When it comes to using Linux, many new users fail to realize that the mistakes they make could be what’s causing their annoying moments. With that said, I have outlined the top ten commonly made mistakes that users face with Linux.

1. Neglecting Updates
   When it comes to having the latest updates for any computer, not all users choose to perform them as regularly as they should. This isn’t a Microsoft operating system folks, an update is highly unlikely to cause serious problems for a computer that runs on the Linux operating system.
2. Not Knowing The Pager Is Their Friend
   The pager is a useful feature on Linux for those who know how to use it to their advantage. However, many beginners will often lose their windows from the desktop forever, simply because they are simply unaware that the Pager is trying to work on their side if it would just let them. Help any new Linux user know about this feature and how they can use it to save headache that once existed.
3. Being Scared To Give Orders
   All of us techs know that command lines can save us a lot of time when performing certain tasks as well as trying to find answers to our questions. If one isn’t comfortable with their computer, they will become quite scared of what seems like the easiest command lines for us to use. For your customers who don’t know the basic command lines of Linux, create them a quick “cheat sheet,” and they will quickly become loyal customers.
4. Unable To Locate Software
   Many beginners who are used to using Windows as an operating system, they get the misconception that the software offerings should be the same. We all know this isn’t true, so it’s strongly recommended that you get them to utilize a tool such as the Ubuntu Software Center. Turn them onto a such advantage and they will have no more problems when it comes to getting the software that they need, when they need it.
5. Choosing The Wrong Linux OS
   As we know, Linux releases such as Slackware can be quite complicated for a Linux newbie to master. The most popular choice currently seems to be simple Linux releases such as Ubuntu. Make sure when someone is switching, that they know the advantages and disadvantage of the various offerings.
6. Quits Too Easily
   Most newer Linux users simply don’t want to take their time to become accustomed to the different environment it puts their computer in. They want it to be as simple as possible, but they simply haven’t taken the time to use Linux correctly. If they did, they wouldn’t quit and load up Windows, and that’s the truth!

With all of these commercials coming in front of our faces about Intel’s newest line of processors, we can’t help but wonder what in the world the difference is. We have i3, i5, and i7 to choose from, but which one would suit our needs the best?

This is something that I have been pondering upon and I found out that I wasn’t the only one wondering what on earth Intel has done by releasing these new processors.

Well, the time is here for you to discover the difference between Intel’s i3, i5, and i7 processors. You can thank the coffee on a late night for this post. :)

Intel Core i3 Processor

This particular Intel processor is the enter level processor of this new series of Intel processors. While it may not be the fastest one of the bunch, it can get the job done, at least for most applications.

Mind you, if you need high speed, I suggest one of the other processors that I will unveil in front of your eyes later on in this post. Here’s some of the Core i3 features.

• Uses 4 threads. Yes, it uses hyperthreading technology which is the latest craze due to its improved efficiency over earlier processors that were put on the market.
• This processor consists of 2-4 cores, depending on which one you get your hands on.
• Contains A 3-4 MB Cache
• Uses less heat and energy than earlier processors, which is always a good thing in this day and age.

Intel Core i5 Processor

• This is the mid-size processor of this bunch, recommended for those who demand a little speed, but not quite enough where the user will be running resource-intensive applications.
• As with the Core i3 processor, this comes with 2-4 cores, the main difference is that it has a higher clock speed than the Core i3.
• This is also a heat and energy efficient processor, but it does seem to be better at this particular job than the Core i3 processor.
• The number of threads used in this is no different than the Core i3 with 2-4 threads, and it also uses hyperthreading technology for a boost in performance.
• The cache of the Core i5 is bigger than the Core i3, it’s at 3-8 MB.
• The Core i5 is where the turbo mode is made available, this provides users with the opportunity to turn off a core if it’s not being utilized.

Intel Core i7 Processor

• This is for the users that demand power, yes it does provide more power and if Tim Allen gets one of these, this would be the beast that he gets his hands on. Great for gamers and other resource intensive users.
• The cache on this one is 4-8 MB.
• This processor comes with 8 threads, definitely enough to get the job done quickly, maybe even at the speed of light if you’re lucky. And yes it also utilizes hyperthreading technology.
• You will have four cores to take advantage of with this particular series.
• And just like the other ones in this Intel series of processors, it is more energy efficient and produces less heat.

I hope this shed some light on these new processors for you!

When it comes to going to a customer’s house and troubleshooting their problems, it can get rather time consuming. What if you could provide remote support and cut your costs while saving time?

Thanks to Instant Housecall remote support software, this is very possible and at a pretty affordable price as well. In fact, they even have a free edition for those who want to give it a whirl before putting out the cash for it.

Instant Housecall Features

Of course, there’s always the benefits of how you can save money by eliminating the need to jump in the car and head to your customer’s house in order to help them find a solution to their computer problem.  However, the features are probably what most of us are interested in anyways, so here are some of the best.

• Integrated Instant Messaging
  Want to chat with your customer while your hooked up remotely to their computer? No problem! Instant Housecall provides you with a built-in instant messenger platform to help you do just that.
• On-Demand Support Tools
  When a customer needs support, they can notify you or your team via the Instant Housecall interface and you will be notified by your preferred contact method.
• Instant Notifications for Incoming Support Requests
  By e-mail or phone, when a customer is crying for help you will be notified instantly. This helps reduce your response time, thus improving customer satisfaction for the long run. It’s truly a win-win situation.
• 256-Bit SSL Encryption
  Security is no laughing matter, especially when it comes to the security of your customers. When you connect to your customer’s computer, you can rest assured you’re doing so via a 256 bit SSL encrypted connection.
• Web Based Installation
  No need for your customer to have installation priviledges since Instant Housecall is a web-based installation. It also takes just a few seconds, which will definitely win over your customer’s heart.
• Quick Connection Speeds
  Connect to your customer’s computer in a matter of seconds. Think about how your productivity rate will increase, not to mention the satisfaction of the most important part of your business. Your customer of course!

As you can see, Instant Housecall can change the way that you do business for the best. Many people would overlook this, but you’re here, so that means you want the most efficient and powerful way to get business done.

I have seen way too many instances where many companies forget about how they could benefit if they were just to take a little time out of their days in order to educate consumers about their product/service or the industry that they’re in.

When it comes to the IT industry, many consumers want to know more about what they need to do in order to stay on top of the latest technology as well as fixing any problems that may arise.

However, for your sake, you want to let them know that it’s best to have a pro handle their computer problems so that they know it’s getting done the right way. However, I compiled a few things that people should become educated on when it comes to IT.

• PC Security
  This is becoming a bigger concern each and every day. However, many people don’t have the slightest clue about PC security, which provides you with a priceless opportunity of educating them about what security threats are common and how they should go about getting them fixed.
• How The Internet Is Booming
  The internet is one of the fastest growing trends around the world. Educate businesses and individuals about how important it is to maintain a positive online reputation.
• Regular Maintenance Tasks
  Disk Cleanup & Defrag are the two things that come to my mind when thinking about what any computer user should use, even though there is much more, this helps them feel in charge of their hardware.
• Choosing The Best Products
  Let them know what makes the best products for those who have their own computer. Show them how easy it is for you to obtain and install it for them, saving them a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

By using these tips, you can quickly gain trust in your area as an IT professional. They will usually choose the provider who was there to help them when they knew very little about information technology.

As techs, we all know just how bad things can get when data is lost and there wasn’t a backup made. However, many people seem to not understand how critical having a plan for backups really is. This is where educating the consumer can come in quite handy for both of you.

Backup Options

There are many ways that a user can protect their data from being lost due to something happening which resulted in either corrupted data or a complete loss of data that was once stored on the particular computer. From external hard drives to online backup solutions, this particular risk has gained quite a lot of attention which has resulted in a vast array of safe, yet effective backup options.

Why should you educated the consumer about having backups at hand?

Well, not only would it save you a lot of frustration in the long run when the customer is looking towards you for a solution that will put an end to the problems caused by an unpredicted loss of critical data, but you can also make money at the same time.

Think about it, sure you have online backup services like Mozy, Carbonite, Dropbox, etc., but think about the extra cash you could rake in if you offer a white label backup solution which is branded by your company name. Odds are your customers will come to you before they look at someone else to fulfill their growing demands for effective backup solutions.

What To Point Out

When it comes to giving your customer a reality check about not protecting their data from corruption or loss, try to throw some of these facts at them. Odds are, after you do, they will give in and show an interest in obtaining some sort of computer backup service.

• Your hard drive can go out at any time, making you lose all of your precious data stored on your PC.
• The operating system of a computer isn’t the most reliable thing in the world. In fact, OS problems could result in a loss of data rather quickly.
• If you let others use your computer, they can easily delete important data that you still need to have. If you don’t have a backup, it may end up lost forever.

As you can see, not only does having a backup server on a customer’s side save you a lot of headache in the long run, but it can also increase your residual income if you decide to go with a white label online backup solution.