Introduction to Wall-Mounting TVs: Benefits and Risks

Wall-mounted TVs offer a sleek, modern look and save valuable floor space. However, improper mounting can lead to TVs falling, posing risks to safety and causing potential damage. Understanding the benefits and risks is key to a successful installation.

Common Reasons Why TVs Fall Off Walls

TVs fall off walls due to various reasons, such as inadequate mounting brackets, improper installation, or using the wrong tools and hardware. Identifying these common mistakes can help you avoid a similar fate for your TV.

Choosing the Right Wall Mount: Factors to Consider

Selecting the appropriate wall mount involves considering the weight and size of your TV, the type of wall (drywall, plaster, etc.), and the desired mount flexibility (tilt, full motion, etc.). A suitable mount ensures stability and functionality.

The Importance of Finding Studs in Your Wall

Locating studs in your wall is crucial for a secure mount. Studs provide the necessary support for the weight of the TV. Using a stud finder and understanding wall composition are important steps in this process.

Proper Installation Techniques for Wall Mounts

Correct installation is vital to prevent your TV from falling. This includes accurately measuring, using the right drill bits, and following the mount’s installation guide. Ensuring each step is carefully executed can make a significant difference in security.

The Role of Anchors and Bolts in Secure Mounting

Anchors and bolts are key to a stable mount, especially in walls where finding a stud isn’t possible. Understanding the different types of anchors (toggle bolts, etc.) and their appropriate use is essential for a firm hold.

Enhancing Home Safety and Aesthetics with the Right TV Mount

The selection of an appropriate TV mount goes beyond mere functionality; it significantly impacts the safety and aesthetic appeal of your home. A well-chosen mount not only securely supports the weight of your TV but also blends seamlessly with your interior design. By ensuring the mount is compatible with your TV’s size and weight, you not only prevent accidents but also maintain a clean, uncluttered look in your living space. The key lies in understanding the compatibility between the mount and the TV specifications, as well as the overall design theme of the room.

The Critical Role of Screws in Secure TV Mounting

While mounts hold the TV, the real heroes of stability are the screws. These small components bear the entire weight of the TV and mount, making their selection paramount. Various types of screws cater to different wall materials – from drywall anchors for hollow walls to sturdy bolts for wooden studs. The right screw type ensures that the mount remains firmly attached to the wall, preventing accidents that could arise from a mount pulling away from the wall. This section highlights the importance of choosing screws that match both the wall type and the weight of your TV.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your TV Wall Mount

Installation might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a manageable task. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the installation process, from locating the studs in your wall to ensuring your TV is perfectly level. Key tips include using a stud finder for accuracy, the importance of drilling pilot holes, and how determining the optimal height and angle for your viewing comfort. This guide is designed to empower even those with minimal DIY experience to mount their TVs safely and effectively.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in TV Wall Mounting

Knowledge of potential pitfalls is as crucial as understanding the installation process. Common errors include underestimating the weight capacity of the mount, neglecting to locate wall studs, and using inadequate or mismatched screws which causes tv fell off wall. This section provides insights into how to avoid these common mistakes, emphasizing the importance of double-checking mount specifications, proper tool usage, and the necessity of a thorough installation approach to prevent future issues.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance of Your TV Mount

Maintenance is key to the longevity and safety of your wall-mounted TV. Periodic checks ensure that all components, including the mount, screws, and brackets, remain secure over time. This section outlines a simple maintenance routine, advising on what to look for during inspections, such as signs of wear, loosening screws, or shifts in the mount’s position. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your TV mount but also safeguards your home against accidents like tv fell off wall.

Maximizing Space and Enhancing Viewing Experience

A well-placed TV mount can transform your viewing experience. This section discusses how to utilize mounts to free up floor space, reduce clutter, and optimize the viewing angle. Features like swivel and tilt can be adjusted to reduce glare and accommodate different viewing positions, ensuring comfort during long movie nights or gaming sessions.

Innovative TV Mount Features for the Modern Home

As technology advances, so do TV mount features. Innovations include mounts with integrated cable management systems, mounts designed for ultra-thin or curved TVs, and even smart mounts that can be adjusted via remote control. This section explores these modern features, discussing how they cater to specific needs and preferences, making the TV viewing experience more convenient and enjoyable.

Understanding the Longevity and Durability of Your TV Mount

The lifespan of a TV mount depends on several factors, including material quality, usage, and environmental conditions. This part delves into what affects the durability of TV mounts and provides tips on recognizing when a mount might need replacing. It also emphasizes choosing high-quality mounts to ensure both safety and longevity.

Customizing TV Mounts for Unique Spaces

Not all spaces are created equal, and sometimes, standard mounts don’t suffice. This section focuses on custom solutions for challenging spaces, such as corner mounts for odd-shaped rooms or ceiling mounts for high walls. It also touches on outdoor mounts and their specific requirements, such as weather resistance and additional security features.

The Environmental Impact of TV Mounts

In an era where sustainability is crucial, the environmental impact of TV mounts is worth considering. This final section addresses how the materials used in mounts affect the environment, the importance of choosing recyclable materials, and what manufacturers are doing to reduce the ecological footprint of their products.

Assessing the Weight of Your TV for Safe Mounting

Knowing the weight of your TV helps in choosing the right mount and hardware. Heavier TVs require more robust mounting solutions. Always cross-check the mount’s weight capacity with your TV’s weight to prevent tv fell off wall.

Avoiding Wall Damage During and After Mounting

While securing the TV is a priority, protecting your wall from damage during and after installation is also important. Techniques like using washers and ensuring even weight distribution can help prevent wall damage.

What to Do If Your Wall-Mounted TV Falls

In the unfortunate event of your TV falling, assessing the cause of the fall is crucial. Check for wall, mount, or installation issues. Depending on the damage, you may need to consult a professional for repairs or replacement.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice

Deciding between professional installation and DIY depends on your comfort level and experience. While DIY can be cost-effective, professional installers bring expertise and peace of mind, especially for high-quality or larger TVs.

You can now reach out to GeeksOnSIte to avail the best services.

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In the ever-evolving world of technology, businesses constantly face new challenges in managing their IT infrastructure. This article delves into the realm of on-demand IT support services, offering insights into how they can effectively manage your tech needs. Whether you’re grappling with network issues, software updates, or cybersecurity threats, on-demand IT support provides reliable and expert solutions at your fingertips. Discover why integrating these services into your business strategy is not just a choice but a necessity in 2024.

What Are On-Demand IT Support Services?

On-demand IT support services offer businesses a flexible and responsive way to manage their technology needs. Unlike traditional IT services, on-demand support provides assistance as and when required, without the need for long-term contracts. This model is especially beneficial for companies with fluctuating demands or those seeking to minimize fixed costs.

How Can Managed IT Services Enhance Your Business?

Managed IT services go beyond mere troubleshooting; they involve a comprehensive approach to managing a company’s IT infrastructure. From monitoring and maintaining networks to ensuring data backup and cybersecurity, managed services provide a proactive solution to potential IT issues, thereby reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

Why Trust is Key in Choosing On-Demand IT Support

Trust is a crucial factor when selecting an on-demand IT support provider. A reliable provider should not only have the expertise to resolve technical issues but also understand your business’s unique needs. Trust is built through consistent, high-quality service, clear communication, and a commitment to your business’s confidentiality and security.

Top 3 Benefits of On-Demand IT Services

1. Flexibility and Scalability: Tailor IT support to your current needs and easily adjust as your business grows.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for the services you use, avoiding the overhead of a full-time IT staff.
3. Expertise on Demand: Access to a wide range of specialists and the latest technological solutions.

Understanding the Range of Services Offered

On-demand IT support services encompass a wide range of solutions, including network management, software updates, hardware repairs, and cybersecurity measures. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your IT infrastructure are expertly managed.

The Role of a Help Desk in On-Demand IT Support

A help desk is often the first point of contact in an IT support service. It plays a pivotal role in quickly addressing and resolving user queries and technical issues. A responsive and knowledgeable help desk can significantly reduce downtime and enhance user satisfaction.

Proactive vs Reactive Support: A Strategic Approach

Proactive IT support involves anticipating and preventing IT issues before they occur, whereas reactive support deals with problems as they arise. A balanced approach that combines both strategies can effectively minimize disruptions and maintain a smooth IT operation.

Ensuring Compliance and Security in IT Support

In the age of rampant cyber threats, ensuring compliance and security is non-negotiable in IT support. On-demand IT services must offer robust measures to protect against data breaches and cyber-attacks while also ensuring that your business remains compliant with industry regulations.

The Impact of On-Demand IT Support on Business Productivity

Effective IT support directly influences business productivity. By minimizing downtime, streamlining operations, and providing timely technological upgrades, on-demand IT support ensures that businesses can operate efficiently and stay competitive.

How to Choose the Best On-Demand IT Support for Your Needs

Choosing the right on-demand IT support requires understanding your business needs, evaluating the expertise of potential providers, and considering factors like response time, range of services, and customer feedback. It’s essential to partner with a provider that aligns with your business goals and can offer tailored solutions.

Embracing the Future: The Indispensable Role of On-Demand IT Support

In conclusion, the advent of on-demand IT support services marks a significant shift in how businesses approach their technological infrastructure. This model is not just a trend but a reflection of the evolving needs of modern businesses that require agility, expertise, and a strategic approach to IT management. By embracing on-demand IT support, businesses are not only solving their current tech challenges but are also positioning themselves for future growth and innovation. This service model, with its emphasis on flexibility, expertise, and proactive management, is not just a support mechanism—it’s a strategic partner in the journey towards digital resilience and success. As we look forward to the technological advancements of the future, the role of on-demand IT support becomes not just beneficial but indispensable for businesses aiming to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Get the best services by reaching out to us at GeeksOnSite.

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Are you tired of manually responding to every email when you’re away from the office? Do you wish there was a way to set up automatic replies in Microsoft Outlook? Well, you’re in luck! This comprehensive guide will show you how to set up automatic external replies in Microsoft Outlook. Whether you’re using the Outlook desktop app, the web version, or even an older version like Outlook 2007 or 2019, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

What are Automatic Replies in Outlook?

Automatic Messages in Outlook, also known as out-of-office messages, are automated responses sent to the sender when you’re not available from your desk or on vacation. This feature is available in all versions of Outlook, including the desktop app and the web version.

Why Use the Out-of-Office Feature in Outlook?

Using the out-of-office feature in the app lets others know that you’re away and won’t be responding immediately to their emails. Unquestionably, it is a professional way to manage expectations and maintain communication even when you’re not available.

How to Set Up External Replies?

Setting up out-of-office responses in Outlook is a straightforward process. You can specify the date and time range for your automatic external responses and even set different messages for senders inside and outside your organization. So here’s how to set it up:

How to Set an External Response in Outlook Desktop App?

To set an out-of-office message in the desktop app, follow these steps:

1. Open the app and go to the “File” tab.
2. Click on “Automatic Replies”.
3. In the pop-up that appears, select send.
4. Optionally, set a date and time range for your automatic external responses.
5. Type the response that you want to send to teammates or colleagues in the “Inside My Organization” tab.
6. If you wish to send automatic external replies, go to the “Outside My Organization” tab, select “Auto-reply to people outside my organization”, and type your message.

How to Enable Automatic External Responses in Outlook on the Web?

If you’re working on  Outlook on the web, the process to enable automatic external responses is slightly different. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the site.
2. Go to “Settings” > “View all Outlook settings” > “Mail” > “Automatic replies”.
3. Select “Turn on automatic replies”.
4. Set the start and end times for your automatic external responses.
5. Type the automatic reply message in the text box.
6. Click “Save”.

Setting Up Automatic External Responses in Outlook for Windows

For those using Windows, here’s how to set up automatic replies:

1. Open the site and click on “File” > “Info” > “Automatic Replies”.
2. In the pop-up that appears, select send.
3. If you want to set a date range for your automatic replies, check the “Only send during this time range” box and specify the start and end times.
4. In the “Inside my organization” tab, type the message you want to send to your colleagues.
5. If you wish to send automatic replies to people outside your organization, go to the “Outside my organization” tab, select “Auto-reply to people outside my organization”, and type your message.

Creating Out-of-Office Responses in Outlook 2007 and 2019

If you’re using an older version of the software, like 2007 or 2019, you can still set up out-of-office replies. Here’s how:

1. Open Outlook and go to “Tools” > “Out of Office Assistant”.
2. In the “Out of Office Assistant” dialog box, select “I am currently Out of the Office”.
3. In the “AutoReply only once to each source with the following text” box, type your message.

How to Send Automatic Replies in Office 365?

Office 365 users can also send automatic out-of-office responses. Here’s how:

1. Sign in to Office 365 and open the app.
2. Click on “File” > “Automatic Replies”.
3. In the pop-up, select “Send automatic replies”.
4. Set the start and end times for your automatic replies.
5. Type your message in the text box.

How to Turn Off Automatic Messages in Outlook?

When you’re back in the office, don’t forget to turn off external automatic responses. In the dialog box, select “Do not send automatic replies”.

Tips for Crafting Effective Messages in Outlook

1. Keep your message concise and professional.
2. Clearly state the dates you will be out of the office.
3. Provide an alternative contact for urgent matters.
4. Don’t forget to turn off automatic responses when you’re back in the office.

Remember, automatic replies in Microsoft Outlook are a powerful tool to maintain communication and manage expectations when you’re not available. So, next time you’re planning to be out of the office, don’t let others wonder why you’re not responding — set up your out-of-office replies!

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In today’s professional world, email communication plays a vital role in maintaining effective and efficient business relationships. One way to enhance your new email correspondence and leave a lasting impression is by adding a signature to your Outlook emails. An email signature not only adds a touch of professionalism but also provides essential contact information and branding elements. In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step guide of adding a signature in Outlook Desktop app. This will only take minutes to complete and we will guide on how to look more professional when you add a signature to your emails.

Understanding the Benefits of Email Signatures: Before we delve into the technicalities of adding a signature in Outlook, let’s explore the benefits of having an email signature:

1. Professionalism: A well-designed signature adds a professional touch to your emails, leaving a positive impression on your recipients.
2. Contact Details: By including your name, job title, phone number, and other relevant details, you make it easier for recipients to contact you.
3. Branding: Consistently incorporating your company’s logo, colors, and tagline in your signature reinforces your brand identity.

Most importantly, remember your signature template is your online business card and hyperlinks to your website and phone number.

II. Creating Your Email Signature: Follow these simple steps to create a personalized email signature:

1. Launch Outlook: Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Access Signature Settings: In Outlook, go to “File” > “Options” > “Mail” > “Signatures.”
3. Create a New Signature: Click on the “New” button to create a new signature.
4. Enter Signature Details: Type your name, job title, and other contact preferences you want to include in the signature.
5. Add Visual Elements: To enhance your signature’s visual appeal, consider adding your company logo or links to a social media page.
6. Customize the Layout: Utilize font styles, sizes, and colors to create a visually appealing and legible signature.
7. Include Social Media Icons: If desired, insert clickable icons linked to your professional social media profiles.
8. As a bonus, to edit a signature in outlook, you will go through the same process as to add your signature in outlook.

For a customized email signature, you may also elect to use an email signature generator to create an outlook signature and be sure sure to add an image when you create an email signature.

III. Configuring Default Signatures: To ensure your signature automatically appears in every outgoing email, follow these steps:

1. Set the Default Signature: In the Signature Settings, select your newly created signature for both “New messages” and “Replies/forwards” for the signature you want. By selecting a default signature on outlook for desktop, when you compose a new email, outlook will automatically add in your signature on a new email. Likewise when you reply to an email, Outlook desktop version will automatically include your signature and it will appear at the bottom.
2. Apply Signature to Specific Email Accounts: If you have multiple email accounts linked to Outlook, choose the relevant account(s) under “Choose default signature” for each email address. This will also help you navigate the use of your default signature for new emails from different accounts in every email replies and forwards.

Keep in mind, this takes the Desktop version of outlook into consideration, you may want to add a text signature for the outlook mobile app, and the outlook.com web app. On You can follow similar steps for outlook on the web, type your signature in the signature section / text box and you will see your new signature will appear in the email window. Unfortunately, on the mobile outlook app, the ways to create and add a signature to outlook will be in text-only format depending on your device but the result remains the same as you can choose to automatically include your signature name or manually insert it.

IV. Advanced Signature Customizations: To further enhance your email signature, consider the following customization options:

1. Mobile-Friendly Signatures: Create a separate, streamlined signature specifically designed for mobile devices to ensure optimal readability.
2. HTML Signatures: If you have coding expertise, you can design an HTML signature to include more advanced elements like interactive buttons or dynamic content.
3. Wisely Using Images: When using images in your signature, ensure they are appropriately sized, compressed, and hosted on a reliable server to avoid broken image links.

Conclusion: Adding an email signature to your Outlook emails is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your professional communication. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a personalized signature that reflects your identity and promotes your brand. Remember, a well-crafted signature not only improves the visual appeal of your emails but also provides recipients with essential contact information. So, go ahead and add that finishing touch to your Outlook emails with a signature that leaves a lasting impression.

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A high quality, well organized and well planned IT infrastructure is ideal for business. Not only does it reduce costs, but also improves employee management and customer satisfaction. Moreover, it increases productivity and revenue. Each year, we see new hardware and software enter the market that can potentially alter the way we do business. Although change might be difficult, updating IT infrastructure can have an enormous positive impact on your business. Preventing such concerns can save you a lot of money and troubles.

Computer Technology is always evolving, and business owners need to be constantly adapting to prevent issues. An outdated system can struggle to handle an increase in traffic, causing systems to crash, while older security models may not protect you from a data breach.

There are many reasons why a business should look into updating or changing their current IT infrastructure. Below, we discuss some of the most common and critical reasons that you should consider updating your IT infrastructure in the new year.

Cure Your Slow Network Speeds with a New IT Infrastructure

A slow connection to the Internet isn’t always something that can be blamed on your Internet service provider. We often find that businesses do not invest in a network connection that fits their long-term goals, often opting for what works for them right now rather than in the future. As you add more devices to your business, your network will need to easily scale to support the number of uploads and downloads happening in your business. If you are experiencing slow network speeds, it may be time to discuss a change to your infrastructure.

Your Staff feels Tethered to the Office

The way we work is evolving. Most of us work within an 80/20 environment of online versus in-person work time. More businesses are offering a flexible work from home policy that lets their team work remotely when needed. Slack, Google Hangouts, and other tools make it easy for us to stay in touch, regardless of where we are located. Unfortunately, older networks were not built to meet the demands of today’s workforce. In the early 2000s, when most businesses were adding Internet to their office, video calls, web meetings, and working remotely was not a big thing, but as we add more software and products to the market that make it easy for us to work remotely, your team is going to need a faster, more reliable, suite of products that they can easily access and manage. If your team feels tethered to the office, it is likely due to an outdated infrastructure that has not embraced the needs of today’s worker.

Your IT Manager Spends More Time Managing than Deploying

Outdated networks often struggle with new upgrades, which may require constant IT support to handle errors and bugs. By switching to a modern infrastructure, you will simplify your deployments, management, and operations for your business and IT manager.

Upgrading your IT infrastructure in 2019 will dramatically alter how you do business and put you in a position to scale as business needs change. For information on how your business can update its IT infrastructure in the new year, contact Geeks on Site. We have solutions that will work for you.

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How does Outsourcing effect your IT Business?

The effects of outsourcing depend on your industry. IT outsourcing can provide your business with better service including quicker results, recognition among consumers and in the end, more revenue. Outsourcing also sets you apart from the competition as you are capable of improving the quality of your services and products.

Contracting an external business to handle your customers can increase or decrease the turnaround time and the customer service provided. With the right partner, outsourcing can greatly benefit your business. Handing your IT tasks to an external business can provide better management and productivity. Managing the transition properly will make all the difference.

What are the Benefits of Outsourcing your IT to Geeks on Site?

The main reason businesses try outsourcing is to make a step forward and gain a competitive advantage. This is done by outsourcing some of the standard procedures and processes to an external agency while benefiting from improved quality and decreased costs of labor.

Geeks on Site’s IT Services can help by handling the hardware and/or software side of the business or certain functions of the business. Geeks on Site’s IT Services are focused on capturing, storing, transferring and protecting information. Since most businesses do not have the ability to invest in a full-time IT department, many will eventually consider outsourcing all of their IT tasks.

Benefits IT Outsourcing

The benefits of outsourcing your businesses IT needs to a qualified team like Geeks on Site include:

• Depending on where the business is located, outsourcing often leads to lowering their business costs. With Geeks on Site, you get all the benefits of an in-house IT team without the cost of associated with increased staff.
• Generate higher revenue and improved returns on investment.
• The employees have more time to focus on important tasks since IT tasks are being managed by an external source. Geeks on Site works quickly to solve your team’s issues or troubleshoot any computer issues. Rather than potentially waiting for a representative from IT to come available to help your team solve a computer issue, Geeks on Site offers a full IT leg that can keep your team working when issues arise.
• Geeks on Site’s IT Services come with a pre-existing knowledge base so there is little “ramp up” time to learn processes and software, which can immediately increase productivity.
• Cash outflow is reduced as there is a better use of every team members’ time.

If your business has reached a point where you need continuous IT assistance but don’t have the budget for a full-time IT department, it may be time to consider outsourcing. Every business must weigh the advantages of outsourcing through the lens of their business and current employees’ skill set.  If you do decide to go the route of outsourcing your company’s IT, contact Geeks on Site for more information about our services. We are confident that our trained technicians will be a valuable asset to your team.

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Server Threats to Protect Against

One concern is malware, including viruses and ransomware, infecting a server can lead to data loss, data theft, loss of productivity, and the spreading of malware to your workstations. The two most common ways that networks get infected with malware are users opening malicious email attachments and running outdated software that accesses the Internet – most commonly, a web browser or email client. Emails with malicious attachments and web links can appear to come from family, friends and colleagues whose computers have been infected. These emails will usually take the form of a legitimate email you would receive in the normal course of doing business. Unpatched security vulnerabilities can be exploited to infect your computer by malicious websites.  Outdated antivirus software will offer little or no protection from these constantly evolving threats.

Another concern is vulnerable software running on the server itself. Most commonly, vulnerable web server software or a poorly built website can inadvertently leave your data exposed. Password protected areas of a website are susceptible to Brute Force attacks where the hacker guesses your password using specialized software. Servers which handle email for your business can also be exploited.  An incorrectly configured email server can allow spammers to use your server to send junk email causing your legitimate emails to be blocked by recipients because of the unwanted messages sent by spammers.

Pick the Right Server for Your Needs and Budget

When selecting server equipment for your business, extensive research is necessary to determine what kind of equipment your business will need in order to function the way you need it to. In fact, buying a server is a lot like buying a car – you will have to ask yourself many questions to determine the right kind of vehicle for your needs. Here are some questions to consider when doing your research for buying a server that will meet your business’s needs within the server price range you were aiming for. Without a doubt, your answers to these questions will have a direct impact on the price point for the server equipment.

• • What will the server be used for? How much capacity do you need? Disk space, CPU power and RAM need to be considered. Servers can fill many roles: file server, printer server, mail server, web server, remote access server, VPN (virtual private network) server, etc. Deciding on your server’s role will help you determine the answers to these questions.

• • How many people will need to be able to access the server? The number of users that will be utilizing your server as well as the number of roles your server will fill, needs to be considered as part of your capacity planning.

• • What environment will the server be installed in? Will the server be installed at a data center or in a dedicated server room? In that case, a rack-mount server would be appropriate. On the other hand, a server in a smaller office environment, might share the same form as a workstation (i.e., floor standing).

• • How “bullet-proof”, or robust, do you want/need your server to be? Entry-level servers are very similar to the workstation you may have at your desk with the difference being the operating system they run. Mid-grade and above servers differ in that they feature things like multiple redundant power supplies, redundant cooling, remote management capabilities (see below), multiple network interfaces, multiple CPU sockets, hot swappable storage, the ability to have many storage disks, hardware, RAID, etc. These features will allow your server to keep running even if one of these components should fail. This is essential to keeping your business unaffected by a failure.

• • Do you need to be able to remotely manage the server? Having the ability to power your server on or off from another site offers a lot of other options for the person who will manage your server. These capabilities are not typical on entry-level servers.

• Have you considered a back-up plan? Another concern might be data loss as a result of user error, natural disaster, theft, fire or some other unexpected event. How would you recover from one of these? Accidents happen. Backing up to tape, disc or cloud are the three most common methods. Each of these has its own pros and cons – Disc-based back-up is the fastest but depending on the amount of data, it can be cumbersome and typically, back-ups remain on site. Tape-based back-up is slower but the use of tape cartridges makes, it more portable and easier to take off-site. Cloud-based back-up is the slowest from a back-up and recovery standpoint due to its reliance on moving data over the Internet. However, it’s completely off-site at all times which can be advantageous and possibly, the safest approach.

Server Maintenance and Support Expense

There are several long-term considerations when choosing a server for your business. Again, the server cost will be directly influenced by the choices made.

• • Hardware maintenance – Read the maintenance agreement options from the server manufacturer thoroughly. How long does the warranty last? How much time will it take to have something repaired or replaced? Response time is something you need to consider.

• • Software maintenance – Keeping software up to date and figuring out who will install these updates also needs to be considered. Additionally, there may be day to day software maintenance requirements.

• • Product life cycle – Once a given generation has been on the market for 4 or 5 years, it will be replaced by the next. When purchasing new equipment, you may want to consider when the generation you are purchasing was introduced since you may not have the full life cycle ahead of you. The hardware and software will likely need to be replaced if you expect to continue to receive support for these.

Server cost depends largely on the size and needs of your business. Servers process and store your data as well as run your applications, so you will want to view them as an investment in your company’s success.  You need to understand the total cost of ownership – what you are paying to purchase, operate, maintain and upgrade. Only then will you be able to make the right choice for your business.

For more information about server costs for your small business, contact Geeks on site today.

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The digital revolution took place in late 1950s and the entire world noticed this transition from the industrial era. But since this initial transition, there have been hundreds of additional developments in both the technology and business industries. These developments have brought us what is known as technology in business communication; which has been increasing productivity among departments and companies all over the world.

5 Ways Technology in Business Communication has Improved the Workplace

Influential businesses around the globe are aware that technology has reshaped the way we work today. When the digital era first started, the process of adaptation took some time, nonetheless the reward was priceless. These are 5 benefits from technology used in business communications:

1. Increased Communication. Do you remember a time at work when you had to send a handwritten letter to your boss who might have worked in a different located due to either travel meetings or important projects? The average respond time could have been days. Today, technology gives us the opportunity to communicate via email, messages, Skype or FaceTime, within minutes and most importantly, from any part of the world.

2. Improved Level of Security and distribution. “Back in the day” we used to store piles of paperwork in a locked safety cabinet or safe. Today, technology allows businesses to save up to thousands and thousands of sensitive information and files, encrypt such files and store on a single PC, external hard drive or cloud drive. With a proper antivirus like Avira, and security tips to protect your devices from hacking, the appropriate departments have access to these files and can share among one another within seconds while keeping files safe.

3. Visual Quality. Do you remember when you used to write your reports with a typewriter? And you had to do it carefully to keep paper quality? Nowadays, computers have software tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, which can make your reports more visually attractive. As well as correct mistakes as many times as you would like without having to worry about paper issues or constantly restarting.

4. Quick, accessible Information. The Internet is another technology used in business communication. Trips to this virtual library can take place within seconds! Getting the information you are looking for has never been easier and/or faster. Have you heard of a single company that doesn’t use internet in their daily basis? That’s right, today having Internet access is as important as having a computer, because of the accessible information you can get while using it at work, which can increase knowledge and substance different work reports.

5. Increased Efficiency. Last but absolutely not least, efficiency. Here is a great example of how technology in business communications has increased efficiency: remember how credit cards used to be put under a carbon paper to get physical impression? We know what you’re thinking, it was tedious and it took a while. Today credit cards are swiped through a card reader and the payment is made! Additional ways efficiency has increased are; computers are also a handy tool to process data, and employees are working faster than ever and this is making their workflow smoother.

Technology in business communication has made the workplace more efficient and has increase productivity. It’s easy to keep information up to date, file your work and share with others. As technology continues to impact the way we work, it’s important for us to stay constantly learning and opened to new initiatives that could positively impact our daily lives.

The post Technology in Business Communication: Improving the Workplace appeared first on Geeks on Site.

We know what it’s like – being a small business – and it isn’t always easy. Today is the day to not only rejoice, but take advantage of all the tremendous opportunities out there. With that said – now is the time to take cyber security by the threshold and wipe away any possible vulnerability your digital network might be lingering.

There are over 28 million small businesses in America, and over the last four years, cyber thieves have increasingly targeted them. In the last two years, one in five small and midsize businesses reported that they were victims of a cyber-attack. On top of that, nearly 43% of cyber-attacks worldwide were made against small businesses with less than 250 employees. Alarming? Yes.

Small business owners, employees and customers need to have the confidence that their data and information are secure.  Here are a few simple tips to help your business continue to excel with minimal risk:

• Create a cyber-security plan. Determine a cyber-security that includes a planning guide, action plan and disaster plan. This way, your small business can be properly prepared, as much as possible.
• Establish cyber security guidelines for employees. Educate and establish a clear understanding of how to handle and protect company information. Clearly detail the penalties for violating rules once they have a clear understanding of how to safely use social media, leave their computer when in the bathroom, and so forth.
• Provide regular maintenance work on business PCs and MACs, as well as other network devices. This includes:
  • Updating software when it comes available.
  • Protecting against viruses, malware, spyware and other malicious codes.
  • Consult an expert if there is any patch work that might be needed.
• Consider potential risks and continue to manage them as they arise. Continually ask yourself, “What is it that we have to protect?” and reevaluate on a continual basis.
• Control and monitor network usage. Prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the use of a business computer or laptop. For example, set up individual user accounts.
• Create a secure Wi-Fi network for both the company, and its guests. Make sure that your small business Wi-Fi network is secure and doesn’t have an obvious name (SSID). Make sure to configure your wireless access point or router so it does not provide a broadcast network name.

These steps will help your small business stay protected and on track for another successful/celebratory National Small Business Week to come. For help creating security procedures, or otherwise protecting your small business information and data, call in the experts at Geeks on Site. We’re available in person or online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Basically, a server functions much like a specialized computer, overseeing and ensuring all of the computers, devices and equipment connected to it can efficiently access shared information, systems and resources.

Early in the digital age, servers were viewed as expensive, complex and something only large organizations needed to manage their business communication technology. At that time, they were labor-intensive and often require a dedicated IT staff. Now, this is no longer the case. Modern servers are more streamlined and affordable than ever before.

Do I Need a Server?

So, how do you know if your business could benefit by having a server? There are several indications that can confirm it may be time to invest in one. Do any of these 11 signs apply to your business?

1. You Crave Uniformity

Perhaps up until now, you may have acquired computers, software and other peripherals gradually, piece-by-piece, but, as a business grows, this may no longer be cost-effective. If the role of technology in business communication has expanded to the point that downtime and system errors may put your business in jeopardy, it may be time for a server. Also, if you’re becoming frustrated by the lack of cohesion in your organization, that may also be a sign a company server is needed. It can help with consistency, connectivity, uniformity – while lowering the costs of one-off solutions.

2. You Have Multiple Employees and Are Still Growing

If you have more than two computers already operating in use in your business, you could potentially benefit from a server. This is especially true if your staff frequently share work-related information, and/or you’re contemplating adding additional staff members in the near future.

3. You Have Shared Office Equipment and Resources

If your business uses multiple printers, scanners, fax machines and other peripherals, a server could help to bring more functionality, simplicity, security and productivity to your operations. Because a server is essentially a centralized manager, watching over operations, ensuring business functions and data are well organized, it can help tie all of the various equipment together.

4. You Desire a Higher Level of Security

If your organization deals with sensitive and/or irreplaceable data and files that reside on multiple computers, the “do I need a server” question is probably overdue. There is always the risk of a breach, and a server can play a key role in making sure your business data and files are more secure from corruption, loss or unauthorized access. It can also help give you more control over how much access will be granted to employees.

5. You Require Secure Access While Traveling

If your business requires you or your staff members to travel for work – or if staffers routinely work outside of the office – a server can provide a reliable and secure way to facilitate access to business files and data while employees are on the road or working remotely. A server enables your road warriors to log in remotely and access business data safely, securely and reliably.

6. You Need Reliable File Management

If you require the ability to back up key files on more than one computer, a server can help you accomplish this more effectively. It can also assist you in managing differing versions of the same basic file, and it can help you to restore any past versions of files if they happen to be needed. It can also facilitate employees seeking files that may have been accidentally deleted.

7. Your Business Requires a Customer Relationship Management Solution

Customer relationship management (CRM) software allows for more efficient handling of accounting information as well as communications for a growing database of clients and vendors. A server can assist in making sure your CRM is implemented and maintained effectively and consistently.

8. You Require More Accessible Sharing

A server can help provide an effective framework for a central communication system for your team. This will make it far easier to share information as well as schedule group meetings with staff, clients, and vendors. Sharing software and database updates will become easier as well.

9. You Want to Centralize Communication

A server allows you to host your own website and email system. You’ll be able to send secure faxes and emails, and you’ll also save on resources over time by hosting your own systems. Centralized communication also allows you to have faster access to your data and files across multiple computers.

10. You Want to Save Money

Buying elements and components of your business network piece-by-piece over time may end up costing more in the long run. If your business has grown to a point where it can benefit from the other points on this list – which are focused on improving efficiencies – it is likely that you will benefit by purchasing a server from a financial perspective as well.

11. You Want More Time for What You Do Best

Let’s face it – you probably didn’t start your business so you could spend a lot of time managing files and business security. A “piecemeal” type of system is usually more time consuming to manage; while a server automates many of business processes. This, in turn, allows you to spend more time doing what you love – running your business and planning for the future.

Still not sure whether or not your business needs a server? Better still, if your small business doesn’t need a full-blown IT department, the Geeks on Site team can serve as your IT support staff. Talk to a Geeks on Site representative today.

Source

www.pcworld.com/article/251993/how_to_choose_a_server_for_your_small_business.html

www.techradar.com/us/how-to/computing/servers/how-to-choose-the-right-server-for-your-business-1092468

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