Washington Works Blog

Imagine owning an elevator and only fixing it when it completely breaks down. Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, that’s basically what businesses do when they rely on a break/fix IT strategy.

Break/fix IT is exactly what it sounds like, you don’t call in the experts until something goes wrong. On the surface, it might seem like a way to save money, but in reality, it’s a recipe for stress, lost revenue, and major headaches. Let’s talk about why this approach just doesn’t make sense anymore.

Running a business is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle, blindfolded. You’ve got employees, customers, operations, and, of course, vendors. Vendors keep the gears turning, but if you’re not careful, those relationships can turn into a never-ending headache that eats up your time, money, and possibly your sanity. So how do you make sure your vendors work for you, rather than the other way around? Here’s how to get the most out of them without losing your mind.

Ever feel like your office is being swallowed by paper? It piles up, clogs filing cabinets, and somehow multiplies overnight. If you’re always hunting for lost documents or drowning in paperwork, it’s probably time to go digital. But when should you make the switch? Let’s break it down.

Technology drives today’s businesses; if you haven’t embraced modern technology, you’re missing out. So much of what used to make business frustrating can now be done conveniently through technology, including many old analog tasks. Today, we want to highlight some ways you can use technology to seriously upgrade your company’s operations.

Businesses rely on a ton of technology for their operations and, as such, rely on support to help keep these tools working effectively. We would know! We proudly provide our neighbors with the technical assistance they need to succeed. As we’ve done so, we’ve noticed that there are some support needs we frequently attend to. 

Let’s review some of them and why they are so vital for you to have assistance in managing, preferably, from us!

A lot of businesses feel the pressure to jump on the latest and greatest tech out there. On the surface, that sounds like a smart move, who wouldn’t want cutting-edge tools? Just because something is new and shiny doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your business, however. So, let’s take a step back and talk about how you can make smart tech decisions that actually give you a return on your investment.

Smart speakers have been around for a while now, but let’s be real… have they actually changed the world? Not really. They’re great for blasting music, setting reminders, and answering random trivia questions, but beyond that? Meh.

Video calls have become the norm, whether you’re working remotely, catching up with friends, or trying to explain to your grandma how to unmute herself. To be honest, some video meetings feel like an endurance test. Bad lighting, poor audio, and distracting backgrounds can make them unbearable. Do you want to level up your video conferencing game? Here are five tips to help you look and sound like the professional you are.

We all have old friends; not the ones that you went to high school with, but oldish technology that we simply can’t bring ourselves to upgrade away from. At some point, however, old technology stops being a trusty sidekick and starts feeling like an anchor. If your devices are making life harder instead of easier, it might be time to say goodbye. Here’s how to know when it's time to let go and upgrade.

Skype is dead; long live Microsoft Teams.

At least, that’s the position that Microsoft has taken. The software company is discontinuing the two-decade-old communication application Skype, shifting focus to the more recent Teams platform, with the app’s last day being scheduled for May 5.

Let’s review what this means and reflect on Skype's impact on modern technology.

We’ve made it to the point where humans need to prove they’re real people to access systems, and one of the most common ways to do this is through the use of CAPTCHA technology. Completely Automated Public Turing test(s) to tell Computers and Humans Apart (try saying that with your mouth full) are everywhere, yet computers still struggle to actually crack these tests, unlike other methods of security. Why are they so successful at detecting automated bots?

We live in a moment in time defined by connectivity, which also means we live in a time defined by unwanted correspondence. It’s never been easier to reach you by phone, email, and even social media—even when you don’t want to be reached. Today, we’re talking about how social media, in particular, presents opportunities for scammers to target you and your loved ones.

Cybersecurity is one of those things everyone in a workplace should know about, no matter their role. But here’s the problem—turns out, a lot of people don’t.

A recent survey in the UK found that about one in three adults flunked a cybersecurity test. And get this—the test was designed for 11-year-olds. Yikes.

Business is filled with situations that can easily be turned into problems if they are not met with a proper solution. In some cases, it’s as simple as changing a course of action, but some problems are deep-rooted and need to be addressed aggressively. Technology can often be a business’ saving grace in such instances.

Let’s review some really bad scenarios that could be catastrophic, unless the right IT is in place.

Security is one of those things that every business owner worries about—no matter how big or small your company is. But the good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, there are three simple steps you can take right now to make your business more secure.

Have you ever wondered how you can binge-watch Netflix, jam to Spotify, and accidentally fall into a three-hour Instagram scroll without your phone melting down? Thank the cloud for that. These apps don’t hoard all their data on your device—they store it online, so everything runs smoothly. And guess what? Businesses are using it too, because honestly, why wouldn’t they? Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of the cloud. 

Imagine you're just going about your day when you suddenly get an email from a company that says a hacker is targeting you. Since you don't work in IT and aren’t sure about your company's security details, you believe the email and reply. It turns out the email was a scam, unfortunately, and now the hackers have tricked you completely.

What’s the plan if you ever lose your phone—or worse, some sneaky thief swipes it right out of your hands? Panic? Cry? Retrace your steps like a detective in a crime drama? Let’s be real—losing your phone is a nightmare. Not only are you cut off from memes, group chats, and your entire digital life, but your data, privacy, and security are also suddenly up for grabs. The usual solution? Wipe the device, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.

Much has been made about artificial intelligence and the quickening pace in which it is being used in all walks of life, but especially business. AI is shaping the world around us, many people don’t really understand how it works or how to use it effectively. That’s where AI literacy comes in. In today’s blog, we’ll define AI literacy and how it will affect your organization in the near future.

You’ve probably been told that multitasking is the ultimate skill. Employers love it, schools encourage it, and everyone seems to brag about how they can juggle ten things at once. But here’s the truth: multitasking doesn’t actually work. In fact, it makes you slower, more stressed, and less productive.