Tech Advice

Read Our Best 10 Westchester Help Desk Interview Questions

Tech Advice, Windows /

Read Our Best 10 Westchester Help Desk Interview Questions As an IT company operating in Westchester County NY and in the tri state area, we often need to hire computer technicians for the role of help desk. During the interview process, we ask technical questions to assess the knowledge of the candidates and try to evaluate a response that makes most of the sense for us. In the IT world usually one question can have multiple answers, because an IT problem can be solved in different ways. A large number of users in Westchester and in the US face daily issues with their computers.  These issues affect productivity so companies want toensure that their IT systems run smoothly that’s why they need desktop support and help desk professionals. 1- WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK AS DESKTOP SUPPORT SPECIALIST? A good answer would be I loved filming computer problems since I was a child I remember opening my childhood computer and toys to look at what’s going on inside them and I tried to understand how they worked I think desktop support provides me an opportunity to refine my problem-solving skills in the area of IT. 2- PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE OF A TICKET THAT YOU SOLVED AND THE STEPS YOU TOOK TO SOLVE IT. This is a very common question in desktop support and helpdesk interviews. Try to be genuine and give a real-life example of the ticket you’ve resolved atany point in your career the interviewer wants to know your problem-solving approach and your communication skills. If you’ve never solved an IT ticket before you can familiarize yourself with a few common computer problems and their solutions before going into the interview you can use one of these solutions before going into the interview. For example, try to describe how you helped turned on a computer tha won’t boot up, how you troubleshooted screens that had no piocture even if the pc was turned on, etc etc. 3- WHAT IS ACTIVE DIRECTORY? Active directory is a service by Microsoft that is used to manage, organize and run networks Active Directory makes it easier for system administrators to find and use information related to all the users and objects in a network. An example would be using Active Directory to assign new policies to a specific group of users, restricting access to a printer for a specific user or removing users from a network Active Directory consists of different objects like forests domains contacts group sites and printers. 4- WHAT IS BLUE SCREEN OF DEAT AND HOW YOU FIX IT? The blue screen of death is a critical error that occurs when operating systems cannot function and it crashes mostly. BSOD problems are related to Hardware kernel or drivers. BSOD errors often show an error code or stop code which we can use to find out the cause of the problem. To solve thisproblem I will first restart the computer; if the computer restarts successfully I will update all drivers; if the problem persists I will disconnect all unnecessary hardware. To rule out the external causes I will also boot the computer in safe mode to see if the problem occurs in this basic state as well other fixes I can try include checking the hard disk for bad sectors. 5- A USER COMPLAINS THAT THE SYSTEM IS VERY SLOW. WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO FIX IT? The reason behind a slow computer is usually a lack of sufficient memory. I will start by removing temporary files from the Windows folder; I will also with the users permission delete any unused files and programs that are taking up significant space on the hard disk. I will also run hard drive defragmentation tools to optimize space on the hard disk. If the user is facing slow performance while using the Internet I will delete a cache from the browser as a last resort I’ll explore the possibility of upgrading the hard disk to SSD in Ram or installing a more powerful processor as a ultimate resource. 6- WHAT WOULD A COMPUTER TECH SUPPORT  DO IF A USER HAS HARD TIME PRINTING? I will open the add printer wizard in Windows and select the required printer from the list of available printers. I will use the admin network wireless or Bluetooth printer option if we are operating in a networked environment. I will also install and update printer drivers if necessary if the user’s computer normally fails to detect their network printer I will enable network discovery and file and printer sharing options in the network and sharingcenter in Windows control control panel. 7- WHAT IS A LOGICAL DRIVE? A logical drive is a virtual storage unit that exists on a physical hard drive but acts as an independent storage drive. The purpose of a logical drive is to optimize storage performance by making contiguous storage units allowing them to interact optimally without intervening with irrelevant or unrelated physical units. Logical drives add abstraction and storage making it easier for the operating system to read from memory. 8- HOW DOES A VPN WORK? A VPN tunnels a private network over a public network with extra encryption to connect users to the private networks resources.A VPN masks the original IP address identity and location of the originator of a web request providing more security to a user who tries to access resources from a public open network. 9- WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES WHEN A USER TYPES GOOGLE.COM When a user enters Google.com and presses enter, the browser checks the cache of the browser operating system router and ISP for the DNS record to find the corresponding IP address of WWW typed in. If the IP address of Google is not found in these caches, the ISPs DNS server will initiate a request to other DNS servers on the internet to find the IP address of google.com. When my browser receives the appropriate IP address it establishes a connection usually a TCP

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Can Tech Support Help Westchester Businesses During Weekends?

Networking, Tech Advice /

Can Tech Support Help Westchester Businesses During Weekends? There are pros and cons in supporting customers during weekends: businesses can run 24 hours and may need tech help during weekends when computer repairs are needed or server patches have to go through. It’s in the normal course of events if IT technicians are called to perform tasks during holidays to keep up with business continuity and mainstream operations. A computer network runs 24 hours 365 days a year and the cost of being in business demands that critical services are always up and running. The Importance of Regular Computer Maintenance Understanding why your computer needs regular attention sets the stage for a stress-free digital experience. All digital users should understand the significance of routine computer maintenance to keep your Sundays smooth.In other words, users education is one of the main pillars in the IT world and is often overlooked by IT people and by businesses who don’t care about knowing why their machines behave a certain way versus another. Need Tech Support in Westchester? If you are a Westchester home user, you can perform DIY computer repairs during weekends but if you are a small business user you should contact tech support for assistance. Contact Sandanotech Common Sunday Computer Woes Sundays are meant for relaxation, not wrestling with technology. It’s a good practice to study during a weekend typical computer issues that might disrupt your laid-back weekend and how to tackle them.   DIY Tips for Basic Computer Repairs Embarking on the journey of becoming your computer’s own superhero should not be stressful, but you may want to search online for effective DIY tips for addressing common issues without breaking a sweat. Restarting: The Magic Fix Discover the power of the restart button and how it can miraculously resolve many of your computer’s quirks. If you have sessions that are stuck and the task manager does not work, the power button is the last resource and can reset all the processes and services that were running. Decluttering Your Digital Space A cluttered digital space can slow down your computer. Learn how to declutter and organize your files for a smoother experience. Remove unnecessary programs and go to the startup menu to turn off programs that run at the startup. Dealing with Software Glitches Software issues can be Sunday spoilers. Software glitches can provide insights on updates and dealing with the notorious malware. Computer errors are very common and range from Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) to errors related to single applications. Updates: Friend or Foe? Are software updates really necessary? We unravel the mystery behind updates and why they play a crucial role in your computer’s well-being.Updates are necessary on workstations that belong to a business environment. For servers, updates should run once a month and should be tested first in a test or a QA environment. The Troublesome Malware Identifying and dealing with malware: a guide for the non-tech-savvy. Protect your computer from digital invaders. Never leave a computer with no antivirus. If you use a paid antivirus, make sure that your subscription is active. If you use Windows defender, which is the built in antivirus from Microsoft, make sure that you select which folders to protect from ransomware. What to Do When Your Screen Goes Blank A blank screen doesn’t have to be a panic-inducing moment. It can be caused by the monitors turned off, by Bitlocker in a business environment, or by the selection of the input in the monitors menu.   Keyboard Nightmares and Solutions Unresponsive keys or sticky keyboards? We do not recommend using a wireless keyboard and mouse because of the lag when typing and operating the mouse and the need to replace periodically batteries.   Seeking Professional Help: Signs and Signals Sometimes, DIY won’t cut it. When you are unable to operate the computer or you are stuck in operating a program, you may want to seek for professional help. Do not ruin your weekend in Westchester county if a tech support can solve the issues of your computer for you. When to Know It’s Beyond Your Expertise Acceptance is the first step. Learn when to throw in the towel and seek the expertise of professionals.I have clients who work during the weekend and try to save money troubleshooting their computers but whern they are unable to fix the problem, they call me and I always appreciate that they did it because if you become stubborn and want to fix things at all cost, you can make things worse and compromise your system. How to Choose the Right Repair Service Not all IT Services in Westchester are created equal. What business should do is to look for a reliable computer company that is a local business in Westchester county and New York. Preventive Measures for Future Sundays Prevention is better than cure. If a Sunday turns out to be a lot of computer work to fix a problem, listen to a tech blueprint who can guide you through a regular maintenance process. Computers are like cars and need regular maintenance and replacements after several years of usage. Backing Up Your Digital Life The importance of regular backups and how they can save you from potential data disasters. As a matter of fact, there are so many cloud services out there that not backing up files to a cloud service is a very risky operation that can cost users and businesses money.   Investing in Quality Surge Protectors Power surges can wreak havoc on your computer. Investing in quality surge protectors is a wise decision.The US has around 1,5 millions of lightnings every year and homes are struck by high voltage thunders. As a result, computers may stop working after a storm because the power supply is broken.However, as a storm approaches and you are working from home, we highly recommend to stop working, save all your files, shut down your pc or laptop and unplug the power cord from the wall. Working

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What a Tech Support Service Should Do for Businesses in Westchester County NY

Business, Tech Advice /

What a Tech Support Service Should Do for Businesses in Westchester County NY Westchester county is home to one of the wealthiest communities in the whole US and has thriving businesses. From lawyers to doctors, to manufacturers, all companies make Westchester county a great place to live and work. However, all those businesses cannot afford downtime when performing their day to day operations. In this competivive landscape, the need for reliable information technology services is paramount. What companies are looking for when selecting an IT companies can be summarized as follows: Having Google Reviews Google reviews can help potential customers determine if the IT company they are looking for has consistently serviced its clients. Having many Google reviews can move the needle towards choosing an IT company that ranks on Google or a computer service that has good Google reviews.   Unlocking Excellence in Westchester Computer Services, NY In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, finding reliable and exceptional Westchester Computer Services in NY is paramount for businesses and individuals alike. As a leading provider in the region, we take pride in delivering unparalleled services that go beyond the conventional, ensuring your technological infrastructure is not just functional but optimized for peak performance. Comprehensive IT Support Our commitment to excellence begins with listening to our customers when they are looking for comprehensive IT support services. We understand that each business has unique requirements, and our seasoned team of experts is dedicated to tailoring solutions that align perfectly with your specific needs. From troubleshooting to proactive system maintenance, Sandanotech can cover almost any business needs. Cutting-Edge Technology Integration In the dynamic world of technology, staying ahead is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. We can integrate cutting-edge technologies into your existing infrastructure. Whether it’s adopting the latest software solutions or ensuring hardware compatibility, we take the hassle out of tech upgrades, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business. Unparalleled Expertise in Network Security In an era where cyber threats are ever-looming, securing your digital assets is non-negotiable. We can adopt robust network security measures that safeguard your data from potential breaches. From firewalls to encryption protocols, we leave no stone unturned in fortifying your digital fortress. Proactive Threat Monitoring Prevention is the key to a secure digital environment. Our proactive threat monitoring services ensure that potential vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they can be exploited. This not only safeguards your sensitive information but also provides you with the peace of mind to focus on strategic business initiatives. Responsive and Efficient IT Infrastructure Management Efficiency is at the core of our IT infrastructure management services. We optimize your systems for peak performance, ensuring that your technology aligns seamlessly with your business objectives. From cloud services to server management, our approach is rooted in enhancing operational efficiency. Seamlessly Migrating to the Cloud Embrace the future with our seamless cloud migration services. We tailor cloud solutions to suit your specific business needs, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and enhanced collaboration. Experience the freedom of accessing your data and applications anytime, anywhere, with the power of cloud technology. 24/7 Technical Support We understand that technology doesn’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why our 24/7 technical support is ready to assist you whenever you need it. Our responsive team ensures that downtime is minimized, and your systems are back up and running swiftly, keeping your business operations uninterrupted. We care about your Business Sandanotech does not only just provide services; we build enduring relationships. Our client-centric approach ensures that your satisfaction is not just a goal but a commitment. We take the time to understand your business intricacies, allowing us to tailor solutions that grow and evolve with you. Transparent Communication Communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership. We pride ourselves on transparent and open communication channels. Whether it’s discussing project timelines, addressing concerns, or providing updates, we keep you in the loop every step of the way. Responsiveness is What Matters in Every Type of Tech Business In the dynamic realm of IT, issues can arise unexpectedly, disrupting your operations. Sandanotech commitment to responsive IT support ensures that your concerns are addressed promptly.We can be available around the clock, ready to tackle any technical challenge that may arise. We understand the urgency of IT issues and strive to provide swift and effective solutions to minimize downtime and keep your business running smoothly.

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Should you Get a New Computer or Upgrade the Existing One?

Hardware, Tech Advice /

Should you Get a New Computer or Upgrade the Existing One? There are many things to consider when thinking about upgrading or replacing your computer, and there really isn’t a straightforward answer. I think the most important thing to do first is to create a list of the main the reasons why you are deciding whether to upgrading what you have or to get a new machine. Also, you need to consider the specifics of why you need a particular upgrade, whether it’s one component or maybe even the entire computer. The first thing I would do is a diagnostic of the performance of my current computer. Type on your keyboard CTRL + ALT+ DELETE and go to the Task Manager. The second tab will list the main parts of the computer that are being used, such as CPU, Hard Disk, Memory and Graphics Card (if you ahev one installed already): WHY YOU WANT TO STICK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Is really time for an upgrade or should I keep what I have? 1) If your computer still runs Windows 10 and it is no more than 5 years old, you may want to wait before getting a new machine because new hardware just came out in October 2022 and Windows 11 is getting better.2) If your computer runs Windows 10 and has at least an Intel Core i5, a 512 GB Solid State Drive and at least 8 GB of memory, you have a computer with standard specifications that is good for basic tasks such as Internet browsing and email.Basically, if your computer is 2-3 years old, has decent hardware and you are a basic user, you don’t need to do any upgrade. WHY YOU DECIDED TO UPGRADE 1) If your computer is unable to do something that you consider important. For example, all your friends just got a new video game, but your computer doesn’t meet the minimum specs. If your friends have a computer that can handle games, you may want to ask them what hardware they got and upgrade to similar or more powerful specs. To upgrade a computer to meet specifications for gaming, I would upgrade the memory to at least 16 GB of RAM and install a PCI Express graphics card.2) Another example is if you use your computer to render videos. If you have a low power computer, you could wait an entire day for the video to render. To upgrade a computer to handle video editing I would upgrade the memory and install a graphics card like I would do for a computer that I would like to handle games.3) If you have just gotten a new job and have a lot of multitasking to do to meet the productivity of your new work environment, I would just put more RAM in the machine because adding more memory does not necessarily translate into a faster computer but, rather, it can help with multitasking, especially if you have multiple programs open at the same time.4) Even if all the circumstances above are not met and if your computer still has a mechanical hard drive, getting an SSD over a hard drive will almost always improve performance because a mechanical hard drive is slow compared to other components in your computer and often causes the bottleneck, from copying files to searching through folders in file explorer. Down below I have listed a table with the main components that can be upgraded: CURRENT UPGRADED     Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, 512 Mechanical Hard Drive Upgrade Hard Drive by Cloning to an SSD     Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, 512 SSD Upgrade RAM from 8 to 16 GB For Multitasking   Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, 512 SSD Upgrade Ram to 16 GB an Install a Dedicated Graphics Card, for Video Editing or Gaming     Intel Core i7, 16 or 32 GB RAM, 1TB NVME This is the Ideal Computer that Can Handle Productivity, Gaming, Video Editing, and a Small Virtualization WHEN IT IS TIME TO GET A NEW COMPUTER 1) If you are still running Windows 7, backup your computer files, make a list of all the programs you are running and get a new computer with Windows 11.2) If your computer is 4 to 5 years old and all of a sudden does not turn on anymore, I recommend to shop for a new one and avoid to repair it, unless you don’t have a backup in place and you need a computer technician to recover your data that are still hostage in the broken computer.3) If your computer runs a Pentium or a Core I3 processor, I think that you may want to skip the upgrade of the processor because it can be too expensive, and the upgrade of a CPU is not always successful. You may want to get instead a computer with an Intel core i5 or i7.4) In 2025 when Windows 10 will run out of support and Microsoft will not release updates anymore, you may want to get a computer that runs Windows 11.5) If you want to get a new computer that runs Windows 10 at the end of 2022, that is fine but make sure that the hardware of your machine is not too old when it will be time to upgrade to Windows 11. At the end of 2022, we are still in between the switch between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and new hardware running Windows 10 is still totally fine and can overcome the glitches that Windows 11 still has. This table lists the current status of the hardware for new computers, as of November 2022: CPU Intel 13 Gen, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series     RAM DDR4 and DDR5     NVME HARD DRIVE PCI Gen 3 and PCI Gen 4     GRAPHICS CARD Nvidia RTX or AMD RX Series     OPERATING SYSTEM Windows 10, Windows 11     As you

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The Main Tech Support Tools IT Professionals Should Have

Productivity, Tech Advice /

The Main Tech Support Tools IT Professionals Should Have Information technology is a business like any other; it can be exposed to lawsuits, malpractice and other negative experiences. After many years in the field, I thought I could provide a guide on how to approach the job and what are the tools of the trade. I have compiled this guide by dividing the tools in three sections, legal toos, hardware tools and software. For each category, I provide a description of what each tool does so that even non-admins can understand the wide array of instruments computer experts use every day at work. With that said, let’s begin with the legal tools: 1- LEGAL TOOLS 2- HARDWARE TOOLS I had the Thinkpad T 470 with 14 inches screen for 6 years and it still works fine. With such a laptop, tech support can use the Ethernet port to troubleshoot a router or a firewall, login into a network attached storage, engage in remote sessions with users and participate in Zoom meetings. The laptop for an IT expert should be equipped with at least 512 SSD or NVME hard drive, 16 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor. I have used this tool a lot to clone laptop hard drives on pc and MAC computers and to recover spinning drives that were not bootable anymore when plugged in into their pcs. It’s a very helpful tool that can also host a temporary backup to an external device because, at the end, there is not so much difference between an external hard drive and an internal one. Recently I was able to experience how sensitive to damage HDMI cables are compared to the VGA as I had to replace HDMI wires very frequently on TVs and monitors hooked up to pc and laptops. 3- SOFTWARE TOOLS This piece of software will also display what devices are alive and which are dead, including their MAC address. A few months ago, I had a client of mine who did not know where the server was in her network and with Advanced IP Scanner I was able to find it in few minutes. The software will display the temperature and the health status in percentage. The power on hours feature on the top right of the picture shows how many hours the hard drive has been on. In the diagnostics tab with the smaller blue dots, if the uncorrectable sector count reaches the 200 marks, the hard drive needs to be replaced. IT tools are invaluable to IT specialists, who use them to assist them in their jobs. As a computer specialist, you will not be able to support your clients without carrying a good array of tech support tools. Achieving your goals without the right tools can be like trying to reach a destination without a map. While all of the properties of success are within you, having the right IT tools can make the difference between success and failure.

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Pearls of Wisdom on Getting the most out of your Tech Life

Tech Advice /

Pearls of Wisdom on Getting the most out of your Tech Life We are all living busy lives, we work and have families, but when we approach a device, many times we forget to take the right attitude towards it and we don’t ask ourself the right questions. When we use a computer or set it up for the first time, do we ever ask ourselves if that device is safe, how long approximately will it last, how we are going to use it, how are we going to discard it once it is at the end of its life? I have enough experience to admit that we all make mistakes based on poor judgment, rush, wrong attitude etc etc. and that we can improve our knowledge by listening to those who can give you good pieces of advice. The following tips will help you reflect and think that your digital life is as important as your biological life and that for this reason, you may want to take the appropriate action to avoid costly mistakes: 1- When a thunderstorm is coming, unplug your device from the outlet or from the surge protector. Even if you have a surge protector, that won’t be enough to withstand the voltage of a lightning striking your house (unless you have a lightning conductor); 2- If you run a machine with Windows 7, backup your data and switch to a new machine running Windows 10. As previously discussed, it’s too early to get familiar with Windows 11 because of its bugs and known issues; 3- If you work from home, have several kids and live in a house larger than 2,500 square feet, consider upgrading the speed of your router to 1 GB and getting a router with WIFI 6 capabilities. 4- Do not allow your kids to play with mom and dad’s computers but have them use a tablet instead: an Ipad or an Android tablet will minimize the risks of getting infected by viruses and other type of malware. If your kids do their homeworks at home with a laptop provided by the school, make sure that they use a Chromebook instead, which is based on Linux. 5- Conduct periodical security checkups such as, update the operating systems of your machines and enable Multi Factor Authentication whenever possible. 6- Do not use the username ADMIN but customize every username and use non dictionary passwords of at least 8 mixed characters in length. 7- Backup frequently your devices to the cloud and to external hard drives. Remember to unplug the external hard drives once the backup is finished. Do not keep the external hard drives for more than 5 years. I had customers looking for support after that they kept hard drives in the draws of their furniture for ten years and they got mad when the hard drives were not turning on anymore. 8- Do not use AOL as main email provider: aol has too many popups inviting users to install antivirus or run computer scans. Use Gmail or a business email instead that is tied to your phone via Multi Factor Authentication. 9- Never use as your main email provider: Verizon, Optimum or other non Gmail providers: consider instead migrating all your emails to Gmail instead. I do offer email migration services. 10- Do not believe that Macs are more virus resistant than Windows computers: this is a total BS. I saw nasty infections percolating through bad Safari browsers extension that forced me to wipe out Macs and reinstall everything from scratch after that I couldn’t even move my mouse or type anything on the keyboard. 11- Protect your browser through Browser Guard by Malware Bytes: bad actors come through email or the Internet. Please provide your computer with a good antivirus as well. 12- Be careful with your phone: do not click on text messages that contain a link and educate your kids to do the same. As hackers are having harder time getting into computers, they are finding easy ways to get into smart phones instead. Safeguard your phone with a mobile antivirus such as Malware Bytes Mobile Protection. Nowadays computers are more secure than smartphones, that’s why you should be vigilant and pay careful attention to your mobile device and to those owned by your family members. 13- Avoid the common mistake that most people do, which is waiting for the computer to die before getting a new one: it’s much harder to setup a new machine from a dead one than migrating files and settings among two fully functioning computers. In my experience, the life expectancy of a computer is about 4 to 5 years. After that, the heat bakes the capacitors and the computer starts slowing down. 14- Try to avoid playing games in a computer with only an Intel Core I5, 8 GB of RAM and 250 GB hard drive. Today gamers use downloaders to stuff their machines with games that may play in the future. In doing so, they fill up very quickly the main hard drive of a computer that was conceived and built to do light work, such as going to the Internet and check emails. I will write an article about the best specs for a computer that you can build yourself for gaming and video editing without breaking the bank. 15- You don’t have Internet? Do not panic but look at the color of the lights in your modem/router. If they are orange that is the sign of a disruption. However, before calling your ISP, try to reboot it or unplug it for 30 seconds or so. If that did not solve the problem, you may want to call your ISP. A fully functioning router should have all green or white steady lights. 16- If you can’t print on a Windows computer, go to the Control Panel > Devices and Printers and see if your default printer is grayed out. Right click on it and click on Troubleshoot. Wait

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