Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably > NetSparsh

Home
>
Small Business
>
Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably

Computer Tips that Help Small Businesses Operate Profitably

When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big business profits; however, get booted off your computer and you're suddenly starving. In most instances, computers usually act up due to lack of care by its owners. Here are four computer tips that'll keep you up and running smoothly.

Tip #1 -- Back up your computer's data no less than once a month.

Too often a small business is thrust back to infancy because it didn't take time to back up precious data; information that took hours upon hours to create. Information that's irreplaceable, such as customer databases or employment contracts. Keep in mind you'll want to back up your written data as well as check books such as Quicken and email address books. If your computer has a CD writer, it's simple and quick to back up your data. Simply select the files and folders you want to back up and copy them to the writer.

Or if you have an older computer, copy your most important files to a floppy disk. Either way, don't stop there; now take the CD or disk and store it in a fire-safe box! To expedite the process, organize your files within folders so you can quickly grab and copy one or two folders.

Tip #2 ? Don't turn off your computer every evening.

Too frequently computer users turn their computers off every evening. This is unnecessary and not recommended. A computer's components are at their most vulnerable when turned on and off. When a computer has to heat up [turn on] or cool down [turn off] it's at this precise moment components fail. It's recommended you turn your computer off once or twice a week or only when necessary, such as from a power outage. However, don't do the opposite and never turn your computer off, since many anti-virus programs require a computer reboot be performed before new virus patches take effect.

Tip #3 -- Automate anti-virus software so it updates automatically no less than once a week.

Depending on your software, you may need to prompt it to update. Unfortunately, there are people with too much time on their hands who desire to attack and make your computer unusable. A computer user is not ultimately protected from viruses and spyware [pop-ups, cookies, etc.] unless you're using a combination of anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall, a piece of hardware that protects computers from being hacked. You must have all three pieces in order to ward off viruses, lurkers and attacks. What's more, most of the attacks are very quiet. You don't know someone is on your computer. Instead, they secretly store information, such as child pornography or music MP3s on your computer, since it's illegal, and redirect child-porno or MP3 seekers to your computer instead of theirs.

Tip #4 -- Install a firewall if you keep your computer constantly on.

Using a broadband or DSL connection dramatically increases your exposure to being hacked. It only takes an average of 15 minutes being online before a home-based computer is attacked. The only true way to protect a computer from a hacker is to install a hardware firewall. It's a misconception that software-based firewalls ultimately defend computers. This is simply not true. Computers must have a hardware firewall for ultimate protection, such as a SonicWall or Netscreen firewall, a component installed between a home user's cable or DSL connection and their computer.

About The Author

Sharron Senter is co-founder of VisitingGeeks.com - an on site computer repair, security and networking company that helps families, home power users and small businesses north of Boston, Southern NH and Maine. Visiting Geeks' technicians are crackerjacks at squashing viruses, pop-ups and securing and making computers perform faster. To reach Visiting Geeks call (978) 346-4087 or visit http://www.VisitingGeeks.com. Sharron's also the author of, "Make Money While Sleeping." Learn more at http://www.sharronsenter.com/fs_increase_seo.shtml

In The News:

Best free software for small businesses TechRadarSave money and make more of the stuff with our ultimate small business software selection.

25 Hobbies You Can Transform into a Small Business Small Business TrendsWith a little research and investment, it really is possible to turn these 25 pastimes into hobbies that make money as a small business.

Think your small business is too small for Big Data? Think again TechGenixYour business may be small, but you still must make big decisions. Unless you are leveraging Big Data solutions, you are stumbling in the dark.

Tucker's owners selected as Small Business Persons of the Year The Union LeaderSince 2014, “Good Eats, Great People” has been a winning formula for Tucker Restaurant Group LLC — better known as Tucker's.

The Surprising Reason Your Small Business Defined Benefit Pension Plan May Be Underperforming ForbesAre you concerned that the defined benefit pension retirement plan you have for your small business is not getting the investment return it should? It may not be ...

IONTAS wins 'Small Business of the Year' category at Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards 2019 News-Medical.netIONTAS Limited, a leader in the discovery and optimization of fully human antibodies, has won 'Small Business of the Year' category at the Cambridge News ...

Simson fears for small biz marketers https://www.innovationaus.com/Something needs to be done about the concentration of digital advertising around Facebook and Google, with both regularly changing the rules so there is little ...

9 Small Business Development officials suspended over corruption allegations DestinyManThe department in a statement said it has so far on Thursday issued nine precautionary suspension letters, of which seven are against Black Business Supplier ...

7 must have small business tools for success BuzznetThere are many small business apps and gadgets available on the market today. Some can be called a novelty but many are an essential part of running a ...

Apple Drops The Price On Several Expensive Mac Upgrades...And Other Small Business Tech News This Week ForbesHere are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them? 1 — Apple dropped the price on several ...

Why Would a Fox News Anchor Leave to Start His Own Small Business? Small Business TrendsOn this week's radio show, Barry Moltz talks with Clayton Morris, a former FOX News anchor, about how to use media to expand your business.

10 Onboarding Best Practices Every Small Business Should Follow Small Business TrendsOnboarding is the process where new employees get introduced to all the behaviors, skills and knowledge they'll need. Here's 10 onboarding best practices.

Chicago Workshop Teaches Small Businesses about the Voice of the Customer Small Business TrendsShares. |. Print This Article · Email this Article. 0. Shares. Email this Article Print This Article. Voice actor business. The Voice of the Customer (VOC) grows louder ...

Eskom rolling powercuts hurting small businesses IOLJOHANNESBURG – The Small Business Institute (SBI) has urged the government to redouble efforts to end the rolling power blackouts implemented by ...

Taxes for Business Owners Are More Complicated Than Ever. Here's What You Need to Know Inc.Small business owners can avoid tax reform confusion this tax season with a few simple tips and resources.

Federal disaster loans available for small businesses in 3 East Tennessee counties WJHL-TV News Channel 11NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Small businesses in three East Tennessee counties can apply for federal economic injury disaster loans as a result of flooding from ...

Backyard Banter: Three ways to access finance as a small business owner Stuff.co.nzSmall business owners are finding it harder to get the finance they need from traditional lenders.

Small Business Encouraged to Take Advantage of $14 Billion Stimulus Package Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information ServicePresident of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Winston Lawson, making his presentation at the Jamaica Deposit Insurance Corporation ...

Small business focus: Encouraging next generation to see and seize their opportunities Press and JournalHere we speak to Richard Jones, founder and director of the Farmer Jones Academy in Cawdor, near Nairn. How and why did you start in business?

SME lending: 56% of the country saw value of loans fall last year http://smallbusiness.co.ukThe value of bank loans to SMEs has fallen by over half in the past year, especially in areas industry and manufacturing heartlands.

16 businesses named finalists for 2019 Small Business of the Year Award WSAWThe Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2019 Small Businesses of the Year Awards. Sixteen businesses and ...

3 Reasons Your Small Business Should Be Creating More Visual Content Black EnterpriseSmall business owners who increase the amount of visual *content* that they share on social media can significantly improve their audience engagement rate.

Small Businesses in Starkville Flourish on Game Days WCBISTARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The Mississippi State Women's basketball team shot hoops at home Sunday night and with a big game comes big crowds.

House Members Want American Small Business Exports to Rise Small Business TrendsWhen it comes to exporting, small businesses face considerable hurdles. The House aims to help small businesses by improving the SBA Step Program.

Hattiesburg salon owner puts on small business seminar WDAMA local salon owner is taking strides to help aspiring entrepreneurs by hosting a small business seminar.

NFIB releases Pennsylvania Small Business Scorecard for March 2019 Pennsylvania Business ReportThe National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently released its small business scorecard for Pennsylvania for 2019. © Shutterstock. NFIB gave a ...

BPCC named Louisiana Small Business Development Center Partner of the Year Bossier Press-Tribune OnlineBossier Parish Community College (BPCC) has received the 2019 Louisiana Small Business Development Center Resource Partner of the Year Award.

Intuit Tweaks QuickBooks Subscriptions, Again--and Small Business Owners Aren't Happy Inc.Intuit, the maker of popular QuickBooks accounting software, is tweaking the terms of its online subscription plans next month--and some business customers are ...

Small Businesses Like Mine Need Paid Family and Medical Leave CounterPunchTen years ago, my husband and I opened a specialty oil and vinegar shop. Early on, we learned that our store would be only as good as the people who work in ...

ATO resolves leave loading question for small business The Australian Financial ReviewTax experts have welcomed a new ATO decision on long-standing questions about leave loading arrangements, set to help business operators.

Our crumbling infrastructure is failing small businesses | TheHill The HillDaniel Speer had a simple task: Visit three clients of his home remodeling company in and around Washington, D.C.. While conversations with each client ...

How three small Victoria brands grew from social media DynamicBusinessMore and more small businesses are growing their brands using online platforms and building presence, following and revenue. The power of social media was.

10 Ways to Improve Your Business, Online and Offline Small Business TrendsShares. |. Print This Article · Email this Article. 0. Shares. Email this Article Print This Article. To run a successful business in 2019, you need to incorporate both ...

Pauline Nguyen on how to be happy while running a small business ABC NewsCo-running a successful business meant Pauline Nguyen's health and relationships suffered. This was until she found the joy in running a business.

How IoT Can Help Small Businesses TeleAnalysisWhat exactly is the Internet of Things (IoT), I hear you ask? Simply put, it is the connection of a multitude of devices that connect to the internet and can be ...

No, it’s not money — this is the one thing small businesses need to succeed, according to survey Business InsiderKabbage recently polled 600 thriving US small business owners to better understand their cash flow issues and found that a third of them started with less than ...

How small businesses are impacted by tax reform CNBCSmall business owners are benefiting from a business deductions in the tax code but the change to the individual tax code expires after 2025. So what does this ...

Security camera catches thief stealing watches from small business in Phoenix AZFamilyThe owner of a watch shop in Phoenix said he's out money after someone broke into his shop and stole $12000 worth of watches.

Small businesses cheer Trump tax reforms, but some feel they didn't go far enough CNBCTax breaks enacted to help small businesses aren't permanent, and that's made it difficult for business owners to make long-term decisions.

How Small Businesses Can Master The Art Of Selling On Amazon ForbesEveryone knows Amazon is killing America's small businesses — right? Believe it or not, many small business leaders say just the opposite. When commercial ...

Keep your business booming: Five keys to small business success Forbes IndiaA Seattle entrepreneur speaks about the things to keep in mind to improve chances of small business success.

Amazon Selling Partner Conferences Sell Out in Six Weeks, with 1,800+ Small and Medium Sized Businesses Set to Learn about How to Build and Grow their Sales Online Associated PressThis *content* is a press release from our partner Business Wire. The AP newsroom and editorial departments were not involved in its creation.

Small Business: Ready-to-eat meals, Fed is doing it old school New Zealand HeraldBecky Erwood, co-founder of ready-to-eat meals company Fed, discusses opportunities in the market and fewer options available in New Zealand. What does ...

Hulu’s ‘Small Business Revolution’ Announces Searcy’s 6 Small Businesses To Be Featured On The Show KFSM 5NewsonlineSEARCY, Ark. — On Friday, March 22, Small Business Revolution hosts Ty Pennington and Amanda Brinkman made their way to Searcy to reveal the top six ...

Universal health care would benefit my small business | TheHill The HillAsk someone living in Canada, the U.K., Australia or any other country that has a universal, single-payer or national health-care system and they'll certainly tell ...

6 handy tools to run your business from home Economic TimesWhile it has become easy to start a small business these days, the day-to-day management can be tough. ET Wealth lists useful tools that can make the running ...

Tax appeal changes a victory for small business in ATO battle The AustralianDespite the turmoil in Canberra, Australia now looks set to have a fair tax appeal system for small business, the biggest step to promote Australian ...

Six Searcy small businesses selected for 'Small Business Revolution' www.fox16.comThey are Savor & Sip, Zion Climbing Center, noomaLIFE, Whilma's Filipino Restaurant, El Mercado, and Organic Woodwork.

4 Ways a Small Business Can Hold on to Key Employees The Motley FoolBefore you make a major effort to keep an employee from leaving or lock the person up for the long term to keep him or her from even considering going ...

House price falls could spill over into small business, financial regulators warn ABC NewsFalling house prices could spill over into small business lending, squeezing already tight credit conditions and their ability to raise much needed cash, according ...

5 mistakes small businesses make with social media [column] LancasterOnlineNavigating the world of social media as a small business can seem overwhelming, and the questions surrounding it can be endless. What platforms should you ...

Nine small business development officials suspended over corruption claims IOLSeveral officials of the Department of Small Business Development have been suspended with immediate effect.

Joburg small businesses scrambling to stay afloat as load shedding takes toll EWNSmall companies and entrepreneurs have been hit the hardest and have been given little hope by Eskom CEO Phakamani Hadebe, who warned that it could ...

What small businesses need to know about Federal Budget 2019 Financial PostCFIB president Dan Kelly says small businesses have reason to worry over some of the measures introduced in the budget.

3 Big-Business Things a Small Business Must Do The Motley FoolIt's not always easy to compete, but there are a few areas in which it's important to figure it out.

What is the Biggest Moment in the 25 Year History of Digital Marketing? Small Business TrendsAs he looks at the future of customer experience, Brent Leary discusses the past history of digital marketing as well with Ginger Conlon.

How to Make Your Small Business Look More Attractive Using Social Media Tech in AfricaStarting a business in this digital era offers you the opportunity to gain success, especially with the help of social media. Social media provides you tons of ...

Want more small business shine? Grow your Twitter universe USA TODAYMost entrepreneurs fail to take advantage of all the ways a booming Twitter network can enhance their small business.

Digital Lending To Small Business Set To Surge, Says BCG-Omidyar Report BloombergQuintIf payments were the chosen flavor of the fintech universe a few years ago, then digital lending, particularly to small business, is the newest opportunity attracting ...

Sample small business thank you letters to get you started Small Business TrendsExpressing appreciation to clients and employees doesn't have to be a chore. See these sample small business thank you letters.

Hayne inquiry inflames small business lending pain: KPMG The AustralianThe royal commission into financial services has increased the difficulty for small businesses obtaining a loan, a new survey reveals.

39% of Small Business Hires This Year Will Be Sales and Marketing Staff Small Business TrendsThe latest report on small business 2019 recruiting trends from Clutch says 39% of businesses will be adding sales and marketing employees.

Here are the four dangers of business underinsurance IOLA common short-term insurance peril that many SMEs face when submitting a claim following an insured event is the risk of being underinsured.

Small business tsar intervenes over late-paying Ryvita This is MoneyPaul Uppal, the Small Business Commissioner, has rebuked Jordans & Ryvita for being slow to pay Magellan Design.

Cannabis Thought Leader: 'It's Inevitable' Big Pot Will Stifle Small Business CheddarBy Chloe Aiello. As more companies test the waters of the legal hemp and cannabis industries, "it is only inevitable" behemoths in alcohol, tobacco, and ...

Small Business Hiring Breaks Record The Wall Street JournalThe great American jobs machine is still roaring. Slowing global growth and trade friction may cloud the economic horizon, but U.S. small businesses in ...

Survey: Texting customers is the new email NewsdayAn email can linger in customers' inboxes for days, but it's harder for them to ignore a text, which is why more businesses are reaching out this way for a ...

DOE Announces $100 Million in Small Business Innovation and Technology Funding Energy.govWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer ...

Microsoft: Windows 10 Will Auto-Uninstall Buggy Updates...And Other Small Business Tech News This Week ForbesHere are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them? 1 — Microsoft: Windows 10 can now ...

Incubators help entrepreneurs thrive during crucial startup period Standard-TimesIf you have an idea for a small business, you owe it to yourself to learn about the San Angelo Business Factory.

Seven Deadly Sins: The Unknown Laws That Cost Your Small Business A Fortune ForbesMany small businesses have no idea they are flouting the law by not obeying obscure regulation, but getting caught could mean expensive fines, penalties and ...

Social Media Management for Small Businesses: How to Do It Black EnterpriseThe internet has 4.2 billion users, 3.4 billion of whom are actively using social media. Clearly, social media management for small businesses is necessary if you ...

Government Experiments Mean More Funding for Small Companies Carnegie Mellon UniversityCMU researchers have created a database to help companies make use of public funding.

The Case for Big Business The Wall Street JournalEveryone loves the little guy, but Robert Atkinson argues large corporations are more innovative and better to employees.

Tell us about your favorite mom-and-pop business in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay TimesAre you a regular at a mom-and-pop shop in the area? Maybe it's a bodega down the street, a family-owned dry cleaning shop or a father-and-son nursery.

These are the new definitions for micro, small and medium enterprises in South Africa BusinessTechMinister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has published a new government gazette amending the definitions of micro, small and medium ...

Small businesses struggle to find qualified candidates, report finds CNBCMarty Mucci, president and CEO of Paychex, joins "Squawk Box" to explain Paychex's small business job index report. The discussion touches on the struggles ...

Cincinnati restaurateur named Ohio’s Small Business Person of the Year Cincinnati Business CourierThe owner of a Mount Washington restaurant that began in modest fashion five years ago is the recipient of a prestigious state award.

Duplin County farmer named 'Small Business Person of the Year' in NC WCTI12.comA Duplin County farmer, who is a Canadian immigrant and naturalized U. S. citizen, has been named the 2019 SBA North Carolina Small Business Person of the ...

5 Companies That Prove You Must Evolve to Thrive Inc.Innovation is, and must be, an ongoing process. These five companies demonstrate how continual evolution leads to success.

New project The Hub to help Felixstowe's small businesses thrive | Business Ipswich StarMayor of Felixstowe Graham Newman and chairman of Felixstowe Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Roger Abbott, at the launch of The Hub Picture: PATRICK ...

How to protect your small business from the dark web TechRepublicEducation, monitoring and response tools, and training about the dark web are essential to protecting your small business from cybercriminals.

Gov. Abbott invites local entrepreneurs to small business conference in Edinburg MonitorSouth Texas entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business can attend a Small Business Conference on Friday, March 29 in Edinburg, according to a ...

What’s the magic number for cash in a small business? Here are strategies to figure that out. Philly.comAsk any small-business owner and you'll be told that having plenty of cash in the bank is probably the most important indicator of our financial health.

Mouthguard maker, artificial intelligence company win 'small business of the year' awards MLive.comA Saline mouthguard company will receive the "Best Small Business" award in May through the Michigan Small Business Development Center.

New Data Breach Trends: Small Business Identity Records Now Target #1 for Hackers CPO MagazineNew 4iQ report indicates that data breaches were up by over 420% from 2017, exposing a total of almost 15 billion identity records. Small businesses are being ...

HP Updates Its Consumer and Small Business PCs Thurrott.comHP today announced new Envy laptops and convertibles for consumers and a new lineup of ProBooks and HP ProDesk PCs for small businesses.

Young People Urged to become Entrepreneurs Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information ServiceMinister of Finance and the Public *Service*, Dr. Hon. Nigel Clarke, is encouraging young persons, to take on entrepreneurial ventures, particularly those leaving ...

A passion for small business is overrated – it won't make you money The GuardianMy most successful small-business clients aren't the most passionate. What excites them is making money.

Small business owners expect weaker economy Finance and CommerceNEW YORK — Although small businesses vary widely in terms of size, industry and issues, they do appear to be generally united by a growing uneasiness ...

Inspirational Ronald Reagan Quotes for Small Business Small Business TrendsAs you can see from these Ronald Reagan quotes, the former U.S. President had a great grasp on what it means to be an entrepreneur and small business ...

As these N.L. small businesses ditch plastic, one expert says: that's the future CBC.caWaves of Change is a CBC series exploring the single-use plastic we're discarding, and why we need to clean up our act. You can be part of the community ...

73% of All Small Business Teams Will Have Remote Workers by 2028 Small Business TrendsThe latest statistics from Upwork reveal the growth of remote workforce trends. Will we all wind up working from home eventually?

China's small businesses are promised more money Euromoney magazineChinese premier Li Keqiang has told the country's banks they need to increase their lending to small companies, but the details are fuzzy.

St. Pete opens small business opportunities at the Pier St Pete CatalystA handful of small businesses will get a chance to sell their goods on what essentially will be the front door of the new St. Pete Pier. The city plans to include ...

3 Reasons Online Marketplaces Help Small Business Owners Choose the Best Health Insurance DATAQUESTProviding your employees with insurance coverage is one of the best ways for small business owners to support their employees. Employees with health ...

61% of Veteran Small Business Owners Built Their Business on Facebook Small Business TrendsIf small business owners want to succeed, they need to understand the impact of technology on small business and customer expectations.

4 reasons you should work for a small business Fox BusinessIt can be a smart move for your career, but maybe not for the reasons you think.

GDPR: What Small Businesses Need To Know ForbesRemaining GDPR compliant means building a business that data users can trust.

Australia's NAB to expand threshold for small business protections ReutersNational Australia Bank said on Friday it would expand the threshold for small business protections and would work with regulators to implement other key ...