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Turn on Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

April 25, 2020 by Lynn Thames

Turn on two factor authentication (also called Multi-Factor Authentication) on every account you own. Passwords are no longer safe “enough.” Online security breaches are happening all too often these days.

What is two factor authentication? It is securing your accounts with two levels of security. One level is the password and the next level is a code texted to your smartphone. This prevents someone who has a password from getting into an account. You probably already do this on various accounts that require it such as your bank and Apple ID. Some accounts like Gmail and Amazon offer 2FA but don’t require it. You should turn it on these accounts.

If you need help setting up 2FA/MFA, please contact us.

Filed Under: Business, Uncategorized

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Continuity Plan

April 25, 2020 by Lynn Thames

As novel coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnoses continue to increase around our area and the world, Thames Computer Consulting is committed to providing a safe environment for our clients and ensuring business continuity, to the best of our abilities. We are confident that we can provide continuing service during this time.
Thank you for your continued trust in us.

We are currently taking the following measures of precaution:
We are implementing a remote only policy with a no contact drop off/pick up location for repairs that require hands on work.

We can remotely help you with any issue you have.

If you need to bring us your computer, we will arrange an appointment with you where you will leave your device in a protected area. For laptops, we will wipe down the keyboard and trackpad with alcohol and use our own keyboard and mouse. For desktops, we will wipe the box with alcohol, use our own keyboard, mouse and monitor and then wipe it down again before returning it to you.

We want to protect you as much as we want to protect ourselves.

Do you need to remote into a work computer?
If you need help setting up remote connection to another computer, please let us know. We have a variety of ways we can set that up for you.

We will continue to monitor news from the World Health Organization, among other sources and guidelines, and are committed to reassessing the situation and adjusting our plans accordingly.

We wish you all good health and thank you for continuing to place your trust in us. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: COVID-19

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What to do before calling Tech Support

January 6, 2015 by Lynn Thames

People often call  because some piece of technology is not working for them. We all know how frustrating that can be. Often, the fix is something simple. Here are some things to try before calling for help: 

1. Shut down the computer/phone/printer/tablet. Turn it back on. Simple, right? This one easy step can fix many problems especially if you haven’t turned the device off and on again in awhile. Printers rarely get turned off and on so they are receptive to this action. 

2. If your internet isn’t working, turn off the modem/router and turn it back on. This can be a tad tricky depending on if you have a modem/router combination or you have 2 separate devices. If you have a modem/router combination, there should be an on/off switch on the back of the modem/router. If there isn’t, pull the power cord out, wait 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. 
If you have a separate modem and router, unplug both devices from power. (please tell me you can figure out which is the power cord). Plug in the modem first. Wait 2 minutes until all the lights are on or flashing. Then plug in the router. Try your internet again. This works even if one device is not connecting but all other devices are. 

3. OK, this one is embarrassing but please make sure it’s “plugged in” or the battery hasn’t run out. No more needs to be said. 

4. Got an error message? Take a picture with your smartphone. Those cryptic error messages can sometimes be very helpful in solving or at least diagnosing the problem with your computer. 

5. If your printer isn’t working, try these steps:

  • Turn off the printer. Unplug it from power. Wait 2 minutes. Plug it back in and turn it back on. 
  • If it’s wireless, reset your modem/router as described in Step 2. 
  • If it’s connected by a USB cable, disconnect the cable from the computer and reconnect it. 

Filed Under: Business

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What is Net Neutrality and what you can do

July 1, 2014 by Lynn Thames

I’ve been meaning to write about this Net Neutrality issue for awhile. It’s complicated and oh, so boring so I’m going to try and make it short and sweet here. The takeaway is to please write to the FCC and let them know how you feel. 

To start, watch this video for a quick 2-minute description on what Net Neutrality means. Also, this site gives a great visual description of the issue. 

Currently, when you access the internet on your phone, tablet or computer, you get to view websites and watch video at pretty much the same speed everyone else does. You may pay for a faster download speed from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) but no matter what site you go to, your ISP treats them all the same. That is called Net Neutrality. Everyone gets the same treatment. 

Here’s the issue: The FCC, based on lobbying by companies like Comcast, AT&T and others that provide internet services, has said it would create new “fast lanes” for websites that pay them more money. That means Comcast will give faster access to companies that pay them money to put them in the “fast lane.” Consumers will probably not be able to pay for this “fast lane.” Companies like Netflix will pay. Business Insider has a great explanation of this.

What you can do 
If you think adding fast lanes for those who can pay is unfair, there are several ways to have your voice be heard. Check out this post at “SavetheInternet.com” for steps you can take. I think the best step is to write to the FCC as they are taking comments for a few more weeks. Other options on this link include signing a petition and calling Congress and/or the President. 

To write the FCC, click here. Go to docket 14-28. It should be at the top. Fill in your name and email address. In the comments, say you want to keep the internet neutral and there should not be fast lanes for companies that pay more. Also, you can say that if the FCC classifies the ISP’s as Class II providers, then ISP’s will be treated like the phone companies where everyone has the same access. 

Filed Under: Business

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