File Genie: Blog

Do I need to Invest in a New Computer?

30/10/2022

There’s no denying that buying a new computer can be costly, especially if you have multiple machines for your business. But not upgrading your computers when they start to show signs of wear and tear could end up costing you more, if for example, you lose important data or have to pause your business while you wait for a new one to arrive.

With this in mind we have put together 10 questions to help you decide if it’s time to invest in a new computer:

How old is your computer?
The average lifespan of a computer is 4 years so if your machine is older than that then you might start to see signs of wear and tear. Good general maintenance and cleaning will stretch its lifespan a little but after a certain time it will struggle to keep up and you will need to replace it.

Have you maintained your computer?
If you’ve neglected to keep on top of the maintenance and cleaning side of things with your computer then this will definitely reduce its life. Dust builds up on the components and fan can cause overheating which will damage the computer so always try to keep your computer clean and dust free.

Is the fan working overtime?
While a bit of heat is normal when the computer is running, significant heat and a very noisy fan indicate the computer is overheating. This could be another sign you need to look for a replacement machine.

Can you update it to the latest operating system?
If your computer can’t support the latest operating system then you could be in for trouble- new software will often not support older operating systems.

Is it running out of memory?
If you're having issues such as not being able to run two applications at the same time or your computer is sluggish and constantly crashes then you might find your computer doesn’t have enough RAM or is running out of room in the hard drive. Upgrading to more RAM or switching out the hard drive can remedy this but it might only be a temporary fix if the machine is old.

Is it slow to start up and shut down?
Another sign it might be time for an upgrade is if it’s taking an age to boot up or shut down your machine. Over time, computers slow down and while you might be able to improve some issues with some general maintenance or upgrading the hard drive to an SSD if the computer is too old then it is probably time to replace it.

Can it run the latest software programmes?
If your computer can’t run new software then that is a warning sign that it is too old and needs updating. Anti virus software providers often stop supporting older versions of your PC leaving you vulnerable to viruses and malware.

Is it reliable?
If you can’t rely on your computer to handle the day to day tasks then it sounds like you should be looking to replace it. Of course, there may be an easy solution that a computer specialist would be able to remedy but if it is costing you time and money then it might be worth upgrading to a newer model.

Would it cost more to upgrade or repair than to replace?
If the cost to repair or upgrade would be more than a new machine then the only right answer is to replace the computer. A new computer should be seen as an investment for your business and don’t forget it is a genuine business expense.

Never underestimate the value of a reliable computer for your business - if a new PC will cost slightly more than an upgrade but will save you time and mean you can get back to work quicker then it is worth taking into account when deciding whether to repair or replace.

File genie can help with any concerns you have with your PC and can advise on maintenance, cleaning and antivirus protection.

Contact Ben for further help.

Why Your Small Business Needs an IT Guru

19/4/2022

Having dedicated IT support in your small business might seem like an expense you can’t justify, especially if you are a sole trader or only use a limited amount of tech within your business. But having an IT expert you can call upon when you have an unexpected tech issue is invaluable and doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on an extra member of staff. It’s not advisable to just wing it with your IT support unless you have the time and knowledge to keep on top of everything.

So, what can you do if you are trying to keep overheads down, but you need someone you can rely on for all your tech troubles? Get yourself a reliable IT guru! Finding a local IT expert is pretty simple, ask your trusted friends for recommendations and check them out. A freelance tech support is going to be much more cost effective than paying a huge IT company.

Repairs and Refurbs
IT support will be able to help when your tech fails, be that pc’s malfunctioning, smartphone suddenly not working, cracked screens or viruses. Being self-employed means having reliable hardware is essential, so if it breaks or stops working you need to get it sorted as soon as possible.

Get Help Setting up Networks
Having IT support means you can be confident you’ll have a reliable network set up. They will help make sure you have the right equipment for the job and that it is running at its best. They can also offer advice on your internet and WIFI setup, help you check your broadband speed and make sure you’re getting the fastest connection available.

Antivirus Setup
Having antivirus is a must and not just for small businesses. Everyone should have up to date antivirus installed on all devices (including smartphones). Hacking, phishing and viruses are constantly evolving so a comprehensive antivirus is one of the most important things to keep on top of.

Help with Onsite and Offsite backup
Backing up your data is crucial and your trusty IT support will be able to help you set up an external backup and cloud storage to keep your precious information safe and secure.

PC and Device Health Check
Finally, having a tech person you can trust and rely on means you can call on them to carry out a regular health check on your PC and other devices. Not just for when things go wrong, they will also be able to help you manage and clean up your files, check for any software updates you might need and give you peace of mind everything is working as it should.

Contact us if you need any help with your PC or devices or want to talk about how File Genie can help with your small business IT.

What is the Best Antivirus Software?

16/4/2015

A straight forward question, with no, one definitive answer!

There are so many quality products, with prices from free upwards. There are so many terms used to try to single one out as better than another, after a while it all gets a bit confusing. I think that a good antivirus program, being used properly is what is needed. So to that end here are a few tips to help make sure you are getting the best out of the antivirus software you have.

Ensure that your antivirus software is on. This may seem simple but is often over looked.
Check your antivirus software is current. It is easy to have installed a good antivirus program but it's often not until there is a problem that we realise it is the 2012 version and is no longer doing its job. Often when you buy a new computer, it will come with a free trial, these trials can last as little as 3 months and the expiry date can easily be overlooked.
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. It may seem annoying that sometimes every time you want to use your computer it's doing another update but this is to help protect you.
Your operating system needs to be up to date. Your antivirus software works "hand in glove" with the operating system.
Take a few minutes to configure your antivirus software correctly. Most antivirus programs will require a little setup, most updates, scans, real time shields can be set to run automatically, usually at times more convenient for you.
Avoid turning your antivirus software off. Sometimes is can be necessary to turn off your antivirus software, such as installing a new printer often request that you temporarily disable the antivirus software to aid a smooth installation. This is fine but do reactivate as soon as possible. If your computer is a shared computer it is always worth checking whether the user before you has deactivated the antivirus, and forgotten to turn it back on.
Be suspicious of emails. If you don't know the sender or were not expecting an email form the sender… do NOT open it, just delete it. If the email was important and the sender needs to contact you the sender will find another way!
Read the pop up boxes asking you to check and uncheck items when downloading from the internet. Some internet pages will have additional pop-up boxes that may be nothing to with what you were looking for. These checkboxes represent your choices and they will do what you allow them to.
If you have a problem, deal with it now! The chances are it will get progressively worse if left!
Don't forget about your tablets and smartphones. These days they are as much a computer as your tower or laptop and need protecting with an antivirus app the same way.