Computer Tip of the Day: How to Find the Right CPU for Your Computing Needs

the inside of a computer case with wires

The world of computer hardware–both for personal needs and enterprise solutions–is a vast and often overwhelming topic of discussion. This often necessitates discussing hardware possibilities one component at a time. Therefore, in today’s computer tip of the day, let’s talk about the beating heart of any computer: the CPU, or Central Processing Unit. We’ll mainly be discussing how to determine the best type of CPU for your needs.

Specifications

There are two main specifications to keep in mind when determining a processor’s performance: the clock speed (usually measured in gigahertz, or GHz, these days), and the number of cores it contains. There are other factors, but let’s keep things simple for now. To put it simply, the clock speed will determine how quickly a CPU can perform a single task, while the number of cores a processor has will primarily determine how many tasks it can handle at once.

Personal computers usually contain processors with only a few (2-4) processing cores that run at a high frequency. These are great for highly paralleled tasks an average computer user might perform: web browsing, document/presentation creating, gaming, media consumption, etc. This is because these tasks mainly involve performing only one or two tasks at a time, with the need to perform them quickly.

Servers

Servers and workstation computers, on the other hand, often necessitate processors with many cores–anywhere from four or six in a basic workstation to 16, 18, or even 22 (thanks to this new processor) in a heavily multi-threaded server. In fact, many servers take advantage of motherboards that feature multiple CPU sockets, when 22 cores still isn’t enough. Due to heat output and power consumption constraints, these processors tend to run at slower clock speeds. Especially compared to their more mainstream, consumer-oriented counterparts. However, this fits well with the kinds of workloads these processors are designed for. Including 3D animation, Computer Aided Design, virtual machines, and multi-client server applications.

If you have any questions or concerns about finding the hardware that’s right for you, please contact us. Bluwater Technologies is dedicated to making sure our clients receive the best in IT and hardware service.

 

Three Ways to Secure Your Data and Network

a hand holding an iphone in front of a gray background

Most of us know and understand the convenience and power of a personal or business computer.  Computers enable us to convert information into a standardized format and back up data to avoid the permanent loss of information.  Further, data computing creates efficiency and streamlines processes to save time and money. Data collection is also important as it can be used for banking, billing, insurance and storing of confidential or personal information.  In fact, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, there were 656 known data breaches that exposed nearly 35.7 million records last year. These breaches occurred at businesses, financial institutions, medical facilities, educational institutions and government agencies.

You can minimize data and network breaches by implementing three simple methods: securing computer data, wireless security, and using a network professional.

 1)        Computer data security

Good data security measures begin with strong encryption practices.  Strong encryption protects data  and passwords and includes two primary methods for WiFi computer networks:

  • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

WPA is a security technology which provides stronger encryption than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) through the use of protocols or advanced encryption.

  •  Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).

WEP is a security technology which transmits data over radio waves, thereby data is not secure without encryption.

2)         Wireless network security

A wireless network involves connecting a cable or DSL modem to a wireless router to access the Internet. To prevent unauthorized use of a wireless network, you should use encryption methods to protect data, as indicated above.

There are a few easy steps to secure a wireless network:

  • Limit the specific devices which access your wireless network

Configure your wireless routers to only allow specific devices to access the network.

  •  Safeguard your network router

Develop a unique name for your router to guard against unauthorized access.

  •  Never use the manufacturer’s pre-set password

Develop your own router password containing at least 12 characters and a mix of symbols, numbers and upper case letters.  Keep your router software current by periodically downloading updates.

3)         Hire a data and network security professional

Network and data security is a serious matter. If there are no good management practices to protect and store data, sensitive and confidential information may become compromised. At Bluwater, specially trained professionals with expertise in threat detection (on-line threats, hackers), susceptibility testing and anti-virus protection can help secure your system and data.  So, contact Bluwater today to schedule a consultation and safeguard your network and information.

Cleaning Your Computer

a person sitting in front of a laptop computer

In today’s computer tip of the day, we discuss how to extend the life of your computer through proper cleaning. In many cases, if your computer is running slowly and it is not infected, the problem may be a physical or mechanical one. Cleaning your computer eliminates many possibilities.

Using Cloths

Never spray any liquid directly onto your computer, inside or out. You never know where that spray may end up. Spray liquids onto a cloth first. Wipe gently and be sure not to sever the attachment between any connected internal components.

Vacuums

It is perfectly fine to use a vacuum on the outside of your computer; however, do not use it on any internal components. The static electricity this generates may have unintended results. Use compressed air instead. However, do not use compressed air to clean fans.

Diluted Solvents

You do not need heavy solvents to clean internal components. No matter what cleaning solution you use, dilute it in water beforehand.

Computer Power

This may seem like a no-brainer, but just to be sure, turn off and unplug your computer before undertaking any cleaning.

Cleaning Fans

Hold the fan steady while wiping it with a cloth to minimize spinning.

Final Tips

Try not to smoke around your computer, and never eat or drink around the computer.

Make sure that you contact us for all of your managed IT and computer maintenance needs. Bluwatertech prides itself on ensuring that your computer network is always in good running order for business.

The 3 Top Advantages of Managed Services

a man sitting in front of a computer monitor

In the world of small business, your main leverage comes from your ability to cost effectively outsource. If you do not have an in-house IT staff, then managed services add to your security and stability while leaving room in the budget for doing actual business. Here are the three top advantages of hiring managed services.

A Team for the Price of One

You can hire one in-house general IT staff member or an entire team of third-party specialists for the same price. Actually, you pay less for the team, because you are not paying overtime, health insurance or administration costs. Which do you choose?

Paying for Off Hours

Hiring full-time staff means eating some downtime that you will have to pay for. People on salary slack off from time to time; this is just par for the course. Why pay for expensive IT services that you do not need? Emergencies do not occur every day, and outsourcing managed IT services ensures that you only pay for what you use.

Focused Efforts

Outsourcing your IT to a specialized team of managers ensures that you can focus your in-house staff on the tasks at hand. Contrary to what many people believe, wearing five hats is not always the best business strategy for small business owners and employees. There is something in specialization, and outsourcing IT allows more of it to occur in-house.

Please contact us for the managed IT services that you can trust. We pride ourselves on changing the way that you think about technology.

Benefits of VoIP for Small Businesses

a person using a phone at a desk

What is VoIP?

VoIP Stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology that allows you to make voice telephone calls over your broadband internet connection. The technology has only been around for about 20 years, but it has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1995.

The first products were wrought with sound quality and technical issues. As the technology developed from computer-to-computer calls to computer-to-phone to phone-to-computer and eventually phone-to-phone, telephone companies began to take notice and installed internet protocol capabilities to their switches.

The reliability and quality of the calls grew to a point that VoIP was accepted as a viable option to replace traditional phone lines. As broadband internet connections became readily available, usage skyrocketed.

Benefits of VoIP for the Office

Installing a VoIP system in your office is a great idea. Utilizing the technology in an office setting just makes sense. Here are some of the benefits of VoIP for small businesses.

  1. If you currently have a broadband connection in your office, you are able to use your existing network for the phone system. There is no need to run new phone or electrical cords for a secondary system.
  2. A VoIP system will save on labor costs and increase productivity. By using a virtual PBX (Private Branch Exchange) you can skip the receptionist. Allowing the automated software to direct calls, provide information and take messages. The mobility of many systems allows you to plug your phone into any broadband connection. Then, receive  calls on the same number even when you are at home or out-of-town on business.
  3. VoIP systems scale easily. As your business grows, your phone system will grow with you. Through allowing you to easily add lines and features to fit your needs.

If you have any questions about VoIP systems or how installing one in your office would benefit your business, please contact Bluewater Technologies. Our expert staff is ready with the answers you need to make an informed decision for your business communications needs.