Category: Networking Page 5 of 7

How To Eliminate Security Threats For Your Computer

On May 8, 2013

May 8 2013

With the increasing number of internet hackers and miscreants, it is every computer user’s responsibility to understand how computer security works, and ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to safeguard their computer from security threats. With just a few simple precautions, you can go a long way in keeping your computer safe from these negative elements. The following tips guide you on how to eliminate security threats for your computer-

The internet browser you choose has an impact on the security of your computer, so ensure that you are using a safe and trusted browser. Also remember to adjust your browser settings to avoid pop-ups and other auto downloads on the websites.

Be careful about the source that you choose to install antivirus software and other computer protection. Using a shady website for free downloads of these software could do more harm than good, infesting your computer with malicious code.

Use one reliable antivirus software with positive user reviews, instead of installing multiple software on your computer. Also be sure not to play around with the settings of the antivirus, unless you are absolutely sure about what you are doing, as you could end up leaving loopholes for threats.

It is recommended to delete all your browsing data, including cookies and passwords, after each browsing session. Making this a habit could help to save your sensitive information and protect your accounts from hackers.

Do not overlook the need to scan external storage devices for viruses each time you use them on your computer.

Be cautious before submitting your credit card details online, as phishing scams are getting alarmingly common.

Beware of emails from unknown sources and think twice before responding to these emails, as you could end up being permanently listed on spam lists. Also do not click on links to websites that you are not sure about.

Make the most of your antivirus by running weekly scans, and keeping it regularly updated.

Keeping a backup of all the important files and data on your computer is a good idea, as this could be of great help in the event of an attack on your PC.

You need to be particularly careful and install a firewall in you are using the internet on a shared network. Sometimes the worst hackers could be right next door to you.

Centex Technologies is a Central Texas based networking and IT firm engaged in providing complete networking and IT security solutions. For more information, call us at our Dallas office – (972) 375-9654

Most Common Mistakes Made While Planning A Computer Network For Businesses

By centexitguy

On November 6, 2012

In Networking

November 06, 2012

Planning a computer network for your business is important decision that has to be undertaken with careful consideration. It is important to ensure that the productivity and efficiency of your business gets improved after the installation of such a network. Below are the top mistakes that should be avoided while planning a computer network for business-

Choosing the wrong applications- The choice of applications for a business computer network is critical, and must be made taking into account various factors such as the hardware and software being used, and the traffic requirement of your business. Failure to do so might result in a mismatch that will affect the complete functionality.
Ignoring scalability- As a business owner, it is important to keep scope for scalability in every investment that you make. The same stands true for a computer network. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of choosing a rigid network that is suited to the present size of the company, but leaves no scope for future expansion.
Poor cost planning- You might plan the perfect computer network for your business, but it is of no use if it over shoots your budget allocated. You can control your network set up costs by looking into detailed features of products/ network devices you plan to purchase. It is quite possible that a multifunctional product proves to be a low cost investment in comparison to individual devices.
Absence of plan for security breach- When planning a computer network for your business, no matter how careful you are, there is always a chance of a loophole being left, which might result in a security breach in the network. How this can be avoided, and what needs to be done if it occurs, are all a part of the planning process. Proper training, dedicated staff members, stringent security policies, and a recovery plan can all help in minimizing this risk.
Choosing consumer-grade products over business-grade ones– Even though consumer-grade products might seem cheaper and easier to access, but these cause greater trouble in the long run. This is because they are more prone to frauds, lack comprehensive features, and are more difficult to troubleshoot. In addition to this, business-grade networks are better equipped to provide warnings and analytics when needed, helping to prevent a problem before it occurs.

We at Centex Technologies plan and implement computer networks for businesses and organizations. To know more about our services, please contact us at (800) 236-1497

Computer Network Security – All You Need To Know

By centexitguy

On April 12, 2012

In Networking

April 12, 2012

Most workplaces these days make use of computers to run their daily operations. There is a great degree of reliability on computers for all kinds of operational as well as record keeping activities and many companies find it impossible to function without these time saving devices. In large organizations, there is generally a network of computers that is linked together via LAN or any other form of network to facilitate the flow of data and other information throughout the organization. There are several technical aspects that must be kept in mind in order to keep your company data safe from virus or unethical hacking attacks from outside parties.

Information related to customer accounts, financial data, and confidential client related information tends to be stored in the form of computer records which, if leaked out can pose a significant threat to the reputation of the company in the market and shake the investor interest. This in turn can threaten the very existence of the company and lead to huge losses. Thus having adequate computer network security in place is a pre-requisite for all organizations using computers for their daily activities.

There are different anti-virus software available on the internet that may be downloaded to provide a basic level of protection to your company records. However, simply having basic anti-virus software is not enough. You also need to have a firewall in place to keep hacking attacks at bay. There are several kinds of sophisticated viruses that may be able to break through an anti-virus shield but may find it difficult to traverse through a firewall. A firewall can be used as an effective shield for protection of crucial information against attacks by outsiders.

Not having an adequate amount of security in place can prove to be quite detrimental for your business and hamper all activities as there are certain viruses, trojans or spywares that, apart from stealing data may also erase it from your systems or alter it in ways that make it useless for you. Your systems thus need to be protected against such attacks that can bring all business activities to a standstill and cause colossal damages.

For more information on complete computer network protection and for setting up network system for your office, visit us at Centex Technologies. We provide IT support, Web Development, Website Design, SEO and Computer Network Solutions to our clients in Austin, Killeen and Dallas.

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Overview Of Computer Network And Devices

By centexitguy

On August 27, 2011

In Networking

August 26, 2011

There are certain components that are required to keep a computer network running smoothly. Each of these elements has a different purpose and are required for the efficient functioning of the network. They form a part of the hardware and need to be properly maintained so that they do not report any glitches over time. Some of the important parts of computer network system have been mentioned below:

Server: A server is like the nervous system of a network and is the most important component of a network. It is used to connect and distribute data over other systems that may also be present on the same network. A server is also used to store data and it can serve a variety of other purposes like sharing of printers, sharing of memory, etc. A network server can be a particular personal computer, a laptop or a standalone server that can take care of network related tasks and help to organize traffic.

Modem: Modem stands for Modulation and Demodulation which means the process of conversion of signal in one form to another. A modem is a device that modulates a signal to encode information, and also demodulates such signal to decode the transmitted information. There are many different types of modems available in the market and vary as per their capacity and speed. Depending on the type of your network you can choose among various models of modems.

Router: Another essential device that needs to be present in order to operate different computer systems on a network is “router”. It can be used to route data among different networks or systems. It serves the important purpose of helping the data travel further and helps ensure that it reaches its destination. In most of the cases, different computer systems are connected with routers through network cables. To have a completely wireless network, you can use WiFi Routers, that can be appropriately placed in the work area to connect several devices.

Firewalls: Firewalls are used to allow or disallow certain type of data over the network. They can be a software firewall (installed on system) or a hardware firewall (as a separate physical device). They are important from security point of view as they restrict unwanted intrusions in the system.

We at Centex Technologies provide complete computer network designing, installation and maintenance services to our clients. For more information on improving your network’s performance and maintaining your present system, feel free to contact us at our Killeen or Dallas office. You can also call us on our Toll Free No. – 800.236.1497

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Common Mistakes While Setting Up A Wireless Network

By centexitguy

On July 4, 2011

In Networking

July 4, 2011

Wireless networks are extremely comfortable. Once everything is installed, you can very easily connect several devices. But, the trouble that most people face is to set up the network and ultimately hook up each device. Here are some common mistakes that are committed even by the most knowledgeable people while setting up a wireless network.

Ignoring the manual: It is very important that you read the user manual carefully before trying to connect any device. Most of the mistakes can be avoided if you carefully read the manual.

Using the default password: Most of the system administrators use the same default password when they set up a wireless network. It is strongly recommended that you change the password otherwise your network would be at the risk of getting hacked. Same should be done with all the devices with whom you are going to connect your wireless network. Also, your password should be a strong one. It should not contain your name, date of birth or any obvious information.

Not turning Wi-Fi transmission on: Particularly mobile phones and laptops have special settings or buttons to turn on the Wi-Fi transmission. Obviously, if you do not turn it on, you would not be able to even locate other devices, forget about connecting to them.

Mixing wireless standards: There are a number of wireless standards available like 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and the most recent is 802.11n. It would be best if you do not mix these standards or technologies. There are also some networks that exclude the devices that support old standards. Thus, if you are unable to connect to any device, this might be the reason.

Integrating encryption standards: The latest devices usually support Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption. If you try to connect to a device that supports old encryption standards, i.e. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), it is not going to work. Read the manual to find which standards are supported by your device. If it is WPA, make sure you have a strong password to prevent it from being cracked.

Not using network security: If you do not secure your wireless network properly, it would become an easy target to be hacked. Make sure you have strong passwords, turn on Windows firewall or use firewall, use encryption and keep an eye on your traffic.

Not checking the network- Make sure you check the network from time to time to make sure that it is working properly. It is better if you detect problems initially rather than spending money thereafter.

These are the most common mistakes that you might make with a wireless network. Make sure you avoid all these in order to make the most of your networking system.

For complete networking solutions, feel free to call us at Centex Technologies at 800. 236. 1497

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