So you’ve just unboxed your brand new laptop — what do you do next? Before you start using it to surf the internet or finish your tasks for the day, take these steps to optimize its performance and ensure it meets your needs.
1. Update your laptop’s operating system
One of the first things you should do before using your laptop is to update its operating system (OS). Assuming you did not purchase the laptop when it was first released, it will still be running an older OS. Because important patches and fixes are released with each new update, you must install the latest ones to ensure your laptop doesn’t have vulnerabilities that malicious third parties can exploit.

Are you still hanging on to your old work computers since they “still work fine”? While they may still help you get the job done, their outdated firmware can make you vulnerable to security risks that can lead to major problems.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a basic type of software that is embedded into every piece of hardware.

Mobile devices are generally less secure than laptop and desktop computers. While there are available anti-malware applications for smartphones and tablets, they aren’t as comprehensive as those for laptops and desktops. Additionally, some mobile devices aren’t compatible with certain security applications or measures implemented by businesses.

Cutting costs is great for business, but only if doing so does not result in lower-quality products or services. You can achieve this kind of compromise in your IT system, too. Instead of investing in expensive computer hardware, you can opt for affordable but powerful thin and zero clients.

Residential Wi-Fi connections are slower and less reliable than enterprise-grade ones. But now that more people have shifted to remote work, having a fast and stable wireless connection at home is more important than ever. What can you do to ensure you don’t suffer dropped Wi-Fi signals while you’re in a videoconference or finishing up a report? Look into getting wireless repeater devices and additional access points.

There are many reasons why a printer may malfunction. It could be due to faulty drivers or network connections, clogged printheads, or non-genuine printer ink. Whatever problem you may encounter, there is a solution to get your printer running again.

Whether you’re performing some light web browsing or graphically intensive tasks, you’ll need a suitable laptop that functions according to your work from home requirements. To help you pick the right laptop, we've compiled a list of features to consider.

One of the major hurdles of shifting to a work-from-home setup is that the hardware your employees have at home can be very different from what they’re used to at the office. More than their computers and smartphones, these are the things your staff will need to set up their own home office.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices and appliances are proving to be excellent ways to leverage automation in pursuit of profitability and customer satisfaction. As with any device that connects to the internet, they need to be configured to protect business and personal data.

For most businesses, a reliable internet connection is no longer an option but a necessity. A fast and reliable internet connection makes for more efficient and productive operations. But what do you do when you’re faced with connectivity issues or slow speed? Below are some solutions to five of the most common Wi-Fi worries.