Ask the Expert
Expert Jim Conley (image of Jim)
Direct Connect owner and operator Jim Conley understands the technology growing pains that all small businesses experience. Everyday Jim and his team are asked dozens of questions by owners and managers like you. We thought it would be helpful to share some of those questions and answers below. If you have a question that you don’t see posted here, contact us and ask away!
Topic Categories
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Hardware
Q: How often should I replace desktop and laptop computers?
A:
Q: How can I protect my hardware from power surges?
A: (battery backup with surge protection for PCs and ups for servers)
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Software
Q: Should my company upgrade to Windows 7?
A: (Inspiration for answer at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354488,00.asp)
Q: I think one of my employees is using illegal software. What should I do?
A:
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Network
Q: What do I need to create a network? I have 4 employees and each has his own PC and printers.
A:
Q: What is a ‘firewall’ and does every small business need one?
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Q: How can I make my network secure?
A:
- Hardware and Software Firewall
- Virus/spyware software and regularly scheduled scans
- Password for all PCs, servers, network equipment and software applications
- Update operating systems, network equipment firmware, and applications with the latest security patches
- Encryption system to protect your wireless network (WPA2)
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Wireless Internet
Q: I would like to set up wireless internet access at my office but am afraid that it isn’t safe. What do you recommend?
A:
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Remote Offices
Q: How can I set up a remote network for my employees who all work from home?
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Q: How can I access my office files from home?
A:
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Q: I am not receiving emails. What is wrong?
A:
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Maintenance
Q: How often should I ‘clean up’ my computer? Is it just tasks like deleting temporary files and defragmenting?
A:
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Data
Q: Should I be backing up data? Right now my business consists of just my wife and I and we share a PC.
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Q: We are running out of data storage. Should I buy a new server or a storage device?
A:
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Viruses & Spyware
Q: What is the best anti-virus and anti-spyware program available for small business?
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Q: My computer is really slow, could it be infected with a virus or spyware?
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