According to Kyle Boyd, president of Crown Networking Consultants, Inc., staying on top of the latest software updates and new technologies is essential for small businesses. He encourages business owners and managers to be proactive.

“Some people are still holding on to Windows XP when Microsoft will no longer be supporting that system. It’s important that you keep up with the inevitable evolution,” Boyd explained.

Monthly maintenance is another proactive step business owners should take. It involves scanning for viruses and malware as well as inventorying all the assets in your network.

Backing up data – a proactive step that most computer users are aware of – has gotten easier with the advent of cloud computing. According to Boyd, 90 percent of his clients are doing cloud back up.

“It’s encrypted and secure. It’s off site so it provides extra security against power outages or a site-specific disaster,” he continued.

Established in 2007, Crown Networking Consultants provides all types of information technology services to businesses in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Florida. Services include data management, asset management, preventative maintenance and others. The company has eight employees.

Practicing Safe Computing

According to Boyd, social media sites like Facebook keep computer consultants in business. Game downloads are a well-known source of viruses that can infect your personal computer and send emails to every contact in your address book.

“It’s common sense. You wouldn’t drive your nice car through a trashy, weedy lot and you shouldn’t download trash on your computer,” Boyd said.

A Record of Community Service

Born and raised in Albany, Boyd believes in giving back to his community. In particular, Crown Networking supports charities focused on helping families and children. For example, the company was the title sponsor for Que 4 Kids, a barbecue competition in October that raised money for children’s charities.

More information on Crown Networking is available at www.crownnetworking.com or call (229) 317-7940.

About Barbara Kieker

Barbara Kieker is a freelance writer who writes on business-related topics for a number of web-based properties. She also provides communications services to Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations.