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13 Ways to Secure your Passwords and Data Online

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cybersecurity concerns in the United States are at an all-time high – and small businesses aren’t exempt. In the wake of the global pandemic, which we’ve already mentioned sparked an uptick in cyber threats, even government officials are warning their citizens and organizations to be hypervigilant when it comes to digital security.

Although these threats may seem like they are unlikely to affect your systems, the fact of the matter is any unprotected access point is an easy target for unsuspecting cybercriminals. So as a small business owner or employee, what can you do to reinforce your network from cyberattacks? Our commitment to protecting your digital security goes beyond a single job or consultation, so let us assist you in protecting your data. Continue reading to find out what you can do now to secure your information.

Protect your passwords.

While there’s no foolproof way to protect your data from online attacks, a good first step is to set up a free password manager and follow the recommended practices. We highly recommend signing up with LastPass and following these tips:

Check addresses. Phishing (and similarly smishing and vishing) attacks are on the rise. These attacks can be found via email, text or SMS, and even voice calls. You can avoid these attacks by carefully reviewing any messages you receive for strange sender email addresses, poorly written or misspelled emails, and fraudulent multifactor authentication (MFA) requests.

Set up your cybersecurity tools according to recommended guidelines. By implementing tools like a password manager and multi-factor authenticator (MFA), you will take a huge step toward securing your data by making sure none of your accounts are breached. These tools help you reset your passwords periodically and authenticate your logins by sending a message to a device that is registered to you.

Keep your software up-to-date. Hackers often target vulnerabilities that can be found in older applications. When you receive an alert to install a security update from companies like Apple, Microsoft, or Google, install it right away. The same rule applies to smart home devices, security cameras, or other Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets.

Audit your data. Have you shared any of your credentials? Do you know where your data really is? According to LastPass, 83% of people wouldn’t know if their information was already on the dark web. Make an effort to map out where your data is, find out who has access to your information, and take a digital headcount.

Protect your information. If someone requests money or highly sensitive information like social security numbers, trust your gut. Even if the sender needs it quickly, take a moment to assess the situation. Don’t be afraid to ask the right questions and get all of the facts before sending your information through.

Update your old passwords. Changing your old passwords is a great start to becoming more cyber smart. Are you having trouble coming up with a passphrase that includes all of the required specifications like capitals, lowercase, and numbers? Try a password generator.

Enable dark web monitoring. Did you know you can receive alerts if your credentials have been found anywhere on the dark web? Then you’ll be able to update them quickly and mitigate the risk of being hacked. Dark web scans are also available from Lastpass.

  How can I protect my business credentials?

According to a 2021 report from Verizon DBIR, 85% of breaches involve a human element. The best way to mitigate these risks is to start reinforcing your security practices at your potential weakest points – your employees.

Educate your employees. Teach your employees to be vigilant for cybercriminals and inform them of the importance of data security. If you have the ability to grant them a personal account, this is a great way to encourage cybersecurity both at work and at home, especially if you allow your employees to bring their own devices to work or to work from home.

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s vital to ensure only the correct employees have access to the corresponding applications at the right time, especially for high-risk accounts and applications that involve financial data, legal data, or non-cloud applications like VPNs and workstations. It’s critical to make sure you have MFA turned on everywhere that it is possible.

Use single sign-on (SSO) when possible. Single sign-on solutions allow employees to have seamless access to key applications through trust. Single sign-on uses a single domain to undertake the authentication process and oversee access control. These solutions use federation protocols that include SAML and can be integrated with  multi-factor authentication  (MFA) tools, other  identity providers, VPNs, firewalls, and more. When single sign-on is enabled, your organization will have visibility into which users have access to which application and can simply authorize or remove user access to an application when necessary.

Secure your Wi-Fi networks. According to the FCC, your business’ Wi-Fi should be secure, encrypted, and hidden. Your business router should also be protected – and hidden.

Back up your files. Cyberattacks not only compromise your information, but they often delete or steal your data. In order to help mitigate this risk, you can install backup programs that help you schedule or automate backups for methods like cloud storage, external hard drives, flash drives, or network-attached storage (NAS). Always keep a copy of your backups offline in the event of a cyberattack.

Install antivirus software. Finding antivirus software that works for your business is an important safeguard against cybercrime. Although there are plenty of paid options, there are free options that can get the job done like Microsoft Defender, Norton Antivirus, or AVG Antivirus. 

  How to get a free security audit.

Are you worried about keeping your passwords and data safe? If this information seems like too much to process, contact Computer Service Now for a free security audit today. Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from ransomware attacks. On top of that, we’ll be able to assist you with setting up password managers, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, data backups, securing your Wi-Fi networks, enabling dark web monitoring, and even educating your employees on the best practices.

At Computer Service Now, we strive for exemplary customer satisfaction – which is why we will always work with our customers until they are completely satisfied with the work completed. If you’re looking to bolster your security, we offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs!

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Data Breach: Is your password on the dark web?

Investors in the online brokerage app Robinhood may want to take steps to protect their credit after a data breach resulted in various information of about 7 million customers being exposed. Of the 7 million exposed, 5 million email addresses were accessed and another 2 million had their full names revealed to the hackers.

On top of that, additional personal information – including name, date of birth, and ZIP code – of about 310 people was exposed. Of those 310, around 10 more customers had even more extensive account details hacked.

Although Robinhood has stated publicly that it is alerting the affected individuals, it’s important to make sure your personal information hasn’t been compromised. With the wide assortment of companies that you entrust your personal information with – Facebook, Linkedin, Uber, Verizon, etc. – you don’t want to wait until it’s too late to find out if your data has been breached. After all, by the time one of these companies alerts you that your data has been exposed, you could already have your birthday, Social Security number, credit card information, health records, or other data stolen.

Any personal information that hackers can retrieve from a data breach could potentially be used to do anything from making purchases to opening up credit accounts, to filing tax refunds or medical claims posing as you. Unfortunately, due to the nature of these data breaches, billions of hacked login credentials are already available on the dark web for hackers to download.

While you can’t stop the sites you use from getting hacked, there are some steps you can take to check if your information has been compromised and limit that potential damage done from the data breach.

Password Managers

First of all, you can use a password manager that creates unique passwords. While this won’t stop data breaches, this will ensure that if a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they don’t also have the login information and password for the rest of your accounts. A good password manager – like LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password – allows you to manage your login information, and make it easy to create and update unique passwords. Many of these password managers also prompt you to update your password every month or so – making it even easier to stay on top of data breaches.

Monitoring Tools

If you suspect your personal information has been stolen due to a cyberattack or just want to make sure data hasn’t been stolen in the past, there are a few monitoring tools that can help you find out – Google’s Password Checkup and Mozilla’s Firefox Monitor. These monitoring services let you check which of your email addresses and passwords are compromised so you can take the appropriate actions. We explain below how to use both of these tools.

How to use Google’s Password Checkup

Google offers a free Password Checkup tool that monitors the usernames and passwords you use to log in to sites outside of Google’s domain and notifies you if those credentials have been exposed.

If you use Google’s password service to keep track of your login credentials in Chrome or Android, go to Google’s password manager site and select Go to Check passwords.

Select Check Passwords and verify it’s your account.

Enter the password for your Google account.

Google will display any compromised, reused, or weak passwords.

Next to each reused or weak password there will be a Change password button so you can easily choose a more secure password.

How to use Mozilla’s Firefox Monitor

Mozilla’s free Firefox Monitor service lets you track which of your email addresses have been a part of known data breaches.

First head to the Firefox Monitor page.

Enter an email address and select Check for Breaches. If the email you entered was involved in any known data breaches since 2007, Firefox Monitor will show you which hack it was a part of and what else may have been exposed.

If your data has been exposed, tap More about this breach below the breach to see what was stolen and which steps Mozilla recommends taking next – like changing your password.

Mozilla also offers a service that notifies you of future data breaches. Firefox Monitor will scan your email addresses against those found in data breaches and let you know if your account was hacked.

To sign up for future updates, tap Sign up for Alerts at the bottom of Firefox’s Monitor page.

If necessary, create a Firefox account.

Select Sign in to see a breach summary for your email address.

At the bottom of the page, you can also add additional email addresses that you’d like Firefox to monitor for you.

  Additional Help from Computer Service Now

Are you worried your data has been stolen in a data breach? Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from ransomware attacks.  

With our high level of customer service and satisfaction, Computer Service Now works hard to be the premier IT firm in the Cincinnati and Dayton region. If you’re looking to bolster your security, we offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs today!

Subscribe to our blog today to stay up-to-date with Computer Service Now and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Best Desktop PCs for 2022

The best desktop computers give you the power to complete resource-intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, photo editing, CAD, overclocking, and gaming or streaming at 4K or even 8K resolution – and are commonly known as Gaming PCs.

However, the ongoing chip shortage means gaming PCs are scarce or on back-order, making it difficult to purchase one of these machines. Many companies are considering PC rentals to get them through this difficult time.

Furthermore, these high-powered machines often come at a significant price tag — so we’re making it easy for you to choose with our List of Best Desktops for 2022. Continue reading and we’ll help you select your next desktop to maximize your productivity at work.

Top Gaming PCs for Work

Alienware Aurora R12

CPU: Intel Core i9-11900K

GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

RAM: 128GB HyperX Fury DDR4-3200MHz

Storage: 1 M.2 2230/2280 SSD, PCIe NVMe up to 32 Gbps up to 2 TB.

Until recently, the Alienware Aurora R11 was one of the best gaming desktops to buy. However, it has now been replaced by the Aurora R12 (and soon the Aurora 2021).

Currently shipping with both the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090, this top-of-the-line maxed out machine is one of our top choices because of its fairly compact design, strong performance with 10th Gen Core i9 and RTX 3090, and very little bloatware – meaning the included software doesn’t use up unnecessary space. This is a worthy upgrade to the R11 and features the same core system with a redesigned case and some under-the-hood upgrades.

HP Omen 30L

CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K

GPU: Custom HP GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB GDDR6X)

RAM: 32GB HyperX DDR4-3200

Storage: 2TB WD Black M.2 NVMe, 2TB Seagate 2.5-inch SATA HDD

This pre-built PC feels much like a custom-built PC with its attractive design. The latest iteration added an intake fan, glass front, and side panels, and an easy-access panel to add components. Not to mention the sleek RGB lighting that adds some aesthetics to the case.

The 10th Gen Intel Core i9 and RTX 3080 proved to be powerful in gaming and benchmark productivity tests. On top of that, HP has included some name-brand components in their micro-ATX motherboard, WD Black SSD, Seagate HDD, and 750W power supply. These additional components make this prebuilt feel more like an enthusiast machine than some of the alternative choices. On top of that, this machine is significantly quieter than most of its competition.

Dell XPS

CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K

GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

RAM: 12GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM (Dual Channel)

Storage: 1TB 7200 RPM HDD

If you’re looking for a prebuilt PC that looks like it belongs in an office but still packs enough power to run strenuous applications, a Dell XPS may be for you. The XPS desktop was designed for professionals who require reliability and high performance. This system is built with the hardware capabilities for standard processing or specialized workloads, such as processing large data sets, running 3D rendering software, analyzing CAD models, or computing specific engineering applications.  You’ll be able to run multiple applications simultaneously as this XPS is powered by a 3.6 GHz Intel Core i7-4790 Quad-Core processor. When more power is required, there is a burst speed of 4.0 GHz and the built-in 12GB of dual-channel 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM, which is expandable to 32GB, allows the computer to quickly access frequently-used files and programs.

Although this is not the type of machine that lets you max out all of your settings to get the best possible graphics, this small, quiet Dell is perfect for the workplace.

MSI Aegis RS 11th Gen

CPU: Intel Core i7-11700K

GPU: MSU GeForce RTX 3080 Ventus 3X OC

RAM: 16GB Crucial Ballistix DDR4-300

Storage: 1TB XPG Gammix S70 PCIe Gen 4, 2TB Seagate Barracuda

The MSI Aegis RS is a top-of-the-line prebuilt desktop, with 11th Gen Intel Core CPU and options for an upgradeable graphics card that brings awesome performance that you can upgrade yourself in the future. All of the parts are standardized, meaning MSI builds the case, motherboard, CPU cooler, fans, GPU, and power supply in-house. This is the type of pre-built PC that you can tinker with and upgrade on your own over the next several years.

How to select the best gaming PC

Determine your budget – The best gaming PC on the market today can go for over $10,000, so deciding the specs that you can’t live without is the first step to determining your budget.

Decide on performance – Determining the applications or games you’re looking to run on your desktop is the first step to deciding what kind of baseline hardware you need. Look at the minimum system requirements on your favorite games and applications and determine the required hardware from there.

Determine Upgradability – PC components are constantly evolving, and the best PCs can be easily upgraded with new parts over time – even pre-built ones. Machines like the Alienware Aurora and MSI Aegis RS can be easily upgraded with new parts over time.

PC Advice from Computer Service Now

Are you looking for the best desktop upgrade for 2022? If you’re trying to find a desktop computer with the right specifications for your business applications, Computer Service Now can help you make your selection.

Contact us today, and one of our friendly rental representatives will walk you through every step of the process from picking which GPU, Motherboard, Memory, Storage, Video Card, Power Supply, and operating system you need to choose peripherals and a display–and everything in between.

Our experienced technicians can provide expert advice, product recommendations, installation, and support for any prebuilt PC. They will explain how our products work, and help decide what’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about getting a Custom PC from Computer Service Now — call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Microsoft Offers TPM 2.0 Bypass for Windows 11, should you use it or stick to Windows 10?

Microsoft has been telling its customers that Windows 11 requires a special security chip called TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 for months. Does this mean you have to go out and buy a module to fulfill this requirement? For the majority of PC users, the answer is no.

You can easily get around the TPM 2.0 restriction with a bypass provided by Microsoft themselves.

When should you upgrade?

Does your PC already meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements? You can find out by checking this PDF provided by Microsoft.

If you’ve recently purchased a new PC or hardware to fulfill these requirements, you can also skip the search for a physical TPM 2.0. In fact, your computer should already include a firmware version of TPM 2.0 – it just needs to be enabled in your BIOS settings before you install Windows 11.

To enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS:

-If you have an AMD Ryzen processor, look for “fTPM”

-If you have an Intel Core processor, look for Platform Trust Technology (or PTT)

Next, make sure your BIOS is set to firmware TPM instead of discrete. If you’re already using the recommended hardware, it’s as simple as that.

Warning

Although most PCs can get around the TPM 2.0, Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC may cause unexpected malfunctions.

So if you do use unsupported hardware, unfortunately, buying a module won’t solve the major problem with upgrading to Windows 11 altogether — as all systems with unsupported hardware run the risk of being shut out of Windows updates.

Of course, you could go out and buy a physical module to pair with an older CPU (assuming you have a motherboard with a TPM header), but you still won’t be as secure as Windows 11 supported PCs. So what should you do?

Should some users stick with Windows 10?

So you were thinking about an upgrade to Windows 11, but your hardware isn’t supported. Maybe you don’t have a TPM header on your motherboard, or maybe you just don’t want to take the risk of upgrading and losing support in the future due to unsupported hardware. What should you do? Stick to Windows 10, here’s why.

Windows 10 will have support for another four years, so you still have quite a bit of time until you’re really forced to upgrade your hardware. On top of that, you’ll still get a hassle-free experience with solid security and major Windows 11 features like DirectX Storage will still be available. Not to mention, you’re not missing out much because at the launch of Windows 11 there aren’t a lot of enticing features that would compel the average Windows operating system user to upgrade. Furthermore, performance issues are still being worked out with Windows 11 – like those on Ryzen systems. In fact, by the time Windows 11 becomes robust enough for an upgrade (between now and four years from now) you’ll probably be in the market for newer, compatible hardware anyway.

So if your hardware isn’t compatible, it is recommended that you just stay with Windows 10 for a little bit longer. It’s also worth mentioning that physical TPM pin-outs aren’t standard, so if you were going to go out and attempt to buy a physical TPM module to try to make Windows 11 work (for a limited time) on unsupported hardware, you’ll have to find a discrete TPM that is a reasonable price and that is compatible with your system.

Windows 11 requirements

The requirements to run Windows 10 were relatively tame: a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM (2GB for the 64-bit version), 16GB of storage, and a display capable of 800×600 resolution.

However, for Windows 11, you’ll need a much more sophisticated computer. You can check the full requirements already mentioned above, but this is the first time Microsoft has required a multicore processor to run Windows.

To run Windows 11, you’ll need a 1GHz, 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores. The latest Microsoft OS will also require an 8th-gen Core CPU and above – the Ryzen 2000 series and above is also supported. When it comes to the Arm side of things, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850 and up are also supported by Windows 11. A full list of supported PCs was published by PCWorld on August 7th here.

Eliminating older 7th-generation Core processors will definitely leave a lot of users out of the Windows 11 upgrade, although it isn’t exactly clear if this will hold true. However, we are already seeing Microsoft declare a substantial chunk of its Surface lineup ineligible for Windows 11 upgrades.

To run Windows 11, you’ll also need more memory – Microsoft has increased the minimum amount of RAM to 4GB and requires 64GB of storage (rather than 16GB in Windows 10). According to Microsoft, the amount of storage required is “highly variable” and the storage controller must meet the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) 2.3.1 or higher. The amount of storage you’ll need depends on what version of Windows has been previously installed, the size of your page file (also known as the swap file), and more. 

You’ll also need a DirectX 12-capable GPU and at least a 720p display.

Can my PC run Windows 11?

To find out if your PC can run Windows 11, there are two options:

First, figure out whether your PC contains a TPM already. Type tpm.msc into your Windows 10 PC’s search bar – your PC will then open the Trusted Platform Module Management application. Then scroll down to the TPM Manufacturer information and see whether a TPM is installed and whether it’s TPM-certified.

Second, Microsoft has provided a free application to determine which PCs are capable of running Windows 11: the PC Health Check app. This app is live on Microsoft’s website and is worth downloading to find out if your PC is compatible with the latest OS. This small Win32 app provides a summary of what is on your computer and offers a one-click check of your PC’s capabilities at the top of the window to see if your PC can run Windows 11.

In the end, the choice is yours – but it is recommended to only upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC meets the requirements listed above.

Not sure what to do? Try an IT Consultant

If you’re still not sure whether you should upgrade or not, it’s best to consult an IT consultant before installing anything on your computer. Computer Service Now has been in business for over 30 years assisting customers in the world of IT.

Do you have questions or need assistance installing Windows’ latest operating system? Contact us today for help from an experienced computer technician, call 513-422-1907. Need more help? Learn about the rest of our services: https://www.computerservicenow.com/services

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The Windows 11 update is available now, should you upgrade?

After Microsoft announced in 2015 that Windows 10 would be the operating system’s last version number, many thought there would never be a Windows 11. However, new competition from Chrome OS in combination with the pandemic has likely made the case for a significant operating system upgrade. After all, the featured updates for Windows 10 in the last 6 years have left a lot to be desired. So, a major overhaul to the world’s most popular desktop operating system is welcoming news – and Windows users finally have something to get excited about.

With the latest Windows operating system finally here, we’ve seen the biggest update in Microsoft’s operating system in more than half a decade. Windows 11 will give your computer a fresh new look, new ways to multitask and chat with friends, as well as a few performance enhancements — but is it worth upgrading now? If you’re wondering whether to download Windows 11 now or hold off until the bugs are fixed — we’ll show you some pros and cons to help you decide.

  How to get Windows 11

Are you already ready to upgrade to Windows 11 before reading our pros and cons? If you are reading this article to find out how to upgrade, first perform a PC health check on Microsoft’s Windows 11 page to check if your computer is compatible with Windows 11.

If you are running a custom-built desktop, we particularly recommend running the health check mentioned above, as Windows 11 requires a specific security module that those with custom-built PCs may be lacking — TPM 2.0. However, there is an alternative if you’re looking to easily bypass Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirements – published by Microsoft themselves which contains several easy workarounds.

If you already performed the compatibility check mentioned above, your Windows laptop or desktop should be good to upgrade. To see if Windows 11 is available for you to download, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for Updates.” You can also search “Check for Updates” from the Taskbar. Once you’re there, follow the prompts to download the new Windows 11 software.

Are you having trouble upgrading to Windows 11? Contact Computer Service Now for assistance. We’ll make sure your device is compatible with Windows 11. If your device isn’t compatible, we may be able to bypass Windows 11’s TPM 2.0 requirements. If that still doesn’t work, we will advise you on how to proceed. Contact us today for Windows 10 and Windows 11 support – call 513-422-1907 or visit our Contact Page.

When is Microsoft ending support for Windows 10?

If you aren’t ready to upgrade from Windows 10, don’t worry – support for Windows 10 won’t officially end until October 14, 2025. You’ll have just under 4 years until Microsoft will no longer provide security patches or feature updates for the Home, Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions of Windows 10 operating system. However, in October of 2025 virtually all Windows 10 users will be affected (other than the Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Support Channel users who have until 2029).

This news shouldn’t come as a shock, as Microsoft has a long-established Fixed Lifestyle Policy for many of its products. For each new version of Microsoft’s operating system, Microsoft offers 10 years of support, which includes: at least five years of mainstream support like security updates and no-charge incident support, followed by five years of extended support like paid troubleshooting.

Windows 10 was released in July 2015, so by October 2025 its 10-year cycle will have come to a close.

Do I have to upgrade to Windows 11?

If you’re still running Windows 10 in 2025 when support ends, will you have to upgrade to Windows 11? The short answer is no – there are many users who are still running Windows 7 or 8 on their computers with no issues. However, it is highly recommended that you use the most up-to-date software available in order to receive security updates from Microsoft. Without these security updates, your PC could be at risk for malware and other vulnerabilities that could expose you to hacks, viruses, and more.

How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 11?

The good news is Windows 11 is completely free to upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs beginning on October 5 and continuing into 2022. If you’re still running an earlier version of Windows, like Windows 7 or 8, and want to upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 first in order to be eligible.

Pros of Upgrading to Windows 11

Visual Upgrades –

Although aesthetics aren’t everything, your computer could receive a much-needed fresh coat of paint by upgrading to Windows 11. Microsoft’s latest operating system gives your desktop a new design that is not only more colorful and cleaner to use but also remains familiar enough for Windows 10 users to easily jump right in without frustration or requiring tutorials.

The first thing we noticed was Windows’ new Taskbar — which now sits at the bottom center of your screen and sports a minimalistic approach akin to MacBooks and Chromebooks. Although the Taskbar has been given a new paint job, it functions almost exactly the same.

If you tap the Windows key, you’ll be brought to a revamped Start menu — with large app icons front and center and app recommendations by Windows based on your recent downloads. Although there are now both Start and Search icons on the newly-centered Taskbar, they are a bit redundant as they function similarly when searching for recent apps and files.

If you like changing the look of your home screen with different colors and modes, you’ll probably be interested in Microsoft’s six new preset themes which come free with Windows 11. These themes give you the option of using bold colors, beautiful background imagery, or light and dark modes to help personalize the look of your computer. Don’t worry, if default themes aren’t your thing, you’ll still be able to customize everything from your desktop background to accent colors — or even mix light and dark modes for different applications.

Were you bored with the majority of your files being contained in bland manila folders? If that’s the case, you may appreciate some smaller visual upgrades Microsoft has made to folders like Music, Videos, and Pictures. Instead of these manila envelopes, these folders now come in various customizable colors.

We mentioned a similarity to Mac’s operating system with the taskbar, but the similarities don’t stop there. Windows now features a control panel for quickly adjusting Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings, taking another page out of Apple’s playbook.

Multitasking –

Although Windows 10 was great for multitasking, Windows 11 seems to have capitalized on any issues with snapping Windows to different corners of the screen. With the new Snap Layouts, you can hover over a window and choose between a number of layouts that include splitting the screen between two apps or creating a four-way grid for larger displays. Certain apps like Spotify and Discord currently don’t quite snap into place perfectly, but developers have been given the option to optimize their apps for Snap Layouts, so we should see fewer issues over time.

Borrowing from Apple, you can now create multiple virtual desktops on your Windows 11 computer – each desktop with its own set of open applications. This is great in particular for those who use their computer to complete daily tasks at work during the day but also use their laptop at night for entertainment. You can even create a different background and name for each desktop to clearly distinguish them from one another. Now you’ll be able to switch your dedicated work desktop to your gaming or entertainment space with just the click of a button.

Although Focus assist has been available in Windows operating systems for years, Windows 11 puts this feature front and center. Focus assist allows you to choose between three different notification settings: Off (allowing all notifications), Priority only (allowing only notifications of your choosing), and Alarms only (muting every notification except for alarms).

Summing it up –

Although Windows has a brand new look and a handful of great new features, some of the smaller touches are what really make this operating system worth the upgrade. For example, now whenever the microphone is being used, you’ll notice a small icon at the bottom of your screen — a handy privacy tool that brings Windows up to par with some of Apple’s software features.

Cons of upgrading to Windows 11

If you’re already excited about having a new operating system with a fresh coat of paint and fun new features, most of these cons won’t be enough to dissuade you from upgrading – but it’s worth mentioning that Microsoft still has some issues to iron out.

Widgets –

Windows 11 now features a Widgets app, which is essentially an updated version of Windows 10’s newsfeed. This application allows you to check the weather, see the latest sports scores, read the news, and glance at stocks. However, with the lack of flexibility and availability of only 11 widgets — the Widgets app in its current state leaves much to be desired. Although it’s likely more widgets will roll out over time, potentially from third-party apps like Spotify, the feature seems pretty unremarkable in its current layout.

Microsoft Teams –

Windows 11 now integrates Microsoft Teams directly into the Taskbar – meant to let you seamlessly text or video call friends like you would on a Mac. However, the integration isn’t quite as nice as Apple’s version and you still have to convince your friends, family, or colleagues to download and actually use Microsoft Teams for this new feature to be worth anything to you.

As it is now, Android users are more likely to download the Your Phone app to make calls from their Windows PC. On top of that, Windows (and Android) users will soon be able to join Apple’s FaceTime calls with a new feature announced by Apple – minimizing the divide between Android/Windows and Apple users, but making Microsoft Teams further obsolete.

Bottom Line — Should you upgrade?

Although upgrading to Windows 11 comes with a lot of nice features and a fresh new look, the upgrade isn’t essential right now. So if your PC isn’t compatible or you don’t want to spend time and frustration upgrading and setting up your new Windows 11 desktop, the average user may not be missing much.

However, if you’re the type of person that juggles multiple projects at once, you may really appreciate the ability to create multiple virtual desktops – and enjoy the small tweaks Microsoft has made with Snap Layouts. For the heavy-duty multitasker, Windows 11 can really perform well. Additionally, if you’re younger or not very tech-savvy, the Windows 11 update could provide some relief from the clutter of Windows 10 as things are slightly more streamlined.

When all is said and done, Windows 11 isn’t really reinventing the wheel – they’re refreshing an already-decent operating system that everyone who uses a Windows PC is already used to. Luckily for you, the upgrade is free.

Need Help Upgrading to Windows 11?

Computer Service Now has been in business for over three decades providing service to our clients around the Southwest, Ohio region. We also provide remote support, which could be perfect for helping with quick fixes involved with upgrading to Windows 11.

Do you have questions or need assistance installing Windows’ latest operating system? Contact us today for help from an experienced computer technician, call 513-422-1907. Need more help? Learn about the rest of our services: https://www.computerservicenow.com/services

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Custom-Built Nvidia RTX 3090 Gaming Systems

We are now offering custom-built desktops equipped with the most powerful graphics card available to consumers, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090.

The main distinction between a gaming PC and a consumer PC is one defining characteristic: a high-end discrete GPU — a graphics card. However, not every discrete GPU has the specifications you require in order to perform tasks that require a system with a high level of graphics performance. 

If you’re looking for a custom-built PC that can handle resource-intensive tasks for engineering, design, medical, photo editing, and video production that can handle almost any program available — you’re looking for a Custom Built PC with an RTX 3090 from Computer Service Now.

Let’s discuss the top uses of a high-performance PC and how the RTX 3090 graphics card is the cherry on top.

Custom-Built vs. Prebuilt PCs

Whether you’re a media editor, animator, engineer, medical researcher, gamer, or work in any other profession that really puts a strain on hardware, our custom-built PCs are sure to help you complete tasks effectively.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line PC with nearly every high-end component you can fit in a single gaming computer, it’s best to have a custom PC built.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090

Much like its predecessor, the RTX 3090 is built on the Nvidia Ampere architecture, using the GA102 GPU. Also included are 82 Streaming Multiprocessors (SM), a total of 10,496 CUDA cores, 328 Tensor cores, and 82 RT Cores.

Another feat Nvidia has accomplished is bumping up to 82 SMs (from 72 on the Nvidia Turing-based Titan RTX) with the Ampere architecture, both the datapaths on each SM are able to handle FP32 workloads. This essentially means that CUDA core counts per SM is effectively doubled — making the RTX 3090 a rendering masterclass.

Also included is 24GB of GDDR6X video memory on a 384-bit bus, which makes for 936 GB/s of memory bandwidth — nearly a terabyte every second.

Basically, anyone who does heavy 3D rendering work will have a huge benefit from the RTX 3090 as compared to its predecessor.

Although it may not seem like a lot, the RTX 3090 is 10-20% faster than the RTX 3080. Although this does provide a slight bump up for gamers, this card is primarily aimed at the beginning of 8k gaming and professional 3D rendering applications.

If you’re planning to use a PC with an RTX 3090 for Adobe Premiere, I have some good news. Now that the encoder is supported in Adobe, nearly the entire video production suite’s workflow is now accelerated by the GPU, making this incredibly beneficial to video editors.

As mentioned, the RTX 3090 also really shines in 3D rendering applications like Blender and AutoDesk Maya. The 3090 is nearly twice as fast as its predecessor in Blender — a 91% improvement thanks to the sheer amount of VRAM and FP32 performance on offer.

If you’re looking for more than a consumer-grade graphics card with real raw rendering power, but aren’t ready to jump into Nvidia Quadro or Nvidia Tesla, the RTX 3090 is a perfect middle ground solution.

Get a Custom-Built PC from Computer Service Now if…

You’re a creative professional. If your daily workflow involves a lot of 3D rendering, the computing performance and vast quantity of VRAM packed into our creative professional geared custom PCs will greatly improve your efficiency. Our systems are capable of running any video editing software from Adobe Premiere Pro, Cyberlink PowerDirector 365, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate, HitFilm Express, VideoPad, Pinnacle Studio, Filmora9, DaVinci Resolve 16, and any other Windows-supported video editing software.

You’re an engineer who uses Computer-Aided Design. Are you looking to run CAD design and engineering programs like Altium Designer? You’ll need a powerful PC with enough RAM to run programs like Altium Designer, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion360, and complete other CAD and engineering tasks.

You design 3D modeling in the medical field. Our custom PCs support programs like Altium Designer, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion360, and have the necessary specs to complete other CAD and engineering tasks.

You don’t want to worry about 4K gaming performance. With a high-end graphics card in tow, finally, you can max out the FPS of any game you’re playing and forget about it.

You want guaranteed overclocking. Our custom-designed PCs are designed to support custom upgrades. It’s engineered for lower temperatures and more reliable graphics overclocking to produce higher-performing graphics.

You want the very best. Whether you’re at the forefront of 8K gaming or just want the best of the best, a Computer Service Now built custom PC will not disappoint. 

Custom PCs with Nvidia RTX Graphics cards are now available from Computer Service Now!

Are you looking to build your own custom PC, but aren’t sure about which parts and specifications you need to run your favorite game? Or are you looking for a custom-built PC that can handle even the most strenuous of tasks? Either way, Computer Service Now is here to build your dream computer.

Contact us today, and one of our friendly rental representatives will walk you through every step of the process from picking which GPU, Motherboard, Memory, Storage, Video Card, Power Supply, and operating system you need to choose peripherals and a display–and everything in between.

Our experienced technicians can provide expert advice, product recommendations, installation, and support for any custom PC build. They will explain how our products work, and help decide what’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about getting a Custom PC from Computer Service Now — call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Google, Dell, and Intel form The Modern Computing Alliance

The Modern Computing Alliance aims to redefine technology systems and stacks in the interconnected, internet-first world we live in today. The goal of the group is to better innovate and integrate from silicon to cloud.

A handful of major technology companies in the IT and cloud computing industries have formed an alliance to solve shared problems with security, remote work, and other enterprise issues that have become increasingly important amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The Modern Computing Alliance includes Google, Dell, Intel, and some smaller companies like Box, Citrix, Imprivata, Okta, RingCentral, Slack, VMWare, and Zoom.

Four Areas of Expertise

“The Modern Computing Alliance will redefine technology systems and stacks in the interconnected, internet-first world we’re living in.” – Solomon, VP and GM ChromeOS at Google

According to The Verge, the Modern Computing Alliance is initially focused around four areas of expertise:

— Performance: Developing a more seamless, user-friendly experience across the web and devices.

— Security and Identity: Creating more advanced cloud data security and improving current data loss prevention solutions.

— Remote work, productivity, and collaboration: Enhancing the productivity of an increasingly distributed workforce by providing telemetry insights across the stack.

— Health Care: Improving ROI on technology to improve patient outcomes and reduce IT costs.

  The consortium’s goal is to pool knowledge and resources toward solving shared problems involving how companies work with the cloud — and which tools are most useful to do so.

The Modern Computing Alliance is particularly engaged in developing new standards and interoperable tech that can be used by any company that relies on one of the partner’s platforms or products.

“It’s not the most natural thing to say, ‘Let’s form a consortium.’ But this isn’t an ordinary time.”

Preparing for the Future of Computing

The Modern Computing Alliance actually predates the coronavirus pandemic, as the union was formed at CES in Las Vegas in 2019. However, as the pandemic culture began to set in, the group knew it needed to expand its scope. So the MCA brought in even more companies that were witnessing massive shifts in how corporate work is performed, like Slack and Zoom.

“Today, we’re excited to announce Google’s membership in the Modern Computing Alliance — to address the biggest IT challenges facing companies today with integration from silicon to cloud,” says John Solomon, Google’s vice president of Chrome OS. “Working with a group of forward-thinking industry leaders, we’re aligning standards and technologies to provide companies with the choice of high-performance, cloud-first computing solutions from the vendor of their choice who provide modern solutions for the modern era of business.”

To prepare for the future of cloud and IT, The Modern Computing Alliance aims to build a council of IT professionals that can identify problems and figure out how to solve them. The group plans to meet and form working groups with deliverables by early 2021, including guiding principles for the ecosystem and customer priorities. “Right now, what you’ll see from us is low hanging fruit, but there will be short-term and longer-term contributions to the ecosystem,” said Soloman. “We will have ambitions that are multi-year and a roadmap that will have some simple things as well as things that will require more investments.”

Are you ready for more seamless collaboration, productivity, performance, security, and compatibility work experience? Look forward to products from The Modern Computing Alliance in the first half of 2021.

Computer Service Now — Trusted IT Service

For over 30 years, Computer Service Now has been assisting with equipment performance, troubleshooting issues, managing upgrades, installations, leveraging trends, and more to help companies get the most out of their IT and technology investments.

No matter what IT or technology challenge you’re facing, with CSN, you can move forward with confidence that you’ll get 360 degrees of proactive, preventative, and responsive Managed IT services — call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

 Contact Us

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Selecting A Router — For Your Business

Our lives are becoming more and more connected — to the internet. 

Just a few years ago, your home network might host a few phones, a computer, and maybe a tablet — but nowadays, home networks are hosting more and more devices, making router quality more critical than ever.

Now that we’re commonly using your wireless internet to stream from multiple different rooms and a multitude of devices, it’s increasingly important to select a router that can handle how you’re using it.

But… My ISP already provided a router.

Most internet service providers (ISP) supply you with a router coupled with a cable modem. You’ve always assumed since it connects to the internet, it’s as good as it gets, right? Wrong.

If you operate in a small, open facility, a router with a single antenna should easily pick up a few devices — anything above that, and you’ll notice performance issues. Many users resort to connecting their devices to ethernet cables because they think the problem is with the ISP, not their router.

If you’re using a router that’s outdated compared to the devices connected to the internet, you can more than likely take advantage of a wireless router upgrade.

Now that many of us have to work remotely during the pandemic lockdown, a shoddy router is even more apparent in our isolated spaces. If your employer hasn’t provided you with a router and other proper equipment to keep up with your daily tasks while working from home, you may notice a productivity loss.

Now that you know you can have faster, more reliable internet connections from an upgraded wireless router, let’s talk about the considerations you need to take when selecting the best wireless router for you.

The WiFi Standard and Outdated Versions of WiFi

WiFi is continually evolving, so routers and ISPs have to abide by a global standard to ensure devices can connect without issue.

That standard is known as 802.11, succeeded by the letters a, b, g, n, ac, and the new ax to designate the WiFi version. Although these versions are compatible with each other, connecting to an outdated version means your device will be capped at a slower connection speed.

From oldest to latest, here are the current versions of WiFi:

802.11b is now WiFi 1

802.11a is now WiFi 2

802.11g is now WiFi 3

802.11n is now WiFi 4

802.11ac is now WiFi 5

802.11ax is now WiFi 6

  Although AX is the latest version currently available, N- and AC- devices are still relevant. However, because technology is continually updating, it’s essential to look towards the future when considering a router.

WiFi 6 is here

The latest evolution of WiFi is here. The latest devices will go the way of AX (WiFi 6), which has some significant benefits over WiFi 5:

Faster transfer speeds to and from devices

Higher capacity for the number of connected devices

Better performance with numerous connected devices

Drains less battery from connected devices

As consumers move to connect even more performance-intensive devices to their WiFi connections, WiFi 6 will genuinely reign supreme. Capable of handling theoretical speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, WiFi 6 is better suited to handling large traffic crowds.

WiFi 5 is still relevant.

If you’re considering a wireless router update and don’t want to break the bank, it makes sense to consider an 802.11ac or WiFi 5 router. WiFi 5 routers are the second most up-to-date router and have significantly dropped in price on the heels of WiFi 6.

Single-band or Dual-band Routers?

Wireless signals travel over bands (or WiFi radio signals), which are essentially roads that your data travels along.

Up until WiFi 4 (802.11n) was released, routers operated on a single 2.4GHz band. As a result, the 2.4GHz band was becoming crowded, essentially creating jammed up traffic, a rush-hour scenario, at high usage times.

Subsequently, WiFi 4 and beyond decided to add additional support for a 5GHz band to free up bandwidth. Not only adding another channel for data to travel on, but the 5GHz bands also operate at a much higher speed limit and are much wider than the narrow, low-frequency 2.4GHz band.

However, there are some drawbacks to the 5GHz band. Because it broadcasts at a higher frequency, its signal can more commonly lose strength due to obstacles like walls, furniture, and people.

However, modern routers equip beamforming, which sends WiFi signals in the exact direction of connected devices rather than just spraying a spherical-shaped signal around the router. Beamforming and higher speed limits make these 5GHz signals perfect for streaming high-definition videos, high-performance editing projects, and modern gaming.

Nowadays, devices that use only a 2.4GHz radio are single-band devices, while dual-band devices can use 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals.

Consider the top speed of your internet connection

Speeds advertised by router manufacturers are theoretical.

For example, although companies may advertise a router as AC1200 or AX6000, that doesn’t mean it will broadcast a top speed of 1,200Mbps or 6,000Mbps, respectively — this number is a combination of signal speeds from both bands in a hypothetical “perfect” scenario. For dual-band routers, the number is a combination of connection speeds from both bands.

To put it simply, here is an explanation from WindowsCentral.com:

“If you see a WiFi 5 router labeled with something like AC5000, it’s not magically hitting 5,000Mbps. Instead, you’re getting a single 600Mbps 2.4GHz band and two 2,166Mbps 5GHz bands. In the case of an AX6000 WiFi 6 router, which can triple speeds on the radios, you’re looking at theoretical speeds up to 1.2Gbps on the 2.4GHz radio and 4.8Gbps on the 5GHz radio.”

Although it may be tempting to buy the best possible WiFi 6 router, your router is only as good as your internet connection. So if you pay for a 50Mbps connection from your ISP, you can’t expect to get superior performance, in terms of speed, from an AC5000 or even AX6000 router. 

In short, select a router that fits your ISP plan.

Consider how far the signal will need to travel

Do you need your wireless router to cover a large area? Then you might reconsider buying a single, large router. For scenarios like this, you might want to consider using a mesh router setup.

Unlike a standalone router, which uses a single device to provide WiFi coverage to a limited area — a Mesh WiFi router uses two or more connected devices to offer multiple sources of WiFi signals, all on the same seamless network.

Mesh, which has also been called Whole-Home WiFi, shouldn’t be confused with a range extender. Range extenders can extend the range of a WiFi signal, but at the expense of cutting your WiFi performance in half.

That’s why we recommend considering a Mesh WiFi Setup for extensive facilities.

Consider Routers with MU-MIMO

When you thought selecting the right router couldn’t get any more complicated, let’s talk about MU-MIMO. MU-MIMO stands for multi-user, multi-input, multi-output.

Routers with MU-MIMO differ from traditional routers, which offer single-user, multiple-input, multiple-output (SU-MIMO) because instead of delivering data to one device at a time on a rotating basis, MU-MIMO allows for simultaneous data delivery to multiple devices.

SU-MIMO can work for most purposes since the rotating delivery commonly happens so quickly you don’t notice. However, if it’s necessary to stream, game, or perform bandwidth-intensive tasks from multiple devices simultaneously — MU-MIMO is the only way to go.

Are software and security features important?

Does your tech department need to be in complete control of everything that goes through your router? If so, you’ll want to choose a router with:

– Advanced Firmware

– A Decent Firewall

– Support for advanced third-party firmware (like DD-WRT)

However, if you’re merely looking to shield inappropriate information from specific users, choosing a router with advanced parental controls can be sufficient as long as it offers any additional features you may require that we’ve discussed above.

Which router is best for me?

Summing it all up, the best routers available on the market today are AX WiFi 6 if you’re paying for a high-speed connection from your ISP. If you’re paying the extra money for fast internet speed, you want to invest in an AC (WiFi 5) router at the very least.

If you aren’t spending big bucks on your connection or needing to broadcast a wide signal to multiple devices, the dirt-cheap N (WiFi 4) router could very well be suitable for a small location with few connections.

Plan accordingly around the size of your space. Although high-end routers can broadcast their signal over a large chunk of real estate, you’ll need to invest in a mesh WiFi system if you need internet in the corner of the basement or the top floor.

Planning for the future is essential: investing in two 5GHz bands isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re considering upgrading your ISP Internet plan in the future.

Do you like to tweak with the settings or plug and play? Select the router that has the features that fit you, keeping security in mind.

Free router consultations from Computer Service Now

Do you need additional help choosing a router for your facility? If you found our blog by searching “How to select a router” on Google, chances are you might need some additional help from a certified technician. Don’t worry, consultations are free and our representatives are friendly and attentive.

Our experienced technicians can provide expert advice, product recommendations, installation, and support for any wireless network setup. They will explain how our products work, and help decide what’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about which WiFi and router selection is best for you, how our installation process works, or just need more help — call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

  About the Author

Robert Beagle is a technology enthusiast, author, blogger, and social media guru. In addition to contributing to blog.computerservicenow.com, Robert has also provided articles for blog.camerasecuritynow.com, blog.rentacomputer.com, smbnow.com, and various other technology, business, and event manager blogs. Robert has vast knowledge and experience in technology applications and networking solutions for businesses small and large.

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Work From Home Equipment Guide

Working from home (WFH) can certainly be convenient, especially in the middle of a pandemic, but if your employees aren’t equipped with the proper tools, trying to keep your WFH staff productive can be a nightmare.

While there has already been significant research that confirms that working from home can be just as efficient as doing business on-site, there are still some hurdles to get across to enable staff to work remotely, efficiently.

It’s essential to keep your WFH employees engaged in their daily tasks, which starts with equipping them with the right tech gadgets. These FAQs from businesses supporting work from home employees can serve as your guide to remote working hardware.

Start with setting up home offices.

WFH Office Assessment:

Are your employees equipped to work remotely? It’s important to make sure your employees’ offices are well-equipped, whether you’re planning to manage all of your employees from home or adopting a hybrid model for employees to get tasks done remotely for a portion of the week.

Studies have shown that when workers have access to the best equipment–the same amenities they enjoy at the office—while they are at home, they are more motivated and productive.

A proper system is perhaps the most critical utility you can give your WFH employees. Here we outline which hardware is best for different jobs and tasks, recommend various internal components, and explain how a custom system could be best for your business. Here are some questions from our customers that might help you select the right PC:

What kind of hardware is best for completing accounting tasks from home?

We recommend a standard mini-tower case, with an intel i5 processor, at least 8GB of RAM, a 500 Gigabyte Solid State Drive (SSD), and a 24” LCD Monitor for lighter loads like accounting, coding, web design, and running tasks like phone, email, and company messengers.

Do I need a particular system for photo and video editing?

When it comes to multimedia editing projects, the most important components are the graphics card and processor. That’s why we’d recommend a standard mid-tower case with an Intel i7 processor and at least 32 Gigabytes of RAM. However, suppose you want to speed up the project and have the best visual capabilities. In that case, we’d recommend a 500 Gigabyte SSD, a 4 Terabyte standard hard drive, a high-end video card such as the RTX series, and of course, a 4K 32” LED monitor.

I want the best possible system. What do you recommend?

Many web designers, content creators, audiophiles, medical professionals, architects, and other professionals turn to gaming PCs to get their tasks done more quickly because of the power and performance offered by these gaming desktops–or even gaming laptops.

Gaming computers deliver high-end graphics because they have dedicated RAM for processing graphics, meaning gaming computers can render graphics more quickly and accurately.

To put it simply, if you want fast loading times, rich colors, and superior performance—you can’t beat a hand-picked gaming PC and the right 4K monitor.

What’s the difference between a custom desktop built by Computer Service Now and a pre-built unit?

The value of using CSN to build a custom PC is our experienced technicians can hand-pick the individual components that provide the best value or the best performance depending on your needs. We’ve been doing this for decades and can help you find the best components at your price point.

We can also guarantee future upgradability by using standard components such as the case, power supply, graphics card, other internal parts that may not be swappable in off-the-shelf pre-built systems.

Moreover, we’ll be here to handle any troubleshooting, upgrading, or questions you have in a much more timely manner–and at a lower cost–because of the replaceable components used in our builds.

A Few More Tips

Keeping employees engaged from a distance is easier than ever, especially with the right advice. Don’t forget, working under suitable conditions is essential not just for productivity, but also for mental health and employee morale.

Every good worker aspires to work with the latest and greatest equipment, whether they are in the office or working remotely. Make sure you provide your employees with the right hardware, support, and resources to set up their home offices if you want them to stay busy! Many businesses are now supporting a newly-remote workforce by either buying the equipment for their workstations, renting technology, or even providing reimbursement plans for equipment and maintenance. Keep your eye on our blog for our next post about remote working applications, and how businesses should plan to support the growing remote workforce.

Remote Working Advice and Installation with Computer Service Now

Are you looking for advice on remote working, or do you need help equipping your already deployed work from home staff? Our experienced technicians can provide expert advice, product recommendations, installation, and support for any remote working setup. They will explain how our products work, and help decide what’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about remote working, how an equipment upgrade can enhance productivity or the purchasing and installation process, call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Network Troubleshooting and Solutions

Adjusting to Work From Home

Adjusting to a work-from-home lifestyle is often easier said than done. With most of us switching to this kind of lifestyle on at least a part-time basis, many of us have found that there can be a multitude of difficulties involved. Some of us weren’t motivated enough, others found that they work too much, and others found the many interruptions they met at home hard to deal with. Meanwhile, a few of us, myself included, found some technical challenges involved with working at home.

In a customer service role, a lot of my time was spent on the phone. With cellular coverage being relatively spotty in my part of the country, I was in need of a company supplied desk phone. However, unfortunately, the desk phone was not WiFi capable, and required to be plugged in with an ethernet cord. No problem, the set-up was simple enough. Just plug one end of the ethernet cable into the phone, and the other end into my router.

The Problem

The problem, however, was that my makeshift office was on one side of my house, and the router was on the complete other end of the house. This was fine for a few days, but the days quickly turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months. Running an ethernet cord from one side of the house to the other every morning, and running it back when the work day was over, was becoming a hassle. I was becoming frustrated with the situation. I tried to grow accustom to just leaving it out at the end of the day, but the phone calls would keep coming (including in the middle of the night). Many close calls were had with tripping over the cord that lay in the middle of the floor. The situation was reaching a breaking point. Either the cable needed to go, I needed to find new employment, or I needed to find a solution.

Troubleshooting the Issue

I am not a complete newbie when it comes to technology and routers. I was aware of the existence of WiFi repeaters and mesh networks. I tried a couple of different models, neither of which were able to provide the required speeds I needed to run my desk phone. The speeds were either insufficient to the point where the phone wasn’t getting any data and wouldn’t receive or make calls, or the phone would receive enough data to operate, but callers on the other end of the line would be choppy or not be able to hear me. These solutions weren’t sufficient for my phone-heavy job. I needed something better.

The Solution: AmpliFi

Enter ComputerServiceNow’s Network Services. After hearing my issue with running an ethernet cable back and forth every day, how I was nearly at my wit’s end regarding the problem, and the solutions I had tried on my own, they were able to come up with a solution. As they were quite familiar with VOIP phones and the requirements they need, they recommended the AmpliFi Instant System, starting at $179.

The easy-to-use touchscreen display of the system’s router was a snap to setup, and connecting the MeshPoint was just as simple. With the connection between the AmpliFi router and MeshPoint established, all that was left was connecting a very short ethernet cable from the phone to the MeshPoint. That’s it. Months of frustration was solved within a 5-minute setup process. My calls are crystal clear, and I can walk through my house worry-free. Without the need for a lengthy ethernet cable being run throughout the house, my frustrations with working from home are minimal, and it’s all thanks to the folks at ComputerServiceNow.

Networking Advice and Installation with Computer Service Now

Are you looking for advice on a complex office network, or do you need help coordinating a lot of work from home employees while keeping everything secure? Our experienced technicians can give you a networking consultation for your business. They will explain how our products work, and help decide if it’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about AmpliFi works, how any of our other networking products can help your company, or the purchasing and installation process, call us today at 800-440-1662 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Android Users: Quickly UNINSTALL these 16 Apps Infected by JOKER MALWARE

Google has recently disabled several Android applications that are infected with “Joker malware.” However, only users have the ability to remove these apps from their smartphones altogether.

“Joker malware” is nothing new to Android operating systems. As one of the most persistent pieces of malware, the Joker malware circumvented the Google Play app through a combination of code tweaks, execution method variation, and changed to how it downloads the payload allowing the malware to function, steal information, and trigger WAP service sign-ups.

Although Google Play has removed the 16 inflected apps from its Play Store, it’s up to Android users themselves to completely remove the applications that are estimated to have plagued over 120,000 devices.

The list of apps infected by the Joker Malware bug include:

All Good PDF Scanner

Blue Scanner

Care Message

Desire Translate

Direct Messenger

Hummingbird PDF Converter – Photo to PDF

Meticulous Scanner

Mint Leaf Message-Your Private Message

One Sentence Translator – Multifunctional Translator

Paper Doc Scanner

Part Message

Private SMS

Style Photo Collage

Talent Photo Editor – Blur focus

Tangram App Lock

Unique Keyboard – Fancy Fonts & Free Emoticons

As explained above, the one thing Google can’t do is completely remove the (now disabled) applications from Android devices. That means it is up to you! If you have ANY of these 16 apps installed, simply open Settings on your device, open Apps, find the app on the list, select it, and tap uninstall. When Android reloads your list of apps, you’ll know the uninstallation is complete. If you have multiple apps on this list, you’ll have to repeat this process until all 16 of these apps are no longer on your device.

Congratulations, your device is now secure.

This is unlikely to be the last time we hear about downloaded infected apps from the Google Play Store. If you’re ever unsure about installing a new application, it’s smart to do some research first. A quick Google Search for the app you’re considering could reveal whether it is safe or unsafe for your device.

Furthermore, if you’re worried about keeping your smartphone or other Android devices safe and secure, make sure you install a top-rated Android Antivirus app.

Protect your business

While you may have procedures and protocols in place while your staff is at their workstation, those same environments are certainly not the same while employees are transitioning to work from home life. For many, this is new and uncharted territory. Your organization should be vigilant in ensuring work from home staff are aware of threats and how to report such issues.

Computer Service Now is happy to provide on-site services to businesses in the Southwest Ohio region. Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from vulnerabilities.

With our high level of customer service and satisfaction, Computer Service Now works hard to be the premier IT firm in the Cincinnati and Dayton region. We offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs today!

Subscribe to our blog today to stay up-to-date with Computer Service Now and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Outlook Won’t Open After Most Recent Patch

• A recent update for Outlook’s “Patch Tuesday” is causing Office 365 and Outlook 2016 to crash upon startup.

• Are you looking for a fix for an Outlook bug? Contact CSN for fast service!

• We offer a free hour of service and IT consultation, so you are confident that all of your Microsoft Office and Outlook issues are solved.

July 14, 2020,  Microsoft has received a barrage of criticism from distraught customers around the globe who have Outlook and Office 365 crashing every time upon startup. From Reddit to Twitter, affected users are up in arms about the lack of communication regarding Office 365 and Outlook 2016 crashing.

According to one of the affected users, Outlook opens for “about 2 seconds” before crashing. The widespread issue apparently cannot be fixed even if you open it in safe mode with outlook.exe/safe. Users who examined their application event logs will see an error log stating that the OUTLOOK.EXE program has crashed with an exception code 0xc0000005.

The official Twitter account for Microsoft Office 365, @MSFT365Status tweeted that the issues caused by the new Outlook update are under investigation. See their tweets:

Apparently, the issue stems from Build 13001.20384. A status message in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center title ‘EX218604 stated: Users experiencing Outlook connection issues and crashes’, Microsoft suggests users use web and mobile clients until the issue is resolved.

Fix #1:

However, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try if you have some knowledge in IT. Here are the recommended steps *for IT professionals only*:

Open a command prompt by clicking on the Start Menu and typing CMD. When the ‘Command Prompt’ result appears, click on it.

In the command prompt type cd “\Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ClickToRun” and press enter.

You will now be in the ClickToRun folder. Type officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.12827.20470 and press enter.

Microsoft Office will now download the specified version of Microsoft Office and roll back to that previous version. This could take a few minutes.

When the updates are finished installing, you will be shown a screen stating ‘Updates were installed.’ You can press the Close button on this screen.

Microsoft Outlook will now be rolled back to the previous version, and you should be able to start Microsoft Outlook again.

You can now close the Command Prompt by clicking on the X button.

Some Outlook users are reporting that the above steps do not work for them, but were able to use the officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.12527.20880 command instead to resolve the issue.

Contact Us

Fix #2:

If you’re still having problems after the most recent Patch Tuesday and are unable to use web and mobile clients, the only other solution may be to “rollback” to Build 12827.20470. However, this may require some IT knowledge.

To elaborate, the fix requires running a PowerShell script to update or rollback your Office 365 client, which gives you the option to choose which build to rollback to. In order for Powershell to run properly, you may need to change the execution policy of your system. The rollback script has been verified to work with Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows 8. In order for this solution to work for you, you must be running Office 365 Business, ProPlus, or Personal.

We cannot stress this enough: if you don’t know anything about Powershell please contact your IT service provider. Rolling back patches is not a simple fix, and may require extensive IT knowledge. Powershell scripts are not intended for the average Microsoft user; these are very powerful ways in which to modify your computer. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can cause extensive and irreversible damage to your application or even your computer. Please use extreme caution before proceeding with the following:

If you are an IT professional with experience with PowerShell, this script can be found in Microsoft’s TechCenter: https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/office/Script-for-Update-or-8fb223bd This script can also be used to change your update channel for the Office 365 client. You may need to unblock this script with User Unblock-File cmdlet if it does not execute properly.

If this is your first time running a PowerShell script, please consult a professional. We’d love to help professionals and amateurs alike resolve this issue, please contact us today.

Microsoft Outlook and Office 365 Troubleshooting and IT Services

Are you looking for help troubleshooting Office 365 or Microsoft Outlook? Johnny and Computer Service Now would be glad to help, as we know these situations can be frustrating. He will explain how we can help, and decide what actions need to be taken to get your programs running properly again. If you have any questions about our IT services, how this can help your company, or the troubleshooting process, contact Johnny today at 800-440-1662 ext. 360 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with ComputerServiceNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Is RingCentral the right choice for your Ohio Business?

If you’re looking for a truly Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution for your business, you’ve probably heard about RingCentral. RingCentral offers standard voice over internet protocol (VOIP), plus video conferencing, text messaging, and fax – all from the same platform. Easy to deploy and scale, RingCentral is your one-stop-shop for your business communications needs.

More Than Just VOIP

RingCentral makes it easy to transfer your existing numbers so that your business can keep all of your existing numbers. Take it one step further and build a local presence by setting up local numbers with over 200 area codes to select from. This helps you signal to potential customers that you do business in their area, and avoid looking like out of town or “800 number” spam.

The RingCentral app works on smartphones and desktops, keeping you connected everywhere – you can even flip calls from one device to another without interruption! The admin portal allows management to review call logs, recorded calls, and all kinds of performance data on individual users and as a group. The phone system comes complete with all of the usual features, such as phone tree call distribution and group call answering.

RingCentral Glip Team Messaging

One of the most unexpected favorite features of the RingCentral UCaaS is Glip team messaging. If your team does not already have an instant collaboration solution in place, you will be amazed at the immediate benefits Glip offers. Beyond text chatting, share images, videos, and other files with individual users or with custom-defined teams. The integration of Glip with the calling app is seamless, and you’ll soon wonder how you lived without it!

RingCentral Video Conferencing

Meeting remotely just got easier with integrated video conferencing, screen sharing, and messaging through RingCentral Video. Video meetings with up to 100 participants are included for no additional charge with the Standard plan, and the Premium package allows up to 200 participants! No additional app downloads are needed, this is supported from the same RingCentral App that you can text, chat, fax, and voice call from. RingCentral Video is compatible with all video-capable devices, so you can bring your global teams together with ease.

BYOD or Select a RingCentral Device

RingCentral VOIP is compatible with most VOIP phones and headsets, and RingCentral also has a wide selection of devices to choose from. You can bring your own device (BYOD) or select from a catalog of products manufactured by reputable companies such as Cisco, Polycom, Yealink, and Avaya. A variety of products are available to choose from, including selections of desk phones, cordless phones, solutions for receptionists and conference rooms, as well as headsets. The physical device your team uses is a very important component of the VOIP system, and RingCentral is compatible with pretty much any VOIP-compatible phone you select.

We Can Help You Discover and Deploy

Computer Service Now is here for your business to walk you through the process of selecting a VOIP solution and deploying it at your business. RingCentral has been our VOIP solution of choice since 2015, so we have the hands-on experience to help you set up the system just the way you need it. Don’t be sold on whatever product offers your service provider the best commissions – use the UCaaS solution your UCaaS provider uses! Contact us today for more info on how RingCentral can help improve your business communications.

RingCentral Advice and Installation with Computer Service Now

Are you looking for business phone & communications advice? Johnny can give you a free RingCentral consultation for your business. He will explain how RingCentral works, and help decide if it’s the right fit for your company. If you have any questions about RingCentral works, how this can help your company, or the purchasing and installation process, contact Johnny today at 800-440-1662 ext. 360 or contact us here and a representative will reply via email or your method of choice.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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Lifesize – More Than Just a Video Conferencing App

With countless video conferencing apps – from Microsoft Teams, to Zoom, Gotomeeting, Webex – how do you select the right solution for your business? Don’t settle for a run-of-the-mill solution, your business deserves a best-in-class video, audio, and content-sharing clarity with Lifesize. Lifesize offers the world’s first global 4K video conferencing solution and is more than just a video conferencing app, providing hardware for fully integrated systems for rooms of all sizes.

Lifesize Icon 700 – The Premiere 4K Cloud Video Conferencing Experience

Lifesize’s newest addition to their catalog – the Icon 700 – is the first 4K video and full-motion content sharing video conferencing solution. Bring meetings to life in full 4K and set yourself apart from the competition’s grainy webcam video conference. In a world of social distancing, video conferencing is how you present the face of your organization, and that presentation deserves the clarity of the Icon 700. See every detail and move around the room with the pan/tilt/zoom function (PTZ) and powerful 20x zoom.

Maximum Meeting Room Flexibility – PTZ Webcam

Lifesize currently offers two cameras with PTZ functionality – the Icon 700 and the standalone Camera 10x. The Camera 10x is designed to pair with the Icon 600 and Icon 800 conferencing systems. This allows the flexibility for having the conferencing system and/or microphone in one location and the camera somewhere else in the room – in addition to being able to navigate the camera view around the room on command.

Universal Video Conferencing App

Lifesize’s video conferencing app is compatible with smartphones and PCs, you do not need any of the Lifesize cameras or other devices to host a meeting. This allows your team to stick with the software interface they are familiar with, even when they are not hosting meetings in one of your conference rooms. Developing experience working with one solution enables your presentations to flow seamlessly, without awkward interruptions due to lack of familiarity with the video conferencing technology. Already have a preferred video-conferencing application? No problem! The best-in-class Lifesize cameras and audio are compatible with most apps.

Point-to-Point Video Calling Encryption

One feature that sets Lifesize apart from other solutions like Zoom is that point-to-point video calling is encrypted end-to-end by default. This can be very important for companies with security and privacy concerns, like in the medical and legal industry, as well as countless government institutions.  Many apps host the video conference at a 3rd party location, meaning that video and audio are sent from one user to the server and then out to all of the other users. This opens up another point of vulnerability, and may not be acceptable for compliance with many privacy standards. Lifesize encrypts the video and audio before it is transmitted, then transmitted directly to the other users on the conference and decrypted only after it has been received. This makes Lifesize the preferred solution for courtrooms, hospitals, and lawyers alike.

Computer Service Now – Your Lifesize Provider

Computer Service Now is uniquely poised to deliver a best-in-class conferencing solution due to the expertise developed through our sister company Camera Security Now. If you’re going to invest in the best conference room cameras in the business, you need to work with a partner who has specialized in cameras since the 1990s. Let us navigate the world of video conferencing for you so that you can focus on what really matters – the presentation. For more information and demonstrations for Lifesize Products, check out Lifesize’s Youtube Channel.

Setup a Free Demo Today

Lifesize offers free demos of the products and video conferencing app, with no obligations or commitments of any type. This gives you a firsthand view of the Lifesize video conferencing solution from the perspective of a customer or prospect. Get a feel for how Lifesize can help your business and have all of your questions about the Lifesize platform answered by the Lifesize Sales Team. Contact us today to set up your demo!

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How hackers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to attack businesses around the world

Whenever there is a major news story or world event, you can guarantee hackers will jump at the chance to take advantage of the uptick in online activity to launch attacks against unsuspecting businesses–and the COVID-19 crisis is no different. Several cybersecurity firms have already reported an increase in attacks across a range of targets, all using the coronavirus pandemic as an angle to mislead their victims into running their malware.

On top of that, it seems like there is an unlimited supply of malicious emails and posts out there claiming to offer aid during the COVID-19 crisis. Fear is a huge driving factor behind this because no one in our lifetime has experienced a global pandemic of this nature. Workers need to be careful when receiving these messages to their inbox or take head not to click on a link that appears to offer aid or resources.

Phishing scams are rampant; especially those offering resources to assist with masks or materials. Many employees have been forced to work from home exclusively outside of their company’s security protocols. One can easily find themselves vulnerable to virus attacks, hacking, and phishing scams.

Different Types of Hacking Attacks

According to Malwarebytes, a popular tool for malware detection and elimination, “…hacking refers to activities that seek to compromise digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and even entire networks.” With so many people working from home nowadays, hackers are finding ways to attack both enterprise-level and home networks now more than ever.

Here are several prime examples of how an intruder may gain access to your network or device through hacking:

1. Keylogger – by recording the strokes from your keyboard, a hacker can gain valuable data about your usage and passwords. A simple software program keeps track of the keys you type and can gain access to things like bank accounts and network login access.

2. Virus – used by hackers for decades, viruses and trojans install themselves on your device and constantly send data back to the hacker. You can accidentally infect your device by clicking on an unknown link or file attachment sent to you by someone posing to provide you a service. These can be vicious attacks on individual computers to full-scale enterprise networks and servers causing lockouts and crashes. Viruses embed in your system and can spread from computer to computer through networks and emails.

3. Bait and Switch – an attacker can purchase what would appear to be a legitimate ad on a website. However, when a person clicks on what appears to be an ad for a service the user needs, they are directed to a malicious website that can install malware within the user device and browser.

4. Clickjacking Attacks – also known as UI Redress, a hacker hides a link within what appears to be a click for some other service. When a user clicks on this link, it is counted for a totally different webpage. Mostly used to gain additional advertising for another website but a hacker can gain your personal information as well.

5. Fake WAP – a wireless access point can be named anything. When you are connecting to a public WAP, you should be really sure you are connecting to a legit service. A hacker can install a WAP in a public area, name it something you think is safe, and when you connect to it, you now have given them access to your device.

6. Denial of Service – by overwhelming a server or website with data requests, a hacker can shut down a complete system. A hacker may use a bot or program that constantly bombards the server with traffic. The server is unable to process the large amount of data all at once and thus causes it to crash.

7. Cookie Theft – cookies leftover in unsecured browsers are easy targets. By visiting a website or pages within a website that are not encrypted or secure, your personal information can be retrieved by a hacker. Websites can store your personal information by using what is called a “cookie”. Be sure the webpage you are visiting is secure. The web address should start with https.

8. Eavesdropping – this is more of a passive type of attack. The intent is to not attack a specific device but more to gather information and data over time. By monitoring for keywords in messages like emails, web browsing, and instant messaging, a hacker can gain valuable insight into your habits.

9. Ransomware – you have been a victim of ransomware if you’ve ever been prompted or forced to pay a fee to some unknown entity to unlock your computer. UC Berkeley describes Ransomware as “…a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users’ access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it.”

How does one get infected by Ransomware? UC Berkeley also states that “Ransomware is often spread through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or through drive-by downloading. Drive-by downloading occurs when a user unknowingly visits an infected website and then malware is downloaded and installed without the user’s knowledge.”

10. Phishing – Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

So for example, you may receive an email that looks trustworthy claiming to be a supplier of N95 masks and face shields. They only need your personal information to begin the purchasing process or by clicking a link in the email to commence the order. Unfortunately, the link may actually be a hidden virus or worm that just installed itself on your computer once you clicked on that link. You’ve now just given a scammer access to your address book and your confidential information.

The US Federal Government has recently started rolling out payments to individuals as part of the Coronavirus Stimulus Payment plan. With this of course comes a whole new range of scams that are praying on those most in need. Email messages or callers claiming to need your social security number in order to process the payment to you are never legitimate. The IRS will never contact you requesting your personal information as they already have those details.

A recent Federal Trade Commission blog listed several key points to protect yourself and your vital personal information. Here are a few key points: 1. The government will not ask you to pay anything upfront to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.

2. The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

3. These reports of checks aren’t yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

Protect your business

While you may have procedures and protocols in place while your staff is at their workstation, those same environments are certainly not the same while employees are transitioning to work from home life. For many, this is new and uncharted territory. Your organization should be vigilant in ensuring work from home staff are aware of threats and how to report such issues.

Computer Service Now is happy to provide on-site services to businesses in the Southwest Ohio region. Our network security options offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your network safe from vulnerabilities.  

With our high level of customer service and satisfaction, Computer Service Now works hard to be the premier IT firm in the Cincinnati and Dayton region. We offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs today!

Subscribe to our blog today to stay up-to-date with Computer Service Now and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

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We’re Still Open and Able to Solve Your Business IT Needs

With it still being unsure as to whether or not the coronavirus has actually cleared its peak in the US yet, the importance of businesses keeping their desktops, laptops, network gear, and other technology equipment running and secure cannot be overstated – especially in states which have been and still have more time to be spent under lockdown orders. And if you are a business that isn’t big enough or isn’t currently making enough revenue to support having a dedicated IT staff, you probably already know how much of a challenge this truly is.

Fortunately, if you fall into this category of businesses, there is an affordable solution out there for you to make sure that your business continues being able to operate during the COVID-19 outbreak. At Computer Service Now, we’re still open – and we are continuing to provide all of our services which we usually provide to our clients.

At Computer Service Now, we offer services tailored to suit any businesses’ needs, whether those needs mean a single, one-time computer repair / tune up or a Managed IT Service Provider plan so that you can count on one of our experienced technicians whenever a problem comes up during the work day and be pro-actively protected from technical issues and cyber security threats.

Another way we can help your business maintain productivity during the COVID crisis is that we can set up methods for remote works such as VPN firewall options to remote in to in-office computers or moving your data to the cloud to provide employees with access to important, necessary for work data from anywhere connected to the web.

If you are a business in need of tech support, Computer Service Now is still open and here to help! If any of the above services were of interest to you, feel free to give us a call at 877-422-1907 or click here to go to a contact form to find out how else we can help you and your business.

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Using VPNs to Maximize Work from Home Efficiency and Security

With many states issuing stay at home orders as a quarantine measure to combat the spread of COVID-19, the ability for employers to switch from relying on the typical in-office work structure to remote work from home teams is critical–especially in the states which have issued stay-at-home orders.

For some employees, a transition to a home environment may prove to be no big deal, requiring only the hardware necessary to do work that could already have been done from any place so long as there is a stable internet connection.

However, for most employees who typically work in office, a connection to a private network server is required to fully perform their tasks. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) prove their worth.

Why Does VPN sound familiar?

If you already know what VPNs are, it’s likely because of 1 of 3 reasons:

-You are an IT or generally tech-savvy person.

-You are really concerned about internet safety.

-You have used it to watch a different country’s version of Netflix.

How to use a VPN to your advantage

My first foray into the world of VPNs was the last of those three above options, but I digress. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the main selling point of VPNs was their ability to improve their users’ online privacy and security. Typically when a person turns on their VPN service, they connect their computer to a server network operated by the VPN, which all of their own web traffic then proceeds to go out of. So, instead of an individual’s IP address being recorded by websites that the user accesses, the IP address of the VPN’s server would be recorded. Simply put, VPNs mask their users’ computers’ identifying information by changing the IP address.

VPNs can also be used for more than just connecting to a server for privacy reasons. VPNs can also be used by employees to connect to their own company’s private network. A lot of businesses already utilize VPN firewalls to prevent the wrong people from trying to access their servers, but the same software can be used to allow employees with the proper credentials to login and access the network from a home desktop or on the go from a laptop.

Creating your own VPN

So, how do you create a VPN for your work needs? If your company has an IT department, they will likely set this up for you and require you to use a VPN client application in order to access your network. However, it is also entirely possible to establish a VPN straight through Windows 10. Just go to your “All settings” tab, go to the “Network & Internet section”, then click “VPN”, and finally “Add a VPN connection”, where you will be asked to provide the following information:

-A connection name

-The server’s address

-The type of VPN being set up (PPTP, L2TP/IPsec with certificate, L2TP/IPsec with pre-shared key, SSTP, or IKEv2–Pro tip: PPTP is more than likely going to be the one you will want to use if you are doing remote work.

-Type of sign-in info needed

-Username & Password

We’re here for you

If you don’t have an IT team and think you will struggle too much with setting this up, we can help. We can easily establish a VPN that suits your needs and is easy to use! Just give us a call today at 877-422-1907 to talk to one of our certified technicians!

Our computer services, conference room technology assistance, IT consulting, and other services offer you an easy and hassle-free option to keep your computers, servers, and business services running smoothly.

With our high level of customer service and satisfaction, Computer Service Now works hard to be the premier IT firm in the Cincinnati and Dayton region. We offer a wide variety of IT solutions that stay within your budget. For IT-related projects big and small, our experience, expertise, and variety of services allow us to provide the support you need to meet your business needs. Contact us today and let us solve all of your IT needs today!

Subscribe to our blog today to stay up-to-date with Computer Service Now and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

Sanitize and stay safe!

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