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PCS International Learning Center

Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Questions:  Have you seen the news about the dramatic rise in Cyber Crime but not sure how it applies to...

Can you say “Marked Safe from Ransomware” today?

The End of Office 2010 is upon us!

Microsoft Office 2010 will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of 10/13/2020. Background Microsoft released Microsoft Office 2010...

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Dive deeper into our resources — view the interactive flipbook to explore detailed insights and visuals.

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Planning for Safely Restarting Operations

A lot of SMBs fall short when they try to create their IT budgets. You can improve your budget’s accuracy...

IT Service Provider being bad at his job.

Cyber Crime is on the Rise in the Work From Home Era

Unfortunately, some IT service providers focus more of their energy on making money than meeting their clients’ needs.

How to Effectively Work from Home

Just because you have to keep a close eye on your budget, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t get advice...

Preparing to Work from Home

Just because you have to keep a close eye on your budget, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t get advice...

How to find the right remote access solutions for your business

Finding the right remote access solutions for your small business can seem like a daunting task. With so much information...

Group discussing data recovery strategies

Follow these 7 steps to generate a recovery plan for hacking events

Unexpected events happen every day. You can prevent “unexpected” from turning into “catastrophic” with planning and preparation. Having a hacking...

8/7/19 Illinois CPA Society (Deerfield) – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

5/16/19 Illinois CPA Society (South) – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

Windows 7 End of Life

The End of Exchange Server 2010 is upon us!

Exchange Server 2010 will no longer be supported as of 1/14/2020. Background Microsoft released Exchange Server in the winter 2009....

The End of Windows Server 2008 and 2008R2 is upon us!

Windows Server 2008 and 2008R2 will no longer be supported as of 1/14/2020. Background Microsoft released Windows Server 2008 in...

The End of Windows 7 is upon us!

Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft for free as of 1/14/2020. Background Microsoft released Windows 7 in...

02/28/19 ICE 2019 – Cybersecurity in Schools

11/28/18 Illinois CPA Society (Chicago) – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

11/27/18 Illinois CPA Society (Fox River) – Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

Risk Assessment

Security Assessment

Dark Web Scanning

Network Assessments

Why Use Managed Services for IT support?

Security Assessment

Question: How does a hacker look at your network? Answer: Like a gold mine. As time goes on, Cyber Security...

Risk Assessment

Question: Would you like to focus your time and budget on only the most important risks? Answer: Of course you...

Network Assessment: Know what hides in your network

As businesses grow and change, so do their networks. Just like humans need yearly check-ups, networks also benefit from assessments...

Follow these 6 steps for the perfect disaster recovery plan

Unexpected events happen every day. You can prevent “unexpected” from turning into “catastrophic” with planning and preparation. Having a disaster...

4 Reasons Disaster Recovery is Essential For Your Business

Technologically speaking, your business should be prepared for just about anything. That means getting ready for both the highs (like...

4 questions to ask about your cloud storage security

It seems like every other day you hear about another data breach. Most notable is the recent attack on Facebook,...

How to find the right cloud solutions for your business

Finding the right cloud solutions for your small business can seem like a daunting task. With so much information available...

Data encryption with a lock around cables.

Data Encryption 101: A Helpful Guide

By the time you finish reading this article, you should get the basics of data encryption and how you can...

Creating the Perfect Password

Creating the Perfect Password The quest to create a perfect password to secure your data has been something that has...

Penetration testing done by a hacker covered in a blue light.

What Is Penetration Testing, and What Should You Do About It?

Penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to probe your network for weaknesses. But is it a good...

IT budgeting mistakes symbolized by a little piggy bank.

The 3 Biggest IT Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Many companies are making the same IT budgeting mistakes. To help you avoid some of those same mistakes, here’s what...

6 Ways to Improve Your Organization’s Security Profile

Use the following 6 ways to improve your organization’s security profile and keep those business cyberattacks away for good.

IT budget auditing done on paper and a clipboard.

How (and Why) to Audit Your IT Budget

At least once a year, though, you should audit your IT budget to make sure it matches your current and...

The 6 Steps to Crafting an Effective IT Budget

A lot of SMBs fall short when they try to create their IT budgets. You can improve your budget’s accuracy...

Man wondering questions to ask his MSP partner.

Important Questions to Ask a Potential MSP Partner

Partnering with a reliable managed service provider (known as an MSP) can help your business become more efficient, secure and...

How to Spot a Bad IT Service Provider

Unfortunately, some IT service providers focus more of their energy on making money than meeting their clients’ needs.

4 Ways a Virtual CIO Helps Your Business Grow

Just because you have to keep a close eye on your budget, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t get advice...

An IT guy driving a woman mad. We don't know why she's biting her finger.

4 Signs You Need a Change From Your Usual “IT Guy”

If you still use a part-time IT guy, then you should look for these 4 signs that you need a...

How to Choose Compatible IT Devices and Software

Ask these questions so you can determine what products will move your company forward towards success.

How to Fix the 4 Most Common Technology Bottlenecks

Here are a few ways to fix the most common technology bottlenecks to prevent your business from slowing down and...

Intro to PCS

SMB IT Statistics, and a man looking at them thussly.

3 Surprising SMB IT Statistics You Probably Didn’t Know

Even if your business already invests in SMB IT, you may find the following statistics surprising.

Managed IT Services - do you need them? Personified by a picture of a man holding ethereal question marks.

Are Managed IT Services Right for Your Business?

Now for the big question: Are managed IT services right for your business? We’re here to help you decide.

Developing a Technology and Cyber Security Policy

Protecting Against Cyber Security Vulnerabilities Recap

How E-Rate can help your iPad or Chromebook Cart rollout

How E-Rate can reduce your IT Budget up to 50%

How E-Rate can increase your internet speed

How E-Rate can help re-wire your school

How E-Rate can help prepare for your 1 to 1 rollout

How E-Rate can Stabilize my network

How E-Rate can help improve your wireless network

School IT Solutions

Offsite Backup – Small Business Owner on Working with PCS International

Managed IT Company and Virtual CIOs at PCS International

How to Get the Most out of Your IT Support

Consider outsourcing your IT support so you can get some of your time back so you can focus on growing...

Little wooden blocks in representation of the basics of IT Infrastructure.

The Basics of IT Infrastructure for SMBs

Establishing an IT infrastructure will make your business more efficient, secure and innovative.

Managed IT Services versus break-fix: who comes out on top?

Why Switch From Break-Fix to Managed IT Services?

Finding a suitable, cost-efficient solution for your organization's IT needs can be challenging.

Leave the IT support to professional help and focus on your business.

4 Business Benefits to Outsourcing Your IT Support

Ever consider outsourcing your IT? Here are 4 reasons to hand over IT to an MSP.

See the benefits of working with a Managed Service Provider.

The Benefit Breakdown of Using a Managed Service Provider

MSPs are infrastructure computer experts, data protection specialists and network administrators all rolled into one.

Moving Your Company’s Technology With Office Relocation Services

Moving to a new office can be one of the largest stressors in the working environment. Yet, it can also...

Mobility

Network security

Cloud

Backup & Disaster Recovery

Professional Services

IT Consulting

Protect Yourself and Your Customers with an SSL Certificate

Your website may be putting your company at risk and making it harder for people to find you. Websites that...

5 Ways Network Management Services Can Save You Money

A properly managed computer network can support the daily operations of your business. In addition, when regular network audits are...

Leadership Day Exhibit

As part of our commitment to engaging private schools in conversations about their technology needs, we are exhibiting at the Leadership...

How IT Support Can Help Avoid Common Technology Mistakes

Technology has made opening and running a business much easier. However, problems arise when poor technology decisions are made or existing technology equipment...

Queen of Peace “Fore the Girls” Golf Sponsorship

Last month, on October 3, 2016, we had the opportunity to support an educational scholarship for Queen of Peace High School...

Top 6 Computer Maintenance and Repair Tips

It’s easy to forget, but it’s important to remember that electronics require ongoing maintenance. Without regular maintenance efforts your businesses’ computer...

Ransomware – Definition, Threats and Prevention

What exactly is Ransomware? Ransomware is a complex piece of software which has the ability to block the victim’s access of...

How to Choose a Reliable Managed Services Provider

A Chicago IT services provider can help you manage everything from your computers and printers to the security of your data....

Top 5 Myths about Macs

I have been working in the computer repair and IT support industry for almost 30 years. I have used virtually every platform...

A Beginner’s Guide to Taking Care of Your Computer

Owning a computer can be a complicated task for those that are not tech-savvy. Here are some quick and easy tips...

10 Signs You Should Invest In Secure Offsite Data Storage

Data backups have been around almost as long as data storage. The idea of a backup is simple. Have another copy...

Cybersecurity: Is your school protected?

In our technologically-focused world, children and teenagers represent a considerable number of tech users, compared to other age-groups. Their ability to...

Windows 10 Live Event

Presenting the newest operating system from Microsoft — Windows 10. What’s new in Windows 10 and how to select the Windows...

Which Backup Solution Is Right For You?

Data backups have been around almost as long as data storage. The idea of a backup is simply to have another...

Stopping SPAM Email

SPAM is a generic term for Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE). SPAM messages arrive in many forms including unsolicited pharmaceutical sales, mortgage...