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Time For An IT Checkup
You probably couldn’t operate your small business successfully without technology – from computers and power supplies to servers and software.
Keeping that equipment humming along and up to date requires attention. The beginning of the year is a great time to give your tech equipment a once over. You’ll be able see what needs upgrading, what needs replacing and what you can add to make your small business data more secure. And, you’ll be able to budget for all of those changes during the year. Here are major tech areas you should evaluate. Computers Technology changes – fast. So, the reliable and capable computer you purchased just two years ago may be underperforming in 2008. Today’s powerful software programs require speedy processing and a ton of memory to run smoothly and efficiently. Your old machine might not be able to keep pace. Plus, new technology, like wireless capabilities, may be completely absent from your existing equipment. Decide what kinds of computing power you need. Then evaluate whether upgrading your current system or purchasing a new one is the best option. Software And Operating System When was the last time you updated your operating system or software programs? If you’re not updating regularly, you’re asking for trouble. Updates from manufacturers can add new features, fix problems and improve your computer’s performance. And getting updates for your anti-virus software can help prevent all sorts of unimaginable trouble. If you didn’t opt for automatic updates when you registered your software, get online now and do so. Data Security Too many small-business owners don’t think about backing up their data – until it’s too late. Save yourself some misery; put a backup system in place. The most common media for backups are USB flash drives, CD-ROMs and DVDs. But an external hard drive or a tape system might be required if you need to store massive amounts of information. Regardless of which system you choose, the key to data safety is to perform backups regularly. Another option is off-premises backup via the Internet. Many companies offer automatic, online backup of your files. They encrypt them for security and store them. You have access to the files at any time. Costs vary, depending on the company and the amount of data you need to back up. Google the words “online backup” to find and compare companies. Here are four worth investigating:
Just as you’re about to complete a critical customer database or sales quote, the power in your office goes off and your computer screen goes black. Hours of work get lost in a gut-wrenching heartbeat. That scenario can be prevented with the simple use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS kicks in the moment your power goes off. Because a UPS is equipped with a rechargeable battery, it provides from five to about 20 minutes of power. By having your computer plugged into a UPS during a power failure, you gain the few minutes you need to save your work and safely shut down your computer. Most UPS models also protect against power surges. Prices for a UPS start at about $30 and go up to several hundred dollars. In that price range, most will be adequate for your computer and peripheral equipment. If you need to protect a network, a UPS can cost upwards of $1,000. Let AFS Help Penny-Wise Office Supplies stocks all of the tech supplies you need at prices you can afford. For data back up you can purchase flash drives, Zip drives and other devices. For power protection, Penny-Wise offers a variety of uninterruptible power supplies. Best of all AFS Members save up to 80 percent off list price – on more than 40,000 items. Plus, you get $30 off your first order of $100 or more. Order by phone. Or order online for an additional 3-percent savings. You can even get free next-day delivery in most states. (Posted January 2008) |
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| ©2009 Americans For Financial Security For More Information: 1-800-492-1016 | |