(713) 682-4000 sales@westecservices.net

PC vs. Mac: Which is the Right Option for Me?

4 Things Your IT Support Team Wants You to Know

Outsourcing Your Technical Support with IT Consulting

How to Improve Your Computer’s Speed

What You Need to Know About an Unexpected Computer Shutdown

Why You Should Lease Your IT Equipment

Your Business Needs a Guest Wifi Account

What is Managed IT Service?

How to Pick Your IT Provider

Advantages of Computer Networking

Posts Tagged ‘technology’

PC vs. Mac: Which is the Right Option for Me? - WesTec Services

PC vs. Mac: Which is the Right Option for Me?

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!

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4 Things Your IT Support Team Wants You to Know - WesTec Services

4 Things Your IT Support Team Wants You to Know

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.

 

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Outsourcing Your Technical Support with IT Consulting - WesTec Services

Outsourcing Your Technical Support with IT Consulting

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!
How to Improve Your Computer's Speed - WesTec Services

How to Improve Your Computer’s Speed

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.

How to Improve Your Computer's Speed - WesTec ServicesDelete 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.
What You Need to Know About an Unexpected Computer Shutdown - WesTec Services

What You Need to Know About an Unexpected Computer Shutdown

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 What You Need to Know About an Unexpected Computer Shutdown - WesTec Servicesother 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.
Why You Should Lease Your IT Equipment

Why You Should Lease Your IT Equipment

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. 

Individual signing a IT lease contractKeep 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.
Your Business Needs a Guest Wi-Fi Network

Your Business Needs a Guest Wifi Account

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. 

Two individuals in a waiting room using guest WiFiAccess 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.
Managed IT Services

What is Managed IT Service?

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.

IT employee preventing network failureWhy 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.

How to Pick Your IT Provider

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.

Advantages of Computer Networking

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.

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


(713) 682-4000

sales@westecservices.net

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