November 29, 2012

FAQ: Why is my computer running so slow?

A slow computer undermines productivity in the workplace. But what’s causing it to be so sluggish?

We’ve all been there. One day your PC seems fine and the next you’re struggling to open applications and save files on your hard drive. What was once a finely-tuned instrument of productivity is now an endless source of frustration.

Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact reason your computer is running slow is difficult, but there are a few steps you can take to help you remedy the situation before calling in the experts.

1. Try rebooting your computer. A lot of people leave their computers running 24/7, which can lead to reduced performance. Save all open files, quite all applications, and simply restart your computer. If it’s not responding, try pressing Control, ALT, Delete to reboot a PC. This could be all it needs.
2. Update your operating system and virus scanner. If you haven’t checked for updates to your operating system or virus scanner for awhile, this could be what’s slowing you down. Most operating systems and virus scanners have an auto-updater, but it doesn’t hurt to check if you’re missing any critical updates.
3. Check your hard disk for adequate space. Your computer could be running slow because it doesn’t have resources for the task at hand. Now would be a good time to clean out temporary files, defragment your hard drive, and uninstall unused programs.
4. Deselect unnecessary startup programs. Many programs are, by default, set to launch when you start your computer, which can drain your computer’s performance. Deselect any unnecessary programs that launch on startup and then reboot your computer to see if your computer is running faster.

If you’ve made it this far and your computer is still running slow, you may need to call in an expert to identify the problem. A qualified IT specialist will be able to diagnose the issue and provide solutions to help your computer get back up to speed.

For help with your computer, or any other IT issue, contact AMRCON. We help businesses and organizations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania find solutions to their technology problems.

August 28, 2012

FAQ: What is a network server?

Looking for a clear definition of a network server? Search no further. Here’s a quick rundown of what a network server is and how it differs from a workstation.

A network server is basically a computer thats purpose is to process requests and deliver data to other workstations on a local network or virtual network. A network server provides shared resources like disc space, hardware access, and email services with other computers (i.e. clients) on the network.

Any computer can be a network server. What makes a network server computer different from a workstation computer is not the hardware but the function of the computer. A workstation is any computer that an employee uses to perform his or her work while a network server is any computer that provides workstations access to shared software or hardware services.

Another difference between a server and a workstation is that network servers usually contain additional processing, storage capacity and memory to handle servicing computers on the network. For example, a server may have more random access memory (RAM) or use a more robust operating system (OS) than the typical workstation. The bigger the network, the more computing power required to handle the load.

Examples of common network servers include:

• Web servers
• Proxy servers
• FTP servers

We hope you have found our explanation of a network server helpful in your research. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact AMRCON for help or get a free network audit to discover ways to improve your business network.