Tag: Computers

The Benefits of Computer Networking | Prescott, AZ

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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.

A Guide to Passwords | Prescott, AZ

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Creating and re-creating every password for every website we regularly interact with seems like a monumental and tedious task. The everyday person doesn’t want to add “change passwords” to their to-do list when the dangers of hacking seem far from them. Unfortunately once a hack into your files occurs, things can move fast, potentially resulting in a loss of your identity.

Here are some things to know about passwords:

Complexity – We hear all the time that this is the most difficult part of password creation. A mix of letters, symbols and capitols all mixed together in 18 characters. Yet, when it comes to your security, it matters. Long, random combinations help keep hackers at bay.

No Similarities – Please never use personal information such as important numbers, birthdays or names In your passwords. It’s easy for hackers to find this information out, and attempt to break into your accounts that way.

New Platform, Different Password – It’s good practice to not repeat passwords across multiple websites, as it tips hackers off to patterns.

Switch them Out – Yes, you should switch out your passwords. Ideally, once a quarter, or four times a year.

It’s important to keep these tips in mind so you don’t become a target for online hacking. In today’s world anything is possible online.

If you are worried you won’t be able to remember all these passwords, you aren’t alone. There are several password manager options that encrypt your passwords from hackers while keeping them all in one place.

If you want to learn more about password security or advice on the creation of strong passwords, visit us online at urns.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!

Common Keyboard Shortcuts for Everyday Efficiency | Prescott, AZ

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Do you utilize keyboard shortcuts? There are a few every day key combinations you can use to boost productivity whether you use a Windows or Mac computer. If you haven’t been using keyboard shortcuts, they will go a long way to making your day more efficient. We find that those in creative spaces get a lot out of these shortcuts, but of course they are for everyone.

Windows:

Ctrl + Z: Undo

No matter what you have been up to on your computer, Ctrl + Z is a universal life saver.

Ctrl + A: Select all

Rather than clicking and dragging your mouse across a paragraph or URL, simply click the general area of text and use Ctrl + A to save you time and finger strain.

Alt + Tab: Toggle

If you are running multiple applications on your screen and need to go back-and-forth, simply use this shortcut to navigate between them. This will save you time because instead of trying to figure out which application is minimized or open when doing multiple things, this lets you see it all at once.

Ctrl + Esc: Open Start Menu

Older generations of windows computers may not have the windows button that later models feature. To open the start menu to access different applications, Ctrl + Esc is a nifty trick!

Mac:

For Mac users, the command key is the go-to starting point for any shortcuts you may want to make. The trick is to remember which alphabetical keys do what – and try not to mix them up on important projects.

Command + A: Select All

Simply click on the section of text you want to select and use Command + A to highlight the area.

Command + S: Save

This is useful when working on documents when you are in the flow state. We all know saving documents as you go can be a life saver for those files that are too important to lose time on re-typing. Just use Command + S as if it were part of the paragraph, and your content will be saved as you go!

Shift + Command + 4: Screenshot

This little trick will turn your mouse icon into a little plus sign that will allow you to drag it across any area of the screen you want to take a picture of. Once you release the left mouse the photo will save right to your desktop for easy access from there.

Command + Delete: Move to Trash

For new Mac users, it can take time to remember you have to drag unwanted items to the trash icon. Using Command + Delete on a selected item will do it for you!

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all the interesting and time saving commands you can control through shortcuts, but they are pretty useful! We hope these work to make your day that much more efficient. For a complete list of shortcuts that work for your computer, these are useful pages for Windows and Mac users.

For more computer tips and tricks, visit us online at urns.net or call our experts at 951.737.8558 today!

Easy Computer Maintenance | Prescott, AZ

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Computer maintenance may seem like something that is best left to the experts. While you should seek advice and have your computer components cleaned by an expert, basic maintenance can be easier than you think. It’s also important; caring for your computer before things get out of hand goes a long way to the life of your computer.

One of the most important elements of care for our computers may seem like the most simple. It’s important not to eat or drink around your computer and to utilize a padded case whenever it is not being utilized. Over time, seemingly small things like crumbs or a bit of water along the edge of the computer on the desk amount to gunk between the keys. Keeping the components clean will help keep your computer running efficiently for as long as it may go.

External drives are a great investment for computer care. Our computers have limited storage and memory capacity, so when there is an abundance of files it starts to break things down. Transitioning older files or completed projects to an external drive will help keep the amount of files you computer has to track to a minimum. This allows it to become more efficient with other processes and ultimately keeps the hard drive from becoming overworked.

Another great way to continually maintain your computer is to allow for software updates. Updates patch holes in the system or bugs that outdated technology may leave behind. Rather than an inefficient necessity, updates should be viewed as part and parcel to the longevity of your system. Updates also allow your system to handle files sent from others whose computers could be on the latest version so you aren’t left out.

Properly shutting down you computer, putting it to sleep and keeping the brightness at an appropriate level for the lighting conditions also makes a difference. It helps maintain battery life and tells your computer when it can recover; rather than leaving it on all the time which ruins efficiency over time. We recommend charging your computer when it is off, rather than in use to help maintain the battery life.

Want to learn more about computer maintenance? Visit us online at urns.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!

Signs Your Computer May Need an Expert Opinion | Prescott, AZ

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Whether you use your computer for work or just pleasure, when something goes awry, it tends to cause a bit of panic, especially when you aren’t a computer expert. But when is the time to ask for help? For many of us, we are always unsure. But it is important to know that it’s okay not to know what is happening when your computer is on the fritz. So, if you find that your computer is acting funny, keep these tips in mind:

Little problems nearly always become big problems. There are several key things that a casual computer user does on a daily basis that can result in a massive problem down the road.

  • Overuse of cleaning programs and efficiency scanners
  • Refusal to acknowledge error messages
  • Failure to clean out old programs and files
  • Not getting routine maintenance

When you don’t correct these problems immediately, they get worse. Proper care of a computer and routine check ins with an expert are both important to proper health and your wallet.

Be able to relay what’s going on. Proper communication can mean you get your device back faster than if they have to guess what is wrong. Sometimes the simplest act of giving them a call, and describing what is wrong, can ease your mind about what is happening.

Everything expires. Even with steady replacement of bad parts, good care, and a proper use of a computer it will eventually die. Learning how to judge when enough replacing is enough is an art as much as it is a science.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ 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 Prescott and all surrounding areas.

Which Computer is Right For You? | Prescott, AZ

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When purchasing a new computer for your home or office, it is important to understand the ways each option may work to better support your needs. With so many options on the market from different providers, we understand it can be a confusing, and sometimes frustrating process to find what is right for you.

We have compiled some of the most common questions we receive regarding computer compatibility to share with you. Of course, this is not a complete list of considerations, but we feel it can help guide you in the right direction.

Processing Power. Commonly referred to as CPU, the processor gives the computer instructions for how to complete a task. There are a lot of processor options for Windows, and Mac computers are being updated with every version. Consider what you are using your computer for; high intensity processors are great for gaming, whereas common processors will allow you to complete your daily tasks.

RAM. This refers to the computer’s memory, or how much you can do at once. Most of us can get away with 8GB of memory to support our daily usage needs. If you utilize your system for video editing or gaming however, you may want to consider a 16GB option, as it will allow you to work more efficiently.

Hard Drive. Your hard drive storage is an important factor for a computer. This is where all your digital content will be stored. While you will have a certain amount of hard drive space on your computer, hard drives can be internally upgraded or externally added, allowing you more storage options as your enterprise grows.

Software. While hardware refers to the physical components of your computer, software comprises all the programs and procedures. Software allows your computer to open and run search engines and remembers your computer preferences. It is important to operate on the latest software updates to maintain computer health.

Graphics. Depending on what you seek to accomplish on your computer, there are two different options for graphics: AMD and NVIDIA. AMD is a great option for gaming, where as NVIDIA works well with Adobe programs.

Still need help deciding which computer configurations are right for you? Call the team at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net to consult with a team member today!

How To Tell If Your Hard Drive is Going Bad | Prescott, AZ

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The health of the hard drive in your computer is important to the vitality of the whole system. A failure can happen without warning or proper preparation, potentially resulting in the total loss of information.

The three main causes of a hard drive crash are because of a virus, mechanical failure, or electrical surge. None of these events are necessarily predictable, and without proper preparation, can be a disaster for your business.

Symptoms of deterioration for your hard drive are the following

            Strange noises. If it sounds like your computer is struggling to operate, that is a warning sign that the drive could be on the brink of burning out.

            Slow Operating Speed. If your computer is not operating as efficiently as it once was, it may be because the hard drive is overwhelmed with files and needs to be cleaned out to avoid a crash.

            Pop-Ups. Typically, unexpected or the new presence of pop-ups on your screen could mean that your hard drive has been compromised by a virus. Viruses are sent to your computer by a third party and could cause your system to crash.

While it is always good to be mindful of these warning signs, your hard drive is the life blood of your computer, and it needs to be maintained. If its been a while since you have replaced your hard drive, or taken steps to avoid total loss in case of a crash, call the team at Up and Running Computer Solutions today. We will evaluate the problem, run diagnostics and fix the gaps in your operating system, ensuring your data and operating system are secure.

To learn more about our services, and how we can help your system function efficiently, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

The Importance of Regular Server Maintenance | Prescott, AZ

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While regular computer maintenance may feel like a chore, or direct financial loss during down time, it could save your business from total loss. Investing in the health of your operating system through consistent updates and software monitoring is arguably one of the best things you can do for your company.

There are plenty of benefits of regular maintenance. We feel these advantages far outweigh any associated financial cost. In fact, failure to maintain an organized, clean, and functioning operating system could lead to total loss of your files.

Some advantages to maintaining the health of your computer are

  • Improved Security
    • The main reason servers need to be regularly monitored is so patches in your security can be applied to failing software. When this is done frequently, it reduces the potential for security risks.
  • Better Performance
    • No matter how efficient your software is, there is always room for improvement. Over time, adjustments help eliminate bottlenecks that can occur when technology has advanced beyond your system.
  • New and Enhanced Features
    • Being proactive about software maintenance is vital to the efficiency of your system. This allows you to steer clear from bugs and continually updating applications.
  • Less Downtime, Better Efficiency
    • During the time your system is down for cleaning, it’s a good opportunity to check for backups, and adjust the server resource allocation. Doing so keeps your servers fresh and helps ensure your server is running efficiently.

Routine server maintenance very well could save your business one day, so if you haven’t already, it may be time to consider adding it to your routine.

If you would like to consult or hire the professionals to get the job done, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today!

Is Your Computer Running at its Optimal Speed? | Prescott, AZ

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We know that a buildup of files on our computer will start to deteriorate the efficiency at which it operates. But did you know that physical buildup within your computer may also impact its performance?

Consider the consequences of operating your business with a computer system that has not been maintained since their inception. What might the software that stores your vital business information look like after five, ten or twenty-five years without maintenance? Probably dingy, and on the verge of a crash.

While most people do well to maintain a balanced file system, very few physically clean their operating systems. While you can get away with this for a while, it will inevitably lead to a crash and potentially numerous consequences that could have your business recovering for months.

Here are some best practices to maintain a healthy computer system

  • Physically clean your computer and operating system
    • Every so often, it’s a good idea to wipe down your computer screen and internal components. It prevents buildup over time and will help keep your computer functioning like new.
    • We recommend shutting the computer down, and cleaning the keyboard, desktop, and internal components. Don’t forget to wipe down your mouse and perimeter of the screen or laptop.
  • Manage your file load
    • Regularly deleting junk, duplicate files and out-of-service programs is very important for the efficiency of your operating system. Reorganizing files and folders and recognizing potentially malicious files are also ways you can maintain the health of your computer.

If you are weary about cleaning out or cleaning up your computer, be sure to seek the advice and aid of an IT professional. Once your computer is clean inside and out, your system will enjoy seamless, quiet performance.

If you would like to consult or hire the professionals to get the job done, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today!

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

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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.