Reviewing Your IT Needs as a Small Business

Posted on September 2, 2024 by tamsons

As a small business owner, your IT infrastructure is critical to your operations. It’s essential to review your IT periodically needs to ensure they align with your business goals and are optimized for efficiency and security.

Key Areas to Evaluate

Hardware and Software:
- Age and condition: Are your computers and servers outdated or need repair?
- Compatibility: Do your software applications work seamlessly together?
- Security: Are your systems protected from cyber threats?
Network Infrastructure:
- Speed: Is your internet connection fast enough to support your business operations?
- Reliability: Are there frequent network outages or connectivity issues?
- Security: Are your network devices and data properly protected from unauthorized access?
Data Backup and Recovery:
- Frequency: How often are your data backed up?
- Storage: Where are your backups stored? Are they accessible in case of disaster?
- Testing: Are your backup procedures regularly tested to ensure they work as intended?
Cloud Computing:
- Benefits: Could cloud-based solutions help reduce costs or improve flexibility?
- Risks: Are there any security or compliance concerns associated with using cloud services?
IT Support:
- In-house vs. outsourced: Are your current IT support arrangements meeting your needs?
- Expertise: Do your IT staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to address your challenges?

Tips for Effective Review

Involve your team: Get input from employees who use IT systems daily.
Prioritize needs: Identify the most critical IT functions for your business.
Consult with an IT professional: A qualified IT consultant can provide expert advice and recommendations. Here at IT Turning Point this is what we do.
Consider future growth: Plan for your IT needs as your business expands.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest technology trends and security best practices.

By regularly reviewing your IT needs, you can ensure that your technology infrastructure is supporting your business goals and helping you achieve success.

May The Force Be with You!

Posted on May 7, 2024 by tamsons

Why is getting an I.T. needs Analysis is not just a good idea, but an essential one?

In today’s digital age, technology is the backbone of most successful businesses. But for small businesses, navigating the ever-changing tech landscape can be daunting. This is where regular IT checks come in. Just like a car needs tune-ups, your business technology needs regular assessments to ensure it’s running smoothly and meeting your evolving needs.

Why Regular IT Checks Matter

Here are three key reasons why small businesses should prioritize regular IT check-ups:

Security: Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern. Regular IT checks can identify vulnerabilities in your systems, outdated software, and weak passwords, all of which leave you open to attacks. IT professionals can recommend and implement security measures to keep your data and operations safe.
Efficiency and Productivity: The right technology can streamline processes and boost employee productivity. IT checks can identify outdated software that’s slowing you down and suggest more efficient options. They can also ensure your systems are properly configured for your specific needs, eliminating unnecessary steps and wasted time.
Cost Savings: Small problems left unchecked can snowball into expensive repairs or data loss. Regular IT checks can catch small issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, IT professionals can help identify areas where you might be overspending on technology and suggest cost-effective alternatives.

Finding the Right IT Support

Many IT service providers offer flexible plans tailored to small businesses. Look for a provider who understands your specific needs and budget. Regular check-ups can be scheduled quarterly or even annually, depending on your risk profile and how often your technology changes.

Investing in regular IT checks is an investment in the future of your business. By proactively managing your technology, you can ensure it’s working for you, not against you.

Check out our IT needs analysis packages here, all tailored to you and your budget and needs. Needs Analysis.

The Power Up: How Computers Drive Small Business Success

Posted on March 12, 2024 by tamsons

In today’s digital age, computers are no longer a luxury for small businesses – they’re a necessity. From streamlining operations to expanding reach, these versatile tools offer a multitude of benefits that can propel a small business towards success.

Productivity

One of the most significant advantages is the boost in productivity. Computers automate repetitive tasks like data entry and inventory management, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more strategic initiatives. Additionally, software programs streamline communication and collaboration, allowing teams to work together seamlessly, regardless of location.

Financial Management

Financial management is another area transformed by computers. Accounting software simplifies bookkeeping and payroll, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, businesses can leverage online banking and financial planning tools to gain better control over their cash flow and make informed investment decisions.

Marketing

Marketing is no longer limited by geographic boundaries thanks to computers. Small businesses can create professional websites and utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience and establish a strong online presence. Cost-effective email marketing campaigns can nurture leads and build customer loyalty.

Data-driven decision-making

Computers also empower data-driven decision-making. With access to real-time analytics, businesses can track sales trends, customer behaviour, and market performance. This valuable information allows them to identify areas for improvement, optimize marketing strategies, and make data-backed choices for future growth.

Affordable

The cost of computer technology has become increasingly affordable, making it accessible to even the smallest businesses. Additionally, with a variety of cloud-based solutions available, small businesses can avoid the upfront investment in expensive hardware and software.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, computers are essential tools for small businesses to thrive in the competitive marketplace. By leveraging their power to increase productivity, improve communication, manage finances effectively, and make data-driven decisions, small businesses can establish a strong foundation for success and achieve their full potential. Get in touch and we can chat about your needs and the way ahead.

Upgraded Old Computers vs. New Computers: Striking the Balance between Nostalgia and Performance

Posted on July 20, 2023 by tamsons

As technology rapidly advances, the dilemma between sticking to a beloved old computer or investing in a brand-new one becomes a recurring conundrum for many users. Both options have their merits, catering to different needs and preferences. Let’s explore the pros and cons of upgrading an old computer versus purchasing a new one.

Upgrading an old computer often appeals to the sentimental user, someone who has grown attached to their trusted machine over the years. Nostalgia plays a significant role here, as they cherish the memories associated with their loyal companion. Additionally, upgrading specific components, such as adding more RAM, replacing the hard drive with an SSD, or upgrading the graphics card, can breathe new life into the system. This approach is often more budget-friendly than buying a brand-new computer, allowing users to extend the lifespan of their machine without a hefty upfront cost.

However, there are limitations to upgrading old computers. Technological progress moves at a rapid pace, and older systems might not be compatible with the latest hardware and software. Upgrading certain components might not yield substantial performance improvements due to hardware bottlenecks or outdated architecture. Eventually, the old computer may reach a point where further upgrades are no longer feasible or cost-effective, leaving the user with a compromised computing experience.

On the other hand, investing in a new computer guarantees cutting-edge technology and performance. Modern computers come equipped with the latest processors, graphics cards, and other components, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience. Moreover, new computers often offer enhanced energy efficiency, reducing the environmental impact compared to older, power-hungry machines.

However, new computers can be considerably more expensive than upgrades. For some users, the cost of purchasing a brand-new system might not fit their budget. Additionally, buying a new computer means parting ways with the familiar, personalized setup of their old machine, which can be a difficult adjustment for long-time users.

Ultimately, the decision between upgrading an old computer and buying a new one depends on individual needs and circumstances. If nostalgia, budget constraints, and modest computing requirements are paramount, upgrading an old computer can be a viable option. However, for those seeking cutting-edge performance, compatibility with the latest software, and have the financial means, a new computer is the way to go.

At I.T. Turning Point we have a source of quality refurbished computers, with a guarantee. reducing the carbon footprint of buying a brand-new computer. Get in touch and we can chat about things and your specific needs. Click here

Regardless of the choice, responsible e-waste management should always be a consideration. Donating or recycling old computers ensures they don’t end up in landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability. Whichever path users take, finding the right balance between nostalgia and performance will lead to a computing experience that meets their unique preferences and needs.

What scares you about using the cloud?

Posted on November 5, 2018 by tamsons

The nature of computing over the last few years has gone one way and one way only and that is to drive users on the cloud. The software is now offered as a service and machines locally are less powerful with less storage, as your storage is not local anymore and is on the cloud remotely.

Most people are going with the flow and some others are still thinking the old way and have loads of data stored locally. The machines then become infected and data is lost or compromised.

Some companies have to store data locally due to legal requirements or just their processes in-house require it. However, the way the world is going is to store remotely, which allows so many good benefits.

What are the Benefits?

Let us start by looking at some of the benefits of cloud and remote storage: –

The use and accessibility of files and work become easier. Users can drag and drop files etc. to cloud storage drives ion their machines. You don’t have to be technical. The stored data can then be accessed from anywhere in the world.
How about disaster recovery? A backup plan for data has been something us I.T. guys have shouted about for years. Cloud storage drives create an automatic backup of all data stored, taking away the need for you to do it and the costs involved.
Security is always the main argument against using the cloud. However, the best thing about cloud-stored data is that the server data is distributed across redundant servers and the data that is stored in the cloud is safeguarded against any type of hardware failure. Cloud servers also provide automated backups and snapshots in order to make sure that your data is safe.
There are cost savings in using cloud-based data storage as well. No expensive on-site storage solutions that have running costs as well. All this is saved and the cost of cloud storage against it usually means a cost saving. This depends on your company and setup of course.
Data sharing is another great benefit of cloud storage. Files can be shared in-house with colleagues or with clients externally.
Automation of backups etc. is also a massive benefit. Once set up a daily routine isn’t needed locally and this frees up people for other tasks.
Online cloud storage is also a great way to allow staff and clients to collaborate on documents and projects. From anywhere in the world.
File integrity is also another great plus. When working on a cloud-based file you simply save and close. This means we don’t have various copies on various machines. Then trying to sync most recent of them.
The amount of convenience and peace of mind offered by cloud storage system is amazing! Even if you store data on transportable devices like external hard drives or flash drives, some kind of manual intervention and physical handling is required. The data that is stored in a cloud is backed up online and it can be accessed from anywhere. Information is automatically saved as it streams in. There is no need for you to save, label or track information. The convenience of online cloud storage enables you to completely concentrate on your work without getting stressed about data loss.

Conclusion

Online storage and backup are beneficial for all types of businesses. It is a platform that does not require any huge investment and can be actively used in connecting staff and clients. Collaborating and using data smartly. Not to mention less supervision and online activities. Secure in the knowledge that it is all backed up for you and can be accessed from anywhere.

Do you own a NAS and are you looking after it well?

Posted on September 21, 2018 by tamsons

Synology, one manufacturer of NAS box’s

A strange question for the uninitiated. What is a NAS and what sort of food does it eat and how should I be treating it?

My focus recently has been all about storage and the space we are each using to store our data. (Whatever that data maybe). From faster drives to access the data to storage solution on the cloud and in the office. It is one of the most important and common questions I am asked.

One solution doesn’t meet everyone’s needs. But a combination of solutions is usually what people use and sometimes chaotically with no thought on how this will progress and what the strategy is or should be.

So what is a NAS?

Well, it isn’t a small creature that keeps you company and helps with your storage and access to data. Well, that is not completely true it does allow storage and access to data in various ways and will cleverly backup said data in different ways. NAS stands for Network Attached Storage. A system of storage media that is attached to your network at home or work. Over the years this type of storage has become more and more intelligent and can literally be a self-contained computer system that runs all your data and data access. It can be a small unit to a much larger unit. Various companies make them and they are, well what can I say I am biased, brilliant.

I have used one for business for over 8 years now and it has served me well. I can store data on it and it has internal drives that automatically backup to each other creating what is called a mirror of my data. I also can, and have configured it to back up to a cloud drive and have chosen the important data to back up in this way. So I have offsite data as well.

The NAS unit allows me to access it remotely over the Internet, (Through a secure connection), so my own personal cloud drive with access. I can add users and give them a proportion of the space and they can store their data there and we can collaborate on data.

Benefits

This is a lower costs system to having a fully-fledged file server in your office and still allows multiple access by users and storage and remote access. It has a configuration panel that is easy to understand and configure. An admin is appointed and can add users, block users and configure all the aspects of the system. The amount of storage is up to you and your budget. But it can be easy to handle and allow for expansion to a cloud drive or even to add extra space at the NAS unit itself.

Remember the biggest asset to any business is data and the importance of data and how easy it is to access it and collaborate using it is important.

So if you are considering storage and where it all goes?

It’s a Hard drive now a days.

Posted on September 3, 2018 by tamsons

I am asked by a lot of people about the new SSD drives as they call them, (In fact, this type of storage has been around for a while, granted it is developing and getting smarter and better all the time.), However, I digress. They ask me if the guarantee on this type of storage is as good as the older platter hard drives that stored their data to a physical disk using magnetism.

Well, there are many factors that affect both types of storage and cause them to fail or basically run out of life.

I stumbled across an article by CNet and they explain the way both drives work and how the SSD drive is much more complicated but in essence with last much longer. They are some actions you can do to help this but don’t panic you really don’t need to do them.

Check out the article here. (All credits here to Cnet.)

SSD or Platter Hard Drives

Let me know your thoughts on storage and your preferred drive type.

Space the Final Frontier

Posted on June 14, 2018 by tamsons

Having been into science fiction for most of my life, I thought this would be a good time to look at Space, the Final Frontier. A phrase I have grown up with. But why this title and why this topic?
Well now as opposed to in the past we have a range of places available to store our data and as we all now data is king.

So, what final frontier do you use for your data storage?

Or do you sue multiple frontiers?
In the past, we had limited solutions available to us. Floppy disk, Hard drive in the local machine, Server space on the in-house office server. Burning data to a CDROM or DVDROM. Then USB pen drives became the major medium for storage. In fact, I come across this method the most as people move and share data with each other.

Well is that the final frontier? It certainly gives us the flexibility of having mobile data we can access everywhere and share with others if need be. That must be the solution.

Of course, intrinsically it has a whole range of problems associated with it. Losing the drive, securing the data on the drive. limited space on the drive. (However, there are some very large storage capacities now available.) A virus somehow getting on the drive and then transferring nicely to all the machines you plug it into.

The Final Frontier

Well, what is the final frontier if USB drives are flawed? Most large IT organisations are now pushing SAAS. (Software As A Service) This is normally for things like Microsoft Office Products and soon to be Windows. A monthly fee for access to software that is generally on the cloud and you get access to a web-based version and a downloadable version depending on the package you have paid for.

This whole premise of a cloud-based supply leads us to the cloud being the final frontier. A place to store all your valuable data. Also, a place where the data can be automatically backed up and shared with others securely. Access to the Internet (Cloud) is essential even though some areas can be accessed offline. The benefits are massive. All data can be shared and is automatically backed up. You can access it from any device anywhere. Work on it and collaborate on it. As technology drives us forward we will be adopting this Final Frontier More and more,

Are you heading there at Warp Speed?

Relaunch video for parent organisation

Posted on June 7, 2018 by tamsons

Check out the new video from our parent organisation. (Sorry for the bitable banners)

Chromebook Acer R11 Review

Posted on April 26, 2018 by tamsons

So it’s been a while and I thought I would start with my latest piece of kit. Chromebooks have been around for a while and haven’t captured a lot of the market in the UK. In the USA, however, they have been competing with Apple in the education market and have taken schools by storm as the students love the idea of a keyboard and the lightweight functionality of a Chromebook over an IPad.

There are various manufacturers of Chromebooks and I did a little research before I purchased my one. So what did I go for?

Acer R11 Chromebook

This is a relatively new Chromebook in their range and this allows it to run Android Apps from the Google Play Store, as well as the Chrome-based apps, from the web store. This appealed to me as I wanted something to replace my ageing Nexus 9 tablet as it seems that Google has decided to drop the tablet market and launched all their Pixel Books instead, which are rather prohibitively priced.

This particular Chromebook is lightweight and 11-inch screen makes it very clear and visible. It also has the lovely function of flipping 360 degrees to create an 11-inch tablet. So it ticked a lot of my boxes. Larger than I had been carrying around, but I was prepared to make that sacrifice.

Battery life claimed to be around 10 hours when charged as well. However, I am finding when fully charged it is telling me around 7 hours…. Slight discrepancy there Acer.

However after some initial problems when I received it, I finally got a working Chromebook and have been using it as my tablet replacement for a few months now. Boots up fast as all SSD drives. 4 GB of Ram and 32 GB of internal storage, the rest of the cloud. High relation screen and camera for video calls etc.

Here is the full spec: –

Processor: 1.6GHz quad-core Intel Celeron N3150 (quad-core, 3MB cache, up to 2.08GHz with Turbo Boost)
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics
Memory: 4GB DDR3L
Storage: 32GB
Screen: 11.6 HD, 1,366 x 768 touchscreen, LED-backlit IPS
Camera: 720p webcam
Wireless: 802.11ac (B/G/N) dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI with HDCP, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x SD card slot
Weight: 2.76lbs
Size: 11.57 x 8.03 x 0.76 inches (W x D x H)

It is Blue the one I got as you can see from the photos attached.

So how do I feel it has been going?

So far it has been good going and I have been able to do all I want on this device. It is fast enough and covers all my bases. The only faults are that the use of an emulator to run the Android Apps is sometimes very buggy and resizes the screen and crashes at times. I have wandered over to the web-based apps for so many things and they run marvellously on the Chromebook. It allows me to carry out all my online worm and to edit a document using the Google Apps suite and then save them to the cloud and access them at my desk and phone when I need to.

I haven’t outputted the display yet through the HDMI port, but I have cast it through a Chromecast and it works well. Chrome as an OS is adequate and easy to get to grips with. Automatically updates and keeps me on top of what is happening.

It connects to any Wi-Fi I have tied so far and does it fast. Speakers seem OK as well and can play audio nicely.

I think this is a good replacement for my Nexus 9 and will be happy to use this into the future.

Talking about the future.

Acer, after I purchased this, have launched a Chromebook Tablet. 10 inch. Again to compete in the Education market in the USA. However, it is making its way to the UK market in May time. So that will be one to watch. Will run Chrome OS and allow the use of Android apps as well.

Let me know what you think and do you think the age of Windows ruling devices is over?

What do you use and why?

IT Tech Point

Ian Thomson Tech Blog

Tag Archives: computer