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When you get a new PC, you can often feel somewhat lost. After all, this fresh piece of hardware can be hard to understand, and to someone that doesn’t have experience in setting up a computer, it can feel somewhat impenetrable. Luckily, our IT experts are here to help. Here are three of the steps you need to take to get your new computer set up, and why they are so important…

Create a profile

When you first sign in to your PC, there are a few steps that you need to take to make sure you can log in. For example, a Windows PC will let you sign in to a Microsoft account if you’re able to get it online in the initial setup, or you can create an offline profile to use in the case of the PC not being connected to the internet. This will allow you to keep using the PC, and make the rest of the process far easier. This is especially the case with an online account, as you may be able to sync many settings across to your new device.

Get your settings in order

Everyone likes their PC in a particular way. Whether you prefer a larger font size due to eyesight issues or it’s something as simple as the speed at which your cursor moves across the screen, making sure that your settings are perfectly tailored to you can help your new PC feel familiar faster. You can immediately work much more effectively, and get right back into the rhythm of working as you were before.

Connect to filestores

If you’re making use of a business device, it’s likely you have filestores that you need to connect to in order to get your work done. This might have access to all of your company’s information, templates and documentation, so failing to get connected could be severely damaging to your efficiency. Getting this in order quickly means you can get help with your connection if needed, and get up to speed in record time.

If you need assistance with setting up your new device, get in touch with the Rapid IT Support team today. We can offer expert help and advice to make sure that your new computer setup goes as smoothly as possible.

Intelligent IT support services are responsible for empowering businesses with online tools that can streamline operations, improve decision making and stay ahead of the latest trends and innovations. Well implemented IT support can help in many areas of business, which makes it crucial for modern companies to invest their time and energy into finding a dynamic IT support solution.

In this article, we are going to take a look at how intelligent IT support can help your business flourish.

Better decision making

Any good business decision is always backed up with evidence, market research and a fair amount of due diligence. Well implemented IT support can empower your business with the right tools to make better decisions. From relatively simple features like video calling or inspecting customer survey feedback forms, IT support can help make these processes work well enough for your business to glean insights from them.

For larger projects, IT support can enhance current implementations by providing more accurate software alternatives that still provide meaningful results. This ranges from improved Google Analytics to totally bespoke software.

Protection from online threats and viruses

Powerful IT support will protect your business from a variety of online threats, from malware to viruses. With so many companies venturing online, online attacks have become a much more prevalent issue. Every big name that has appeared online has been victim to these threats, including powerhouses like Google and Amazon. An intelligent IT support solution will provide the latest antivirus software, firewalls and other tools to keep you protected online.

Better still, IT support will be able to regularly update these programs to keep you safe even when new threats emerge. This type of future-proofing offers tremendous value for businesses because it protects the integrity of the company and keeps the wheels turning.

Protect your company with intelligent IT support

Whether you are a small start-up or an international organisation, IT support is crucial to the integrity and functionality of your online systems. If you require a reputable, robust IT support solution, contact us today at Rapid IT Support.

Many people’s preferences towards a Mac or Windows device stem from an issue of personal taste, however, they are inherently different thanks to their design philosophies. Read on to find out all about the differences between a Mac and a Windows PC, and which one is easier to repair.

Closed off Macs

One of the trademarks of Apple’s design process is the way in which they are much more ‘closed off’, and keep their settings limited in a way that Windows doesn’t. One of the core reasons for this is the “one company” nature of the Mac. From the hardware to the operating system, a Mac is designed and put together by Apple. It doesn’t need to be as open and customisable as Windows, meaning that you will often find a lot of underlying settings and information missing when you’re trying to use the more advanced features of a Mac.

Control Panel

One of the biggest tools at your disposal when you’re making changes or resolving problems with your Windows device is the Control Panel. This is home to hundreds of settings and can lead you to solutions for thousands of unique and hard to resolve problems. Even better, this is simply touching the services of Windows’ adaptability. Tools such as Command Prompt, when used correctly, can be the key to unlocking any Windows problems. Windows is naturally a far more open and modifiable platform, as it can see a range of hardware from the most impressive specifications to more basic office PCs.

So is a Mac harder to repair?

To an outsider, a Mac is far more difficult to repair than a standard Windows PC. The relative lack of settings means that it can be tough to find what you need to, and building a solution with such limited options can be difficult. However, a trained IT support professional will work to find a solution with ease, as the simplicity of a Mac can make it easier for experts to rectify issues.

If you’re in need of remote tech support, get in touch with the Rapid IT Support team today. We offer solutions for a number of software issues and can often get the issue resolved on the same day. Contact our expert team today to find out more.

For many small businesses and startups, it’s a case of every person pitching in to do a bit of everything; from handling IT services and finances to fixing IT security problems and carrying out admin tasks. But as your business grows, your team and your business will need to adapt to that development to keep up. While one person may have been able to handle many of the day-to-day tasks of a three-person workplace, managing a business with dozens or hundreds of employees is an entirely different task.

How do you know when it’s time to make a change to your existing IT support services in Melbourne? Here are three signs you should keep an eye out for:

Your current IT system isn’t fast enough to meet demand

An IT service that can’t keep up with business requirements is a service that isn’t doing the best job possible for your company. If you find that lead times on fixes, repairs and troubleshooting are steadily getting longer and longer, this is a key sign that it’s time to upgrade. Pay close attention to whether a creep in demand is growing even in slower months, and you’ll be able to recognise the warning signs and make those all-important changes ready for busier months in your business year.

Your team spends more time training and learning than they do providing support

Having IT support in-house can be a good move for tiny companies, particularly if that IT specialist can also support other business activities. However, as your business grows, they’ll need to keep up with bigger, more complex technology that requires specialist knowledge and insight. By moving away from in-house to outsourced IT support services in Brisbane, you aren’t losing hours to training and learning throughout the year.

You’re picking short-term solutions that don’t solve long-term problems

One of the most significant issues with IT that’s always struggling to keep up is that it isn’t proactive. A reactive service means your IT service department is spending the majority of its time putting out fires, leaving little room for business development and changes in technology. By upgrading your IT to a professional, external team, you aren’t jumping from one disaster to another and patching holes instead of properly fixing them.

Are you looking for managed service providers in Brisbane? Get in touch with Rapid IT Support today to find out how we can help you upgrade your IT services.

Here at Rapid IT, we pride ourselves on the remote IT support services that we provide across Australia. We want to highlight the hugely advantageous benefits of remote IT services for small up-and-coming businesses.

1. Access to the experts

Remote IT services are hugely beneficial for gaining access to IT experts whose knowledge can quickly and efficiently solve your IT issues. Having access to IT experts significantly increases the chances of an IT problem being resolved safely and securely.

2. Increased response time

Using remote IT services guarantees an increased response time from an IT expert. Remote IT services do not require an appointment or in-person visits, instead, they can actually operate remotely and solve any IT issues on your computer remotely at a significantly faster speed. Utilising remote IT services allows you to quickly resolve your IT issues, no matter how big or small.

3. Increased business productivity

Using remote IT services help to increase the productivity of your business as IT issues do not have to halt the workings of a business. With speedy resolutions and easy access to an expert in IT, your business is no longer hugely affected by troubling IT problems.

4. Cost-effective

Unlike in-person IT support services, there are no additional costs for travel or equipment required during the service. Because of this, remote IT services are a lot more cost-effective for your business without sacrificing high-quality IT support that resolves any IT issues.

5. Regular maintenance

Remote IT services are not reserved for when computer disaster strikes! Remote IT services can also be utilised for regular maintenance that can work to prevent any IT issues across the systems and devices of your business. Remote IT professionals can install the latest system updates and monitor your network for you remotely, so you can focus on keeping your business running smoothly.

If you would like more information about the value of IT services, or more information about how to utilise our services at Rapid IT across Australia, you can contact us today.

Before we look at the benefits of a managed service provider (MSP), it’s crucial to understand what one is. The clue is in the name here: a managed IT service provider is an outsourced service that oversees the IT requirements of your business. These experts ensure that your business stays online so that you can focus on the more important stuff. There are many benefits of MSPs, so if you’re considering outsourcing one for your business, read on to learn more:

Up-to-date technology

Not only is investing in new technology for your company expensive, but you also have to set aside the time to learn how to use it. With a managed IT service provider, all this hassle is taken out of your hands. This gives you more time to focus on the day to day operations of your business whilst also being able to take advantage of the very best tech and software, which you may not be able to afford otherwise.

Tech deals

When you establish a healthy relationship with a managed IT service provider, you often get access to good deals, especially regarding technology. Good IT service providers will have forged partnerships with leading tech vendors, meaning that there may be an opportunity for you to access discounted software and equipment deals.

Savings

Most IT service providers will charge you a fixed fee for their services. This is beneficial for your business as it allows you to factor these costs into your monthly budget – there won’t be any unexpected expenses either! In addition to this, it’s usually fairly straightforward to scale these services as your business grows. Finally, don’t forget that outsourcing your IT needs is often much cheaper than hiring an in-house member of staff to handle this for you.

Access to expert advice

There may be times where you have a few small queries about the software that you’re using. Perhaps it has thrown up a warning you have never seen before. An established IT provider will be on hand to help, resolving any minor issues before they impact your business.

For more information about the benefits of managed IT service providers, contact the experts at Rapid IT Support today.

If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, it’s essential to make sure that your company’s valuable data is kept safe at all times. Computer viruses can compromise the security of your important files, so to protect your business, it’s vital to have a basic understanding of some of the risks they can pose to your data. In this blog, we’ll be debunking some of the most common myths about computer viruses.

Myth 1: Installing a firewall will protect my computer from viruses

While installing a firewall in your computer can provide some protection against cyber attackers, some viruses are advanced enough to switch your firewall off completely. Once your firewall has been disabled by a virus, the possibility of your system being attacked by malware is much higher.

Myth 2: It’s obvious when your computer is infected by a virus

While it’s not uncommon for viruses to cause your computer to malfunction immediately, some viruses are much stealthier and can go undetected for a long period of time. These viruses come in many different forms; some may shut your computer down straight away, while others will cause annoying pop-up ads or make your computer run slower than usual.

Myth 3: Viruses only affect Windows computers

While Windows computers do fall victim to viruses often, this doesn’t mean that Mac computers are immune from being infected. Sophisticated viruses can target any form of software as they are designed to exploit human behaviour. If you run your business from Mac computers, it’s still essential for you to follow the same rules of protection as you would with Windows computers.

If you’re looking to protect your business data from viruses, IT helpdesk services are a great solution. At Rapid IT, we offer IT support services in Australia that you can rely on, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today by giving us a call on 1300 727 430 or by filling in our online contact form here.

No matter how much you care for your PC and follow standard antivirus practice, you can’t keep it running at an optimal pace forever. Underlying issues will develop, and your computer will grind to a halt. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your PC running smoothly, and you can find out about three of them by reading on.

Keep your hard drive clear

Plenty of people will download thousands of files in the life of their PC, and fail to delete a single one of them. These gigabytes can add up, putting a significant amount of strain on the hard drive. Any hard drive needs a good amount of free space to help your PC run smoothly, letting it move files around and complete its standard duties. By emptying your downloads folder and clearing unnecessary files regularly, you can help your PC to squeeze as much speed as possible from its hard drive.

Restart often

At the end of your workday, it can be easy to just turn your monitor off and go home. Everyone does it, and although it’s a bad habit we should all shake, it’s hard to stop this tendency. However, actually restarting your PC could be vital for the health of your device. This can effectively give your device a “fresh start”, clearing out your RAM and removing any “blockages” that were slowing your PC down. Rather than keeping your computer on for months on end, restarting it at the end of a workday should be a new habit for you to get into.

Update Windows

Plenty of computers can go for years never having properly updated Windows. Whilst this may not be the most common issue with your PC, the operating system is a fundamental feature that you need to keep in the best possible condition. Updates can increase the security of your device and remove bugs to make sure you don’t see surprise crashes or slow downs.

If you have a computer issue that you can’t solve with the above quick fixes, contact the Rapid IT Support team for PC troubleshooting you can rely on.

If you’ve recently upgraded to a new computer, you will most likely be dealing with a blank canvas in terms of software on the system. This is an opportunity to hit the ground running, as there are some incredible applications available for free to help you get the best out of your new computer.

IOBit Uninstaller

It might not seem particularly useful at first glance, as IOBit Uninstaller is just a program that deals with uninstalling other applications. Unfortunately, Windows operating systems have grown more bloated by the generation, with Windows 10 packed with software that most people simply don’t need.

IOBit Uninstaller breaks down all of the bloated software pre-installed on your system and lets you remove it in a few clicks. This can speed up your computer, free up space and make startup times much faster. More importantly, it gives you full control of the software on your machine.

Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Windows comes with Microsoft Edge as an internet browser, which is not a bad option but there are definitely better ones out there. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are the two heavyweights in the internet browser world, and they are exceptional at their job. Chrome focuses on connectivity and speed, whereas Firefox is geared towards security.

Regardless of what type of browser you would prefer, it’s definitely a good idea to get an upgrade to Chrome or Firefox right away. The additional functionality of either of these compared to Edge can make your life much easier.

VLC Media Player

If you intend to use any form of media, VLC Media Player will play anything that you throw at it. This lightweight media player is perfectly designed for usability and will play a staggering number of different file types. Compared to the prepackaged software that Windows offers, VLC is more lightweight, functional and versatile.

Get the most out of your new computer with these fantastic free applications and ditch the bloated software loaded into your new system. If you would like to know more about improving your IT setup, contact our experts at Rapid IT today.

There are countless reasons why a PC may decide to misbehave – whether it’s having problems booting up, refusing to open certain applications or operating slower than usual. With that said, there are some general troubleshooting efforts you can attempt that can remedy a lot of these issues. We’re going to offer some PC troubleshooting tips to help bring your computer back to full health.

Run antivirus software

If your computer is acting strange, slow or obstinate, it might be time to boot up some antivirus software. There are lots of different antivirus packages available and Microsoft has even implemented their own directly into Windows via the Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Oftentimes, a simple antivirus scan is all it takes to remedy your computer issues. They are not foolproof, however, and will often miss some of the lesser-known threats and faults found in computers. So if you are still dealing with your problem after an antivirus scan, don’t worry.

Try a software update

Software normally goes through multiple iterations or updates in its lifetime, so make sure that all of your programs are up to date. This includes your web browser, operating systems such as Windows and any other applications that you use on your computer.

Viruses and malicious coding often target older software that hasn’t been updated to gain entry to computers and cause harm. This can result in weird pop-ups, computers that won’t switch on and complete wiping of hard drives. So be sure to check for updates regularly as this can fix any security gaps in older software versions.

Try a clean operating system installation

You can reinstall Windows, Linux or macOS operating systems to give your computer a blank slate to work from. Be warned, though, that your features, installations and data will be gone if you go for a clean installation.

Although it removes your programs and data, it can also wipe any malicious or damaged applications that may be responsible for your glitchy computer. If a fresh OS reinstall doesn’t work, it might be time to call in the experts.

If you’re in need of technical assistance, call our IT experts at Rapid IT today. Our specialists are experienced and happy to help get your computer back to full health.