Phantom Technology Solutions Blog

Phantom Technology Solutions has been serving the Indiana area since 2010, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

The NSA Says You Need to Reboot Your Mobile Device

The NSA Says You Need to Reboot Your Mobile Device

When did you last turn your mobile device off and on again?

While any IT provider worth their salt would be the first to tell you that this is troubleshooting 101, another source also recommends a quick reboot every so often: the National Security Agency.

Let’s explore why the NSA shared this advice and what difference following it can make.

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What Happens When Even the Backups Fail?

What Happens When Even the Backups Fail?

If the Internet has made one thing in popular culture abundantly clear, nostalgia is a potent force. It makes us look back on our formative years to experiences that shaped who we are today. One such example is music, but what would you say if we told you that this music could disappear forever?

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COPE and BYOD: Two Options for Mobile Device Management

COPE and BYOD: Two Options for Mobile Device Management

With mobile devices playing a crucial role in modern business  it’s extremely important to have a clear plan for managing them. Unfortunately, this isn’t so cut and dry. Today, we’ll explore the differences between two of the most popular mobile management strategies: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE).

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This Patch Prevents Your Computer from Frying, But Only If You’ve Installed it Quick Enough

This Patch Prevents Your Computer from Frying, But Only If You’ve Installed it Quick Enough

Your computer’s CPU is one of the most sensitive, advanced pieces of technology that you probably don’t think too much about. The CPU itself is just around 4-5 centimeters in length and width, and it handles all of the data processing in your computer. Every single thing you do on a computer gets calculated through the CPU. Most modern CPUs have billions of microscopic transistors in that tiny little space. These transistors are so small that you can fit hundreds of them on a single red blood cell, or thousands of them in the width of a human hair.

So it’s inevitable that something can go wrong. Many fairly modern computers are experiencing a bug right now that could potentially and permanently damage the CPU. There’s a patch to fix it, but if the damage is already done, the patch won’t repair it.

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How to Make Smarter Decisions About Your Servers

How to Make Smarter Decisions About Your Servers

Servers contribute a significant effort toward your computing infrastructure, so it makes sense that you want devices that can fulfill your needs with performance, reliability, and security. To get the most out of your server units, we like to recommend you consider the following six tips when choosing new server hardware.

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How Biometrics Can Help with Payment Processing, and Why Some Users Are Worried

How Biometrics Can Help with Payment Processing, and Why Some Users Are Worried

Self-service checkout registers are incredibly popular with Gen Z, and while there are differing opinions on them and their impact on the workforce, there’s no denying that they are here to stay. That said, there is much discussion on whether or not biometric payment processing would make for a more efficient method of checkout. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t, and it’s not welcome for either consumers or organizations.

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Where Right-to-Repair Laws Stand Right Now

Where Right-to-Repair Laws Stand Right Now

The Right to Repair movement has evolved from a simple idea into a full-fledged campaign, with numerous states enacting measures to enhance the rights of consumers and businesses who use various technologies daily. Let's take a moment to assess the current status of this movement and explore what it means for businesses.

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How to Tell Your Hard Drive is About to Fail

How to Tell Your Hard Drive is About to Fail

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.

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Did Apple Really Suggest Dropping Your Computer to Fix It?

Did Apple Really Suggest Dropping Your Computer to Fix It?

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.

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USB Drives Carry a Lot of Business Risk in a Tiny Package

USB Drives Carry a Lot of Business Risk in a Tiny Package

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.

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Declining PC Shipments Suggest New Business Computing Models

Declining PC Shipments Suggest New Business Computing Models

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. 

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When Will I Know When I Need to Replace My Laptop?

When Will I Know When I Need to Replace My Laptop?

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?

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What’s the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?

What’s the Difference Between a Power Strip and a Surge Protector?

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.

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Catastrophic Failures Can Ruin a Business' Momentum

Catastrophic Failures Can Ruin a Business' Momentum

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?

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3 Cool Gadgets That are Right for Any Office

3 Cool Gadgets That are Right for Any Office

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. 

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Supply Chain Issues Wreaking Havoc In the IT Industry

Supply Chain Issues Wreaking Havoc In the IT Industry

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. 

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Smartphones of 2022 - The Foldables

Smartphones of 2022 - The Foldables

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. 

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Tip of the Week: Make Sure Your Headphones are Clean

Tip of the Week: Make Sure Your Headphones are Clean

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.

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Be Proactive and You’ll Reduce Downtime

Be Proactive and You’ll Reduce Downtime

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.

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7 Important Hardware Terminologies to Know Regarding Computing Technology

7 Important Hardware Terminologies to Know Regarding Computing Technology

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.

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In a perfect utopia, you would never have to deal with random papers or sticky notes scattered all over your desk. Going paperless isn’t just trendy—it helps you stay organized, save money, and do something good for the environment. But wha...

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Phantom Technology Solutions
5097 N 600 E
Rolling Prairie, Indiana 46371

FAX: 574-968-1790

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