Learning Center: Tech 101

Our Tech 101 category covers questions about general technology. Questions like “What is WIFI?” or “What is An IP Address Used For?” and “What is Tech Debt?”. We also have several videos about cloud technology, like “How Much Does the Cloud Cost?”. Check out “What the Heck is The Cloud?” for more info on the cloud.

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What is the difference between 3G, 4G, 5G?

What is the difference between 3G, 4G, 5G? Let's break down the differences between 3G, 4G, and 5G in a simple way, without getting too technical. 3G was the third generation of mobile networks, providing faster data transfer speeds compared to its predecessor, 2G.

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What is the difference between 3G, 4G, 5G? Let's break down the differences between 3G, 4G, and 5G in a simple way, without getting too technical. 3G was the third generation of mobile networks, providing faster data transfer speeds compared to its predecessor, 2G.

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What is SPOF or Single Point of Failure?

A Single Point of Failure is a potential risk caused by a flaw in the design, implementation, or configuration of a system. It’s the one fault that can shut down an entire system. This could be in your cybersecurity, networking, and similar aspects.

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A Single Point of Failure is a potential risk caused by a flaw in the design, implementation, or configuration of a system. It’s the one fault that can shut down an entire system. This could be in your cybersecurity, networking, and similar aspects.

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What is Operating System?

So you have a computer, and you want to do various tasks like writing documents, browsing the internet, or playing games. To make these tasks possible, your computer needs something to manage and coordinate all the different parts inside it. This is where the operating system (OS) comes in.

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So you have a computer, and you want to do various tasks like writing documents, browsing the internet, or playing games. To make these tasks possible, your computer needs something to manage and coordinate all the different parts inside it. This is where the operating system (OS) comes in.

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What is RAM?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a dynamic player in the world of computer memory. Unlike storage devices, RAM is volatile and acts as the computer's short-term memory, storing actively used and processed data. Imagine your computer's RAM as a desk – the larger it is, the more tasks and processes it can handle simultaneously.

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RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a dynamic player in the world of computer memory. Unlike storage devices, RAM is volatile and acts as the computer's short-term memory, storing actively used and processed data. Imagine your computer's RAM as a desk – the larger it is, the more tasks and processes it can handle simultaneously.

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What is the Difference Between Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality?

In recent years, technology has rapidly changed the way we interact with the digital world. There are two terms that have been used over the past few years that may sound familiar. VR, Virtual Reality, and AR, or Augmented Reality. One you probably haven’t heard of as much is MR, or Mixed Reality.

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In recent years, technology has rapidly changed the way we interact with the digital world. There are two terms that have been used over the past few years that may sound familiar. VR, Virtual Reality, and AR, or Augmented Reality. One you probably haven’t heard of as much is MR, or Mixed Reality.

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What is a Cookie?

What is a cookie? Besides being a wonderful little dessert, a cookie is also a tech term. Imagine you're at a party, and the host gives you a sticker with your name on it. This sticker helps the host remember your name throughout the party, so they can greet you by name and offer you things you might like.

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What is a cookie? Besides being a wonderful little dessert, a cookie is also a tech term. Imagine you're at a party, and the host gives you a sticker with your name on it. This sticker helps the host remember your name throughout the party, so they can greet you by name and offer you things you might like.

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What is a BCDR device?

A BCDR device stands for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery device. It's a specialized tool that helps businesses protect their data and IT infrastructure in case of unexpected events like natural disasters, power outages, cyber attacks, and hardware failures.

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A BCDR device stands for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery device. It's a specialized tool that helps businesses protect their data and IT infrastructure in case of unexpected events like natural disasters, power outages, cyber attacks, and hardware failures.

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What is a Server?

A server, in the IT world, is a specialized, powerful computer that serves a specific purpose. A server is a super-smart, super-organized computer that does important jobs for other devices, like your regular home computer or phone. It's not meant for browsing the internet, playing games, or watching videos.

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A server, in the IT world, is a specialized, powerful computer that serves a specific purpose. A server is a super-smart, super-organized computer that does important jobs for other devices, like your regular home computer or phone. It's not meant for browsing the internet, playing games, or watching videos.

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What is a Router?

Think of your home or office as a city, and the internet as a vast network of roads connecting different cities. Now, think of a router as the traffic cop for your city. A router is a device that helps your computer or other devices connect to the internet. Here's how it works:

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Think of your home or office as a city, and the internet as a vast network of roads connecting different cities. Now, think of a router as the traffic cop for your city. A router is a device that helps your computer or other devices connect to the internet. Here's how it works.

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What is Bring Your Own Device or BYOD?

“Bring Your Own Device” - or BYOD – is a policy where employees use their personal devices (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) for work, rather than company-provided devices. It has become more popular recently for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the desire for reduction in device maintenance for companies – and the associated cost.

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“Bring Your Own Device” - or BYOD – is a policy where employees use their personal devices (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) for work, rather than company-provided devices. It has become more popular recently for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the desire for reduction in device maintenance for companies – and the associated cost.

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Microsoft Teams Exploratory

Microsoft Teams Exploratory is essentially a 12 month free license for your organization to use Teams. 12 months later Microsoft is going to tell you how it's expiring and you should do something about it. What they don't do is they don't bother to take a look and see whether or not the organization is already using Teams.

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Microsoft Teams Exploratory is essentially a 12 month free license for your organization to use Teams. 12 months later Microsoft is going to tell you how it's expiring and you should do something about it. What they don't do is they don't bother to take a look and see whether or not the organization is already using Teams.

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What Technology Policies Should I Have For My Organization?

Short answer, it depends. Some common policies that are important for all companies to have are: - An acceptable use policy that defines what employees are allowed to do and not to do in the organization – especially around how they use technology.

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Short answer, it depends. Some common policies that are important for all companies to have are: - An acceptable use policy that defines what employees are allowed to do and not to do in the organization – especially around how they use technology.

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What is Business Intelligence?

BI stands for “Business Intelligence”. Like all acronyms in IT, the definition varies. But I like this definition: BI is a collection of software that allows organizations to analyze existing data and receive meaningful results. Think for a minute about your organization. How it collects data as part of its business.

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BI stands for “Business Intelligence”. Like all acronyms in IT, the definition varies. But I like this definition: BI is a collection of software that allows organizations to analyze existing data and receive meaningful results. Think for a minute about your organization. How it collects data as part of its business.

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How Can IT Create Value For Your Organization?

This question is tougher than it sounds. The simple answer is “try running your organization without IT”. But that’s lazy. Here are several types of improvements that IT can bring to most organizations. Of course, your mileage may vary.

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This question is tougher than it sounds. The simple answer is “try running your organization without IT”. But that’s lazy. Here are several types of improvements that IT can bring to most organizations. Of course, your mileage may vary.

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How Can I Use AI In Manufacturing?

These are just a few examples of how AI can be used in manufacturing. By leveraging the power of AI, manufacturers can gain insights into their operations that might otherwise go unnoticed, and make more informed decisions to improve their processes and products.

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These are just a few examples of how AI can be used in manufacturing. By leveraging the power of AI, manufacturers can gain insights into their operations that might otherwise go unnoticed, and make more informed decisions to improve their processes and products.

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What is DNS?

DNS, or “Domain Naming Services or System or Server”, is why stuff works on the internet. When you go to our website, “Simplex-IT.com”, how does your browser know what server actually hosts that web site? DNS..

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DNS, or “Domain Naming Services or System or Server”, is why stuff works on the internet. When you go to our website, “Simplex-IT.com”, how does your browser know what server actually hosts that web site? DNS..

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What's the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?

A static IP address is a fixed address assigned to a computer or other device by an Internet service provider (ISP). It does not change and is used to provide the same address every time a device connects to the internet.

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A static IP address is a fixed address assigned to a computer or other device by an Internet service provider (ISP). It does not change and is used to provide the same address every time a device connects to the internet. A dynamic IP address is an address that is assigned to a device by the ISP when it connects to the internet. It changes each time the device connects, so the address is different each time.

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What is WIFI?

WiFi is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or other networks without the need for physical cables. It uses radio waves to transmit data between devices, similar to how a radio station broadcasts music.

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WiFi is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or other networks without the need for physical cables. It uses radio waves to transmit data between devices, similar to how a radio station broadcasts music. WiFi is typically used in homes, offices, and public spaces to provide internet access to smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices.

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What is an IP Address Used For?

An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. This Protocol was created by the Internet Gods back around 1985.

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An IP address, short for Internet Protocol address, is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. This Protocol was created by the Internet Gods back around 1985.

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What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection between two or more computers or devices that allows data to be transmitted and received over the internet without being exposed to malicious actors. It is commonly used to protect personal information, such as passwords and financial data.

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Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure connection between two or more computers or devices that allows data to be transmitted and received over the internet without being exposed to malicious actors. It is commonly used to protect personal information, such as passwords and financial data, and provide access to restricted networks and websites. VPNs also bypass geographical restrictions, allowing users to access content that may be blocked in their country or region.

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Should Emergency Contact Lists Be Used?

Ok, this one is mostly an excuse to tell a true story that happened to me back in the mid-80’s. Because…well, I’m old.

What’s my point here? It’s great to create processes and procedures to use in an emergency. Documents that identify processes to be followed and resources to be involved.

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Ok, this one is mostly an excuse to tell a true story that happened to me back in the mid-80’s. Because…well, I’m old. What’s my point here? It’s great to create processes and procedures to use in an emergency. Documents that identify processes to be followed and resources to be involved. But if you don’t, make sure your people use them. You may end up calling my mom.

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Our Top 10 Moments of 2022

Simplex-IT has had a busy year this year, from Tradeshows to our big office move, to our Annual Party at Quarter Up to our new Content Creation Team to our Awards, here are the Top 10 Moments of 2022.

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Simplex-IT has had a busy year this year, from Tradeshows to our big office move, to our Annual Party at Quarter Up to our new Content Creation Team to our Awards, here are the Top 10 Moments of 2022.

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What are OneDrive and SharePoint?

OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the internet. There are personal and business versions of OneDrive.

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OneDrive is a Microsoft cloud storage service that lets you store your personal files in one place, share them with others, and get to them from any device connected to the internet. There are personal and business versions of OneDrive. Let’s focus on the business version.

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What is Technical Debt?

You may have heard the term "Tech Debt", aka "Technology Debt", "design debt" or "code debt". It's a term that is commonly used to describe a situation where an organization is using a technology solution that...well, isn't the best available. But what does it mean, and is it a specific definition?

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You may have heard the term "Tech Debt", aka "Technology Debt", "design debt" or "code debt". It's a term that is commonly used to describe a situation where an organization is using a technology solution that...well, isn't the best available. But what does it mean, and is it a specific definition?

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What is an Algorithm?

An algorithm is simply a set of instructions given to precisely define a sequence of some kind. That's pretty much it! Usually, we're talking about instructions given to computer systems to allow them to do their thing.

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An algorithm is simply a set of instructions given to precisely define a sequence of some kind. That's pretty much it! Usually, we're talking about instructions given to computer systems to allow them to do their thing. Web sites, applications, and even malware.

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What is the Cost of Downtime?

How expensive is downtime? "The Server is down." Yeah, we hate to hear that. Because downtime is expensive. But how expensive? That's a really important number that we ignore way too much. Downtime.

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How expensive is downtime? "The Server is down." Yeah, we hate to hear that. Because downtime is expensive. But how expensive? That's a really important number that we ignore way too much. Downtime. Suddenly going Amish. The thought drives a chill into the heart of CEO's everywhere.

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What is the Dark Web?

Technically, the “Dark Web” is simply areas on the Internet that require specific credentials or software or configurations to access. Resources on the Dark Web do their best *not* to show up on search engines.

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Technically, the “Dark Web” is simply areas on the Internet that require specific credentials or software or configurations to access. Resources on the Dark Web do their best *not* to show up on search engines, and all resources on the Dark Web do their darndest to be anonymous. To anyone.

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What is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT is a term given to IT resources...hardware, software, subscriptions, services...that are used by an organization without the knowledge of whoever’s handling IT or cybersecurity for the organization.

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What is Shadow IT? Shadow IT is a term given to IT resources...hardware, software, subscriptions, services...that are used by an organization without the knowledge of whoever’s handling IT or cybersecurity for the organization.

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What are SSL Certificates?

SSL stands for "Secure Socket Layer" and are important in IT. Companies purchase SSL Certs from 3rd party resellers like GoDaddy or Network Solutions. These 3rd parties verify that the company is who they say they are.

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SSL stands for "Secure Socket Layer" and are important in IT. Companies purchase SSL Certs from 3rd party resellers like GoDaddy or Network Solutions. These 3rd parties verify that the company is who they say they are.

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Are IT Certifications Important?

Are IT Certifications worth it? Bob discusses advantanges for the individual, the hiring company and the employer for receiving IT Certifications.

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Here at Simplex-IT we try to actively encourage our employees for developing new skills and certifications. We pay for the training, and we give bonuses and/or pay raises when they achieve their goals. We have employees here who hold certifications with Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Sophos, Datto and more.

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What Are IT Certifications?

Let's talk about IT certificates. There are 2 types: Vendor oriented and Vendor Neutral.

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Let's talk about IT certificates. There are 2 types: Vendor oriented and Vendor Neutral.

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What is IaaS, SaaS, & PaaS?

What is Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS, Software as a Service or SaaS, and Platform as a Service or PaaS?

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In this video Kurt, our Senior Network Engineer, explains Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS, Software as a Service or SaaS, and Platform as a Service or PaaS?

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What is the Difference Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery?

What is the Difference Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery? And which would you want for your business?

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What is the Difference Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery? And which would you want for your business?

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How Much Does the Cloud Cost?

So how much does the cloud cost? Well it depends on the size and complexity of what you want to use the cloud for. The price will increase when you start including things like VMs, replication, backups, and other applications.

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So how much does the cloud cost? Well it depends on the size and complexity of what you want to use the cloud for. The price will increase when you start including things like VMs, replication, backups, and other applications.

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What the Heck is Azure?

Azure is Microsoft’s version of a cloud service. Other companies like Amazon and Google also have their own versions of cloud services to choose from.

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Azure is Microsoft’s version of a cloud service. Other companies like Amazon and Google also have their own versions of cloud services to choose from.

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Why Does IT Have to be So Hard?

People are always asking us, "Why is IT so hard?". We love to make it as easy as possible by simplifying the complex. If all of these IT terms overwhelm you, then consider getting a partner for your organization to help you through it.

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People are always asking us, "Why is IT so hard?". We love to make it as easy as possible by simplifying the complex. If all of these IT terms overwhelm you, then consider getting a partner for your organization to help you through it.

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What's the Difference Between Public, Private, & Hybrid Clouds?

There are 3 types of clouds: Public- Private- Hybrid. Learn which option is best for you and your organization.

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There are 3 types of clouds: Public, Private, and Hybrid. Learn which option is best for you and your organization.

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Why Do I Need to Manage Passwords?

Why do I need to manage Passwords? Because passwords are a pain! Why do I need a Password Management system for my organization? Because passwords and users are a bigger pain!

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Why do I need to manage Passwords? Because passwords are a pain! Why do I need a Password Management system for my organization? Because passwords and users are a bigger pain!

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What is the Cloud?

So, what the heck is the cloud? In the tech industry, the joke is that the cloud is somebody else’s computer. But to break it down, the cloud is taking the server in your office and migrating it to a resilient data center that you access over a private network or internet.

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So, what the heck is the cloud? In the tech industry, the joke is that the cloud is somebody else’s computer. But to break it down, the cloud is taking the server in your office and migrating it to a resilient data center that you access over a private network or internet.

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What Kind of IT Support Can My Organization Use

5 ways organizations can get IT support. Depending on the complexity of your organization, you actually might be using more than one! But if your organization uses Abdication or Seagulls, we need to talk.

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5 ways organizations can get IT support. Depending on the complexity of your organization, you actually might be using more than one! But if your organization uses Abdication or Seagulls, we need to talk.

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Is Multi Factor Authentication Really Necessary

Multifactor authentication is another layer of security beyond a password and there are many ways to introduce additional authentication methods.

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Multifactor authentication is another layer of security beyond a password and there are many ways to introduce additional authentication methods. Some examples are: a physical device like a fob or a software that can be installed on your phone or device, fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, something that can not be replicated by the bad guys.

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