BlackCSI Blog

Digital storage is one part of computing that has seen astronomical growth over the past several decades, and with the solid state drive (SSD) more affordable than ever, you have to wonder how well your old hard disk drive (HDD) is holding up. Despite the cost difference between the two, the HDD is a viable option, albeit a mechanical one that is prone to breakdown over time.

Most computers you’ll find in the workplace are PCs that run Windows, but Apple is also a major player in the computing and technology landscape. Apple produces sleek and high-end hardware using efficient operating systems, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Apple products and their users. In fact, at one time, they recommended the most absurd fix for one of their products: slamming it on the desk.

There’s nothing more intriguing than finding a random USB drive while cleaning up your office or while out and about. You might feel the urge to plug it in and discover its contents, but we are here to tell you that this is often a bad idea—particularly if the drive is unfamiliar to you. Unlike cloud storage, which is quite transparent, you don’t know what’s on a USB drive until you plug it in, and it’s often too late by the time this happens.

Building a company’s computing infrastructure is a costly and time-consuming process. Sure, you can purchase new servers; or workstations in bulk, but overall it takes some time to get everything set up and running just how you need it to. PC manufacturers are shipping fewer computers than ever before and that may have an impact on your business’ ability to get the technology it needs when it needs it. Let’s take a look. 

Laptops are remarkable pieces of ingenuity that can perform just about any work-related task without sacrificing portability. However, these amazing devices cannot last forever, and they will inevitably need to be upgraded. Do you know when the appropriate time to address this issue is?

We’ve all been in the position where we need to plug something in, but the outlet is completely full. Fortunately, there are devices that can help resolve this problem—but as is the case with most things, one option is notably better for business purposes. Let’s go over what makes a power strip different from a surge protector, and why the latter is a far better option for businesses.

Businesses these days rely on technology to keep themselves running, and without it, their ability to function can be compromised. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a cyberattack against your organization, you need to be prepared for catastrophic failure. What does this type of failure look like and how can you prepare for it?

Everyone loves a gadget. The office space has been home to some of the coolest tech, and today there are literally millions of devices that people can use in their workspace. Today, we thought we’d introduce you to three separate gadgets that may be useful in your office. 

Global supply chain shortages have been affecting businesses of all types for the better part of two years. For businesses that deal in computing, this problem has seen a jump in the price of some computer components, an inability to get some, and overall an interruption in their ability to supply the insatiable demand for technology. Today, we’d thought we’d take a look at some of the variables that have led us to the situation we now face. 

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve taken a look at some flagship smartphones and some devices that present a lot of value. To wrap up our annual smartphone series, we are going to look at some of the most innovative—and expensive—devices on the market today. 

With so many people working remotely, it’s no surprise that folks are used to having headsets on or earbuds in. With increased use, these devices naturally get dirtier than they would otherwise. Let’s take a look at how you might go about cleaning them.

In terms of the sheer amount of technology your company utilizes, we’re willing to bet that a sizable chunk of it is made up of hardware. This includes devices like your workstations, routers, switches, and servers. Most of us understand that this technology does not last forever, so you should not only expect your hardware to fail, but anticipate it. In other words, you need to be prepared.

As a business owner in a sector that is not necessarily dedicated to technology, chances are that you do not need to know everything there is to know about computer hardware. That being said, it helps to have a passable knowledge of the various hardware terms you might use on a daily basis. This will especially make it easier for you to talk to your technician or your service provider—whoever handles your technology.

Cryptocurrencies are still one of the better known uses of blockchain technology, and though their values seem to have leveled off since the explosive growth they experienced a few months ago, that has not stopped people from seeking them out. Of course, where there’s money to be had, you’re sure to find cybercriminals.

A computer is a complicated device, so it needs something to help it “think.” Because of this weighty responsibility, the component that serves this purpose is arguably one of the most important of all a computer’s pieces. Known as a CPU, this little chip is truly essential to the computer’s function. For today’s Tech Term, we’ll examine it a little more closely.

Sometimes when your workstation feels bogged down, a relatively cheap and simply hardware update can make a huge difference in performance. Adding more RAM (Random Access Memory, often just referred to as memory) can be a game changer for your bogged down PC.