The Michigan IT Experts

Why Shouldn’t I Just Throw Out My Old Technology?

There are a few reasons why the regular trash collection is a poor choice for device disposal. 

• First and foremost, there is no real accountability for the chain of custody. Simply tossing an old device without any of the additional precautions that recycling these devices involves leaves the data they contain potentially accessible to those who know where to look.
• Secondly, modern computer components (including those more and more commonly found in appliances) contain amounts of hazardous materials that—if left in a landfill—can ultimately make it back to us through the water table. Many of these components are actually shipped to poorer countries to be dumped illegally.
• Third, it is just wasteful. There are a lot of materials used in constructing electronics that are perfectly reusable, so ensuring that a device is properly processed and everything that can be recycled, is, is a more responsible choice.

Regardless of your recycling facility’s processes and policies, it is always wise to ensure that all of your data has been completely removed from any storage drives and devices being processed to ensure that no data remains to potentially leak out somewhere down the line. While we recommend that you reformat any drives you plan on recycling, know that this isn’t always enough. You should also make sure that whoever is going to be processing your technology also plans to erase this data and specifically destroy the hard drives—typically, by shredding them—so nothing can be recovered.

How Electronics Are Recycled

Once a computer or other device has been taken to a reputable recycling center, the process of breaking it down can begin. Most recycling companies will then disassemble the device and process different parts separately, based on what the components are made of. Then, the plastic, metal, glass, and circuit boards that made up each device are recycled according to best practice. This is also how the more hazardous materials are removed from the device.

The disassembled components can then be processed and renewed by using the materials to create new devices, eliminating a lot of potential waste that would otherwise, well, go to waste.

We understand how useful technology is to businesses, and how important it is that it is handled properly even after it has outlasted its usefulness. That’s why we’re committed to assisting businesses, regardless of their technology needs. Give us a call at 810-230-9455 to find out what we can do for you and your business’ essential IT.

The Modern IT Technician

The accepted norm for years was that the computer technician’s job was to fix individual PCs. Unfortunately, as technology grew ever-more-complex, so too did the responsibilities of these positions. It’s not enough to have technical assistance these days; technicians must have knowledge which encompasses all facets of business technology.

Today’s technician must be hired outright or as a part of an expert team like those at NuTech Services, and to make matters more complicated, they must know all kinds of things about technology of varying complexities. They need to know how to fix a computer, as well as how to do it remotely, including how to manage and install networks, identify and mitigate threats, how to structure a business’ IT around their goals, and most important of all, how to do all of the above in a fast-paced environment.

Ultimately, a competent IT technician needs to be an effective problem solver and knowledgeable about a plethora of best practices. They may also need to pick up certifications in various skills and softwares. These certifications are not easy to achieve, either; they require a certain level of knowledge and expertise, to be sure. Here are some of the certifications you might expect from technicians:

• CompTIA A+: Perhaps one of the most well-recognized certifications out there, CompTIA A+ certification means that the holder is competent across hardware, software, and problem solving in a variety of computing platforms. There is also a specific security certification (CompTIA Security+) for those who are competent in basic security practices and troubleshooting.
• Microsoft Certified Professional: Microsoft is perhaps the most established software vendor for businesses, so holding certifications in these softwares is extremely valuable. Some of the certifications include Office Specialist, Certified Solution Developer, and more. A technician holding these credentials is a serious boon for any business that uses Microsoft products.
• CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional is one of the most recognized security-specific certifications a technician can earn.
• Oracle or Microsoft SQL Certifications: Databases are not the easiest thing to manage, but they are important for any business. These certifications are perfect for technicians proficient in SQL management.
• ITIL: Help desk technicians should have the Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification to show that they have a clear understanding of industry standard best practices.

If your technicians are certified, you’ll know that they have the skills necessary to help your business succeed. If you want more information on how our technicians can help your organization, reach out to us at 810-230-9455.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank our great techs at NuTech Services for their hard work and dedication!

What Is Blockchain?

For those who aren’t familiar with blockchain, it can be defined as a distributed database that stores data. Most data storage is centralized, but with blockchain each piece of information is stored on a “block” or what is known as a node. Each node is created when data is added to the chain (all the nodes are connected to other nodes). This chain of data isn’t controlled by one person, rather it is spread out and duplicated so that every entity that is represented on the blockchain has access to the complete record of it. Each node is encrypted and can’t be edited, so if some part of the information needs to be altered a new node is created.

Of course, the first technology that spawned from this was the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, but today it is being developed for many more applications. Let’s take a look at three:

Improving Banking

Blockchain technology is perfect for tracking financial transactions. Everyone that uses a checking account knows that they have a ledger that they need to update once they deposit or withdraw money from that account. Blockchain is set up to do this by nature. Each transaction gets its own node. Furthermore, since it’s a distributed system, it can work for multiple users at once, creating what are called smart contracts. Essentially, when two entities enter an agreement with stipulations, blockchain can trigger payment when the conditions are met, effectively automating the flow of capital. 

Improving Supply Chains

The past couple of years have wreaked havoc on supply chains, but blockchain technology is literally the perfect technology to help keep them running effectively. The distributed nature of a blockchain can work over multiple points on the supply chain, making it a great tool for both procurement and distribution. If companies can know the status, condition, and source of each product or component they receive, each member of a blockchain-linked supply chain can enjoy better transparency, improving the whole process.

Improving Healthcare

One of the first thoughts when blockchain was being considered a solution to data problems was how it would work in the healthcare system. Today, companies are creating applications that not only improve patient, care provider, insurance communication and give patients better control over their medical information, they are also creating solutions to better manage outpatient care. Security is a prime consideration when it comes to health records and the naturally secure blockchain technology appears to be a great solution to keep those records secure. 

Blockchain is exciting, but also taking quite a bit of time to move into the mainstream. What do you think about blockchain technology? Do you think that it can be the answer to a lot of society’s digital problems down the road? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and check back soon for more great technology content.