There are many different ways to backup your data, and not all are created equal.
TRI recommends a 3-2-1 backup approach.
Keep at least three (3) copies of your data.
Store two (2) backup copies on different storage media (external hard drives, optical disks, or a cloud backup service,)
With one (1) of them located offsite. To clarify, let’s take a look at each point of this rule.
We’re all likely aware of the rising expenses facing us all, from gas, to rent and interest, and many of the services we rely on in our day to day lives. We at Technical Reinforcements are subject to these same increases, and have decided that we must raise our rates accordingly.
Effective 7/1/22 we will be changing our hourly rate and travel charges.
The hourly rate will be $150 per hour with a 1 hour minimum for all onsite calls and in 15 minutes increments after that.
All remote work will be billed in 15 minute increments with the same rate.
Our shop rate, for work done in our office to be worked on over a longer time table than our normal 1-2 day will remain at $90 per hour.
We are also doing away with travel charges if you are within a 20 mile radius of our PO Box location in St Louis Park. Any client beyond that distance will have a time-based trip charge applied.
Windows 11 is out and starting to show up on new computer purchases. This is the first OS upgrade since Windows 10 was released in 2015.
Companies will continue to put Windows 10 on the majority of new computers for now, and it continue to be supported until October 2025.
Microsoft has said that all devices that meet the system requirements will receive a free upgrade offer by the middle of 2022. The most common question we get asked is, “Should I do this upgrade?” While it is up to you, we recommend waiting until they work the kinks out before doing the upgrade. I personally will get a new computer with the new OS already on it and leave my current system as is.
Technical Reinforcements is happy to say we are back to doing home visits after only performing repairs in office or via remote for so long. The office is still open for drop offs and pickups and if that works for you. We will also continue to provide remote support when it is the best choice for your situation. As long as you have an internet connection we can do a remote which can often save you some money, and frequently get you an appointment sooner. If you would like to schedule an appointment just give us a call at 612-720-0233.
We frequently get asked by our clients what we recommend for Antivirus software. This is a field that is constantly shifting, with the programs that are most effective changing even as frequently as month to month. In order to keep our clients safe, we do our best to stay on top of the various groups that regularly test and rate these programs. The good news is that currently one of the top antivirus programs is built into every Windows 10 computer. Windows Defender has very good ratings and uses very little of the resources on your computer.
If Windows Defender is not appropriate for you to use, for whatever reason, reach out to us, and we can provide some alternative options that might be a better fit in your specific case.
Most of us are concerned about our online and email security. There are so many accounts that we use all the time that involve a username & password that need to be secure. This is a rabbit hole that goes very deep, but we have some rules of thumb that can help.
Technical Reinforcements is among those who worked from home during the Shelter in place order and for the most part we still are. The office is open now for contactless drop off and pick up and we are doing remote support. As long as you have an internet connection we can do a remote. In some instances we can do phone support when your internet is not available. We are not doing onsite visits to homes yet.
I have been alerted to a number of people getting phone calls and emails about being exposed to Covid-19 and that they should be tested right away.
They then proceed to ask for billing address & credit card information so they can send you the test.
This is the next version of the support scammer calls. Please be leary of anyone calling and asking you to verify your address and bank or credit card information. Don’t talk to them.
With the spread of the Coronavirus and the Shelter at Home order for MN, many of us are working from home, and we at Technical Reinforcements are among that many. We have closed the office and are doing remote support from our homes. While this is not ideal it is the best we can do in this unprecedented situation. As long as you have an internet connection we can do a remote. In some instances we can do phone support when your internet is not available.
If you are having to work from home, and need help getting things set up, or troubleshooting a problem with your existing remote setup, we are definitely here to help. In the past few weeks we’ve helped countless individuals and businesses get people set up to work from home during this time, and are happy to continue to do so as things progress.
To all of our clients and friends, new and old.
Thank you,
James, Chris, Suzi, Brett, Clint & Adam
You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows 7 will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates. Be aware that, microsoft will get more insistent that you upgrade and there will be more pop ups telling you to do so.
TRI can help you determine if your computer is suitable for an upgrade, or if it is best to replace. The biggest factor on upgrading your computer to Win 10 is, does your computer hardware meet the requirements? If it does is it cost effective to do the upgrade? Is your processor at least an i5-4000+, 8GB RAM, do you have an SSD or is it worth it to install a SSD. If it is an older or slower computer or you have been having issues then get a new one.
We are doing most of the upgrades in our shop as it is more cost effective to our customers, with the exception of when multiple computers need to be upgraded, we can then multitask and an on site upgrade can be more time and cost effective.
