Weekly Tech Tips
09/06/2023:
In this week’s tech tips we cover useful keyboard shortcuts, why you should put your health first when using technology, reasons to use a proper asset management tool, and more.
Take a few minutes, grab a coffee, and read through the tech tips we’ve gathered this week – let us know which ones helped you!
What Are The Weekly Tech Tips?
As a seasoned Managed IT Services Provider, we’ve encountered a wide array of IT challenges and innovative solutions. Harnessing our extensive knowledge and experience, we curate the best tech tips each week, tailored for decision-makers, technicians, and everyone in between. We invite you to take a moment and explore the valuable insights we’ve shared this week. Our weekly tech tips post encompass time-saving shortcuts, industry best practices, cost-effective strategies, and IT approaches that fuel business expansion.
If any of our tips prove useful to you, we would love to hear your feedback. Let us know which tip(s) resonated with you and how they helped. We also encourage you to share your own tech tips, so we can consider featuring them in our future posts.
Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate,and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value. –Louis L’AmourTech Tips: For The Decision Makers
In the ever evolving landscape of business, the responsibilities placed upon business owners, IT directors, office managers, and other decision makers are extensive and critical for success. Not only do they grapple with the relentless demands of day-to-day operations, but also shoulder the weight of shaping their organization’s future through strategic decision-making.
“Tips for Decision Makers” delves into often neglected, yet crucial, tasks and decisions. Our mission is to empower decision makers with insights that can streamline processes, increase IT security, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency. The smallest of improvements can yield significant dividends in the long run, which is why our tips address a wide spectrum of challenges and opportunities that decision-makers encounter.
Use an Asset Management Tool (not Excel)
For business owners and decision-makers, the significance of adopting a dedicated asset management tool cannot be overstated. While using a manual asset tracking method (for example, tracking everything in an Excel workbook) might have served as a solution in the past, it falls short when it comes to the scalability and automation required for effective asset tracking and management in modern business environments. As a company grows, managing assets using Excel becomes unwieldy, time consuming, and prone to errors, hindering operational efficiency and potentially leading to costly inaccuracies.
Transitioning to a dedicated asset management tool offers a transformative shift in managing company assets. One of the most notable advantages is the introduction of automated asset discovery. This dynamic feature eliminates the risk of devices being overlooked or lost in the shuffle. The tool continuously scans the network for new assets, ensuring that every device is accounted for. Furthermore, the tool empowers decision-makers with detailed and comprehensive reporting on company assets. From the age of devices to projected replacement costs, this in-depth information is invaluable for budgeting, planning, and optimizing resource allocation.
Another remarkable facet of dedicated asset management tools is their capability to seamlessly integrate with third-party services. For instance, automated warranty lookups are an instrumental feature that proactively alerts about assets with expiring warranties. This integration empowers decision-makers to take timely action, ensuring that essential warranties are renewed or devices are replaced before potential issues arise. Ultimately, investing in a specialized asset management tool not only streamlines operations but also enhances the accuracy, reliability, and longevity of a business’s technological infrastructure.
Plan to Replace Your Servers
The strategic replacement of company servers should be a key focus of any decision makers asset lifecycle management. Adopting a consistent and well-defined server lifecycle process is essential for a myriad of reasons that go beyond simply replacing hardware. By adhering to a structured server replacement plan, businesses can effectively mitigate potential pitfalls and leverage a multitude of benefits that ensure smooth operations.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to adhere to a consistent server replacement lifecycle is the prevention of costly downtime. Outdated servers are more susceptible to hardware failures and performance bottlenecks, which can lead to unexpected downtime, disrupting critical operations and hampering productivity. A regular server replacement strategy mitigates this risk by ensuring that aging hardware is systematically phased out before it reaches a point of vulnerability. This proactive approach safeguards against the financial losses and reputational damage associated with unplanned outages, providing you with uninterrupted business operations.
Predictability is another advantage of adhering to a server replacement lifecycle. By following a predetermined schedule for server upgrades (typically every 5 – 7 years), businesses can generate accurate forecasts for operational expenses. This predictability empowers decision-makers to allocate resources effectively, avoiding last-minute, unexpected (and significant) expenses. Sticking to a consistent lifecycle allows for optimal planning of your technology investments, ensuring that funds are efficiently allocated to server upgrades when they are most needed, rather than in a reactionary manner.
Beyond operational continuity and financial predictability, security takes center stage in the case for a steadfast server replacement lifecycle. Outdated servers and operating systems are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities and attacks, posing significant risks to sensitive data and company reputation. By retiring servers before they reach end-of-life dates, businesses ensure that both hardware and software are kept under support and protection, shielding the IT infrastructure from potential breaches and cyber threats. This fortified security posture is not only essential for safeguarding sensitive information but also for complying with industry regulations and customer expectations regarding data protection.
Tech Tips: For Everyone
In today’s interconnected world, technology has become an inseparable part of our lives. It influences how we work, communicate, and unwind.
Whether you find yourself in a bustling office environment, working remotely from the comfort of your home, or simply seeking ways to optimize your personal tech experiences, each week we include a range of general tech tips and best practices cater to all these scenarios and more.
Become a Windows Keyboard Shortcut Expert
Becoming a Windows keyboard shortcut expert is akin to wielding a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your computing experience. The benefits of mastering keyboard shortcuts are manifold, with increased efficiency standing as a prominent advantage. With a few keystrokes, tasks that might otherwise require multiple clicks and navigation through menus can be accomplished swiftly. This efficiency boost is particularly valuable for busy professionals seeking to maximize productivity.
Moreover, learning keyboard shortcuts equips you with the ability to swiftly resolve common computer problems. When issues arise, being able to employ shortcuts to navigate and troubleshoot can save valuable time. From force-quitting unresponsive programs to opening the Task Manager with a single combination of keys, these shortcuts empower you to swiftly address technical hiccups, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.
Unlocking previously unknown features also emerges as a compelling advantage of keyboard shortcut expertise. Many users may not be aware of certain functions tucked away in various menus, but with shortcuts, these features become readily accessible. This capability not only saves time but also opens up new ways to accomplish tasks that might have seemed convoluted before. By leveraging shortcuts, you can seamlessly switch between open applications, manipulate windows, and execute complex commands with ease.
A few common Windows keyboard shortcuts include:
Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + X (Cut), Ctrl + V (Paste)
Ctrl + Z (Undo), Ctrl + Y (Redo)
Ctrl + S (Save), Ctrl + P (Print)
Alt + Tab (Switch between open applications)
Windows key + D (Show desktop), Windows key + L (Lock your PC)
Mastering even a few keyboard shortcuts can transform your computing experience into a streamlined and efficient journey, allowing you to accomplish tasks faster, troubleshoot effectively, and access hidden functionalities with remarkable ease.
Learn more Windows Keyboard Shortcuts:
Protect Your Health From Your Tech
In today’s digital age, technology is an integral part of our daily lives. From computers and cell phones to tablets and other smart devices, we rely on these tools for work, communication, entertainment, and information. While technology undoubtedly offers immense convenience and efficiency, it also presents certain health risks if not used mindfully. That’s why it’s essential to consider building a few important habits and best practices when using technology, all of which are geared towards safeguarding your long-term health.
First and foremost, let’s address the impact of prolonged screen time on your physical well-being. Many of us spend extended hours in front of computer screens for work or to indulge in our favorite shows on tablets and phones. However, poor posture and prolonged sitting can lead to discomfort and even chronic health issues. By building a habit of maintaining good ergonomics – setting up your workspace properly and taking short breaks for stretching and movement – you can protect your physical health and prevent conditions like back pain, eye strain, and repetitive strain injuries. Make sure your chair and computer screen are set up so you can sit comfortably. Your screen should be at eye level, and your chair should support your back.
Additionally, excessive screen time can disrupt your sleep patterns and strain your eyes. It’s important to form the habit of monitoring your screen time, especially before bedtime. Following the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes, can help reduce eye strain. Consider using blue light filters or glasses to minimize the impact of screen-induced sleep disturbances.
Lastly, don’t forget about your mental health. Spending too much time on screens can make you feel stressed or down. Set limits on screen time, get active, and make time for hobbies and friends without screens. Try simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress. These practices may seem small, but they can have a significant long-term impact on your health and well-being.
Tech Tips: For The Techs
The best techs are those who generously share the valuable tips they come across every day. This culture of knowledge exchange fosters growth and equips everyone to face new challenges.
When one tech invests a substantial amount of time in solving a complex issue, passing on the solution to their peers becomes a priceless time-saver for anyone encountering a similar problem. We believe in the power of collaboration, and if you have any tech tips you’d like us to share, we encourage you to leave a comment!
You Should Use Microsoft PowerToys
For techs seeking to fine-tune and supercharge their Windows experience, Microsoft PowerToys is a name you should be well-acquainted with. Essentially, it’s a collection of utilities sanctioned by Microsoft, designed to aid power users and boost productivity. Among the numerous utilities within PowerToys, some stand out as exceptionally useful for IT and tech-minded professionals.
One example is the ColorPicker, an indispensable system-wide utility activated with a simple Win+Shift+C. This tool allows you to effortlessly extract colors from any part of your screen, copying them to your clipboard in a predefined format. What sets it apart is its built-in color editor, which maintains a history of your selected colors, offers fine-tuning options, and provides various string representations for the chosen color. Whether you’re designing a user interface or debugging a web application, ColorPicker becomes an indispensable companion in your daily workflow.
Another standout utility within PowerToys is FancyZones, a window manager that simplifies the creation of complex window layouts and the swift positioning of windows within those layouts. For IT professionals managing multiple windows during multitasking, FancyZones is a game-changer. It provides a visual layout editor, enabling you to define custom window zones that perfectly suit your workflow. This tool significantly enhances your efficiency by ensuring that windows are neatly organized on your screen, minimizing clutter and maximizing focus.
Lastly, File Locksmith is a must-have Windows shell extension within PowerToys for IT enthusiasts. This utility offers valuable insights into which files are currently in use and by which processes. A right-click on one or more selected files in File Explorer, followed by the “What’s using this file?” option, reveals the processes that have a hold on those files. This is immensely helpful for troubleshooting as it enables you to quickly pinpoint potential conflicts or problems.
Click the link below to learn more about Microsoft PowerToys.
Learn if Windows Updates Are Safe to Deploy
In the world of IT management, deploying Windows updates to all your managed computers is a critical but potentially risky practice. These days, it can feel like walking a tightrope between fixing security vulnerabilities and creating potential disruptions. This is where specialized Windows update news sources like AskWoody come into play, offering invaluable insights into the current landscape of Microsoft patches.
AskWoody, in particular, stands out with its comprehensive coverage of Microsoft updates. What sets it apart is its unique “Defcon” system, which serves as a risk assessment indicator for deploying Windows updates. By regularly consulting AskWoody and monitoring the Defcon rating, IT professionals can gain a clear understanding of the potential risks and benefits associated with each update. This allows them to make informed decisions about which updates should be deployed immediately, and which should be approached with caution or even delayed.
However, it’s crucial not to rely solely on one source for such critical decisions. Utilizing multiple news sources can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the latest updates. Different sources may highlight specific issues or benefits that others might miss. By cross-referencing information from several trusted sources, IT administrators can ensure that they make well-informed decisions that minimize potential headaches and issues stemming from problematic updates. When it comes to Windows updates, staying well-informed is key to achieving that delicate balance between security and stability.
Click the link below to learn more about AskWoody:
Who is Cyberficient?
More than just a catchy name, Cyberficient is a customer service focused Managed Services Provider (MSP) made up of seasoned tech professionals who pride themselves on being what your company deserves – the best of the best.
Our focus every single day is on our clients. We provide the guidance, support, and security in all aspects of technology that our clients need to succeed. Our guiding philosophy is that we’re not happy until our clients are happy. The growth and stability of your business is the cornerstone of our success.