The computer has become such an invaluable tool to all businesses that it's hard to imagine life without one. While computers are important, many companies can't afford the latest and greatest and must make do with older systems. A problem with this is that older systems often run slower and can cause you to be counterproductive. However, there are steps you can take to keep your computers running as they should.

Below are four things you can do to keep your PC running smoothly.

1. Shutdown properly If you turn your computer off at the end of the day, or it freezes, it may be tempting to flick the off switch on the power bar, or press the power button until it turns off. This isn't ideal for your computer's health because when a computer is unexpectedly shut down, there could be damage to the operating system.

You may notice that when your computer crashes, it takes longer to reboot. This is because Windows is actually searching for, or trying to repair any damage that may have been done. There is a chance that powering down improperly could cause files to become corrupted which may make the system inoperable.

Therefore, you should follow proper shutdown procedures. If you need to shut down quickly, try pressing Control+Alt+Delete and selecting Shut Down from there.

2. Close unnecessary programs running in the background Some programs are written to be always running in the background. If you look in the bottom right of your screen, you should see programs running beside the clock. In truth, most of these likely don't need to be open. You should be able to right click on the icon and close them. This will save computing resources and make your computer run smoother.

A word of warning: It's best not to shut down the antivirus or security software as this will leave your computer open to attack. Also, don't shut down anything from NVIDIA or AMD as this is your video card software. Closing programs like this could cause your computer to crash.

3. Utilize Add/Remove on a regular basis Chances are high that you have installed a fairly high number of programs on your computer, some of which you may not use anymore. Those you don't use just take up valuable hard drive space, and should be removed on a regular basis. You can do this by:

1. Clicking on Start or the Windows Orb.
2. Selecting Settings followed by Control Panel.
3. Opening Add/Remove Programs.

It may take a few minutes to scan your system for programs, but a window will open with all the programs you have installed. Click on those you don't use anymore and remove them. We strongly recommend that you do not go into different files and delete programs, this could damage your system.

4. Use a malware scanner and antivirus program This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is still worth mentioning that having an antivirus program and malware scanner is a good idea. Many viruses and other malware often hijack system resources causing the computer to run slower, or crash. A regular scan can go a long way in minimizing this, which means your computer will likely run better for longer.

If you are looking for ways to keep your older systems running at their optimal levels, please contact us today to see how we can help you.

Winston Churchill once said, "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." This saying is something almost every company in the tech industry takes to heart. There are very few products that stay the same, software included. Because of this rapid pace of change, there will come a time when older software is no longer supported. Microsoft has made a recent announcement that businesses should be aware of.

For businesses running Office 2003 or Microsoft XP SP3, you need to be aware that Microsoft has announced that they will stop supporting these products on April 8, 2014. This could have far reaching consequences for businesses that use these platforms.

What does this mean for my business? When a company like Microsoft says they will 'stop supporting' what they mean is that they will usually stop providing updates, paid support, security updates and maybe even online based support.

The biggest problem with a move like this hinges on security. If a hacker finds a security exploit on an older system that a developer has stopped supporting, your systems could be open to attack. Beyond that, if you have paid for support, you will no longer have it if the software stops working. These two reasons alone will eventually lead to higher IT costs.

When it comes to programs like Office and XP, there is another downside to this withdrawal of support: It is highly likely that future versions of the software will be incompatible with what you are running. This means you likely won't be able to open newer versions of Office documents, which could create problems especially if you have clients who use newer versions; you won't be able to read/edit the documents. What can we do? The easiest thing to do is to upgrade your software. This may be easier said than done, especially if you have a tighter budget. Luckily, you have more or less one year to upgrade, and in this modern age you have more than one way to update. Possibly the best is to work with an IT partner who can help develop a solution that will fit your business and budget.

If you're still using Office 2003 or XP SP3 in your office, contact us today to see how we can help.

The most popular tablet, for now, is Apple's iPad. It's hard to go somewhere and not see someone carrying one around these days. One of the reasons for it's continued success is that some models can connect to data networks, providing users with Internet access pretty much anywhere. A problem with this is that not all wireless providers offer the same level of coverage. So, how do you tell if your local area is covered? Or if there will be coverage when you travel?

Here's two ways you can figure out the areas covered by various wireless providers so you can get the most out of your data connection on your iPad.

Within the USA If you live in the US, you can install an app called Coverage. This app is a map of the United States that shows the network coverage of the major network providers - AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.

When you install and open the app, you will be presented with a map and a panel where you can search for cities or your current location. You can also select which networks to show. The map covers all of the US including Hawaii, Alaska, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which makes it ideal for business users who travel throughout the US.

Because this app doesn't require an Internet connection, the data isn't 100% accurate, but from tests, it looks to be accurate enough for most users. USD$2.99 from iTunes.

Rest of the world If you aren't in the US, don't worry. Check out OpenSignal, a website that keeps an up-to-date map of wireless coverage around the world. You can search for 2G, 3G and 4G signal strength using an address or by selecting a country and city.

The map displays what OpenSignal calls a heat map - it's the signal strength in the area you are looking at. It will also show the NetworkRank based on the strongest signal of the providers. For example, select Sydney as your city and Australia as your country, and zoom into the North Sydney. You'll see that the map is covered in a haze that goes from blue to red. Blue indicates weak signal strength, while red represents strong. You'll also notice that Telstra Mobile is the strongest provider in this area.

This site can help you pinpoint which carrier to go with, based on your local area. It is also a good way to see if your provider has signal where you may be travelling.

A word of warning If you do have a data plan for your iPad, and plan to be traveling outside of your current location, it would be a good idea to consult the map or OpenSignal before you leave. There has been many stories of iPad users leaving their data plan on while traveling out of state or country, and receiving shockingly high mobile bills.

This is because if you leave your iPad connected to Data, it will connect to any compatible network e.g., AT&T users in the US will automatically connect to Rogers Wireless if they go to Canada. This is commonly referred to as roaming, and many networks charge extra for this. When traveling, it may be a good idea to just turn off your iPad's data connection.

You can turn your data connection off by:

1. Opening your iPad's Settings app by pressing the icon with the gears.
2. Tapping on Cellular Data which will be located on the right-hand menu bar.
3. Sliding the bar beside Cellular Data to Off.

If you are looking to integrate the iPad into your business, and would like help setting it up, please contact us today.

The cloud has been an instrumental driver of the success of modern tablets. When it comes to tablets using the iOS (iPad and iPad mini), the cloud is often used to integrate files across devices, as often more than one service is utilized. This means that if you use the cloud, you likely have more than one app and likely struggle to manage or share files across different services. A new app makes managing all your different cloud storage services far easier.

Readdle Documents is an app for iPad users that acts as a central platform that connects with cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Box, iCloud, Drive, etc. and allows users to keep their multiple services organized.

What exactly is Documents? Documents is an app that enables users to manage their various cloud services. This robust app also allows users to view Word documents, PDFs, listen to music and watch video stored on various services directly in the app.

The functionality doesn't stop there however, as you can also copy files from one service and move them to another directly in the app. No more having to download files from one and upload to another. You can also use this app to save web pages for reading at a later date, which could be useful if you are going to be away from data or Wi-Fi for an extended period of time.

There is one downside to the app: You can't edit documents. If you need to edit a document you have to do so in the app the document is stored in.

Will businesses benefit? If you use multiple cloud storage apps in your business, the Documents app will be beneficial in helping you access and manage files on the go. At best, this is an organizational tool to help make accessing files easier. One really positive element of this app that many businesses owners will like is that it's free. Another benefit is that you also have the option to password protect files.

While this app might be free, if you don't use cloud storage services this probably isn't the best app for you. However, there are enough features to benefit users of cloud services, making this app potentially valuable.

How do I get the app? Documents is available on the Apple App Store. Once you have downloaded the app onto your iPad, start it up and you'll be able to add your cloud services by clicking on Network (located on the left-hand menu) and selecting the service you use. Input your account information and you should be ready to go.

If you would like to learn more about Documents, or how the iPad can fit into your business, get in touch with us. We are happy to sit down with you and tell you more!

When it comes to technology, trends are abound. It seems that nearly every month there's some new trend introduced that businesses absolutely must adopt. One trend that has proven to be beneficial to many businesses is virtualization. One of the more popular virtualizations is of the desktop, which enables users to access it from nearly anywhere. VMware, a company well-known for its virtualization services, has released a new product that makes it easy to view your desktop on your mobile device.

In mid-March, VMware announced Unity Touch, an app that allows users to view, open, run and manage Windows files and applications on their Android and iOS devices.

What exactly is Unity Touch This app takes your existing Windows desktop and makes it more manageable and easier to use on mobile devices. This feature is part of the Horizon View offering from VMware which allows administrators to virtualize the desktop environment, and users to access their desktop from anywhere.

Unity Touch takes Horizon View desktops and makes them easier to use on a touchscreen device. When it's introduced, you will be able to log in to your desktop and access your files and applications.

How does Unity Touch improve desktop access on mobile devices? One of the most important parts of the Windows environment is the Start menu. It's what the majority of users use to access their files and run applications. On mobile devices that connect to a virtual desktop, space is limited, so having a full start menu just doesn't cut it. This app essentially makes the Start menu an 'app drawer' on the left-hand side of your screen - think of any screen where you can select apps on your mobile device.

There's a little tab, located in the middle part of the left-hand side of the screen that you can press to bring up a list of files and apps that you can scroll through. This list also functions as a kind of launch center where you can switch between open programs, close them or even manage files.

Will my business find it useful? If you travel lots, or have to be away from your computer and don't want to carry a laptop with you, this could be a solution for you. You do need to have a VMware Horizon View Desktop version 5.2, the Horizon View Client 2.0 installed on your mobile device, as well as an Android, iPad or iPhone.

If you are interested in accessing your desktop from a mobile device, contact us today. We can work with you to develop a solution.

Thinking of buying the new iPad? The one released only six months ago? Well Apple has decided to answer that question for you. On October 23, Apple introduced not one but two new iPads. The first is the iPad 4 - an upgraded version of the iPad 3 - and the second is the iPad mini. How do these new iPads stack up? And, should you buy one?

Below is more information on the two recently introduced iPads.

The new, new iPad Apple has wisely decided to go back to adding numbers to their products. In fact, the launch event contained no words on the new iPad (iPad 3) at all. Apple seems to have swept it under the rug, as you can no longer find the ‘iPad 3’ on the Apple store, it’s been replaced by the iPad with Retina display - read: iPad 4.

The iPad 4 contains a new processor, the A6, which according to Apple, “is up to twice as fast as the previous-generation A5X chip [featured in the iPad 3], and it delivers up to twice the graphics performance, without sacrificing battery life.” Users can look forward to a smoother operating environment, a difference that will be noted by users of the older first and second generation iPads.

Other new features include the new charging port that Apple introduced with the iPhone. The Lightning connector is a port that replaces Apple’s 30 pin connector and can be plugged-in in any direction, meaning you can just plug the device in and not worry about ruining the connector ports. The downside to this is: older peripherals won’t work with the new iPad without an adaptor which currently costs USD$29.00.

Aside from a new processor and connection port, the iPad 4 is the same as the iPad 3. The screen is still 9.7 inches, LTE is featured and from what we have heard, battery life is the same. If you’ve purchased an iPad 3 in the past 30 days, contact Apple as you may be eligible to return the iPad 3 for an iPad 4 at no extra charge.

It’s like the iPad, only small(er) Over the past year, Samsung and Google managed to highlight that there is wide demand for a device that’s smaller and more portable than Apple’s iPad. Their 7 inch tablets have been great sellers and Apple has now entered into the 7 inch fray with the 7.9 inch iPad mini. The screen has a resolution of 1024 X 768 which puts it at the same resolution as the iPad 2. The key with the screen is that it doesn’t have a Retina display, a confusing move on Apple’s part considering nearly all their new devices have it.

The processor in the mini is an older A5, the same processor found in the iPhone 4s and the iPad 2. While it may seem like a big step down, remember that these two devices are only a year and 1.5 years old, respectively. This means the mini should have no problem running apps already available on the App store. We do predict one potential issue with this however. With the introduction of the new A6 chip, many developers will be starting to develop apps that only run with this, thus rendering devices running an A5 chip obsolete much faster. Time will tell but don’t worry too much as it will be at least a year, probably closer to two, before this potentially becomes a problem.

Other features business users will enjoy include the Lightning connector, 10 hour battery life - according to Apple - and the ability to connect to 4G networks if they are offered by mobile providers in your area.

Prices and availability Both the iPad 4 and Wi-Fi versions of the iPad mini will be available for pre-order on October 26, and in stores November 2 for most countries, including: Australia, Canada, the UK and the US among others. Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad mini models will be available in mid November. The iPad 4 will be available in two different models:

• Wi-Fi only:
  • USD$499 for 16GB
  • USD$599 for 32GB
  • USD$699 for 64GB
• Wi-Fi + Cellular:
  • USD$629 for 16GB
  • USD$729 for 32GB
  • USD$829 for 64GB

The iPad Mini will be available in two different models:

• Wi-Fi only:
  • USD$329 for 16GB
  • USD$429 for 32GB
  • USD$529 for 64GB
• Wi-Fi + Cellular:
  • USD$459 for 16GB
  • USD$559 for 32GB
  • USD$659 for 64GB

With the iPad mini, Apple has stayed true to history and chosen to present it as a tablet with a luxury price tag. Will it sell well? Most likely. Should you buy one? If you have the budget, go ahead, but we don’t predict the iPad mini sales will be huge in the business market, it’s simply priced outside the budget of most small businesses to make it a viable device. At the very least, hold off until the first week of November, as Google has scheduled an event where it’s rumored to be launching new tablets too. Once the event is revealed it might be a good time to look deeper into the iPad.

Do you plan to get a new iPad? What do you think of Apple’s latest offerings? Let us know your thoughts on this.

As mobile devices like the iPad continue to make inroads in companies, more business functions will be assigned to it and companies will be tempted to adopt more of these devices for use in day-to-day operations. While the iPad is a sturdy machine, it’s just that, a machine, and machines need to be taken care of properly if they’re to last.

Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the most out of your device, and will be able to use it for years to come.

Take care of your Retina The screen and display on the iPad and other devices are things of beauty, however they are slightly fragile. Drop it or scratch it and your flashy device could be rendered useless. You should know that the iPad, and all mobile devices’ screens are made of glass, so it is obviously likely to break if dropped from a height. It goes without saying: be careful not to drop it.

The screen also has an oleophobic coating on it, this means it doesn’t like oil and should, in theory, repel fingerprints. Anyone that’s used the iPad knows this isn’t truly the case, fingerprints will still be left on the screen. They do wipe off easily though and you can clean the screen with a lint-free cloth. If you wear eyeglasses, the cloth you use to clean them will work well.

If you’re worried about scratches, or small nicks you could buy a screen protector - a thin, transparent film that goes on top of screens to protect them. Some films also have oleophobic coating, and are matte or completely transparent. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to apply them, as poorly applied protectors can detract from user experience.

Long lasting batteries The batteries in most mobile devices, the iPad included, are lithium based, which makes them rechargable. While they are rechargeable, you will notice that over time the charge doesn’t last as long. To extend the life of your batteries you should ensure to keep your apps up-to-date as developers will often tweak power consumption of their apps. Beyond that, you should complete a full cycle of the battery at least once a month. This means charging the battery to 100% and using the device until the battery dies, then charging to 100% again.

Environmental care Electronics can be extremely sensitive to the surrounding environment. Prolonged use in extreme temperatures (higher than 95 degrees fahrenheit/35 celsius; lower than 32 fahrenheit/0 celsius) could damage internal circuits along with the display and battery. Similarly, humid environments or water can cause problems, so best to keep your device away from damp or wet conditions. If your device does get wet, don’t use heating elements like the microwave or hair dryers to dry it (common sense, we know, but it has been heard of before!).

Beyond that, it’s a good idea to be careful with peripherals. That cheap power cord/charger you bought off ebay may actually have pieces that can break the connectors/ports of your device. If it’s not a popular name brand, better steer clear of it.

Use a “crash helmet” for your device When riding a bike, it’s important to wear a helmet to protect your head in case you fall. The same can be said for your iPad, and you should have a protective case, cover or folio to protect the device from bumps, drops and daily use.

Smooth operator A brand new iPad is a smooth machine, where navigation is snappy, and loading apps is super speedy. Over time however, your iPad will slow down as you install more apps or put more information and data on it. To ensure the experience stays smooth, it’s a good idea to periodically review your apps and delete ones you don’t use anymore. You can also transfer pictures and media to your computer or the cloud to free up even more space. If you’re iPad is still really slow, a factory reset could also help. Be warned, you will loose all your data, so backup first.

Extended warranty? We don’t need no extended warranty It may seem like the extended warranty that you can purchase for your mobile devices is an unnecessary and costly addition to add on to the purchase of the device. While it does undoubtedly add to the cost of the device,it does mean that if your iPad stops working you can get Apple to replace it, or at least cover the repairs. It’s a good idea for businesses to pursue this option as it can extend the life of a device while minimizing upkeep costs.

These are just a few ways you can ensure your iPad or other mobile device will last longer. Do you have any other things you do to extend the life of your device? Let us know. If you’d like to learn more about how to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device, please contact us.

When Apple released the original iPad a little over two years ago, they revolutionized the tablet and set a high benchmark that no other manufacturer has been able to meet since. Two years on, and a new tablet has been released by Google that according to many reviews, challenges iPad superiority. This has many small business managers wondering which tablet is better for their business.

Here is a comparison between the new iPad (iPad 3) and the Google Nexus 7 (N7).

On the outside The iPad is 9.5 inches long and 7.31 inches wide, with a viewable area of 9.7 inches from the top-left to the bottom-right of the screen. The Nexus 7 is smaller at 7.81 inches long by 4.72 inches wide, with a viewable area of 7 inches. The iPad weighs around 1.4 pounds while the Nexus 7 weighs .75 pounds. Due to its size, the Nexus 7 is more portable and due to a rubber backing it’s easier to hold.

Displays The display is one of the most important features to take into account when buying any device. The iPad uses Apple’s Retina display, a super high resolution display that produces by far the best images. The resolution of the iPad is 2048 X 1536 while the Nexus 7’s display is 1280 X 800 - the higher the number generally means the better the display. With a higher resolution, the iPad’s display is the best, however, the Nexus 7’s display is a close second in terms of image quality and viewability.

Build Quality Small business owners or managers that spend a lot of time on the road need devices that can keep up with the rigorous demands of travel. Apple is well-known for high quality devices, the main weakness of the iPad is a slightly fragile screen which is prone to cracking with even the slightest impact. The Nexus 7 is untested, but from drop and dunk tests, it looks like the Nexus 7 is the more durable device without a case. Add a protective case and the iPad is just as durable.

OS and Apps Any Apple device will run an Apple OS, in this case, the iPad runs the iOS which is an extremely user friendly environment. Turn on your iPad for the first time, enter your information and away you go. As the iPad has been out for a couple of years, a number of developers have made iPad specific apps, which means the iPad has a ton of useful business oriented apps.

The Nexus 7 runs on the Android OS and is the first device to have Google’s new version, Jelly Bean. The new OS goes a long ways in making devices easier to use, but it still can’t compete with the iPad in terms of ease of use. There are a large number of apps on Google Play - Google’s app store - but the number of tablet optimized apps is lacking.

Security Android devices like the Nexus 7 are built on an open-source OS - Anyone can download the OS and make changes - which means that it is less secure, as has been proven by an increase in the number of malware and viruses that target Android devices. The iPad, while not immune to viruses and malware, is a more secure environment.

Price There is a stark difference in the price of the two tablets. A basic iPad starts at US$499 and can run up to US$829. At the same time, the Nexus 7 starts at US$199 and costs up to US$250 if you chose to go with more storage.

Which one should small businesses buy? When businesses owners ask which tablet should they buy, we strongly recommend that they look at their needs and current environment. If you’re buying a tablet to take the office with you, or mobilize your office, you need to ensure that there are apps available for your device that will allow you to do this and that your current system is compatible. In general, companies will release apps for the iOS environment first, with Android apps coming later, sometimes up to a year later.

Which tablet do you use, or would you consider using in your business? Let us know below. If you’ve made your mind up and would like to know more about integrating the tablet into your operations, please contact us.

The Apple iPad is one of the most important technological devices of the decade, with many small businesses adopting it for daily use. As the platform matures, app developers are starting to introduce apps specifically for small businesses. One such app turns the standard iPad into a point of sale (POS) system, allowing you to replace your clunky old register while being able to accept mobile payments.

The system is called Square and is a series of apps that turn your iPad into a point of sale system, similar to standard touch screen point of sale systems already in use by many small businesses.

How Square works There are essentially three different aspects to the Square system. The central aspect is the iPad app called Square Register. You, the shop owner, install the app and begin by adding your inventory. You set the price, sales tax and the category the item belongs in. When a customer wants to buy something, your employee selects the item and starts the transaction. As you can connect both a printer and cash drawer to the system, it works just like any other point of sale system.

The second aspect of the Square system is the card reader. The vast majority of customers prefer to use debit, credit or ATM cards instead of cash. For these situations, Square provides a card reader that plugs into the iPad’s headphone jack. Simply swipe the card through the reader, as you would with normal systems. What’s cool about this is the card reader also works on Android and iPhones, which makes the system portable.

The third aspect is rewards. Using Square Register you can set up a rewards program for return customers, while providing them with yet another way to pay. The client downloads the Pay with Square app, links their credit card to the app and is able to open a tab with you. When they buy something, you can bill their account directly. When they use the app to pay for something, the reward program is updated and they receive a receipt by email or SMS.

What’s the catch? While Square sounds like a viable system, and is a theoretically great idea, there are some things you should be aware of. First, merchants pay a flat transaction fee of 2.75% each time a card is swiped. If you manually enter a payment, or if a customer uses cash, the fee is slightly higher. While this may seem a bit steep, the upside to it is there’s no monthly fee or commitment. you just pay the flat fee.

The other thing to be aware of is Square does put holds on transactions of over USD $1,000 if the credit card information is keyed in, this is a weekly limit. In other words, if an employee manually enters a credit card number for a purchase of $1,500, $500 will be held by Square for 30 days. This isn’t ideal for businesses that manually enter credit card numbers.

This system is a good option for the small business owner looking to replace their current point of sale system, while at the same time integrating the iPad into their business environment. This is also a good option for a company looking to mobilize their business. If you have any more questions about Square or other similar options for the iPad please contact us.