Very few things in life are as intensely frustrating as slow network speeds.  Whether accessing a shared database, sharing files between computers, or sending a file to print; waiting for transfers can seem to take an eternity.  Worse still, these business breaks can keep both clients and staff waiting and get in the way of the productive business day.

Every time you save or retrieve files from another computer or network storage device, file transfers have to be made over the network.  Depending on your IT setup files can pour over the network with the ferocity of a fire hose, or trickle between machines as if dripping through a drinking straw.  Poor network speeds are often a critical bottleneck that slows down the entire IT system. If a slow, frustrating, and unreliable network sounds like your office setup then there are many available solutions we can use to help. Often, offices maintain networking hardware that is as old as the premises they are in or the businesses themselves.  Components can be left in place long after their suggested expiration date. If it isn't broken, don't fix it commonly rules as long as some working connection, however slow, still remains.

Yet, outdated hardware in key areas can often slow the entire system down. Even when the rest of the network is capable of ultra-high speeds, a single bad component can bring the entire network to a crawl. Sometimes if it isn't broke, it still might not be working to its full potential. Even peripheral devices throughout the network can cause traffic to slow.  A badly installed device may become lost from the network or send out an overwhelming number of messages that spoils network traffic. Defense against errors and vulnerabilities is simpler than many think. Often just one or two small upgrades is all that is needed to unlock the full speed potential of the network. 

For some businesses adding a dedicated server is an ideal solution that can balance the IT workload.  Access to centrally shared resources often benefits the entire organization by eliminating redundancy. A network server is built with efficiency and reliability in mind to keep your business running at full capacity.  By pooling resources for everyone to use, work is evenly shared and centrally available to prevent bottlenecks in the system. Reduced network loads, improved efficiency, and faster transfer speeds mean that higher productivity becomes the new normal.

Moving resources outside of the office can work for many businesses too.  Where high speed, low-cost internet services are available, moving your work into the cloud can be a highly cost-effective solution. Software packages such as Quickbooks offer finance and accounting packages for operating in the cloud.  Similar Suites such as Microsoft Office offers services for creating and sharing documents with cloud resources.  Both packages eliminate the need for many of the network operations that we use every day.
For many applications such as Quickbooks huge databases sometimes gigabytes in size are required. It is these types of applications where the advantage of the cloud becomes clear. To use this locally, huge database transfers keep the application up-to-date daily. These transfers across a local network are time-consuming and clog up vital resources for the firm. Yet, the same application in the cloud requires only a simple web page for each user.  Instantly, looking up finances and editing documents becomes as simple as checking your email.  With some services moved to the cloud, the purchase and maintenance of expensive network hardware can be reduced too.

A complete network solution that works to make the most out of all the available resources is unique to every business.  Only a tailored solution to address your network needs will increase your productivity.
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If your IT is starting to get in the way of your business and your network is running too slow, give us call at 715-255-0325 and we'll get you back up to speed.

Like many valuable things we buy, new computers suffer from wear and tear over time.  Our computers are particularly vulnerable as we have placed more and more demands on them every year.  New machines have gotten faster, quieter, more reliable, and more capable over time. At the same time our own computers have begun to slow and sometimes even stop performing altogether.

There are many ways to address the problem of a PC which isn't quite performing up to the task anymore.  Whether frustratingly slow or no longer working; we are happy to take a look. When you bring your computer to us we will diagnose the condition and find a solution that works for you. Often times the simplest solution works best.  A complex problem sometimes only needs a simple repair to get your home computer up and running like new again.  Whether a small replacement part, loose wire, or bad connection; we will find and fix the problem to give your familiar, home machine a new lease on life.

Many computers come to us running slowly, taking a long time to start up, or freezing when trying to load files and programs.  Often owners have reached the breaking point and become convinced the machine is fit for only the scrap heap. In many cases, the problem can be pinpointed to a bottleneck in the system.  A single, seemingly trivial, part can be holding up the entire system. Amazingly, upgrading just that one component can make the whole machine run like new again.

Adding memory can provide extra space for programs to run faster.  Adding an updated, faster hard drive can allow files to be retrieved without delay.  In both cases, a low-cost single component can provide a cost-effective solution that makes an old machine like new again.

In some cases, computers succumb to more major faults.  A critical part, difficult to replace, may stop working altogether. A failure of the motherboard for example, the backbone that all other components connect to can be expensive, if not impossible, to fix.  Typically, with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of computing, a motherboard will only house computer parts that were manufactured around a similar time.

A motherboard is almost certain to be incompatible with components built just a couple of years before or after its own design for example. Occasionally even a motherboard failure can be resolved too.  In these cases we strive, whenever possible, to find a replacement board of the same generation that will work alongside existing components.  The result is a cost-effective solution that keeps cost down by saving replacement parts.

In cases where a like-for-like replacement motherboard is not available, many parts of the computer may have to be replaced at the same time.  Often replacement costs in these cases can get close to, or even exceed the cost of buying a new machine.

We would always give advice where it makes sense financially and practically to consider replacing an old machine. Often, in this respect, a home PC can be considered a little like a car.  Sometimes a simple, non-expensive, easy to replace component such as the window wiper can fail.  While a crucial part to be used for driving; it would be silly to suggest replacing the vehicle once it has worn out.

A window wiper may be low-cost and simple to replace, but if the engine were to wear down or break the solution may not be quite as simple. Attempting to make a 30-year-old car as fast, safe, and reliable as a brand-new model generally doesn't make any financial or practical sense.  Sometimes the best course of action to save money and avoid breakdowns is a more up to date vehicle.

In computing, many of the same rules hold true.  The best solution in each case is always tailored personally to fit you and your own computer.
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Bring your machine in to us or give us a call us at 715-255-0325 to discuss your computer issues.  We'll keep you informed about your machine and advise on the best course of action to get you up and running as quickly as possible.

Getting new computers is exciting, but what happens to the old ones? Depending on the age, some people sell them, others throw them out. That’s the easy part. The problem is the sensitive data on them. There are passwords, account numbers, license keys, customer details, medical information, tax returns, browser history…. the works! Each computer, whether laptop, tablet or desktop, contains a treasure trove of sensitive information that cybercriminals would love to get their hands on.

Unfortunately, hitting delete on your files doesn’t actually make them disappear, nor does waving a strong magnet over the drive. These mistakes have cost businesses millions of dollars over the years.

Most people are unaware that specialized data cleanup is necessary, others think calling someone to collect the computers will cover all the bases. A 2016 experiment proved just how dangerous the situation can be when they bought 200 used hard drives and found 67% held unwiped, unencrypted sensitive data, including sales projection spreadsheets, CRM records, and product inventories. Frighteningly, they didn’t need any special hacking skills to get this data, it was all right there and helpfully labelled. It’s also not surprising that with simple data recovery tools, people have also been able to access British NHS medical records and missile data, all waiting patiently on a discarded hard drive.
 
Why Hitting Delete Doesn’t Help
Data on a hard drive works like a book with an index page. Every time data is written, it pops a quick entry into the index so when you need it again, it knows where to look. The index is used for files you create as well as system files you can’t even see. Sensible, right? Except if you delete a file it’s more like changing the index to say nothing is on page 10 and you can write something else there when you’re ready. But if you manually flip to page 10, you’ll find the information is still there - the file still exists until it’s been written over - it’s the index reference that got deleted.
 
Wiping Data Before Disposal
There are software tools you can get to do it yourself, as well as dedicated security firms, but your best option is to choose an IT business you know and trust. With that in mind, a methodical approach is required to ensure not a single drive is left untreated. You don’t want to leave data behind, or even clues that a motivated person could extrapolate any private information from. For businesses, the approach might include using checklists to maintain security, or dedicated processes to guide each step in decommissioning. Careful records should also be kept, including who signs off on completion of the retirement, and where the computers are sent afterwards. A proper inventory and auditing process may slow the rollout of the new computers slightly, but it’s always better than having your old data come back to haunt you.

We can migrate any needed data, backup the information to your server or external drive, then wipe or destroy the hard drives for you. We can assess the age of your old computers and either dispose of them for you or point you in the right direction of computer recyclers. Plus, the quicker you dispose of your old computers, the easier the process will be. Recyclers will be able to send less of your equipment to landfill, and you’ll be less likely to forget how valuable the drive contents are.
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Upgrading your computers should be a happy time for you, so with a little forward planning, you’ll be able to keep everyone smiling and all your data secure.
 
Need help with your old hardware? Call us today at 715-255-0325

Recovery
So let’s say that last week when the storms rolled through, your computer was plugged in and your hard drive was damaged. Or maybe your very old system finally died, taking those beloved family pictures with it. Perhaps a friend offered to remove a virus on your PC but reformatted the drive without backing up your information first. You never made a backup, or perhaps you have one but its several months old. Now you're very disappointed with yourself that you didn't do a recent, complete backup of all those important files. Do you have any recovery options?

Yes, in most cases there are options. They will be determined by how badly your hard drive or files are damaged and how much you are willing to pay. Before we examine how to retrieve your data, it would be helpful to first explain how the hard drive stores and erases data.

The hard drive is a small metal case with magnetic discs inside where your data is stored in sectors and tracks. When you delete a file on your computer, the file itself isn't destroyed. Instead, the markers telling the computer where that file is are changed from showing that space as “filled” to showing it “empty.” The computer then allows new information to be written there. The more times a file is written and erased in that space, the harder it becomes to recover the original file.

Remember how your friend reformatted your hard drive and didn't do that backup? Reformatting a hard drive marks the entire drive as “empty” but the information is usually still there. With the proper tools, it is often possible to retrieve the data despite the reformat. 

In the case of a “zapped” or failing hard drive, if there's any "life" left to the drive, we may be able to extract some or all of your data. If our efforts are successful, your data can be back in your hands in no time. If we’re unsuccessful, you still have options.

We have partnered with Gillware Data Recovery to perform advanced data recovery. Located in Madison, WI, Gillware specializes in recovering data from even the most troubled hard drives. Gillware will perform an assessment of your drive and send you a list of the recovered files and the cost of recovery. Once you approve, they will perform the recovery and you get your files back. Pricing is dependent on the condition of the drive but there are no fees until you decide how to proceed.

Disposal
So now that we've examined how to recover your data, let’s discuss proper disposal.
The average home user could drill a few holes in their hard drive and chuck it in the trash. Unless the drive contains work-related files or sensitive personal information, additional special steps to render it inaccessible aren't usually needed.

However, if you are a business or work with highly-confidential data, you will want to take extra precautions. First, what you don’t want to do is throw your computer or hard drive in the trash. Even a failing or newly reformatted hard drive can have data retrieved if it’s found by someone highly motivated to do so. Again, a simple reformat doesn't actually destroy the original data, it will just overwrite it.
There are several ways you can more permanently delete these files without physically destroying the hard drive; they usually involve several “formatting” passes be made and may include random data being written and erased. Yellowstone Computing uses DOD (Department of Defense) recommended procedures to erase hard drives as the first step in disposal. This will render the recovery of the data all but impossible without forensic recovery equipment, and even then, it is highly unlikely that anything useful can be saved. Once this process is complete the drive is taken to a local recycling facility where they are physically shredded. 

Please note: This isn't meant to be an exhaustive description of all data recovery options or ways to dispose of a hard drive. This is simply an overview. If you are already the unfortunate owner of a failed hard drive and you want your data back, or if you wish for us to help you properly dispose of your data contact us, we're happy to help you!