Category: Servers

Why Upgrading from HDDs to SSDs is Worth It

In the world of technology, advancements are constantly being made to enhance the user experience. One such innovation that has revolutionized the storage industry is the solid-state drive (SSD). For years, there has been a debate between skeptics and proponents of SSDs, with the former questioning the true benefits of upgrading from traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). However, empirical evidence has time and again proven that SSDs offer a significant performance boost in various aspects. In this article, we will explore the reasons why upgrading from HDDs to SSDs is worth it, shedding light on the remarkable advantages that SSDs bring to the table.

The Need for Speed

Faster Boot Times and Program Launches

One of the most noticeable benefits of upgrading to an SSD is the drastic reduction in boot times and program launches. Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, which means they can access data much faster. When you power on your computer, an SSD can quickly retrieve the necessary files and get your system up and running in a matter of seconds. Similarly, launching resource-intensive programs becomes a breeze with an SSD. Tasks that used to take minutes can now be completed in a matter of seconds, saving you valuable time and increasing efficiency.

Improved File Transfer Speeds

Gone are the days of waiting for files to transfer at a snail’s pace. SSDs excel in delivering lightning-fast file transfer speeds. Whether you’re copying large multimedia files, transferring documents to the server, or backing up your data, an SSD will significantly reduce the time it takes to complete these tasks. With read and write speeds that can be several times faster than traditional HDDs, SSDs provide a seamless and efficient experience when it comes to managing your files.

Enhanced System Responsiveness

A Smoother User Interface

Upgrading to an SSD can transform your overall computing experience by providing a smoother and more responsive user interface. With faster data access times, an SSD ensures that your operating system (OS) responds promptly to your commands. Opening applications, navigating through menus, and multitasking become much more fluid, allowing you to work seamlessly without any frustrating lag or delays. This newfound responsiveness can make a significant difference, especially for professionals who rely on their computers for demanding tasks.

Reduced System Downtime

Slow and unresponsive systems can be a major hindrance to productivity. With an HDD, you may have experienced frequent freezes, crashes, and system slowdowns. SSDs, on the other hand, mitigate these issues by providing a stable and reliable platform for your computing needs. The absence of moving parts in an SSD means that there is less chance of mechanical failure, resulting in improved system stability and reduced downtime. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, upgrading to an SSD can help you avoid frustrating delays and keep your workflow uninterrupted.

Power Efficiency and Durability

Energy-Saving Benefits

In addition to the performance advantages, SSDs also offer notable energy-saving benefits. Unlike HDDs, which require spinning disks and moving parts, SSDs operate using flash memory technology. This means that SSDs consume significantly less power, resulting in improved battery life for laptops and reduced electricity costs for desktop computers. If you’re constantly on the go or looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, upgrading to an SSD can be a wise choice.

Enhanced Durability

Another compelling reason to make the switch to SSDs is their enhanced durability. Traditional HDDs are susceptible to damage from physical impacts, as they rely on spinning disks and delicate read/write heads. In contrast, SSDs are built with solid-state components, making them more resistant to shock and vibration. This durability factor makes SSDs ideal for portable devices, such as laptops, where they can withstand the rigors of daily use and transportation without compromising data integrity.

If your company is looking for a boost in performance without replacing all your computers, then contact us for assistance.

Setup Cisco Wireless Network with PSK & RADIUS

Cisco Wireless Controller

This is the sixth in a series that document the Tier 3 / Co-Managed IT work we did to setup a wireless test bed for a Linux based scientific device. The testing environment included two different wireless network hardware types (Ubiquiti and Cisco). There was also a Synology device used for various purposes including hosting the Ubiquiti controller inside a Kubernetes container, providing certificate services, providing LDAP authentication, and providing RADIUS authentication. Each article will detail a separate piece of the project. This article shows the basic setup of Cisco Wireless Controller for PSK and RADIUS authentication from wireless devices.

Setup Cisco Wireless Network with PSK

  1. Login to Cisco Wireless Controller
  2. Click on WLANs tab at top
  3. Click on GO next to Create New drop down
  4. Create Profile Name & SSID
  5. Click Apply
  6. Click Enabled next to Status
  7. Click Apply
  8. Click on Security tab
  9. Uncheck 802.1x
  10. Check PSK
  11. Enter Pre-Shared Key next to PSK format
  12. Click Apply
  13. Click Save Configuration at the top

Setup Cisco Wireless Network with RADIUS

  1. Log into Cisco Wireless Controller
  2. Click on Security tab at top
  3. Click on Authentication under RADIUS on left hand side
  4. Change both Acct Call Station ID Type to IP Address
  5. Click Apply
  6. Click on New
  7. Add RADIUS server IP address
  8. Add Shared Secret
  9. Uncheck management
  10. Click Apply
  11. Click on WLANs tab at top
  12. Edit WLAN 1
  13. Click on Security tab
  14. Click on AAA Servers tab
  15. Change Server 1 to the one entered on RADIUS Authentication page
  16. Click Apply
  17. Click on Layer 2 tab
  18. Change Authentication type to 802.11x
  19. Click Apply
  20. Click Save Configuration at the top

If your company has highly customized setup requirements that you need consulting for, then contact us for assistance.

The Battle of vCIO vs. Break-Fix Services

In the ever-evolving world of IT support, two strategic approaches have emerged to address the needs of businesses – vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer) services and break-fix services. Each of these approaches has its own merits and drawbacks, making it crucial for businesses to carefully consider which option best aligns with their goals and IT requirements. So, let’s dive into the comparison between vCIO services and break-fix services and find out which one takes the crown!

vCIO Services: Unleashing the Power of Proactive IT Management

The vCIO model offers businesses a cost-effective and strategic solution to IT management, delivering benefits far beyond simple problem-solving. Here’s a breakdown of what vCIO services bring to the table:

  1. Strategic Technology Planning: A vCIO provides a long-term roadmap for your IT infrastructure, aligning it with your business objectives. They assess your current technology landscape, analyze potential risks, and develop a comprehensive IT strategy to ensure your technology infrastructure drives success.
  2. Proactive IT Monitoring and Management: By constantly monitoring your systems, a vCIO can detect and address issues before they turn into full-blown disasters. They implement proactive measures, such as 24/7 system monitoring, patch management, and security audits to keep your IT environment optimized and secure.
  3. IT Budgeting and Procurement: A vCIO helps you streamline your IT budget by aligning your investment with your business goals. They provide insights into cost-effective technology solutions, negotiate contracts with vendors, and manage IT procurement to help you make informed decisions while optimizing your spending.
  4. Technology Vendor Management: Collaborating with multiple technology vendors can be time-consuming and complex. A vCIO acts as a single point of contact for all your technology vendors, managing relationships and ensuring smooth coordination between various stakeholders.

Break-Fix Services: The Traditional Firefighter Approach

Break-fix services have long been the go-to approach for businesses seeking IT support on an as-needed basis. Here’s a closer look at what break-fix services bring to the table:

  1. Issue-Specific Support: Break-fix services are designed to address specific IT issues as and when they arise. This approach involves fixing problems after they occur, reacting to incidents rather than proactively managing your systems.
  2. Limited Scope of Support: Break-fix services typically focus solely on resolving immediate technical issues. While they can provide quick fixes, they do not offer strategic planning or ongoing support to help prevent future issues or optimize your IT infrastructure.
  3. Variable Costs: Break-fix service costs can be unpredictable, as you are billed per incident or hourly basis. This makes budgeting and financial planning more challenging, especially if you encounter frequent or recurring IT issues.
  4. Less Focus on Prevention: With break-fix services, the emphasis is on remedying existing problems, leaving behind the potential for other underlying issues to remain undetected, ultimately leading to more costly and time-consuming problems down the line.

The Verdict: vCIO Takes the Throne!

While break-fix services may have their place in certain scenarios, vCIO services offer a more comprehensive approach to IT management, aligning your technology with your business goals and providing ongoing support. The proactive nature, strategic planning, and cost optimization provided by vCIO services make it the winning solution for businesses looking to stay ahead of the ever-changing technology landscape. So, without a doubt, the crown firmly sits on the head of vCIO services!

If your company is tired of just calling your IT service company when things are broken, then contact us for vCIO services.

SMBs Should Follow NIST 800 Guidelines

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of the economy, but they are often the primary targets for cyberattacks. In fact, according to recent reports, nearly half of all cyberattacks are aimed at SMBs. To protect themselves from these threats and ensure the security of their critical assets, SMBs should consider following the guidelines provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in their Special Publication 800 series.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework

NIST 800 series provides a comprehensive framework that helps SMBs establish and maintain effective cybersecurity measures. By implementing the NIST guidelines, SMBs can enhance their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of potential data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Improved Risk Management

NIST 800 guidelines focus on risk management, helping SMBs identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities and threats. Following the guidelines allows SMBs to proactively assess their cybersecurity risks and develop effective strategies to safeguard their sensitive data, intellectual property, and customer information.

Industry-Recognized Standards

NIST 800 series is widely recognized and adopted by both the public and private sectors. By adhering to these guidelines, SMBs demonstrate their commitment to meeting industry standards and best practices. This not only helps build trust with customers and partners but also increases their chances of securing lucrative business contracts and partnerships.

Cost-Effective Approach

Implementing NIST 800 guidelines can be a cost-effective approach for SMBs. These guidelines offer scalable solutions that can be tailored according to the organization’s size, budget, and specific requirements. SMBs can leverage the NIST framework to prioritize their cybersecurity investments, ensuring that they maximize their security efforts within their available resources.

In today’s digitally connected world, SMBs cannot afford to neglect cybersecurity. Following the NIST 800 guidelines provides SMBs with a comprehensive framework to enhance their cybersecurity posture, improve risk management, establish industry-recognized standards, and reduce costs, By working with a managed IT service provider to implementing these guidelines, SMBs can protect their assets, maintain their reputation, and thrive in an increasingly cyber-threatened landscape.

If your company is looking to implement stronger security through an standards based framework, then contact us for assistance.

Setup Synology RADIUS Server & Certificates

Expand Server Storage - Clackmas County, OR

This is the fifth in a series that documents the Tier 3 / Co-Managed IT work we did to setup a wireless test bed for a Linux based scientific device. The testing environment included two different wireless network hardware types (Ubiquiti and Cisco). There was also a Synology device used for various purposes including hosting the Ubiquiti controller inside a Kubernetes container, providing certificate services, providing LDAP authentication, and providing RADIUS authentication. Each article will detail a separate piece of the project. This article shows the setup Synology RADIUS server & certificates.

Setup RADIUS Server

  1. Login to Synology
  2. Open Package Center
  3. Install RADIUS Server app
  4. Open RADIUS Server package
    • Uncheck local users
    • Check LDAP users
    • Click Apply
    • Click on Clients on left hand side
    • Click on Add
      • Create Name
      • Create Shared Secret
      • Enter IP address of Cisco WLAN controller
    • Click on Add
      • Create Name
      • Create Shared Secret
      • Enter IP address of Ubiquiti Controller

Configure RADIUS Certificates

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click on External Access
  3. Click on DDNS tab
  4. Click Add
    • Choose Synology as service provider
    • Add hostname
    • Click Test Connection
    • Synology DDNS Setup
    • Click OK
  5. Click on Security on left hand side
  6. Click on the Certificate tab
  7. Click on Add
    • Add new certificate
    • Synology Add Certificate
    • Click Next
    • Create description
    • Get a certificate from Let’s Encrypt
    • Synology Add Certificate Lets Encrypt
    • Click Next
    • Add needed certificate information
    • Synology Add Certificate Lets Encrypt Info
    • Click Done
  8. Click Settings button and choose appropriate RADIUS server certificate

If your company has highly customized setup requirements that you need consulting for, then contact us for assistance.

The Secret Benefits of IT Equipment Lifecycle Management

Equipment Lifecycle Management

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effectively managing IT equipment throughout its lifecycle has become essential. Equipment Lifecycle Management (ELM) refers to the systematic approach of acquiring, operating, maintaining, and disposing of equipment. By implementing an ELM strategy, businesses can maximize the lifespan and productivity of their equipment, while also minimizing costs and downtime. Let’s explore some of the secret benefits of equipment lifecycle management.

Cost Optimization

IT equipment can represent a significant investment for businesses. Through ELM, companies can optimize costs by planning IT equipment updates and replacements in a strategic manner. With a clear understanding of the IT equipment’s lifespan and maintenance requirements, businesses can budget for these costs well in advance, avoiding unexpected expenses that could negatively impacting their finances.

Increased Equipment Efficiency

One of the primary goals of ELM is to maximize equipment efficiency and productivity. By conducting regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs, businesses can identify and address performance issues before they become major problems. Proactively managing IT equipment ensures that it operates at optimal levels, reducing downtime and improving overall operational efficiency.

Enhanced Asset Tracking and Planning

ELM provides businesses with a comprehensive understanding of their equipment inventory. Through proper record-keeping and asset tracking systems, companies can easily identify the location, condition, and maintenance history of each piece of IT equipment. This information enables businesses to plan for IT equipment updates, replacements, or adjustments based on their lifecycle and performance, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.

Sustainable and Environmentally Responsible Practices

Efficient IT equipment management is not only beneficial for businesses but also for the environment. By properly maintaining and disposing of equipment, companies can significantly reduce waste generation and minimize their carbon footprint. Implementing ELM strategies, such as equipment reuse or recycling programs, aligns with sustainable business practices and demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Effective equipment lifecycle management is crucial for businesses looking to optimize costs, improve productivity, and minimize their environmental impact. By proactively managing IT equipment throughout its lifecycle, companies can maximize its efficiency, extend its lifespan, and ensure smooth operations. Investing in IT equipment lifecycle management ultimately leads to long-term benefits and a competitive advantage in today’s business landscape.

If you haven’t already, contact us to implement an ELM strategy for your business.

Setup Synology LDAP Server & Certificates

This is the forth in a series that documents the Tier 3 / Co-Managed IT work we did to setup a wireless test bed for a Linux based scientific device. The testing environment included two different wireless network hardware types (Ubiquiti and Cisco). There was also a Synology device used for various purposes including hosting the Ubiquiti controller inside a Kubernetes container, providing certificate services, providing LDAP authentication, and providing RADIUS authentication. Each article will detail a separate piece of the project. This article shows the setup Synology LDAP server & certificates.

Setup LDAP Server

  1. Login to Synology
  2. Open Package Center
  3. Install LDAP Server app
  4. Open LDAP Server package
    • Enable LDAP Server
    • Create FQDN (something like Test.local)
    • Create password
    • Enable Synology LDAP Server
    • Change Connection Settings
      1. Disallow anonymous binds
      1. Force clients to use encrypted connections
      1. Change timeout to 10 minutes
      2. Click OK
      3. Synology LDAP Server Connection Settings
    • Click Apply
    • Click on Manage Groups
      • Click on Create
      • Give the Group a name
      • Click Next
      • Click Done
      • Synology LDAP Server Add Group
    • Click on Manage Users
      • Click on Create
      • Give the User a name
      • Add user email if appropriate
      • Create password
      • Click Next
      • Check mark next to new group previously created
      • Click Next x2
      • Click Done

Connect Synology to LDAP Server

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click on Domain / LDAP on left hand side
  3. Click Join
    • Enter IP address of Synology
    • Synology Join LDAP Server
    • Enter Admin username / password
    • Choose STARTTLS encryption
    • Copy Base DN from LDAP Server app Settings tab
    • Click Next
    • Synology Join LDAP Server2
    • Connection parameters will be check (fix any issues)
    • Synology Join LDAP Server Checks

Configure LDAP Certificates

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click on External Access
  3. Click on DDNS tab
  4. Click Add
    • Choose Synology as service provider
    • Add hostname
    • Click Test Connection
    • Synology DDNS Setup
    • Click OK
  5. Click on Security on left hand side
  6. Click on the Certificate tab
  7. Click on Add
    • Add new certificate
    • Synology Add Certificate
    • Click Next
    • Create description
    • Get a certificate from Let’s Encrypt
    • Synology Add Certificate Lets Encrypt
    • Click Next
    • Add needed certificate information
    • Synology Add Certificate Lets Encrypt Info
    • Click Done
  8. Click Settings button and choose appropriate LDAP server certificate

If your company has highly customized setup requirements that you need consulting for, then contact us for assistance.

Our New Email Analysis and Education Tools Helps Keep Your Employees Safe

Phishing-Scams

As you know, we take cybersecurity and the protection of your accounts and data very seriously. That’s why we are always striving to provide you with tools and resources to help keep you and your employees safe from cybercrime.

The most common threat we are seeing is phishing messages delivering malware or stealing credentials. Even though your company might be protected with spam filtering, there are instances where these malicious messages could still appear in your employee’s inboxes. And it’s important we both arm them with as much education and resources as possible to understand and identify these phishes.

We have a new tool that we’d love to demonstrate for your or talk more about. It’s called Catch Phish, and it’s an email analysis and training tool. It connects right to your employee’s Outlook as a clickable application on every message. When clicked, the tool quickly, but safely, scans the important details of the message to find potential threats such as suspicious links or attachments, sender details, or message details such as threatening language or deactivation scares.

This tool is included in our cybersecurity training packages and can help provide the much needed cybersecurity education to all levels of staff.
 
Do you have 30 minutes to talk about reducing your risks with Catch Phish and our other cybersecurity awareness training tools, then contact us for assistance.

Basic Setup of Synology NAS

This is the second in a series that documents the Tier 3 / Co-Managed IT work we did to setup a wireless test bed for a Linux based scientific device. The testing environment included two different wireless network hardware types (Ubiquiti and Cisco). There was also a Synology device used for various purposes including hosting the Ubiquiti controller inside a Kubernetes container, providing certificate services, providing LDAP authentication, and providing RADIUS authentication. Each article will detail a separate piece of the project. This article shows the basic setup of Cisco Wireless Controller.

Setup of Synology NAS

  1. Physically install hard drives into bays
  2. Plug into network
  3. Plug into power
  4. Find IP address by pinging ‘Diskstation’ on network
  5. Start web browser and connect to IP address
  6. Run Setup Wizard
  7. Install Synology OS on drives
  8. Wait for reboot
  9. Start setup
    • Give it a name
    • Create admin account / password
    • Install only important updates automatically
    • Sign-In to or Create Synology Account
    • Create quickconnect ID
    • Enable DSM backups
  10. Create storage pool
    • If it states that no drives are available – check under HDD/SSD to see if there are required firmware updates. Install all available.
    • Use SHR-2 RAID
    • Choose all drives to be in the RAID (not m.2 cache drive)
    • Use Max Allocated size
    • Use Btrfs file system
    • Click Apply
    • Click OK to erase all drives
  11. Open Package Center App
    • Accept terms of service
    • Update any Installed
    • Install LDAP Server and RADIUS Server
    • Close Package Manager

If your company has highly customized setup requirements that you need consulting for, then contact us for assistance.

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And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10