Tag: urcs

Data Backup and Recovery | Prescott, AZ

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In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company.

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

To learn more about our services, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts to Know | Prescott, AZ

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Do you utilize keyboard shortcuts? There are a few everyday key combinations you can use to boost productivity whether you use a Windows or Mac computer. If you haven’t been using keyboard shortcuts, they will go a long way to making your day more efficient. We find that those in creative spaces get a lot out of these shortcuts, but of course, they are for everyone.

Windows:

Ctrl + Z: Undo

No matter what you have been up to on your computer, Ctrl + Z is a universal lifesaver.

Ctrl + A: Select all

Rather than clicking and dragging your mouse across a paragraph or URL, simply click the general area of text and use Ctrl + A to save you time and finger strain.

Alt + Tab: Toggle

If you are running multiple applications on your screen and need to go back and forth, simply use this shortcut to navigate between them. This will save you time because instead of trying to figure out which application is minimized or open when doing multiple things, this lets you see it all at once.

Ctrl + Esc: Open Start Menu

Older generations of windows computers may not have the windows button that later models feature. To open the start menu to access different applications, Ctrl + Esc is a nifty trick!

Mac:

For Mac users, the command key is the go-to starting point for any shortcuts you may want to make. The trick is to remember which alphabetical keys do what – and try not to mix them up on important projects.

Command + A: Select All

Simply click on the section of text you want to select and use Command + A to highlight the area.

Command + S: Save

This is useful when working on documents in the flow state. We all know saving documents as you go can be a lifesaver for those files that are too important to lose time on re-typing. Just use Command + S as if it were part of the paragraph, and your content will be saved as you go!

To learn more about our services, visit us online at www.urcs.net or give us a call at 951.737.8558 today.

Understanding The Cloud | Prescott, AZ

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“The Cloud” comes with a generally faint understanding by most people. It is this elusive idea that your information is stored somewhere “out there”. Its interesting to consider that such a unique and well-marketed concept is generally misunderstood by it’s users and potential users.  Here are the things you should understand about the cloud and how best to utilize it.

The cloud is a cute way to describe the way your data is stored. Rather than being held within your computer’s internal hardware, its accessed over the internet. Data centers around the world, not your computer’s storage, hold the information of cloud users.

It’s natural to wonder if that is safe, effective and why we would ever stray from knowing exactly where our files are stored? The goal of this system is to make access to these files stable and easy for the user. Once imported to the cloud, your files are encrypted and monitored against security threats. It’s effective because it ensures that a copy of your files are retained even if your computer crashes or internal microchips burn out.

Many people who use modern, mainstream technology know that Apple utilizes the cloud to send the photos you take on one device are automatically transferred to another. File sharing is one of the top three reasons to utilize the cloud; file sharing, file storage and backups.

According to Business Insider, benefits of the cloud include “slashed IT costs, more flexibility, increased efficiency, improved security, boosted performance, and the potential for innovation…”

While there are benefits, and many people across the world utilize the cloud for their files, it is important to note its not foolproof. Cloud services ring the bells of opportunity for hackers. Savvy hackers can gain codes that allow access to these files, even if they don’t know your passwords. Yet, they could do this to your personal device as well, should they be inclined to try. So- the real thing to consider about the cloud is ‘will it make me feel better to have this backup system’, and ‘is it providing me with technological benefits?’

The answer for many users is “yes.”

Interested in learning more about how to incorporate the cloud into your everyday? Visit us online at www.urcs.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!

What To Know About Computer Security | Prescott, AZ

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The security of our personal computers seems to feel like a bit of a grey area. We want our important files backed up and IP addresses untraceable. Yet, the more we encrypt our computers, the more appealing they become to the everyday hacker.

Cyber security for the everyday computer user doesn’t have to be complicated, here are some tips from our experts:


Change and Secure Passwords – Storing passwords within an encrypted space via a reputable online manager is the best way to keep them. Changing passwords at least four times a year will go a long way in keeping your data secure.

Don’t Overly Secure – There are certain installations such as firewall and a password manager that go a long way in keeping your computer safe from hackers and viruses. Making your personal computer too secure however, makes it attractive to hackers to uncover.

Two Factor Authentication – We understand that two-factor authentication is annoying, but it’s an important security measure. It ensures real people are trying to access your website or email, not a virus.

Unsure of how to make your personal computer secure? Visit us online at urns.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!

Easy Computer Maintenance | Prescott, AZ

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Computer maintenance may seem like something that is best left to the experts. While you should seek advice and have your computer components cleaned by an expert, basic maintenance can be easier than you think. It’s also important; caring for your computer before things get out of hand goes a long way to the life of your computer.

One of the most important elements of care for our computers may seem like the most simple. It’s important not to eat or drink around your computer and to utilize a padded case whenever it is not being utilized. Over time, seemingly small things like crumbs or a bit of water along the edge of the computer on the desk amount to gunk between the keys. Keeping the components clean will help keep your computer running efficiently for as long as it may go.

External drives are a great investment for computer care. Our computers have limited storage and memory capacity, so when there is an abundance of files it starts to break things down. Transitioning older files or completed projects to an external drive will help keep the amount of files you computer has to track to a minimum. This allows it to become more efficient with other processes and ultimately keeps the hard drive from becoming overworked.

Another great way to continually maintain your computer is to allow for software updates. Updates patch holes in the system or bugs that outdated technology may leave behind. Rather than an inefficient necessity, updates should be viewed as part and parcel to the longevity of your system. Updates also allow your system to handle files sent from others whose computers could be on the latest version so you aren’t left out.

Properly shutting down you computer, putting it to sleep and keeping the brightness at an appropriate level for the lighting conditions also makes a difference. It helps maintain battery life and tells your computer when it can recover; rather than leaving it on all the time which ruins efficiency over time. We recommend charging your computer when it is off, rather than in use to help maintain the battery life.

Want to learn more about computer maintenance? Visit us online at urns.net or call us at 951.737.8558 today!

Keeping Your Hard Drive Safe | Prescott, AZ

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The world is full of online security products, because you can never be too safe. It seems there is always another virus or hacker trying to steal someone’s identity or private information. So, we have all of these ways to back up our information. The cloud is secure but can be hacked. It is important that you have a physical hard drive that can keep everything together, in case something happens to your information or internet storage.

Your hard drive is where all of the information on your computer is stored, but like everything, it will begin to develop natural wear and tear, and over time they will start fail. A failure could happen at any time, and without warning. Making sure your hard drive is backed up is also very important.

As your hard drive begins to age, it will begin to show these common signs. If you keep them in mind, you won’t be surprised if it happens to die on you at a moment’s notice.

  • If Windows is always telling you that it needs to check the consistency of your hard drive, it could be trying to tell you your hard drive is about ready to fail.
  • If your computer begins to make strange sounds you don’t typically recognize.
  • Files you use are beginning to suddenly have unexplained errors.
  • A computer begins to slow down doing regular tasks will eventually lead to a complete freeze or crash.

If your computer begins to give you trouble, there’s no need to panic. Make sure that you have everything backed up as much as possible and you won’t become overwhelmed by computer issues.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott and all surrounding areas.

Signs Your Computer May Need an Expert Opinion | Prescott, AZ

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Whether you use your computer for work or just pleasure, when something goes awry, it tends to cause a bit of panic, especially when you aren’t a computer expert. But when is the time to ask for help? For many of us, we are always unsure. But it is important to know that it’s okay not to know what is happening when your computer is on the fritz. So, if you find that your computer is acting funny, keep these tips in mind:

Little problems nearly always become big problems. There are several key things that a casual computer user does on a daily basis that can result in a massive problem down the road.

  • Overuse of cleaning programs and efficiency scanners
  • Refusal to acknowledge error messages
  • Failure to clean out old programs and files
  • Not getting routine maintenance

When you don’t correct these problems immediately, they get worse. Proper care of a computer and routine check ins with an expert are both important to proper health and your wallet.

Be able to relay what’s going on. Proper communication can mean you get your device back faster than if they have to guess what is wrong. Sometimes the simplest act of giving them a call, and describing what is wrong, can ease your mind about what is happening.

Everything expires. Even with steady replacement of bad parts, good care, and a proper use of a computer it will eventually die. Learning how to judge when enough replacing is enough is an art as much as it is a science.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Prescott, AZ for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Prescott and all surrounding areas.

Which Computer is Right For You? | Prescott, AZ

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When purchasing a new computer for your home or office, it is important to understand the ways each option may work to better support your needs. With so many options on the market from different providers, we understand it can be a confusing, and sometimes frustrating process to find what is right for you.

We have compiled some of the most common questions we receive regarding computer compatibility to share with you. Of course, this is not a complete list of considerations, but we feel it can help guide you in the right direction.

Processing Power. Commonly referred to as CPU, the processor gives the computer instructions for how to complete a task. There are a lot of processor options for Windows, and Mac computers are being updated with every version. Consider what you are using your computer for; high intensity processors are great for gaming, whereas common processors will allow you to complete your daily tasks.

RAM. This refers to the computer’s memory, or how much you can do at once. Most of us can get away with 8GB of memory to support our daily usage needs. If you utilize your system for video editing or gaming however, you may want to consider a 16GB option, as it will allow you to work more efficiently.

Hard Drive. Your hard drive storage is an important factor for a computer. This is where all your digital content will be stored. While you will have a certain amount of hard drive space on your computer, hard drives can be internally upgraded or externally added, allowing you more storage options as your enterprise grows.

Software. While hardware refers to the physical components of your computer, software comprises all the programs and procedures. Software allows your computer to open and run search engines and remembers your computer preferences. It is important to operate on the latest software updates to maintain computer health.

Graphics. Depending on what you seek to accomplish on your computer, there are two different options for graphics: AMD and NVIDIA. AMD is a great option for gaming, where as NVIDIA works well with Adobe programs.

Still need help deciding which computer configurations are right for you? Call the team at Up and Running Computer Solutions at 951.737.8558 or visit us online at www.urcs.net to consult with a team member today!

Which Network Type is Right for Me? | Prescott, AZ

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It seems that the idea of utilizing the right network for your business can become overwhelming. There are many means of accomplishing the same thing when it comes to how you decide to operate, and its true that all networks are not the same.

At Up and Running, our seasoned professionals are happy to guide your decision based on your needs and help maintain the one you choose. There are three different ways any business can have their network function; centralized, converged and cloud-based deployment. Here is a breakdown of each, so you can determine which system is best for you.

Centralized. This is a great option for businesses utilizing different buildings or cluster of nearby networks. Centralized deployment means that upgrading your system will be easier and updates will happen across the system. This type of deployment consolidates the wireless networks into one control zone, allowing for enhanced wireless functionality.

Converged. Branch office operations may get the most out of a converged deployment network. With an access switch, you can increase wireless consistency and link with wired networks across the system. Essentially this method combines the best of converged and centralized network features.

Cloud-Based. Uploading our information to the elusive “cloud” has become part of how we utilize the internet from business to our personal lives. A benefit of utilizing the cloud is that business information can be accessed by your team wherever they go, while still keeping everyone else up-to-date.

Once you decide on the network that is right for you, our team can install and maintain your newly integrated computer network for you. Regular maintenance of your computer network will grant you peace of mind knowing your business files are safe and functioning properly.

To learn more about the services we provide, visit our website at www.urcs.net today.

6 Reasons Your Company Needs Data Backup and Recovery | Corona, CA

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In this day and age, companies rely so heavily on online usage, it is important to have a data backup and recovery plan for their most critical data. Why? Because humans make errors, computers crash, and accidents happen at the worst times.

Data loss can happen in many different ways and we shouldn’t live by the idea that we can wing it. The most common causes are an accidental error, employee or competitor theft, or physical failure to computers, but they can range into the even wilder, like natural disasters or a spilled cup of coffee. Here are six reasons why you must have data recovery for your company:

Technology fails. Just in the last year, we’ve seen massive changes in the technology that we use. Many businesses are now virtually paper-free and need to be stored electronically.

People are fallible. Let’s face it, we’re only human. Backing up your information is crucial in order to remedy any accidental mishaps.

Natural disasters. From tornados to wildfires, mother nature has wreaked havoc on company technology systems. It will be an issue if you don’t have a data backup and recovery plan in place after a natural disaster.

Competitive advantage. Businesses around the world have suffered huge losses and reputation damage after losing data.

Theft. Sadly, corporate theft is on the rise. If employees were fired or laid off, 20% said they would be more likely to take data due to the anger they’re experiencing and pass it off to a competitor.

The future is now. An online backup service allows you to and your employees to access your data whenever you like, from wherever you are to work remotely, collaborate, and ensure the integrity of that information.

Call Up & Running Computer Solutions in Corona, CA for help with your computer issues at 951-737-8558. Learn more at our website at www.urcs.net.

Up & Running Computer Solutions proudly serves Corona and all surrounding areas.