We were a little hesitant to make predictions since, well, forecasting the future is a rather risky endeavor but it seems to be the thing to do before the new year. So as the leading Franklin IT company, we thought we’d stick our necks out and share our opinions as to what 2013 holds for the IT industry. Here goes:

Tablets and Smartphones will become our go-to computing devices.
Tablets and smartphones are on the rise big time and will continue to skyrocket into 2013 and beyond. The quantitative predictions for tablets are: 13 million devices to be purchased by enterprises before the new year, and by 2016 the number will more than triple. As to smartphones, about two-thirds of the mobile workforce will own one in 2016. I think we can all say we’ve gone to a store, swiped our card, signed our name and received our receipt all with the use of a tablet or smartphone. It’s an easy and efficient alternative to the hefty cash register. These two devices are popping up all over. However, with that being said, most businesses won’t completely ditch PCs for smartphones and tablets, but their ubiquity and increasing popularity are vastly changing the way consumers embrace the technology, business strategies and media associated with particular devices.

Tech products to be built more and more in US.
With Chinese wage and transport costs increasing, overseas production no longer has such an advantage. In reaction to this, companies are getting smart and planning for production a little closer to home. Not only did Apple announce its decision to bring back some of its production of Mac computers to the United States, in a recent NBC interview Chief Executive Tim Cook divulged that one of the existing Mac lines will be manufactured exclusively here in the states. Even some foreign companies are following Apple’s footsteps. At the start of the year Lenovo will be building a massive computer production facility in Whitsett, N.C., while other companies like LG Chem gear up to create hybrid and electric car batteries in Michigan. This huge transition is projected to produce 2 to 3 million new jobs by the end of the decade so it’s a big win for the U.S. economy at large!

Desktop pricing to go up compared to tablet/smartphone pricing.
With 2013 said to be the year tablets will outsell desktops, one would suspect to see a decline in PC sales. After all, according to some experts, aren’t we supposed to be living in a “post-PC” era? Au contraire. Because so many people, especially information workers and designers, still need the large display and significant processing power of a desktop to produce their detailed creative work, and with tablets taking the place of laptops, desktop PC sales will actually increase significantly. They will return to their original function as work-related machines but with new high-end features such as retina displays and touch-screen functionality. Desktops will become smarter and more powerful, consequently pushing the price curve higher and higher.

NFC (Near Field Communications) to become more adopted.
As many Android and Windows smartphone makers have already jumped on board with NFC, leading manufacturers including LG, Nokia and Samsung are following suit, beginning to incorporate NFC into their product designs. As many as 300 million NFC-enabled devices are predicted to be sold in 2013, a significant increase from 2010’s sale of 2 million. With its widely talked-about mobile wallet application, it seems like a given to us. What business wouldn’t want to get their hands on technology that allows for more universal, easy, simple methods of payment? NFC functionality goes much beyond the mobile wallet. It is being used in Bluetooth pairing and applications in various transportation terminals, interactive displays, identification and peer-to-peer communication. NFC is expected to improve with a wider array of applications and service features as consumer adoption increases.

Google will continue to own the world!
2012 has been a big year for Google and with the search giant continually rolling out newer, smarter products and technology solutions, it should come as no surprise that it will continue to lead the tech revolution in 2013. As other companies try to keep up, Google will continue to face fierce competition on all sides. However Google really plans to flex its muscle in 2013 in just about every facet imaginable with the much anticipated Google Glass, a refreshed version of Nexus, and the genius mind of Ray Kurzweil all expected to come to the forefront. And that’s just to name a few!

Cloud or SAAS based softwares to take the stage. 
The flexibility and dependability of Cloud/SaaS based softwares, makes them the no-brainer choice for managing large databases in 2013. There are more ways than one in which Cloud/SaaS applications offer higher levels of simplicity and value to organizations. First and foremost because both softwares are monthly/yearly recurring revenue models, allowing you access to all of the up-to-date features without having to upgrade the software yourself and yielding the most profit for the provider–a win, win for everyone. In addition, because the software is hosted by a major company, they have measures in place that take over in the case that something goes wrong. Not only that but in using Cloud/SaaS based software, you are housing your data in more than one data center, giving you a plan B for saving and accessing your data.

Apple to combine one platform for tablet/smartphone and OS to one universal system.
Essentially we’re speculating that in the new year Apple will continue to make their products more exclusive by completely replacing MacOS with iOS7, similar to the way Windows 8 integrated the phone and tablet functionality with the actual operating system. What this would mean is that the App Store would be further integrated into the operating system, forcing users to purchase any and all applications and programs THROUGH the app store instead of a third party software distributor. iTunes “Live” would also go into effect meaning that instead of residing on your computer any and all music purchased would be streamed.

Maybe these predictions were helpful, maybe they were a little over your head, maybe you just downright disagree with them or maybe they are not pertinent whatsoever to your life. Whatever the case, we want to stress the importance of keeping a watchful eye on trends, because as quickly as technology is evolving (and it will only speed up in the years ahead), it’s easy to get left behind if you’re not constantly adapting. You do always have your favorite Franklin IT company to fall back on. If your computer is on the brink or you’re looking for a more efficient backup system and workflow, start the new year off right with a call to the best Franklin IT company 615.595.6399! We’ll be happy to serve you 🙂

As people are finally starting to come to terms with the importance of data backup and cloud based programs, we felt it’d be a good idea to dive into the topic and compare two of the industry’s biggest featured cloud based e-mail and collaboration products–Office 365 and Google Apps for Business.

As businesses slowly launch into the cloud they are faced with choosing between these two  well-qualified giants…whether to jump ship to the new Google Apps or remain in their Microsoft basecamp. The question is a tough one indeed. So let’s compare suite to suite so you can choose the chair in the cloud you find most comfortable.

Let’s begin with Google Apps. Easy to understand and simple to purchase, Google Apps is a purely web-based suite meaning that all functionality occurs within the browser and most users store their files in the cloud. Equipped with word processing, spreadsheets, storage, slideshows and presentations, this simplistic suite comes at a price of $5 a month or $50 a year and no commitment is required. Built to allow for easy remote access from multiple devices, Google Apps works well with any web-ready device and operating system. This ability to access the platform from any device is something that definitely gives Google Apps the upper hand over Microsoft Office 365 which is obviously designed to cater to the PC.

Looking at the big picture here, Microsoft Office 365 is essentially Microsoft’s attempt at taking Exchange and putting a different backbone on it. Though Office 365 can be used solely in the cloud, its basecamp is a hybrid installation where on-premises server software and locally installed instances of Office interact with Office apps in the cloud. With Microsoft Office 365 you can also opt to run productivity apps in hybrid fashion and have Microsoft completely manage Exchange, Lync and SharePoint which can help reduce the administrative burdens of security, backup and other such maintenance issues. The good thing about the new Office 365 suite is that because Microsoft has been offering a suite for some 20 plus years, there is a bit more consistency in how all the apps work. Google Apps for Business on the other hand differs significantly in the way they look, feel, operate and even how they are set up and managed. With that being said, people are enamored with Google Docs whose easy editing features blow Office Web Apps right out of the water. With Google Docs, users have the option to utilize Drive or Office Cloud Connect if they prefer to use a hybrid cloud approach to document management, or stick to merely creating and editing docs through the online interface for a full-on cloud experience. Office 365 Web Apps are a bit more complicated as they have to go through a quite frustrating three step approach before any changes can be made to them via the web. To manage documents more virtually in Office 365 the user has to initially create them from their desktop or laptop in Office 2010 before they can upload them through the Office 365 Sharepoint Online interface. If you ask us, Office 365 relies upon the desktop a little too much, totally defeating the purpose of the cloud. Other finnicky aspects of Office 365 are the support plans. Not only are there 8 different price plans but they are a bit out of whack with the cheap $4 monthly Email Only plan including support and the $6 monthly P1 Small Business plan that comes with no support at all. For a suite that Microsoft developed to cater toward small businesses who lack a formal IT department, this just doesn’t even make sense. Google’s support policy is simple. You pay, you get full support. You opt for the free version of Google Apps, you’re on your own. Another thing to be aware of with Office 365 is that if at some point along the road you need to move between plan levels you have to go through yet another monotonous process of completely canceling your old account and creating a fresh one under the new plan.

Though Microsoft Office 365 hasn’t quite nailed the cloud experience and has a lot to iron out in its functionality, it does pick up Google’s slack in a few areas. Google’s Shared Contacts, for example, proves to be a bit of an after-thought as there is no clean user interface for managing these shared contacts, particularly external global contacts. Google does have a Shared Contacts API that can be scripted to work but getting this feature to do so in the way that most businesses are accustomed to takes some serious time and effort.

So which cloud platform is superior? Really that’s up to you to decide. We just hope this helped to break down the differences between the two so that you have an easier time coming to a decision. If you have any further questions give us a call (615) 595-6399  or drop by to see one of our computer technology professionals. We’ll be happy to help you find a solution to your needs!

 Is Windows 8 OS worth the upgrade?

In the tech world, tables are turning towards tablets and smartphones and software is adapting accordingly.  With the launch of the new Windows 8 Operating System it appears as though Microsoft is following right in line, taking a more mobile approach to its interface design.

Designed to run on both PCs and tablet computers, the new Windows 8 touch-enabled interface is Microsoft’s attempt to bridge the gap between the full-on laptop/desktop experience and the mobility of the tablet. From a visual perspective, the new interface is mouth-watering and some reports have found that Windows 8 does speed up the performance of your system. However, the big drawback is that in order for the operating system to reach its full potential it actually requires a touch screen device.

As it is, the whole notion of operating using touch over keyboard takes a good deal of time to get used to and without a touch display can be downright frustrating–something you should definitely take into account before upgrading. In fact, it takes a touch-based gesture and 3 additional clicks in order to simply shut the operating system down. With that being said, unless you already have a touch display or are in the market to splurge on a whole new system, upgrading to Windows 8 Operating System is probably not worth your time because it will likely hinder rather than enhance your productivity.

Have further questions regarding the new Windows 8 Operating System or are interested in increasing productivity with more effective upgrade options?  TechPros experienced computer techs are here to help you with all of your IT consulting needs! Contact us today at 615.595.6399 or shoot us an email to [email protected]

Today we’re going to talk about Apple–the innovator of seemingly cutting edge cool technology worldwide. Let’s face it, consumers are and have been for quite some time buzzing about all things Apple (well with the exception of the new iOS and its less than desirable Map feature). For the most part, Apple has been on point in delivering products right in line with consumer demand.  We ask for thinner and lighter devices and Apple presents us with new sexy designs as fast as they can make them. So we get to look cool carrying around this trendy, cutting edge hardware but we’re often so disillusioned by the cool factor (and who can blame us?!) that we don’t take the time to look under the hood of these sleek new design patterns until it’s too late. Specifically with the new Macbook Pro Retina Display and Macbook Air, what lies beneath is a reality that is sheer proof of why Apple Care is worth buying alongside your Apple computer.

The design of the long awaited MacBook Pro Retina Display presents serious consequences not only for consumers and the environment, but also for the tech industry as a whole. Many IT experts have claimed them to be the least repairable laptops because everything is fused together. Genius? More like a recipe for disaster, hence why Apple Care is worth it.

Instead of using good old platter drives, the MacBook Pro Retina Display has these new fancy soldered-to-the-motherboard SSD’s which make data recovery impossible without completely demolishing your MacBook’s motherboard. Not only that, but screen replacement for the Retina Display is a no-go. The display is fused right onto the glass, so crack it and you’re faced with the unfortunate consequence of buying a brand new system. To really send it to the deep end, there’s no way to upgrade the RAM for a memory boost. So after two years, you’ll most likely find yourself shelling out money to replace the whole computer.

Much like the Macbook Pro Retina Display, only designed with thin in mind, the new MacBook Air’s performance is greatly sacrificed and its upgradeability completely thrown out the window. Light as a feather–nearly, but easy to fix–not so much. With its RAM soldered to the expensive logic board, upgrading is hopeless. Unless of course you can throw your wallet into replacing the entire logic board. On top of that, Macbook Air batteries are rated at only 300 cycles–that’s one full drain and one full charge per cycle. And surprise, surprise, once your battery tuckers out you’re looking at spending yet another $200 to mail the laptop to Apple for a replacement.

Though every Mac and Apple display comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary telephone technical support, with these faulty new system designs we highly recommend opting for the additional AppleCare Protection Plan. With full coverage of up to 3 years on your computer, display, RAM, USB SuperDrive, accessories including the power adapter and any AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, it’s seriously worth it. Have any other questions? We might not work behind the genius bar but we sure are TechPros! Contact our on-site service technicians today 615.595.6399 for solutions to your computer troubles!

Nowadays the majority of people in the market for a computer are springing for a laptop or tablet. As part of their decision, they are faced with choosing between a Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) as a storage component. Many prospective computer buyers have no idea that different computers have different storage components yet alone know the significant differences between the two components, so when it comes to making a decision it’s pretty much six of one, half a dozen the other. Though we are not certain as to what percentage of computer users are using SSDs versus HDDs, as computer professionals we can tell you that both breeds of devices show up in our data recovery laboratory on a pretty regular basis. Like everything in life, there are good and bad characteristics of both.

Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) have been around for decades; in fact they have served as the standard storage device for over 50 years. The great thing about this technology is that it is capable of storing lots of data cheaply, but its traditional electromagnetic components are a bit behind the times. The fact of the matter is there are a lot of intricate elements that must come into play for a hard drive to work successfully.

Solid State Drives (SSDs), unlike HDDs, use integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data. Think of them as oversized, more sophisticated USB memory sticks. Typical SSDs use NAND-based flash memory which allows one the ability to turn the disk off at any time without it forgetting any of the important data stored. With data storage integrity that can be maintained for 200 plus years, you can read and write a vast amount to an SSD. Their biggest advantage is that they have no moving parts. Crack one of these babies open and you won’t find the fine intricate machining of various metal parts that you find in HDDs, but rather a few chips soldered to a circuit board. This means there are no mechanics to break. You can shake it, drop it, or drag it across the table without risk of failure (within reason that is). However, the durability comes with a much heftier price tag.

Where solid state drives outrival hard disk drives in speed, they fall short in value. Flash memory file systems are more likely to become corrupted and recovery is often both very time consuming and costly. The average cost is about $3000 for advanced SSD recovery–no small dent to the pocketbook. That’s not a price you want to risk paying and because some laptops such as ultrabooks have only SSDs, it’s really important to be aware of exactly what type of internal storage system a computer comes with. To avoid running into a ditch later, keep the following adage in mind “If your data doesn’t exist in two places it doesn’t exist” and  do not rely exclusively on an SSD for storage of important computer data!

You’ve probably forgotten to save an important file before but imagine if your website vanished overnight or you lost your entire database due to a failed computer server? It can take years for small businesses to get back on their feet after data disasters such as these. For people housing crucial data such as intellectual property, financial data such as accounts payable and receivable, customer databases, and supplier contracts on their computers, our IT experts recommend investing in a comprehensive backup plan.

Though technology is becoming more and more innovative and seamless, nothing is perfect. Not only is it important to backup your digital information but it’s important that you backup it up in the right way. No backup system is completely foolproof, which is why you need both cloud data backup and onsite data backup.

Cloud Data Backup (Offsite Data Backup) VS. Onsite Data Backup (Backup to Local Hard Drive / External HardDrive / Network Attached Storage)

Onsite data backup refers to any type of tangible storage device that is designed to remain on a computer or at the location that the data is created or accessed. Local hard drives, external hard drives and attached online network storage servers are all devices used for onsite data backup.

Local data backup will be restored much more quickly [and/or] is immediately available. Onsite data backup is great because you have immediate access to your files and in the event that your computer crashes your operating system can quickly be restored and all of your files can be easily retrieved from your storage devices.

Though backing your data to a physical device is very effective, there are drawbacks to onsite data backup. Backup hard drives don’t have legs to run away from fires, floods, the frequent tornadoes of the south, and other natural disasters. In the event of such a catastrophe, the hard drives will likely get destroyed along with the computer system and your data will be a goner. Physical hard drives and onsite computer servers are also more susceptible to viruses and other equipment failure.

Another reason why it’s not a good idea to solely depend on on-site data backup to preserve your important files is that your work is not automatically saved as you go. Therefore, it’s really important to be sure to schedule backups at regular intervals throughout the day or week so that the information saved is always up to date. Otherwise, if anything happens to the computer system before you have a chance to click save, your valuable new information will not be there awaiting your return.

With cloud data backup, or offsite data backup, data is stored at a remote location transferred using an online backup service. These offsite data backup systems are tailored around a client software program that collects, compresses, encrypts and transfers the data to a server at regularly scheduled intervals. Cloud data backup solutions allow you to easily have revisions of your files or documents. With this being said, connection speed is extremely important for offsite data backup. If you have dial up IT WILL NOT WORK!

By storing your data remotely with a company that provides cloud data backup services, you don’t have to worry about your information being destroyed in the event of a data disaster because the on-staff professionals will keep regular tabs on the system and your housed data. This way, if anything happens to your computer or the company’s computer system, you can simply go online and fetch your data from the trusted server of an IT services provider.

Though backing your data to the cloud drastically reduces the risk of security breaches and minimizes disruptions to operations due to hardware failures, viruses, unintentional deletion of data, theft or natural disasters, cloud data backup does not replace your local data backup. You need both cloud data backup and on-site data backup so contact TechPros today by calling 615.595.6399 or create a support ticket to connect with a computer technician! Our experienced team of internet technology professionals are happy to help you and your business to stay on your feet by equipping you with the best, most secure data protection backup plan possible.

While the economy is still struggling to bounce back to a healthy state, many companies continue to hold their checkbooks at bay, their IT budget consequently falling by the wayside. As technology professionals, we are well aware of the expenses associated with information security and technology. However, we are also cognizant of the many security threats that exist out there in the vast cyberspace. Every company houses important information–data that if it falls into the wrong hands, gets misplaced, or lost can be detrimental to the success of the organization as a whole.

No matter the size, all companies have intellectual property and there are cybercriminals lurking out there who know exactly how to get any prized data that may lack protection. There are many ways they go about accessing such data–some industries are specifically targeted but most victims of data breach are found by hackers. All it takes is one employee to take their laptop home or to an internet cafe, become infected with a virus, and then infect the entire corporate network upon his or her return to work. Despite the widespread threats across the globe, many companies–especially small non-profits–do not plan for an IT budget. We don’t think that’s a wise idea.

Though security is a key proponent of IT management services, there are many other advantages to having an IT budget.  

Data Management and Backup
With multiple files to keep track of, it can be very easy to lose your data internally–whether because someone didn’t save a file correctly or in the unfortunate event that your system gets wiped out. That’s why it’s so important to backup all of your files to an external server. IT specialists can create electronic storage systems to help you organize your files and protect your company’s valuable data. Not to mention they’re there to provide full support and take care of trouble-shooting when network issues arise.

It used to be that people who had been at their 9 to 5 desk jobs for years were the ones plagued with eye strain but today even young eyes are turning old. With the advent of technology, it’s very likely that you spend most of the day eye-locked with some type of screen whether it be a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. When we use such devices to play games or intently scan through our emails and work documents, our minds become so intensely focused on the screen that we often forget to blink. It’s so easy to get lost in that crumb-sized text, that before you know it you’ve had a 10-hour-long staring contest with your device. Let it be known, the device always wins (unless it dies, which in case, at least something arises to thankfully snap you out of your trance) at your vision’s disposal. To lessen the long-term damage electronic screens could cause your eyes, here are 7 tricks for reducing computer-related eye strain.

1. Dim Down That Monitor!
With just a few simple tweaks, you can adjust your computer brightness, contrast, and color to keep those eyes from bugging out. Don’t know how? Ask Google. Google always knows 🙂

2. Get Yourself a Sexy Pair of Computer Readers
The hipster look is in so now’s the time to spring for a second set of eyes. Computer screens tend to emit some very harsh whites that can be pretty painful to look at for long periods of time. The protective lenses in these specialized glasses are designed to minimize this effect as well as provide a bit of magnification, thereby making computer readers a great candidate for reducing computer-related eye strain.

3. Increase Your Browser Display Size
When it comes to viewing your computer you don’t have to opt for the standard wide-screen format. In fact, we don’t suggest it as it doesn’t tend to work well with documents and often leaves wide, empty margins on the sides of your website browser. Increase your viewing pleasure by increasing the browser display size. Just hold down Control and scroll up until the page fits your monitor like a picture frame. To adjust the browser display size on a Mac, simply press Command and + until you reach the desired size.

4. Use the Power of Those Magnifiers
When it comes to text, size does matter; it makes all the difference when it comes to legibility. However, computer text is a tad bit different as it can be hard to read no matter what size it is. Instead of opening your eyes so wide that you like a freak with a headache, use your magnifiers to enlarge certain parts of the screen. Note: Magnifiers are included in almost all versions of Windows and a similar software called Zoom is available to Mac users.

5. Settle for a Lower Desktop Resolution
The higher the resolution, the smaller images and text will appear so do your eyes a favor and make an adjustment. At a lower resolution, images and text blocks pop out more on the screen, making the computer work less strenuous on the eyes.

6. Bring that Text Size Up a Notch
They make calculators with huge buttons, books with enormous type set, signs twice the size of a human head, all so that people can see them. It only make sense that Windows 7, tablets, and many other devices, live up to the same standards by giving you the option to change the text and other on-screen aesthetics. Right-click on your desktop and find the Display option under the Personalize menu. Smaller, medium, and larger will be your options as far as manipulating text to reduce computer-related eye strain.

7. Take a Break!
I know, I know, “it’s not a good time”, you’re “in the middle of something important.” What you’re really in the middle of is a trance. Snap out of it! Staring at a screen for too long is not only boring but it’s unhealthy and can cause computer vision syndrome. Direct your attention elsewhere for a few minutes…maybe go look at something live like a face? That’s right, go catch up with a friend or coworker for a few. Focusing your vision elsewhere will keep your eyes from fatiguing fast. Better yet, shed some daylight upon those lids of yours! Being inside all day can mess with your eyes and your sleeping rhythms. Exposing your eyes to different levels of light helps in reducing computer-related eye strain. Besides, like your parents used to say “Honey, get some fresh air. It’s good for you!”

Wi-Fi is basically like a special access card that allows people to exchange data across the virtual marketplace at a VIP speed. Though it’s one of the most useful and important parts  of using a computer, the ever so popular Wi-Fi technology can at times be extremely frustrating. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi hasn’t yet figured out how to escape the power of Murphy’s Law. While slow speeds and bad reception are common obstacles for Wi-Fi networks, there are ways to boost your home Wi-Fi.

1. The most obvious solution is to keep your system fresh. If you want your system to perform at its best you have to treat it with the best. For a network that is as fast and reliable as possible, be sure to use the latest Wi-Fi technologies. Just because hardware is “wireless” does not mean it’s quality. Routers A, B and G are old and move at crawling speeds. A Wireless N Router paired with a Wireless N Card is the route you want to take for full throttle results.

2. Routers might not be the most sleek looking devices, but for maximum performance their location is key. Don’t shun them to the dusty corner of your bookshelf behind that stack of papers. For the best signal, give that technology some room to do its thing–set it in a high up place where there are no walls or obstructions and point the antennas vertically. For optimal coverage you’ll want to set it in a central location to ensure that it reaches throughout your home.

3. Welcome your neighbors over to your home for dinner or drinks but keep them out of your wireless channel. The less interference your wireless router encounters, the stronger your Wi-Fi signal will be.

4. Do up your bandwidth double time. Cell phones, microwaves and other appliances can equally interfere with your router’s signal. To eliminate such interference, your best bet is to opt for a dual band router. If you’re not in the market for new hardware, your second best bet is to try moving your router as far away from the other appliances as possible.

5. Another way to boost your home Wi-Fi is to cut back on using bandwidth-hogging applications. If you’re regularly Skyping, playing online games or streaming video or music files you’re likely slowing down the internet for all of your other household web surfers. To make sure that the most important applications are receiving the bandwidth they need, we highly recommend setting up Qos (Quality of Service) on your router.

6. There are a lot of DIY Tricks for expanding your Wi-Fi range. While tricks such as the Windsurfer tin foil hack won’t make a drastic difference, they can help to extend the distance of your Wi-Fi network with minimal effort.

7. A little bit of hacking can do your router signal a lot of good. I bet that’s some advice you’ve never heard before. Well, it just so happens that by hacking your router and installing the DD-WRT firmware, you can extend your network’s range immensely. Not only that, but this firmware provides great security features and allows you to boost your transmitting power. You can also spread your Wi-Fi access greater distances by using the firmware to turn an old wireless router into a range extender.

8. Is your router dropping in and out? Rebooting once is an easy solution to boosting your home Wi-Fi. You can even set it to automatically reboot at a certain time with DD-WRT or a generic outlet timer.

After checking through this list of tweaks your home Wi-Fi should be faster, more reliable, and more secure than ever, and your network frustrations long forgotten. If you’re still experiencing glitches throw one of our technicians a  line–they’ll be happy to assess the situation and pull you out!

Why go virtual? If you’re a small business looking to cut costs, the question is why not?
After all, a great deal of money is required to maintain a physical office and you’re running around half the time anyway. So why not save your money for more important investments and set up a virtual office instead?

Not only will switching to a virtual office save you from spending a significant amount of money on office space and utilities, but it gives you the flexibility to work wherever you want. The thing that some small businesses have a hard time getting over is the idea that, with a virtual office setup, not all of the company will be working under one roof. Are we forgetting that these same small companies oftentimes outsource work to people overseas? Not to mention those companies that, over time, have expanded their reach and consequently grown so much that they’ve had to disperse their employees worldwide. The virtual office worked for them and it can work for you.

Mobility is the key to a successful virtual office, so your first step in transitioning is to get yourself a sleek new laptop to replace that desktop of yours. This way you can get work done on the go, to and from meetings. Another very effective tool for running a successful virtual office is the virtual office phone system. The RingCentral Office phone system is one of the best means of communication for small businesses that operate in different locations. RingCentral provides you with a phone number which comes with features that enable you to connect to remote teams and offices. You can choose from any local or toll free number available and can sync your existing phone numbers to it.

When people call this number they are greeted by the auto-attendant and directed to the extension they’re looking for. The great thing about this is that it gives you, the user, a lot of leeway in the way you respond to calls. You can take calls at your convenience and if it’s not a good time you can send them to voicemail. RingCentral Office also enables you to send and receive files and documents with ease through its highly advanced Internet fax suite. Voicemails can be received in the same way through your email account and RingCentral Call Controller. The system will even send you a text notification for every voicemail that arrives in your inbox.

RingCentral’s virtual office system combines the power of the Internet with the reliability of telecommunications to provide businesses with the most competent communications suite. So while you may be bidding your physical office goodbye, with a virtual office system like RingCentral you won’t have to get rid of your existing phone numbers or units.