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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity

Slow computers are everywhere however have you ever wondered what the true cost of slow workstations and laptops are to your organization.

In a released survey, it is estimated at that each employee loses 5 days per year (2.00%) due to slow computers. In order to give you an idea, here is a simple break down of how it can affect a typical organization with some aging workstations and laptops:

Employee Average Salary                   $62,400

Average Hourly Labor Rate                $30/Hour

(40 hours x 52 Weeks)

% Time Wasted to Slow Computer    2.00%

Annual Cost of Time Waste                  $1,248 per employee

Run the math, it is that simple. If your employees are losing 2% simply due to a computer, how much is the entire company losing when you have 10 employees? What about larger organizations? You have to consider what is the amount of production time your employee could be spending doing valuable work rather than wasting their time waiting for a slow computer.

This is where companies have to evaluate if a new computer of $1,000 would be a good investment to increase productivity and profitability plus the company would be saving money.

 

How much time is your company wasting due to old workstations and other technology?

Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity
Slow Computers Cost You Money and Productivity

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure maximum uptime and profitability.

We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Let our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com so you the way to get the most out of your technology or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

 

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts are great to speed up your productivity when working with the latest Microsoft operating system. Our technical support team put together a list of some great Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts that can help you.

Snap Windows

  • WIN + LEFT and WIN + RIGHT are the same as previous Microsoft Windows.
  • WIN + UP and WIN + DOWN to snap your windows side-by-side vertically.

 

Open Task View

  • WIN + TAB goes from displaying a nice visual effect to an essential new Task View. Once you tap the key combination, you’ll be able to let the buttons go and choose between open programs in your current virtual environment.
  • ALT + TAB is the same as before, except you can switch between programs from any desktop.
  • WIN + CTRL + D to create a new virtual desktop environment.
  • WIN + CTRL + F4 to close your active desktop.
  • WIN + CTRL + LEFT/RIGHT to toggle between your open desktops.

 

Open Settings App

  • WIN + C allows Microsoft Cortana to listen to commands and search the internet.
  • WIN + I opens the Settings app which is a modern version of Control Panel.

 

Navigate Command Prompt

Windows 10 has some long-awaited shortcuts that make using the command prompt much more user-friendly. Instead of having to right click and choose Paste, you’ll finally be able to use CTRL shortcuts to edit text when on the command line.

  • CTRL + C to copy text, CTRL + V to paste text, and CTRL + A to select everything on the console window.
  • SHIFT + Arrows to move the cursor and select text; up and down move one line, while left and right move one character at a time.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + Arrows will move one word at a time. Keep holding down SHIFT to select more text.
  • SHIFT + HOME/END will move the cursor to the start/end of the line, selecting all text on that line.
  • SHIFT + PAGE UP/DOWN scrolls the cursor by a whole screen and selects the text on the page.
  • CTRL + UP/DOWN lets you scroll one line at a time.
  • CTRL + PAGE UP/DOWN moves a whole page up or down.
  • CTRL + M lets you enter a “marking mode” to mark text.

 

Browser Shortcuts

No matter if you are using Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Microsoft Edge (Internet Explorer), these keyboard shortcuts will allow you to get around with less clicks.

  • CTRL + 1-8 will switch instantly to that numbered tab.
  • CTRL + 9 jumps to the last tab even if you have way too many tabs open.
  • CTRL + T will open a new tab so you can instantly start typing a search term after using this shortcut.
  • CTRL + SHIFT + T makes it reappear in a flash.
  • CTRL + Left Click it to open it in a new tab.
  • ALT + LEFT will go back and ALT + RIGHT goes forward if applicable.
  • ALT + HOME will bring you back home.

 

Is your business ready for Windows 10 and can your IT infrastructure handle it?

managed it services toronto

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure maximum uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Want to see the difference true IT consulting management experience can make?

Engage in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Why does your business need outsourced CIO services?

Large companies have the budget and resources for a full time CIO but smaller companies are limited.  Find out why your business needs outsourced CIO services and how to select the right IT partner.

Companies rely CIOs (Chief Information Officer) for their expertise and experience to develop proper IT strategies, IT budgets and proper IT investments.  Smaller companies do not have the budget for a full time CIO however many managed IT services providers provide outsourced CIO services to clients so they too can have the same advantage as their larger competitors.

 

What advantages does outsourced CIO Services give your business?

Outsourced CIO will ensure your company is using the right technology to increase profitability and productivity. The outsourced CIO will also ensure you have a solid and predictable IT budget including return on investment (ROI).

  • An outsourced CIO will provide analysis and guidance to achieve business goals and success.
  • An outsourced CIO will focus on proactive adoption of cost-effective proven technology IT solutions to improve company productivity and profitability.
  • An outsourced CIO will collect and provide analysis of business data to understand the current state of your business and how new trends in the industry can help company finances, productivity, efficiency and profitability.
  • An outsourced CIO will provide guidance on strategic IT investments and IT budgeting.
  • An outsourced CIO will proactively plan and budget for long-term IT strategies to maximize your company investment into IT and the impact on business operations.
  • An outsourced CIO will provide regular scheduled reviews of your company goals, IT strategy and provide a plan to new IT solutions to improve productivity and streamline operations.

 

Want to see how outsourced CIO Services will bring your business to the next level?

 

outsourced cio services

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

 

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

What is Proactive Managed IT Services?

What is proactive Managed IT Services and how does it help your business? Find out how managed services can help your business and how to select the right partner.

Companies know that technology is complex and expensive in today’s competitive market. Unfortunately, many companies cannot predict or budget their monthly IT support services costs. Here is the good news, Proactive managed IT services handles this and gives your predictive monthly IT budgets costs.

How do you select the right Managed IT Services provider for all your IT support and services?

  • Ensure they offer service and support plans for a flat monthly fee.
  • Ensure they are able to provide you an easy IT budget and road map of future projects.
  • Ensure they provide preventative maintenance and monitoring to tech support issues.
  • Ensure they offer vendor management services to procure the right products for your business.
  • Ensure they have experience working within your industry manufacturing, construction, healthcare, etc.
  • Ensure they provide 24/7/365 Help Desk IT support services for your company.
  • Ensure they use remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to provide remote support and limited onsite technical support services.
  • Ensure they use professional services automation (PSA) tools to automate your network resulting in maximum uptime plus and increase in productivity and profitability.

Want to see the difference experience can make when selecting a Managed IT Services partner?

proactive managed services toronto

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Top Employee Productivity Killers Released in Survey

Ever wonder what are the top employee productivity killers?  A recently released survey has shown the top 10 employee productivity killers.

The national survey was released by CareerBuilder and it included a representative sample of 2,175 hiring and human resource managers across industries and company sizes.  Some think it maybe distractions such as email, social media, or the personal problems of employees but the survey revealed some real issues of what the distractions are in the work environment.

  1. 52% – Cellphones, smart devices & texting
  2. 44% – Internet browsing
  3. 37% – Office Gossip
  4. 36% – Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  5. 31% – Email management
  6. 27% – Coworkers chatting in the office
  7. 26% – Meetings
  8. 27% – Snack and cigarette breaks
  9. 17% – Loud coworkers
  10. 10% – Sitting in a cubicle

 

Why are these Employee Productivity Killers important?

Unfortunately these distractions may cause some issues for organizations. This may result in lower quality of work, dissatisfied employees who have to pick up the slack of lower performers, missed or delayed deadlines, loss of productivity and loss profitability.

 

So how do you prevent these Employee Productivity Killers?

There are many ways to handle some of the issues above but most would be best handled by a human resources professional so they may increase employee productivity.

On a technical side, your managed IT services provider or tech support services department can help. While smart devices are everywhere, many companies give employees access to their wireless network. Not only can this be a security threat but it also gives the employees unlimited internet.

Internet browsing can be proactively managed by installing commercial firewalls and contact management systems to limit what is available to users.  You can also create groups that can allow executives full access while reducing access for others.

Email tends to be over whelming if you do not have the right corporate email management and spam protection. If employees are spending time trying to filter through junk and spam, have your IT department or IT technical support firm review your current infrastructure and secure it from the endless amounts of spam.

 

Is your technology helping your employees be more productive?

managed services toronto

 

As business partners with our clients, 365 iT SOLUTIONS helps clients achieve real results and business goals. As Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm, we offer industry leading proactive Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Is your business technology allowing you to be productive? Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Attention Android Users, “Stagefright” Vulnerability Risk

With over 1 billion Android devices, a security firm has shown how a simple vulnerability could affect over 95 percent of Android devices.

The “Stagefright” vulnerability for Android phones exploits via a simple text message giving the cyber criminals full access to your device.  The bad news is most phones will not be patched anytime soon as manufacturers work on closing this security hole.

Unfortunately Android software has been susceptible to security flaws for years as it is an open design compared to Apple’s iOS.

 

How do I protect myself from Stagefright vulnerability?

If you’re using Google Hangouts as your default SMS client, you need to disable automatic downloading of media files sent via MMS.

To disable Auto Retrieve MMS in the default SMS client on the Samsung Galaxy S6, go to:

  • Messages app
  • More
  • Settings
  • More settings
  • Multimedia messages
  • Auto retrieve

By disabling Auto Retrieve MMS, you will partially mitigate this vulnerability until an official patch release.

 

What is your Mobile Device Management (MDM) company policy?

proactive managed services toronto

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS provides its clients with real uptime, productivity and profitability. As Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm, we offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Is your business protected? Take advantage of our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

 

 

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Don’t open that email attachment! Take the Quiz!

Unfortunately most people cannot tell the difference between a real email attachment and a phishing email attachment and it is going to affect your business productivity and profitability.

Recently Intel Security released results from a survey and found that an alarming 80 percent of people cannot see the difference between a phishing email and a legitimate email. In the test, survey users were sent 10 emails from McAfee Labs. Some of the test emails were fine and others were phishing emails.  In the study. 19,458 people took part in the test and 80 percent failed.  Unfortunately, only 3 percent passed the phishing email test.

How do you protect yourself against phishing?

  1. Be wary of emails asking for confidential information as legitimate organizations will never request sensitive information via email.
  2. Don’t get pressured or intimidated by scare tactics to provide sensitive information. Cyber criminals like to use scare tactics and even threaten to disable your account until you update certain information.
  3. Make sure you are familiar with a website’s privacy policy which is usually accessible at the foot of the page. The most useful thing to look for is the website’s policy on whether it will or will not sell its mailing list.
  4. Most of the spam you receive on a daily basis is already dangerous phishing emails. Most times it is coming to you because you have signed up to a website and they sold you information. You may want reconsider whether you want to sign up to the site.
  5. Watch out for generic-looking requests for information as fraudulent emails are often not personalized. Many phishing emails begin with “Dear Sir/Madam”, and some come from a bank with which you never heard of.
  6. Never submit confidential information via forms embedded within email messages.
  7. Never use links in an email to connect to a website. Open a browser window and type the URL directly into the address bar. A phishing website will look identical to the original.
  8. Make sure you maintain effective software to combat phishing like an internet security suite that will automatically detect and block fake websites.

 

Put your phishing knowledge to the test. Try the online quiz to test your phishing detection skills.

 

Is your company safe and protected from phishing email attacks?

free network assessment toronto

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Why is 365 iT SOLUTIONS the Best Tech Support Services in Toronto?

Why do so many companies turn to 365 iT SOLUTIONS for all their IT consulting needs? Simple, we are one of the best tech support services in Toronto.

Our clients benefit from true proactive tech support services and managed IT services.  The proactive approach results in happier clients with a more productive and profitable business.

So what makes our tech support services so good?

  1. We use enterprise remote monitoring and management (RMM) and professional services automation (PSA) software to manage of client networks proactively.
  2. We are able provide tech support services remotely and able to detect and fix issues without any onsite time.
  3. We use centralized dashboard and ticketing that gives us complete control and visibility all in one place.

Our proactive managed services covers multiple areas including the following:

Managed Security Services – We provide a robust managed security service that minimizes the possibility of a security breach, avoids data loss and mitigates impact should a problem occur within your organization.

Managed E-mail Services – We provide robust, reliable and scalable solutions that enable your customers to enjoy the advantages of a fully-functioning, secure and protected managed email services.

Managed Mobile Services – We provider fully managed mobile services including a comprehensive approach to minimize company risk.

Managed Backup Services –We provide complete disaster recovery and business continuity services including complete backup solutions.

 

How does your current IT consulting provider stack up?

365-it-soltuions-managed-it-services-tech-support-services

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

 

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or give us a call at 416-398-9889 and we can chat!

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

Users Beware of Remote Tech Support Scammers

Cyber criminals are using the phone to try to break into your computer pretending to be remote tech support from well-known companies like Microsoft and Apple. Find out how to protect yourself and business.

When contacted, the cyber criminals state that they have detected viruses or other malware on your computer.  They ask that you them remote access or pay for software to fix it.  These cyber criminals take advantage of your of peoples fear of viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software to protect yourself but the purpose behind this to make money.

Once these cyber criminals gain your trust, they may perform one of the following tasks:

  • Ask you to give them remote access to your computer
  • Make changes to your settings that could leave your computer vulnerable
  • Enroll you in a worthless computer maintenance or warranty program
  • Ask for credit card information so they can bill you for phony services
  • Install malware that could steal sensitive data, like user names and passwords
  • Direct you to websites and ask you to enter your credit card number and other personal information

 

What do you do if you get a remote tech support call?

First off, if you use a managed IT services company and they are using the right tools to manage your network, you will never have to give them access to your network.  If you unfortunately do get a call from someone who claims to be a tech support person, the best advice is to get the contact information and contact the company yourself to verify the person and company.  Remember, real IT support services professionals do not create a sense of urgency or uses high-pressure tactics. Also, you should never give control of your computer to a third party who calls you out of the blue and do not rely on caller ID to authenticate a caller as it can be easily spoofed.

 

What do I do if I gave these remote tech support scammers access?

If you have given them access to your computer, you should follow the next steps listed below.

  • Get rid of malware or security software they installed and scan your computer.
  • Delete all items that are identified as a problem or security issue.
  • Change your passwords immediately. If you use these passwords on other accounts, change those accounts also.
  • If you paid for bogus services with a credit card, call your credit card provider and ask to reverse the charges.

In either case, the scammers eventually ask for a bank or credit card account number. Or they ask you to create a Western Union account. They might even ask for remote access to your computer to help you fill out the necessary forms. But instead of putting money in your account, the scammers withdraw money from your account.

Is your managed service provider identifying themselves to your employees properly?

365-it-soltuions-managed-it-services-tech-support-services

365 iT SOLUTIONS partners with its clients to ensure uptime and profitability. We are Toronto’s leading IT consulting firm and offer cutting edge Managed IT ServicesIT Support ServicesIT Outsourcing ServicesTech Support Services and Cloud Services.

Enroll in our Complimentary Network and Security Audit by 365itSolutions.com or 416-398-9889

 

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Industry Insights IT Solutions Managed IT Services

365 iT SOLUTIONS obtains Microsoft Silver Cloud Productivity Certification

365 iT SOLUTIONS obtains Microsoft Silver Cloud Productivity Certification

 

365 iT SOLUTIONS is proud to announce that have now obtained their Microsoft Silver Cloud Productivity Certification.

As a leading Toronto Microsoft partner, 365 IT SOLUTIONS is a leading managed IT services provider in the Toronto area that maintains a competitive edge by bringing innovation, fast deployments and an increase in return on investments (ROI) in cloud services for business.

365 IT SOLUTIONS  has partnered with Microsoft as both companies have a synergy on how to deliver cloud services to businesses based on business challenges and proactive managed services solutions that help companies operate efficiently and effectively in the global market.

Microsoft is a great business partner as they offer a wide range of innovative and reliable cloud services that help businesses strengthen their IT infrastructure.  In the past year, Microsoft has reported that 82% of Fortune 500 companies have purchased Microsoft Microsoft 365 in the 12 months alone. The Cloud Productivity competency enables 365 iT SOLUTIONS to engage organizations on the growing demand among companies for cloud and hybrid cloud deployments built on Microsoft Microsoft 365.

“We are proud to be strengthening our strategic partnership with Microsoft as it allows us to provide cost effective solutions and demonstrate our continuing commitment to provide leading-edge technology solutions to clients.” said Razmig Sagharian, President, 365 iT SOLUTIONS.

 

About 365 iT

Based in Toronto, 365 iT SOLUTIONS is a leading managed services provider (MSP) that has more than 10 years of experience serving small-to-medium sized businesses.

365 iT SOLUTIONS offers industry leading services that provide cost-saving strategies for businesses.  Their experience serving clients in a wide array of industries, along with their flexibility, knowledge, and outstanding customer service give them an unmatched perspective to manage, solve, and deploy all IT needs.  365 IT delivers a comprehensive suite of: Managed IT Services, IT Support Services, Tech Support Services, IT Outsourcing, Cloud Services and VoIP services to small and medium-sized businesses.

 

For further information:

Enzo Logozzo

Sales & Marketing

enzo@365it.ca

365itsolutions.com

416-398-9889