“Can I get one more year out of this computer?” That’s a question people often find themselves asking when working on a computer that’s past its prime.

The price tag of purchasing a new system can cause people to hang onto a PC longer than they should. Some users are just really comfortable with their device after using it for years and don’t like the thought of having to change to a new one and move all their data.

We tend to get very attached to our PCs for a variety of reasons, but hanging onto them longer than you should instead of upgrading to a new computer, could end up causing you multiple problems.

How long should a computer last?

The usable lifespan of a computer can vary according to model and the types of components used inside, but on average it’s between three to five years.

Business computers made with higher quality components will typically outlast consumer PCs, which are not designed for as much continuous use. A budget PC bought during a Black Friday sale will most likely wear out closer to the 3-year mark.

The standard lifespan of a computer is 3 to 5 years.

As much as you may want to keep using a computer as long as it’s “usable,” it could end up costing you in a number of ways rather than saving you money. [Read more…]

In today’s digital landscape, losing your business data due to a ransomware attack, hard drive crash, or just human error, can lead to devastating consequences.

Already in 2020, 1 in 6 Massachusetts towns have been hit by ransomware attacks on places like police departments, businesses, and hospitals. At least 10 organizations that did not have a backup copy of their data ended up paying a ransom during those attacks, the highest of which was $11,295.00.

One of the most important pieces of any company’s business technology infrastructure is their backup and recovery solution. It contributes to cybersecurity and to business continuity.

Should anything go wrong, such as a cyberattack, flood at your office, or just human error with accidental file deletion, a backup ensures you’ll always have a recoverable copy of all your files.

Cloud backup is the safest way to back up your files, which is why Pro Tech Guy offers PTG Cloud backup, an affordable, secure cloud backup system with unlimited data capacity.

Why is Cloud Backup Better Than Local?

Data that is stored on a local backup drive at the same location as your computer could end up being lost along with the files on your PC in the case of:

●      A natural or manmade disaster at your office

●      Power surge that causes a drive crash

●      Ransomware infection

●      Office equipment theft

Storing your data in the cloud provides a safety net should anything happen at your physical office. It allows you to access your backup data from anywhere and restore it to any compatible internet connected device. [Read more…]

A hard drive is one of the most vital components of your computer. It is holding all the information that you need to make your computer operate, including the operating system, software, and all your files.

Hard drive failure is responsible for millions of dollars in unexpected downtime every year as well as costly data loss. Whether you’re the CEO of a large corporation or a home PC user storing photos, music, and videos, a hard drive crash can be just as devasting to you.

Annual failure rates for hard drives can vary by manufacturer and also by age. In year 1, the average hard drive annual failure rate is 5.1%, and in year 3, it jumps to 11.8%. Basically, the older your drive gets, the more risk you have of a crash.

Hard drive crashes are a common reason that people visit computer repair shops in Framingham and other parts of the country, but there is no guarantee that data can be recovered. It just depends upon the severity of the crash, what caused it, and what has happened with the data on the hard drive.

To avoid the potential of devastating data loss, it’s best to get your hard drive replaced when it is showing pre-failure signs, and BEFORE it crashes on you. [Read more…]

Firewalls have become commonplace in equipment such as wireless routers and even Windows 10. They’re an important protection that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic looking for anything suspicious.

You can think of a firewall as a ring of security guards outside a big event, they’re there to keep an eye on traffic flow and make sure no one gets in that doesn’t belong there.

They do the same thing for your business network and devices. Firewalls keep out dangerous threats, like malware and bot attacks, while also giving you the ability to control how your network is used.

If you’re a home user, then the firewall that comes free with your internet service or with your home’s wireless router, should be fine for you because it’s designed for residential use.

But, if you’re a business, even one that is run out of your home, then a consumer-grade firewall is not going to give you the type of data security protection you need to ensure your network isn’t hacked and your data stolen. [Read more…]

The technology that helps run a company has become one of the most important parts of an effective business operation.

Companies do everything from invoicing and payment processing to marketing and customer service using software and cloud-based applications. If any of those IT services or systems goes down, it means being closed for business or at the very least, significantly hampered in what you can do.

As soon as technology started to become an important part of an organization’s operations, back in the early 1990’s, a new title was created. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the designation of the person responsible for overseeing a company’s information technology, including both its operation and its design to support business goals.

99% of small businesses use at least one digital tool and 70% say they plan to increase their use of technology in the future.

While large enterprise corporations are typically ones that designate a person on staff as CIO, there is no reason that small businesses can’t also take advantage of having a dedicated party handling their IT and helping them plan their technology growth strategically to be cost efficient and drive productivity. This is what virtual CIO services are all about.

A virtual CIO is someone that’s not an employee, but that can handle the same functions as a CIO and can do them on an “as needed” basis. For example, Pro Tech Guy offers virtual CIO services to help businesses plan an effective IT strategy, improve their cybersecurity, and adopt systems that will work together to support their business mission. [Read more…]

Those update requests often happen out of the blue. You’re working on something, then suddenly you’re interrupted by a request for an operating system or application update.

Instead of stopping what they’re doing, many people just click away the request until later and get on with their day.

But, what if “later” doesn’t come for a while? How big of a deal is it if you don’t keep your computer updated regularly? 

50% of people allow 45-days to go by before installing an update.

Not installing an update can leave your system vulnerable to an attack. For example, the famous WannaCry ransomware attack back in 2017 targeted a vulnerability in the Windows operating system. Although emergency patches were released by Microsoft just a few days after the discovery of WannaCry, many did not apply those patches right away, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 computers in 150 different countries were impacted by the malware, causing billions of dollars in losses.

Computer updates may be inconvenient, but they’re a vital part of keeping any system protected from attacks. That’s why many people sign up for a managed IT services plan that takes care of all their computer updates for them.

Let’s take a look at what all those computer updates are and what you’re missing out on if you don’t apply them regularly.

Types of Computer Updates

You’ll typically have three types of system updates that need to be done on your Mac or PC. Some give “in your face” update requests and for others, you might have to go looking for the updates.

The types of updates are as follows:

• Operating System Updates: For your Windows or macOS operating system

• Software/Application Updates: For any applications you use, like Word, Skype, etc.

• Firmware Updates: For software that controls your computer’s hardware, like graphic card, BIOS, etc. 

The most obvious of the three is usually the OS updates, which tend to pop up in a screen prompt when there is a new update to install. The software updates will usually come up when you open the program with a message about a new update waiting, but some can prompt in a similar way to an OS update.

The ones that are usually the quietest, but still need regular updating are firmware updates. Sometimes, you’ll need to open a specific application (i.e. HP Support Assistant on HP computers) to access and apply these updates. 

Here’s Why You Need to Keep Your Computer Updated

As inconvenient as an update may be at the time the prompt comes up, it’s important that you install them in a timely manner for a number of reasons.

Your Computer Security 

60% of data breaches in 2019 happened because of unapplied security patches contained in updates. Some of the biggest breaches related to unapplied updates include firms like Equifax, The Home Depot, and Uber. 

Hackers are continually exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to computers and networks, and OS and software makers issue patches as fast as possible to keep up. But if the patch has been issued, but never applied to your computer, then your system is left vulnerable.

Bug Fixes

Updates often contain fixes to bugs in programs. While bugs aren’t the same as a security vulnerability, they can be inconvenient. An example of one of the more famous bugs that impacted iPhones in 2015 was a bug where sending a certain sequence of characters as text to another iPhone would cause a crash of the receiving phone. 

If you’re not applying updates regularly, then you’ll be left with bugs in your system or software that could easily be alleviated.

Feature Updates

You’ll often receive feature upgrades in operating system updates. While not all updates are packed with new features, there is usually one or two a year that will come with some helpful upgrades.

For example, a feature update for Windows 10 in 2019, included compatibility for pairing an Android phone with a PC so you could text from the screen and a new universal search feature that searches web, files, photos, and system settings all at the same time. 

Not installing those updates can mean you miss out on some helpful and cool upgrades to your operating system or software.

Compatibility with New Devices 

As technology evolves, often operating systems need to update their software and firmware to ensure compatibility with new devices. If you haven’t applied a firmware update, you might buy a new video camera and find you have problems getting it to work correctly with your PC that would’ve been eliminated if you’d have only updated your computer.

Get Help Managing Your Updates from Pro Tech Guy 

Managing updates, especially if it’s for multiple business computers, can be time consuming. You can save time, increase your data security, and ensure your systems are updated correctly by signing up for managed updates through Pro Tech Guy. 

Contact us today to set up a custom managed IT plan. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.

If you want a sneak peek into what’s coming next in consumer tech gadgets, then CES is the show to watch. It’s where many technology manufacturers showcase their upcoming tech that’s soon to be impacting people’s lives.

This year’s show was held in early January 2020 in Las Vegas and included plenty of cool technology, from the practical to the futuristic. 

Whether you’re looking for a laptop computer that can handle the 5G networks, interested in the newest cell phone technology, or are excited about advancements like flying taxies, you won’t be disappointed. All of these were showcased at the recent Consumer Electronics show.

Wondering what future tech you’re going to be seeing soon? Read on for highlights from CES 2020.

CES 2020 Technology Highlights

The Consumer Electronics Show had over 4.5K exhibiting companies and over 175K in attendance. It’s grown into the key show where technology is celebrated and previewed. 

CES first began back in 1967 and some of the major technology trends that made their appearance there over the years include: 

• VCR (1970)

• Compact Disc (1991)

• Satellite Radio (2000)

• Microsoft Xbox (2001)

• 3D HDTV (2009)

• 5G Connectivity (2018)

Here are a few of the coolest technologies that were showcased this year and that will be impacting consumer lives in the near future.

Lenovo Yoga 5G (Laptop)

If you’re excited for the speed that 5G is promising for mobile, then you’ll be excited about the world’s first laptop that has 5G connectivity. 

The Yoga 5G by Lenovo is currently “coming soon” and it incorporates the power of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx to take advantage of the advanced speeds coming as mobile carriers roll out their new networks.

The 5G laptop features a 2-in-1 design and other innovative smart features. 

TOWNEW Self-Sealing/Changing Trash Can

Having trouble getting your family to take out the trash when its full? This new smart trash can may be just what you need.

The TOWNEW smart trashcan seals itself when the trash is full and then it loads a new bag into place. It opens the lid to let you know when to take out the sealed garbage bag.

This smart home gadget is already for sale at hellotownew.com for $119.95, with refills ranging from $19.95 to $29.95. 

Flying Taxi from Uber & Hyundai

This next vehicle of the future is about three years out from becoming a reality, but a full-sized mockup was showcased at CES 2020 by Uber and Hyundai.

They’re working together to bring the world the first flying taxi to bypass all that traffic and cruise at speeds up to 180 mph for as far as 60 miles. 

The flying taxi is designed to carry three passengers in addition to the pilot. While it’s not a flying car exactly… it’s a great start to that sci-fi future we all envisioned when watching Back to the Future II.

Segway S-Pod

People mover, Segway, showcased a new concept personal vehicle called S-Pod. Instead of having to stand up like you do on a traditional Segway, the pod is a chair that lets you travel short distances in style.

The Segway S-Pod is operated by an intuitive assistance navigation panel. It has the ability to spin and rotate for easy directional changes and it has a top speed of 24.8 mph.

The company advertises it as a “first-class smart transporting pod for enclosed campuses.”

TCL 5G Foldable Phone

Electronics manufacturer TCL made a big splash at CES 2020 by showcasing a prototype of their 5G phone with a foldable 7.2-inch screen. 

Foldable screens have been a promising future technology that hasn’t yet gone mainstream yet. TCL plans to launch theirs sometime later this year. They said they want to make it less expensive than any other foldable phone on the market.

Samsung SelfieType

Tired of trying to pick out letters in a small mobile screen? Samsung has the answer with a virtual keyboard that lets you type without needing a physical touch keyboard at all. 

Their SelfieType uses a mobile device’s camera to analyze finger movements on a flat surface and then shows the results on the phone’s screen. So, basically you can type out your text on a table in front of the phone and have what you typed show up on the screen.  

While the technology is still in testing at the moment, it’s pretty cool, and useful at the same time!

Inupathy Dog Communicator 

Any dog lover that saw the movie Up, most likely dreamed of having the special collar that allowed golden retriever Dug to speak. While not quite that advanced, the Inupathy dog communicator harness does take a big step in that direction.

The harness cues off a dog’s heartbeat and turns different colors that are each reflective of an emotion, including “happy”, “stressed”, “excited”, “interested”, and “relaxed.”

Looking for Expert Help with Your Technology? 

Technology keeps becoming more ingrained our lives at home and work every year. Ensure yours is running efficiently! Pro Tech Guy can assist you with any residential or business technology needs from repairs to virus removal to managed IT services, and more.

Contact us today for any and all technology needs. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.

If you’re still running Windows 7, the clock is just about to strike midnight. And while your operating system won’t exactly turn into a pumpkin, it will lose vital security support that could leave you at serious risk.

As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft closes the door on Windows 7, meaning that the operating system (OS) reaches end of life, and Microsoft no longer issues security patches or any other regular updates for it.

There are still roughly a quarter of Windows users running the soon to be outdated OS, and if you’re one of them, you’ll want to scramble to get upgraded as soon as possible. 

Why Should I Upgrade to Windows 10?

If you’re thinking why shouldn’t you just keep using Windows 7 since it’s not going to suddenly stop working, we’ve got some compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 10 sooner (like now) rather than later.

• You’ll be an easy data breach target: Nearly 60% of data breaches in the last two years were due to an unpatched vulnerability. Without any new patches coming, you’ll be perpetually at risk.

• Out of compliance: Running an outdated operating system puts you out of compliance with data privacy regulations like PCI and HIPAA.

• Hardware/software compatibility issues: Software and hardware manufacturers aren’t going to keep supporting an outdated operating system and soon you’ll begin having serious compatibility issues.

• You’re left out of productivity enhancements: Sticking with an older OS means you can’t take advantage of security and productivity improvements offered in Windows 10. 

Looking for ways to upgrade? We’ve got your options next.

Ways to Upgrade to Windows 10

When upgrading to Windows 10, you do have a few different options that you’ll want to consider. One upgrade option might be more cost effective for you than another, so it’s a good idea to see what’s on the table for your upgrade choices.

Option 1: Upgrading Your Current Computer

If your current computer isn’t too old and it meets Windows 10 system requirements, then you can purchase the software and upgrade your current PC.

You can purchase and download the operating system directly from Microsoft, starting at $139.00 for Windows 10 Home or $199.99 for Windows 10 Pro.

If you’re wondering if the extra money is worth going with Windows Pro, we’ll go over some of the additional features. Windows Pro comes with everything Windows Home has, plus:

• BitLocker and Windows Defender Antivirus

• Remote desktop capability

• Azure Active Directory

• Management tools for single sign on and more device control

• Sandboxing and additional security features

Option 2: Buying a New Computer

If your current computer is 4-5 years old, then it may make sense for you to upgrade it in conjunction with the end of Windows 7. Just about any new computer you purchase will come with Windows 10 already installed.

Generally, the consumer PCs will come with Windows 10 Home and the business-class PCs will come with Windows 10 Pro. 

Option 3: Subscribe to Microsoft 365

If you’re an Office 365 user and you have several business computers to move from Windows 7 to 10, then you might want to consider an upgrade in your cloud service subscription to Microsoft 365. 

Microsoft 365 includes:

• Office 365 Business Premium

• Windows 10 

• Mobile device manager (Microsoft Intune)

• Additional security features

Microsoft 365 Business is $20/user/month. So, if you’re using Office 365 Business Premium already, that’s an additional $7.50/user/month, which might be worth it to you for the additional benefits.

But if you’re currently using Office 365 Business (not Premium), it’s a much bigger jump of $11.75 (more than double) per user/month.

Option 4: Switch to Windows Virtual Desktop

If you are planning to replace your computer and want to consider cloud options, Microsoft recently introduced the Windows Virtual Desktop, which comes with Windows 10.

A virtual desktop still needs to have a physical device to access it, like a computer or mobile device, but that access point doesn’t need to be nearly as robust and can be fairly stripped down since all your programs and storage will be based in the cloud. 

The Windows Virtual desktop basically lets you take your computer with you anywhere you go because you can access it from anywhere. One drawback may be that you need an internet connection to connect to a virtual desktop. 

Pricing is not quite as straight forward because it depends upon a variety of factors and includes purchase of an Azure plan. They do offer a free trial and offer customers “pay as you go” pricing. It’s best to discuss this option with an authorized reseller. 

Get Help with a Smooth Upgrade to Windows 10 Today!  

Upgrading your operating system can be tricky and if it’s not done right can result in problems with data migration or upgrades getting stuck during the process. Save yourself the trouble by having Pro Tech Guy upgrade your PC for you. 

Contact us today to schedule your Window 10 upgrade. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.

The top reason that both enterprise and small businesses choose cloud services is to reduce costs. 

Cloud services are known for offering more features and flexibility for a lower price, which has been a big bonus for small businesses trying to build their business and keep their overhead low.

One of the cloud technologies that offers the best cost savings are VoIP phones. Voice Over Internet Protocol has been around for a couple of decades, but it was the recent rise in cloud services and improvement in wireless networks that helped them become such a transformative business technology.

79% of U.S. businesses use VoIP phones.

Five years ago, approximately 42% of U.S. businesses were using VoIP at one location or more, and now the figure is nearly double at 79%.

Great voice quality, “answer anywhere” flexibility, and features like auto attendant and voicemail to text have caused businesses to make the switch to cloud-based VoIP and enjoy significant savings in the process.

What Are the Cost Savings of VoIP?

Whether or not you call internationally, there are significant cost savings when you switch to VoIP that come from a variety of areas. Here are the types of cost savings you can expect when you upgrade to an internet-based phone system. 

Hardware & Service Savings

If you’ve ever dealt with a PBX system that’s landline-based, you know that the equipment can get pretty pricey, and it can easily cost over $1,000 to get set up. Besides having the phone extensions wired to each specific desk, you need to purchase handsets and other necessary hardware.

With VoIP, you can save approximately 75% on the operational costs of your phone system, including hardware and servicing. The start up cost is also very minimal and can easily cost less than $20 to get started.

You don’t even need to purchase a handset unless you want to because VoIP phones can be answered via computer headset or mobile device.

Local & International Call Savings

While, those companies that make international calls can save up to 90% on their calling costs with VoIP, you can also save pretty significantly on local calls (up to 40%). You’re not paying any of those fees and taxes that are tacked onto analog phone bills, and that adds up to less monthly calling costs.

Gain Great Phone Features

VoIP phone systems offer the types of features that only expensive enterprise-class plans used to offer. It’s a great example of how cloud technology has leveled the playing field for small businesses.

Here are some of the top features you can enjoy.

Local and Toll-Free Numbers

You can both have a local presence and a national reach through use of local and toll-free numbers. You have the freedom to choose the numbers you want and can also transfer existing numbers to use with a VoIP cloud PBX.

Auto Attendant

One of the most popular features is the auto attendant that can act as a virtual receptionist, transfer calls based upon department or take messages via voicemail.

Ring Groups and Simultaneous Rings 

Keep your customers routed to a real person and reduce the risk of missed calls. Ring Groups let you forward a call with multiple ringing options and Simultaneous Rings can ring all phones in a department at the same time. 

Voicemail Transcription

Save time and know immediately which calls you need to return first. Voicemail transcription sends you the text of a voicemail by SMS or email, reducing the amount of time it takes to go through your messages. 

Customer-Facing Features

Features like professional voice recordings, after hours greetings, and a hold music library help to enhance your customer experience when they call. These also add to the professional reputation of your company.

Call Handling

You get all the familiar call handling features with VoIP that you do with analog phone systems, plus some! Here are several that PTG Voice offers:

• Call record

• Call hold

• Call transfer

• 3-way conferencing

• Outbound caller ID

• Call screening

• Call announce

• Call transfer

• Speed dial

Easy, Web-based Administration

It’s easy to do things like change hold music, adjust a dial-by-number directory, or review detailed call reports. Everything is accessible from a web-based administration interface.

Learn More About PTG Voice VoIP Options 

If you’d like to learn more about PTG Voice or get some help customizing your VoIP system, Pro Tech Guy can help. 

Contact us today to learn more about how an internet-based phone system can benefit your business. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.

Two big trends that impacted small businesses over the last few years are mobile computing and cloud services. 

Cloud services are now the norm rather than exception when it comes to choosing software for your office and they’ve allowed companies to do more while paying less.

The use of mobile phones and tablets at work has also been a big trend that’s transformed business workloads. Approximately 87% of companies now expect their employees to use personal devices at work, and they’ve enabled businesses to work from anywhere.

Companies that were the first to take advantage of those tends where the ones that jumped out ahead of their competition and gained some significant advantages. It seems in a time when tech is evolving so fast, the early adopters are the ones that can really boost their bottom line. 

Small businesses that are considered “digitally advanced” experience year over year revenue growth nearly 4x higher than those that aren’t.

So, what big impacts are coming to further transform the way we work in 2020? What trends should you watch for this year? We’ll go through the ones everyone is taking about.

Emerging Technology to Take Advantage of Right Now

Technology has been a great equalizer for small and medium-sized businesses. It’s enabled them to afford productivity tools that previously were only in the price range of enterprise corporations. That trend of getting more for less continues with the new tech trends coming in 2020.

Here are the top trends and how you can take advantage of them before your competition. 

AI Redefining Customer Service

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being deployed to help companies serve their customers better and do it 24/7 without needing to add additional staff. AI can improve the answers it gives based upon customer feedback and can even employ use of “personality packs” to avoid sounding so robotic.

One of the ways you can take advantage of this at your business is through use of Facebook Messenger chatbots, which allow your customers to interact with your company through direct message. Chatbots can answer questions, book appointments, take survey’s, and more to improve your customer interaction.

Democratization of Expertise

Democratization of expertise is a fancy way of saying “simplify the complex.” The term refers to removing the need to hire programmers or others with specialized experience to accomplish certain tasks. Which is basically putting more technology power into more hands and removing barriers like price and expertise. 

A way that you can take advantage of this trend right now is by trialing Microsoft Power Apps. This platform makes it simple for anyone to create custom business apps for their company without needing to know a single line of code. Pricing is also affordable for most small businesses, starting at $10/user/app/month.

All-in-One Connected Cloud Platforms

When most companies first started using the cloud, they started with one service, then added another, then another. Until they ended up with multiple cloud services that might not communicate well or have shared security policies. 

As companies go full cloud, this is something that has to change for them to take advantage of automation and data sharing across platforms, which is why you’ll see more small businesses creating a connected platform for the future.

For your small business, this means taking a look at IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure to act as an all-in-one platform upon which to build your cloud services. Working with an IT consultant can ensure you’ve got your bases covered and are ready for the future with one integrated cloud workflow.

Smarter Ransomware

No one wants to see this tech trend, but it’s here anyhow. 75% of companies infected with ransomware in 2018 were running up-to-date endpoint protection. The problem is that AI is being used by malware creators to design even more sophisticated threats. 

What can you do? Make cybersecurity a main tech priority in 2020 and look for the software that has advanced threat protection and more sophisticated tactics, such as:

●      Artificial Intelligence

●      Machine Learning

●      Application Whitelisting

●      Sandboxing 

Faster Networks (Wi-Fi 6 & 5G)

Get ready for much faster connections without that annoying lag time and networks to have the capacity to handle more connected devices.

Both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will change the speed at which we connect to our data, along with adding better integration of mobile and IoT devices into our business networks. 

You can get a jump on the productivity boost that’s going to come from faster networks by buying a Wi-Fi 6 router for your business and looking into 5G compatible mobile and other smart devices now, so you’ll be ready.

Stay Competitive with IT Help from Pro Tech Guy 

New technologies can be exciting rather than confusing if you have the right “guy” on your team. Pro Tech Guy offers solutions for small businesses for streamlining their productivity and maximizing their return on their IT investment.

Contact us today to do a 2020 technology review. Call 508-364-8189 or reach us online.