How much is your data worth? Does your business rely on a database of customer contacts or order forms? Are you content creator who creates graphics for customers? What would it cost your business if you lost that data?

Backups are the answer, though finding a way to back up data cost effectively and with a minimum of user interaction is one of the many challenges in this field. One way to maintain a local copy of your key data is to copy it to another place - whether that's to a CD, a tape drive or an external hard drive. With the widespread adoption of networking technologies there's another way that is gaining popularity - store a copy of your business critical data on a Network-Attached Storage device. A NAS box, as they are commonly called, allows you to leverage your existing network infrastructure to put a backup drive in place that works independently of your computers.

A product we're impressed with is the Synology DiskStation series (available in 2 drive, 4 drive and larger models). The Synology DiskStation combines management software with a low-cost hardware platform to present a NAS box that has a lot more features than similar units from other vendors. The same management software is used between their units so you only have to learn it once in order to manage any of the DiskStation series. The hardware platforms can be purchased with or without hard drives to allow customization of the storage space to your particular needs.

Why take a chance on losing anything? Get some kind of backup solution in place today.

Contact Our Sales Team to Discuss a Back up Solution Today!
208 882 8869 - 1420 S. Blaine St., Ste 10 Moscow Id 83843

Give the gift of less Ethernet cable this holiday season with Powerline Ethernet adapters from First Step Internet.  Powerline Ethernet adapters use the existing power in your home to extend the reach of Ethernet cable to new locations.  Whether it’s with your high-speed Internet connection, or simply connecting your Dish Network receiver to a router; Powerline Ethernet adapters are the way to go.

Powerline Ethernet Adapters retail for $60 each and two are needed in order to make a link to your router.  Simply plug one into your wall outlet, connect an Ethernet cable from the jack on the adapter to the Ethernet port on your router.  Plug the second adapter into a power jack that is in close proximity to your computer or Dish receiver.  Run an Ethernet cable to that device, and you are set.

Stop by the office today and learn how you can minimize the Ethernet cable in your house with a pair of Powerline Ethernet Adapters. 

Season’s greetings from First Step Internet Techsupport! During the holiday season we often see an increase in the number of new computers that need to be setup. We have two suggestions on how to keep your new computer healthy. One, setting up automatic updates, and two, registering or installing anti-virus software. 

First, check to make certain your computer is set to receive the latest updates. By default, Windows will be set to do this daily at 3 a.m. – if your computer is usually turned off at that time it is a good idea to set Windows to automatically download new updates and let you know when they are ready.  This setting can be found in the Control Panel > System Security > “Turn automatic updating on or off” – choose the appropriate setting in the dropdown box.

It is a great idea to make certain you activate an anti-virus before going online to play.  Remember, better safe than sorry.  Many new computers come with an anti-virus pre-installed, such as Norton or McAfee. However, for these programs to adequately protect your computer you do need to make certain it is activated. This usually requires buying the license from the company that made the anti-virus program. 

If you are interested in a free anti-virus program, then try our favorite anti-virus program, Microsoft Security Essentials.  It has all the benefits of purchased anti virus programs but it is free. This program updates regularly and has great detection abilities and removal techniques. 

You can download Microsoft Security essentials from Microsoft.com at  http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials

Apple users should also be protecting their computers. ProtectMac AntiVirus can be found on the apple.com site at http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/networking_security/protectmacantivirus.html 

Happy Holidays and safe computing from First Step Internet Techsupport!