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How to Backup and Restore QuickBooks Pro

May 12, 2023 logan
How to Backup and Restore QuickBooks Pro

QuickBooks Pro is a popular accounting software used by small businesses and professionals to manage their finances efficiently. One of the critical aspects of using QuickBooks Pro is ensuring that your data is safe and secure. Regularly backing up your data is essential for protecting your financial records from potential loss due to hardware failure, data corruption, or human error. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to backup and restore your QuickBooks Pro data, ensuring the safety and integrity of your financial information.

Part 1: How to Backup QuickBooks Pro Data

Backing up your QuickBooks Pro data involves creating a copy of your company file and saving it to an external storage device or cloud storage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a backup:

Step 1: Prepare for the backup

Before backing up your data, make sure that you:

1. Update QuickBooks Pro to the latest version to ensure compatibility and security.

2. Close all open windows in QuickBooks Pro.

3. If you’re using multi-user mode, switch to single-user mode. Go to ‘File’ > ‘Switch to Single-user Mode.’

Step 2: Create a backup

1. In QuickBooks Pro, go to the ‘File’ menu, then select ‘Back Up Company’ > ‘Create Local Backup.’

2. In the ‘Create Backup’ window, choose ‘Local Backup’ and click ‘Next.’

3. Choose where to save your backup by selecting the ‘Browse’ button. You can save your backup to an external storage device (such as a USB drive) or a cloud storage service (like Dropbox or Google Drive).

4. After selecting your desired location, click ‘OK.’

5. (Optional) In the ‘Create Backup’ window, click ‘Options’ to configure additional backup settings, such as adding a timestamp to the backup file name or setting up a backup reminder.

6. Click ‘Next’ to proceed.

7. Choose whether to save the backup now or schedule future automatic backups. To backup immediately, select ‘Save it now’ and click ‘Finish.’ For scheduling, choose ‘Save it now and schedule future backups’ or ‘Only schedule future backups,’ then click ‘Next’ to configure the schedule settings.

8. QuickBooks Pro will now create a backup of your data. The process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your company file.

Part 2: How to Restore QuickBooks Pro Data

Restoring your QuickBooks Pro data involves retrieving a backup file and importing it into the software. Here’s how to restore your data:

Step 1: Locate your backup file

Find the backup file (.qbb) that you created previously. If you saved it on an external storage device, connect the device to your computer. If you stored it in cloud storage, download the backup file to your local computer.

Step 2: Restore the backup

1. Open QuickBooks Pro and go to the ‘File’ menu. Select ‘Open or Restore Company.’

2. Choose ‘Restore a backup copy’ and click ‘Next.’

3. Select ‘Local Backup’ and click ‘Next.’

4. Browse to the location where your backup file is stored, select the .qbb file, and click ‘Open.’

5. Click ‘Next’ to continue.

6. Choose a location to save the restored company file (.qbw) by clicking ‘Browse’ It’s recommended to save it in the default QuickBooks folder, but you can choose another location if desired.

7. Enter a new name for the restored company file or use the default name, then click ‘Save.’

8. QuickBooks Pro will now restore your data from the backup file. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your backup file.

Step 3: Verify the restored data

1. Once the restoration process is complete, QuickBooks Pro will automatically open the restored company file.

2. Review the data to ensure that all your transactions and records have been restored correctly. You can do this by checking your reports, account balances, and other financial information.

3. If you’re using QuickBooks Pro in multi-user mode, switch back to it by going to ‘File’ > ‘Switch to Multi-user Mode.’

Step 4: Create a backup of the restored data

After verifying that the restored data is accurate and complete, it’s essential to create a new backup immediately. This ensures that you have an up-to-date copy of your data after the restoration process.

1. Follow the backup steps outlined in Part 1 of this article to create a new backup of your restored data.

2. Store the backup file in a secure location, either on an external storage device or in a cloud storage service.

Backing up and restoring your QuickBooks Pro data is crucial for protecting your financial records and ensuring the continuity of your business operations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risk of data loss and maintain the integrity of your accounting information. Regularly backing up your data, storing it securely, and knowing how to restore it when necessary will give you peace of mind and help your business run smoothly.

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Cloud storage, should you utilize it?

May 8, 2023 logan
Cloud storage, should you utilize it?

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage is a service that allows users to store, access, and manage their digital files and data on remote servers maintained by third-party providers over the internet. Instead of storing files on local devices like personal computers, hard drives, or USB flash drives, users upload their files to the cloud, where the data is stored in a secure, centralized location.

It operates on a client-server model, where users can access their files from any device with an internet connection, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. This enables easy sharing, collaboration, and real-time editing of documents, photos, and other files.

Cloud storage providers offer various plans and features, including different storage capacities, file versioning, data backup and recovery, and encryption for data security. Some popular cloud storage providers include Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The use of cloud storage has become increasingly popular for both personal and business purposes due to its convenience, scalability, and accessibility, although concerns about data privacy, security, and ongoing costs remain.

Pros

  1. Accessibility: Cloud storage enables access to files from any device with an internet connection. This allows you to work on documents, photos, and other files from different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, regardless of your location. This flexibility is particularly useful for remote workers or those who frequently travel.
  2. Data backup and recovery: Cloud storage services typically provide automatic backups and data recovery options, helping you avoid data loss due to device failures, accidental deletion, or other issues. Most cloud storage providers store multiple copies of your data across different servers, further safeguarding your information from loss.
  3. Scalability: Cloud storage allows you to easily increase or decrease your storage capacity as needed without investing in additional hardware. This flexibility makes it easier to adapt to changing storage requirements and ensures you only pay for the storage space you need.
  4. Collaboration: Cloud storage makes collaboration easier by allowing multiple users to access shared files and folders. This enables real-time editing, version control, and streamlined communication, which can increase productivity and simplify workflows.
  5. Automatic updates: Cloud storage providers handle software updates and maintenance, ensuring you always have the latest security features and functionalities. This can save you time and effort in managing your storage solution and help keep your data secure.
  6. Reduced hardware costs: By storing data in the cloud, you can save money on external hard drives or additional storage devices, which can have higher upfront costs and may require periodic replacement.

Cons

  1. Privacy and security: Storing sensitive data on a cloud server exposes it to potential breaches or unauthorized access. To mitigate this risk, choose a reputable provider and employ strong encryption and authentication measures. However, even the most secure cloud storage providers can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, or insider threats.
  2. Internet dependency: Access to cloud-stored files requires a stable internet connection. This may be problematic in areas with limited connectivity or during internet outages, causing disruptions in your ability to access or work with your data.
  3. Ongoing costs: Cloud storage services often have subscription-based pricing, which could become more expensive over time compared to a one-time investment in physical storage devices. Depending on your usage and storage needs, ongoing fees may outweigh the benefits of cloud storage.
  4. Limited control: Relying on a third-party provider for data management means you have less control over server downtime, technical issues, or potential policy changes. This could impact your ability to access or manage your data.
  5. Data transfer limitations: Some cloud storage services may impose limitations on file size, bandwidth, or data transfer speeds. This can affect your ability to upload, download, or share files efficiently, particularly for users with large files or frequent transfers.
  6. Legal and regulatory compliance: Depending on your jurisdiction, storing personal data in the cloud may be subject to specific privacy regulations. Ensuring compliance with these regulations may require additional measures, such as choosing a provider with servers in certain locations or implementing specific security features.

Conclusion

The pros and cons of using cloud storage for personal devices depend on individual needs and priorities. If accessibility, collaboration, and automatic backups are important to you, the benefits of cloud storage may outweigh the potential downsides. However, if privacy, security, and control over your data are of greater concern, the risks associated with cloud storage might be a deal-breaker.

Ultimately, the decision to use cloud storage for personal devices should be based on a careful assessment of your unique requirements, risk tolerance, and long-term storage needs. If you choose to use cloud storage, it is crucial to select a reputable provider and implement strong security measures to protect your data.

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Common Tech Support Scams and How to Avoid Them

May 3, 2023 logan , ,
Common Tech Support Scams and How to Avoid Them

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in our daily lives. However, with the advancement of technology, cyber criminals have found new ways to exploit unsuspecting users through various scams. Tech support scams are some of the most common and persistent forms of cyberattacks that can lead to financial loss and compromise personal information. This article will shed light on common tech support scams and provide you with essential tips to avoid falling victim to these malicious schemes.

Cold Calls

Cold calls are unsolicited phone calls from individuals claiming to represent reputable tech companies, such as Microsoft or Apple. These scammers often claim that your computer or device has been infected with viruses or malware, and they offer to fix the issue remotely. In reality, they are attempting to gain unauthorized access to your device to steal personal information or install malicious software.

How to avoid:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially if they ask for remote access to your device.
  • Verify the caller’s identity by contacting the company they claim to represent through official channels.
  • Hang up immediately if you suspect the call is a scam.

Fake Pop-up Warnings

Pop-up warnings are fake alerts that appear on your device, stating that your computer is infected with a virus or has encountered a serious problem. These warnings typically encourage you to contact a tech support number or download a specific software to resolve the issue. However, doing so can grant scammers access to your device or personal information.

Here is an example of a pop up scam

How to avoid:

  • Never call a phone number displayed in a pop-up alert.
  • Keep your computer’s security software up to date, and rely on it to detect and remove malware.
  • Close suspicious pop-ups using the “X” button or by using Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del) on Windows or Force Quit on Mac.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate messages from well-known companies. They often contain links or attachments that, when clicked, can install malware on your device or direct you to a fake website where scammers can steal your personal information.

Here is a Paypal Phishing email

How to avoid:

  • Don’t click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar sources.
  • Check the sender’s email address for any discrepancies or unusual characters. (see 1 above)
  • Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the company directly through official channels.

Tech Support Refund Scams

In this scam, cyber criminals pose as representatives of a tech support company and claim that you are entitled to a refund for previous services. They ask for your bank account or credit card information to process the refund, but instead, they use this information to steal your money.

How to avoid:

  • Never provide financial information or personal details over the phone or email.
  • Verify the legitimacy of the refund claim by contacting the company directly through official channels. Not through links or numbers provided by an unknown person.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails offering refunds for tech support services.

Conclusion

Tech support scams are a growing threat in the digital world, targeting unsuspecting users and causing financial loss and identity theft. By staying vigilant and following the tips mentioned above, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious schemes. Remember to have a good anti-virus, keep your device’s software updated, be cautious of unsolicited calls and emails, and always verify the legitimacy of tech support claims before providing any personal or financial information.

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How to Setup Multiple Monitors in Windows 10

October 13, 2016 logan , ,
How to Setup Multiple Monitors in Windows 10

Below is a step by step guide to setting up and configuring multiple monitors in windows 10. Although all versions of windows use the same settings the wording might be a little different if you have an older version of windows.

 

Step 1:  Connect Monitor Cable to Computer and plug into wall outlet.

Step 2: Right Click on the desktop; from the drop-down menu select “Display Settings”extend1

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1: You should see the following window:display2

 

2.2: From “display” look for “multiple monitors”. Then click that drop-down and select “Extend these displays”display-3

2.3: Click “Apply”

2.4: When prompted select “Keep Changes”

display-4

 

Each monitor you connect is assigned a number, in this case a 1 or 2. This allows you to easily see which monitor is which in front of you. For instance say that the computer setup the monitor on your left as “2” well that means your mouse pointer will not go from left to right.  If you want to change the location of the monitor without physically moving the monitor go to step 3.

Your “Primary” monitor is where all your desktop icons appear. If you want to rearrange which monitor is primary go to step 4.

 

Step 3: At the top of the “Display” window click and drag the # “2” monitor to the side of # “1” where you want it to be located.

If you need to rearrange the monitor to the left it should look like this:

monitormove

If you need to rearrange the monitor to the right it should look like this:

monitormove2

*note if your primary monitor is on the right your icon’s appear on the right

3.1: Click “Apply” at the bottom of the settings window

 

To change your primary display to the second monitor follow the steps below

Step 4: Select (click) Monitor #2 at the top of the Settings > Display window. It will highlight to a blue color as shown above.

4.1: Scroll down to the bottom of the settings window and select the check box that says “make this my main display”monitormove3

4.2: Click “Apply”

 

Now you know how to setup a monitors orientation in windows 10 with ease!

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Windows 10 Upgrade Registration

June 1, 2015 logan ,
Windows 10 Upgrade Registration

Today I turned on my computer to notice a peculiar icon on my toolbar.windows10symbol

That is the new windows 10 icon and when clicking on it you are prompted to register for the free upgrade to windows 10. It is very easy to do, you simply click on the registration link and you’re done. You will have reserved your free upgrade to windows 10, and when it is released it will be downloaded and ready to install on your computer. If for some reason you wish to cancel you can do so at anytime. If you’re not sure if you want to upgrade read my post about windows 10 free upgrade. We know that this is the last version of windows they will be releasing. With that in mind I recommend upgrading to windows 10 before the free upgrade isn’t available because at some point we will all have to learn windows 10 as it will not have a predecessor.windows10done

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Windows 10 – The Last Version of Windows

May 23, 2015 logan ,
Windows 10 – The Last Version of Windows

Microsoft has announced that they will no longer be creating new versions of windows. So what does this mean? Well don’t worry the Windows operating system isn’t going away. They are going to be constantly developing windows 10. This means that software developers won’t have to worry about a new version of windows breaking their software. For instance, remember when Windows Vista was released and no printer would print? That was because the developers of the software were not prepared when Vista was released. From now on developers will have an easier time when building their applications for users to use.

One of my concerns is that Microsoft will have less income and that they might try to “sell” additional features which should be included in the Windows operating system. I would also worry if  they make windows a subscription fee service. For instance it costs five dollars a month to use windows, but I doubt they are likely to do this. Microsoft has stated that the majority of the windows sales come from new computers, and for that reason they are not worried about a slight loss of income. I have yet to see a company who has accepted losing income, but in theory they should reduce their costs because they don’t have to develop a new system every four years.

Overall this is good news because it helps software developers spend less money getting their products ready for window, and there are less likely to be errors. It also means consumers don’t have to worry about getting programs that work for different operating systems because it will become mostly universal. I say mostly because there will still be Mac’s and Linux based machines which still compete with windows. Remember that windows 10 will be a free upgrade for all windows 7/8 users who upgrade in the first year.

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Windows 10 Upgrade to be Free!

May 11, 2015 logan
Windows 10 Upgrade to be Free!

You heard right, Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to windows 10 for all windows 7/8 users within the first year of launch. There is not a launch date for windows 10 yet, but we’ll find out more as 2015 progresses. Now, should you upgrade? That’s a tough question and honestly I think it depends. If you’re running windows 7 I don’t think I would recommend upgrading for a couple of reasons:

  1. Windows 7 is the last true non-tablet version of windows. New versions of windows are quite hard to learn because they are based of a touch screen interface, even if you only have a mouse. I don’t think they’re doing away with this in windows 10.
  2. Windows 7 is stable, it works well with programs and is still being maintained by Microsoft. When windows 10 releases it is likely to have many issues which could take a year or two to figure out.
  3. There are still a lot of unknowns at the moment, once we get more information we will know if it is worth it in the end.

If you are running windows 8 I don’t think you should upgrade immediately, but you might want to upgrade before the end of the year and here’s why:

  1. When windows 8 first launched few users liked the new tablet-like features and it had a lot of issues. Now windows 8 is more stable, but it still has strong tablet like features that take away from the ease of use for a computer.
  2. Windows 8 uses more processing power than is necessary. I don’t know that windows 10 will be any better, but they have placed it as primarily a computer based operating system.

*edit*

Windows 10 upgrade will be free for a year after it is released. With windows 10 being the last operating system I think it would be worth it to upgrade to windows 10 before that year is up and you have to buy it.

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New PC Malware Found

May 9, 2015 logan ,
New PC Malware Found

There has been a recent discovery in the PC-Malware world.There is a computer malware which infects a users PC and gathers passwords and other information from the user. What makes this virus so unique is that when an anti-malware program attempts to scan the PC the malware detects it and then deletes the Master Boot Record. This in turn causes the Windows operating system to not turn on. Basically windows will not work and you’ll have to re-install the operating system. The good news is that your files still exist you just have to have another PC to retrieve them off the hard drive. Once you have retrieved the files you can re-install the OS and transfer the files back over. I recommend scanning the files remotely before moving them back to the new PC if you have to transfer files.

We have seen malware that gathers information, often called spyware, but seeing one that deletes the Master Boot Record are quite rare. This is because typically the malware wants to go unnoticed and gather as much information as possible. If malware/spyware is found and removed the hackers already have their data so there is no reason to attack the computer, but in this case it does. In reality there is no reason for the malware to cause this type of damage other than because they can.

Typically malware just monitors users webpage visits and uses that information to sell items, legitimate and not to the end user. So having one that steals personal information and then damage the operating system is unheard of. Overall it isn’t too big of a concern because it is easy enough to retrieve your files, it just mean’s we’re looking at people who want to do damage for no other reason than to do damage.

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Lenovo Exposed Users to Preinstalled Adware

March 9, 2015 logan
Lenovo Exposed Users to Preinstalled Adware

Recently Lenovo was caught selling PC’s with pre-installed adware that might have compromised user security. The program which goes by “Superfish” monitors a users actions to determine products or services that they might be interested in purchasing. This was done by Lenovo “to help customers potentially discover interesting products while shopping”. Lenovo has since removed the software from new machines and disabled the software on old machines. However the software on old machines still exists so users would have to manually remove the software themselves. They have yet to explain to users how to remove this software although it appears a clean re-install of the operating system would work.

My major problem with Lenovo is that they gave users adware which lead to a negative user experience. They didn’t give an option for the user to disable it and they didn’t make it public that their computers came with this software. This software isn’t new to me either. I have had clients who had this adware on their non-Lenovo PC and it was incredibly difficult to remove and caused major problems to their PC’s. So I don’t know why Lenovo would have made such a stupid decision to give it to their users. Well, that’s not true, they did it for the money they hoped to generate off of their users shopping habits. Instead this is going to be a major problem for Lenovo in the next few years as I know I don’t have any plans to buy a computer from them, and I won’t be recommending it to anyone either.

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FCC Redefines Broadband

January 31, 2015 logan
FCC Redefines Broadband

The FCC recently announced that Broadband companies are not deploying high-speed internet fast enough. With the new consumer demand for media online the FCC upgraded the previous definition of broadband from 4Mbps/1Mbps to 25Mbps/3Mbps. This is a substantial increase in the minimum requirements to qualify as a broadband provider. They estimate that around 17% of the population in America don’t have access to broadband internet under the new definition and that the ISP’s are not deploying internet fast enough to supply internet to customers.

What does this mean?

Well it means that DSL and cable companies have to offer higher speeds at affordable rates if they are to comply with the new broadband requirements. DSL companies are going to be hit particularly hard because DSL lines run off existing phone lines which don’t have the capacity to transmit that much data. This requires them to lay additional lines to reach customers which is a costly endeavor. Cable companies will also have to extend cable lines to more customers, but they have the capability of offering high capacity lines to current customers. The FCC wants people to have access to high speed internet, but they are only looking at the choices people have for internet. Basically as long as your cable/DSL provider offers 25Mbps/3Mbps your area has broadband internet regardless of whether or not you choose to buy it. This FCC ruling helps push ISP’s to provide the option of higher speed internet to currently undeserved areas.

This also helps create some competition which has been lacking for the past decade or so. For instance in my area we have two choices DSL/Cable, DSL only offers 4Mbps/1Mbps where cable offers up to 50Mbps/5Mbps. With this ruling DSL might start offering higher service because they are no longer “broadband” which makes them compete with the cable companies. There is no choice in my area, you either get cable or you deal with slow internet. Now this is even more true for area’s who don’t currently have anything other than DSL. If you only have the one option for internet this is great news because either DSL will increase their bandwidth or cable will start making a moving towards your direction, at least in theory.

The FCC has the authority to take “immediate action” if broadband is not “being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion”. So I suspect we will see companies fighting the FCC over the next few years but eventually giving in and providing high-speed broadband to more customers.

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