In today’s business world, having great Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury -it’s a necessity. Businesses, with their varying needs, have specific requirements for what constitutes great Wi-Fi. For some small businesses, consumer-grade Wi-Fi might be sufficient, but for most businesses, commercial Wi-Fi is more appropriate. As companies grow, there comes a tipping point where commercial equipment is necessary. So how do you know if your business is ready for commercial Wi-Fi? Ask yourself the following questions to find out.

How Many Devices Use Your Wi-Fi?
It used to be that only laptop computers connected to your Wi-Fi, but that is no longer the case. With the rise of portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and streaming sticks, each person may be using your Wi-Fi from several devices, thus multiplying the number of users on the network. Consumer-grade hardware is designed for just a few people (like the amount that live in a single household) but can’t manage larger amounts of users and all of their devices. This is especially true for sustained usage. Remember that your employees aren’t the only people who expect to be able to connect to your Wi-Fi. One of the first things visitors typically do is look for a Wi-Fi network to connect their smartphones to, so providing wireless Internet to your customers is important.

What Is the Size and Shape of Your Workspace?
The number of access points you will need for your Wi-Fi is dependent on the amount of physical space that needs to be covered, the shape of the area, wall material, and the number of users/devices. In smaller spaces, consumer-grade Wi-Fi might be good enough. Larger, oddly shaped spaces benefit from commercial hardware. If your building’s walls are made of brick, cinder blocks, or cement, you likely need more access points than buildings made of other materials. Make sure you have a strong connection from all locations. It’s annoying to only be connected to Wi-Fi in certain areas of a building and find yourself in a deadzone a few steps later.

Access points for commercial Wi-Fi tend to be more powerful and flexible. For example, some business Wi-Fi systems can transfer connected devices from a crowded access point to one that is less busy. By doing this, everybody’s fast speed remains. If you foresee your range needing to increase, such as renting out more space, it’s easier to add more access points to commercial Wi-Fi than consumer-grade. Businesses that anticipate scaling up soon are better off with commercial Wi-Fi.

Do You Want Guests to Have the Same Quality Wi-Fi As Workers?
In households, where consumer-grade Wi-Fi is prevalent, all users share the Wi-Fi equally. In a home environment, if children are slowing down the Internet with Netflix or video games, it’s not a big problem. However, a choked business Wi-Fi network can cause a lot of problems. Commercial Wi-Fi allows you manage the network. You can assign a designated amount of bandwidth to different users so they’re unable to clog the entire connection. You can also allow visitors Internet access without giving them unlimited access to the network, a key security feature. You can also apply various filter options to both employees and guests with a firewall appliance to help keep your network secure and free from malware.

How Much Does the Internet Affect Your Employees’ Productivity?
For some companies, workers only use Wi-Fi for a few quick tasks. With these types of businesses, if the Internet is slow, it won’t have a big impact on how much work your employees get done. For other companies, there isn’t much people can accomplish if the Wi-Fi isn’t working well. The slower your employees work, the less money you make. Wi-Fi troubles can also lead to frustrated, unhappy workers, again hampering productivity and employee morale. If fast Internet is essential for people to complete their daily tasks, commercial Wi-Fi is important.

Strong Wi-Fi is a necessity for all businesses. This is especially true for larger businesses that connect a lot of devices (from both employees and visitors) and have a big work area. It is equally important for those where employee productivity depends on a strong connection. The goal is to keep your business-critical technology running smoothly. Consider carefully whether consumer-grade Wi-Fi or commercial Wi-Fi is the best choice for your business. When you ask yourself the questions above, the answer should become clear.
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Is your business’s Wi-Fi struggling? Give us a call at 715-255-0325 to discuss a solution.

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!

Today’s phones can help us do more than ever before. In addition to making phone calls, we use them to send messages, post photos on our favorite apps, watch videos, play games, and endless other activities. Since our phones can accomplish so much, we’re on them often. That means we’re draining a lot of phone battery. In our busy lives, we aren’t always near an outlet and don’t always have a phone charger ready. If our phones die, we risk missing out on important notifications and being unable to easily communicate with others. So what strategies can we use to extend our battery life?

Check Apps’ Battery Usage
When it comes to battery usage, not all apps are created equal. While checking your email uses a small amount of power, any apps that use GPS drain a significant amount of your phone’s battery. This is because they are constantly talking to the GPS satellites. Check to see which of your apps are draining your battery most and limit usage.

Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If you aren’t on your personal Wi-Fi, it’s always good to connect to the Wi-Fi wherever you are. However, this isn’t always an option. When you’re not connected to a strong Wi-Fi, it’s good to turn both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off when you aren’t using them. They drain a large amount of power because, even when not connected to anything, they are searching for your home’s Wi-Fi and car’s Bluetooth. That’s how they auto-connect when you are back within their range. Downloading podcasts, videos, and audiobooks at home can save your battery when you’re out because you won’t have to stream these items over Wi-Fi.

Lower your Phone’s Brightness
One of the easiest ways to save battery is to reduce how bright your phone’s screen is. The brighter your screen is, the more battery life it is using up. Most phones adjust the brightness levels based on how light your surroundings are. You can override this and turn the level down to save battery. The more you dim it, the longer your battery will last.

Go on Power Saving Mode
When you put your phone in Power Saving Mode, it stops it from automatically checking to see if there are new emails, powers off your display faster, and reduces screen brightness. It also turns off certain visual effects and some other features take a lot of battery. On some phones, it also makes your apps run a little slower.

Buy a Built-in Battery Case
Some people need to use very power-draining features often and have phone-heavy lifestyles. If this is you, it may still be a struggle to keep your battery up throughout the day. If all of the other options aren’t sufficient, you can buy a phone case with a built-in battery. By simply being in its case, your phone will charge. No need for an outlet or charger. These cases help you be able to keep your phone fully functional and able to use any apps you need.
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While any of these methods will help you extend your phone’s battery, it’s best to combine a few options. Our phones make our lives much easier, but they can’t do anything for us if they’re dead because we let the battery run out. Even more importantly, we want our phones usable in case of emergency. Luckily, using these methods will help keep our batteries alive throughout the day. Just remember to charge them again at home.
 
Are you in need of our services? Contact us now at 715-255-0325.

Today we’re going to talk about some things to consider before you share a post on Facebook.

First, is it true, second, is it helpful, and third, what effect is it having on your friends?

As you scroll through your news feed you see lots of stories, memes, cute ideas and more. They are designed to grab your attention and get you to share them. Then your friends share, and their friends share, and before you know it you have hundreds, if not thousands of people seeing the same post.

This can be beneficial when something important needs to be shared. But what if you clicked “share” and then found out that the story was a hoax or isn’t relevant any longer? In your effort to pass along seemingly important information you may be contributing to misinformation. What if your wall is now avoided because you are constantly sharing post like this, and rarely sharing things relevant about you?

In an age of information, we have the parallel disadvantage of misinformation. Why? Partly because information is shared so quickly it is often shared before validating. Let’s look at some common situations and see how this happens, as well as some steps to avoid sharing misinformation.

Scenario One: You see the photo of a sweet young girl with the pleading words, "Everyone please share, my daughter is missing!" 

If the little girl is missing, you are doing a favor to pass it along. But if she is no longer missing (or perhaps never was) you are contributing to the spread of false information and wasting people's time. So, it’s worthwhile for you to validate this story before you share.

Here’s how to check the story: Click on the original post and check the date. If it’s recent, then it may be more likely to still be true. But if it’s from 2 years ago, maybe the girl was found. Next, scroll through the comments to see if there are any comments indicating that the situation has been resolved, e.g. “We found this missing girl!” If you can’t find an update, check the wall of the one who originally posted the story as they may have posted an update there. Now you know if the story is still relevant. If the girl was found, don’t share the story. No one needs to feel concerned for her whereabouts anymore or feel compelled to share the story too.

Scenario Two: “Super-Mart is giving $100 to everyone who shares this post!”
Consider this: First, if it’s too good to be true, then it’s probably not true. You can almost always assume the ones you see like this are false. Usually things like this are rumors that were started, often months ago, and are still circulating because who wouldn’t want to share if you were really going to get $100? If this isn’t true, passing it along is sharing misinformation, and is definitely not helpful. Before sharing this dubious offer, check the company’s actual Facebook profile, as well as their official website for any potential offers. If you find a great deal, then share away!

Scenario Three: “Hi, I’m John Smith, XYZ company did $2,000 in damage to my property and isn’t fixing it!”
Let’s examine Scenario Three: The guy who is complaining that XYZ company owes him $2,000 probably doesn't need over 500,000 shares. The attention the post is getting may far outweigh the need. First, go back and validate the story (if possible); you may discover that XYZ company has made things right, or even gone the extra mile to fix the situation. Before sharing the outrage, ask yourself again; is it true, is it helpful? If XYZ company no longer owes the guy money or repaired the damage, then it’s not a true reflection on their company values. Sharing this story makes them look bad months after the situation is resolved. It isn’t helpful and you may further damage a good company’s reputation. If they did make things right, then perhaps you can share that instead. Far too often people complain about things, and rarely do they share how good something was.

The negative effects of sharing misinformation:
At the end of the day, keep in mind that people are typically friends on social media to keep in touch with YOU. They don't go to your wall to see the latest gossip. In fact, if you share to much without validating the stories, you will end up compromising your own credibility with your friends. Your friends may even discreetly use a feature that Facebook has to keep your posts out of their newsfeed. You will still be friends, but they may be happier not seeing your posts. Take the time to update your friends about YOU. This is far more important to most of them than all those things you share from other pages. In an age where information is shared too easily, and friendships are shallow because of social media being a poor substitute for real life, take time to share things that will actually connect you to your friends and keep your friendship strong. Brag about the grandkids, show off your garden, or compliment someone on a job well done. These true stories (and kindness) go a long way in encouraging those around you.

You’ve decided to buy a new computer for your business, perhaps even a whole set of computers. You can almost taste the excitement as you think about those sleek new machines and how much faster your employees will be able to do their work. There’s just one thing left to do: actually choose which ones. That’s where it gets tricky. Most people pop out to their local retail store and look at the display models, then get overwhelmed when the salesperson starts throwing words like CPU and RAM around. Unfortunately, that scenario almost always ends up with your business having the wrong computer. Here’s why, and what you should do instead.

Most Retail Salespeople Are Minimally Trained:
Unsurprisingly, salespeople are trained to sell! They may have an interest in computers and they’re certainly great at reading the words on the box to you, but that’s the limit of their expertise. Their goal is to make the sale, earn the commission and go home happy. You are getting the computer your business needs and it’s not their concern if it doesn’t fully meet your needs. They’re not equipped to deeply understand the way your business works, nor do they have the time to find out. You’re also more likely to be upsold extras you don’t need but will rapidly drain your budget.

Compatibility Can Be A Problem:
While you probably know having both Apple and Microsoft computers can lead to compatibility issues, did you know even switching brands within your PC network can cause issues? There are so many moving parts to your business network, from printers to routers, laptops to mobile payment processors, that anytime you throw a new computer into the mix you could end up with compatibility problems. Salespeople don’t know what your current setup is at your home or business but may still make recommendations based on assumptions and hopeful guesswork. Even the number and types of ports available on retail computers may cause a problem once you’re setting up.

The last thing you want to do is end up with a collection of wobbly adapter plugs as you attempt to course-correct and make do until it’s time for a do-over. Any time your employees need to go off-book and create workarounds, efficiency is guaranteed to take a dramatic hit. Such workarounds may also introduce security vulnerabilities that could have been avoided by using the correct equipment. It’s best to skip the drama and get the right computer the first time around.

Support Could Get Tricky:
Your IT provider will often stick to a handful of vendors to ensure all parts are kept uniform. That way we know which parts will work together, and should something fail, we can usually get replacements quickly. We’ll often have special relationships with parts vendors, and can get special pricing, extended support and upgrades that a salesperson can’t match. Your IT budget goes further with your consultant, and not just on the day of purchase.

By contrast, when you buy computers through your IT provider, you know you’re getting the exact computer your business needs. We know your business inside and out, including your long and short-term goals. From the first time you work with us, we’ll be sure to do our research before making a recommendation. Remember, you want your computers to last 3-4 years of heavy usage, so it’s also a good idea to buy business-grade computers. While the computers at the retail store are equally shiny, they’re rarely as durable as the ones your consultant can supply.

Your IT provider will also be able to set the new computers up, ready to go with the exact software you need. We’ll strip out all the bloatware (unnecessary programs and trials that come pre-installed) and configure your new computers to work perfectly from day 1. Your employees will be able to enjoy their new systems, taking full advantage of the productivity boosts you paid for.  That means internet working, internal network connected, programs playing nice with each other, and yes, even printing without problems!
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We can help with your next purchase - ask us how by calling us at 715-255-0325!

It’s tons of fun getting a new device. Whether it’s a new desktop, laptop or phone: the thrill of getting it home and opening the box is great. We know, we love tech too. It even has its own version of new car smell! Once you get it home though, there are a number of things that need to be done before it’s really usable – beyond snazzing it up with a new case or mousepad.

The sellers like to say it’s ready to use straight from the box – and it is – except not quite the way you need it to work. They’ll all turn on, look for wifi, and sure, you can type…but rather like when you buy a new fridge, simply turning it on isn’t enough – it’s still empty and you’re still hungry.  A few minutes now to prep your new device will save you time, stress, and quite possibly money.
Today, we’re talking vital tech prep for new devices:

Security Updates and Fixes
From the factory to your hands, that device has been in the box for at least a month. In the world of security, that’s an eternity. During that time on the shelf, new viruses have come out and new software weaknesses have been discovered. Fortunately, new updates to combat these problems were also created, they just haven’t been downloaded to your device yet. We can make sure your essential software is up-to-date and set to stay that way. That way, you know your device is safe to go online.

Data Transfer From Old to New
Some people want to transfer everything from one device to another, others like to have a fresh start and keep the old device as a backup. We can either transfer your data entirely or just the things you use. For computers, we can even turn your old hard drive into an external drive that you can plug into your new computer and grab files as required.
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Setting up Hardware
If your new device is a computer, you’ll need to hook it up to extra tech like a printer or webcam. These tasks that should be plug-and-play can sometimes send you loopy, especially when you’ve got a plug mismatch or incompatible drivers. We can help get you set up, with everything tested and working.

Setting up Email and Software
This is one people commonly forget and then struggle with. Email clients in particular, need special configuration to connect properly. Quite often, we find people are stuck only able to receive, with overflowing unsent mail that won’t go anywhere! We’ll get all your personal software and accounts up and going.

Setting up the Network
While tapping in a WiFi password is easy enough, it doesn’t mean your browsing is secure, or even as fast as it could possibly be. We can quickly determine which connectivity method will be best for your device and your needs, and hook you up with fast, robust security measures.

Lockdown Privacy & Permissions
Whether you have children and are looking to provide a safe online experience, files you’d prefer to keep private, or simply want to set up ‘profiles’ for each user to have their own login, we can quickly get your new device configured to meet your needs.
 
We love to help. Give us a call at 715-255-0325 and we'll get your new device up and running.

Maintaining your privacy while using the internet has become more challenging over the years. The recent Facebook privacy scandal made that abundantly clear, with users shocked at how much information had been recorded about them. While it’s almost impossible to enjoy the internet and leave zero digital footprints, there are things you can do to hide your online activities - some more effective than others.

1. Get A Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs aren’t just for business and downloaders now, they’ve gone mainstream. Once set up, it creates an encrypted connection from your computer to the VPN providers computer. The other computer could be in another city or another country. When you visit a website, it can only see the VPN computer - not yours. You essentially run around the internet pretending to be another computer, in another location. Since your connection is encrypted, even your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, making your usage anonymous.

The Downsides: Because your internet usage must route through another computer first, your browsing and download speed could be affected. They can be tricky to set up and not all VPNs offer the same privacy levels or performance (the better ones tend to be more expensive). Some websites may even block visits from people using VPNs, so you may end up switching it on/off as required.

2. Go Incognito
Most browsers have a private browsing mode, each called something different. For example, Google Chrome calls it ‘incognito’, while Microsoft calls it ‘InPrivate’. Before you take the name at face value, it’s a good idea to talk about how they define ‘private’. Unlike a VPN where you can dance around the internet anonymously, private browsing simply means it won’t show up in your browser history, and what you entered into forms is also not recorded. This feature is free, so you always have the option to use it, and it’s actually more helpful than you might think. Common uses include price shopping to reset sale timers and access local-only pricing.

The Downsides: It can’t pre-fill saved passwords and it won’t help you type in the website name even if you’ve been there before.

3.  Think About Who’s Watching
While you might be naturally careful when using a public computer have you thought about who’s watching what you do on your work computer? Some workplaces have employee monitoring software that tracks all sorts of data, including taking screenshots of your desktop. It helps them create rules about computer usage and helps them maintain legal compliance, but it may also provide them with evidence you’ve been breaking those rules. We do NOT recommend using VPNs or making other unauthorized modifications to the computers you use at work. Your company may already use a VPN and installing your own can not only lead to technical problems but may also compromise the security of your entire workplace. Your IT staff or provider is the only one who should be working on these systems. Work computers should be used for work only, save personal browsing and entertainment for home.

Stepping out to the internet cafe with your laptop can be even more risky, as people can install keyloggers that record every keystroke, including your credit card numbers and logins. You’ll never know your activities are being recorded, even if you use private browsing, as these attacks are generally perpetrated on the entire network.

The Downsides: None. Awareness of the risks and the possibility of being watched ensures you’re more likely to use the internet safely.
While private browsing can help keep your internet usage under wraps, it’s not a magic bullet to cover all possibilities. Many people believe they’re invisible AND invulnerable while private browsing, a mistake they end up paying for. You’ll still need solid anti-virus and password habits to protect against threats, and to be a smart internet user who avoids suspect websites. Consider the options above as privacy-enhancing measures, not one-stop solutions.
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Need help with your online privacy? Give us a call at 715-255-0325.