With the emergence of cloud computing coupled with software as a service (SaaS), Web 2.0, and the proliferation of advanced wireless technologies and mobile devices, small businesses today are able to access a wealth of powerful and affordable technology solutions like never before. Moreover, those small businesses that are willing and ready to bring this technology into their operations are beginning to realize that they can even outrun and outsmart their big business competitors.
But with all this hoopla, it may become difficult for small business owners to sort out which equipment and applications are necessary, and which are not (or at least not for right now). Knowing how, if, and when, to bring in new technology is essential to the health of your business and can noticeably impact your bottom line. Here are a few things to consider before acquiring any new equipment or software for your company.
Why are you looking for this technology? First you need to define what you want to change or improve in your business. Depending on your needs, you may decide to hold off acquiring new technology if a viable, cheaper alternative exists. For example, many software applications have free open source equivalents that may suit the needs of your company.
What are the estimated costs of not upgrading to newer technologies? Knowing this information is important when deciding the right time to bring new technology in to your small business. When the costs of not upgrading, such as a decrease in productivity or lost potential sales, is greater than the cost of the new equipment or applications, then it is time to change your system.
1. Cost-benefit analysis – Businesses must consider the tangible benefits that remote working will provide based against cost. While for many companies this technology could prove invaluable, businesses should not look to unified communications unless there is a clear business case.
2. Staff consultation – Remote working can represent a notable shift in working practices. As a result, workshops should be carried out to better understand the needs and concerns of management and staff to ensure that the new technology will be used effectively, minimising staff resistance. For larger businesses, these groups are more effective if carried out at departmental level.
3. Remote working security policy – While most companies have a security policy document in place, this should be revised with the introduction of remote working to ensure that data and information remain secure outside business premises. The encryption of portable devices, and secure internet connections and wireless networks should be considered.
4. Flexible working policy – Employers must clarify when it is appropriate for employees to work remotely by introducing a flexible working policy. This will help to avoid staff misuse of this technology, and allow the business to operate as efficiently as possible. In many cases, organisations do not know when their staff are working at home, which has implications for health and safety, and security practices.
5. Training – As with the introduction of any new technology, training is essential. A clear training programme should be designed to ensure employees at all levels can use this technology and are aware of their responsibilities when working remotely.
This little guide will help you install a new or extra hard drive.
Before you get stuck in toy will have to decide which drive is correct for you, there is a choice between SATA and IDE
What’s the difference between SATA and IDE? I hear you ask
Basically there is really no difference between IDE and SATA disks, except in the way they connect to the PC. The SATA connector is simpler and the cable is less fussy.
**NOTE not all Motherboards have SATA connections so check before you buy.
Ok so let’s install your new Hard Drive
- First un-plug your PC from the mains and open your case up and don’t forget to wear your Antistatic wrist band.
- Determine which drive bay you are going to install a Hard Drive into. You should pick the same bay as your current drive if you are just replacing your drive. If you are using it as an extra drive you should choose a bay below your main drive.
- Check the jumper settings are correct, if your are installing your new drive to replace your old one you will need to set it to MASTER, Consult the owner’s manual as each drive is different. If you are adding an extra drive you will have to choose which drive you want set as MASTER and which one you want set as SLAVE. (If you are installing a SATA drive then you have made things easier for yourself as you don’t need to worry about Jumper settings.)
- Once you have the correct Jumper settings then it’s time to mount your new drive. Some drives you have to screw into place as you would a hard drive and some have mounted brackets that you slide into the bay and it clicks in place.
- Connect the power and the ribbon back to the drive.
- Close the case back up, plug into the mains and boot up.
Finally
Double check all connections and make sure the device is set correctly as master or slave, also make sure you haven’t loosened any connections while you have been installing.
You may wish to make sure the hard drive is correctly installed before replacing the covers, but it is advisable to replace the covers before reconnecting the mains.
When you reboot your machine the bios should automatically detect the new hard drive, then when your operating system (windows or other) has loaded, go to My Computer (or similar) and you should see your new drive there. The letter assigned to the drive will depend on your machine’s configuration.
If your drive is the only drive then you will need to install an operating system (if none present).
Have fun!
Ian
This little guide will help you install a new or extra CD/DVD ROM drive.
Before you get stuck in you will have to decide which drive is correct for you, there is a choice between SATA and IDE
What’s the difference between SATA and IDE? I hear you ask
Basically there is really no difference between IDE and SATA disks, except in the way they connect to the PC. The SATA connector is simpler and the cable is less fussy.
**NOTE not all Motherboards have SATA connections so check before you buy.
Ok so let’s install your new CD/DVD -ROM
- First UN plug your PC from the mains and open your case up and don’t forget to wear your Antistatic wrist band.
- Determine which drive bay you are going to install a CD-ROM into. You should pick one of the uppermost drive bays.
- Check the jumper settings are correct, if your are installing your new drive to replace your old one you will need to set it to MASTER, Consult the owner’s manual as each drive is different. If you are adding an extra drive you will have to choose which drive you want set as MASTER and which one you want set as SLAVE. (If you are installing a SATA drive then you have made things easier for yourself as you don’t need to worry about Jumper settings.)
- Once you have the correct Jumper settings then it’s time to mount your new drive. Some drives you have to screw into place as you would a hard drive and some have mounted brackets that you slide into the bay and it clicks in place.
- Connect the power and the ribbon back to the drive.
- Close the case back up, plug into the mains and boot up.
- Go into “My Computer” and your PC should recognise your new drive straightaway and you’re ready to go.
Have fun!
Ian
