Welcoming New Team Member, Gibran

Gibran is the newest engineer to join our team. With his addition, we have grown to nineteen employees at Networks Unlimited; preserving our title as the largest IT provider in Western Colorado.

Gibran has grown up in various parts of the valley and lived in Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita. He first became interested in IT after visiting his family in California who work in the technology industry.

For the past five years, Gibran has worked and gained professional experience in information technology in Grand Junction. We are excited to have him continue  his career in IT with Networks Unlimited. When asked what his favorite part of working in IT is he says,  “I like that every day is different.”

For the past two weeks, Gibran has accompanied our other engineers on jobs as he learns the ropes at Networks Unlimited but is excited to now be working independently. His first job on his own will be at the Colorado National Monument. We know that he will demonstrate the quality work and professionalism that we are known for.

Please help us welcome our newest team member!

Free, Simple & Quick Computer Security Update for Windows

Updating your security is a proactive way to ensure that your computer is up and running when you need it. Even if you have anti-virus programs, it is important to keep your computer security up to date through Microsoft. Your setting may be configured to allow for automatic updating, if they are not, here is a free and simple way to make sure that your computer is up to date against the latest security threats.

What are Windows Security Updates?

Security updates are fixes to possible security threats in Windows programming and  help improve the performance and reliability of windows and other applications

Why do I need to update my security?

People who create viruses and other malware look for weak and vulnerable spots in programs, Windows’ engineers work to continually update their programs to patch those weak and vulnerable parts of your system.

How often are security updates available?

Along with all other Windows Updates, Windows Security Updates are available once a week. They typically are available Tuesday afternoons.

There are also security and critical updates that can be released daily.

How does it work?

The security updates are downloaded onto your computer and any security problems are patched up.

How to update your security:

You can either do this manually or automatically and either way, it is very simple:

2. Find “Windows Update”

3. Choose “Check for Updates”

4. Your computer will either be updated or you will be given the option to update your computer. If it is updated, you will see a message like this:

(If you see this message your setting are most likely set to be automatically updated)

If you do not receive this message, then Windows will prompt you to update your system, which includes your security updates.

If your updates are not already automatic, changing your setting to make updates occur automatically is simple:

From the Windows Update menu, go to “Change settings” and from here, you can configure automatic updates.

If you do not want your updates to occur automatically, then go to “Let me choose my settings” and configure your settings how you prefer.

From here, you are given a variety of options to update your settings:

If you have a system administrator, such as Networks Unlimited, then chances are these updates are handled for you. If your setting are pre-set, your screen will appear like this:

These screen shots are from a Windows 7 machine. If you have a different machine and need help, just ask . I can also provide Windows 8 screen shots- just ask!

Easily Correct ‘Error Message’ on Internet

If you have ever repeatedly had an error message appear when you are simply trying to visit a website, you know just how frustrating this can be. Clearing you cache is a potential quick fix that oh-so-annoying error message.

But first, here is a little background:

What is cache? Cache is simply stored internet files from websites.

What is caches’ purpose? To make your internet browsing faster.

How does it work? Instead of downloading files from the internet each time you visit a website, your browser stores internet files on your actual computer. Because the websites’ contents are already on your computer, and they do not have to be downloaded each time; cache speeds up your internet browsing experience.

Here is how to clear your cache from a Windows 7 computer:

You can clear cache from your browser and from your computer. Because not all browsers are the same, this is how you clear cache from your computer:

(This will clear saved user names and passwords you have stored)

Go to your control panel

Choose “delete…” and choose all options.

This should fix an error message while on the internet, among other things, by clearing old data. This will also free up some space on your hard drive.

If an error message continues after clearing your cache, you can contact our help desk at 970-248-0711. (regular charges do apply)

Why You Must Start an IT Budget

Whether you view computers as business-enablers or  necessary-evils, the fact of the matter is- computers are not going anywhere. If you find yourself intimidated by computers, now is the time to shift your thinking. You don’t have to become a computer-whiz to navigate through the business world because there are people to help you with your computer needs. As your business relies on computers more every day, you should start budgeting for the expenses of them and here is why:

1. Computers are here to stay.
Our reliance on computing for business has only grown since we first began using them.  Many of our day-to-day business functions rely on computers. Once getting to the office one could bet that logging on to your computer is among the first things you do. Computers are now deeply-rooted in business and they are not going anywhere.
2. Our Reliance on Computers and Technology Continue to Grow.
Think about the many jobs that computers and technology have made easier or completely taken over for your business. Many of these jobs have made our lives significantly easier. With that, it is hard to remember the last time a hand written document was received. More business functions are relying on the help of computers.

3. Computers WILL Make Your Job Easier.
Sometimes it is easy to forget just how much easier computers and technology have made business and day to day life. Imagine going to work tomorrow and the only things sitting atop your desk is a typewriter, or worse, just a pen and paper. (See, you are thankful for computers!) Imagine accountants using a 10- key and paper ledger to complete their books. The time saved and the ease of work that computers have provided is undeniable.
4. Computers, at some point, will have problems. (But you can also prevent problems through maintenance.)
Just as any machine, computers need maintenance. Computers are no different. They are a machine with moving parts, they experience wear-and-tear, and eventually, they are in need of repair and improvement. Just as you maintain your car, you must maintain your computer and hardware.
5. Your competitors are budgeting for IT
Because computers are such an instrumental part of the modern workplace, you can bet your competitors are conducting more and more of their business with the help of computers. Their workflow, accuracy, productivity and efficiency are increasing. You don’t want to be left behind in the dark ages.
The last thing you want for your business’ budget is a hard and unexpected hit for technology expenses. Computers are here to stay and they will only continue to be an integral part of your business.  They are well worth the expense in the long run and pay for themselves in more ways than one.

Welcoming our latest Team member, Sean O’neill

We are excited to have Sean join our Grand Junction location. Sean worked for Cedar Creek Computers,  Networks Unlimiteds’ satellite office in Montrose, for 8 months before he moved to Grand Junction to work at our help desk as an IT technician. Through this shift, we were able to have two technicians in Montrose move to full-time employment. As our team continues to grow, we are better able to help you with your technology needs.
Sean may like to work with computers, but he gets outside whenever he can. When he is not working with technology, you could find him snowboarding or riding his bike. Sean first became interested in IT as a junior in high school and has worked in the field ever since
Give our help desk a call, and chances are, you will speak with Sean at some point. Please help us welcome him!

3 Current & Common Viruses: & How to Prevent Them.

THE FBI VIRUS:

What this virus does: This virus gives a message that your computer has been blocked because it has been involved with the distribution of pornographic material, SPAM and copyrighted content.

Your computer will continually play a message that says, ” FBI Warning. Your computer is blocked for violation of federal law.”

According to malwaretips.com, this virus can also access your computer’s installed webcam to show images of your room to make the virus seem more authentic.

This virus then prompts a message demanding $400.00 to unlock your computer from “MoneyPak.” Never give credit card or payment information.

Where it comes from: Most likely, this virus comes from clicking on images in an email.

How to Prevent this: Only open emails from trusted senders. Also, do not click on images in your email.

What it looks Like:

The Better Business Bureau Virus :

What this virus does:  The virus searches your computer for bank and account information. The email contains a link that brings you to a fake BBB website that is awkwardly written.

Where does it come from: After opening a fake email from the BBB, The BBB Virus enters a computer from opening the fake email and clicking the links within the email.

How to Prevent this: The email looks real, but you can tell this it not really from the BBB because the links will not provide contain the .bbb.org at the end of them.

What the BBB Email looks like:

The Windows Security Alert Viruses:

What these viruses do:  According to Microsoft, faux windows security warnings can: Lure you into a fraudulent transaction,  steal your personal information, install malware that can go undetected as it steals your data, launch pop-up windows with false or misleading alerts, slow your computer or corrupt files, disable Windows updates or disable updates to legitimate antivirus software and prevent you from visiting antivirus vendor websites.

Where do they come from?

This comes from pop-up advertisements when visiting websites.

How to prevent them: Do not click on pop-up advertisements while on the internet.

What the Window Security Alert Virus can look like:

It is difficut to determine exactly where viruses come from. Chris, one of our Hesk Desk Technicians says,”It can be hard to pinpoint how users pick up these viruses. I have seen my own home machine pop up a warning ‘you are infected’ just by visiting seemingly innocent web pages. In some of them the coding in the page itself is weak and has been compromised.”

 As Chris highlights, sometimes even highly trusted and common websites have viruses in their advertising. It is not the site itself that passes on the virus, but the advertisments on the web page.

Overall, avoid opening emails from unknown senders and avoid clicking on website advertsiments. This will significantly decrease your chances of contracting a computer virus.

Windows Compatibility: Making the Transition Easy for Your Business

Windows 8 has now been released for several months and the push for it will only continue. Many users, maybe including yourself, want to continue working with Windows 7. There are a variety of reasons that users would want to stay with Windows 7. Maybe this is what they having been working with for the past few years and want to continue. It could also be that the software used is not compatible with Windows 8 just yet. Regardless of the operating system you choose, here are a few things that you need to do:

1. Call your software providers.

Whether you choose to upgrade to Windows 8 or to stay with Windows 7, you need to make certain that the software you use to run your business will continue compatibility with the operating system you choose.

If your business uses industry specific software, call your software providers and ask if they will continue supporting Windows 7. If you plan to upgrade to Windows 8 at any point, you must also ask if the software is or will be able to work on the Windows 8 platform.

2. Check with Windows Compatibility Center.

With so many options with Microsoft products themselves, use Windows Compatibility Center to check for compatibility. This gives options to choose which software you are currently using and if it is and will continue to be compatible with your current operating system.

3. Update As Needed.

After calling your software providers and checking for compatibility, you may or may not need updates to software and your operating system. In the long run, this will save your business time and money if you proactively make these changes.

What does “The Cloud” Mean?

Chances are you have been working in or with the cloud for years. Now you keep hearing the term “the cloud” and wonder what that means and if you should shift your business to this “cloud.”

The good news: the cloud is not a new idea; the term has just grow wildly popular. Have you ever used an AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, or other email accounts? If so, you have worked in the cloud. Simply, working in the cloud means working from the internet. Instead of having software installed on your computer to run programs, those programs are ran in through the internet. This creates a wide variety of benefits for your business. Check out some growing cloud services here.

The cloud allows for omnipresence, or accessibility from anywhere, saves time with access from any computer with an internet connection, and is cost effective because you pay for what you use in the cloud.

If you are away from your office computer, whether you be ill, on vacation, or traveling for work, cloud computing lets you access your business tools from anywhere with an internet connection. This convenience greatly appeals to business. Your users can conduct business functions from almost anywhere.

Probably most importantly for many small businesses, is that working in the cloud is cost effective. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on software, many cloud based services are pay-as- you- go or pay-what- you-use. This allows flexibility as your business needs change.

The cloud allows your people to be productive, saves your business time, and saves your business money. If you are reluctant to make the switch, you don’t have to do it all at once. Try moving some basic business functions to the cloud and give it a test drive. Cloud services do present a challenge to all-sized businesses to deploy and manage. We at Networks Unlimited are always working to find the right IT systems for our customers and cloud computing is no different. Please contact us to discuss how cloud computing can be of benefit to you and your business. If you have questions about moving to the cloud, let us know and send us an email at info@itsaboutaction.com

Windows 7 Disappearing Quickly

While Microsoft support for Windows 7 in its various forms/versions continues, availability of new Windows 7 computers and upgrades (home to premium) is quickly evaporating.  Over the past few weeks we have seen inventories of Windows 7 based PCs slide into backorder status.  Sometimes this means more units are on the way, but with Microsoft making a huge marketing and sales push to get Windows 8 out, those backorders may go unfilled.

In addition, while the “Anytime Upgrade” to Windows 7 Pro option still exists online from Microsoft for Windows 7, keep in mind, there are limitations to what versions are upgradable, and you cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit architectures.  The PCs that are currently available with Windows 7 are largely Windows 8 platforms which have been “downgraded” by the hardware manufacturer (HP, Dell, IBM, etc.)  The good news with this; upgrading these PCs from Windows 7 to version 8 later on will be much easier.

Keep in mind, this downgrade process expense is passed through in pricing, meaning Windows 7 machines will likely be more expensive than Windows 8.  Additionally, those manufacturers can choose to stop downgrading new PCs whenever they deem it unprofitable.  The most important consideration for businesses is to avoid being caught in between versions.  Either purchase replacement PCs which have been downgraded now, or get on the phone to your software providers and let them know that you will be converting to Windows 8 sooner rather than later, and they need to test their software on the same schedule.

Ultimately, if you are looking to add a Windows 7 machine, now is your time to make sure that you are able to do so.  We have limited quantities of Windows 7 machines at this time. Once these supplies are depleted, Windows 8 will be our only option for new PC’s.

If you are looking to purchase new PC’s for your office and have questions about operating systems, please give us a call: 970-243-3311