Consider replacing your hard drive before it fails!
September 29, 2011
Computers don’t last forever and one of the most common parts to fail is the hard drive. Unfortunately, the hard drive is where all of the data is stored so when it fails it can have disastrous results. The typical lifespan of a desktop computer hard drive is 4-5 years, and for a laptop it is around 3 years. If you are using a hard drive that is around the 3 year mark, you might want to consider upgrading to be safe – it can save you a lot of headaches and frustration.
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Laptop Security
September 29, 2011
Have you ever been worried about getting your laptop or smartphone stolen? Even if you try to be very safe about where you leave your laptop, there is always a chance someone could get a hold of it causing you to potentially lose very important sensitive information. Although there are a number of tools available to help combat this problem, one stands out. The tool is called Prey, and it runs on Windows, Macintosh and Linux based laptops, as well as Android based smartphones. Read more
Comcast releases $9.99 Internet Nationwide, for those who qualify
September 29, 2011
One of the largest Internet providers has rolled out a nationwide high speed Internet plan for only $9.99 a month. Starting this month, Comcast now offers Internet for $9.99 and access to purchase a computer for $150.00. The speeds that they offer are up to 1.5Mbps, which is fast enough for basic Internet browsing needs. If you are signed up, they guarantee it will last at least 3 years for you, and they also offer free Internet training. Read more
Power Outages
July 26, 2011
We have all experienced power outages whether for 5 seconds or 5 hours. There is never a good time for a power outage, and they can often cause disastrous results to computers and other electronics. In the unusually hot and humid weather we have been having in Minnesota, we have noticed a lot of power outages recently and have been getting a lot of calls as a result. Everybody is running their air conditioners on full blast, and the drain on the power grid is a lot higher than normal. This is causing temporary power outages and leading to a lot of frustration. Here are some tips and information on what you can do to stay safe.
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Emerson Technologies Premium Backup Service
June 28, 2011
It is important to have data backed up. Emerson Technologies recommends using a 3-2-1 backup strategy, which includes an o
ffsite backup. We recommended using online backups because they are very easy to configure, they run automatically, and are kept at a different location than your other copies. This means somebody doesn’t have to remember to take a tape home every night. In a the event that something catastrophic happens where a building suffers damage, or there is a water damage, the backups will be safe. Read more
LastPass – The “Last” Password to Remember
June 28, 2011
Do you ever get tired of having to remember dozens or even hundreds of passwords for all of your different logins? What if you just had to remember one password for everything? Well with LastPass it is now possible. LastPass is a program that allows you to keep an online vault securely encrypted with all your passwords and logins. LastPass can run on Windows, Mac, Linux, and most mobile devices, and integrates with most Internet browsers. Read more
Family Shield
June 28, 2010
Providing Parental Controls for your Home Network
If you have questions about Family Shield or are interested in implementing in your home, please give us a call at 651-454-7729 and we can provide assistance in setting it up, getting it configured, and providing recommendations about how it can help protect you.
The Life Cycle of Computers
May 20, 2010
Computers are an investment. When purchasing a computer people often look only at the original sticker price as the full cost. However, the total cost of computer ownership includes original hardware, original software, hardware and software upgrades, maintenance and labor.
There comes a point when it is no longer economical to put money into a computer to fix it. In general that is 3 to 4 years. Now, of course there will be exceptions and this is just a guideline that has been developed from years of experience working with computers. Read more
Product Spotlight: Temperature and Moisture Monitoring
May 19, 2010
Computers + extreme temperatures and/or water = bad news. This is why a company named Invetex released two different products to help monitor temperature and moisture. The first product is called “Halotile.” Essentially it is a flat 2ft by 2ft panel that is designed to go on top of ceiling tiles. If you don’t have ceiling tiles or that doesn’t sound like a feasible option then they have a second product called “Aquapede.” Aquapede does the same thing that Halotile does, but it is a small sensor that is placed on the floor near the baseboard.
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3-2-1 Backups
May 19, 2010
When it comes to backups, there is a general rule that should be kept in mind. It is known as the “3-2-1” rule. It means there should always be 3 copies of all critical information on 2 different storage mediums 1 of which is offsite. By following this strategy you know that if a problem arises you will be prepared and your data will be secure.
It is important to have multiple copies of your data. When discussing the 3-2-1 backup strategy, the first set is the original data: this is the information you work with in real time. The second and third sets of data are considered backups of the original information, but the backups are of 2 different types. Read more
