Remote Utilities Blog

Understanding Common Protocols: The OSI Model

How much do you know about your network protocols? One of the most common network protocols you will encounter is the OSI model, which stands for Open System Interconnection. This model uses seven layers to connect multiple systems on the same network. Understanding the different layers of the OSI model is one step on the way to being able to implement this protocol in the most efficient way possible.

The Application Layer

This is actually the last layer of the OSI model, but is the most important to understand. The application layer identifies communication partners and the quality of service. It also handles user authentication and privacy issues. Every function used in this layer is tailored to a specific application and designed to provide the best end user experience possible. Some services provided by this layer include email, file transfers, and network security. Tiered application architectures and FTP processes are also handled by this layer.


Should you Make the Move to Cloud Computing?

Sometimes, having your company’s head in the clouds can be a good thing. Cloud computing is becoming more and more favored by small businesses thanks to its ability to decrease the amount of on-site paperwork and hardware needed. It can also provide businesses with more resources than their income might suggest. There are potential pitfalls when it comes to cloud computing, though, so the big question is: do you want it for your business?

Getting on the Cloud

Using cloud computing usually involves contacting a third party organization that can provide managed services for your business needs. You will select a service plan, sign a contract, and then provide that third party with the documents and software that you intend to store on the cloud. Small businesses typically choose these services as a way of providing them with the analytics data, storage capacity, and software assistance that larger companies have but which are otherwise not possible due to a lack of financial capital. You do need to be aware that cloud computing isn’t a cure-all solution for small businesses, though. Anytime you involve a third party in your business, there will be complications.


Common Network Problems and their Solutions

Have you ever run into a situation where your computer just won't work and you don't know why? It's irritating when that happens to your home computer, but it is potentially disastrous if it happens to a business network. While your IT team should be able to handle most network problems, you can save a lot of time and money by handling these matters yourself. Presented here are a few of the most common network problems and their possible solutions.

Wireless Network Shows Signal but won't Connect

Wireless networking is a terrific way to make sure that your employees are able to move freely while maintaining access to all their business files. However, some notebooks and computers occasionally show a strong signal from the wireless router but still don't connect. If you encounter this problem, try putting the computer right next to the wireless router and see if it connects then. If it does, then that suggests a problem with the system hardware. A network card occasionally receives a strong signal but doesn't transmit as effectively. Updating the network card's drivers might solve this problem, but it is also possible that you may need to replace the hardware entirely should this occur.


Customizing your Business for Mobile Users


Mobile Access versus Mobile Networking



Know Thy Enemy: Common Computer Viruses and how to Avoid Them

Nothing can cripple a network as thoroughly as a computer virus can. Having good firewall and virus protection software can help prevent your network from picking up these viruses, but it also helps to know more about the dangers out there. If you can recognize the behavior of specific types of viruses, that can help you avoid more dangers and find a cure faster in the unfortunate case that you wind up with this type of malware on your computer.

Identifying Trojan Viruses

Perhaps the most common type of virus on the Internet is the Trojan virus. Like the legendary Trojan horse, this virus pretends to be something useful and desirable but is actually designed to either disrupt network processes or harvest information. Trojans can do any number of different things, including tracking keystrokes to gain access to passwords and personal information. These viruses used to be linked to illicit activities like illegal file sharing and pornography sites, but times have changed and they can now be found on reputable websites from time to time. Unfortunately, the only sure way to defeat a Trojan is to make sure it doesn’t infect your computer in the first place.


Going Virtual: An Understanding of Virtual Desktops and What they can Offer your Business

How do you want employees to access your business network? An increasing number of businesses are switching partially or even fully to a virtual desktop model. Doing so comes with a lot of different benefits, but you also need to be aware of all the potential issues that you might face. When it comes time for you to make the decision about switching to a virtual model, you should consider the following logistical issues, which should help make sure you get set up right.

What is a Virtual Desktop?

The term “virtual desktop” gets its name from the fact that when a user logs in, they aren’t accessing the desktop that is local to their own computer. Instead, all users in a group or organization access a remotely stored desktop interface. This means that everybody’s desktop experience is the same and that resources are shared. For small companies or groups that work off-site, this can be a great way of getting the software needs that a specific job requires without having to individually purchase, download, and install that software for each machine. There is also a shared desktop experience in this model, so every employee knows exactly how the core system works.


Is P2P Networking Right for You?


What is P2P?



Alternatives to Windows and How to Make them Work for your Network


Why Seek an Alternative?



Getting Acquainted with Network Hardware


The Network Hub
