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IT Concierge

IT CONCIERGE – Technical Support Without Leaving Your Home or Office

IT CONCIERGE - Technical Support Without Leaving Your home or Office By Chris Ridzon 12 March 2020 On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic. The agency reports that there are currently over 118,000 cases with more than 4000 deaths. Because of this the CDC has responded by instituting travel restrictions, limiting large gatherings, and asking people to work from home or to stay indoors as much as possible. In an effort to better support our community and in the event of a full outbreak of COVID-19, Basics-n-Beyond has developed a new groundbreaking program. This service will give you the ability to get personalized Apple IT support without leaving your home or office. We call this service IT Concierge. No longer will you need an appointment to talk directly to a Certified Apple Technician. No more will you have to visit a crowed shopping center to get help from an Apple store. IT Concierge will provide users with the tools needed to keep you up and running. This program is designed with remote support at its core. Remote support means you won’t have to come into our office if you need help. You’ll gain access to our Apple certified technicians who will work with you to resolve issues over the phone using a screen sharing application. Get help with general questions, technical troubleshooting, or training from the comfort and safety of your own home or office. What if you need a hardware repair? We’ve got you covered! Membership includes access to our mail-in repair services. Send us your device, we’ll fix it, and get it sent back to as soon as possible. This also includes all AppleCare Warranty repairs. As a Premium Apple Authorized Service Provider all Basics-n-Beyond repairs are performed and completed under Apple standard specifications. Call our office today to speak to a member of our staff about signing up for IT Concierge.
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Faraday-Sword-and-Shield

Helping to Keep the Earth Green – Basics-n-Beyond Teams up with Local Artists and Certified Green Recycling Centers.

Helping to Keep the Earth Green – Basics-n-Beyond Teams up with Local Artists and Certified Green Recycling Centers. February 11, 2020 By Chris Ridzon Some frequently asked questions at Basics-n-Beyond (http://www.basicsnbeyond.com) are: What can I do with my old computer? and Can it be recycled?  The answer is yes, and we can help you with that. Since the company first opened its doors in 2009, I have continued to foster my vision for a greener earth through recycling. By partnering with several local organizations, we have achieved a system that benefits not only the earth, but local residents as well. Working with local artists like Tracy Black, The San Diego Makers Guild and government funded groups like Solana Center in Encinitas, Basics-n-Beyond has created a one hundred percent green e-waste recycling program. So, what does this mean for you? For those who have an interest in protecting and preserving the environment, you now have a convenient and safe place to recycle your old Apple devices, at no cost to you. Basics-n-Beyond has a dedicated process to ensure your device is handled in the most responsible way possible. It starts with securely erasing all of your personal data. Once your data has been deleted, our Apple Certified technicians will begin the breakdown of your device, separating reusable components from those that will go further down the recycling path. Repurposing components is another way to further reduce the environmental impact electronic components have on the planet and will provide customers with a low-cost alternative for repairing other devices. What happens to components that are not reusable?  These components are donated to local artists and makers guilds to be upcycled. Upcycling gives leftover components new life, allowing them to be used in new and creative ways. Local artist Tracy Black is just one of the many people we work with. Tracy uses these upcycled components along with other materials to create whimsical three-dimensional art that would tug on the heart strings of any science fiction or fantasy fanatic. Her exhibition, Space & Surface: An Exploration in Art, was recently on display at La Playa Gallery (La Jolla, CA), under the curatorship of Erica Putis and at the internationally acclaimed Corpo Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Complex (Santa Monica, CA), curated by Monte Beauchamp. Tracy’s earliest piece, “Mac the Knight,” can currently be viewed at the Basics-n-Beyond offices Upstairs at the Forum in Carlsbad. We are also delighted to announce Basics-n-Beyond will be hosting a limited viewing of her newest piece, “Halo Energy Sword,” beginning on March 27th, 2020. We encourage you to stop by the shop and view both of these fantastic pieces while they are still on display. (http://www.theforumcarlsbad.com) Tracy’s artwork can be seen by clicking on the links below: https://misstracyblack.wixsite.com/mstblack/mstblack https://www.laplaygallery.com/exhibitions.html http://www.coproason.com What happens to the parts that are not reusable or upcycled? Basics-n-Beyond partners with Solana Center in Encinitas, California (https://www.solanacenter.org). Known statewide for environmental innovation, this non-profit organization focuses on Zero Waste and food recovery programs, composting, water conservation, and e-waste recycling. Founded as Solana Recyclers in 1983, Solana Center pioneered the first comprehensive curbside recycling program in San Diego, one of the first such programs in the state of California. Together with their partners, they work creatively to promote the sustainable management of our natural resources and connect the community to real solutions. We also partner with the San Diego Makers Guild where ingenious local minds create anything from robots to lightsabers completing the full circle of reusable e-waste. (http://www.sdmakersguild.org) In summary…  At Basics-n-Beyond we are passionate about solving common public problems. We are committed to the environment and are collaborating with local community members and companies to support a green earth, providing real solutions for consumer recycling. Please stop by our office any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday. No appointment is required. As always, we look forward to helping you with all of your technology and recycling needs.
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Transitioning to the Cloud

Transitioning to the Cloud

November 6, 2019 By Chris Ridzon / Basics-n-Beyond Are you considering moving your company to the cloud? There are a lot of perks. First, it allows your company to more easily scale up and down based on system needs. When you host software on site, you have to invest wholly in the server required, whether or not you’re utilizing that server fully. If the software is in the cloud, on the other hand, you only have to pay for what you use. Second, you have access, anytime, anywhere you choose to be, which opens up tremendous opportunities for remote work and greater efficiency. Finally, consider security.   Data loss is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when – and, unfortunately, it happens to every company, big or small. More than half of businesses locate their disaster/backup systems in the same physical location as their primary system – red alert! If you only have one copy of your system’s backup at your office, and your hardware fails or a breach occurs, then a backup is completely useless. In a bit of irony, it turns out that the safest place to be during a storm (whether literal or figurative) is “in the cloud.”   So, let’s say you’ve finally agreed that it’s time to move to the cloud – where do you start?   Here are some recommendations that can help you though the process:  
  • First off, moving to the cloud doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing process. Companies that weren’t “born in the cloud,” meaning any company more than a couple years old, need a plan for transitioning to the cloud. Establish the plan, let your data trickle into the cloud and take your time. No need to jump in headfirst. It is perfectly fine to keep your business operating in a hybrid cloud environment (some items on site, some in the cloud) for as long as you need, perhaps indefinitely.
 
  • Make sure you know your data. Truly understand what is going on before you begin to move your data and applications. Say you’re going to sell your house; you first need to clean and organize your belongings before putting them all away in storage. Same exact concept when it comes to transitioning to the cloud: clean and organize before you store. You may find that while a software works in the cloud, but it experiences extensive lag and downtime. Knowing this before you make a move will significantly reduce frustration.
 
  • Know your options. Public cloud, private cloud or hybrid cloud? Refer to our previous blog, To Cloud, or Not to Cloud, to learn the difference between these types of clouds. How much storage, bandwidth, and support do you want to pay for? Make sure you tailor your cloud service to best fit your company’s needs. What works for someone else might not work for you and vice versa.
 
  • Do your research. Here’s the reality: we have heard and experienced the effects of far too many subpar cloud solution horror stories. Companies that were put up on a half-built cloud solution eventually had to return to their on-premise solutions. With unreliable cloud partners, comes hidden costs such as unexpected fees for the overuse. Choose a reliable provider.
 
  • Define key roles. Who will have access? Who can add, delete, or modify data? What responsibilities belong to who and how will this change with the cloud? It is crucial to know your staff’s access limitations.
 
  • Add encryption. Most cloud service providers offer encryption features such as service-side encryption to manage your encryption keys. Who controls and has access to these encryption keys? What data is being is being encrypted and when? Ultimately, you decide how safe your solution is.
  While the road ahead may be tough, with these tips in mind, you can begin moving your business processes to the cloud safely and efficiently with the support of the Basics-n-Beyond team. Please contact us anytime Monday through Friday between 9AM and 6PM for any questions.
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WHAT IS A PHISHING SCAM?

WHAT IS A PHISHING SCAM? By; Basics-n-Beyond LLC. August 28, 2019 Phishing is similar to traditional fishing with a hook and pole, but instead of trying to catch fish, phishers are attempting to steal your personal information. Hackers will send out e-mails that appear to come from legitimate websites such as Facebook, Google, PayPal, or other banking institutions. A phishing e-mail scam will often look very official and state that your information needs to be updated or validated in some way. The email will then ask that you enter your username and password. Some scams will even ask that you enter even more information, such as your full name, address, phone number, social security number, and credit card number. However, what you must keep in mind, even if you just enter your username and password, the hacker may still be able to gain access to more information by just logging in to your account. Phishing is a con game that scammers use to collect personal information from unsuspecting users. The false e-mails often look surprisingly legitimate, and even the Web pages where you are asked to enter your information may look real. However, the URL in the address field can tell you if the page you have been directed to is valid or not. For example, if you are visiting a Web page on eBay, the last part of the Domain Name should end with "ebay.com." Therefore, "http://www.ebay.com" and "http://cgi3.ebay.com" are valid Web addresses, but "http://www.ebay.validate-info.com" and "http://ebay.login123.com" are false addresses, which may be used by phishers. If the URL contains an IP address, such as 12.30.229.107, instead of a domain name, you can almost be sure someone is trying to phish for your personal information. Sometimes the hacker will use a personal IP address as the redirect page, linking you directly to their computer or network. If you receive an e-mail that asks that you update your information and you think it might be valid, go to the website by typing the URL in your browser's address field instead of clicking the link in the e-mail. For example, go to "https://www.paypal.com" instead of clicking the link in an e-mail that appears to come from PayPal. If you are prompted to update your information after you have manually typed in the Web address and logged in, then the e-mail was probably legitimate. However, if you are not asked to update any information, then the e-mail was most likely a spoof sent by a hacker. Most legitimate e-mails will address you by your full name at the beginning of the message. If there is any doubt that the e-mail is legitimate, be smart and don't enter your information. Even if you believe the message is valid, following the guidelines above will prevent you from giving phishers your personal information. In conclusion; Phishing is a form of social engineering used to collect personal information from the intended victim. Phishing campaigns have existed for quite a while and continue to increase in attempts and sophistication. It is important to stay aware of the phishing trends and to keep your computer and internet browsers up to date with current antivirus and security patches. These methods may not keep you one hundred percent safe, but are the best way to try. One thing to keep in mind, “a little knowledge goes a long way”, to keep yourself safe take a minute or two and give Basics-n-Beyond a call or stop by our shop anytime Monday through Friday between 9AM and 6PM to learn more about your computer environment. Below are two good examples of what a phishing email scam might look like.
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WHAT IS DARK MODE?

What is Dark Mode?

Have you ever stared at a computer monitor for over an hour? Do you get headaches from the bright light of the computer monitor? Do your eyes get tired when viewing the computer? Try dark mode it might just be the option you have been looking for... What is dark mode? It is a software option built in to the master code that makes the user interface darker. It reverses white light backgrounds in to a darker color and changes text from dark to light. The result is a dark interface that makes it easier on the users eyes. Dark mode, also sometimes referred to as "night mode", this mode has been popular with code developers for many years. Because developers are required to stare at a computer monitor several hours a day, the dark background produces less eye strain. Recently, dark mode has become a very popular option for consumer users after it became a standard option for both macOS and Windows. In September, 2018, Apple was the first to build in the dark mode option standard with their macOS 10.14 (Mojave) release. Windows immediately followed the trend by releasing the same option on September, 2018 in Windows 10. There is no standard dark mode palette, so each developer can choose how to implement it. Some dark modes have dark grey themes, while others are almost black. Other versions have different hues, such as slate or dark blue. The option to switch to dark mode is typically located in the "System Preferences" or "General Preferences" section of a users settings. At times you can also find the option on individual websites. How to Initiate Dark Mode in macOS 10.14 (Mojave):
  1. Click on the black Apple ( ) in the top left corner of your desktop window
  2. In the dropdown window select (System Preferences)
  3. Click on the (General) icon
  4. At the top of the window see Appearance and select (Light or Dark) option

Sourced: Christensson, P. (2019, May 31). Dark Mode Definition. Retrieved 2019, Jun 24, from https://techterms.com

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