As your business grows so does the need for more technology. Whether it be extra printers to handle a heavier workload, more computers or projection systems for the meeting room it is important that you are informed before purchasing the required equipment. The correct setup of this equipment can be tricky as well and it is important you have a professional available to make your technology upgrades as simple as possible without disrupting your workflow.

Decide if You Need Wired or Wireless

“Wireless” capabilities are very handy and save on excessive cordage in small and multifunctional spaces. If you have multiple users to connect in a broad area it can help increase everyone’s productivity time when set up effectively. We have come to expect a wireless capability in our new laptop computers, but not all equipment is alike. If you have a need for wireless in things such as printers make sure to look at its capabilities and features.  If you find a printer that you really like, but don’t require the wireless, it most likely has a sister version without the wireless and is a little lighter on the pocketbook.

Note about Wireless:  Wireless connections run slower than wired connections for the most part, so be careful what you use as wireless if a “quick” turn around is going to be needed. If you have too many people accessing at the same time it could also hinder the speed you are accustomed to working with on a wired connection.

A Centralized Router

If you decide to go wireless you will need to have a router set up to traffic equipment activity. Make sure that the router is at a central location that can be reached by all devices. The weaker the signal, the more your speed and connectability can be effected.

Plan Your Layout

Look at the space you will be working with before you start placing your equipment. Ergonomics and  technology placement go hand in hand. More than once I have seen a setup that was not well thought out and many connectivity problems could have been avoided if just switched around.

Specialty Audio/Video Equipment

If you have specialty equipment such as projectors in your office space make sure they are set up to work with both pc’s and mac’s for ease of potential visitors. Both require a different type of connection to devices such as a projector and having this available upfront is important.

There are a multitude of programs out there that promise to protect and repair your computer issues. Terms you may have heard but don’t understand include Malware and Anitspyware. While the correct program or add-on can save you time and aggravation, an incorrect program can slow down your computer or mistakenly delete important files needed by a program or the operating system itself.

Malware

Malware is shortened term for “malicious software.” Malware is any kind of unwanted software that is installed without your adequate consent.  Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are examples of malicious software that are often grouped together and referred to as malware. If you want to avoid malware you can do things such as:

• Making sure your virus protection program automatic updating system is turned on.
• Make sure your firewall is not turned off.

• Be weary of spam email or strange looking links.

• Be careful what programs you download that claim to protect you against malware. Make sure it is reputable and not a fake product or one that can input a virus in your computer allowing a hacker to steal your personal information.

Antispyware

Antispyware software helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. Uninstalling software that is classified as “spyware” is very difficult to remove.

Caution Tips

• When downloading programs off the internet they sometimes have additional software items you do not want. They are usually optional, but put in tiny letters with an automatically checked “yes” to download somewhere in the bottom of the download execution screen.

• Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download designed to help protect your computer against spyware and other types of malicious software. Download Microsoft Security Essentials or learn more about it.

With all of the internet searching and miscellaneous emails that we do it is inevitable that our computer will be the target of a virus. Virus’ are created to do anything from close a program on you, secure an open connection to your existing files while you are online or have a purpose of completely shutting down your computer. Although there is no rhyme or reason to why these are created, it is something to keep yourself protected against. Take heed of the following.

• Make sure to have some type of a virus protection software. There are a number of software programs available, some of which are free, while others have a hefty fee for a year’s subscription with updates.  Every program has different options, just find the one that’s right for you or ask a computer guru such as myself.

• Don’t open emails or attachments from unknown persons or places. An enticing email subject line and attachment from a stranger can be a mask for a virus. Some virus’ only require you open an email, and others that you run the seemingly innocent attachment. If an email from a friend or colleague seems out of place let them know and find out if they really sent it. There is always a possibility they got their email account hacked.

• Only download content from trusted websites. When we are looking for specific programs or files they are sometimes available from multiple sites.  If it’s a program, try to download it directly from its main website. Unless it is a tested and trusted site there is always the possibility that the executable files could have been corrupted in some way.

• Be weary of AntiSpyware and Malware Programs.  Although these programs are created and made available with the best of intentions to troubleshoot your issues not all programs are created alike and can cause a number of issues. They may be able to identify files that are detrimental to your computer after a virus happens or update go wrong. It is also possible they can mis-identify good files and cause other problems as well.

Note: Make sure to keep your virus protection updated and scan your computer at least once a week.