Remote IT support is an innovative service that allows users to solve computer issues without in-house help. Remote IT support works exactly the same as in-house IT but uses remote access to inspect, diagnose and fix any issues you are dealing with on your side.

We are going to take a look at some of the benefits associated with remote IT support so that you can decide whether or not it is the right IT solution for your needs.

Good for IT housekeeping

Remote IT support might be at its most beneficial during an IT meltdown, but it also provides regular maintenance and updates for your systems and infrastructure. Things like tricky installations, antivirus updates, network monitoring and more can be handled by remote IT support.

Streamlining operations

If you have ever dealt with an in-house IT department that is slow to respond, you will understand the importance of streamlining its functionality. Remote IT support is designed to act quickly, and in some cases such as with network monitoring, can actually catch the problem before you do.

Keep costs low

One of the biggest benefits of remote IT support is that you don’t need an in-house team to handle your technical issues. This can save your company a lot of money over time, as you don’t have to pay any of the overheads associated with an IT department. That means there is no need to invest in expensive equipment, staffing and on-call hours for a dedicated IT team, as your remote IT support covers it all.

Increased availability and support

Another fantastic advantage that remote IT support offers is increased availability. If you have multiple locations that are far apart, then you don’t need to worry about travelling IT teams or multiple in-house IT support departments. Remote IT support can cover all of the locations and is generally available 24/7 to help when you need it most.

There are lots of benefits built into remote IT support as a service, and it appears that many companies prefer this type of support when compared to in-house IT. If you are interested in learning more or are considering remote IT support for your business, speak with our experts at Rapid IT today.

When it comes to business, data is everything, and losing it can have a serious impact on your company’s value and reputation. If you are not backing up your data regularly, here are some reasons why you should start immediately.

It ensures you won’t lose data from a ransomware attack

Did you know that more than half of all Australian businesses have been disrupted by cyber-attacks? According to one article by AFR, ransomware attacks shot up in 2020, with 64% of local businesses being targeted.

When ransomware attacks happen, your data is put at risk, and some businesses are never able to retrieve some of the data that is stolen from them. By regularly backing up your data across a wide variety of systems, you will ensure that your data will not be lost should your company have a cyber attack.

It protects you from human error

Your data isn’t just open to online threats, it’s also vulnerable to human error. Accidents happen – data can be accidentally deleted or overwritten and lost in a matter of seconds. Storing your data in the cloud can help ensure that, if anything accidental happens, your business’s data will be protected.

It will protect your data from physical damage

When it comes to data, many people forget that it can be physically damaged or stolen. Whether it’s an employee spilling coffee on a hard drive or a burglary, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why you should have a physical data storage solution that isn’t on your property. That way, if the worst was to happen, your data is protected.

How to backup your data

There are many different ways that data can be backed up. To ensure full protection, we recommend that you keep at least three copies of your data, with one being a physical copy that is offsite.

If you’re looking to improve data protection in your business, our team at Rapid IT support is here to help. Call us today on 1300 727 430 to get more information about small business IT support in Melbourne.

Society is growing more dependent on technology for all sorts of daily activities, including shopping, banking and working. The rising popularity of computer technology in particular leaves many of us vulnerable to all types of nefarious computer viruses aimed at disrupting our livelihoods.

There are thousands of different types of computer viruses that will look and act differently, depending on what harm they are trying to cause to your system. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an expert to know that something is not quite right, and this guide will offer some advice to help you diagnose whether or not you are dealing with a computer virus.

Warning signs that you have a computer virus

There are a few tell-tale signs that your computer is affected by a computer virus. Due to their nature and the sheer number of different variants, computer viruses can present themselves in several ways:

– Lagging computer and poor performance

– Files missing, replaced or deleted

– Pop-up windows that were not there before/are not affiliated with any of your software

– New software that has appeared on your toolbar, desktop or as a pop-up

– Emails and social media posts that you did not send

– Malfunctioning antivirus software

– Problems with starting up/shutting down your computer

What to do if you have a computer virus?

If you have noticed any of the above issues, there is a chance that you are dealing with a computer virus. It is wise at this point to try to use any anti-virus software such as Windows Firewall to quarantine or remove the virus.

If that doesn’t remedy the issue, it might be time to call in the professionals. A computer repair expert will be able to remove any viruses and bring your computer back to full working order.

If you are dealing with a problematic computer, reach out to our IT support experts at Rapid IT. We serve customers across Australia and can help diagnose and remove spyware, viruses and other malicious software from your systems. Contact us today for more information.

Three ways to speed up your business IT services

Is your small business IT service slowing you down?

Are you spending more time fixing slow computers than running your business? Speeding up a computer system is a great way for business owners to make sure they can stay on top of their orders, appointments, website, services and more. These three simple steps could save you hours of valuable time, so let’s get your system up to speed!

Banish the junk

If your computer system is taking forever to start, it might be because its memory is full of useless junk files. You can install a free system cleaner to do it for you, or manually clear out any junk files, deleted photos, online search history, cookies and temporary files. It’s also a good idea to delete any apps, screenshots or files that you no longer use to free up memory. With more free hard drive space, your computer should start speeding up in no time.

Outsource your IT support services

If you’re a business owner who is spending too much time fixing your IT issues and teaching team members new software, then it’s time to outsource your IT support. Managed IT support services mean you’ve always got a computer expert at the end of the phone to fix any problems, so you don’t have to spend time researching and trawling the web for solutions. They’ll also make sure your system is running efficiently, monitor your systems and enable you to make the most of your IT infrastructure.

Run a virus check

If your computer system has been running slowly, or you are having repeated issues loading a certain program, you may have a problem with malware. If you have accidentally downloaded a virus it can quickly slow down your computer and cause a host of issues across your IT systems. Make sure you run a regular virus scan and remove any suspicious software as soon as possible.

Call us now

Don’t let IT issues hold your business back! Call RapidIT today on 1300 727 430 for professional and affordable small business IT support in Melbourne.

Businesses of all sizes need to be conscious of computer viruses and take steps to ensure your devices remain virus-free. Viruses can affect your computer in a number of different ways but all of them cause significant disruption and can put your data at risk. This post runs through some of the most common viruses so you know how to spot them and when to take virus removal steps.

Browser hijacking

This type of virus takes over your browser settings, redirecting you to a website you aren’t intending to visit and sometimes taking over your default homepage. These viruses can be highly disruptive and intrusive and are usually caused by a software developer forcing their software in an unauthorised way onto your browser.

Infecting files

Viruses that infect files will damage the formatting of your hard drive by attaching themselves to code. This computer virus spreads easily – once it has infected a file, it can then spread to other programs and networks that use that file. These viruses can cause permanent damage and render your files unusable – this has serious consequences for business data.

Macro viruses

Macro viruses are easily spread between different users through documents such as Microsoft Word or Excel files. When an infected file is sent to another user via email and they then download it, the virus infects their device.

Web scripting viruses

This type of virus bypasses your computer’s security measures and is commonly found on social media platforms. This helps it to spread rapidly. Web scripting viruses steal confidential information from your device, modify your browser in a similar way to browser hijacking viruses and can make your computer run slowly.

Antivirus set up and tech support

Fortunately, there is plenty of quality antivirus software available to help protect your device. If you need help with virus removal, choose specialist IT services. Rapid IT are computer support experts who can support you at the click of a button. We provide a range of services including antivirus set up, virus removal, and a huge range of other tech support services. Read more about how it works or submit a ticket to request IT support now.

A good email setup for your business is important for various reasons. If you’re a small business looking to build trust and grow your online presence, this is something you should seriously consider. Below, we offer some advice on business email setup and why it’s so important you get it right.

Why is a business email important?

A business email involves using a business domain rather than a generic Hotmail or Yahoo alternative. Anyone can create these types of accounts, which means that they are less likely to be trusted by other businesses.

Business emails are also more professional. Each time you send an email with a business domain, you are providing positive exposure and building your brand reputation. As a result, using a business domain can be considered as a form of indirect promotion.

How do I set up a business email?

Email setup for businesses can be difficult, which is why we recommend contacting our remote support team if you’re unsure.

It’s important to remember that, unlike normal email addresses, you can’t create a free business email. However, there are plenty of providers for you to choose from.

You will need to purchase a web domain name and create a website to set up a business email. Then, this is where third-party providers come in. You must contact an email service provider to manage your emails and sign up for web hosting.

Tips for business email setup

It’s important to keep your domain name simple, which means it should be as short as possible and easy to pronounce. Your business name is more likely to be remembered by others this way.

Make sure to research your domain name first. Another business may have already purchased that domain, which could cause confusion or legal problems in the future. If someone is using your desired domain name, consider adding your business location to it.

Business emails should always end in .com. This is more well-known and is likely to avoid discrepancies. .com domain names also rank higher on Google.

Contact Rapid IT Support today for help with email setup. We service customers in all states 24/7. Call us now on 1300 727 430.

Do you want to maximise the productivity potential of your laptop or PC? Do you want to make sure that your laptop or PC is running as effectively as it should be? Here are some top tips for boosting and maintaining the productivity of your laptop to maximise its potential as well as your own!

1. Update your PC every time there is a software update available

Software updates can sometimes seem like a nightmare and something you don’t have time for, but it’s important that you do keep your tech up-to-date! These software updates are designed to keep your PC working as well as it can be, with bug fixes and increased storage sometimes being included in these updates.

2. Get rid of apps and programs you don’t use

Unnecessary apps – also known as ‘junk’ apps – that you don’t use can actually take up a significant part of your PC’s storage which can ultimately slow down your computer or prevent your laptop from being properly updated. Getting rid of these apps and programs is really easy! It will simply require a few clicks or drag to the trash icon, and it can be hugely beneficial to the overall performance of your device.

3. Learn computer shortcuts, or automate tasks

Computer shortcuts are really easy to learn and they can significantly speed up the navigation of your computer, whilst also making monotonous tasks simpler and quicker. An example of a computer shortcut is CTRL and C to copy text/images/links and then using CTRL and V to paste it to where you want it to go. You can also use an automated extension that can learn to do monotonous and repetitive tasks on your PC for you. Both of these options will significantly decrease the time you spend doing time-consuming jobs and will free you up to do more valuable tasks.

If you have any queries about the above information, don’t hesitate to contact one of our professionals for IT support across Australia. Contact us today or submit a ticket with your IT issue.

Despite the development in cyber software and technology, there are still many common IT issues that we all experience at some point, irrespective of computer model or brand. We have compiled a list of some basic IT issues and how to troubleshoot them yourself.

Constant freezing

There are many factors that contribute to computer freezing. From having too many programs open and your computer overheating to insufficient RAM and computer viruses, the reasons are endless. Before taking targeted measures, try closing tabs that are not in use. If the mouse pointer does not move, press ctrl, alt, and delete all at once on your keyboard. Once here, you can access Task Manager and end tasks that are not responding. If the problem persists once unnecessary programs and tabs are removed, try restarting your computer. You will know if it’s a bigger problem if the freezing continues and is accompanied by pop-up windows or password breaches. This signifies potential viruses, for which you should contact us at Rapid IT.

Forgotten passwords

With many now returning to the office after a long stint of working from home, passwords to company computers are likely to be forgotten. Although there is no way to recover the forgotten password, certain preventative measures can be taken. Always make sure that your password is linked to an email account that can be accessed, or that security question measures are in place. You are usually prompted to take these steps when setting up an account. If you frequently forget passwords, we recommend installing a verified password generator. These applications store your passwords and offer strong, random sequences that are devoid of personal meaning and thus unlikely to be penetrated by outside sources.

Storage is full

Especially with business technology that stores vast amounts of data, PCs have the potential to become full which leads to annoying notifications many times a day. To free up some space, remove any duplicate files or unnecessary software from your computer. This avoids wasted memory and disk space. If this doesn’t help, try clearing your computer browser cache. Advanced PC cleaners can be installed to help with the clearing process too.

If you require help with IT issues, Rapid IT can help. We provide a 24-hour service across Australia and can be reached on 1300 727 430.

Many business owners and IT teams view cybersecurity as complex and expensive. While protecting sensitive data often takes careful planning, there are many simple and cost-effective security measures every business can implement to instantly reduce its risk of infiltration. These include:

1. Update your software regularly

Keeping your software up to date is easy and quick, so there are no excuses to fall behind on downloading the latest patches and security features. If you’re still using an outdated operating system, managed IT services can help you get set up with a cutting-edge version. Failure to keep your systems updated could leave them vulnerable to malware.

2. Teach your staff about phishing

Despite being one of the oldest tricks in the cybercriminal’s book, phishing is still the cause of countless cyberattacks. The best way to avoid falling prey to phishing is to teach your employees about how to spot an unsafe email. If a communication looks suspicious, recipients must not click on links or pass over anyone’s personal information. Even innocent-looking PDF files could contain powerful malware.

To ensure your employees know the ropes, it may be worth organising training sessions as part of their onboarding process, as well as running regular refresher sessions to ensure everyone stays on top of best practices.

3. Implement a data security governance plan

Contrary to popular belief, data leaks are often accidental. If your employees have unfettered access to a range of files they don’t need, mishaps are bound to happen at some point. To ensure your data remains as secure as possible, try to implement tight rules around how data gets shared and establish accountability processes. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in software offering full visibility over who has access to different kinds of data.

4. Don’t forget remote workers

Chances are your remote workforce has grown since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s vital that you take this into account when drawing up cybersecurity plans. Discourage homeworkers from using personal devices and make sure they know where to turn for troubleshooting advice (such as your IT support helpdesk).

Tech support in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast

Need further help keeping your company safe from cybercriminals? Get in touch with Rapid IT Support today!

Microsoft Office has long been considered the hegemon in the world of office software. After all, the word ‘PowerPoint’ is perhaps more widely used than “slideshow”, and in offices around the world, you can see Office 365 installed as the default software on the vast majority of devices. However, in recent years, Google has made a foray into the world of office software in an attempt to cut into Microsoft’s monster share of the office market. Read on to find out more about both suites and which could be best suited to your needs.

Installation

Of the two systems, only one needs to go through a software installation process to get up and running. Office 365 has been a comprehensive office system for years, and this has meant that it has always been something that you need to install on your device. By doing so, you can get the full suite working as well as possible in any situation, regardless of factors such as internet connection. By comparison, the Google Suite is a web-based system. Although devices such as Chromebooks can install individual programs for online access, the system is designed for online work, with collaboration and communication at the heart of Suite.

Collaboration

A significant part of the attraction of Google Suite is the collaborative aspect. Users can all work together on a single document at once, meaning your sales team can get a report done in record time. By comparison, the online version of Office 365 works well but is often less smooth and consistent than its Suite rival. Google’s system was built from the ground up to bring workers together, whereas Microsoft’s Office package seems to be focused on local software, with collaboration bolted on as an added feature.

Quality

When the question of quality is asked, it depends on what you need. Office365 undoubtedly has many more features than Google Suite, with decades of experience in providing programs such as Word used to tweak and adjust their offering to be perfect to the modern workplace. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are still early iterations, and although they are incredibly streamlined, you might find yourself in need of more advanced features that simply aren’t in place yet.

If you’re interested in Office 365 migration or you need any other IT assistance, our team can offer the best IT support Sunshine Coast companies need. Give us a call today if you have any questions and we can offer you help, advice and support with your IT issues.