Common Tech Problems and DIY Solutions

Problem: Cannot open an email attachment.

Possible solutions: The most common cause for this is not having the correct software installed. To see if this is the case, you can look at the file extension to see what program is required. For example, if the extension is .pdf, check to see if you have the most recent version of a PDF reader like Adobe or FoxIT. If not, you can download and install one, but, only from the software manufacturers trusted website.

Problem: Cannot access a file after a malware attack.

Possible solutions: The easiest way to recover files after an attack is to restore them from your backup.

Problem: Printer will not print.

Possible solutions: Check the obvious first, make sure there is enough paper in the tray, and ink or toner are not low. Once those two things are confirmed to be in order, here are a few tactics you can try. The first is to simply turn your printer off and then on again. Next make sure the printer is not offline by going to Start, choose Devices and Printers, Right Click on your printer, choose See What’s Printing, click on Printer and choose Use Printer Online. If it is still not working check the print queue for the status of any print jobs by going to Start, choose Devices and Printers, Right Click on your printer, choose See What’s Printing. If a print job’s status is Paused, Right Click on the job and choose Restart.

Problem: Print outs look faded or low quality

Possible solutions: Make sure your printer is not low on ink or toner. Check your print quality setting by going to Start, choose Devices and Printers, Right Click on your printer, choose Printing Preferences, click on the Paper/Quality tab and make sure EconoMode is unchecked.

Problem: Experiencing recurring problems with regularity.

Possible solutions: If you experience the same problems multiple times a week or even a month, it is time to have  your computer checked out by a professional. There comes a point when the problems are making your job hard and costing you time. The initial expense of a professional will pay for itself in reduced stress and a reliable computer experience.

Emergency Prepareness

Recent record rainfall in our area led to flash floods and record river levels, which damaged businesses, homes and agriculture. Add to that our 'normal' spring tornado season and here at DCR the topic of emergency preparedness and business continuity  is at the forefront of our minds. While  statistics vary between different agencies, generally speaking they are as follows:

43% of businesses without an emergency plan never reopen

50% of those experiencing a computer outage of more than 10 days, are out of business within 1 year

75% of companies without a business continuity plan, that experience a disaster, fail with 3 years

No one wants to be a statistic, so the question is how do you prepare for an emergency? There are many resources available to help you including those at the following links from the U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA. https://www.sba.gov/content/disaster-planning  & https://www.fema.gov/protecting-your-businesses 

Following are three basic questions you need to consider:

1. For what level of emergency or disaster do I want to prepare?

Some examples to consider are: a short term power and/or utility outage lasting from a few hours to 1 day; or an extended power and/or utility outage lasting 1- 3 days; or a long term power and/or utility outage lasting in excess of four days and possibly coupled with damage to your facilities.

2. What are my priorities in each situation?

Typically, there are three areas most businesses consider priorities; payroll, continued revenue generation and communication (phones and/or email). These priorities differ from business to business and you may have other priorities in addition to these three.

3. What resources are needed to address my priorities?

What staff members, equipment or services are needed? How will you communicate? What vendors do you need to reach?

Having a written Business Continuity plan (also called a Disaster Recovery Plan or Emergency Plan) requires thought, planning, testing and time. It cannot be completed in one meeting and a good plan should include regular reviews and updates. Every business has some level of emergency preparedness that fits their budget and business goals. 

DCR offers services to aid in establishing a plan as it pertains to computer hardware, software, network infrastructure, power and backups.

Contact us at 918-436-1830 for more information. 

Budgeting for GREEN in 2016

Shorter days, colder nights, and higher energy bills will soon be upon us. In the United States, energy bills are on a steady climb with nearly a 20% increase since 2005. This year, be proactive about saving money by budgeting and cutting costs. You can start making differences as soon as TODAY and here’s how...

Be realistic about energy-saving

According to American Express Open Forum, businesses today should be able to cut up to 10% of their energy usage with minimum effort.  Businesses that set realistic goals, such as the 10%, are most likely to succeed.

Set a benchmark

Before changing existing practices, know what your monthly and annual energy usage and cost is now. This way you can calculate actual savings. Another option is, calculating how much energy different products use in your office.

Turn equipment off

The average annual cost to run a single monitor 24/7 is $36.60 and $295 to run a copy machine 24/7.  Just by turning the copier off when your office is closed your calculated savings is about $225 a year.  Powering equipment down when not in use is one of the easiest ways to save energy. Check with your IT Professional before setting power off policies for computers and infrastructure equipment.

Window Treatments

Solar heat gain through windows contributes to one-third of a building's cooling load.  Adding window tint (aka window film) or professionally installed solar screens, can reject up to 79% of solar energy and save up to 30% on cooling and heating utility bills.

Rethink your lighting

Turn lights off when not in use or install motion detectors in low-traffic areas around the office so the lights are only activated when people are present. Make better use of natural light, by shifting desks towards windows and removing any barriers or cubicle walls that might be blocking windows.  Invest in energy efficient bulbs, such as LEDs. While more expensive up front a longer bulb life will result in cost savings. See the table results below.