Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common IT questions we receive from home and small business owners. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Security & Data Protection
This is the most critical area for any computer user, and at times the terms can seem confusing.
Q: Do I really need antivirus software if I’m careful about what I click?
A: Yes, absolutely. Being careful is a great first step, but modern threats are incredibly sophisticated. Malware can hide on legitimate websites, in email attachments that look safe, or even spread across a network without any user action. Antivirus software is your essential, always-on security guard that actively scans for and blocks threats you might never see coming.
Q: What is ransomware, and how do I protect my business from it?
A: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your files, making them completely inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) to restore your access. Protection is a multi-layered strategy:
– Consistent Backups: A recent, unaffected backup is the #1 way to recover without paying.
– Employee Training: Most ransomware attacks start with a phishing email. Teaching your team to spot fakes is crucial.
– Security Software: A modern endpoint protection solution does more than traditional antivirus.
– Updates: Keep your operating system and all software updated to patch security holes.
We can implement a comprehensive security and backup strategy to protect your business from this devastating threat.
Q: How can I spot a phishing email or scam text?
A: Watch for these red flags:
– Sense of Urgency: Threats of account closure or demands for immediate action.
– Generic Greetings: “Dear Valued Customer” instead of your name.
– Poor Grammar/Spelling: Professional companies edit their communications.
– Suspicious Links/Attachments: Hover over links before clicking to see the real destination URL. Never open unexpected attachments.
– Unusual Sender Address: The email may look like it’s from your bank, but the address is slightly off.
Q: Is a VPN really necessary for my small business?
A: If you or your employees ever work remotely or use public Wi-Fi (like at a coffee shop or airport), a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is highly recommended. It creates a secure, encrypted “tunnel” for your internet traffic, preventing others on the same network from spying on your activity and protecting sensitive company data.
Data Backup & Recovery
Your data is your most valuable asset. Protecting it is not optional.
A: The best practice is the 3-2-1 Rule:
– 3 copies of your data.
– 2 different types of media (e.g., an external hard drive and the cloud).
– 1 copy stored off-site (the cloud backup handles this perfectly). Automated cloud backup is the simplest and most reliable solution for most people. For businesses, a hybrid approach combining local and cloud backup offers speed and security.
We can help you set up an automated, “set it and forget it” backup solution so you’re always protected.
A: Not necessarily! The most important thing to do is stop using the computer immediately. Continued attempts to boot it up can cause further damage to the hard drive. In many cases, data can be recovered by a professional. If you have a backup, the process is much simpler. If not, professional data recovery services may be your only option.
Performance & Maintenance
“Why is my computer so slow?” is the most common IT complaint in the world.
A: This can be caused by many factors:
– Too many programs running in the background at startup.
– Your hard drive is nearly full.
– A malware or virus infection.
– Outdated software or drivers.
– Failing hardware (often the hard drive).
We offer a comprehensive system tune-up service that diagnoses and fixes these common performance issues.
A: For performance and stability, it’s a good idea to restart your computer at least once a week. A restart clears out the system’s temporary memory (RAM) and closes stuck processes that can slow things down over time. Shutting down completely every night saves a little electricity and is a good habit, but a regular restart is the most important part.
A: Those constant update notifications can be disruptive, but they are critical for your security. The vast majority of updates aren’t about adding new features; they are about patching security holes that have been discovered. Ignoring updates is like leaving a door unlocked for hackers.
For businesses, our Managed IT Services include managing these updates to ensure they are installed at a convenient time without disrupting your work.
Networking & Internet
A slow or unreliable internet connection can bring a home or business to a halt.
A: First, try rebooting your modem and router. If that doesn’t help, the router’s location is key—place it in a central, open area. For larger spaces, a single router is often not enough. A Mesh Wi-Fi system, which uses multiple nodes to create a seamless network, is the modern solution for eliminating dead zones.
A: That is a great question:
– The Modem connects your home or office to the internet service provider’s network (e.g., Comcast, Verizon). It’s the gateway to the internet.
– The Router takes that single internet connection from the modem and creates a local network, allowing all your devices (computers, phones, printers) to share the connection and talk to each other, usually via Wi-Fi.
A: Use a strong, unique password with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption enabled. Change the default administrator username and password for your router’s settings page. For businesses, it’s also wise to create a separate guest network for visitors to use, keeping them completely isolated from your private company network.
Hardware & Software
Making the right choices can save you money and headaches down the road.
A: There’s no magic number, but a general guideline is 3-5 years for a business computer and 4-7 years for a home computer. The real indicator is when the machine no longer meets your needs—it’s too slow to run current software, can’t get security updates, or the cost of repairs is more than half the price of a new one.
A: Both are excellent cloud productivity suites.
– Microsoft 365 is often preferred by businesses that rely heavily on the powerful, feature-rich desktop versions of Word, Excel, and Outlook.
– Google Workspace is known for its real-time collaboration, simplicity, and cloud-native approach. The best choice depends entirely on your workflow.
We provide consultations to help you choose, migrate to, and manage the right platform for your business.
A: We use a cost-benefit analysis. If the cost of the repair (parts and labor) is more than 50% of the cost of a comparable new computer, it’s almost always better to invest in a new machine. An older, repaired computer is still made of old parts that can fail.
A: “The Cloud” is just a term for software and services that run on the internet instead of locally on your computer. Think of Netflix, Gmail, or Dropbox. When used correctly with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, major cloud services from providers like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are often more secure than a small business’s on-site server.
Business Strategy & Value
Understanding the “why” behind IT decisions.
A: Using a professional email address builds trust, credibility, and brand recognition. An email from [email protected] can look unprofessional and less secure to potential clients compared to a branded email address that matches your website.
A: This is a proactive approach to IT support. Instead of waiting for something to break (the “break-fix” model), a business pays a flat monthly fee for a provider to proactively monitor, maintain, and manage their IT systems. This model prevents problems, reduces downtime, and makes IT costs predictable.
A: While helpful for minor home issues, relying on an informal arrangement for a business is risky. A professional IT consultant provides accountability, is available when you need them, has experience across a wide range of business technologies, and understands the security and compliance requirements that protect your business.
A: Think about the cost of downtime. How much money would your business lose if your computers were down for an hour? A day? Professional IT support is an investment in productivity, security, and peace of mind. It allows you to focus on running your business, not troubleshooting technology.
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