8 things to take into account when you are moving your office

Here is a quick list to get an idea of how ready your new location is for you to move in based on your technology needs.

1) Find out if the location is pre-wired, and the standard it is wired at, such as Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6.

2) Determine where the network connections terminate.  D0 you have 24 hour access, if not what are the restrictions?   A restriction can be a big deal if your network is down.  The termination point should be in a network closet, such as the ones below.

3) Find out who currently provides internet / network service to the the location.  Hopefully your current provider does, otherwise you might incur cancellation fees if you have to terminate a service agreement.

4) Determine the distance from the network wall jack / power outlet to each work station.   Look for issues such as a cables stretched across the room.

5) Ensure your lease agreement covers who is responsible for network cabling that is currently part of the property. Substandard wiring can be very costly to troubleshoot. 

6) Be aware of wireless signal interference due to walls and equipment, as well as router location.   If your router / access point is located in a network closet, the wireless signal for the router might not be strong enough to cover you entire office all on it's own.

7) If your landlord provides internet / isp service, make sure to find out about any bandwidth capacity limitations, or speed limitations.  "Free" service tends to come with a lot of restrictions. 

8) If possible, check the density of wireless networks at the new location.   More networks mean the great opportunity for interference and problems.  You can change the network density, but you can be aware of it's impact on your wireless network.

As always, please let me know if you have an comments or questions. 

Economical Internet Service

In most locations there is only a choice between the telephone service provider and DSL (Century Link) and the cable TV service provider (Comcast).  There are more options, and sometimes they are even more economical, 

• Freedom Pop uses the Clearwire network to provide Wi-Max service.   The service is new but the price at free for 1 GB and $30.00 for up to 5 GB it is hard to beat.   They ask for $89.00 for the device to start, not a bad deal.  Check out the link below.  Freedom Hub Burst
• Clearwire offers their own service, but it is a little more expensive.  Again it is Wi-Max service, it is around $100 for the device and plans start out at $34.99 per month for Unlimited internet access. Check out the link below, Clear Internet
• HughesNet offers satellite internet, meaning you will need a dish, at a very reasonable price starting at $39.99 a month, no hardware included.  Because it is satellite it means you can get it just about anywhere as it is not limited to network coverage.   There is always a minor latency issue, but with he latest versions, the speed and bandwidth issues appear to be resolved.  Check out the link below, HughesNet

As always if you have any questions, feel free to post in the comments. 

Did you get a new computer or device?

Just a reminder, if you received a new computer or device, or have an old one that needs some help.  We still have come great deals on set ups and tune ups,

In Shop Tune Up

System Tune Up, we do a basic tune of you computer removing components that reduce performance, optimizing system settings, and install if necessary programs to ensure that your device remains at top performance. We then spend 15 minutes with you to review how you can optimize your computer in future and how you prevent a reduction in performance in future. 1 hour of time.

In Shop New System Set Up / Transfer

New System Set Up / Transfer, Got that new device and all of your information is on your old device, we can help. We can set up your new device transferring files, installing applications, and configuring settings to ensure a smooth transfer. We then spend 15 minutes reviewing your new device to point out options, configuration choices and tips to optimize your experience. 1.5 hours of time

Purchase the deals below, 

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Time for a Holiday Deal!

With the Holidays fast approaching, are you still looking for that perfect gift? Did you just get a new computer and need to get the programs and information transferred?   I have some deals for you. 

Collaboration Lab Holiday Deals  

Social Media Tips?

I have mixed feelings on Social Media.   On one hand there is always a opportunity to gain clients, but at the same time there are also people trying to capitalize on a new market space.  I feel that this video is a good satirical commentary on the state of social media exploitation.