Your child thinks they may have downloaded a virus and their computer is acting up. How do you get it checked if you can’t leave your home?

You’re struggling with setting up your work email on your home computer, but don’t have your coworkers around to ask for help. What now?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could wave a wand and magically get a computer technician to appear in moments to fix your issue?

Near instant support is possible without you having to leave your home and it’s just like having a computer tech sitting at your keyboard. And you don’t need a magic wand, all you need is a connection through a remote support app.

While businesses have been taking advantage of remote tech support for quite a while, it’s a service that can also easily be used by residential customers for a majority of common computer problems. [Read more…]

Phishing scammers have always been a group to take advantage of a natural disaster or crisis, and the coronavirus pandemic is no different. Since February, COVID-19 phishing scams have been multiplying nearly as fast as the virus.

Phishing related to the coronavirus has increased 667% in less than a month. These scams take multiple forms, including fake emails related to work policies and promises of cures that are anything but.

One thing they all have in common is the desire to do no good. These malicious emails typically have three main goals:

• Take you to a site that will automatically download malware onto your device

• Compromise your login credentials by linking you to a fake form

• Steal money, credit card details, SSN (or other sensitive information)

These scams can be especially effective with two-thirds of the U.S. population under a “stay at home” order to help prevent the spread of the pandemic.

People are working from home and may not ask for that second opinion they usually do when faced with a strange email. Additionally, kids are home from school in many states, meaning more computer time and more chance they’ll get taken in by a phishing scam over email or social media.

While remote support services from Pro Tech Guy can help with virus removal with no in-person visit needed, it’s much better to avoid these scams all together.

Read on for tips on how to stay safe. [Read more…]

When you run a small business, it’s often easier to just get your email through a free service you’ve been using for your personal email, like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or another. They’re set up to be user friendly, and best of all, they’re free.

But what does a customer think when they see an email from “[email protected]?” It doesn’t exactly reflect a professional company that has everything together.

33% of consumers doubt the trustworthiness of a generic email address.

Some of the unspoken things that consumers think when they see a company using a free generic email for their business are:

• They’re not big enough to even have a business email address

• They might not be legitimate and might just take my money

• They’re not professional or don’t take pride in their work/business

• They’re aren’t doing very well and can’t afford proper business emails

Now, it could be that none of those things are true and you just find it more convenient to use an email address from Gmail or Yahoo, but what’s true and the impression your customer’s get can be two very different things.

You’re most likely paying for professional business equipment, IT support, and other things that help you deliver your products or services, but your reputation could be taking a big hit thanks to your email address.

The roughly $100 a year you might save by using a free email service just isn’t worth it when you factor in the drawbacks for your business. [Read more…]

“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.