That smile of relief when we fix someone’s technology is a gift of doing IT service. When we get a call out, we’re happy to go out (or log in remotely) to fix what’s broken. We enjoy getting our customers back up and running quickly. Who said saving the day is only for superheroes, right?

Still, as much as we get a boost out of being the hero, we’d rather our clients’ systems didn’t go down in the first place.

How can we make that happen? By adding you to our managed services client roster. So, what does managed services mean?

Fixing things when they break is reactive, whereas managed services are more proactive. It involves:

• ongoing monitoring;
• handling system patches;
• managing software updates, virus scans, and keeping malware current;
• checking hard drive health to help catch issues in advance;
• tuning up your technology;
• setting up new devices, printers, networks, and systems.

As your managed service provider, we get to know not only what’s gone wrong but also find out your goals and objectives. Understanding what your needs are, we can suggest the technology that best serves you. Plus, we might be able to help you find discounts on new software or cut costs for your home office. After all, we can identify where you are duplicating licenses or paying for more than you need.

Managed Services Make Budgeting Easier

All those services sound costly. The benefit is that you’ll pay a single, consistent monthly fee (or annual fee) for all managed services. Instead of having to handle a big financial hit when something does break, you’re already covered.

Plus, if the worst does happen, we already have a relationship. We know what’s important to you, and we focus on your needs. You’re a regular customer we want to keep satisfied rather than a one-off engagement (not that we don't appreciate those, too!).

Of course, no one can promise you’ll never get hit by a cyberattack. There are new threats every single day. But, if malware does strike, we can get you back up and running more quickly. After all, we’ve been keeping your systems up to date. So, less work needs done to clean up.

Conclusion

Your home IT environment is getting more complicated. Even if you’re not working from home, you probably have a desktop, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, and mobile devices. All these need secure internet access and might need data backup. Really, just connecting all your devices to a shared, secure network is a headache at this point, but it doesn’t have to be your headache. Stabilize your IT expenses and enjoy having an expert on speed dial with managed services.
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If you want a higher level of IT support, we should talk about managed services. We can help keep the problems at bay. You’ll be happier. We just don’t get to see it on your face (though you’re welcome to send an appreciative email!). Call us now at (888) 234-WDIT(9348).

Making New Year’s resolutions is a familiar habit in the Western world. Many people make resolutions relating to their physical or mental health. Fortunately, in our digital world, technology can help make resolutions more attainable.

First, a few fun facts about resolutions. Did you know:

• The habit of making resolutions began about 4,000 years ago? The Babylonians used their new year festival to set goals to keep their good standing with the gods.
• In Roman times, farmers were told to begin each year with an “auspicious gesture.”
• More recently, a study found only eight percent of people keep their resolutions.

Twitter did a survey of the most common resolutions of 2017, and top ones included:

• diet, exercise, and lose weight
• get more sleep;
• learn something new;
• read more;
• be nicer, kinder, and more patient.

The good news? If you set any of these as your resolutions, technology you already have can help!

Tech Tips for Resolutions

Let’s start with trying to change fitness or eating habits. There are an abundance of apps available for that for your phone or your computer. You might try:

Daily Workouts, a mobile and desktop app with nearly 200 exercise routines that can be done with or without accessories (such as exercise ball, stretch bands, or kettle bell weight);

Seven, a mobile and desktop app providing quick, on-the-go exercise routines. All you need is seven minutes and, possibly, a chair or wall.

You could also set a recurring alarm on your work computer to remind you to get up and walk around for a minute each hour. Those with an Apple Watch already get a notification at 10 minutes to the hour if they haven’t moved enough.

Looking to get more sleep? You could use Night Shift on your iPhone or Night Light on Android devices to dim your screen. Windows also has a Night Light feature (under Settings > System > Display), plus, there’s a Blue Shade option if you have a Fire tablet. All these change screen display to warmer colors, which reduces eyestrain and helps you sleep better.

You might also be interested in Sleep Bug. This white noise app provides 300 different soft sounds to build a background to help you zonk out.

Those who want to read more or learn something new could benefit from limiting social media. Apple has Screen Time and Android has Digital Wellbeing. Both track your app usage, plus, you can set apps to lock if you use them for too long.

You can also use Windows 10 to limit app and game time on computers, tablets, Xbox, and Android devices. Under the Family tab of your Microsoft account page, you’ll find an Activity tab. You can turn on app monitoring, limit app and game usage, and set restrictions for the amount of time and time of day apps can be used.

Good Luck with Your Resolutions

We’d argue that all this can help with that other resolution, the one where you’re going to be more patient and kind. If you’re feeling healthier, sleeping better, and spending less time in a social media trance, you can be more mindful. And hey! While you’re at it, make that a resolution, too.

If you need help finding the right technology to support your resolutions, we can help! Call us now at (888) 234-WDIT(9348)!