Mistakes That Decrease the Longevity of Your Laptop

Purchasing a laptop isn’t a small investment and can be quite expensive if you need to repair or replace it.  It is important that a laptop is kept in top shape to increases its longevity and effectiveness.  Here are some tips on what to avoid in order to keep your laptop running efficiently for as long as possible.

Don’t Take the Term Laptop Too Literally

Nope, unlike the name states a laptop should never be set on top of your lap.  The truth is that by putting a laptop on your lap you actually decrease the lifespan of your machine.  A laptops processor, which is the brain of the PC, gets hot!  The vent to release the heat is likely to be located on the bottom of the laptop where ventilation is scarce.  This vent if covered by pants or blankets the laptop overheats. Another side effect of putting a laptop on your lap is that dust begins to settle.  Even when this dust is then removed using canned air it is not really removed, it is just shuffled internally which can hurt the processor and internal workings of the laptop as well.

Don’t Forget to Shut Your Laptop Off Occasionally

It is so easy to simply close the laptop lid at the end of the night without shutting it down however this isn’t always what is best for the health of the laptop.  Many of us fall into this trap because the next morning when we want to use it, the computer boots up within seconds.  By shutting down your laptop on a regular basis, it allows the PC to install the fixes that need to run in order to update the software vulnerabilities.  Laptops, like desktops, do not apply the fixes unless the computer is restarted.  For the best results we recommend shutting your laptop down at least once a week (or more).  

Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Surge Protector

Using a surge protector should be quite obvious however, so many people forget to use one when using their laptops.  It is common to hear that you should unplug electronics during storms.  If your laptop is plugged in and lighting hits and the computer is not plugged into a surge protector, you will likely fry your laptop.  

Don’t Disregard the Importance of Installing an Antivirus

This too should go without saying, an antivirus is critical for the protection of your laptop.  Antivirus protection is essential for both laptops and desktops as it keeps the bugs from getting into your systems.  Which let’s be clear, happens all the time when you are surfing the internet.  Malware and virus’s make your computer run hot and can “break” your laptop.  Antivirus should be installed and regularly updated to keep your system safe.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Basic Elements Used In Networking: What You Should Know

The term networking is used a lot in both IT and business a lot.  Creating a successful IT network is crucial to the growth of a business.  When people within an organization are able to share and merge information in real time an increase in efficiency naturally occurs.  IT networking is a concept that many of us are familiar with but unsure of what it takes to create.  A network is a system where computers, phones, peripherals, and even IT devices are connected.  Some basic essential needed to create a manage this system include routers, switches, and wireless access points.  These units connect the devices on your network and allow them to communicate with one another as well as outside networks such as the internet.

The Foundation: Switches

A network switch is the backbone of many networks within companies large and small.  It acts very much like a controller and connect devices such as computers, printers, and servers to the network within a location.  A switch creates a link of communication on your network, allowing devices to work with one another and outside networks, thus creating a system in which resources can be shared.  When information is shared, in real time, across sources and available resources are shared businesses save time and money while increasing productivity.
There are two types of switches that IT professionals can install within your networking system: managed and unmanaged.

Managed Switches: A managed switch allows techs the ability to configure it for the needs of the network.  Monitoring and adjustments can be made locally or remotely.  This gives companies a greater control over the network’s traffic and accessibility.
Unmanaged Switches: An unmanaged switch is one that works right from the box however cannot be configured.  This type of switch is most often not used in commercial IT but instead home networking equipment.

The Dispatcher: Routers

A router is used to join the devices on the network together.  A router is also used to connect computers to the internet.  Using a router in networking allows one single internet connection to be shared amongst users.  Paying for individual internet connections for each computer within a company would be a huge expense without a beneficial increase in function performed.
As a dispatcher, a router examines the data that is sent across the network and pick a proper route for the data to voyage through the network to its final destination.  A router is used to connect your business to the outside world while protecting the data from threats and deciding a priority over systems in the network.

There are a few types of routers to choose from including:

• Routers with firewalls
• Virtual private networks (VPN)
• Internet Protocol (IP) communications system

Routers make basic networking functions possible while making networking easier and more secure.

Accessibility: Access Points

Access points are added to network to allow for connection without cables.   This makes the process of bringing new equipment online simpler and allows for flexibility to mobile employees.   An access point works in a similar fashion as an amplifier for the network.  Routers provide bandwidth and the access point extends the bandwidth amongst many devices that are able to access the network from a near and far.

An access point is more than just a unit that extends the Wi-Fi signal.  A network access point allows useful information about all of the devices on the network and provide proactivity security while serving other practical functions.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Debunking The Myths Surrounding Technology and Computer Networking

The myths surrounding technology and computer system repairs are plentiful.  In this article we will look to debunk common myths surrounding computer repair, networking and I.T. consultants.

The myth that only a true computer geek can eliminate issues with your computer or network is one that is completely false.  Computers and the systems that surround their effectiveness used to be considered unknown areas where only a technology geek could maneuver.  Now day’s desk top computers are set up so that most anyone can troubleshoot problems and most often fix them.  It is important to understand that to work within the I.T. industry you will need to obtain certain credentials and certifications to be of value to most employers.

The myth that one rate fixes all computers is a complete myth.  Different issues associated with your computer require different amounts of time to repair.  If you see a company offering a one size fits all approach to fixing your computer or charging you to repair your system run the other way.  A flat fee is commonly charged but the overall rate you will be assessed should be determined on a number of items such as techs needed to fix your particular problem, hardware and software needs and time spent to completely resolve your issues.  Many flat fee companies work to temporarily solve your problem without completely fixing all of the issues surrounding your network.

Unless you know what you are doing you should never attempt to defrag your computer at home.    Many people have been told that defrag can be done at home by anyone however this results in a myriad of issues from more sever computer problems, complete system failures and unnecessary hardware replacement.  Although a program to defrag your system may be pre-installed within your computers operating system it is indeed a service that should never be attempted without a good deal of knowledge into exactly what you are doing.

Just because you think your technician is the best does not mean they are equipped to handle every system that is in place.  If the technician that most often works on your computer considers the problem fixed yet you are still having issues with performance it is probable that the problem is something unique that they may have not seen before and therefore are unaware of how to fix.  Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion for another tech within the company.

Just because the company charges a nominal amount more than what others charge does not mean that the service or parts used are of higher quality or greater value.  In computer repair and networking value is seen in the work performed over not the fee paid.  This is one service industry that the old saying you get what you pay for is not always true.  Be prepared to pay a higher fee for companies with more techs that specialize in a variety of services.  Specializing in a number of different areas allows companies to charge more than those that only offer a few basic services.  This is the same concept as you find between an urgent care facility and a doctor that offers services in one unique field.

Myths are plentiful no matter what industry you are in charge of hiring services to be performed.  Be sure interview several different companies before determining which I.T. consultants best fit your technology needs and goals.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Understanding What Information Technology Consultants Offers To Your Company

Not many people completely understand what services IT consultants provide to their clients.  Information technology consultants, also known as computer consultancy services, advise organizations on how best to utilize technology in order to achieve success within their business.  IT consultants will create a plan to direct, employ, set up and oversee information technology based on the systems currently in place as well as the goals the business and long term objectives.

Outsourcing is a common practice amongst growing businesses.  Companies outsource IT consultants for a number of reasons.  Large professional service firms may be able to afford having an IT workforce but for midsized and smaller companies the expense of an IT specialist may not be justifiable.  When looking to outsource it is important that you do so with your company’s size and goals in mind.

There are several tiers within the IT consulting industry.

• Professional IT service companies that retain a sizable workforce to provide consulting services and a rate that matches.
• Temporary staffing firms that place IT specialists with businesses that require their services on a temporary basis. This is most often due to the fact that an employee is absent or that the skill the temp offers is something unique that no one else currently employed can offer.  IT temps are also hired when a technical project requires something that is needed that current employees can offer.
• Independent IT consultants are individuals that are self-employed and are hired as independent contractors to provide services on an as needed basis.

There are several reasons IT consultants are asked to provide services.

• When advice is needed from someone that is outside of the company. When external, objective advice and recommendations are needed from an impartial party.
• When specialized expertise service can be gained from the consultant.
• When a onetime project requires services that cannot be performed by a current employee and when it is cost prohibited to hire a permanent employee.
• When IT services are required from a specific company.

When a company realizes it is time to take their IT to a new level it is important that they bring in an expert IT consultant to define the scope of the project including time of implementation and costs.  The IT firm will maintain and support the development of the companies IT plans.  IT consultants work with the company from the beginning of the projects development until the end in order to ensure complete satisfaction by the hiring company.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.