If you work on a computer all day long, you’re likely to encounter tech issues. At WesTec, we believe knowledge is power. Therefore, we have compiled a list of a few quick fixes to common tech issues:
Unresponsive applications
For a number of reasons, you may receive a dialogue box stating that the application you are trying to use is unresponsive. This issue will prevent you from using the application and will likely slow the performance of your system. Fortunately, there’s no need to call IT support, as this issue has an easy fix!
On PC, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete in order to access your Task Manager. From this dialogue box, you can end specific tasks. Your Task Manager will indicate which applications are unresponsive, and you can hit “End Task” to close the application.
On Mac, you can achieve the same result by pressing Command + Option + Esc. You will receive a pop-up displaying active applications. Select the unresponsive application and click “Force Quit.”
Slow or poor internet connection
There’s nothing more disruptive than a slow or poor internet connection. When you encounter this issue, minimize downtime with this quick fix.
Your wireless internet connection is supported by a router. Restart your router by unplugging its power source for 30 – 60 seconds. Then, plug the router back in. You will notice it may take a few minutes before you have a stable internet connection. If this does not work, try restarting your computer and checking your connection again.
You may also consider clearing your browsing history and cache. A collection of cookies and cache could be slowing specific sites. Every internet browser is different, but you can easily clear your cache in your general settings.
Slow computer performance
Is your system underperforming? There could be several reasons for this! Before calling IT, there are a few things you can try in order to improve the speed of your computer.
If you have too many windows or programs open and running at once, this could be affecting your computer’s performance. Close any windows or programs you are not using. If your computer is full of downloads, try deleting any files you no longer need and empty your trash bin. This will likely improve your computer’s performance, but it also wouldn’t hurt to restart your computer.
If this issue persists, we recommend calling IT, as you may have a virus that is affecting your system.
Struggling to troubleshoot your tech issues? Minimize the downtime spent searching for solutions and outsource IT support with WesTec Services! Interested in learning more? Contact us today!
The PC vs. Mac debate has the tech world divided. Whether it’s PC or Mac, users are loyal to their system. This begs the question: which system is better? What are the pros and cons of each system? WesTec Services has created a breakdown for each computer:
PC
One of the most obvious benefits to purchasing a PC is the price. PCs not only offer a wide range of products, but these products are more affordable than Mac products. According to VoltCave, a standard PC in 2021 costs anywhere from $500-$1000. Meanwhile, a Mac starts at $1299.
PCs also offer better hardware and configuration than Mac products. Boasting superior hardware and graphics cards, a PC is the better option for someone with interests in gaming.
PCs use Windows operating systems, which allows users more freedom to customize and modify their system’s functionality and storage. Since Windows is the most commonly used operating system, there is more compatible software available for PCs.
Mac
Apple is known for their user-friendly, intuitive systems, making Mac computers the obvious choice for beginners. Meanwhile, PCs using Windows operating systems come with a bit of learning curve.
Though superficial, Mac is the preferred choice for its sleek appearance, as Mac products are more aesthetically pleasing than most PCs. For those with iPhones, iPads, or iPods, Mac’s easy multi-device integration allows its users to seamlessly sync all their Apple products together. When integrating devices, users can place calls and send iMessages directly from their computer, and easily access/share files directly from their devices.
Additionally, Mac systems boast clear, built-in “Retina” displays. Therefore, these systems are ideal for those who require superior visual elements, such as graphic designers and artists.
When choosing between PC and Mac, it’s important to understand that not one system is better than the other — you simply must consider what system meets your needs and budget! Regardless of what system your company favors, WesTec Services is here to provide superior IT support. Interested in learning more about our Managed Services or IT Consulting? Contact us today!
For many computer novices, IT protocol is widely misunderstood. Given the complexity of some of these procedures, computer users are left feeling frustrated with IT support. However, IT is only here to help! Here are 4 things your IT support team wants you to know:
Your network is being monitored
Whether you have an internal IT department or you outsource your IT support, there is a chance that your network is being monitored around the clock. This often does not occur to many people. Therefore, you should avoid storing personal information or searching sensitive material on your work computer. If you wouldn’t want your boss or coworkers seeing it, it’s safe to say it shouldn’t be on your work computer.
IT has to assume you have zero tech knowledge
In order for your IT support team to assist you in resolving issues, they must first assume you have very little knowledge of computers. This means they will offer simple solutions to start. For someone with a basic understanding of computer functions, it may be frustrating to be asked, “Have you tried restarting your computer?” These questions seem like no-brainers, but IT wants to find the solution to your problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. If there’s a quick fix, they can find this solution by asking basic questions.
They’re not magicians
For IT professionals with years of knowledge and experience, most tech issues will have easy, obvious solutions. However, that does not mean IT won’t encounter issues from time to time that require a little more thought and effort. Be patient with IT — they want to find a solution to your problem just as badly as you do. Remember, they’re people, not miracle workers.
Suggestions are meant to help you, not make your job harder
There’s a reason IT recommends you update your passwords regularly and perform program updates — they want to ensure your computer is secure and performing as it should be! When you take these suggestions seriously, you spend less time on the phone with IT resolving issues that could have been avoided to begin with; less time on the phone with IT means less downtime.
WesTec Services is your one-stop-source for all things IT support & consulting in Houston! Does your business require network installation, backup & disaster recovery, managed services, consulting, and more? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today.
Modern technology is a huge asset for businesses across all industries. However, with implementing new technology comes a major learning curve. So how do businesses properly execute new technology implementation in order to achieve the maximum sustainable results?As a business owner, outsourcing your technical support is not only cost-efficient, but will allow you to prioritize your business objectives. Here are a few benefits of IT consulting:
Expertise
With IT consulting, you can rely on the expertise of seasoned IT professionals. When an IT mishap occurs or you simply require guidance, IT professionals can assist you in making decisions and producing solutions that will allow you to optimize your technology in order to support the growth of your company.
Cost
In an effort to cut costs, many companies are hesitant to invest in quality IT consulting. However, IT consulting can actually save you money! Without proper guidance on how to optimize your new business technology, you will be left to find solutions to problems you may not know how to address – and a simple human error can end up costing you a lot of money! Reduce unnecessary spending and consult with an IT professional.
Time
With limited knowledge, you will likely encounter issues navigating your new business technology – and searching for solutions can take hours or even days! An IT mishap can put you behind schedule or even cause you to miss major deadlines. IT consulting is convenient, as you can team up with a professional to develop quick solutions that will put you and your business back on track.WesTec Services offers customized IT consulting for small and large businesses. Our professionals are trained to effectively guide clients in positioning their strengths so they can properly utilize their technology to meet the constantly changing marketplace and the influence of technology. Interested in learning more about IT consulting? Contact us today and schedule a call with one of our professionals!
Doesn’t your computer always seem to lag when you have a rapidly approaching deadline? A slow computer can decrease productivity and increase frustration. To help eliminate frustration, try one of these tips to increase your computer’s speed and performance.
Uninstall Unused Programs
Programs take a lot of space on your computer. Over time, you accumulate programs that might run in the background without your knowledge. Uninstalling the programs you don’t use on a regular basis may increase your computer’s speed and response time.
Delete Temporary Files
Every time you download or install a file on your PC, it keeps a temporary file. If your computer is running slow, you can delete these files to free up space. To do this, find the “Temp” folder in your drive. Select older files and press the delete key. Make sure you empty the recycling bin to completely wipe files from the computer.
Invest in Hard Drive Storage
Sometimes you might need to have easy access to many files. However, keeping them all in once place will affect your computer’s speed. To keep your computer tidy, you can purchase an external storage drive to store thousands of files.
Increase RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) acts as your computer’s short-term memory. It quickly loads items it thinks it will need to access soon. But, if your RAM can’t handle several applications at once, your computer will lag. Increasing the RAM can be an easy and cost-effective way to improve your computer’s speed.
Work with Our IT Professionals
Our trusted IT professionals at WesTec Services can help diagnose why your computer is slow and offer solutions to improve its speed through our managed IT and IT consulting services. Contact us for more information.
An unexpected computer shutdown can potentially harm your computer and its data, which is why it is important to properly turn off your computer by selecting shut down, restart or sleep.
Turning your computer off properly allows the computer to make sure that any running programs are closed. To avoid losing files or program corruption, it is best to cancel the computer shutdown and close the programs manually.
An unexpected computer shutdown can be caused by power outages, brown-outs, depleted battery or removed power cord, accidentally hitting the power button, or the computer may be experiencing some other internal technical issue.
Because of the issues that can occur with an improper shutdown, the only time to hold the power button until the computer turns off is if the computer freezes. Sometimes turning a computer off and on again will allow it to reset itself.
So, how does an unexpected computer shutdown affect your device? Even if you don’t have any programs running, there are other processes going on in the background. When a computer is performing an update or correcting device bugs, an unexpected shutdown may cause the files to download as incomplete and they will then be unable to perform their assigned tasks.
If software files or the operating system become corrupted from an unexpected shutdown, a professional may need to repair the files or reinstall the entire system.
Before making any major changes to your system, be sure to perform a backup of any important data. In fact, regular data backups are always recommended.
WesTec Services performs data backup and recovery services provided by our expert IT consultants. Our services include a free report, which will outline common mistakes that many business owners make with their computer network.
To avoid any worry during an unexpected computer shutdown, contact WesTec today.
Is your technology equipment outdated or running slow? New equipment may be the solution. Before making a big purchase, check out all of your options. At WesTec Services, we help businesses lease IT equipment that keeps them ahead of the competition.
Up-To-Date Equipment
With every new model tech companies release, your current equipment set-up becomes irrelevant. When you lease IT, you can upgrade to whatever is newer, faster and cheaper when you finish your equipment contract. If your business relies on having the latest equipment, leasing is the most affordable option.
Predictable Expenses
WesTec offers its customers a fixed-price guarantee without surprises and hidden fees. Leasing IT equipment allows you to know your set monthly expense, giving you a firmer grasp on your budget.
Tax Incentives
When you lease IT equipment, you qualify for tax credits. Under Section 179 of the IRS tax code, leasing is often entirely tax-deductible. This means a company can possibly deduct up to 100% of their leasing expenses, pending qualification.
Keep Up with Competitors
Leasing can give a company access to technology that might be out of reach otherwise. In competitive markets, new or advanced equipment might give you the upper hand against competitors. Let WesTec take your business to the next level with our IT services. Contact us to learn more about how you can get the latest IT equipment for an affordable price.
Places of business who have frequent visitors can benefit from having an additional WiFi network for guests. With a guest Wifi network, temporary visitors enjoy full internet connectivity without being able to access sensitive internal network information. Continue reading to find out how both your business and customers can benefit from a guest wifi account.
Security and Privacy
By reserving a section of your WiFi for guests, you protect your company’s data. This allows you to control who has access to the network of computers, servers and printers. Giving guests their own WiFi account also limits the ability of viruses and malware to infect your server.
Changeable Passwords
Offering a guest network allows you to keep your primary password a secret. Guest passwords are also cached differently, meaning guests do not have permanent access to your network.
Access and Parental Controls
A guest WiFi account allows you to set different levels of access. With a guest network, you can also implement parental controls to limit the types of sites your customers can visit, providing added security to your business.
Network Usage Controls
Guest networks can limit the amount of data your customers can use. By regulating the bandwidth of your guests’ WiFi network, you can limit the speed of customer internet access. This means their network usage will not affect the business network and employee efficiency.The experts at WesTec are ready to answer any questions you may have about installing a guest WiFi network at your place of business. Contact us today for more information.
Small businesses can benefit from outsourcing their IT to a qualified business technology company. With managed IT service, WesTec can monitor and improve your company’s IT practices to ensure your employees can focus on their daily duties.
What is Managed IT Service?
Managed IT service allows a company to pay a fixed monthly rate for IT services and equipment. With a fixed monthly rate, customers benefit from automatic software updates, regular equipment upgrades and relief from the day-to-day IT frustrations. Partnering with WesTec gives a company flexibility to set clear goals and objectives.
What’s Included?
WesTec Services offers two plans with fixed fees for network management solutions. With WesTec Guardian Professional, companies receive network management and basic IT needs based on their current network infrastructure. With this program, businesses also benefit from discounted on-site support rates. WesTec Guardian All Covered provides our clients with maintenance, network management and technical support needs all in one fixed monthly rate. This ensures a company’s network is running efficiently without hourly rates.
Why Your Business Needs to Outsource IT
In today’s society, technology is crucial for a company to thrive in a competitive market. Because of this, businesses can not wait until something is broken to fix it. Managed IT service changes the way companies are looking at technology. Instead of embracing the old fix-it mentality, IT companies can manage a company’s IT and prevent any issues that might disrupt employees or clients. Let WesTec Services manage your IT and keep your company on its toes. Our managed IT services reduce the cost of replacing new equipment and keep you from paying hourly rates when your network fails by offering all-inclusive, fixed rates. Contact us to learn more about managed IT today.
When your focus is on running a business and selling a product or service to customers, outsourcing IT can save valuable time. Before signing a contract, it is important to understand the services an IT provider offers and how it fits with your company.
What is Included in the Cost?
First, determine what is included in your bill. Some providers claim to offer all-inclusive deals but sneak in hidden costs. Be sure to ask the potential IT provider questions about their services, prices and how you will be billed. This will keep you from receiving unexpected charges in the future.
Are You Compatible?
When choosing an IT provider, it is important your company is compatible with theirs. Make sure their platforms and technology help your business. Keep in mind the goals and changes you hope to make to your business in the future. By establishing goals for your company in advance, you lessen the risk of having to break a contract with an IT provider later if they can no longer support your growth.
How are Passwords Protected?
Knowing how an IT provider saves passwords can easily help you determine if they are a good fit for your company. Ask potential providers how they handle passwords internally. Since IT companies are easy targets for hackers, making sure a provider has complete protocols for keeping passwords and data secure is crucial.
How do They Train Employees?
Make sure potential providers regularly train their employees. Their job is to protect your information and they should know how to avoid phishing or other security breaches. A good IT provider understands the importance of your business and protecting its information. Make sure potential providers have similar goals to your business. WesTec Services strives to serve all clients with a servant’s heart to ensure their goals are met. Contact us today to discuss how we can benefit your company.
Computer networking allows the sharing of information across computers linked together by a common network. Businesses rely on networking to transfer messages and information with others.
Easier Sharing
Computer networks give individuals access to useful material such as facts, news or industry-specific information. With computer networking, employees can easily share with others. For example, resources can quickly be shared with an entire company and saved for employees to reference at a later time. Networking also saves individuals time by providing them with a way to share files efficiently.
Cost Efficiency
Installing a computer network is affordable. It requires minimal updates that are often completed in the background, allowing employees to keep working. Networks also save money by keeping a company from purchasing additional hardware. For example, without a network each computer would need it’s own printer. By installing a network, multiple computers can share the same printer, saving a company money and helping employees by simplifying their tasks.
Increased Storage Capacity
Computer networking increases storage capacity. Networks allow data and content to be properly shared within the system. A company’s files are also protected from malware, theft or natural disasters by being saved in different manners. For example, information can be stored on-site on tape drives to provide an extra layer of safety.
Enhanced Communication
Networks make it easier for employees to communicate with one another. Files can be shared with the click of a button. Instant messaging also allows for quick, useful communication with others. Instead of drafting an entire email, an employee can send a message to the recipient for a rapid response. This works well for questions, clarification and updates.WesTec employees are experts at computer networking. Contact us to see how we can install a computer network for your business.
As a small business, outsourcing your IT can be an easy way to save time and money. However, not all IT providers are the same. WesTec assists customers with a servant’s heart by offering efficient and effective solutions. Here are some things you should take into consideration when choosing an IT provider.
Response Time
With businesses relying more on technology than ever before, you need an IT provider who responds quickly and solves your problems. WesTec’s employees pride themselves on being able to fix a problem the first time, saving your company from scheduling multiple return visits for repairs.
Security
As an IT provider, WesTec offers its customers safety and security. Networks are protected from viruses and malware. However, if your data becomes compromised or is lost by system failure, human error or natural disaster, WesTec offers data backup and recovery.
Fixed Price Guarantee
Companies can rest knowing what their bill will be for the services they request. Sometimes an IT provider will quote a business a price, then add hidden fees to the bill. WesTec offers its customers a fixed price guarantee, whether it is for a repair or monthly IT management.
Proactivity
Sometimes, an IT provider will only provide temporary fixes to a company’s problems. WesTec’s employees work hard to prevent IT issues from occurring. WesTec believes preventative maintenance is a surefire way to increase productivity and save a company money.
Ready for a new IT provider? The experts at WesTec Services are ready to help your business reach the next level through technology. Let our employees help determine the best IT management plan for you and create a custom quote tailored to your company’s needs. Contact us today for more information.
A Switchvox phone system is the tool that small and medium businesses need to keep their edge against larger competitors. If you are a business owner, you know that competition can be stiff. But with Switchvox, you’ll be ahead of the curve.
Switchvox is Digium’s family of VoIP phone systems— Voice over Internet Protocol. Their target is small and medium businesses looking for an easy and affordable design to help make running a business more efficient.
There are a variety of reasons Switchvox is one of the leading VoIP solutions in the business world.
Easy to use: It is a very user-friendly interface with little setup time.
Cost Effective: A Switchvox phone system costs less than a traditional PBX. It has no additional setup costs, and there is no maintenance cost once it is installed.
Resourceful: Digium designed Switchvox with business owners in mind. It has a powerful functionality and a full feature set. It fits the needs of any size business by having the ability to be utilized in a virtual capacity.
You’re in Control: Switchvox is easily managed with the Switchboard and allows business owners the flexibility they need as they use it to keep their office consistently connected.
Flexibility: With a Switchvox phone system, you aren’t geographically bound to your office as a business owner. You can quickly and easily take calls on your laptop no matter where you are and forward them to your cell phone.
WesTec Communications now offers Switchvox, and their talented team of technical experts are excited to be able to help you out with this new VoIP solution. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with a Switchvox phone system of your own.
Within every industry, technology plays a significant role in some degree. However, when computer networks are performing poorly, it can halt productivity.
Approximately 97 percent of technology problems that are experienced in a business setting can be easily and inexpensively fixed with regular and proactive maintenance.
Regular computer network maintenance can address a specific bug or flaw, improve an application’s stability or fix a security vulnerability. In addition, spyware, failing hard drives, out-of-date security patches and system backups are typically proactively addressed.
Here’s what consistent network health check audits can provide for a business of any size:
Avoid costly glitches
Avoid business downtime
Prevent irreplaceable data loss
Keep technology up-to-date
Maintain stable connectivity
Reduce the number of cyberattacks
Obtain a competitive edge
Remain safe from malware, and other threat
At no cost or obligation, WesTec Services offers on-site network health check audits to ensure technology is properly maintained for maximum speed, security and performance.
After our thorough audits, our highly trained team will provide the business with a detailed report that will reveal vulnerable areas, as well as provide professional recommendations on how to resolve the issues.
To promote day-to-day business growth, call WesTec to receive a network health check audit today.
Thirty-seven percent of workers telecommute regularly while more than half of business emails are now opened via smartphone.
In today’s workforce, mobile usage, employee mobility and remote workers are common. Therefore, it is important that businesses adopt mobile technology to meet the teetering needs and demands of the market. Accessibility – With the use of mobile technology within a business, the full power of a business phone system is readily available to the mobile user. Whether sitting in a physical office or working from a home office, the worker has the ability to be reached by a customer or coworker if needed. Accountability – Although mobile technology has posed issues for businesses in the past, improvements have been made. By running a business phone application on the mobile device and enforcing a business usage protocol, call records become available to the business manager for accountability purposes. Transitions – If a worker needs to leave the office at a certain time and is currently on a call with a customer, mobile technology allows a seamless transition. With mobile technology, a worker can press a button on the office phone to transfer the call to mobile without the customer even noticing.
Mobile technology has transformed the business world with its ability to interact seamlessly with customers and employees in a full-featured and professional manner.
WesTec Services offers all-in-one business communication systems that are aimed to maintain a proactive posture and market flexibility to take advantage of rapidly changing technology.
At WesTec, we deliver reliable mobile technology for businesses who strive to maintain high ethical standards and produce high-quality products while promoting a healthy work environment.
To learn more about our business phone systems that deliver advanced operating performance through seamless integration, contact us today.
Information technology (IT) is a major security and support function for any business. In the current digital age, business owners and managers must optimize the available technology for successful business growth.
Outsourcing IT consulting services can help increase significant efficiency in a business–ultimately translating into reduced business costs. Learn how hiring a professional IT consulting service can aid a business of any size: • Reduced spending. When IT professionals come into a business, they are not there to make sales. Instead, these experts are there to evaluate the way a business is run and provide consulting and solutions for improvements. IT consulting services are a smart alternative to hiring an in-house team and repairing costly systems malfunctions later. • Increase focus on core business. Outsourcing IT professionals for IT consulting services allows business management to focus on core competencies and business development, rather than putting attention on technology issues. IT companies offer enhanced consulting and support that go beyond what internal operations could provide–saving wasted time on operational issues. • Access to experts and latest technology. IT companies ensure their employees are trained and certified in the technologies they support, so businesses can be confident the right technology decisions are being made–ultimately reducing all-around risk. Receiving thorough IT consulting services offers access to the latest technology and support from a team that are true experts in the area.
Possessing qualifiable experience, WesTec Services offers innovative strategic business planning expertise for all technology and management systems within a company. Whether a startup or well-seasoned company, we strive to accurately assess a company’s business system with their vision, goals and plans in mind.
Our IT experts will provide a comprehensive business technology road map for seamless implementation aimed to enhance overall business operations and profitability. Contact WesTec today to sustain successful growth in today’s fast paced business climate.
Inevitably, technology is becoming more important to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Utilizing the right technology effectively can help a business become more profitable, versatile, and sustainable against its competitors. However, the rise of complex technology brings increased confusion and problems for many.
Here are some reasons to hire an IT professional to work alongside your business:
Technology is everywhere. No matter the market or size of the business, technology is involved in some shape or form. Investing in an IT professional can help optimize existing technology within the company and ensure the systems that are used daily are always working when they’re needed.
Technology is always evolving. Because technology is always developing, it can be used to push a business to the next level. An IT expert can assist by implementing updates to existing programs or introduce a company to new programs that can simplify work duties. Hiring a professional can save time and money. Whether some technology needs updating or needs to be fixed, outsourcing to an IT professional can help a company save time and money by trying to fix it themselves. Asking an IT expert to help is considered to be a cost-effective solution avoiding technology down-time.
IT professionals know what they’re doing. From computer hardware and software, telephone systems to security, IT professionals are skilled and trained to connect the technology needed for a business.
When seeking a one-stop source for all of your business’ IT support and consulting needs, WesTec Services will act as your IT Support Department–providing you with full in-house service. At WesTec, our technicians are equipped with the adequate experience and training required to connect the dots with the technology needed to run your business efficiently and effectively. Call us today–the home of worry-free IT!
Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.
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2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018