The Benefits of Computer Networking | Prescott, AZ

Computer networking is essentially a set of computers that are connected to one server so that they can share and exchange data. By using a computer network server it allows for your company to store important files and data in one primary location. There are many advantages of computer networking for your business, the following list includes a few benefits:

  • File Sharing- Your computer files can all be stored centrally, which means multiple employees can work on one file. Storing your computer files in one place will make data backup easier and more reliable.
  • Resource Sharing- Computer networking allows for you and your staff to share printers, scanners, fax modems, internet and even hard drives. For example, you can buy one high speed printer that the whole office can share, which can be very cost effective.
  • Application Sharing- Your business will be able to work together ona single application. For example, you can have accounting software that can be used from different computers at the same time.
  • Security- You have the ability to have certain staff members only access only the resources relevant to their job. You can also have users log in any computer to continue their work if there in a problem with their work station.

It’s time to step out of the dark ages of technology and step into the future of networking. For a free quote to have a network installed in your office contact Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951-737-8558. Visit our website at www.urcs.net.

Which Network Type is Right for Me? | Prescott, AZ

It seems that the idea of utilizing the right network for your business can become overwhelming. There are many means of accomplishing the same thing when it comes to how you decide to operate, and its true that all networks are not the same.

At Up and Running, our seasoned professionals are happy to guide your decision based on your needs and help maintain the one you choose. There are three different ways any business can have their network function; centralized, converged and cloud-based deployment. Here is a breakdown of each, so you can determine which system is best for you.

Centralized. This is a great option for businesses utilizing different buildings or cluster of nearby networks. Centralized deployment means that upgrading your system will be easier and updates will happen across the system. This type of deployment consolidates the wireless networks into one control zone, allowing for enhanced wireless functionality.

Converged. Branch office operations may get the most out of a converged deployment network. With an access switch, you can increase wireless consistency and link with wired networks across the system. Essentially this method combines the best of converged and centralized network features.

Cloud-Based. Uploading our information to the elusive “cloud” has become part of how we utilize the internet from business to our personal lives. A benefit of utilizing the cloud is that business information can be accessed by your team wherever they go, while still keeping everyone else up-to-date.

Once you decide on the network that is right for you, our team can install and maintain your newly integrated computer network for you. Regular maintenance of your computer network will grant you peace of mind knowing your business files are safe and functioning properly.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit our website at www.urcs.net today.

What are the Most Common Network Issues? | Prescott, AZ

As your business expands, so will your need for an effective computer networking system. Any business can benefit from the availability for coworkers to work within an integrated system designed to optimize connectivity. Just like your enterprise, these systems are comprised of individual parts working together to make things run smoothly. While these tend to be an important means for your business to grow, its not a perfect system. Here are some common issues your integrated networking system may encounter and tips on how to overcome them.

Slow Connection. A slow connection can be the result of any number of things, but if your network cards are faulty, or your company retains large files, these tend to be the culprit. Our team recommends keeping file sizes to less than 20mb to keep your storage capacity from being overrun.

IP Conflicts. Every computer has its own application programming interface (IP address) that works to identify your computer’s activity within a network interface as well as your location. Duplication can happen, if it does, it can confuse the system and your operations. We recommend resetting the router.

Bad Cables. Over time, connection cables burn out, get mangled or otherwise begin to fail. It’s important to consistently maintain the wiring and cables of your computers, along with the computers themselves. If your cables do burn out, don’t attempt to rewire the system yourself, call the professionals at URCS.

WiFi Signal. A weak wifi connection will slowly grind productivity to a halt and there are several reasons why your connection may be faulty. Anything from a poor office layout to something blocking your signal, or even the need to update your firmware can result in a poor wifi signal hindering productivity.

Are you experiencing connection issues? Call Up and Running Computer Solutions today for help with all your computer and network needs at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today.

The Importance of a Network Administrator | Prescott, AZ

A network administrator is responsible for solving any issues that may arise within the scope of your computer network. Our experienced team has the skills and resources necessary to tackle all your network needs. These services include the installation and configuration of your computer hardware, as well as monitoring system functionality to ensure, as well as improve, the performance of your operating system over time as technology advances. They may also include supporting local area networks, wide area networks, network segments, intranets, and other communications systems. Incorporating a network administrator onto your team could be the difference your business needs.

At Up and Running Computer Solutions, we manage all aspects of computer system operations for your business while providing five-star service and remaining updated on the latest in computer technology. We have our finger on the pulse of computer system technologies, allowing the functionality and information retention for your business to grow with you. We prioritize the technological nuances that work behind the scenes of your business that keep it running at full capacity because your enterprise matters to us as much as we know it matters to you.

While you handle the operations of your business on the front end, our professionals engage with the technology that keeps it running. Whether your business is expanding, you have noticed a decrease in efficiency or even if you are experiencing technological issues, it may be time to consider integrating a network administrator to your team. The professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions are dedicated to the continual maintenance and improvement of your computer network so you can remain dedicated to its expansion. Call Up and Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ for more information about how our team of experienced professionals can help with your network administration needs at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net

Network Administration | Corona, CA

When you hire a network administrator, he or she will solve any issues that may arise within the scope of your computer network. Typically, this falls into the scope of installing, configuring and monitoring computer and system functionality to ensure and/or improve the performance of your operating system. These individuals are paramount in ensuring your business activities, on a technological level, are getting done. If your business operations have expanded, it may be time to discuss with this individual how to increase storage capacity. Maybe you have detected a decrease in operating efficiency or noticed a spark emit from the server; these are all indications that your computer’s operating system has been impaired, and your business information is at risk.

Without the full operational capacity of your computer, expanding your business will grind to a halt and at that point, due to several factors, it could be too late. At Up and Running Computer Solutions, we are dedicated the continual maintenance and improvement of your network so you can be dedicated to expanding it.

What Are the Most Common Computer Network Issues? | Corona, CA

When the time comes for your company to grow, you will need to invest in a computer networking system. This way, everyone can connect to the same files and communicate at optimum levels. Unfortunately, it isn’t the easiest thing to get this system up and running. A network is a complex with loads of moving pieces. And because so many components make your business run smoothly, these issues need to be remedied as soon as possible. Here are some of the more common issues you may face. Getting familiar with clues to watch out for will help get everything back up quickly and efficiently…

Slow connection. Is there anything worse? Many times, files are the culprit in these instances. Limit the file size to less than 20mb. If your network cards are faulty, this will slow down things, so make sure you become familiar with this option as well.

IP conflicts. As a general rule of thumb, each PC should have their own IP address. If duplication happens, try restarting the router.

Printer issues. When lots of computers use the same printer, there may be a time where the printer won’t allow a PC to connect. Check the firewall settings and network adaptors.

Bad cables. Let’s face it. Cables get messed up over time. Connections get loose or damaged, and this could cause issues within the network. Make sure to schedule maintenance for all of your wiring and cables as well as the PCs themselves.

Wifi signal issues. Weak wifi signals can definitely drag production. It could be the layout of the office or something blocking your signal. If that isn’t the issue, make sure your firmware is up to date.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

6 Reasons Your Company Needs Data Backup and Recovery | Corona, CA

In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company:

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Ransomware Attacks: June 2020 | Corona, CA

In this day and age, ransomware cyberattacks are happening every 11 seconds on various industries, making it a big business – a big business that is estimated to cause $20 billion worth of damage by 2021. Manufacturing and government are the hardest hit according to industry, the United States by country.

Ransomware attacks surged again in the month of June with Covid-19 related phishing techniques still proving popular with cybercriminals. Notable attacks include Honda, who had their European operations significantly affected, and the University of California who reportedly paid $1.14 million to recover academic data related to its Covid-19 research. Here is a roundup of the incidents we uncovered:

We start the month in South Africa with telecoms firm Telkom SA SOC Ltd. We found limited coverage of the incident, but it was reported that the attack led to outages across several systems with remote staff unable to connect to the servers or VPN.

Up next is Columbia College in Chicago who were attacked just one week after the attack on Michigan State University. On the Netwalker blog the cybercriminals claimed to have exfiltrated very highly- sensitive data during the attack.

Hackers continued their spree on US colleges when they hit the University of California on the same day. Important Covid-19 research was encrypted during the attack and the school paid out $1.14 million to recover the data.

The City of Florence in Alabama became the next victim on June 5 when an attack shut down the city’s email system. The city reportedly paid over $250K to recover the encrypted data.

The next attack took place at VT San Antonio Aerospace, the US subsidiary of ST Engineering Aerospace in Singapore. The ransomware attack resulted in the exposure of confidential data including government contracts.

Automotive giant Honda suffered an Ekans ransomware attack which targeted its offices in the United States, Europe and Japan. The attack forced many offices to shut down in what was likely the most publicized ransomware incident of the month.

Earlier in the month Australian beverage giant Lion disclosed they had been the victim of a cyberattack, they later confirmed it was ransomware. The company’s data was said to be available on the Dark Web but at the time of writing the company did not have any evidence of data being exfiltrated.

Over to New Mexico next where nuclear missile contractor Westech International was the victim of a Maze ransomware attack. Hackers were able to access sensitive employee information, but it is still unconfirmed whether any classified military information was accessed.

Next up is Norwegian shipbuilder Vard, Europe’s first attack of the month. Local reports indicate that company servers were hit with an encryption attack which led to downtime. The overall extent of the damage has not yet been disclosed.

Fisher and Paykel, a whitegoods manufacturer based in New Zealand disclosed they had been targeted by Nefilim. Although quickly identified, the hackers did disclose an initial leak of the company’s corporate files on the Dark Web.

New York company Threadstone Advisors, a mergers and acquisitions firm whose client list includes Victoria Beckham, were hit by Maze ransomware. The gang insists that they had exfiltrated and encrypted the company’s data.

An overnight attack hit the City of Knoxville in Tennessee. Fortunately emergency services were not affected in the attack but by the time it was noticed by the IT department the ransomware had already encrypted multiple systems. Knoxville joins a list of affected cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver and New Orleans.

Back to Europe now where this time it was European Energy giant Enel Group. The incident was the work of the Snake ransomware group who were also responsible for the attack at Honda earlier in the month.

Rhode Island-based Care New England (CNE) was victim of a cyberattack that hit its servers on June 16. The suspected ransomware attack forced the shutdown of its website and other internal systems.

Up next is Florida based ConnectWise who hit the headlines when it was revealed that their partners were hit by ransomware through a software flaw in their platform.

Electronics giant LG is reportedly being threatened by the Maze ransomware gang, however at the time of writing no official statement had been issued by the company.

Closing out the month is another suspected attack on car giant Mitsubishi. The Doppelpaymer gang are allegedly threatening to leak data from the organization, although at the time of writing there has been no official statement from the company.

To read more about the ransomware attacks of 2020, click here.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Which Type of Network Is Best? | Corona, CA

Which Type of Wireless Network Is Best?

When it is time to start up a small business, it is important to make the right choices for your company. This includes your wireless network. Some may think all networks are the same, but that isn’t true and choosing the correct one for your needs will not only keep things easy to maintain but can also plan for future expansion.

At Up and Running, we can help you choose the best wireless network for you, and help you manage the one that you choose. You will have three options – centralized deployment, converged deployment or cloud-based deployment. Here is a quick breakdown of each to give you a basic idea:

Centralized deployment. If you have a cluster of buildings or networks close by, centralized deployment will make upgrades easier and can handle advanced wireless functionality by consolidating the wireless networks because controllers are installed in a centralized location.

Converged deployment. For those companies with branch offices, your network may work best by using an access switch. This will increase wireless consistency and connects wireless and wired devices together. It is a basic mixture of centralized and converged deployments.

Cloud-based deployment. We all have used a cloud in way or another and this deployment is no different for businesses – dashboards are used to manage all of the network devices. Because the cloud is used, devices can be used at various locations, but still visible by anyone with access to the dashboard.

Once you have your network set up, we can offer a managed services program that can not only give you peace of mind about future complications, but will allow you to achieve the successful business you’re looking for.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.

Managed IT Services: A Business Owner’s Best Friend | Corona, CA

When you have a startup business, you have all the dreams of becoming the most successful you can possibly be. Unfortunately, the chances of you knowing everything about your business is very likely, especially if you have a specific service and/or product you provide. Many times, our biggest stumbling blocks have to do with the technical side of your startup. Namely, your IT services.

We all know that a business is nothing without the internet and computers. And if you know nothing about how to utilize these things, you are basically spinning the wheels of your success. It’s time to consider hiring managed IT services.

There are many benefits to using managed IT services. A managed services contract allows you to quit worrying about your network and also allows you to budget your IT expenses with no costly surprises, something very important to a new business because you decide what your budget is and what services you need. Additionally, there is no need to hire IT staff, a very expensive cost to your budget.

When it comes to your computers and network you want a trained, experienced and certified IT. In house IT’s tend become isolated with no room grow and learn more to gain experience. Managed IT Services monitor your network, servers and computers 24/7/365. Instead of waiting for something to break, routine maintenance is done to keep your system up and running.

As a new business owner, it is important to know how to streamline your expenses without depriving your business of what it truly needs. By hiring an IT service company to manage your needs, you can be sure that you are getting the most bang for your buck.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with managed IT services at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serve Corona and all surrounding areas.