3 Basic Tips for Limiting Your Exposure to Malware Infection
It’s happened to everyone at some point, so don’t feel like you are the only person that ever had to deal with it. At the office or at home, you notice your computer is taking forever to boot up then (when you finally see your beloved desktop on your screen) you might be waiting another five minutes before your browser actually starts working because your computer is running really slow – and just forget about trying to navigate multiple tabs on your browser because the next thing you see is a lot of pop-ups or various ads that are embedded, and possibly the “blue screen of death”. It’s more than annoying, it’s absolutely frustrating! This can only mean one thing: your computer has just been infected with malware.
What is Malware? How can I tell if my PC is infected?
The term “malware” refers to any type of malicious software, or program that can do damage and/or unwanted actions on your computer in a particular way. They can be just annoying or they can actually do some harm. Different types of malware include viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans, or worms – really anything malicious that can infect your computer. But, just like the common cold or flu, you should be able to recognize the symptoms early so you can take care of it before something goes seriously wrong.
Adware, for example, usually installs a program that contains ads and then embeds those ads in your web browser. You may notice your default search engine change from Google or Yahoo to some obscure website, like Conduit.com or Safesearch.com. This type of malware won’t necessarily delete any of your files but it can be extremely annoying and difficult to get rid of. In addition, when you start using the search engine that’s been embedded, it will actually continue to infect your machine with more and more adware until it’s so infected that you can’t really use your computer at all.
Spyware, on the other hand, refers to programs that run in the background and collect information from you, like your email or browsing habits, usernames and passwords, and even your credit card number. In most cases, if you’re not running an anti-spyware utility, you won’t even know the software has been installed on your computer. The problem is, if spyware is left to run unchecked, it will eventually transmit all your sensitive identity information to some criminal half way around the globe via the World Wide Web.
Viruses, like worms and Trojans, can do real harm to your PC and can especially wreak havoc with your operating system, causing you to lose your files to the point you have to re-install Windows from scratch. There are several types of viruses, including some that will encrypt your personal files so you can’t access them anymore, or others that hide in the background and log your keystrokes every time you enter a username and password, so some criminal can now pretend to be you and do some online banking of their own – leaving you holding the bag.
How Do I Limit My Exposure to Malware?
Things to Consider
When you look at it, these days it’s very easy to get infected but those are some basic ways that you can limit your exposure to malware. Everybody’s got to surf the net, install programs, and answer emails but exposure to malware increases every year and becomes more difficult to remove. It’s very easy to get a virus on your PC. Just remember that anything you click online is a risk for infection and always be mindful of that because there’s no 100% protection against malware infection.
about the author
Ashley Smith-Jenkins
Ashley has vast experience in the information technology field relating to computer and network services, including web development. For the past 20 years, Ashley has provided computer consulting and implementation for his customers. Ashley’s educational experience includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the California State University of Fresno, as well as a being a Fluke Networks Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT), and CompTIA A+ Certified. | LinkedIn
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Why Are You Still Running Windows XP? You’re Sacrificing More Than Just Performance
One thing everybody knows about technology is that it is always changing, and keeping your network and computer systems up-to-date sometimes means making changes that take you out of your comfort zone. For many local business owners, their comfort zone means still running Windows XP on their computers because it’s reliable, it’s what they know, it had been out for a long time, and everything just works. So, why do you need to ditch Windows XP and upgrade your systems in the first place? The truth is, if you’re still running Windows XP in your business, you could be sacrificing more than just performance.
Not Supported by Microsoft
Since April of 2014, Microsoft is no longer supporting the Windows XP operating system platform and that means you are not getting the latest in security and other critical updates. For this fact alone, hackers are targeting machines like yours that are running outdated Windows XP software. This could be a big problem for you if you keep sensitive data (like patient records, case files, or QuickBooks) on your computer because you are an easy target for hackers that are looking for vulnerabilities in your network that they can exploit. In fact, it could lead to a huge disaster for your company that not only ends up costing you a lot of money, but might even end up costing you your business.
Not Supported by Vendors
You might find out that you can’t get support from certain third-party vendors that you need to use in your business. An outside vendor may choose not to install their software, such as a critical Line of Business application, on your machine because it is running an operating system that is no longer supported by the manufacturer. This is because your outdated software may not be compatible with an application designed for the current platform; and, let’s face it, you’re just not getting the latest updates, features, and safeguards that you would with a supported operating system.
Not Supported by IT Consultants
As an IT consultant, I can honestly tell you that it would be difficult (if not impossible) for you to find a professional IT support firm that is willing to provide support for computers that are still running Windows 98, or even Windows 2000 for that matter. That’s because systems that are running these outdated formats are highly vulnerable to cyber-threats and can act like an open doorway to hackers that are looking for a way to crack your network. In my professional opinion, if you’re not upgrading your operating system from Windows XP, you’re just asking for trouble.
Things To Consider
Okay, so now that you’ve decided it’s in your best interest to keep your systems up-to-date, what should you upgrade to? First, I’d recommend that you upgrade to Windows 7 for every computer that you use in your business, and stay away from Windows 8. But buyer beware, a big mistake that I see all too often is business owner’s going down to a local computer retailer and picking up a new machine with the wrong version of Windows 7 pre-installed. If you are using Windows 7 Home Premium, or another non-commercial version of this operating system, you will not be able to connect to your business server and you are also missing out on some other commercial features. So, make sure that you install the Windows 7 Professional version if you are a business, and find an authorized vendor online (like Dell or Hewlett-Packard) if you don’t have an IT support company that you’re already working with that has computers with Windows 7 Professional pre-installed. That’s your best bet, so if you’re still running Windows XP in your business, please make the switch over to Windows 7 Professional.
about the author
Ashley Smith-Jenkins
Ashley has vast experience in the information technology field relating to computer and network services, including web development. For the past 20 years, Ashley has provided computer consulting and implementation for his customers. Ashley’s educational experience includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the California State University of Fresno, as well as a being a Fluke Networks Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT), and CompTIA A+ Certified. | LinkedIn
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Why Do You Need To Outsource Your IT Support? There’s Something You Should Know before Adding to Your Staff
One of the biggest concerns for a small business owner is finding ways to avoid unnecessary costs and keep their expenses down. As small business owners ourselves, we know that cost avoidance can be like money in your pocket when you’re on a tight budget. By the same token, neglecting your computer systems as a way to cut costs is just a recipe for disaster. So, if you already know that you’re going to spend money for IT support, there’s something you should know about the pros and cons of adding an IT technician to your staff compared to outsourced IT support.
Most small and medium-sized businesses use a server because it allows them to centralize and share important files and databases so that their enterprise can operate smoothly. Some computer savvy business owners decide to custom build a desktop computer to run as their server because they feel like the cost of implementing an actual dedicated server is just too much. Well, I’m here to tell you that the cost of not running a true server can be much worse and, the fact is, you could be actually risking more than you realize.
Reduce Your Costs
Hiring your own IT technician in-house is attractive to some business owners because they like the idea of having a dedicated person to fix computer problems on the spot and keep everything in their office running smoothly. The truth is that even businesses that have an in-house IT technician still find that they need to call an outsourced IT company for additional support. This is usually because a 9-5 employee does not have the full expertise and resources of an actual IT firm. Also, in most cases, an in-house technician does not have the tools, expertise, or time to proactively monitor your systems on an ongoing 24/7 basis.
According to the California EDD, the average annual salary for an in-house technician in the Merced area is around $42,000.00, and this figure doesn’t even account for the extra costs included with employing someone. Along with the salary, the business owner is also responsible for covering the cost of Worker’s Comp insurance, payroll taxes, and health and other benefits. With that said, this option makes the most sense for larger operations which have multiple servers and a huge amount of employees and computer workstations; even so, these companies still need to get extra support from an outsourced IT firm on some occasions. For most small to medium-sized businesses though, this avenue is just not feasible because the cost is too high.
Increase Your Productivity
Since the cost of hiring a dedicated in-house technician is prohibitive for smaller, professional service oriented businesses, many of these business owners try to avoid the cost of outsourced IT support by having an employee who has some knowledge about computers to fix problems the best that they can, as they arise; or, business owners may even decide to take on this duty themselves. Obviously, this means that the person whose been designated to fix computer problems in the office is not spending the time that they should spend doing the work they have been hired to do; and they are probably going to take a lot longer to fix a particular problem than an actual IT support company would. So, now you’re losing productivity not only in the area of this person’s work not getting done, but you’re also wasting time dealing with problems that slow down your entire workflow.
Just imagine a medical office, for example, where the primary doctor has elected to be the person in charge of keeping their computers running. What happens when there’s a glitch, or something messes up in their network? If the computers are not able to function, the entire staff is affected and everyone is waiting around for the doctor to fix the problem so the operation can get back on track. Meanwhile, the waiting room is filling up with patients waiting to be seen and everyone on staff is experiencing the stress and frustration of not being able to do their job until this problem gets fixed. Now, as a physician, could you say that you are providing the best quality of care for your patients? As a patient, is this the sort of medical practice you would want to visit?
Gain Peace of Mind
So the reality is that, when you try to avoid spending on IT support, the cost comes out much higher. Here’s the bottom-line: whether you decide to hire an in-house technician or do-it-yourself, sooner or later you’re going to need to call an outsourced IT firm. Either it’s because you want to have your systems monitored and maintained on an ongoing 24/7 basis, or it’s because you’re dealing with computer issues that are recurring or just over your head. Now consider the fact that, by the time you call for outside help, you may be facing serious network issues and the cost of bringing your systems back to full functionality may mean a sizeable surprise invoice in your accounts payable.
Outsourcing your IT support is really about having a fully functional virtualized IT department for your business, no matter the size or scope of your operation. Most IT companies will offer several options for you to choose the type of support that’s right for your business; whether you’re looking for break/fix support, pre-paid time blocks, or service agreements (like Aureus Care) which allow you to pay one flat-fee monthly. Business owners who have a relationship with an actual IT company gain peace of mind because they know that their systems are up-to-date and optimized for productivity; so they can focus on what they’re really good at doing, which is running their business.
Things to Consider
Are you really calculating how much it is costing you to avoid paying for IT support? When you consider the recurring computer problems you’re dealing with, the downtime your staff experiences, and the likelihood of facing a data-loss disaster, is it really worth it? You want to make the best educated and smartest decisions that you can when running your business, especially if your budget is tight. If you use computers in your business, the best decision you can make is to call an IT support firm for a consultation and find out what’s best for your needs.
about the authors
Ashley Smith-Jenkins
Ashley has vast experience in the information technology field relating to computer and network services, including web development. For the past 20 years, Ashley has provided computer consulting and implementation for his customers. Ashley’s educational experience includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the California State University of Fresno, as well as a being a Fluke Networks Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT), and CompTIA A+ Certified. | LinkedIn
Mike Steen
Mike Steen received his Bachelor of Arts from Sonoma State University in 2000 and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership in the School of Business at Fresno Pacific University. Mr. Steen has been a resident of the city of Merced since 2008, where he began working as a health insurance broker/agent who specialized in designing benefit packages for self-employed people. Mike continues to be involved with the community and, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit, has been an active supporter of the Merced Art Hop, as well as an advocate for wounded veterans and the disabled. | LinkedIn
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Are You Using a Custom Desktop For Your Server? If So, You Could Be Risking More Than You Realize
As an IT consultant and engineer, I routinely visit several business locations each week and I’ve seen a lot of ways that people cut-corners on their IT infrastructure because they’re trying to avoid certain costs. The truth is that this strategy always comes back to bite you when you least expect it, and sometimes the consequences can be pretty severe. One of the biggest mistakes that I see business owners make is that they are using a custom desktop computer as a centralized server.
Most small and medium-sized businesses use a server because it allows them to centralize and share important files and databases so that their enterprise can operate smoothly. Some computer savvy business owners decide to custom build a desktop computer to run as their server because they feel like the cost of implementing an actual dedicated server is just too much. Well, I’m here to tell you that the cost of not running a true server can be much worse and, the fact is, you could be actually risking more than you realize.
What’s The Risk?
With all of these risks, who wants to support something like that? As an IT professional I can tell you that it wouldn’t make much sense for me to support a network running a custom desktop as a server because, when it fails I know I could get blamed, even though the real problem is that you were not using server-class hardware in your machine all along. So, even if you decide that you’re willing to spend a little on proactive monitoring, you may not be able to find an IT support firm that is willing to risk taking you on as a client.
What’s The Solution?
Things to Consider
So far I’ve talked a lot about the hard costs of implementing a new server for your business, and that’s plenty enough when you add up the expenses of hardware, software, and technician labor. But here’s something that you maybe haven’t thought about: How much money is it costing you every time you’re dealing with a computer problem? Every time your system crashes or your staff experiences some sort of glitch, you’re wasting your time trying to fix that stuff.
Also, if your server is unreliable because you’re using desktop hardware, the likelihood that you will experience a data loss event or security breach disaster is dramatically increased. Do you necessarily feel comfortable keeping your patient records on this sort of set-up, if you’re a doctor? Or, are you comfortable risking your case files, if you have a law practice? Or, if you’re a CPA, just imagine that you lost your client’s QuickBooks files, are you comfortable taking that risk?
These are all the things that you have to look at, and they’re all important. In my opinion, this is something that any business owner should be aware of.
about the author
Ashley Smith-Jenkins
Ashley has vast experience in the information technology field relating to computer and network services, including web development. For the past 20 years, Ashley has provided computer consulting and implementation for his customers. Ashley’s educational experience includes a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the California State University of Fresno, as well as a being a Fluke Networks Certified Cabling Test Technician (CCTT), and CompTIA A+ Certified. | LinkedIn
Fill Out The Form Below To Schedule Your Network Health Check.
This service (normally $197) is FREE if you act TODAY!!
Our FREE Network Health Check will look for any problems in your IT network and make recommendations. At no charge, a senior technician will come to your office to perform a thorough 27-point network audit to look for security loopholes, hidden viruses and spyware, and other lurking problems. During the health check, we will:
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