This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

As a small business in a volatile economy, it’s important to invest in IT resources that will promote success in the short-term and the long-term. That’s why considering the TCO (total cost of operation) of any given technology or business strategy is an absolute must. As businesses develop and grow, the question isn’t when they should invest in information technology, it’s how. Today, we wanted to alert you to what one recent study says about which computer platform would be most beneficial to your business — the Mac or the PC.

Before we continue, I must admit that I’m writing as a PC. However, a recent article from David Morgenstern pointed me to an intriguing set of statistics concerning the ever-raging PC vs. Mac debate that has me questioning my allegiance to the computer giant. And even though Morgenstern is clearly pro-Mac (his blog is titled “The Apple Core”), the study he mentions makes a legitimate case.

After a month of survey questioning that concluded this past January, researchers compiled data from 260 worldwide IT administrators who simultaneously manage large numbers of Macs and PCs within their organizations. In all six surveyed categories, Macs bested PCs every time, with at least 75 percent of respondents saying Macs cost the same or were cheaper to maintain than PCs.

Overall, Macs were found to have a lower total cost of operation than PCs. Specifically, regarding the areas of “time troubleshooting” and “help desk calls,” an overwhelming 65 and 54 percent of respondents, respectively, voted Macs to be less expensive.

Furthermore, the same researchers indicated that 66 percent of respondents expect to increase the number of Macs within their organizations, citing user preference, increased productivity, and easy of technical support as leading determining factors.

Though it may be difficult to admit, when all is said and done, Macs are appearing to be the better business investment. Still, before making any IT-related purchases or adjustments, your organization should always consult its expert IT staff or a local computer specialist to ensure optimal performance and/or successful integration.

[photo: Flyinace2000]

Additional Resources:

Is your PC or Laptop Due for a Tune-Up?

PCs: How Old is Too Old?

Computer Safety: When your PC isn’t so user-friendly

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

In a word, yes. A recent report authored by Greg Shields plainly makes the case for disk defragmentation. Keep reading to find out why your business should be regularly defragmenting its machines and how to effectively increase your IT performance.

Shields divides his paper into three articles, each underscoring an important aspect of the defragmentation discussion. In the first, Shields thoroughly explains the nature of fragmentation, its adverse effects, and its inevitability for any machine that uses disks to store data, i.e. a computer or server. He cites a study showing that an average desktop computer in an average business network environment can accumulate up to 12,000 fragments per week.

In the second article, Shields advocates for an effective solution, emphasizing the necessity of defragmentation by insisting that fragmentation affects nearly every operation of a computer or server. For instance, fragmentation can cause:

• Slow application and OS response time
• Increased time to power on
• System crashes and freezes
• Performance impact to existing enterprise services
• Decrease in overall performance, particularly with very large files
• Reduction in backup performance and increase in backup windows
• Reduced ability to undelete files
• Dramatically reduced performance of virtual machines

Shields states that defragmentation equals performance. On average, he says, defragmentation improves performance somewhere between 10 and 20 percent and, in some cases, up to 80 percent.

Finally, Shields reminds us that most systems come with the ability to defragment their own disks. In many cases, however, Shields feels these basic system tools are not enough to effectively optimize computer performance. As such, it’s imperative for small and midsize businesses to consult experienced computer specialists for customized defragmentation solutions.

[photo: Horia Varlan]

Additional Resources:

Enhancing Computer Security, Performance – For Free

Recession-Proof Computer Repairs

(Really) Simple Solutions for Computer Repair

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

One of the most frustrating and elusive of modern technologies can be your computer network. In the workplace today, not only are networks an integral part of employee-to-employee communications, they are an essential function of business-to-client interaction as well. As a result, whenever your network experiences difficulties, your business stands to lose a valuable piece of its day-to-day operations. Do you know what to do when your network goes down?

There are a few basic solutions to consider when attempting to diagnose problems with your network. The following troubleshooting tips come courtesy a whitepaper by networking expert Dheeraj Tolani.

• Be mentally prepared. I was encouraged that Tolani thought to mention being mentally prepared before attempting to diagnose network issues. Simply having a calm demeanor and clear focus can make a huge difference for any problem, not just networks.
• Check cables. Check to make sure all the various cables used to support your network are a) plugged in and b) connected correctly.
• Check your IP address. Each machine should have a valid IP address assigned to it.
• Check you router. Examine your router for correct connections, lights, and signal.
• Document  your experience. After the issue is diagnosed, document both the problem and solution. I, again, appreciated that Tolani offered this suggestion. Not only will this help you identify similar problems in the future, but it will greatly aid others who come along later.

Finally, Tolani does offer some additional steps that are more advanced and/or technical in nature. If you are not a professional in the networking field, I’d recommend relying on computer consultants to diagnose and repair more advanced problems. Particularly, if you’re a small business owner with little technical expertise, you might do your network more harm than good.

[photo: Cloned Milkmen]

Additional Resources:

Is your Wi-Fi secure?

(Really) Simply Solutions for Computer Repair

Small Business Planning: Hiring the Experts

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

Given the current state of the economy, it’s no surprise that companies are looking for ways to save money — and the IT department is no exception. For instance, when businesses consider operating costs of computers, should they be thinking in the short- or long-term? A recent study asked the same question, and the answer may surprise you.

Techaisle, a marketing research and consulting group, weighed the cost of maintaining older computers (greater than 3 years-old) versus purchasing new computers. The study was conducted earlier this year and surveyed Small, Medium, and Large businesses across 8 major countries. You can read the report in its entirety here.

According to their research, the cost of maintaining a computer more than 3 years-old is somewhere between $325 and $400 per PC, nearly a third more than the cost of maintaining a newer computer. Additionally, the study noted that the percentage of software crashes and hardware malfunctions attributed to computer failure among older PCs was significantly greater than that of newer computers.

This, of course, not only translates to the loss of valuable resources but valuable time as well. According to the survey, when calculating the time lost as a result of computer failure, SMBs reported an average of 5 hours per older computer versus 3.5 hours for newer ones.

Given the apparent higher cost of maintaining older PCs, Techaisle concludes that SMBs should seriously reevaluate the practice of attempting to extend the life of PCs past the 3-year mark.

At the same time, maintenance and repair will continue to be a necessity for computers — old or new. As such, it is important that your IT service have the right computer repair resources for preventing and combating costly computer-related issues, in addition to regular networking knowledge.

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

Does your company issue laptop computers to employees? If so, you’re probably familiar with the host of (potential) problems that come with them. Don’t get me wrong, they are far more convenient than desktops, especially in an age of wireless internet. However, we all know their shelf life leaves something to be desired. Depending on the frequency of use and brand of laptop, they typically run solidly for two years before maintenance or a complete overhaul is needed.

Laptops need some extra love and care if they are going to last.  Whether you are an individual user or an IT manager, it is a good idea to make sure the laptop(s) in your care are properly cared for.  Follow some of this advice (or pass it onto employees) to extend the life of a laptop as much as possible.

Buy from a reliable vendor:  Check out product reviews, ask experts and read up on the bells and whistles that come with a laptop, noting anything that is missing.  Know you’re making a good purchase from a respectable manufacturer. Don’t be lulled by low prices — you might end up paying more in the long run.

Don’t skimp on the warranty: Especially if you choose a lower cost notebook, make sure to get a warranty that covers a minimum of one year.

Take care of your notebook: This includes:

• Keeping it cool (Setting a laptop on your lap or on a pillow is a quick way to overheat the system)
• Not eating or drinking while using it (Spilled coffee is a quick way to render a laptop inoperable)
• Placing it on a hard surface when operating. (Laptops can easily slide off of couches, beds, etc.)
• Never leaving it on the floor (Roommates and children have no problem stepping on things)
• Not exposing it to extreme cold or heat (Electronic equipment does not like extremes)
• Using an external mouse and/or keyboard when possible (this will extend the life of these items on your system)

Battery care: Battery life is best preserved by fully draining the battery and then recharging.

Have more questions about laptop care, check out our IT help desk section or contact us.

Reference:  Worker’s Edge

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

I read an article in the Washington Post yesterday about the Hubble Space Telescope mission. It was fascinating. Not only for the fact that it talked about space, but it told a story of perseverance and ingenuity. The article also reminded me of the common thread everyone from astronauts to accountants face when dealing with technology: it breaks.

Computers crash, batteries die, monitors blink, and those annoying track-ball mouses get dirty inside and cause your cursor to jump all over the screen. Apparently, the same things happened with the Hubble telescope (more or less). As a result, astronauts spent five separate spacewalks repairing and updating the telescope. And it got me thinking. The IT problems I face must pale in comparison to what those astronauts were dealing with, and they don’t even get to deal with them from within the comforts of our own planet!

All in all, reading about making computer repairs in space gave me great perspective. I realized that computer repair is simply a fact of life, and I can either be proactive about maintaining my computer or reactive. I can seek professional IT support if I need it without fear of losing my life. Hopefully, the next time I’m forced to strike the PC chord of death, ctrl+alt+delete, it won’t be such a big deal.

[photo: AP]

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

As people hold their breath intently anticipating the economy’s next move, the last thing they need to worry about is replacing or repairing a computer. Personally, a computer crash is one of the last things I want to happen, seeing as computers are a major part of my livelihood — as they are for most everybody nowadays. So if, like me, you want to cut down on costly repairs and replacements, then regular and efficient computer maintenance is the answer. But don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

• The first step toward effective computer maintenance is to use antivirus and spyware applications daily. Many of these programs are free on the internet, or your computer may already have one. The key here is to daily update your software as well as scan your computer.
• Next, monitor your internet activity with increased security settings, especially if you’re not the only one using the computer. This may require employing the use of an internet filter or site blocker — preventing access to high-risk sites can save you a lot of trouble, especially if your employees or family members aren’t particularly internet savvy.
• To enhance system performance, use programs like disk cleanup and disk defragmenter which will increase speed and storage capacity on your computer.
• Finally, this last tip should be a no-brainer. Back up your data. Protect yourself from data loss by regularly backing up all your critical files and storing them in a separate and safe location.

These tips seem targeted at home and small business computer systems, however they can also apply to users within a larger computer network. Businesses are encouraged to implement their own IT best practice recommendations to employees based on these tips or they can ask their IT support staff to put together similar recommendations that network users can follow.

[photo: intothewire.com]

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

If you’re like me, you don’t particularly enjoy having to “call in the experts.” Yet, in an increasingly tech-centric world, it’s just hard to keep up with the leaps and bounds by which technology advances. Thankfully, there are a few tips regarding computer repair that might help you save face before having to alert the Geek Squad.

Don’t get me wrong, there are also many legitimate computer and network problems that require professional IT troubleshooting; however, if you’re experiencing one of the issues below, try the following suggestions.

If your computer won’t turn on:

• Check the power supply, ensuring all plugs and cables are snugly attached.
• Also, test the outlet to ensure it is, in fact, providing power.

If your mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, or any external device doesn’t work:

• Check all cables at both ends.
• Specifically, if your mouse or keyboard is malfunctioning, give the component a thorough cleaning.
• If necessary, attempt to re-install the software for that particular device.

If your computer freezes:

• Immediately run your antivirus and spyware applications.
• What was the last piece of software or hardware installed? There may be an issue with this program.
• How much hard drive space do you have left? Anywhere below 20% may result in performance problems.
• Is your computer over-heating? Make sure your computer has time to cool, the fan is working properly, and nothing significant rests on or surrounds it.
• When’s the last time you restarted? Regularly allowing the computer to reboot often reduces complications.
• Running the applications “Windows Memory Diagnostic” or “Disk Defragmenter” may also solve any issues with freezing.

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This post originated at IT Services Info & News | Ascensha. Ascensha is a Portland, OR IT company that manages and develops network infrastructure for Oregon small businesses.

These days companies are freezing additional expenditures and the average American is tightening their belt.  New isn’t necessarily the buzz word it once was as people are finding creative as well as traditional ways to make things last longer. This is especially true for big-ticket purchases (computers, electronics, cars) where making them last an extra year longer than planned has the potential to save some much needed cash in the short term.

Local area repair shops are reporting 20, 30 even 50% increases in services compared to this same time last year.

Why?

The phenomonen is pretty simple to explain.

1. The cost of new items like computers, iPods, and stereo equipment hasn’t dropped much despite the economic times.  The cost of repairing these items is dramatically less than buying a new replacement.
2. In terms of heirarchy, these products are not necessities but they are highly desirable and have become part of our everyday lives.  Therefore, people won’t live without them; they will invest enough to keep them repaired and functioning.
3. Making things last longer is part of the green movement that is sweeping across the country and becoming a cultural norm.  By getting a laptop repaired, people are keeping it out of a landfill which fits into their new environmentally-friendly lifestyles. 

Local computer repair can be done by IT service companies or individuals fairly quickly if the issue can be easily identified.  The service is out there – take advantage of the cost savings if you can.

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