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XFER Blog

XFER has been serving the Livonia area since 1994, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.
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IT Blog
Mike

Microsoft Gets Down to Business with Windows 8.1

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One year ago, Microsoft took a big gamble when they released Windows 8 with a new user interface that strayed from their successful twenty year-old template. Throughout the year, Microsoft has been listening to user feedback and they have recently addressed the biggest issues with Windows 8.1, the first major upgrade to Microsoft's newest OS.

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Upgrade Windows 8 Microsoft
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Mike

7 Tech Assets You Need to Succeed

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As a small business, your goal should not only be to survive, but to thrive. Many times, small businesses try to cut costs by not purchasing essential equipment and services. Unfortunately, because of its cost, technology ends up on the backburner of the priority list. Don't cut corners. Here are seven tech assets you need to invest in.

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Managed Service Provider Technology Tech Support
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Mike

4 Characteristics of a Fake Facebook Friend

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With all the personal information users entrust to Facebook, it's no surprise that scammers are also on Facebook, often posing as friends. When using Facebook, you will need to be aware of this scam in order to keep your personal information safe. Here are four characteristics of a fake Facebook profile that you should consider before confirming a friendship.

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Social Networking Facebook User Tips
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Mike

3 Easy Tips to Improve Your PC’s Boot Up Time

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Improving your computer's startup time is a great way to get more productivity out of your work day. Studies have shown that people are most productive during the early hours of the day; therefore, you don't want to waste your best hours waiting for a PC to load. Here are three easy tips you can do to improve your PC's boot up time.

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Best Practice Quick Tips Computer
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Mike

#WhatYouShouldKnowAboutHashtags

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You've seen them around everywhere. Every time you watch TV, look at a poster, listen to the news, or have a conversation with a teenager, you'll be exposed to the term "hashtag". What are hashtags exactly? What do they do? Why should you care about them? How can they help your business? #readmoretofindout

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Social Networking Communication Best Practice
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Mike

Disconnect from the Web and Experience Life

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Mobile devices give you the ability to always be connected with the virtual world. It may seem like this is great for productivity because you feel like more work is getting done; but could it be that constant connectivity is wearing us down? In light of the stresses caused from being connected, it's good to unplug and recharge your brain.

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Social Miscellaneous
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Mike

What’s Up with Google Glass?

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Every once in a while, a radical piece of technology is introduced to the market that has the potential to change everything. Over the last half century alone, digital music, cell phones, GPS technology, PCs, and much more hit the market and changed the way technology is incorporated into our daily lives and workplaces. Is Google Glass the next revolutionary gadget?

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Google Gadgets Technology
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Mike

Windows XP is a Liability for Your Business

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If you are still running your business or home PC on Windows XP, then it's vital that you upgrade to a newer OS. Yes, your decade-old Windows XP system may be working just fine, and therefore, you may not feel the urgency to upgrade, but you will feel the heat next year when Microsoft stops supporting its popular operating system.

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Workplace Tips Microsoft Windows
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Mike

How Good is Your Technologese?

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Have you ever talked with an IT technician about how technology works, and one minute into their explanation you zone out and can't understand a word they're saying? They're speaking English, you recognize the words, yet you can't make sense of anything. In situations like this, you need an interpreter that speaks technologese, we can help.

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Customer Relationship Management Managed Service Provider Vendor Management
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Mike

3 Differences between Real Clouds and Cloud Computing

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Have you ever wondered how cloud computing got its name? Despite popular opinion, cloud computing has nothing to do with the clouds in the sky. Instead, information is transferred to and from data centers, which are shaped nothing like clouds. Yet, there are similarities between the two clouds. We will compare them side-by-side to help you better understand cloud computing.

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Business Computing Cloud Technology
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Mike

Fixing a Computer’s Bing Bong Noise

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With traditional IT support, there's room for humorous-yet-frustrating mistakes stemming from miscommunication. Having a user with limited knowledge about computers describe their problem to an IT technician with limited patience is a recipe for disaster. Thankfully, new IT support tools make communication between users and IT support much easier.

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IT Consultant Computer Repair Managed Service Provider
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Mike

Full Charge Ahead! Device Battery Maintenance

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Do you let the batteries in your mobile devices fully deplete before recharging? If so, then you may be doing this based on some scientific-sounding advice you once heard. This advice has been around for years, and battery technology has dramatically advanced, which makes us ask the questions, "Is it still necessary to fully deplete your battery before recharging?"

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Maintenance Lithium-ion Battery Innovation
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Mike

Every Move You Make VoIP Presence Will Be Watching You

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As a busy person, you're constantly on the move. The downside of being busy is that you sometimes miss important phone calls, even if you there are a dozen different ways to reach you. VoIP provides you with a solution to help you never again miss a call with a feature called Presence.

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VoIP Saving Money
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Mike

How the New iPhone 5s and 5c Can Simplify Your Workday

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You have probably already heard about Apple Inc.'s latest iPhone innovations; exciting new products that have the potential of revolutionizing your business workday. The two new models of iPhone will come with the opportunity to simplify tasks, be better organized, and have more fun with your daily routine!

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Gadgets Bring Your Own Device iPhone
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Mike

Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A Nasty Ransomware You Need to Guard Against

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On September 10th, 2013, a new ransomware known as Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A began attacking computers all over the Internet, locking users out of their PCs and putting sensitive information at risk. If your computer gets it, then you're in for a world of hurt. Here are the details on what this virus does and what you can do to prevent it.

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Privacy Security Virus
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Mike

5 Qualities of Influential Business Leadership

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As a business owner, your position of leadership is crucial to the success of your company. If you've been appointed a leadership role, you are undoubtedly making key decisions and setting the tone of your office culture. You want to be a leader worth following.

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Workplace Tips Leadership
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Mike

The Danger of Easy Network Security

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When your network's security is doing its job and keeping your business safe, it's easy to not think about it because you don't feel the heat from any threats. Just because you're not feeling the heat, however, doesn't mean you're out of the kitchen. Even if you enjoy strong security, you will still need to perform regular security maintenances.

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Business Managament Security
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Mike

5 Tips to Boost Your Computer’s Lifespan

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We all dread that moment. Whether it was a power surge, an accidental water spill, or a swift roundhouse kick out of frustration, your business computer is dead and needs to be replaced. While no computer will last forever, you can extend your PC's life with proper care. Here are tips that will boost your computer's lifespan.

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PC Care Hard Drives Workplace Tips
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Mike

End Your PowerPoint Presentation with Movie Credits!

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Everybody loves a pat on the back, especially after contributing to a great project. When you end your next PowerPoint presentation, don't just list your sources, give thanks to those who helped you in your research by epicly animating their names, movie credit style!

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PowerPoint Microsoft Quick Tips
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Mike

3 Ways Green Technology Can Help Your Business

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Today's business environment is environmentally conscious. Companies that implement green policies and use energy-saving technologies are making a positive impact on the environment. Going green is the responsible thing to do and will also positively impact your business. Here are three ways using green technology can benefit your business.

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Going Green Saving Money
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