Get a Computer Prepared for Business

Unsure what to look for in a business computer?

The motto of the boy scouts is to be prepared, and we think they might be on to something.  Business users rely on their computers and technology to get their jobs done, so you don’t want to show up to work with the wrong computer.  The right computer saves you time and makes you more efficient and productive.  The wrong computer… not so much.

At Network Services Group, our main focus is providing computer network service, support, and consulting services to business customers, but we also sell computers, laptops, servers, and networking equipment.   The reason we do this is partly a matter of convenience for our customers (one stop shopping), but also because we want to help ensure our customers are getting the right gear.

To read more about selecting the right work computer, click here!

Get Your Tech from a Computer Consultant in Ann Arbor

Working with the right technology company can help set you up for success, so that you have the right gear, configured the right way, so that it works for you when you need it.  Work with NSG, a premier computer consultant in Ann Arbor, and experience the positive side of what technology has to offer. Call us at (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here!

The Cons of Commercial Web Hosting

Are you considering one of the big-name, free-to-use website hosts?

There is a wide selection of website hosts to choose from— BlueHost, HostGator, and GoDaddy are three of the most popular. These are not necessarily bad services, but when it comes to website hosting, there is a direct tie between your connection to the host and your connection to your website. If you’re using a commercial host and things go sideways, it’s likely that your issues won’t be addressed in a timely manner.

Here are three challenges of working with a commercial website host:

No personal connection. Commercial hosting providers are disinterested by nature because there is no personal connection. Usually, you’re not even interacting with the employees unless you’re trying to solve an issue.

Inexperienced crew. The people answering your calls at a commercial hosting company may not be trained in tech or website hosting. Often, these companies are so large that they hire people just to make sure they have enough bodies to fill the positions. They might know very little about your problem, or they might be incredibly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clients that they have to keep track of.

Data is less secure. Template-based websites are easy to use, but that also means they’re easier to hack. DIY website hosting makes your information more vulnerable than local hosting. It’s also common for commercial hosts to keep all of their client data on a single server—if something happens to that server, then all of your website data could be wiped out with no way to recover. 

Read more about the cons of commercial website hosting here.

Reliable Website Hosting in Ann Arbor

Ready to build your website with local professionals?

Network Services Group has been helping business build and maintain their websites since 2001 and has twenty years of happy clients to show for it. If you are looking for website hosting in the Ann Arbor area, NSG has you covered. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here to get started.

The Pros of Local Web Hosting

Are you looking for a website host?

Have you considered going local?

There are many benefits to working with a local website host over a commercial (or “canned”) host. Here are three major benefits:

Fast response time. Because a local host knows you personally, and doesn’t have a massive sea of faceless clients, they can respond to you much quicker. They also care about responding to you as a valued client.

Secure databases. The servers at Network Services Group are hosted in different tier-1 data facilities, all with redundant internet connections and backup battery/generator power. It is extremely rare for something to happen to the NSG servers—but on the off chance that something happens to one of them, your data will not be lost. 

Professional experience. A local company has the power to hire people with a specialty in IT and web hosting, rather than hiring anyone just to meet a body count. Updates are performed faster, content is posted on time, and problems are solved quickly.

Read more about the benefits of local website hosting here.

Go Local with Website Hosting in Ann Arbor

Ready to build your website with local professionals?

Network Services Group has been helping business build and maintain their websites since 2001 and has twenty years of happy clients to show for it. If you are looking for website hosting in the Ann Arbor area, NSG has you covered. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here to get started.

Common Scamming Tactics

Do you know if your data is secure?

Cyber security is everyone’s business. The world of technology is vast and makes it easy for those with harmful intent to take advantage of you if you’re not careful. 

Here are 4 principles that can help keep you safe from online scammers:

1. Your financial institution will NEVER ask for your login or personal information via email. Neither will anyone else. Never respond to such requests via email.
2. Don’t believe pop-ups that appear on your computer telling you that you are infected. 
3. Never open attachments from unknown sources.
4. Don’t click to view the link or attachments in emails that claim you have a missing package that you weren’t expecting, or for an order you didn’t place.

Learn more about computer security here.

Network Services Group Cares About Your Security

Network Services Group provides computer service and support in Ann Arbor, and we always make sure your machines have the latest security updates, and we handle your information with extreme care. 

If you have questions about how we can help you with your computer security, call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

Five Aspects of Computer Security

Is your computer security software up to date?

Maintaining your computer security is very important and Network Services Group makes it easy with computer services in Ann Arbor; we’re always up to date on the best practices for cyber security.

Here are the five most important things to do for improved computer security:

1. Be aware, be suspicious, be vigilant. 
2. Use strong passwords. 
3. Don’t use the same password for multiple things. 
4. Know where your data is saved, and make sure it is backed up. 
5. Use extreme care when opening attachments or downloads 

To learn about these five aspects in more depth, click here.

Computer Services in Ann Arbor

Network Services Group provides computer service and support in Ann Arbor, and we always make sure your machines have the latest security updates, and we handle your information with extreme care. If you have questions about how we can help you with your computer security, call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here.

How to Get Faster Internet | IT Solutions in Ann Arbor

 If you notice slow speeds on your WIFI or network, then it is time to start checking the common issues. There are several solutions that you can try on your own before calling in the pros. Here are the three biggest steps in investigating slow internet:

Close Unnecessary Applications

Closing unnecessary applications is the easiest first step. If that doesn’t restore your speed, then it may be an issue with your hardware, network congestion, or your internet provider.  One easy step is to reboot your modem, router, and switches to see if that helps.

Call Your Internet Provider

Another option is to call your internet provider to see if something is slowing down the internet service. If the option is available to you, you can also try connecting your device directly to your modem to check the speed there.  If it’s still slow it’s likely an issue with your provider.  If it’s fast, then you likely have issues further downstream with your firewall, switches, computers, or even cabling.  Troubleshooting this can require some detective work.  NSG can help you track this down if you’d like some help.

Update Your Hardware and Software

Sometimes when we are called in to help troubleshoot issues with network and internet speeds, we find that consumer grade equipment was used, was improperly installed, and was never maintained or updated.  This can all lead to slow downs and cause other problems including security concerns.

Do you have a rat’s nest of cables?  Switches all over the place and daisy chained together?  When were your router, WIFI, and switches installed and/or last maintained and updated?  If the answer isn’t any time recently then those are all causes for concern, both in terms of speed and security.

In order to avoid problems and optimize performance you want to make sure you have the right gear, properly installed, and have a plan in place to ensure it is maintained and updated.

Learn more about the causes of slow internet here.

Network Service Group Has Your IT Solutions in Ann Arbor

Your business relies on technology, so it pays to invest in business class equipment and have it properly installed and configured.  As an IT company, Network Services Group has a direct connection to hardware and software providers, and can acquire business class solutions that you won’t find in a big box store. If you’re at a stand-still with your slow internet and/or you’re ready for some help, contact us for your IT solutions in Ann Arbor. 

The Culprits of Slow Internet | IT Solutions in Ann Arbor

 Has your internet been unusually slow? 

Do you know how to test the speed of your internet?

It can be tricky to pinpoint the cause of slow internet. Outdated hardware, issues with your internet provider, and too many open applications are a few of the common culprits.  Also, don’t forget to reboot!

The first step to solving slow internet is to test your internet speed.

There are a number of websites that provide an internet speed test, such as www.speedtest.net. There are three items that need to be tested: the upload speed, the download speed, and the ping latency.  Typically, you’d want to see speeds of at least 50-100 Mbps for downloads, and 10Mbs for uploads, but this can vary depending on the type of internet connection you have, and how you are connected (e.g. plugged in or WIFI).

Learn more about the causes of slow internet here.

Network Service Group Has Your IT Solutions in Ann Arbor

Your business relies on technology, so it pays to invest in business class equipment and have it properly installed and configured.  As an IT company, Network Services Group has a direct connection to hardware and software providers, and can acquire business class solutions that you won’t find in a big box store. If you’re at a stand-still with your slow internet and/or you’re ready for some help, contact us for your IT solutions in Ann Arbor.