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Macro Systems Blog

Macro Systems has been serving the Metro Washington, DC area since 1997, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Explaining Virtual Machines

Explaining Virtual Machines

Many organizations have been in business for so long that they still utilize legacy applications for specific purposes within their computing infrastructure. There simply might not be a better option at the time, so they continue to rely on software that is, to be blunt, showing its age, including the server software that runs their business. Virtual machines offer these businesses the opportunity to still leverage these applications without the inherent risk that comes from using unsupported software.

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Should You Invest In Hardware or Move to the Cloud?

Should You Invest In Hardware or Move to the Cloud?

Regardless of their size, companies need access to some significant amounts of data nowadays. This means that even small businesses have situations to consider that not only carries data considerations, but operational considerations. Considering many businesses have shifted to a remote workforce, it stands to reason that an organization’s hardware investments have to be more strategic than ever before.

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Server Options for Smaller Companies

Server Options for Smaller Companies

Small Businesses don’t always have the financial resources (or the need) to purchase a server. Lots of small organizations will have a few workstations connected together via a wired or wireless Local Area Network (LAN), but when your business gets to a point where it needs more effective means of collaboration, running that LAN through a server can result in quite a few benefits. Below is a look at why a server-based LAN is an improvement and what your company’s server options are. 

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Three Signs Your Server Needs to be Replaced

Three Signs Your Server Needs to be Replaced

Servers are arguably of the most vital resources your business has, and they should last for many years. However, after a few years, they may begin to struggle to handle the workloads they once did; if they fail, they'll leave a whole business in a lurch. Knowing the signs of a failing server can significantly improve your chances of avoiding such a situation. Let's go over the three signs that your server needs to be replaced. 

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Time for a Server Refresh? Consider Virtualization

Time for a Server Refresh? Consider Virtualization

Hardware refreshes are often a time of great turmoil for businesses, particularly because of the cost of new servers and the time it takes to migrate data from one location to another. Thankfully, with the advent of virtualized servers, businesses have a viable alternative to the outright purchase of expensive, new hardware solutions. Instead, a virtual server that’s hosted in the cloud offers not only a more immediate reprieve, but can also significantly reduce costs for your organization in the long run.

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A Detailed Explanation of Proxy Servers

A Detailed Explanation of Proxy Servers

Proxy server is a 'tech term' that is often used, yet it is still not understood by a majority of people. Let's describe what a proxy server is, and why businesses like yours utilize them.

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Critiquing In-House and Cloud Based On Cost and Control

Critiquing In-House and Cloud Based On Cost and Control

We won't deny that we push the benefits of cloud pretty hard, but we aren't afraid to consider the possibility that the cloud may not be the best fit for your needs. If this is truly the case, it may just be that an onsite approach will work best for your needs.

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Need A Simpler Way To Manage Data? Try A Cloud Server

Need A Simpler Way To Manage Data? Try A Cloud Server

If you’re like most small businesses, chances are that you have one or two servers in your office that are dedicated to storing and distributing data on your in-house network. Without these machines, you would be in a rough spot. Users wouldn’t be able to access data and your operations would suffer. But what if we told you that there is an easier way to manage data and increase user accessibility that doesn’t include managing server hardware?

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You Can’t Afford to Overlook These 3 Benefits of Server Hosting

You Can’t Afford to Overlook These 3 Benefits of Server Hosting

Every business from any industry probably has servers that hold important and sensitive data. However, not all organizations have the assets and skills necessary to manage and maintain these complex pieces of hardware. In particular, small businesses struggle with this aspect of running an in-house server, but there’s another option--an outsourced server hosting service from a third-party provider.

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How Unused Applications May Be Hurting Your Budget

How Unused Applications May Be Hurting Your Budget

When a business finds new software solutions that can effectively replace their older, less efficient systems, applications can often go unused for extended periods of time. However, these unnecessary apps can waste time and money for your business, which can add up quickly. In fact, as much as 38 percent of enterprise applications are wasting away on organizations’ networks.

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Ye Be Warned! Support for Windows Server 2003 Ends this July

b2ap3_thumbnail_no_more_windows_server_2003_support_400.jpgIf you’re the owner of a small or medium-sized business, mark your calendars for July 14th. This is when Microsoft will stop supporting the 12-year-old server operating system, Windows Server 2003. Any business that is still running this ancient OS needs to upgrade to a more recent one before the end-of-support date arrives.

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4 Pieces of Office Equipment That You Don’t Need to Replace

b2ap3_thumbnail_halt_do_not_fret_400.jpgThe IT landscape has changed so dramatically over the past decade that businesses need to stop and consider the latest solutions before cycling out their old IT equipment. In the past, when it came time to replace office technology, one would simply run down a standard list of IT equipment. Now, much of this standard equipment is no longer necessary.

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Alaskan Healthcare Organization Hit with Huge Fine for HIPAA Violation

b2ap3_thumbnail_fines_imposed_for_hipaa_400.jpgAmerican healthcare organizations must store and exchange patient data in ways that comply with the HIPAA law, or else face hefty fines. One mental health service in Alaska recently learned this lesson the hard way after being hit with a $150,000 fine. Is your healthcare organization’s IT infrastructure 100 percent HIPAA compliant?

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Not All Server Units are Created Equal

b2ap3_thumbnail_custom_server_solutions_400.jpgBusinesses love one-size-fits-all solutions, especially when it comes to technology. Cookie cutter solutions are easy to budget around and easy to implement. However, there are some aspects of a company's technology that shouldn't be standardized, like server units.

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Cooler Drives Won’t Prevail

b2ap3_thumbnail_cold_hard_drives_400.jpgEverybody knows operating a computer under cooler temperatures increases its performance. This is why some server closets feel like a walk-in refrigerator. One thing about computers that you may not have known is whether or not running a PC at cooler temperatures extends its life. Logically, one would assume yes, however, the research says otherwise.

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Adding a Computer Network to Your Startup Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_computer_network400.jpgOne of the most significant signs that a small startup company is on its way to becoming a mid-sized business is when operations require more than one workstation. Whenever the founder of a company starts their business on their own, they will often do so using their personal computer. As the business grows, a computer network will be needed.

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5 New Features in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials

b2ap3_thumbnail_whatcanido400_20131119-205744_1.jpgIn October, Microsoft released their Windows Server 2012 R2 offering. To compliment this big release, Microsoft upgraded their Windows Server Essentials software by adding some cool new features and slapping R2 at the end. Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials gives your business the option to deploy Essentials features in a larger domain as a Windows Server role.

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Take Back Profitable Space with Cloud Computing

b2ap3_thumbnail_cramped400.jpgOne of the surest ways to boost your bottom line is with cuts. You can then funnel these cuts into your revenue column and look profitable, even with lousy sales. While this approach will boost your bottom line, your numbers will be hollow. The smartest way to cut is to replace the loss with something profitable. Cloud computing lets you make profitable cuts.

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Take Inventory on Your Old Technology

b2ap3_thumbnail_oldit400.pngDo you have a plan to deal with your old technology, or do you have a closet full of used equipment? Are you aware of your equipment's refresh dates, or do you just replace components after they break? Knowing the condition of your technology, and having a plan to deal with old equipment, will save your business money.

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What Coca-Cola Got Wrong with its Slick New Commercial [VIDEO]

b2ap3_thumbnail_coke_spill_400.jpgDuring the broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX, Coca-Cola premiered a bold new commercial meant to inspire viewers, make the world (wide web) a happier place, and of course, sell Coca-Cola. To be sure, it was a monumental marketing effort, but for those of us in IT, we find it cringeworthy and must object to the commercial’s content.

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