PC Repair Tips to Improve Performance

Over time Windows Personal Computers and Laptops need ongoing repair to keep them running smoothly. Why waste time and office productivity when you can proactively repair and maintain your PCs for optimal performance? Here are some tips you may try yourself or ask your IT Professional about for support.

Check your Anti-virus

Anti-virus programs are designed to protect your PC from security threats that can destroy your important data. Some anti-virus programs have stringent security settings where the anti-virus program scrutinizes every file and program on your PC. This may slow your systems down. Also, if you have had your PC or Laptop for a while, you may have installed multiple anti-virus programs overtime. These programs may be pulling double duty, slowing your systems even more. Inventory which anti-virus programs you have installed and check the security settings to make sure you balance your security needs with performance requirements.

Eradicate Malware

Malicious software or “Malware” may accumulate on your PC. These programs may run as background tasks without your knowledge. Some programs look for sensitive data, including passwords. They may interrogate every keystroke on your PC. Aside from the security risk, these programs may slow down the performance of your PC or Laptop. Many times anti-Malware security programs are part of an IT-managed service contract from your IT Service Provider. These programs run to detect and eliminate Malware from your PC and protect your system from future Malware intrusions.

Remove unused programs

Overtime your computer will collect programs you no longer use or need. Some of these programs may start up automatically when you turn on your PC. Windows includes an add/remove program utility that shows what applications are installed and recently used. Removing unnecessary programs may free up disk space and memory, while lowering the demands on CPU utilization. If you have doubts about a program, contact your IT administrator first before you remove any programs that may be needed.

Update everything always

Many programs, including your operating system, are designed to automatically update with the latest version. These program updates are designed to resolve performance, stability and security issues. In many cases, you will also benefit from new features from the program update. Staying current on the latest version of your application is a good way to ensure things are operating at top performance. Occasionally, O/S and application patch and updates may not be compatible with one another. Always check with your IT administrator to make sure software updates are within your IT policy.

Getting the most from your PC and Laptop requires regular and proactive PC repair and maintenance. If your system is slow and it has been a while since you have had a PC tune-up, now is the time. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, reach out to your IT service provider and ask them for help.

Cloud Computing: Your Pre Flight Checklist

Cloud computing is more than a passing trend. Cloud computing is a way for small to medium businesses (SMBs) to tap enterprise class applications and infrastructure that once only large companies could afford. Cloud Computing allows SMBs to share the overhead for data center security, bandwidth, monitoring and management. Small to medium businesses share cloud based Software as a Service (SaaS) applications and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) without having to invest in capital intensive projects. If you are considering a move to the cloud, here is a pre flight checklist to consider.

Public Cloud vs. Private Cloud

With cloud computing you are moving your data and computer processing to a location other than your own. The cloud location may be shared (i.e. public cloud) or dedicated environment (private cloud). The trade off for private cloud versus public cloud is that the private cloud will be more expensive due to cost for additional security. In most cases the public cloud is more secure than your own office or business. What’s more, by sharing these resources with other companies you also may save money in the long run.

While sensitive data, such as, financial records, may be more secure in the cloud, you may have regulatory requirements that prevent you from sharing common resources such as CPUs, racks or cages to store your data in a public cloud If you have compliance issues that require extra physical security, consider a private cloud solution.

Cloud Migration Consideration

To move to a cloud based application including SaaS, take the time to consider what data you need to migrate to the cloud. This may be a good time to clean up those customer lists. You may also consider archiving some of your information, like financial history and email archives rather than migrate it to the cloud. Either way, you need to consider the formatting and structure from your premise based software to the cloud based solution. Plan out the migration of your data. It will save you time and make your new cloud application work smoother in the long run.

Documenting IT Policies and Procedures

PCI and other regulations may require documentation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance for your company. When adopting solutions such as cloud based customer relationship management (CRM), remote backup or hosted email, take the time to revise policies and procedures to ensure your ability to demonstrate compliance.

Moving to the cloud is a great way to fix IT spending while transferring costs from a capital expense to an operating expense. If planned correctly, your migration to the cloud can be smooth and your cloud based applications will not only work better, but you will have improved security. Contact your trusted IT advisor to get more information on moving to the cloud.