexpensive, relative to the size of your systems. Meaning that the more devices you need to power, the more power you need. Home users with a single computer can purchase a battery backup (or UPS) for less than $100.
And one last tip on battery backups... Never, ever, ever plug a laser printer into a battery backup. It will use all the power that the battery backup can provide, and lower it's life dramatically. Just don't do it.
In conclusion, saving headaches is what backups are all about. I started my computer business to help people with those headaches. No I don't carry Tylenol since I'm not a pharmacist, but I do help get you setup to keep your systems running and recoverable if the unthinkable happens!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at http://www.wtsaz.com/
What is a backup? Well a backup is really just a 2nd copy of any file, or files, that you don't want to lose. It can even be a backup of your windows installation and all the programs.
Simple backup: This is simply copying the files you want to another hard disk, USB thumb drive, or even burning them to CD. Remember all those pictures of the family? Windows XP has a built in option to "burn" them to a cd. Simply highlight the files you want, and right click. Select "send to" and choose your cd rom drive. Follow the prompts and it will burn them to a blank cd for you. You can also connect a USB thumb drive to your computer and simply copy the files there. This is a simple backup and works great for a small to medium number of files. This process is usually done manually. Meaning that you have to copy or burn the files yourself whenever you want to save them.
Compressed backup: This is a backup that compresses, or tightly packs the files into a single file that is then sent to another location such an external hard disk. This requires a program that will do the backup for you and also requires that same program to retrieve the files later if need be. The good news is that these programs can be setup to automatically do the backups for you! Windows comes with MS Backup that has limited options. You can also purchase various programs that have lots more options, and work well for businesses where there are alot of things to backup. More recently online backups have come into being that save your data on a server on the internet. These have proven very reliable, but there is a monthly fee. For home users and small businesses these can make alot of sense. But for businesses with large amounts of data to save, a local solution works better, both in cost, and in immediate access to the data if needed.
Imaging: This can almost be considered a backup. What imaging does is takes a snapshot of everything installed on your computer and creates a file on another device (external hard drive, etc). If your computer or server crashes, you can then "re-image" or write everything back to your computer and it will be exactly the same as when you created it. The thing to note here is that if you imaged your system a month ago, everything that happened since then will not be there. The good news is that imaging software for both home users and businesses can be automated to image once a day, or whenever you choose. You just have to have enough external storage to hold the files. Some of the the new imaging software available is comparable in price to the backup programs out there. The great news about this is that, in the event of a crash, you can be back up and running in about 1/4 of the time it takes to restore conventional backups!
WHEW! Had enough yet? Ok, take a deep breath, get a drink of coffee....
The backup of power? The heck you say! What is that? Simply put, it's a battery backup for your computer. What this does is, should you lose power at your location, it allows your system to run long enough for you to finish what you were doing, save your files, and power it down correctly. This saves damage to both the hardware and software. With the monsoons every summer in Arizona, this can be a lifesaver for any computer. System repair and replacement can get expensive in a hurry, not to mention lost time. Battery backups are also relatively inexpensive, relative to the size of your systems. Meaning that the more devices you need to power, the more power you need. Home users with a single computer can purchase a battery backup (or UPS) for less than $100.
And one last tip on battery backups... Never, ever, ever plug a laser printer into a battery backup. It will use all the power that the battery backup can provide, and lower it's life dramatically. Just don't do it.
In conclusion, saving headaches is what backups are all about. I started my computer business to help people with those headaches. No I don't carry Tylenol since I'm not a pharmacist, but I do help get you setup to keep your systems running and recoverable if the unthinkable happens!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps!
If you need computer, network, or website services, feel free to look at our website at http://www.wtsaz.com/
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