Disk Clean Up Tools
Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool in Windows that helps users free up space on their hard drive by removing unnecessary files. These files may include temporary files, system files, cached web pages, and other items that are no longer needed. The tool scans the system for such files and allows users to safely delete them, improving system performance and creating more available storage space. It's a simple way to maintain the efficiency of your computer without needing specialized software. Do you have a server or pc that is not working due to disk storage full or almost full? If you are an IT administrator or even a desktop support, you probably have ran into these issues. Sometimes, it’s legit that a person hard drive is full do to legit space usage, but more often, there are other issues, such as log file, temp files, windows updates, or backup logs files taking up space. When you run into these issues, what do you do? Do you try to manually figure out what is using up all the space or do you use a 3rd party software? I run into these issues a lot. For me I use a 3rd party software call spacemongo. It saves me lots of time, when I have a disk clean up job to do. If you are a business in Austin and have a need for a managed IT services company, give BCS a call. Let us help you save time, so you can focus on what you do best – Run your business.
Cat 6A cables or Fibers?
We just finished a job that customer requested that we install OM3 fiber (multi-mode 50 micron plenum) to tie their two suites together. After we did a free site survey, we recommended that they go with Cat 6 or Cat 6A as the distant was under 200 feet. Their have been lots of noise regarding Fiber and how fast it can be. Fiber indeed can be much faster than Ethernet cable, however in my opinion, I don’t think fiber is the first thing that I would recommend due to the cost of equipment and labor involve. Dollar for dollar with no doubt fiber sometimes can be the cheapest transport medium for data, but not necessary true all the time. In this case for instant, Fiber would cost probably 3 times more than Ethernet due to the cost of labor and extra equipment require. To do fiber correctly, typically you will need two housing on each side to protect the hair size strand as fiber can be very fragile, especially on the terminated ends. Typically when we run fiber, we have to run an orange conduit to help protect the fiber. I’m not sure why, but I typically see mainly orange conduit for fiber. I think it may be back then 62.5 was the most common fiber use to tie short distant suites and buildings together and 62.5 was normally orange. Regardless, I’ve seen other single mode fiber and OM3 (normally aqua) also enclosed in orange conduit, I think it may be because there are more supply of orange conduit available then other colors.Wow, I got side track…… back to my point, depending on the distant and or applications, there are reasons why we still have CAT cables vs Fibers, so choose them wisely.
Running Data Cables in Austin During Summer: Why We Only Work Early Mornings
When the Texas summer sun is blazing, you might wonder how essential services like data cable installation can continue. At Business Communication Solutions, we understand the challenges of the scorching heat of Austin summers, and we’ve tailored our operations to ensure both efficiency and safety. Here’s why we only run data cables in the early morning during the summer and how this benefits you—without any extra charges. Austin’s summer temperatures can soar well above 100°F (38°C), creating a challenging environment for outdoor work. High temperatures can not only make physical labor exhausting but also affect the performance and safety of our equipment and materials. Working during the coolest part of the day helps mitigate these issues. Early Morning Installations: The Perfect Solution 1. Enhanced Efficiency By starting our installations early in the morning, we take advantage of the cooler temperatures, which allows our team to work more efficiently and effectively. Cooler conditions help prevent overheating of both our technicians and the equipment, leading to a smoother installation process. 2. Safety First The health and safety of our team are our top priorities. Working in extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which are serious risks. By scheduling our work in the early morning, we ensure that our team remains safe and healthy, ready to deliver the best service possible. 3. Uninterrupted Service Heat can sometimes cause unexpected delays or complications, such as equipment malfunction or slower progress. Early morning work reduces the likelihood of such interruptions, ensuring that your project stays on track and is completed on time. No Extra Charges: Our Commitment to You At Business Communication Solutions, we believe in transparent and fair pricing. Unlike other companies that might charge a premium for working outside regular hours, we do not impose any additional fees for early morning installations. Our goal is to provide top-notch service without burdening you with extra costs. What to Expect from Our Early Morning Installations When you schedule an early morning data cable installation with us, you can expect: Prompt Arrival: Our team arrives on site bright and early, ready to get started. Professional Service: Despite the early hours, our technicians are professional, courteous, and fully equipped to handle your installation needs. Minimal Disruption: We aim to complete our work with minimal disruption to your daily routine, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free experience. Conclusion Running data cables, security camera cables, voice cables, fiber cables, speaker cables, or any cables during the summer in Austin doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By choosing Business Communication Solutions, you’re opting for a service that prioritizes efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction without any hidden costs. Contact us today to schedule your early morning installation and experience the difference of working with a company that truly understands your needs. Stay cool and connected with Business Communication Solutions! Feel free to reach out to us for any questions or to book your appointment. We look forward to serving you! 512.257.1433
Bad Data Cables
We recently pickup a few customers that needed it security (malware, antivirus, and firewall). After we finish setting this up, customer ask us if we can look into why they have computers constantly loosing network connectivity. After a bit of troubleshooting, we realize the cables were bad. We ended up replacing come cables (Cat 5e plenum). After we removed the old cables and replace with new one, we were curious, what could possible be wrong with cables, as in our experience cables rarely go bad. After inspecting the cable, we did a quick burn test. We found out the cable was not 100% pure copper. In the last 5 years, we have ran into more and more of these scenarios. Our guess was that in the last decade, there have been a major price increases on copper due to demands from China, have force some vendor to purchase cheaper quality cables. If you have computers that are constantly loosing network connectivity, give us a call, we can help!
Headset Options
Since the launch of voip phone system and bluetooth technology, there has been a tremendous growth in the hardware options of headsets. You can go with usb wired headset, or usb wireless headset in conjunction with softphones or applications. Or you can go with traditional phones with added EHS (electronic hook switch) which can help get rid of the bulky lifter. Keep in mind, with out the lifter, you will need an electronic hook switch cable in most case to send a ringer alert to the headset anytime the phone rings. With all the options with headset out there, give your phone vendor a call, so they can help you choose the correct one.
LANDLINE SERVICE
Landline service refers to a traditional telephone connection that uses physical wires (copper or fiber optic cables) to transmit calls. It offers reliable and clear communication, especially in areas with limited mobile network coverage. While increasingly replaced by mobile phones and internet-based communication, landlines remain a stable option for businesses and households requiring dependable voice communication. We were called to troubleshoot a landline issue. Still surprising to see that there’s still customers out there that depend on their business through landline. It’s been quite some time since I have seen or even use that source of communication. Once we arrived on site, we were able to determine that it was their provider needed to program their hunt group properly. The customer was extremely happy that we able to resolve and explain to them their issue within an hour.
Fiber Optic Splicing
One of the major benefits of fiber splicing is a lower insertion loss when compared to terminating a connector. There are two ways to splice fiber, mechanical splice, or fusion splice. Mechanical Splicing Mechanical splicing doesn’t require any expensive equipment. This splicing method is a junction of 2 or more fiber to hold them in place once it has been aligned. The cover can be a snap on or contain adhesive to permanently hold the splice. Now this doesn’t mean that the fiber is bonded but just precisely aligned so that light can pass from one fiber to the other. Mechanical splicing is a fast and quick solution to repair any damage fiber. The only downfall is that mechanical splicing has a high insertion loss when compared to fusion splicing Fusion Splicing Fusion Splicing will require a fusion splicer. These splicing equipment can be expensive. The fusion method will align two ends of a fiber and permanently bond the end using an electric arc. This is the absolute best method for the lowest insertion loss and low back reflection.
Surveillance Camera System
We are pleased to announce due to requests and demands, we are now selling, servicing, and installing video surveillance system. It was a process to get certified and licensed, but it was well worth it. Did you know that most burglary happens during the day time? I first thought it happens at night, but after going through some training, I’ve learn that most burglary happens during the day time. I guess in a way it make sense, burglars typically try to avoid being seen, so they normally try to do it when people are most likely at work. Typically between 10 am and 3pm. With that being said, camera system have been getting more and more affordable. It use to cost thousands for a low end system, now depending on how many cameras and the quality you require, it you can still get a decent system installed for hundreds. That’s a big drop in prices. Even with the lower end cameras, the quality are still decent compare to what it used to be.
Fiber Cleaning
It’s important for your fiber to be cleaned before connecting it. This will reduce some signal quality degradation cause by obstruction debris. Also cleaning your connectors before connecting it to a mating adapter will prevent transporting any contamination to your mating adapter. A unused connectors or mating adapter should always have a cap at the end. Fibers should be stored when possible in a dry and clean area with low traffic to not risk the fiber from being damage. Clean clickers are really compact tools use to clean fiber and inexpensive to own.
What is PoE – Power Over Ethernet Austin
What is PoE? Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables the transmission of both data and power through a single Ethernet cable. This technology eliminates the need for separate data and power cables, streamlining installation and cutting costs. It is commonly utilized for devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. How Does PoE Work? Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology injects direct current (DC) power into an Ethernet cable, concurrently with the data signal. Devices equipped with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability can receive electrical power through the same cable that provides their network connection, either via a network switch or a PoE injector. Types of PoE: IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Provides up to 15.4 watts of power per port. IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Offers up to 30 watts per port. IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): Delivers up to 60 watts or more per port. Benefits: Simplified installation: means there’s no requirement for separate power outlets close to devices. Cost Savings:Reduced cabling and electrical work. Flexibility:Easily move devices without rewiring. Considerations: Power Budget: Ensure your network switch or injector can handle the total power needed by connected devices. Cable Length: Power over Ethernet (PoE) is effective up to a distance of 100 meters (328 feet) when using Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, or Cat8 cables without the use of repeater or without minimizing ethernet speed.