Computer Tip of the Day: Avoid Data Obsolescence

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Are your older files safe? We’re talking here not about viruses or disk failure, but just not having software that can read the data any more.

This can make you lose important information.

Sometimes this happens because the only application that opens the files won’t run under the latest operating system. If the company that created the application went out of business years ago or abandoned it, you could be stuck with no way to open the files.

In other cases, the latest version of an application doesn’t support old versions of the format any more. Microsoft Office is a prime example. The current release can’t open the oldest versions of the Word format. With some format versions that aren’t quite as old, its default is to refuse to open them, but you can change that setting. The reason it does this is that some old file versions have known security risks, and a spammer might trick you into downloading a file that exploits the issue.

To avoid file obsolescence, you should periodically look at files that are in old formats. If you still need them, you can open them and re-save them as the latest version.

Another safety measure is to “print” files as PDF. PDF is a well-known, stable format, and it’s not going to become obsolete for many years. Old versions are fully compatible with new ones. You can’t edit those files, but at least you’ll always be able to read them.

It’s difficult to keep track of all your files this way, but you should review files which contain critical information at least once every couple of years and check if they’re in danger of becoming unusable. If they are, you can migrate them to a newer format while it’s still possible.

Bluwater Technologies offers IT services to keep all your data under control. Please contact us for more information.

Computer tip of the day: Virus Protection

a person holding a credit card in front of a laptop

In today’s computer tip of the day, the topic of protecting your PC is at hand and we would like to touch on the importance of virus protection. Whether you are browsing the net, making purchases, doing a bit of online banking or exchanging emails — a quality virus protection software is a must.

There are hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the world who want something from you — and that something may be money, sensitive data or just to simply wreak havoc on your system.

Many hackers, unfortunately, accomplish this by sending out computer viruses through email attachments, download files, and false websites or advertisements.

What is a computer virus anyway?

There are numerous types of viruses out there on the worldwide web. Thus, the way in which they can affect your computer may vary. Nonetheless, a virus is something that is created by computer hackers all over the world, who ultimately want to do harm to your computer. Here are a few examples of what can happen in the absence of virus protection:

  • Send out unauthorized messages and information
  • Damage portions of the system
  • Steal personal data such as passwords, banking info, etc…
  • Slow down computer performance

Just like a person with a lowered immune system, your computer without virus protection system is just as susceptible to falling ill. Quality virus protection can be your first line of defense against any potential risks of attack. Below are some listed features to look out for in an antivirus program:

  • Real-time scanner
  • Webmail protection
  • Scheduled scans
  • Compressed file scanner

If you, unfortunately, think or know you may have contracted a computer virus, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss removal options and how we can help you secure your network.

Computer Tip of the Day: Reducing the Risk of Malware

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Reducing the Risk of Malware

Believe it or not, most malware incidents that happen in the workplace are very unpredictable. Because you never know when they’re going to happen, it’s always important to be prepared.

For example, what if there was an unexpected power outage in your office, or what if you carelessly deleted an important file? If none of your files or data were backed up, there could be serious consequences.

With that said, another common (and rather unpredictable) incident in the workplace involves malware. Whether it’s found on suspicious websites or a supposedly “harmless” looking email, you always need to be cautious.

There are plenty of ways to avoid becoming susceptible to malware. However, it’s especially important that you know what emails to look for. Many of these viruses show up as attachments in messages. The hacker tricks you into clicking on it, and once you do so, your device becomes infected.

What are some things to look for in these emails that indicate it’s not from a trustworthy source?

First of all, does the message itself contain bad grammar or stilted phrasing? If so, then it might not be from someone you trust. However, even if the message does appear to be from someone you trust, take caution anyway.

Does the tone of the message sound robotic? From what you know of this coworker, employee, or business, do they normally use a similar tone in their emails? If not, then more than likely, the message isn’t from them. When you’re still unsure, seek out the person/business and ask, or simply send a reply email and see if you get a response. If it’s malware, chances are you wont.

For protection from malware, 24/7 it support and managed services, contact us today at Bluwater Technologies. We look forward to hearing from you.

How Can IT Support for Your Small Businesses Help Improve Customer Service?

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t support small businesses

Customer service is critical for your company’s success. Recent data reported at Small Business Trends shows that some form of poor customer service is responsible for over half the negative complaints small businesses receive.

One function of strong IT support for small businesses is to enhance customer service in a number of ways, including the following:

Minimizing Downtime for the Business Website

Customers need consistent access to the site, for example to contact the business, buy products, leave comments and reviews, sign into their accounts, download forms, and look up important information.

Gathering and Analyzing Information About Customers

Businesses can better serve their customers and respond effectively to concerns and complaints by having a clearer picture of who their customers are. They need to understand the customers both as individuals and as members of a larger group. IT support professionals can help your business implement powerful solutions for managing customer relationships and gathering, organizing, and analyzing data from customers. They can help you maintain databases of critical customer information.

Establishing Reliable Ways to Deliver Customer Service

For example, IT support professionals can help you establish and maintain a reliable business email service and Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions.

When your business enjoys strong IT support, customers also benefit. Your employees are able to work more productively and efficiently. Both customer and employee data are more secure and, thanks to reliable backup and recovery measures, are less vulnerable to permanent loss.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to further discuss how we can help you improve your customer service performance, along with strengthening your business operations in many other respects.

Computer Tip of the Day: Is Your Computer Hacked?

a computer screen with many words on it

Having a hacked computer can be a business’ worst nightmare. When that does happen, it’s important to take actions as soon as possible. Early detection can ultimately save your money, identity, and time. In this computer tip of the day, we we show you signs to look for if you suspect your network’s security has been compromised.

Strange Hacked programs

If you see unfamiliar software suddenly appearing on your computer, it is best to be wary. Chances are, you probably installed these unknowingly when you tried to set up another program. Even if they came with legitimate programs, they could still be dangerous to have around.

Fake antivirus messages

It is very common for hackers to pop up messages on your computer to announce that you suddenly have viruses. Their goal is to convince you to buy their security software, at which point your credit card and personal information will be stolen. Any time you spot warnings that are not from your trusted antivirus programs, take precautions immediately.

Hacked Cursor movement

Problems in your mouse can cause the screen cursor to move around randomly, which should not be alarming. However, if you notice your cursor performing actions without your control (such as clicking on and successfully opening programs), it is likely that someone else is using the computer. Hackers typically try to do this as sneakily as possible and at times when you are likely not there, such as in the middle of the night. This makes it easier for them to then break into other computers in the network and steal sensitive information.

Random toolbars

As with programs being installed on your computer, you probably agreed to installation of strange toolbars for your browser as you set up another software. Besides toolbars, hackers can make other changes to your browser such as setting a new homepage or default search engine. Be wary if you suddenly see your browser being configured without your knowledge.

Please contact us for more information on security and what to do when your network is hacked.