Computers & Networks

Computers

Businesses, and homes, today rely on computers more than ever before.  We do everything on these incredible machines; Finances, Point-of-Sale, E-Mail, Letter Writing, Inventory Tracking, Banking, Play Games and much more.  When our computers have problems, we are sometimes out of business.  For example: a small clothing business uses POS (Point-of-Sales) for daily operations. All sales are rung up, credit card transaction verified and settled, payroll managed, bills paid and inventory received.  If this system goes down, you may end up locking the front door and going home.  Money lost, that most small business owners cannot afford to lose.

So keeping these systems running and repairing them when they don't work at all is a major concern.  Preventative maintenance is done by large corporations, or should be, but small to medium size businesses do not.  Computers are dust vacuums and dust causes heat build up and heat destroys computers.  Power is another factor.  When the lights dim, your computer can be damaged so precautions need to be taken.  Backups need to be done and the backup taken off site and the list goes on.

A lot of businesses and individuals buy the wrong computer for the job that they are trying to do.  Running down to your retail store and getting one off the shelf, may work for some, but for others we get too much system, spending too much money OR too little system and things don't operate correctly or as fast as we would like them too.  Here is something of interest:

Networks

Wireless networks are easy and unsecure.  The US Government does not use them so why should we?  Simple answer, they are easy to install and retail stores push them to customers looking to set up a network.  They can be made secure, somewhat, but most people dont take the time or know how.  How would you like to have all your business/personal information taken?  Easy to do.

 Bluetooth is wireless and cannot be made secure. If you have a Bluetooth keyboard, and someone else with the right software (available on the internet free of charge) can capture every keystroke you make.  Yep, bank account numbers, passwords everything!  Bluetooth mice do not present problems.

Wired networks are the best, fastest and safest to operate.  However, they can be expensive to install.  This does not mean that you can forget about security, especially if you attach to the INTERNET!  You need virus checking software, not the free stuff, to protect your information.  Remember the old saying, "If it is too good to be true it is?"  That pertains to free software.  Most free software is not worth the time it takes to install.

Do I need a switch or a router?  What are networks? Which type of network works for my business/home?  Great questions and all have different answers.

Too many questions, well J.A.S. Technologies, Inc. can provide you with the answer to these questions and hundreds of other questions a home user or business person may have.