Tag: IT management

Maintain a Functional Hard Drive for Optimal Performance | 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

            Whirling 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 Loading. 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.

            Aggressive 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.

Our experienced professionals will evaluate the problem, run diagnostics and fix the gaps in your operating system, ensuring your data and operating system are secure. If it’s 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.

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.

A Guide to the World of Information Technology (IT) | Prescott, AZ

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If you are reading this, you have likely encountered the tern Information Technology (IT) before. You may associate this industry with cybersecurity, and the physical wiring of a space to ensure the proper function of the wifi and your computer. While those comprise a part of what IT specialists provide clients, that is not the full story. Here is a review of what IT is, and what IT professionals provide to clients- individual and commercial.

According to CompTIA.com, “IT is the use of computer systems or devices to access information… Whether you are storing, retrieving, accessing or manipulating information, IT greatly impacts our everyday lives.” If you are a vendor who employs Square Space to receive payments, you are interacting with IT.

An IT professional implements, supports, maintains, repairs and protects your data and computer system(s). For commercial enterprises, professionals can be part of the installation and maintenance of your company’s systems from the very start. Hiring an IT professional for your business early on allows him or her to understand the building and how best to wire your components for optimal efficiency and maintenance over time. Once they wire your space, they can then go computer-by-computer to ensure your software and hardware are updated and secure. Maintenance contracts then allow your business to operate with a fixed cost for technology repairs whenever you may encounter problems. They will also routinely monitor your systems to ensure that as technology advances, your systems are prepared to handle the latest in security, storage and speed.

Individuals also benefit from consultations with an IT professional. If you get a new computer, want to learn how to safely transfer files or are running into routine technological issues, and IT can walk you through the steps you need. Unlike commercial enterprises, individual IT needs tend to be few-and-far-between. It is always helpful however to gain a secure system, and general understanding of how you can be your own day-to-day IT. When problems arise, enlisting help from a professional is always a good idea to ensure the stability and maintenance of your technology in the future.

Want to learn more about commercial or individual IT services? Visit us online at urns.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!s

IT Services and How They Help You Stay Connected | Prescott, AZ

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Information Technology is so woven into our lives that we may not consider the wide variety of services on offer. IT technicians provide the services that allow your enterprise to operate and grow. Here are some of the most common IT services our technicians share with clients to keep them up and running.

The Cloud. Cloud Storage refers to the ability for your computer to reserve space on its hard drive and retain files over the internet for remote access. This is great for teams working across distances or for team members who travel. Computer technicians can help maintain the cloud’s updates and storage, allowing your team members retain access to, and ensure smooth operation of the Cloud.

VoIP. This stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is a communication tool commonly employed by businesses. It allows team members to communicate via the internet, rather than a phone line. This system is essential for national and international businesses as it bridges the gap in long-distance communications.

Backups. All too often, backing up our computers occurs whenever we get a new device and need to transfer files. Unfortunately, backing up files so infrequently is risky, as a crash can eliminate important documents without retribution. IT specialists can do their best to retrieve missing files, but we recommend backing up your computer at least 4 times per year, or once every three months to avoid a total loss or potential inability to recover lost information.

Network Security. A secure network is paramount to the operation of your business. A technician can build protective firewalls, install anti-virus software and private networks, and provide routine maintenance checks to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Remote Support. If you or a team member are in the field experiencing technological issues, our specialists can assist remotely. By accessing your computer via the internet, we can analyze what is causing your disruption and work to fix it in real time.

Curious about how you or your business could benefit from IT support? Call the team at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net to speak with a team member today!

Why your computer is Running Slow & How to Solve It | Prescott, AZ

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We tend to utilize our computes a lot. Most of us don’t even realize how long we have had our computers until it starts running slowly or begins to fail. For our computers to keep running quickly and seamlessly, its important to update our software and perform basic maintenance on the hardware along the way.

Here are some ways you can keep your computer up and running smoothly.

Storage Space. This is a major contributor to slow computer speed. It is good practice to always have 200- 500 megabytes of space on the hard drive. This is space that will be used to update applications and software. If you notice your storage availability is less, its time to clean out old files and invest in an exterior hard drive to free space on the laptop itself.

Damaged Hardware. Hardware refers to the physical microchips, fans and other equipment that compose the computer itself. Over time, these components can corrode or burn out if not properly maintained or replaced. Damaged hardware could be making your computer run slowly.

Background Programs. When we start our computers, certain applications are activated and take up our computer’s output without us even realizing it. Discovering which programs these may be and disabling them will help to recover your computer’s efficiency.

Windows and Apple Updates. When your computer asks you to update the system, its because the manufacturer fixed bugs and enhanced the plugins of your system. It is important to keep up with these improvements as it contributes to a smoother operation and enhanced features to keep it that way.

Memory Capacity. The larger your business grows, or the longer you use your computer, the more files you will collect. Be sure to monitor the memory capacity on your computer and choose which files need to be stored to your cloud. If your computer doesn’t have a lot of memory storage, it could start to slow down your system.

For more information about computer optimization, or would like the advice of a professional call the experts at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net today.

Are You Tired of Computer Problems? | Prescott, AZ

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Computer problems may arise for several reasons. If your operating system is not up-to-date, or the components are worn out, it can cause serious issues.

If you have been experiencing computer problems, it is important to seek the opinion of an experienced technician. Regular maintenance of your system’s digital spaces and hardware is crucial to its operation.

Here are a few ways you can avoid computer issues before they happen.

            Security. Taking time to repair the “holes” in your system’s security over time and as technology advances, will go a long way in protecting your data. Occasional server downtime for security maintenance is an investment in the long-term health of your business.

            Performance. Keeping up with server updates and enhanced features will allow the operating system to keep up with technological advancement. Small improvements over time culminate in the consistent performance of your computer for years to come.

            Backups. Whenever your system undergoes maintenance, back up your newest files, evaluate resource allocation and clean out internal files to keep things fresh and accounted for. Decluttering and organizing internal files is as important as cleaning its physical components.

Taking these steps should help retain a healthy operating system but incorporating an experienced technician into your business will ensure the security, longevity and efficiency of your business, so you don’t have to. If you would like to learn more, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net

Keep Business Costs In Check – Using Managed Services for Your IT Needs | Prescott, AZ

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When you partner with our IT professionals for their Managed Services program, you receive premier service and reliability, while staying within your budget. The classic model of IT service has been “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. When it does break, call IT.”

The professionals at Up and Running believe in a more consistent approach to technical services. They believe that if you maintain your equipment through routine maintenance, and proactive solutions to potential threats, it goes farther than the “break/fix” approach.

A managed services contract allows you to focus on what you do best, while IT keeps the technology current with the growth of your business. It also lets you budget for these services, rather than be surprised by a sudden crash and costly repair bill.

What sets Up and Running apart, is that we are prepared to provide all the equipment you might need to keep technology current. Our team is also trained to install video and music systems in both residential and commercial spaces.

To learn more about managed services, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or online at www.urcs.net today!

Is Your Data Secure? | Prescott, AZ

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Your business’ hard-earned data is essential to it’s daily operation. Making sure the information that has accumulated about and within your organization is secure, matters. That is why the experts at Up and Running Computer Services trust MyGlue for their client’s business information.

MyGlue is an application that allows you to store, create and maintain internal and IT managed passwords all in the same place. Employees can create, view and share Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other internal information throughout the organization. The application also allows you to share certain items with your IT provider atomically, reducing overall incoming email traffic.

From training documents for new employees to checklists for task management and a mobile application, MyGlue could be the next step in data security and remote management for your business.

To learn more about MyGlue and how else you may enhance your data security, call the professionals at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or online at www.urcs.net today!