Repeater and Hub - Repeaters are used to extend a signal to nearby devices. For example, if your Internet Access has a poor signal in an area of your offices, a repeater can be installed to extend the signal further. Hubs on the other hand connect computers so they can share resources such as Internet Access and files. Hubs can also act as repeaters. 
Switch - Opposed to a hub that only connects computers together a switch has the ability to connect different devices to the network at a higher speed if needed. A switch can also allocate bandwidth so it doesn’t overlap. 
Router - Routers communicate with your Internet Access and the devices on your network, and routes the service to your different devices. An Internet Service provider may provide a router with your service, usually, it’s a good choice to take this option since the router would be fully managed. If you decide to use your router the ISP won’t be able to troubleshoot your service remotely. ​

You may be asking yourself if you need a Firewall if you have all your documents in the cloud. Yes, those files are protected as long as you are not saving copies in your local drive as well. Also, other things need protection such as e-mail and social media accounts. 

For a Firewall to protect your network, Internet connections need to be connected directly to your Firewall. The Firewall also serves as a fail-over solution for 2 Internet Connections. If your primary line goes down, the Internet access will be automatically routed through the backup line. 
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Always test your backup solution periodically to make sure that it works. ​

There are many reasons why your computer could be having issues. I have compiled a checklist of possible solutions for you to keep as a reference when any of these issues arise.

​Computer is Slow​

• Check that there’s enough space in storage.
• Restart your computer.
• Delete temporary files.
• Empty trash. 
• Check your files to see which files are no longer needed. You can delete them or store them in an external hard drive or leave them in the cloud without syncing to your computer.
• Remove unused applications and programs.
• Run a disc cleanup.
• Get rid of some of your Internet browsing history that takes up space in your computer.
• Update Operating System.
• Disable some of the startup programs you don’t need.
• Check your security program and scan for malware and viruses. 
• If possible upgrade your RAM (Random Access Memory) this holds your short-term memory for apps, different windows, and browsers. If you are exceeding 80% it will slow down your computer.

​Hardware Problems ​

• Start by rebooting your computer.
• Scan the hard drive.
• Check the power supply and all cables and make sure they are all plugged and not damaged.
• The keyboard stopped working - Make sure it’s charged or plugged.
• Overheating - Make sure to keep your computer clean and free of dust. 
• Battery not charging - Laptop batteries have a lifetime cycle they go through the more you use it unplugged the faster you will hit this cycle. Try to plug in your laptop when you can or use a portable charger when on the road.
• If any of your hardware problems can’t be fixed it’s time to call a professional or buy a new device.​

Your Internet is Slow

These days most companies' tasks are done online, if you are having issues with a program or task it can be that your Internet is running slow.​

• Start by rebooting your computer and any equipment on the network. Unplug and wait 30 seconds or more to plug again.
• Run a speed test. Your provider may have a site for this or there are others you can find online.
• Notice both the upload and the download speeds. If upload speeds are low it will take a long time to receive files or web pages to load; on the other hand, if downloads are slow it will take a while to send out emails and large files.
• Check if there are any users are watching videos, or sending or receiving large files. Your Internet is being shared by everyone in your office so the speeds will be noticeable if there’s a lot of usage going on. 
• Clear your Internet history.
• Check hardware storage on your computer. If it’s 80% full it may start slowing down your computer in general.
• Check your router, Firewall, and other equipment.
• The issue could be in the Wi-Fi. Connect to the router with a cable instead and see if this improves the speeds. If things work then that means you need a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
• Scan for malware or viruses. 
• If your computer is very old that may slow down the Internet.
• if nothing works it may be time to upgrade your Internet Speed. 

By partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. 
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Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.

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There are many moving parts in the selection of Telecommunications services. Asking the right questions at the start will prevent regrets in the future. Below is a list of the things you should look into before deciding to use a new vendor or upgrade services with a current one. 
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Criteria to Consider when Selecting a Vendor

• Customer Service and Support  
  • What is the track record of the vendor?
  • What are others saying about the vendor? Whether it be online or from references provided.
• Pricing
  • How does pricing compare to other vendors?
  • Cheaper is not always better. Compare features, and functionality to determine what’s best. 
• Security
  • Request documentation of security and privacy practices. 
• Network
  • What is the vendor’s guarantee SLA?
  • Do they provide credits in case of an outage?
  • What is their latency?

Terms & Conditions 

Most companies neglect to read the fine print on the T&Cs some of the things to look at are:

• Cancellation policy in case of excessive outages or service issues.
• Renewal practices.
• Notice of cancelation. i.e 30,60 days
• Invoice Terms.
• Any hidden fees, such as price increases during the term.

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​Some of the Benefits of Digital Transformation
​

• Reduces Long-Term Costs - No need to invest in expensive hardware along with the cost of space and maintenance. 

 

• Improves Productivity - By automating repetitive tasks. 

 

• Future Proof - Digital services are easy to keep up to date with regular patches and software upgrades. Future growth does not need to be planned as much, since licenses or users can be added when needed. 

 

• Improving Customer Service Experience  - Digital applications such as chat, CRM, and help desk improve the customer's experience.

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• Remote Working - The workforce can work remotely full-time or hybrid without sacrificing the quality or pacing of the work provided when working in person at the office. ​

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

We all could use more time to do more tasks at work, exercise or just spend more time with family and friends.

If you find yourself saying there are just not enough hours in the day. here are some great tips to keep you in check and doing more.

1. Carry a note pad or use one in your phone or tablet. Record all your thoughts and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day. You'll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive actions.

2. Any activity that's important to your success should have a time assigned to it. To-do lists get longer and longer to the point where they're unworkable. Appointment books work. Schedule appointments with yourself and create time blocks for high-priority tasks. Schedule when they will begin and end. Have the discipline to keep these appointments.

3. Schedule time for interruptions. Always leave a buffer in your schedule knowing that life just happens. 

4. First thing in the morning, or last thing at night take the time to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.

5. Put up a "Do not disturb" sign when you absolutely have to get work done. This means turn off email, most smart phones have a do not disturb option and do the same on your desk phone. 

6. Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up. Disconnect instant messaging. Don't instantly give people your attention unless it's absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

7. Remember the 80/20 rule. Odds are good that 20 percent of activities produce 80 percent of your results.
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“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin said or to paraphrase this in modern terms, "Don't talk the talk, instead walk the walk". Some people constantly talk about the things they are going to do but then keep procrastinating. Take action if you wish to get results. 


By  partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. 
Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.