ISS dial phone

10 digit dialing and what you NEED to know

Ok, so most of you know that 10 digit dialing is now in effect. What many people don’t realize is that systems that auto-dial (alarm systems, credit card terminals still using phone line rather than internet, emergency call buttons/bracelets, etc.) need to be re-programmed to dial 10 digits. Please think about where you may have had these auto-dial systems configured long ago and make sure they are re-programmed. Just a Public Service Announcement from ISS. Making IT work since 1999. 337.506.2100. info@iss-central.com

Computer Tech

Slow Internet, WiFi Disconnects, Can’t Stream, Wanna Scream!!

In the last few weeks, we have had many calls into our office about DSL & Cable services being very slow, hard to stream, and WiFi dropping. We have found the WiFi issue to be resolvable by using better WiFi equipment rather than what the Internet Service Provider is issuing, IF the internet service speed is adequate. You CANNOT tell the actual speeds you are getting by testing anywhere but in the internet equipment itself and that requires logging in to it. When the service is the issue, we have had limited luck by calling the ISP for service upgrades. But we are having tremendous luck by changing to a fiber-based internet service. If you are close enough to the existing fiber, pricing is very reasonable. Call us for assistance if your business is having internet speed troubles. 337.506.2100. We LOVE to help solve IT problems.

Cyber security

Password Managers

So in the last several months of conducting Cyber Awareness training, many attendees are interested in Password Manager apps.

Corporate Password Managers are for an organization to easily keep track of, authorize access to, and keep updated all company credentials and other sensitive information.

Personal Password Managers are for individuals to use for those same reasons and more. Many password managers have fields for your VIN numbers, insurance account numbers, bank account numbers, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Family Password Managers have the same capabilities as Personal Password Managers but also allow sharing of your entire list or specific items in your list.

All of these solutions, should syncronize from your smartphone, to tablet, to personal computer. When you update an item on one device, the others will be updated as well. You can backup your list safely to several different online storage sites.

PAY for your Password Manager. The completely free apps are not free to the person who developed the app, so they must do something to offset their investment. Ads, collecting information to resell, etc. Quality apps may begin with a free trial but would require a payment after the trial period.

If you need more true information on Password Managers or any other IT related topic, contact ISS. We live everyday wanting to help other people leverage technology.

ISS – Information Systems Solutions serving South and Southwest Louisiana, http:// www.iss-central.com, info@iss-central.com, 337.506.2100

cropped view of african american businessman using laptop and smartphone in car with cyber security

CyberThreat info

2020 – WOW! COVID. CyberThreats. Kobe… And it is only August. Lots of businesses are worried about the Cyberthreats they have been hearing about. With good reason, unfortunately. ISS has been preparing for this for over 18 months now. We have a Risk Management team that specializes in protection, knowledge, and being prepared in case. As always, ISS is here to help businesses with their tech needs. Reach out for a conversation. 337.506.2100, info@iss-central.com.

Four young friends wearing masks and social distancing

Opening Up After Covid19 and How to Enhance Your Security

Soooo, getting back out in the open is around the corner. We Cajuns seem to miss the social interaction of life. ISS has been staying very busy throughout this event and we are very excited to have helped so many customers. We have also added some valuable tools to our toolbox lately. We have Cyber Threat tip sheets and how to find good insurance protection against any breaches should they occur. We have updated and added features to our Catalyst Service offering. These changes benefit you, our customers, to help you and your business achieve its goals. Let’s schedule a call for a short discussion. 337.506.2100 X201, or info@iss-central.com

Computer hard drive inside repair and fix in the service center

Remote workers data backup

In this time of remote workers, virtual office, please remember to address the importance of data backup. Remote users may be accessing and storing files on your servers like the past and your backup may be sufficient. But remote users may be accessing and storing files on their computers and how is that being backed up? ISS has solutions for this. Affordable, proven, and easy to implement. ISS – Making IT work since 1999. 337.506.2100. sales@iss-central.com Stay Safe!!

Home office

Remote working

So, for years now TeamISS has had the capability to allow working from remote sites. We use computers, VOIP, and apps for supporting our customers, attending virtual meetings, and providing support after hours as necessary.

Remote working can actually be more productive than office work. For example, no water cooler talk, no getting distracted by “drop-in’s”, no concerns about which customer just walked through the door, and so on.

But without discipline, processes, and clear expectations, remote working can be very counter-productive. Your team members MUST understand what their duties are, how to achieve success as it relates your your business, and how you are going to monitor that.

Regular virtual face-to-face meetings are very necessary in a work remotely environment. Without them, team members lose some connectivity and engagement. We use products like Zoom and/or our VOIP phone systems have collaboration and virtual meeting capability built-in – no extra fees, etc.

Help your team to be productive. Make sure they can still share files, still use email, still have access to their phones and regular extensions. No one wants to give out their cell number only to be inundated with company calls after hours, on weekends, etc.

Help your team by enforcing or possibly implementing some rules. For example, everyone is to use email for non-emergent communication and they should check their email 3-4 times throughout the course of the workday. Use instant messaging or texting for more emergent needs. And finally, use direct phone calls when assistance is needed NOW.

And finally, a list of tips for those working remotely and desire to be productive:

  • Your computer should be in 100% great working condition. It is one of your most important tools now.
  • Have at least 1 external monitor so you don’t get fatigued from a small laptop monitor
  • Have a really comfortable and supportive chair to work from
  • Make sure your work surface can accommodate  the room you need so you can stay clean and organized
  • Put whatever steps/rules in place to stay near zero distracted. Many of you are having children home at this time. Let them know that you must work you will have some good quality time later. (And stick to that plan, don’t work non-stop and ignore those you love)
  • Noise-cancelling headphones come in very handy in environments like this as well. If you have never tried them, be careful, they are addictive.
  • Create Jam Sessions throughout the week. 90 minutes totally dedicated to an important project, task, etc. No email, no phone, no interruptions. You will be surprised how much you can get done.
  • Establish routines and stick to them. This will allow you to maximize the hours in your day so you can be productive with work, and effective with your loved ones.
  • Establish an Opening and a Closing of your work day. This will help bookend your work so you don’t get “lost”.
  • Some people find pretending they are not at home helps.
  • When you get ready to begin your workday, shower, dress as if you are going in to the office. Prepare yourself as if your most important customer knock on your door at any time.
  • Most people find scheduling blocks of time for work and for personal makes this work environment must easier to manage.

Well, hopefully this information has helped someone to work remotely more easily.

Have a great week!

security camera

Camera Security Tips

Happy Friday! Security is at the top of everyone’s minds these days – unfortunately. And cameras seem to be the first solution people think of. Cameras on an alarm system are good & affordable but you need to understand how they work. They detect motion, may take a snapshot, then record clips of video rather than actual videos. So there are “missing” pieces in the footage you review. This may suffice for many people’s needs. True surveillance camera solutions can record 24×7, on a schedule, or as motion is detected. Surveillance solutions record as long as motion is detected and are continuous as opposed to the previous clip explanation. This is important to remember depending on what you are wanting to accomplish with your camera solution. ISS also now has camera solutions for 1, 2, 3 etc. cameras that do not require a local recorder but will record to the cloud. There are some limitations but this may be an feasible and affordable solution for your needs as well. If you are interested, please contact us at sales@iss-central.com, http://iss-central.com/index.php/contact, or 337.506.2100.

Business people shaking hands in agreement

In today’s busy world, we communicate constantly

In today’s busy world, we communicate constantly. Email, text, tweet, instagram, snapchat….. But do we CONNECT? I every aspect of our lives – Work, Family, Friends – we MUST connect. Physically listen, be in the presence of people, shake hands, give a pat on the back….. It’s impossible to have true relationships with connecting. Take time to connect. Have a great day. ISS – We love you – 337.506.2100

So, to clear up a common misconception:

So, to clear up a common misconception: Technology advances are not reducing the number of jobs for real people. Technology is changing job roles but creating more opportunities for people. “Even in an age of advanced technology, the present and the future will always belong to human potential” Get out there, learn how to effectively use technology and the world is at your fingertips. ISS 337.506.2100 “Making IT Work since 1999”