IT Insights Trends

Network monitoring

Network monitoring is the process of continuously tracking the performance, health, and security of a network infrastructure. By monitoring traffic, devices, and services in real-time, businesses can proactively identify potential issues, optimize performance, and ensure seamless connectivity. Our network monitoring solutions provide visibility and control, helping you stay ahead of potential disruptions and maintain a reliable, secure network environment.

Help Desk / End-user support

Help Desk and End-User Support services ensure your team stays productive by providing fast, reliable assistance for technical issues. Whether it’s troubleshooting software, resolving hardware problems, or guiding users through common tasks, our expert support team is available to solve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. We’re here to keep your operations running smoothly and your users happy.

On-site / Consulting support

On-site and Consulting Support offers hands-on assistance to address complex technical challenges directly at your location. Our experts work closely with your team to analyze, recommend, and implement tailored solutions that align with your business needs. Whether you need system upgrades, network design, or troubleshooting, our on-site support ensures your technology runs optimally and efficiently.

Vendor Management

Vendor Management services help you streamline relationships with third-party providers, ensuring that your business receives the best value and service. We handle everything from selecting and negotiating with vendors to monitoring performance and managing contracts. Our goal is to optimize vendor partnerships, reduce risks, and ensure seamless integration with your operations, so you can focus on what matters most—your business.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud Solutions empower your business with flexible, scalable, and secure computing resources. From cloud storage and data management to custom applications and infrastructure, we provide tailored solutions that help streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and reduce costs. Transitioning to the cloud with us means increased efficiency and future-proofing your business in a fast-evolving digital world.

Technology Consulting

Technology Consulting helps businesses harness the power of technology to drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. Our expert consultants work closely with you to assess your needs, recommend innovative solutions, and guide the implementation of tech strategies that align with your goals. Whether optimizing existing systems or exploring new technologies, we provide the insights and support you need to succeed in the digital age.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]IT InsiderMore times than not, we readily click “OK” on any Windows related pop up just to get rid of it. However, there’s a new pop up to be wary of. Our Help Desk Experts have gotten several calls regarding issues related to this “update” and want us to spread the word. Below are the details on this “automatic update” from Tom’s Hardware.

Windows 10 has been with us for a little over eight months now, which means there are only about four months remaining to get a free upgrade for an older Windows operating system. As the clock counts down, Microsoft has begun to auto-schedule PCs to upgrade to Windows 10 with or without consent from end users.

When Microsoft created Windows 10, it tied in numerous monitoring and data collection tools. The operating system is capable of gathering your search history, web usage, Windows Store usage, details of what applications you use, voice recordings, emails, geographic information and just about anything else that is on your PC. This information is gathered in part for improving Windows-based services, but it is also used for market research and advertising purposes.

Because each user on Windows 10 increases the amount of advertising information available to Microsoft, which in turn enables Microsoft to earn more revenue from selling this data, it is not surprising that Microsoft wants everyone to use its new OS. This leads to Microsoft offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade to both Windows 7 and Windows 8, as users of either OS were unlikely to want to pay for a new OS on an already relatively new PC.

Still, there were numerous users that opted to stick with their older Windows OSes, but they were still subject to  annoying pop-ups trying to get you to move to Windows 10. Even after you close the pop-up, it returns after a few short hours, relentlessly probing you to upgrade.

Now, as we near the end of the free upgrade period, Microsoft’s malware-like upgrade system is becoming even more intrusive by autoscheduling upgrades to Windows 10. I noticed that the Windows 10 upgrade reminder pop-up on a Windows 7 PC was no longer asking me to upgrade; instead, it’s now informing me that it has already scheduled an update for May 17.

There are options to cancel the scheduled upgrade or to change the upgrade date, so the system isn’t exactly forcing you to upgrade if you catch it soon enough. The problem is that some users won’t see it in time to stop it; they’ll wake up one morning to use their PC and find it is stuck attempting to upgrade to Windows 10 or hogging bandwidth while Windows 10 downloads.

To prevent the upgrade from occuring, DO NOT CLICK THE ‘X’ to close the upgrade window, this triggers the upgrade. Instead, search for the ‘Reschedule’ or ‘Cancel’ the upgrade options on the pop up. If you have mistakenly downloaded the upgrade, you have 30 days to roll back to your previous version.

It is your decision to upgrade. If you intend to do so, it is currently free through July 29th. We caution you to consider that NOT ALL business applications will continue to work properly with Windows 10. If you’ve already upgraded and are experiencing technical difficulties, call the techs at Great Lakes Computer.

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