Welcome

Welcome

Finding the Right Solution for the Right PRICE

I am a local expert who provides IT services for small business owners and end users.

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IT Support You Can Understand

IT Support You Can Understand

Finding Solutions That Make SENSE

My solutions always consider your comfort level with technology to ensure I don't provide an overly complex solution that not supportable.

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Business Make Easy

Business Make Easy

IT That Makes Your Business or Life EASIER

I understand that the most technical solution may not be the best solution for you.

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Service

My Services

How I Can Help YOU!

01

Customer Services

My goal is to take the “stress” out of your IT experience(s) by providing “Gold Standard” customer service and support. This requires effective communication to ensure you have the skills/tools necessary to understand and use the technology deployed.

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02

Cyber Security

Most issues have a root cause involving security. I will evaluate your current situation, recommend solutions, and ensure YOU understand what is necessary to maintain a secure environment.

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03

Cloud an Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The advances and advantages in these areas swiftly outpace the average end user's understanding. I will help you understand, effectively deploy/use these technologies, and provide support/training on usage.

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04

IT Management

Managing your IT environment is a contant moving target in skills, software, and hardware. My expertise and support will ensure you have the "right balance" of IT to keep current with technology but not needlessly update just for the sake of change.

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My Support

Please call, text, or email me!

(657) 210-0619

[email protected]

Technical Support Information

My Blog

This blog will include posts on some of the most frequent or impactful issues my clients are dealing with....as well as solutions.

Cloud Storage – How and When to Use

All of us have heard about “the cloud” but do most of us really understand what it is and how we currently use it or should be using it. Here is a more in-depth breakdown of what the cloud is from Microsoft. In summary the cloud is an online storage location that may be public or private that is used to store and access data.

The most common forms of cloud storage used by small businesses and end users is computing backups. Microsoft calls their back “OneDrive”. Apple calls their cloud “iCloud” but they have a separate application called Time Capsule for backup up of Apple computers to an external drive (i.e. not in the cloud). Other backup cloud options that are very popular are Google Drive, Barracuda, Carbinite, IDrive, etc… Here is an article from PC Magazine that reviews some of the common 3rd party options. Most of us us OneDrive just because it is part of our Window OS or Time Capsule on Apple machines. Android and iPhone have backup options as well to Google Drive or iCloud space. All of these backups can be setup to automatically backup when online access is available and as changes/data is created or added to your computing device. Some of them even will save your settings.

Keep in mind that if you are supporting or working for an industry with data requirements your cloud storage needs to meet these requirements. As an example devices with patient data need to be HIPPA compliant as does the cloud storage that is backing up that device. This will increase the cost since the servers involved must meet various security requirements.

There are multiple options but some factors that need to be considered:

  • Location risks. In California we have wildfires and earthquake risks. Because of this you need to seriously consider making sure your backups are NOT located at the same physical location as your device. For example, if you are away from your home and an emergency evacuation order is ordered, you will NOT have the ability to go back and get your backup or your device.
  • Ransomware attacks. Depending on how your automatic backups are connected to your device you may have no access to your backup if a bad actor gets access to your network and “encrypts” all connected drives. Most users do not use it for various reasons, but almost all operating systems now have a security feature call end point encryption. End point encryption is great for securing data and in some industries or companies it is required but when it is in use, some hard drive repair options are not available. A common tactic by bad actors is to hack into a system, engage the end point encryption features with a password only they know….and then hold all data ransom. Depending on how your backup is configured/connected, this may mean your backup is unavailable just when you need it most.
  • Cost. Cloud based storage typically is free for small amounts of data that don’t have any industry/company requirements (Ex: HIPPA) that prevent the usage of distributed servers. Enough cloud storage space to perform a complete device backup typically involves a cost. That cost is depended upon service and size. Obviously, the costs will be significantly more if you need a service that doesn’t use a distributed server configuration. Cloud based solutions are highly recommended if you have wide-spread location risks to consider. For example, when dealing with a major earthquake your backup probably needs to be in a different state to not be impacted.
  • Ease of usage. Most users need an automatic backup. If it is something they have to manually engage (i.e. start an application, plug in hardware, etc…) experience has shown that frequent backups just don’t happen. Automatic backup software is very standard and easy to use but I always recommend users schedule a “monthly reminder” to check the online storage. I have had multiple end users experience a backup failure that was because of setting changes that they were unaware had deselected the main folders in use with user data. If you don’t realize the backup is not backing up your data until you need it, there is no solution an IT person can do to fix the problem after the fact. Typical spot check activity by a user takes about 1 to 5 minutes every month. 5 minutes a month can prevent major heartburn during a crisis. Most backup systems ONLY backup user created data. Some will backup limited operating system settings (shortcuts on desktop, screen saver configuration, bookmarks in your browser, etc…). Users need to be aware that almost all applications will need to be reinstalled post data restoration. This means for example that presentations y created in MS-PowerPoint would be restored but the application would not be available to open/use that data until the program has been reinstalled.

Common cloud-based storage solutions:

  • Windows users have OneDrive available as part of the Windows OS.
  • Apple users have Time Capsule as part of the Apple OS.
  • Google Drive
  • Carbonite
  • iDrive
  • BackBlaze
  • DropBox
  • Local area network server – this is a local solution typically configured by the end user or their company IT support.

Some of these solutions allow for access/download of a specific file or folder. Some will keep multiple versions of the data so you can go “back in time”. Depending on your needs this can be really helpful when a file is damaged or deleted and you need to restore to an older version. Most users have more than one type of cloud storage in use at any time. The automatic system is typically a backup application that runs in the background and keeps a current copy of everything or of selected folders encase of hardware damage or loss. The 2nd type of cloud usage is an online folder location that users working on the same or integrated tasks/projects can store files that need to be accessed by more than one person. This ensures that all members of the team are always working from the latest version. Depending on the application used some allow multiple users to access the data simultaneously while others will lock at all users if the file is currently being modified by one user.

I highly recommend that all users sit down and make a list of wants and needs for their data backup system and common shared file usage. Then you will need to have an IT professional review your operational activity to ensure what you think you need achieves the type and level of backup and cloud storage solutions you are suggesting. Once those requirements are locked in, that same professional should be able to give you recommendations on your backup options, common storage solutions, cost involved, and end user training for usage. Give me a call, text, email if this is something you would like to get started.

What to know about buying a new laptop/desktop?

Are you thinking of getting a new laptop/desktop? Right now we are experiencing a MAJOR disruption to our supply of RAM chips (i.e. the stuff in a desktop/laptop that gives the processor instant storage space to perform a task….and specifically to perform multiple tasks at the same time). RAM chips are probably the most impactful piece of hardware for a computer when the end user is talking about “speed” besides the processor (i.e. brain).

A basic best practice for a laptop is to always max out the amount of RAM the motherboard can handle. RAM chips in a laptop are very customized so they will fit in that space and therefore can be expensive later in the device life when you want to upgrade because product runs have ended. Desktops use a more universal configuration and are accessible for replacement/upgrade without needing special tools therefore upgrading them during the device lifecycle is typically not a bad idea.

So what is the impact right now? Independent and small batch custom builders either cannot get RAM chips or are paying 200 – 400% increases from what we consider normal prices. Many of the newer laptops and desktops for sale are not even available with significant RAM specifications. The expectation is that RAM chip supply will meet demand, driving prices back to a more reasonable number end of 2026 or sometime 2027. If you can wait, it is recommended. If you can’t, you may just want to get a machine that you plan on only using for a couple of years and therefore don’t need to max out the RAM and can get your “real” machine after supplies recover.

Windows OS recommends 16GB RAM minimum and since you will be using more than just the Window OS, 32GB RAM is probably a smart minimum depending on what you are doing. Apple has different requirements, but they too are impacted by the supply shortage. Gamers and high-end users would typically be looking at 128GB of DDR5 model but with prices where they currently range, most are making do with 64GB or sticking with older RAM types like DDR4. Graphic card supply is impacted as well, although not as bad, therefore this issue is causing problems on that front as well.

Here are some laptop options currently available. They range in price from about $800 – $5,500. This gives you and idea of how the large RAM chip size is significantly impacting price. Keep in mind that the higher end machines also have more features so other factors are involved in the price too.

Desktops have even greater customizable features, so you really need to know your specific use case to determine what is even a good fit. Give me a call if you want some help figuring out the “right” machine for your specific use case!

Mileage and Expense Tracking

Small Business Owner Expense and Mileage Trackers

As a small business owner you will NOT have long term success unless you are effectively tracking your expenses including mileage. Most small business owners will be using Quickbooks or something like it for their expenses and financial reports. Hopefully you have hired a bookkeeper to handle this data management so you can focus on the activites necessary for your business to be successful.

Even if you have a bookkeeper, you need a method to capture expenses quickly and easily (especially mileage) with enough detail for your bookkeeper to successfully effectively catagorize the details. I personally like Everlance. This software makes it very, very easy to capture expenses and mileage, especially for a self-employed single operator who could be using more than one vehicle for work/personal travel. Install the application on your cellphone although you can access it via your computer. When you turn on automatic mileage tracking, anywhere your phone travels it tracks. You can even have it automatically categorize the trips as work and then just after the fact recategorize the few trips that were personal to that bucket. At the end of the year, you download all the mileage info into an Excel spreadsheet and send it to your bookkeeper. If you are taking a personal trip, just flip the auto tracking off (or set the default tracking to personal) and only the “work” related travel is reported. The expenses are even better. Anything under $75 dollars just enter the amount, date, category, and store. For over $75 (or anything where you need the details) you can attach an image of the receipt. Very useful for meals with part of the bill including alcohol. If you have a client attending, just write every person’s name on the back of the receipt and include a picture of it. You have everything recorded WITH DETAILS for your bookkeeper before you even leave the table. Again, just download to Excel and send to your bookkeeper on a regular schedule.

Besides Everlance some other really good options are:

  • MileIQ – good option if you just need to capture mileage
  • TripLog – great for multiple vehicles/drivers
  • Stride – this is free but keep in mind that because it is free it will have some significant limitations
  • Quickbooks Mileage Tracker – great for those small business owners who are already using Quickbooks & doing their bookkeeping themselves

Everyone always asks about using AI. First of all, most of the above mentioned tools have AI built into their system. This is why you don’t have to nuance the details because the AI powered application is capable of making reasonable deductions about an expense. It will integrate tools like GPS and road map information to calculate acturate mileage about your trip. It will then, based on just a little bit of data from you, determine the what can be deducted and at what rate from taxes including all the supporting necessary details. Everlance for example knows the difference between driving vs. walking and only includes travel that is at a speed and on roads to suggest vehicle movement.

Business owners need to be working smarter, not harder. Using technology to effectively and efficiently capture expense information already in a format needed for reporting purposes is a prime example of how to ensure you are focusing on the tasks that grow your business and not the admin that can be done by tools or someone else. Give me a call/text/email if you want some help setting something like this up.

Small Business Owners – Response Forms

As a small business owner, most of us need the ability to allow our customers/clients to respond electronically in a format that is easy to capture data, doesn’t require the customer/client to install anything, has a professional look, and works on just about any device (Apple, Windows, iOS, Android, etc….). Let’s talk about various methods and 2 specific options that are not prohibitively expensive or require significant IT knowledge.

So when we are talking about emails and texts, multiple applications are available to create drip campaigns or single outreach. These tools, while not free, are very effective at managing large volumes. If you are capturing data while the customer/client is at your website, you can create a customized HTML page that allows them to submit content directly to you via your domain. For a more personal touch and something that most small business owners can do themselves, let’s talk about Google and Adobe Forms.

Google Forms is a cloud-based application by Google that allows you to create a custom input form that is completed either by smartphone or computer. This will require a live connection anytime the client has the form open. Google Forms is automatically part of any Google account. You can access it by opening the Google website – make sure you are logged into Google in the top right corner – click the 9 dots at the top right – select Forms from the list. If you can’t see it, you can access it directly via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/.

Google Forms is fairly simple and most users can self-teach by just creating some basic test cases. One of the features I like is that responses can be sent individually to a specific email address and/or they can automatically load into a Google Sheet’s file. Respondents do NOT need to have a Google account unless you turn on specific tracking and answer validation features. Forms do allow for some customization and branding….including image files (i.e. logos) but it will be within a specific framework/layout. Google Support also includes various Q & A as well as training material.

The 2nd option which will require only the form creator to have Adobe Standard or Adobe Pro (i.e. not the free versions) is to create a .pdf form. It is highly customizable and can give a very polished look. For those asking customers/clients for data that due to security considerations cannot be processed via a distributed server or needing something that the customer/client can download, complete when offline, and then send results when back online….this is the solution. While you can create an Adobe Form from scratch in Adobe, most of us find it more useful to create the form without the interactive fields (checkboxes, dropdowns, text boxes, etc….) in something like MS-Word. Save that file as a .pdf and then open it in Adobe to add the interactive fields. Just like Google Forms, you can create a “submit” button that will send the completed form to a specific website or email address for data capture. The process has a lot more options and unless you are farmilar with the nuances of the programs involved, you probably would be better served having a “geek” convert your content into a .pdf form format. A very nice feature of Adobe Forms is the ability to have digital signatures as part of the document.

So if you are a small business owner and want a form (potentially tied to a QR code) that a client can fill out directly from their smart phone or computer, give me a call/text/email/use my website’s contact me form and I can set you up!

UPS – What Is It and Why Do I Need One?

UPS stands for uninterruptible power source. Since we live in Southern California and especially as we start to enter the summer season, we will start to experience rolling brownouts. Every time the power grid is impacted, even by a planned rolling blackout, your property will experience a power surge just before the power goes off. Hopefully the surge will be small enough that your only negative impact will be flickering lights before the power goes out. Most homes do not have a whole house battery. This means that when that surge hits, it travels through your property’s internal power grid until it grounds out. During that time anything plugged in that is sensitive to electrical variances can be damaged or at a minimum have a shortened life span. This is why parts of the country that experience lightning storms unplug equipment prior to a major storm. Considering the frequency and short notice you may have for CA rolling blackouts, I recommend any electronic equipment of signicant value be on a UPS or at minimum a power surge protector. Cheap power surge protectors that are typically made of plastic and purchased for $20 or less normally provide no meaningful protection. Good power surge protectors normally include a warranty amount so make sure you keep the information necessary to file an equipment replacement claim.

UPS systems or a whole has battery provide the real protection. Why???? Because the battery acts as a power sink. Batteries are specifically designed to absorb electricity that varies in stength. This allows them to absorb the impact of a surge and discharge a regulated amount to your plugged in electronic equipment. Computers, audio equipment, high end TVs, etc… should be on a UPS. The bigger the battery on a UPS, the longer and more devices it can power during an outage, as well as the larger a surge it can absorb without being impacted.

Whole house batteries, quite often install with solar panels but can also be installed as a stand alone device, provide the same service as a USP device but for everything in your home plugged into any outlet. A UPS only protects the devices plugged directly into it….and it is plugged into a wall outlet.

Here are some UPS device options:

If you have questions about these or other UPS devices, give me a call/text/email and I can find the right solution for you!

Antivirus vs. Firewall – Do I Need One or Both?

What is an antivirus program and how is it different than a firewall program? Both are security programs commonly used on computing equipment, but they function very differently. Antivirus programs work by having a “definition” of viruses (think of it as a cheat sheet). It scans currently installed and incoming data or programs for programming code that matches those definitions. Firewalls are about network traffic and communication. They have a “cheat sheet” of malicious websites and prevent communication to or from those locations. More advanced firewalls will monitor the communications or traffic generated by the installed applications on a computer for behavior type to ensure something like a word processing program is not sending credit card numbers to a 3rd party. One works at the boundary between a computer and the internet. The other works at the point where data and programs are stored. Palo Alto breaks it down in more detail in this article!

The next question is do you need both or is one better than the other? For most of us, we should have both. Computer and internet security works most effectively when you layer defenses. A type of attack that can penetrate one defense is typically vulnerable to other types of defenses. Firewalls are GREAT at preventing problems but do NOTHING if something gets through. Antivirus software is good at scanning new files and programs, but really comes into play when something gets through the firewall. The antivirus will recognize the infection and remove it if possible. If not, most will quarantine the impacted files and await instructions on how to handle them. By combining both types of security you greatly reduce the potential impact of malware.

One of the areas I see exploited by malware is because the average user has everything connected (smart phones, computers, laptops, tablets, home smart appliances, cameras, etc…..) but doesn’t have everything protected. For some devices, like appliances, you cannot add stand-alone antivirus or firewall programs. It is very important on those programs (especially if they have any access to the internet or other devices) to update their firmware. The first question I get asked is what is firmware and how do I update it? Think of firmware as simplified software that involves the most basic of commands. For example, firmware will define to the rest of the machine what happens when an on/off button is pressed and what the “true/false, yes/no, positive/negative” signal from that button means. Almost all software today has a setting to either automatically update firmware OR to update it upon request. Really simple machines that do not connect to the internet (Example: an old toaster) never need an update to their firmware.

The next area of concern is devices connected to the internet and part of your home network that do NOT have a stand alone firewall or antivirus installed. The most common example is your smart phone. This is especially a problem because we use our smart phones to look up stuff, complete financial transactions, login to multiple accounts, etc…. This makes our smart phone a tier 1 penetration point (high risk) and yet commonly users only install a firewall and/or antivirus on their computer or laptop. Most never think about their smart phone.

What are some anti-virus and/or firewall products users can install or is the default/free stuff that comes with your operating system enough? In my opinion, if you are running a business or doing anything with money (including making purchases); you should have both installed. Free anti-virus and firewall programs are better than nothing but will not protect you from a major attack OR help prevent an infection from spreading. Forbes has a good article that breaks down the pros/cons for some of the major players. Some options are:

  • McAfee & Norton – probably two of the most well known providers. Both are approximately the same price, have protection for laptops/desktop/tablets/smart phones, require some computing resources to function and therefore will slow your device down some, have user interfaces that assume you are NOT a geek, etc….
  • Eset – has become more popular because of the quality of protection it provides and the minimal resources required to run.
  • Trend – very simple user interface that many users find intuitive to navigate.

If you wait for something to happen, the consequences are significantly more costly than if you take protective steps first. One of the first steps we all should take is to list all the devices that connect to your home/business network. Next, check the settings of any involved firmware to see which ones you need to schedule for manual updates. If they are on a schedule for automatic updates, users need to periodically check to make sure it is happening. Now you need to determine which devices have little or no protection but are capable of running a stand alone antivirus and/or firewall program. This will be just about all devices running an Apple, Windows, Android, or Chrome OS. Finally, install protection where you are able, ensure simple devices that cannot run stand-alone protection have multiple layers of security provided by various network devices, and remove network access for anything you determine is “not worth the risk” (Example: old gaming device that you never play but is connected to your network).

Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you should be hiring someone like me to periodically review your devices and help minimize your risks.