Categories

Moving can be a chaotic and stressful time. Especially when it comes to handling your valuable technology. Whether you’re relocating your home or office, it’s essential to take extra care. Both with fragile items and when packing and moving your devices and other tech items. 

To help you navigate this process smoothly, we’ve put together a handy checklist. Use this to help ensure your technology remains safe and sound during the move.

Back Up Everything

Before you start disassembling your technology, make sure to back up all your data. Create copies of important files, documents, photos, and any other irreplaceable information. You can either use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both. By doing this, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve protected your data. Should something unfortunate happen during the move, your files will be intact.

Organize and Label Cables

We all know the struggle of untangling a mess of cables. This is true, especially when you’re eager to set up your devices in the new place. To avoid this headache, take the time to organize and label your cables before packing.

Use cable ties or twist ties to keep them neatly bundled. Attach labels to identify which cable belongs to which device. Trust us; this simple step will save you a lot of time and frustration later on.

Pack Devices Carefully

When packing your devices, opt for their original boxes whenever possible. If you have the storage space, this is why you don’t want to toss those out. The original packaging is designed to provide the best protection during shipping. There are usually specific compartments to secure each component.

If you don’t have the original boxes, use sturdy cardboard boxes. Wrap each device in bubble wrap or anti-static foam to prevent any damage. Fill any empty spaces in the boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to ensure a snug fit.

<H3>Remove Ink Cartridges and Batteries</H3>

It might seem easier to just load up your printers “as is” to move them. But that’s not a good idea. For printers and devices that use ink, it’s crucial to remove those cartridges. Do this before packing the devices. Ink cartridges can leak or dry out during transit. This can cause a mess or render them useless.

Also, remove batteries from devices such as laptops, cameras, or remote controls. This precaution prevents accidental power-on and potential damage during the move. Pack the cartridges and batteries separately in sealed bags and label them.

Take Photos of Cable Connections

Before unplugging cables from your devices, snap a quick photo of the connections. This visual reference will be very helpful when it’s time to set up everything at your new location. You won’t have to worry about remembering which cable goes where. And won’t need to spend hours trying to figure it out. Simply refer to the photos, and you’ll be back up and running in no time!

Pack Your Wi-Fi Equipment Separately

Reconnecting to the internet is usually one of the first things done for both home and office moves. To make it easier, pack all your Wi-Fi network equipment separately from other items.

This includes your modem, router, ethernet cables, and other network connectors. Clearly label the box “Wi-Fi Equipment” so you’ll know right where to go first to get online.

Secure Fragile Screens

Are you moving devices with delicate screens, such as TVs or monitors? Then take extra precautions to protect them from scratches and cracks. 

Place a soft cloth or microfiber cloth over the screen. Secure it with elastic bands or tape. This barrier will shield the screen from any accidental contact during transit. Additionally, make sure to pack these items in a vertical position to reduce the risk of damage.

Inform the Movers about Fragile Items

When enlisting professional movers, be sure to be clear about your technology. Inform them about the fragile nature of your devices and other tech items. Clearly label the boxes containing your valuable devices as “fragile.” Provide any necessary instructions to handle them with care. By communicating your concerns upfront, you reduce the chances of accidents while moving.

Test Everything After the Move

If you’ve moved offices, you don’t want to find out about problems on a busy Monday morning. Once you’ve moved your technology and reconnected cables, turn your devices on. Test them to ensure they work as usual and weren’t damaged. 

Something may not look damaged on the outside. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t internal damage. You want to know this upfront so you can file a claim and call in an IT service professional to help.

Need Help with a Safe Technology Move?

Moving can be a hectic and challenging process, especially when moving office tech. But with the right approach, you can ensure the safety of your devices from point A to point B.

Need help from the pros to move your technology securely? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives. But along with the rapid advancements and innovations, several myths have persisted. 

Is it okay to leave your smartphone charging overnight? Do Macs get viruses? And what about those 5G towers? What’s going on with those?

Common tech myths can often lead to misunderstandings. They can even hinder your ability to fully use various tools and devices. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common tech myths that continue to circulate. We’ll also explore the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Leaving your device plugged in overnight damages the
battery

First is one of the most persistent tech myths. Leaving your device plugged in overnight will harm the battery life. But this myth is largely outdated.

Modern smartphones, laptops, and other devices have advanced battery management systems. These systems prevent overcharging.

Once your device reaches its maximum charge capacity, it automatically stops charging. This is true even if it remains connected to the power source. In fact, it is often recommended to keep your device plugged in overnight to ensure a full charge by morning.

So, feel free to charge your gadgets overnight without worrying about battery damage.

Myth 2: Incognito mode ensures complete anonymity.

Many users believe that using incognito mode in web browsers guarantees complete anonymity. They feel completely secure while surfing the internet using this mode. But this is not entirely accurate. While incognito mode does provide some privacy benefits, they’re limited.

For example, it mainly prevents your device from saving the following items:

• Browsing history
• Cookies
• Temporary files

However, it does not hide your activities from your internet service provider (ISP). Nor from the websites you visit. ISPs and websites can still track your IP address. They can also still watch your online behavior and collect data.

Do you truly want to remain anonymous online? Then consider using a virtual private network (VPN). Or other specialized tools that provide enhanced privacy protection.

Myth 3: Macs are immune to viruses.

Another prevalent myth is that Mac computers are impervious to viruses and malware. It is true that Macs have historically been less prone to such threats compared to Windows PCs. This does not make them immune. 

Some people that tout this myth point to malware statistics. For example, in 2022, 54% of all malware infections happened in Windows systems. Just 6.2% of them happened in macOS.

But you also need to factor in operating system (OS) market share. As of January 2023, Windows had about 74% of the desktop OS share. Mac’s OS had just 15%.

When you consider this, it turns out the systems aren’t that different when it comes to virus and malware risk. The infection rate per user on Macs is 0.075. This is slightly higher than on Windows, at 0.074. So, both systems have a pretty even risk of infection. This is the case even though Macs have a significantly lower infection count.

As the popularity of Macs has grown, so has the interest of hackers in targeting these devices. Malicious software specifically designed for Macs does exist. Users should take proper precautions, no matter the operating system in use.

You need to install reliable antivirus software. As well as keeping the operating system and applications up to date. Exercise caution when downloading files or clicking on suspicious links. Being aware of potential security risks and practicing safe browsing habits is crucial. This is true for Mac users, just as it is for any other platform.

Myth 4: More megapixels mean better image quality.

When it comes to smartphone cameras, savvy marketing sometimes leads to myths. Many people believe that more megapixels equal better image quality. This is a common misconception.

Megapixels are an essential factor in determining the resolution of an image. But they are not the sole indicator of image quality. Other factors play a significant role. Such as:

• The size of individual pixels
• Lens quality
• Image processing algorithms
• Low-light performance

A camera with a higher megapixel count may produce larger images. But it does not guarantee superior clarity, color accuracy, or dynamic range.

Manufacturers often strike a balance between pixel count and other image processing technologies. They do this to achieve optimal results. When choosing a smartphone or any camera, consider the complete camera system.  Don’t only focus on the megapixel count.

Separate Fact from Fiction

In a world where technology is an integral part of our lives, you must separate fact from fiction. Debunking common tech myths can empower you to make informed decisions. It can also maximize the potential of your digital experiences. An understanding of the truth behind these myths helps you use technology more effectively. It can also help you better protect your privacy.

Get the Technology Facts from a Trusted Pro

Whether you need help with an infected PC or setting up a corporate network, we’re here for you. We cut through the tech myths to bring you reliable and efficient service.

Give us a call today to chat about your technology goals and challenges.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.