5 Tools Everyone in the Computer Industry Should Be Using

Just to clarify a point, “computer industry” is actually a generic term since there are many sub-categories under this. Some may be working in the computer web design or web development industry. Some may be in the internet marketing industry, and this in itself can have different sub-categories (SEO, social media, e-mail, etc.). Others may be in the hardware or software category usually called technical support.

Because of this, we selected the most common tools that virtually anyone working in the computer industry, no matter what category, can more or less use either directly for their work or in relation to it. We chose not to include the really common and default tools that virtually everyone may already have like browsers, browser-based online tools, and anti-virus tools.

Hootsuite/Tweetdeck

Managing multiple Twitter accounts is next to impossible even for the most hardworking social media marketer. Third party solutions like Hootsuite/Tweetdeck can solve this, especially when companies have two or more Twitter accounts (usually opened by different departments) and in each account are numerous clients and followers, all potential customers. These tools allow marketers to organize all their Twitter accounts in a single interface and monitor all those accounts using just a single screen.

waveapps.com

This tool provides free invoicing as well as invoicing on the go for mobile apps. It also offers an accounting software program that is cloud based and allows you to manage whatever is incoming or outgoing.

iFixIt.com Repair Kits, Tools, and Videos

Actually a staple of the hardware repair business for many years now, they offer any type of repair content, repair videos, and manuals that you can all download whether using a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. They even have data for the problematic or unfamiliar repairs. It can even store How-To documents you downloaded and marked as favorites. It even comes with an iPad app that also works well on Apple Mac computers.

Clonezilla

This tool can be used straightforward to clone a computer’s hard drive before doing any type of work that is a standard operation for PC repairs. It can save anyone untold hours in the event of a computer catastrophe.

A pair of awesome noise cancelling headphones

You might be thinking, “Headphones are tools?” But if you’re someone who wants to really focus, is a true millennial, or was born in the 1980’s, then you might even be thanking the makers of noise cancelling headphones. Bose is usually the best choice for many, though the Dr. Beat brand is making a popular headway. Many people are actually used to listening to music while working 8 hours a day, and it helps them really focus. It helps concentrate on work since some people do get bothered by co-workers talking over the phone or playing with their pen. Some even use headphones to block off the sound of clicking keyboards.

Why Cloud Can Be the Best Choice for Your Business's Backup Plan

What is Cloud Computing?

Instead of local computers in an office or business doing all the work, with each computer running separate licensed applications and software, this network of computers can be handled by the cloud instead. Hardware and software demands for the user decreases all the computers can be run from the cloud computing system’s interface software, which can be as simple as a web browser, and the cloud’s network takes care of the rest.

The best example for cloud computing is the use of an e-mail account with a web-based e-mail service like Yahoo! Mail or G-mail. Instead of running an e-mail program on your computer, you log in to a web e-mail account remotely. The software and storage for your account doesn’t exist on your computer because you access it on the service's computer cloud.

And speaking of storage, another useful aspect of cloud computing is as a storage backup for all your important data and files.

Cloud Storage Services

Storing your data backups at an off-site location is the best way to ensure that a copy of your most critical business data will remain sheltered from any cataclysmic event that may befall your business. And what better way to achieve geographical separation than by storing your data at various centers located across the globe?

Choosing a goodcloud storage provider that has a good track record for reliability will help ensure that your data is available when you need it. Some cloud services use innovative storage techniques to yield lower storage and operational costs. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with such efforts, you should always scramble data with robust encryption prior to entrusting it to an external organization for safekeeping.

Disaster planning storage backup: it might never happen, but you’ll never know.

It’s the same concept with having a first aid kit -- It’s better to have it there but not need it, rather than needing it, but it’s not there.

Assess the threats

Consider what could seriously damage your computers externally, for instance, a fire on your premises, natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes, or even a hacker attack.

Determine the likelihood of each threat

Some are definitely more probable than others. You can seek expert advice for each disaster to assess risk levels.

Assess what maximum potential damage may occur

For instance, would the threat take your main customer database offline? Or would the impact be relatively minor? Your disaster planning should prioritize threats with the highest likelihood of happening and the potential to cause most damage.

Have other backup systems in place aside from cloud storage

You might also consider adding other backup systems such as DVD’s or external hard disks. Also consider other minor disaster preparedness like having uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep your server running and avoid damage to desktops.

Once you’ve put a business disaster recovery plan together, test it. See how your communications work in practice, and how long it takes you to get back to working again.