Six Top Technology Tips For 2020

The start of a new year is the perfect time to review your IT systems and address any issues. This blog will provide you with some top tips for getting your technology in order for 2020 so you can avoid another year of battling with outdated systems, unexpected downtime and easily preventable errors.

Upgrade your systems

Microsoft will end support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 on 14 January 2020. Our first tip would be to upgrade as soon as possible. You may not need to replace your computer. If you have a relatively modern machine, you can update and install Windows 10. However, some PCs will be too old or slow to run Windows 10. If that is the case for you, we may be able to help by providing a hardware upgrade which includes 8 GB RAM (memory) and a 500 GB Solid State Disk. After the hardware upgrade, your PC will be able to run Windows 10.

Stay protected

Make sure all your PCs have antivirus solutions and a firewall installed and ensure this software is kept up-to-date. This is vital to protect your computer and network. If you need help, Ponticello can take care of this for you. We will check each day that all systems have been scanned and are virus free. We will advise on measures to reduce risk to your computers and help you select appropriate antivirus software. For extra security, you can also use a VPN to keep your web browsing private and secure.

Install regular updates

Check to make sure your IT network is as secure as possible by keeping everything up-to-date. Updates ensure the software is protected against emerging threats and offers new services to detect and deal with malware. We recommend having automatic updates switched on and running updates on your Internet browser as soon as they become available. When downloading updates, always make sure you check for a padlock next to the web address in your search bar or https:// at the start of the address. This will ensure the website is safe and secure. Do not click on any links sent to you by email if you are unsure.

Use strong passwords 

Make sure all passwords are as strong as possible. As simple as it sounds, not everybody follows this tip. To avoid putting all your accounts at risk, do not reuse the same password for multiple accounts and do not let your browser remember your passwords, as this can leave them vulnerable. You might want to consider using a password manager which can create unique passwords for you, so you aren’t tempted to use the same password twice. These systems can also store and enter the right password automatically for you. If you would rather not do that, then be sure to create long passwords. The length of your passwords is more important than a complex combination of characters. If you do use special characters, use them throughout rather than just at the beginning or end. 

Consider proactive monitoring 

Adding proactive monitoring is a great way to take control of your business’s IT System by identifying issues early. SystemEyes from Ponticello monitors your entire system remotely, every few minutes, night and day, scanning each server and PC for errors so problems are spotted almost instantly, meaning many IT and security issues can be dealt with quickly before they become a serious problem and cause expensive downtime for your business.

When it comes to technology, prevention is better, and cheaper, than cure. We hope the above list helps you review your current IT systems and identify any weaknesses. If your business needs IT support, please give us a call on 01803 200402 or email support@ponticello.co.uk