Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Managed Network Services

As a business owner your time is precious and so is the money you spend on your business. Making sure that every penny is spent properly in an area that will best serve your business is important for continued success. Perhaps this is why so many business owners spend countless hours debating on how to move forward managing their network.

Keeping full-time IT professionals on staff is an extremely costly venture and with remote networking services available many business owners of all sizes are opting to go with managed network services. Not only are these services much more affordable than keeping an IT team on staff but business owners get peace of mind knowing that there is someone monitoring their networks 24/7 and can fix the vast majority of problems from an off-site location.

While an IT professional working in an office will spend countless hours working with firewalls, data backup, routing, troubleshooting, and even network monitoring, off-site managed networking services do this round-the-clock without ever necessitating that business owners pay overtime for such services. While managed network services aren't always the best option for some businesses the vast majority of businesses, both large and small, will benefit greatly from such services.

If your a business owner who is looking to cut those high IT costs, be sure to contact us and ask us about our managed network services. We can help your business save money and be more efficient at the same time.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, December 7, 2012

A Business On The Cutting Edge: IT Consultations

With the ever shrinking IT department being part of today's business world many business managers and owners find themselves in a conundrum. Having fewer IT professionals on the books and working in-house means that smaller teams must handle more work than ever. In some cases such scenarios can lead to a decrease in overall productivity and even costly networking fixes when a small team hits the proverbial wall and can no longer handle the tasks that a large team normally does.

When business managers and owners find themselves in this spot they tend to panic and will sometimes erroneously spend thousands of dollars on services aimed to fix the problems that their small team either could not fix themselves or are responsible for. There are solutions out there however that aim to help businesses with small IT staffs save time, money, and even increase network optimization and productivity throughout an office.

Any business that has stuck to the old way of doing things for far too long can benefit greatly from the services offered by a reputable IT consulting firm. Moreover so can those businesses that have continued to run poorly optimized networks for years on end. When business and its small IT staff work with an IT consulting firm new perspectives and ideas are introduced with the ultimate goal being a streamlined and efficient network. IT staffs will also benefit from IT consulting because new technologies and new information will be shared. This is effectively no different than sending a small IT staff back-to-school albeit at a much lower cost. Businesses that hire an IT consulting firm will find that the networks become less expensive to maintain, they'll have lower base costs, and are less likely to have incidents of errors and failures.

One of the biggest benefits to come from working with an IT consulting firm are cloud solutions. Cloud solutions essentially allow a business to store their data off-site and through the use of their computers browsers. It is an extremely cost efficient tool and when properly applied it will save businesses the hassles and high costs of on-site storage. It also helps reduce incidents and the risks associated with data loss.

In addition to cloud solutions IT consultation firms will also introduce businesses of to all types of cutting-edge technology, all of which are designed to help improve network functionality and productivity. Computing technology advances at a rapid rate and businesses can find themselves and the technology they employ obsolete in the blink of an eye. When working with an IT consultation firm however businesses will always be kept on the forefront of technology which will help their business, customers, and employees stay current and perhaps even one step ahead of the game.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT services, Orange County IT company and San Diego IT Services.

Shared Printing Devices

Both businesses and home users with multiple computers in their home can benefit greatly from utilizing a shared printer over a network. Not only does utilizing a single printer across one network negate the need to purchase multiple printers but it also cuts down on maintenance and repair costs as well as there is just one machine that needs help.

Integrating a new printer into an existing network, either home or business, can be a complicated process however and is one that can be frustrating for both savvy and un-savvy individuals. While home networks are generally much smaller than business networks introducing a new printer into such a network and making sure that all computers on a network recognize the new device is only half the battle. There are of course software issues to deal with and even operating system upgrades that might be necessary in order to accommodate any new device. Businesses will deal with these projects and then some. In addition to the aforementioned issues businesses will also have to contend with security measures in place and adapting a network to host a new printing device.

Once they've been properly implemented a single or even multiple printers being shared on a network bring a multitude of benefits to anyone who uses them. If you need assistance in setting up new printing devices in your office or on your home network please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Being Realistic About Search Engine Optimization Campaigns

When a business first begins to consider a foray into the world of search engine optimization there is often a lot of trepidations as well as plenty of expectations. It's not uncommon for businesses of all sizes to begin an SEO campaign only to drop out of it a few months later. This is a common occurrence in the SEO world only because many businesses begin an online marketing campaign holding onto and having been given unrealistic expectations.

The first thing that businesses and those in charge of them need to understand prior to beginning any SEO campaign is that competition online is extremely fierce, cutthroat, and competitive. Businesses will be competing directly with similar businesses not only in their local area but around the world as well. Many business managers and owners don't take this into consideration prior to or when first beginning an online marketing campaign and therefore quickly become disillusioned with the process when they aren't number one in the rankings and pulling enough money in to retire early. With online competition being as fierce as it is business owners and managers responsible for finding a firm that can effectively market their website and their company really need to dig deep and set plenty of time aside for research and even interviews. Speaking with clients of an SEO firm will give them a good idea of how they perform and how good they really are. The more creative an SEO firm and its staff is the greater the chance a business will have success in its online marketing campaign.

Businesses often begin an online marketing campaign and cancel the service shortly after due to cost. Despite the popular notion that you can start and stop anytime (and firms will allow you to) this puts businesses back to square one online. The bottom line is that any online marketing firm that tells a business or individual that the process is always cheap is being dishonest. While it's true that the costs of an SEO campaign very greatly from business-to-business most of the time cost will be determined by what a business wants to achieve online, who they want to usurp, and how aggressive they want to be. Those who spend the most money and work with a quality search engine optimization firm often received the most traffic and are ranked highly in the search engines. Those that spend less almost always underperform in their campaigns. Search engine optimization is online marketing and if a business is not prepared to market their products/services properly they're essentially throwing money down the drain.

In much the same way that businesses looking to cut financial corners with an online marketing campaign do, those businesses that go through a start, stop, start, stop process are also going to be wasting money and see unfavorable results. It's important for businesses and their managers/owners to keep in mind that these types of results are no fault of those being paid to run an SEO campaign but rather the fault lies with those businesses who engage in this practice. A successful search engine marketing campaign is a consistent one. Increasing and decreasing an online marketing budget also has a detrimental effect on results. Consistency is key and all businesses would do well to remember that prior to starting any online marketing campaign.

Many businesses and their owners/managers also go into the process thinking that the only thing that matters are rankings. While rankings are certainly an important piece of the online marketing jigsaw, they're not the complete puzzle. The true purpose of a search engine optimization campaign is driving traffic to a website. A search engine optimization firm with experience and creative resources will be able to effectively drive traffic to any businesses website regardless of ranking. Any business owner or manager who begins an online marketing campaign believing that only rankings matter or are an indicator of money well spent will find themselves disappointed in the process rather quickly.

There's a big misconception among persons outside of search engine optimization circles that says links are the most important aspect of search engine optimization. While links are certainly important they are just another piece of the puzzle. Just as it was at the turn of the millennium content is king.

Having good informative content that relates directly to a product and/or a service can really help drive traffic to websites. Of course less reputable search engine optimization firms will set up spam pages on websites that serve no purpose other than to bloat a website and fool search engines and people into believing there's something there that really isn't. Good content is considered unique while all other is considered spam. A search engine optimization team with a competent copywriter will be able to draft unique content for a businesses website and help set it apart from its competitors.

There are many other misconceptions and stigmas associated with the world of search engine optimization however these seem to be the most prevalent. Business owners and managers looking to start a successful search engine optimization campaign need to do so with these facts in mind.

Owners and managers need to be prepared to spend a set amount on their online marketing campaign each month and be consistent with the campaign. Patience is also key as nearly all search engine optimization campaigns take several months produce meaningful results.
TH2 specializes in Orange County SEO, Orange County search engine optimization and Orange County internet marketing.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Small Businesses And New Computers

There comes a point in the life of business where it remains small but becomes too large to not operate on a network that runs more than just one or two computers. When business necessitates the implementation of additional computers small business owners must not only contend with networking issues but must also begin to consider operating systems as well.

While the vast majority of small business owners utilize a computer or two that runs Microsoft's Windows, there are other more affordable alternatives available. Microsoft will charge small businesses, like they do all others, a per computer licensing fee that can become quite expensive for small businesses.

While Windows is certainly the most compatible and some would say efficient operating system for businesses to utilize, there are various forms of Linux and other independent open source operating systems that can work well, even on a long-term basis, for small businesses. With so many choices available however small business owners should seriously consider, at the very least, consulting with a professional computer firm in order to ensure that they are getting an operating system that best fits the needs of their business and budget. In some cases small business owners can take advantage of some of the free open-source operating systems out there which also include free office suites saving small business owners even more money though these aren't going to be right for every business.

Should you you be a small business owner who now needs to implement additional computers and operating systems into their business model please be sure to contact us so that we may provide you with the assistance you will surely need.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

VoIP Communications

Up until the last few years many business persons would simply pick up their phones when the need for communication arose with persons both in and out of an office. With broadband speeds ever increasing however and reaching some fairly impressive speeds, many businesses have begun or are at least considering a move over to VoIP communications for both on and off-site communications.

The basic idea or principle of VoIP communications is rather simple in that it networks two or more computers together for what is essentially an online phone call which sometimes includes video. Businesses who might be considering a move to this this type of communication however should be wary that while the principle behind this type of communication is indeed simple the set up and software/hardware involved isn't always without complications.

Any business considering implementing VoIP communications into their network should most certainly contact a professional as there are many things to consider. This should never be a decision business owners make on their own. Not only are hardware and software options for voice and video communications an issue but a professional will need to evaluate both the network and computers running on it to ensure that both are capable of handling the computing demands of VoIP communications. This will also be true of any portable devices that business persons intend to utilize for this type of communication.

When it is set up properly and good hardware and software are being utilized, voice communications can help businesses grow, expand, and be more efficient than ever. When these types of communication systems are set up haphazardly however the results can not only be less than stellar but can be quite frustrating as well. Should you have any questions about VoIP communications or wish to proceed in having such communications implemented within your office please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Wirelss Internet Issues

Wireless Internet can be a a real convenience when it works as it's supposed to and a terrible inconvenience when there's lag, dropped signals, and issues with downloads. This is true of both home users and individuals who utilize wireless Internet within an office.

When wireless Internet goes wrong it can result in not only frustration but loss of productivity as well. Many people will simply chalk it up to wireless technologies not really being up to snuff yet. Nothing could be further from the truth however. As any professional will tell you wireless Internet works very well once the routers that deliver the wireless signals to both homes and offices have been configured properly.

If you are a business owner or a home user and having problems with wireless Internet you'll want to contact a professional in order to have them evaluate your network set up. Things like firewalls and interference from neighbors and other computers can degrade a wireless signal to the point where it becomes unusable. A professional IT service should be hired to make sure that a router is delivering its wireless signals on a channel that isn't being used by neighbors and in some situations make sure that computers and other device that needs to be connected to the Internet doesn't need to be in DMZ mode.

If you're currently experiencing wireless frustrations and aren't sure how to correct the issues please don't hesitate to contact us so that we may be of assistance. A functional wireless router in both homes and offices can be extremely convenient and save some money but only when they are configured properly.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Off Site Data Protection Services: Of Great Importance To Businesses

Many businesses, regardless of size, spend a great deal of time debating whether or not to utilize off-site data protection services. Like life, nothing in business is perfect and businesses can expect plenty of problems from their networks and computers as time goes on. While most computer network issues can be fixed relatively quickly, data loss is far more detrimental to a business than any other type of computer problem. Not only does the company's network house its own information but it stores information on employee's, finances, programs, and of course customers. Losing any of this type of data can result in decreased productivity, loss of clientele, and plenty of downtime.

While some businesses may remain apprehensive about utilizing off-site data protection services the truth is that those that don't are essentially playing with fire. Not only that but it's only a matter of time before they get burned or the fire rages out of control. Once important data has been lost or damaged on on in house servers it can be expensive and sometimes impossible to retrieve. By utilizing off-site data protection services not only is in-house data protected by outside services but the company's data is stored off site as well and can be restored as needed.

There are those business owners who've weighed the risk of storing all company data on site and who remain steadfast in their desire to keep the status quo. In most circumstances these business owners believe that off-site data protection services are a waste of time simply because they may never need it. While it is true that business may never need to restore lost data from an off-site location chances are very high that they will at some point. Even in the rare instance where a business never utilizes their backed up off-site data, paying for such a service gives peace of mind to business owners, negating the need to ever have to worry about losing any important data. It essentially boils down to the old quote from Franz Kafka that says "“Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have.”

There is also a group of business owners who resist off-site data protection services simply because they believe that paying someone else to back up their data is a waste of time and that it can be done in-house by employees or themselves. While it's true that data can be backed up in house and employees can handle the task, a business will not get the additional protection that off-site data services provide. Not only is data backed up but it can be encrypted for safekeeping as well. Keeping businesses data safe from hackers and other potentially unscrupulous individuals should be enough to convince business owners in this group to employ a backup service.

In this day and age no data is safe, be it from hackers or from failing hardware and business owners would do well to remember that their data is essentially their businesses lifeblood in electronic form.

Any business owner who aims to be successful must consider some type of off-site data protection services lest they be faced with a possible disaster at some point in the future.
TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County data protection.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Slow Computer? Check Your RAM

It's an inevitable reality that all computers eventually begin to slow down. Over both short and long periods of time computers become bogged down with not only a number of different processes they must run but with things like spyware and malware as well. Of course even computers that are kept free and clean of these things eventually become slow.

Many businesses and even individuals will become frustrated and rush out to purchase a new computer in order to alleviate the problem. This course of action however is often the most expensive one anyone can take. Before any business owner, IT manager, or even personal home user rushes out to replace their existing computer with a new one they should first have a professional look at it to determine if improvements can be made to the PC in question.

One of the most common causes of slowdown over longer periods of time is a lack of RAM. While a computers processor is often equated to a human brain, the RAM in a computer is more or less the engine that drives that brain. As new and intensive programs are installed on a computer its resources are used to run those programs. As more and more are installed and most people multitask while working on a computer, individuals will begin to notice slowdown after some time. Adding more RAM however is often the cure to what ails a sluggish computer.

They're also other things that professionals can look at inside of a machine that will help them determine whether or not a computer's life can be extended through these types of additions though RAM is usually the first thing they'll check and one of the most important aspects to any machine.

Should you have a slow computer in your home or office or have questions about RAM please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance!


TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

O365 now at TH2


We have a lot of exciting things going on here at TH2 as of late, and we’ve been very busy getting it all ready for our users! We’ve upgraded our own Hosted Exchange offering and are in the process of moving our own accounts over to it. We are confident that we can provide a more seamless cutover to Hosted Exchange than ever before as well as being able to say that our uptimes are going to be better than ever. Also, you can be surer that your messages are recoverable in the event of a catastrophic event because of geo-redundancy that we now have as well. We are now also capable of hosting several other services for you as well, including SharePoint, SQL, Office (Web Version), and Lync! All the services have the ability to integrate into your Hosted Exchange account, so it’s a single sign-on for all the services. We are very excited to start migrating users to the new infrastructure, and sign new clients up. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed. It’s just one more way TH2 is working to remove your technology headaches.

Existing users will have a planed migration soon, so if you're already on TH2's Hosted Exchange solution, you'll be some of the first to reep the benifits of the new offering!

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Hiring IT Professionals - Free Network Evaluation

There are a lot of companies who offer IT services out there and many of them want you to simply take a look at their services and then hire them. We do things a little bit differently however and want anyone interested in our services to know exactly what they're getting before they hire us. We also want to make sure all of our would-be clients know exactly what it is going to cost them.

One of the ways we do this is by offering a free network evaluation. Our technicians will go over your network with a fine tooth comb and determine exactly where it needs improvement, where it's good, and even what it doesn't need. We're not interested in selling our clients services that their businesses do not need but rather want to make sure that their network runs optimally with services that it needs. Once our technicians have finished looking over a network we will provide you with our findings and a quote.

While it might be tempting to hire an IT firm simply because you're a tough spot or because you should have done so long ago, doing so almost always results in services that you won't need and services that you need but are going to get. Should you have any questions regarding our networking services please do not hesitate to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

The Pros and Cons Of Remote IT Support

Though the technology surrounding remote IT support has advanced rapidly over the last two years and is continuing to do so, many companies still remain undecided in debate heatedly the topic of on-site versus remote IT support. While remote IT support won't be right for every company there are some advantages and disadvantages that business owners should be aware of.

First on the pro side of things is efficiency. Remote IT support is fantastic for making minor day-to-day issues a thing of the past and easy to fix. Whereas in years past employees would have to wait for someone from the IT department to address their computer issues, professionals can now take control of a desktop from any location and see exactly what the employee is seeing and then get to work fixing the problem.

Remote IT support is also extremely cost-effective. Hiring an IT firm to provide your business with remote IT support negates the need to hire an on-site technician or full-time employee. Business owners will also be freed from having to spend money on IT employees travel time as well. When a business hires a firm for remote IT support their paying solely for the support and nothing else which is good news for all businesses. Not surprisingly, remote IT support also allows those who work within a field to get directly on top of a problem and fix it faster than ever before.

When it comes to remote IT support there are a number of drawbacks for businesses to consider but perhaps none are more important than face-to-face contact. Many business owners are quick to adopt remote IT support simply because it saves them money but sometimes face-to-face contact and communication is much more effective than is phone or some form of online communication.

Hired IT professionals that work in an office/on-site will have intricate knowledge of the business they're a part of. This allows them to initiate very specific methods and idiosyncrasies that will make a businesses network run all the more smoothly. On-site IT professionals will also have immediate access to decision-makers in the event issues arise and can simply walk down the hall to talk to them, expressing issues and/or desires for network.

With such a strong focus on software these days many business owners often forget that there is some pretty complicated hardware working behind the scenes as well. When a business has an on-site IT professional working for them hardware issues can be addressed immediately whereas individuals and firms who offer remote IT services will have to send their next available technician out to address the issue. While some hardware issues can be addressed remotely, the vast majority must be dealt with on site and quickly to boot.

Whether or not a business needs or should utilize remote IT support will be determined by a business's budget, need, and desire to be cutting edge. Business owners of all sizes should contact a professional IT service for a consultation before the decision to hire one is ever made. Not only can a consultation provide business owners with pricing and a plan for their business but it will give them a good idea of the company they'll be working with as well.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Cloud Services: Saving Companies And Their Data

There's a lot at stake and a lot of potential loss when a company's network and even its individual computers go down or malfunction in some manner. The amount of data lost on an employee's computer is bad enough but when data is lost because hard drives crash on servers a business must begin making difficult and quick choices and they sometimes even go out of business as a result.

In response to business data loss, many computer firms have begun offering cloud services. No doubt you've heard of cloud computing at some point within the last couple of years though you may not know much about it. Essentially and in a nutshell cloud computing allows individuals and businesses to store data off-site on somebody else's servers in order to protect, backup, and restore data when it is needed. Some of the businesses that utilize cloud services for data storage may keep the same data on site as well but many who utilize such services reduce IT costs tremendously by hosting all data on off-site location and even reduce the number of servers that must be used and kept running in-house.

Should the unthinkable happen and a business experience computer/network issues, once those have been resolved, cloud services can be utilized to restore both company and employee data across the board in a relatively short period of time. In this way cloud services actually save businesses quite a bit of money as one stroke of bad luck can cost a business without cloud services an unimaginable sum of money to fix.

While cloud services have only recently become available to businesses, prices have continued to fall which has allowed businesses of the medium and smaller sizes to protect their data and even reduce IT operating costs. Furthermore the majority of companies offering such services usually allow their clientele to customize a service package that meets both the business and budgetary demands. If you own a business and have not yet taken advantage of some type of cloud service do so now.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Orange County Data Recovery


Orange County Data Recovery

If you are a business with 5 or more computers experiencing TECHNOLOGY HEADACHES - like technicians who are unresponsive and never seem to fix things right the first time - then it's time to give us a try. We offer a 100% fix-it-right guarantee and also guarantee we'll respond to you within 60 minutes or less. In most cases, we'll be on site or offer remote help within 2 hours.

Orange County Data Recovery

Free Orange County IT Consultation Call 949.235.8742

Click here to contact us online


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Anti-Spyware Benefits And The Importance of Spyware Removal Software

Everyday you hear of someone losing information on their computers and of identity theft. If you own your own business, it might be even more destructive than that.
In today’s world almost every business and private individual, store vast amounts of information on their computers.

When you learn that someone may be trying to steal your information, it makes you want to strike back. Not physically of course, but to put a stop to it on your own computer and protect yourself. Anti-Spyware Removal Software will do just that if for no other reason than your peace of mind.
You’ll recognize when someone is trying to crash into your computers, and the software will prevent that from happening.

Suppose you have a list of all your new customers. If an unscrupulous individual searches for the information, and finds how much you have charged that customer and all of the intricate information, they can then steal the customer from you by undercutting your pricing. Or they could give your customers false information regarding you and your business. Trying to charge the individual with a crime is almost impossible, but there are other ways for you to protect yourself. And again, Anti-Spyware Removal Software will be your answer to them.

You will stop them in their tracks.

There may be other ways that you can use the Anti-Spyware Benefits as well. There are those individuals who delight in causing you difficulties and they’ll do everything they can think of to get even. You may not even be aware that it is happening until it is too late, and the damage has been done.

When you run the Anti-Spyware software on your computer it not only controls your computer security, but it protects the cleanliness of the entire system. Worms will not have a chance to do their dirty work. The Benefits continue to give you high-speed applications and will avoid system crashes.
Your computers will have more stability and you and your employees will be more efficient in all your daily work. A happy employee is a more proficient employee.

As you’re searching for an honest, and effective anti-spyware software make sure you purchase a genuine one. There are many fake anti-spyware that will do nothing to help you, and may even destroy the information you’re trying to protect. Don’t install any software that offers free anti-spyware. A genuine company will not give their products away, and if they offer it as an incentive to buy, check their references before you buy.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

CPU Cores And Business

In the past processor manufacturers AMD and Intel created and released processors with speeds that steadily increased by leaps and bounds. While the speed of CPU's still increase the rate at which they do is far slower than it once was. Nowadays both manufacturers focus more on adding cores to their processors than they do speed.

Computer speed is essential for businesses that process employee and client data on a consistent basis all day long. Employee productivity also rests on the capability of individual computers and/or terminals. To combat computer lag in the office and in the server room, Intel and AMD are testing and will eventually release processes that feature 32 cores. While both companies currently sell processors that feature dual, quad, six, and even eight cores, new applications for business and those in the near future will easily put those processes to the test.

Business owners looking to push productivity to its maximum and to minimize issues with computers in their network should be prepared to spend money on an upgrade sometime after 2013 or 2014 at the latest. This type of upgrade would dramatically reduce lag as well as a whole host of other issues related to business computing. Of course such an upgrade would be best handled by professionals when the time comes.

Should you have any question regarding business computing or even your CPU's performance please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Business And The Computer Virus

While computers have allowed businesses to operate far more efficiently than they did in the past and have allowed productivity to be streamlined, there are some negatives that come along with depending on computers and/or a network for business. Perhaps the biggest issues of all stems from Malware, spyware, and viruses.

Businesses should never take any of the aforementioned threats lightly. In doing so they open themselves, their network, and even their employees to a number of different issues that can cost a company time, money, morale, and of course clients. There's also the issue of liability should a businesses computers or network pass on something that causes another company or individual computer problems.

While there are many free programs that work well for individual computer users at home, businesses must be more stringent in their efforts to stop infections from ever being allowed into their networks. Fortunately advancing technologies have made antivirus software extremely affordable to even the largest and smallest of businesses.

Perhaps best of all however is the automation that comes along with many modern antivirus programs. Businesses can now hire an outside computer firm to not only install specialized software on their network that stops these infections at the door but it also sees the same firms monitoring their networks for infections from offsite locations. This means that business networks can be watched constantly for problems meaning there will be far fewer to deal with if any need to be dealt with at all.

Should you be a business owner or manager interested in an affordable yet modern antivirus software/program be sure to contact us and that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Computing The Future: Mobile Vs. Traditional

The personal computer has evolved greatly over last three decades. In the early 80s we had the Commodore 64 and Apple IIe. By the time the 90s rolled around we had Windows and Linux driven personal PCs. By the end of the 90s personal computers took on a whole new role within the home and transformed into entertainment centers that were just as important and frequently used as television sets.

Over the course of the last decade and in the first years of this one many have been quick to write the personal computer off and call it a thing of the past. Many so-called experts have predicted the death of the desktop and laptop several times over the last 10 or 12 years. Of course following each prediction the home computer undergoes another metamorphosis and gives people, families, and businesses more reasons to continue using them.

While these experts continue to tout portable machines as the future of both personal and business computing the truth is that both desktops and to lesser extent laptops will continue to thrive. Desktop and laptop machines will continue to thrive in both homes and businesses because of their computing power, their storage capacity, and they're open ended systems that allow for upgrades both software and hardware wise. While portable devices continue to grow in popularity there is no end in sight to the desktop and laptops we love using at home and at work.

Should you have any questions about your desktop or laptop via for personal or business use please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Cleaning the Inside of a Desktop Computer

How often and how thorough you need to clean the inside of your desktop computer depends a lot where your computer sits. Is it on the floor down where dirt, dust, hair, pet dander, and who knows what else can attack it? Your computer should sit on a desk or on a special table under the desk may work well for you. Any type of liquid, like coffee, soda or whatever needs to be moved completely away from the computer, and never, never, never set the cup or glass on the computer itself.

Not if, but when that liquid gets knocked over, never on purpose of course, but it does happen, so make sure the liquid is far and away from the keyboard, computer, mouse, etc. If you smoke, you should make the habit of leaving the area around your office equipment, because smoke damages electrical equipment just like your lungs. You know electricity and liquid do not mix. Crackers, cookies or chips don’t mix well with your keyboard either.

If your computer is up off the floor it should still be cleaned on a regular basis, and if the room or office is in a room by itself, all the better. Prevention is the name of the game, and when you learn to prevent accidents, your desktop computer and/or laptop will benefit. Before you begin to open up your desktop computer, unplug every cord attached, including the power cord, and remember where those cords belong when you’re finished with your housework. If you’re guilty of many of the things mentioned before you should do the cleanup every 3 to 6 months. If your computer has a lot of dust on it, remove the computer to a well-ventilated area. Not only is the dust bad for you but you’ll spread it over the entire room, and you’ll have to clean that too. The tools you’ll need to accomplish the cleanup will be a can of compressed air, clean cloths, and possibly a set of tools like screw drivers.

Optional things that will be helpful would be zip ties, scissors, cotton swabs, and pencils or pens, and some suggest a small paintbrush to reach areas that the compressed air doesn’t. Open the computer case, if you’re having trouble opening it you might contact your computer manual or go online for guidelines. Those guides will help you as you learn where dust and dirt collect. If you’re in doubt and need an expert’s opinion there are those available to help you accomplish this task.   

Th2 Tech specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County IT services and Orange County IT consulting.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Mobile Devices And Hosted Exchange

Mobile computing is essential to any business now-a-days. Things like tablets and smartphones have made "on the go" business accessible and affordable. Many business owners/managers however often overlook the importance of the laptop. More powerful and more practical, laptops remain the go to mobile devices for those who do business on the go.

Laptops unlike more popular smart devices can be synched to a company's network so as to give it's user instant access to company records, employee files, and important client information. Through hosted exchange services, business people of all types can stay in constant contact with their headquaters and with their co-workers and managers as well.

While things like smartphones and tablets are nice for personal computing, they are still limited in terms of business capabilities and things like hosted exchange services. This is why laptops still hold and will likely have a place in business for the foreseeable future.

If you're a business person who does business on he go or on the road and is in need of hosted exchange services, be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Small Business Computer Services

As small businesses begin to grow so do their needs. The need for employees, more working space, more storage space, and inevitably more demanding technological requirements are all things business owners must deal with as a company grows from small to medium and then to large.

Technological demands however often grow far faster than do most of the things in business. In order to stay afloat small-business owners must not only think on their toes with regards to technology but have a plan in mind long before the need for more technology arises.

It used to be that finding affordable computer and IT solutions was almost impossible for small businesses. These days however there are a large number of firms that cater to both small businesses and businesses of all sizes. Furthermore there often packages available that are aimed specifically at small businesses.

TH2 Technologies offers companies of all sizes the technological help it needs. Furthermore we work closely with businesses to not only to help them automate their networks and keep them up-to-date but to help them keep technology costs low and even plan for the future.

Should you be a small-business owner who needs to rein in technological costs or need assistance in setting up and automating a network please be sure to contact us that we be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Computer Terminals: Saving Money And Time

With businesses heavily automating their networks in an effort to save money many of these same companies are also ditching the individual employee PC model and replacing it with a more cost-effective terminal.

For many years terminals were found only in places like hospitals or extremely large companies. These days however the rising costs of new PCs and the licensing fees for individual operating systems has forced companies to reevaluate this part of their technology plan.

Terminals function much like individual PCs do but do not require individual operating system licensing fees nor do they have parts that need to be upgraded nor fixed. Terminals connect directly to and run off of the network. This means a lot less hassle for employees, higher productivity, and less time spent fixing individual computer issues.

Should you be a businesses looking to replace individual computers with terminals please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Small Businesses And Hosted Exchange Service

Large businesses typically have no problems setting up communication systems that allow their employees to not only stay in contact with colleagues wherever they go but access company information while on the road, at home, and even from their phones. Until recently however small businesses often struggled in areas of both inner office and external office communications mainly due to the high cost once associated with such technologies.

These days however small businesses can utilize hosted exchange services at a relatively low cost which essentially grants them access to the same technologies that only large companies were once able to afford. A small business with hosted exchange services in place will not only see a service that functions as a data backup service but one that also allows all employees to stay in contact with their coworkers and access important company information regardless of their location.

Hosted exchange services will allow employees of small businesses to schedule meetings, book conference rooms, and even access coworkers and clients information from virtually any location on the planet. Hosted exchange services essentially allow small businesses to operate with the efficiency seen in large businesses without ever missing a beat.

If you have any questions about hosted exchange services for your business, either large or small, please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Upgrading To Windows 8? Don't Forget The Touchscreens

Preparing a business for major operating system overhaul or upgrade is not only an expensive endeavor but one that must never be taken lightly. While most new operating systems function on computers that are anywhere from one to three years old, there are those operating systems that, from time to time, require or benefit greatly from new hardware.

Such is the case with Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8. While Windows 7 is virtually Windows Vista 2.0, Windows 8 is an all-new beast. The operating system promises to not only provide users with a graphical interface strikingly similar to that found on Windows phones but the emphasis placed on touchscreen technology is really the highlight of the operating system.

Businesses considering an upgrade to Windows 8 would do well to keep in mind that while the operating system will indeed work with a keyboard or mouse, to get the most out of it employees will need to be using touchscreens. Utilizing touchscreens will allow employees to be more productive and more efficient with their work and ultimately help them stay more organized.

If you own a business that is planning on upgrading to Windows 8 this autumn be sure to give heavy consideration to upgrading your company's monitors to touchscreens as well. Windows 8, while functional without a touchscreen, is almost a useless upgrade for businesses. Should you have any questions about touchscreens, operating systems, or the upcoming Windows 8 please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in

Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Your Choice – Laptop vs Desktop

It’s true the choice is yours; whether you want a laptop or a desktop computer. There are many reasons why a person would want one as opposed to the other. The biggest reason may simply be space. Do you have enough space to set up a desktop computer in an area and leave it there permanently? If not, then the laptop may be your best choice.

The next questions you should answer: What will you use the computer for? Will you use it for your business?  Will you have to transport it? Then you won’t want a desktop. What are the basic needs for your computer? Will you use it mainly for e-mail or word processing and just browsing the internet? Both types of computers would work well for you.

What about your budget? Laptop computers usually cost more but the gap between them and the desktop has decreased over the years. They can cost between $20-$125 more and in some instances a great deal more. With each new development in computers what works well today may be obsolete tomorrow.

Will you want your computer to travel with you? The laptop would be your only choice. Remember a laptop computer can sit right on your lap for those who don’t know exactly what a laptop computer is. The laptop normally has a bag where it fits perfectly and is suitable for traveling. If you don’t have that bag, a small luggage (with wheels) works as well, but make sure the computer is secure within the bag.

If you’re a serious gamer a desktop may work better for you. However some prefer to use their laptop. Wireless computers brought the laptop into competition with the desktop because they don’t have to be attached by a cord for the internet. The laptop gives you the freedom to move your computer from room to room, and the desktop is installed in a permanent spot.

It doesn’t matter what the experts say because even they don’t agree which computer is best. Both computers have their advantages and disadvantages. With the wireless laptop it may become an extension of your arm because it’s always by your side.  When that is the case, you’ll never want the cumbersome desktop.

The big box stores usually have no one who can help you, so when you’re in doubt, search for a professional who will be able to answer all of your questions.

TH2 specializes in Orange County IT Support, Orange County Computer Services and Orange County Computer Support.

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

TH2 Client Video Testimonials

Happy New Year! We are so excited to share with you what our clients have to say about us...

TH2 Client Video Testimonials

Tad Duke of The G&D Group
http://youtu.be/ctNeWute2Tg

Dr. Jason Ballou, Ballou Dental Arts
http://youtu.be/rL5rUBz0lVM

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

USB Technology

One of the most common features that computer users have enjoyed since the PC became popular is the USB port. Universal serial bus or USB that was developed and put into use in the mid-1990s. USB was designed to carry both data and two PCs and/or portable devices.

The creators of USB set out to create a standardized connection unit for computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, cameras, printers, etc. Over time however USB's usage expanded to include things like video game consoles, controllers, cell phones, and in some cases television sets. In fact the technology is so popular and in such high demand that the tech has seen two major upgrades. USB 2.0 released in April of 2000 and USB 3.0, the most recent release.

USB 3.0 allows for extremely fast transfer rates between computers and secondary devices which makes it great for moving things like movies and other media library items from one device to another. USB 3.0 can also be used to charge things like cell phones and video game controllers.

If you're looking for a new computer and expecting USB 3.0 to be included be thorough when looking over the machine you interested in. Many of these machines were built before USB 3.0 was released and/or affordable and you may wind up with USB 2.0 if you're not careful. Should you have any questions about USB technology, your USB ports, or computers in general please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery, Orange County IT Support, and Orange County Computer Services.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Touch Screen Computer Monitors

Most laypersons are unaware of their existence but touch screen computer monitors have been available for several years now. Additionally most recent computer operating systems support touchscreen monitors and applications but until recently many of these monitors were very expensive and didn't always work as advertised.

As the technology surrounding touchscreen monitors has advanced and become more commonplace  prices have steadily dropped making them more affordable and of course more practical for both home and business use. Their three basic systems that are used in monitors to recognize a person's touch.

Touchscreen Technologies:
All three technologies have advanced to the point were they all work well with all of the applications designed for them and can save people at home and in the office a lot of time. Best of all, touchscreen monitors and the operating systems that support them, including the upcoming Windows 8, also support mouse and keyboard functions giving users the best of both worlds which helps increase productivity.

Should you have any questions about touchscreen monitors or should you wish to incorporate them into your business or home please be sure to contact us so that we may help you.

TH2 specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery, Orange County IT Support, and Orange County Computer Services.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Is It Time For A New PC?

When the need for a new computer arises consumers face a myriad of choices. There is of course a plethora of different companies who manufacture computers but there's also the issue of cost, performance, reputation, and in some cases whether or not to build a computer from scratch or to purchase one from an electronics store.

Generally speaking the more tech savvy the individual the more likely it is that they'll opt to put together a computer from scratch. Visiting electronics stores like Fry's and Best Buy will allow such individuals purchase individual pieces of a computer which usually add up to less than what a prebuilt machine costs. For the other 90 something percent of individuals who aren't extremely tech savvy both of these retail chains as well as several others carry some very fine prebuilt PCs. Technology has advanced so rapidly and come so far that even budget PCs boast above average power and resources so an individual no longer needs to be wealthy in order to afford a great PC.

The one other choice individuals face when the time comes for new computer is the issue of operating system. Unless an individual is building their own computer there is a 99.999% chance that the computer they purchase from a retail outlet will be installed with Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. There are alternatives however and some stores and online retailers will allow individuals to select their operating system.

Should you be in need of a new computer and need some help in determining what you need in a new machine please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

TH2 specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery, Orange County IT Support, and Orange County Computer Services.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Operating Systems: A Major Upgrade Is On Its Way

A computer's operating system is extremely important especially whereas business computers are concerned. While it can be extremely inconvenient and even quite troublesome for home users who run into issues or deal with an outdated operating system, businesses who face the same headaches face a number of others as a result. A business utilizing an outdated or irreparable operating system throughout their office or network face an uphill struggle as well as some difficult decisions. The high cost of purchasing a new operating system for one computer is expensive enough but purchasing a large number of licenses for the entire office/network can range from strenuous on a businesses finances to downright impossible when dealing with smaller businesses.

In years past businesses have avoided operating system upgrades not only because of cost but because of compatibility issues and integrating functionality as well. Of course it goes without saying that the majority of businesses utilize some version of Microsoft's popular Windows operating system. While Windows has continued to improve over the years in some aspects functionality, ease-of-use, and compatibility, issues have plagued almost every new release since the release of Windows 2000. This is especially true of Windows Vista which not only wasn't initially compatible with a lot of the things that Windows 2000 and Windows XP were but the operating system required far more resources and power to run than its predecessors did. For this reason alone the vast majority of businesses avoided upgrading to Windows Vista and held on tight to Windows XP until the release of Windows 7.

While Windows 7 is definitely a huge improvement over the lackluster Vista, there are still some businesses utilizing Windows XP. While these businesses may not need the most modern operating system for their networks they do face a number of challenges especially when dealing with the compatibility of new technologies. Introducing networking and business technologies to a network of XP computers can be challenging and in some cases impossible.

Recently however Microsoft placed a heavy focus on its upcoming Windows 8 operating system which promises to be as different from Windows 7 as Windows XP was from Windows 98. At the Consumer Electronics Show of 2012, Microsoft not only showed off some of the features of Windows 8 but proudly announced that all computers built with Windows 7 would be immediately compatible with Windows 8. While there was no mention of how or if XP and Vista computers will be capable of running Windows 8, the fact that Windows 7 machines will have no problem running the new operating system likely means that computers just a few years older than those most likely won't have any problems either.

Windows 8 is the operating system that businesses have been waiting for. Not only are its resource requirements extremely low and not only will they have little to no problem running the new operating system but the operating system itself will be powered by applications much like those found on cell phones and will also be Kinect compatible which will allow users to control a computer with their hands in their voice as well as a mouse and a keyboard. Businesses who have remained apprehensive about upgrading their operating systems, especially those still running Windows XP, should seriously give Windows 8 heavy consideration. It's due out at the end of 2012 which gives business owners plenty of time to plan for and begin budgeting for a major operating system upgrade.

Questions about Windows or another operating system? Need help with an operating system upgrade? Be sure to contact us and that we may be of assistance

TH2 specializes in:

Orange County Data Recovery, Orange County IT Support, and Orange County Computer Services.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Hosted Exchange Services Are Vital Keys To Business Success

Today's competitive marketplace necessitates the need for businesses to utilize hosted exchange services. Such services are necessary to not only "keep up with the Joneses" but to meet and exceed business and consumer expectations at every turn. Utilizing hosted exchange services allows businesses to store their data online and have access to it any time from any location on the planet. Such services not only prevent data loss but are also helpful in supporting the ongoing productivity of a company as well.

With every seconds that passes there is a greater number of companies that enter into the foray of online business. With greater competition comes a greater need to extend business hours which means even if a company doesn't pay employees to work around the clock, many of the higher-ups in a specific company as well as the owners will find themselves having to work well into the evening and even on some weekends and holidays. In order to do so however and in order to have access to their company's data while away from the office they'll need hosted exchange services of some sort.

Hosted exchange services also allow businesses to communicate, without interruption, with all of their employees, business partners as well as their existing and potential client bases. These types of services therefore allow persons working within a company to stay in constant contact with each other and their client bases during travel and in their time spent away from their workstations and offices.

While there are a will undoubtedly be some business owners, especially those who own small businesses, who believe that they they will be unable to afford hosted exchange services, the truth is that the technology has advanced so rapidly and is offered by a myriad of different companies that even small business owners should have no problem finding a company that offers hosted exchange services at a very fair price.

Business owners who want to stay on the cutting edge of technology both for the benefit of themselves and their client base need to seriously consider adopting hosted exchange services if they have not already. The few businesses that opt out of these types of services generally struggle to survive or disappear after a relatively short amount of time. A simple search on the Internet and a few hours scrutinizing those results should give any interested business owner more than a few phone numbers to call and a few firms to speak with. In today's business world of the quick and the dead what choice to business owners really have?

TH2 specializes in Orange County data recovery, Orange County IT support, and Orange County computer services.