Dedicated Managed Server Hosting

Today, digital agencies are attempting to run their businesses much leaner. Designers and developers want the freedom to focus more on their core business. They want to create, not administer the infrastructure or manage the technology and data. That’s not what gives them passion and it’s not why they are in business. But hosting and infrastructure are what Liquid Web does best.

What is Managed Hosting?

Those in the digital space are familiar with Managed Hosting in one way or another.

This is a business model where a service provider leases hardware to a single customer. The service provider also provides management of the servers, software, and networks necessary for hosting for the customer.

If an issue arises, a managed hosting provider is there to help pinpoint the problem and rectify it.

Fully Managed Dedicated Server Hosting is an isolated hosting environment where the provider handles the setup, administration, management, and support of the server or platform application. The resources are specific to the user ensuring that your data alone is hosted in your environment without being affected by the issues that arise from sharing resources.

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the most popular example of multi-tenancy. This is where many sites or applications exist on the same server. Quite often, shared hosting divides the server resources among customers. This would include storage and bandwidth and in some cases RAM and CPU cores.

Think of shared hosting as a home with renters all sharing the same living space.

Managed Dedicated Server Hosting

Dedicated hosting would be an example of single-tenancy. With this type of environment, a single customer hosts their site(s) or application(s). With managed dedicated server environments, the server hardware and resources for that hardware belong to that single customer.

To continue with the above analogy, think of dedicated hosting as a home with one occupant. This avoids “noisy neighbors” encroaching on your space, disrupting your space and the space of those visiting your site.

Why do you need a dedicated server?

1. Use the Hosting for Websites

By far the most popular use of a dedicated server is to use it for hosting websites. A dedicated server is necessary if you have a large intensive website and millions of website visitors each week.

I started with shared hosting for my website but quickly realized to get the full potential from the site I needed to pay for a dedicated server.

I will briefly describe the difference between shared and dedicated hosting.

With shared hosting, as the name suggests, you share the hosting with others. This means the bandwidth and disk space on the server is restricted. Go over the shared resources and the website is limited.

This can be disastrous. If your website is limited, visitors cannot get to the site. No visitors mean no sales.  With dedicated hosting, this is not an issue as your site is the only one on that server.

This there is no sharing of bandwidth and neither the disk space. There is a lot of space for your brand and site to grow online.

2. Use It for Backup

Speaking of large websites one of the ways in which I find a dedicated server useful is as back-up for my website.

Building up a successful business website takes a huge amount of time and money. There is nothing worse than finally reaping success with a website attracting thousands of visitors per day only to find the website goes down.

In some cases, the website might be hacked. It may become impossible to get it back up and running again. It is possible to lose not only the site but also all customers and income. It is possible to work around this scenario by making regular back-ups of the website. The ideal place to do so is on a dedicated server. I recommend making a backup of any website and this is high on my list of things to do with a dedicated server.

3. Use It for a Minecraft Server

Those who love playing multi-player games such as Minecraft, choose to use a dedicated server to use it for a Minecraft server.

While a dedicated server does come with a cost per month, a group of friends might want to share the cost to have their own Minecraft server to host their own game.

There are benefits to hosting games this way. For one there is minimal downtime in the game. Another is that a dedicated server offers optimal speed.

It is not as difficult to set up a dedicated server for Minecraft as one might think. In fact, I have written a guide to do so that anyone can follow.

4. Host a Personal Cloud Space

When I was considering the question of what to do with a dedicated server, a personal cloud space comes to mind.

The cloud has fast become the ultimate way to save and access data. The biggest benefit is that anything can be stored in the cloud, this includes:

• Documents
• Photographs
• Videos
• Presentations
• Spreadsheets
• E-mails and chat transcripts
• Calendars

Any business could benefit by offering employees access to a private cloud space. This is possible by paying for hosting on a dedicated server.

Project management through the cloud is a very good idea. This includes giving staff access to all of the above. What is even better about the cloud is that they have access to it through a variety of ways, the computers, smartphones, and tablets, both in and out of the office.

There are numerous project management tools available with some giving the option for data sync. Simply sign for dedicated server hosting and install the software of your choice and you have your own company cloud.

For more: dedicated server pricing

What is mean by wireless LAN?

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution method for two or more devices that use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet. A WLAN allows users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection.

A WLAN is sometimes call a local area wireless network (LAWN).

In the early 1990s, WLANs were very expensive and were only used when wired connections were strategically impossible. By the late 1990s, most WLAN solutions and proprietary protocols were replaced by IEEE 802.11 standards in various versions (versions "a" through "n"). WLAN prices also began to decrease significantly.

WLAN should not be confused with the Wi-Fi Alliance's Wi-Fi trademark. Wi-Fi is not a technical term, but is described as a superset of the IEEE 802.11 standard and is sometimes used interchangeably with that standard. However, not every Wi-Fi device actually receives Wi-Fi Alliance certification, although Wi-Fi is used by more than 700 million people through about 750,000 Internet connection hot spots.

Every component that connects to a WLAN is considered a station and falls into one of two categories: access points (APs) and clients. APs transmit and receive radio frequency signals with devices able to receive transmitted signals; they normally function as routers. Clients may include a variety of devices such as desktop computers, workstations, laptop computers, IP phones and other cell phones and Smartphones. All stations able to communicate with each other are called basic service sets (BSSs), of which there are two types: independent and infrastructure. Independent BSSs (IBSS) exist when two clients communicate without using APs, but cannot connect to any other BSS. Such WLANs are called a peer-to-peer or an ad-hoc WLANs. The second BSS is called an infrastructure BSS. It may communicate with other stations but only in other BSSs and it must use APs.

What does an IT specialist do?

An information technology (IT) specialist is a computer support and security administrator who assists companies and organizations with managing hardware, software, networking and solving problems. These professionals go by a range of titles, including information security analyst and network administrator.

An information technology (IT) specialist is an individual who helps people solve technical problems involving computer software, hardware, networks, Cloud platforms, etc. They may communicate via telephone, online chat, or face to face and use their IT support skills to assist computer users. Some exclusively help their company’s customers, while others will primarily focus on helping a business’s employees.

Some work from a central office, while others may work out in the field and travel from location to location. In some cases, an IT specialist will design new technology systems or make adjustments to an existing system to maximize efficiency. While this position requires a plethora of skills, here are four of the most important IT support skills that a specialist should possess.

Due to the wide variety of issues that can be encountered at any given time, it’s necessary for an IT specialist to quickly examine multiple scenarios to determine the specifics of a problem. To accomplish this, it requires an extensive knowledge of information technology and enough experience to come up with the right solution. Consequently, they must be familiar with major operating systems and stay abreast of recent updates. With technological advancements moving quickly, it often requires ongoing research to remain effective at this position.

Failure to take minute details into consideration can mean the difference between a timely resolution and unnecessary mistakes. That’s why an IT specialist must have an eye and ear for catching information that others may miss out on. They have to ask the right questions to guide the interaction in a way that a customer or business employee thoroughly explains the issue and must listen carefully and never overlook any details.

entry level information technology salary

How to Start a Career in Cyber Security

Invest in Your Education

Getting a cyber security degree is often the first step toward starting a career in this lucrative and in-demand field. And if you have a degree and experience in information security, the options are plentiful and diverse.

Most prospective cyber security leaders start with an undergraduate degree in information technology, information systems and/or computer science. After obtaining an undergraduate degree and gaining experience in the field, a master’s degree in cyber security operations and leadership or information technology is the next step.

If you are pursuing the cyber security engineering route, you should start with an undergraduate degree in engineering and then obtain specialized experience in cyber security either through years of direct experience or through a master’s degree program focused solely on cyber security engineering.

Whatever path you choose, education is key. One of the primary reasons for the many unfilled cyber security jobs — in 2014, Cisco estimated that there were 1 million unfilled cyber security jobs worldwide — is that employers can’t find cyber security professionals with the high-level skills and advanced education they need. According to Burning Glass Technologies, 83% of employers require at least a bachelor’s degree while 23% require a master’s.

The number of unfilled cyber security positions is staggering and only projected to grow as cyber criminals become more sophisticated in their attacks and companies struggle to find information security experts with the skills and knowledge required to mitigate such attacks.

In such a desperate landscape, where so many jobs remain unfilled due to the lack of qualified candidates, those with a cyber security degree have a great advantage. Not only are job options vast for information security degree holders, salaries are high due to the lack of supply and the urgent demand. According to Dice.com, a lead software engineer can make as much as $233,333 annually while a chief security officer can earn as much as $225,000.

Get Certified

In order to land a job in cyber security, you will also need to gain certain industry certifications. Some of the most popular and sought-after certifications are:

• CompTIA Security+
• CISSPY — Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• CISM — Certified Information Security Manager
• CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor
• GIAC — Global Information Assurance Certification
• CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker

In addition, there are many vendor-specific certifications, such as those offered through Cisco, RSA and Symantec that are attractive to employers. Of course, what you will need and what employers will require depends on the role you are applying for.

IT Security Specialists Salary

IT Security Specialists Defend an Organization’s Information Systems.

In today's era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of cyber security threats, technologies and countermeasures to ensure secure computer systems. This often includes tasks like installing and configuring security software to prevent attacks, educating employees on data security, monitoring and protecting against network breaches, and responding to cyber attacks with the appropriate countermeasures.

Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high across all organizational structures and verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security specialist job market will grow by 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the 5% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation's fastest growing career paths.

Accredited universities and private computer schools offer college degrees, courses, and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies. Compare top-reviewed IT security training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

a.k.a. IT Security Analyst | Information Security Professional | Cyber Security Analyst | Computer Security Specialist

What Jobs are Available in Cyber Security?

Jobs In Cyber Security:

Once a specialty only associated with government agencies and defense contractors, cyber security has now entered the mainstream. Industries such as health care, finance, manufacturing and retail all hire cyber security professionals to protect valuable information from cyber breaches. The demand for specialists in the field is high. A report by job analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies found job postings for openings in cyber security have grown three times faster than those for IT job overall, and cyber security professionals are earning 9 percent more than their IT counterparts. Read more to learn how to get started in a cyber security career, from the types of degrees available to the various careers in the field.

EARN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

While it’s possible to find certain entry-level cyber security positions with an associate’s degree, most jobs require a four-year bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related field such as information technology or computer science. Coursework in programming and statistics combined with classes in ethics and computer forensics prepare students with the technical and analytical skills required for successful careers in cyber security.

In an environment where data breaches are becoming the norm, more cyber security degree programs are being added every year. Before choosing a cyber security degree, prospective students should make sure that it is not only accredited, but also aligns with their career goals.

2

COMPLETE ADVANCED TRAINING

Some employers will require candidates to hold an advanced degree such as a master’s degree in cyber security. Prospective employers may offer tuition assistance to meet this goal. A master’s degree takes an additional one to two years to complete after the bachelor’s degree-level and provides advanced instruction in protecting computer networks and electronic infrastructures from attack. Students learn the ethics, practices, policies and procedures of cyber security as they study how to tackle network security defense techniques and countermeasures. Cyber security professionals can also earn certification to boost their skills while working full-time to gain hands-on experience.

3

PASS SECURITY CLEARANCES (IF APPLICABLE)

Security clearances are necessary for those who wish to work with classified information as part of a military of government agency. A variety of agencies issue both personnel and facility security clearances, but most are issued by the Department of Defense. Each type of clearance has its own procedures and paperwork. The process, which takes three months to a year, does not begin until an employer decides to hire you, at which point you receive a conditional offer of employment. The first step is to submit clearance documentation, followed by a Background Investigation.

What is the meaning of it specialist?

IT specialists, also known as information technology specialists, provide support for IT departments and end users in a number of organizations and industries. They ensure that computer hardware and software, as well as networks and servers, work consistently and correctly. IT specialists may install programs, configure networks and databases, and provide assistance to end users. They tend to focus on one or more areas of IT support, such as information security, database administration, or server maintenance.

This role requires extensive familiarity with IT processes and procedures, effective communication, departmental enhancement, and user support. IT specialists balance enterprise-wide support and enhancement with direct assistance for IT departments and users.

 IT Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

While an IT specialist’s role can depend largely on their specific organization and area of specialization, most of these core duties exist in any enterprise:

Install and Configure Networks

Many IT specialists work directly with an organization’s servers and networks, performing setup, enhancement, and maintenance tasks. An IT specialist ensures that employees’ work stations can successfully connect to networks and access business-critical data at all times. They may also configure network security settings and connect peripheral devices, like printers and scanners, that are used by multiple users.

Manage Databases

IT specialists build an organization’s database architecture so that data is correctly stored and easily accessible. This can involve setting up data storage and retrieval protocols, adjusting permissions, and maintaining data security and integrity during migrations, backups, and day-to-day use. IT specialists use their expertise in database programs and languages to support enterprise-wide database access.

Provide User Support

IT specialists provide direct support to users across the organization. This can include helping set up hardware or software, diagnosing connectivity or data access problems, answering questions about hardware or software, and helping users access shared drives and devices. In some organizations, an IT specialist may also provide support to help desk personnel and technicians.

Manage Information Security

IT specialists maintain information security throughout the organization. They accomplish this goal in many ways, including monitoring access logs and building database security procedures. They may also set up antivirus programs at work stations, develop policies for email security, and perform periodic data audits and backups to prevent information loss and unauthorized access.

Troubleshoot Systems and Hardware

IT specialists also support the IT department and their organizations by troubleshooting systems and hardware, particularly after server migration or an organization-wide update. The IT specialist identifies issues with new hardware or software and works with users or on the back end of servers to quickly resolve those issues and prevent delays. The IT specialist may also prepare reports on hardware and software issues as part of this role.

Network Security Specialist: Job Description and Requirements

Network security specialist require a moderate amount of formal education. Learn about the education, job duties and certifications to see if this is the right career for you.
Keeping criminals out of computer systems requires network security specialists to monitor systems and upgrade security measures. Network security specialists have a wide range of job duties, depending on the security needs and protocols of the organizations where the work. These professionals must be ingenious enough to anticipate potential problems, and they must use analytical skills to fix problems and maintain system security at all times.

ob Description of a Network Security Specialist

Network security specialists monitor computer networks for security threats or unauthorized users. They may identify compromised machines and report on security measures taken to address threats. Network security specialists also analyze security risks and develop response procedures. Additional duties may include developing and testing software deployment tools, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Some network security workers research, evaluate, recommend and implement other security devices as well. This may include installing computer security software, conducting regular security audits, preparing security status reports, educating users on computer security, creating security documentation for users, assisting in disaster recovery and gathering evidence regarding cybercrimes.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

Network security specialists can also be called information security analysts, and the employment outlook in this profession is favorable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the field of information security analysts should see an 32% increase in demand, adding over 35,500 jobs between 2018 and 2028. The average salary for information security analysts was $ 98,350 in May of 2018.

Requirements to Become a Network Security Specialist

According to the BLS, employers often require network security specialists to have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. Relevant degree programs include computer science, information technology and management information systems. Some employers may be willing to hire applicants who don't have a degree as long as they have the equivalent experience.

Employers may prefer applicants who have years of experience working in networking systems, network security or information technology, according to multiple job listings found on Monster.com in October 2010. Areas that aspiring network security specialists should be knowledgeable in include network access control (NAC) systems, firewalls, routers, incident response techniques, intrusion prevention systems, information security methodologies, authentication protocols and different attack types.

Certification

Earning professional certification may help network security specialists find employment or advance their careers. A number of different certification options are offered by Cisco, International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), CompTIA and other organizations. Certification is usually earned by passing one or more examinations.

Some types of certification that are specific to network security specialists include the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications offered by Cisco. The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications are offered by ISC2. Finally, Security+ and Linux+ certifications are offered by CompTIA.

Network security specialists strive to stop cybercrimes, and to do so they run risk assessment checks on systems, maintain firewalls, update security procedures and monitor all systems. The rate of job growth for this industry was expected to be much faster than average during the 2018-2028 decade. Successful job candidates have training in computer networks and computer security systems, which is generally available through undergraduate degree programs; network security specialists also typically earn certifications through vendors or computer security training organizations.

IT Security Specialist Skills & Responsibilities

IT Security Specialists Defend an Organization’s Information Systems.

In today's era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of cyber security threats, technologies and countermeasures to ensure secure computer systems. This often includes tasks like installing and configuring security software to prevent attacks, educating employees on data security, monitoring and protecting against network breaches, and responding to cyber attacks with the appropriate countermeasures.

Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high across all organizational structures and verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security specialist job market will grow by 32% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the 5% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation's fastest growing career paths.

Accredited universities and private computer schools offer college degrees, courses, and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies. Compare top-reviewed IT security training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

IT Security Specialist Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and marketable cyber security skill sets include the following. IT security specialists:

• Develop plans to safeguard computer files against unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure.
• Choose, implement, monitor and upgrade computer anti-virus and malware protection systems.
• Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information during transmit.
• Implement password authentication to keep unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data files.
• Modify security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, and change user access status.
• Perform risk assessments and tests on running data processing activities and security measures.
• Educate workers about computer security and promote security awareness and security protocols.
• Keep accurate and current backup files of all important data on the shared corporate network.
• IT security pros who specialize in computer forensics gather evidence for prosecuting cyber crimes.
• Computer forensics specialists can set up & operate an investigator’s lab, and process computer crime scenes.

Read this post from information security curriculum designer, Jason Nufryk, for a deeper look at marketable cyber security skills.

Network Security Specialist: Job Description and Requirements

Network security specialist require a moderate amount of formal education. Learn about the education, job duties and certifications to see if this is the right career for you.

Keeping criminals out of computer systems requires network security specialists to monitor systems and upgrade security measures. Network security specialists have a wide range of job duties, depending on the security needs and protocols of the organizations where the work. These professionals must be ingenious enough to anticipate potential problems, and they must use analytical skills to fix problems and maintain system security at all times.

Essential Information

Network security specialists detect, prevent and resolve security threats to computer networks. They also play an important role in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of a company's data and information systems. Employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor's degree and industry certification.

Required Education	A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field
Other Requirements	A professional industry certification; experience in networking systems, information technology, or network security is recommended
Median Salary (2018)	$98,350 (for all information security analysts)*
Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)	32% growth (for all information security analysts)*

Job Description of a Network Security Specialist

Network security specialists monitor computer networks for security threats or unauthorized users. They may identify compromised machines and report on security measures taken to address threats. Network security specialists also analyze security risks and develop response procedures. Additional duties may include developing and testing software deployment tools, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Some network security workers research, evaluate, recommend and implement other security devices as well. This may include installing computer security software, conducting regular security audits, preparing security status reports, educating users on computer security, creating security documentation for users, assisting in disaster recovery and gathering evidence regarding cybercrimes.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

Network security specialists can also be called information security analysts, and the employment outlook in this profession is favorable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the field of information security analysts should see an 32% increase in demand, adding over 35,500 jobs between 2018 and 2028. The average salary for information security analysts was $ 98,350 in May of 2018.

security administrator job description

Security Administrator Responsibilities:

Configuring security systems, analyzing security requirements, and recommending improvements. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious behavior. Creating network policies and authorization roles and defending against unauthorized access, modifications, and destruction.
A Security Administrator installs, administers, and troubleshoots an organization's security solutions. The Security Administrator will ensure the network's security, protect against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction, and troubleshoot any access problems.
We are looking for a detail-oriented Security Administrator to be responsible for desktop, mobile, and network security, troubleshooting network access and implementing network security policies and procedures at our organization. The Security Administrator works independently within the established procedures to ensure network security access and protect against unauthorized access, modifications, or destruction. Your responsibilities include performing risk assessments, audits, staff training sessions, and monitoring network activity.

To be a successful Security Administrator, you should be meticulous and detail-oriented, with excellent technical and information security skills. You should be skilled at drafting security policies and training less technically skilled employees to be security conscious.

Security Administrator Responsibilities:
Installing, administering, and troubleshooting network security solutions.
Updating software with the latest security patches and ensuring the proper defenses are present for each network resource.
Performing vulnerability and penetration tests, identifying and defending against threats, and developing disaster recovery plans.
Configuring security systems, analyzing security requirements, and recommending improvements.
Monitoring network traffic for suspicious behavior.
Creating network policies and authorization roles and defending against unauthorized access, modifications, and destruction.
Consulting with staff, managers, and executives about the best security practices and providing technical advice.
Configuring and supporting security tools, such as firewalls and anti-virus software.
Training staff to understand and use security protocols.
Security Administrator Requirements:
An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related field.
Advanced training certifications may be advantageous.
A strong understanding and knowledge of computer, network, and security systems.
Good teaching, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

What does a security engineer do?

What is a Security Engineer?
A business’s computer network can never be too secure. Security engineering focuses on designing computer systems that can deal with disruptions such as natural disasters or malicious cyber attacks.

Faulty software can leave networks vulnerable to malware, spyware, adware, phishing and more. A security engineer is someone who analyzes computer networks, ensures they are running securely, and tries to foresee possible security issues that could arise in the future.
What does a Security Engineer do?
Security engineers are responsible for testing and screening security software and for monitoring networks and systems for security breaches or intrusions. They can often resolve possible causes of security threats early on by looking at things from a security perspective and recommending enhancements to management.

As the company’s first line of defence against unauthorized access from outside sources and potential security threats, security engineers have a very important job to do. Not only do they know how to pinpoint any potential threats, they also know how to plan and prepare before any security threats take place. They act as an all-in-one security team by implementing and testing strategies, reporting on any incidents for future preparation, keeping track of the status of network security, and educating other employees to raise security awareness.

Some of the duties and responsibilities security engineers have:

developing a set of security standards and practices
creating new ways to solve existing production security issues
recommending security enhancements to management
installing and using software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs
assisting with installation or processing of new security products and procedures
conducting scans of networks to find vulnerabilities
conducting penetration testing
monitoring networks and systems for security breaches or intrusions
installing software that helps with notification of intrusions
developing automation scripts to handle and track incidents
testing security solutions using industry standard analysis criteria
watching out for irregular system behaviour
supervising changes in software, hardware, and user needs
leading incident response activities
leading investigations into how breaches happen
reporting findings to management
helping plan an organization’s information security strategy
educating staff members on information security through training and awareness
recommending modifications in legal, technical and regulatory areas

How can I improve my computer troubleshooting skills?

4 Tips to Strengthen Your Troubleshooting Skills

1. What's wrong? It's nearly impossible to properly fix a problem if you cannot see the problem, especially with computers. ...
2. Keep it simple, stupid! No, I'm not calling you stupid … ...
3. Practice, practice, practice. ...
4. “I don't know” ...
5. Vendor documentation. ...
6. Ask your peers. ...
7. Search Google, check out message boards. ...
8. Related courses.

With technology becoming more and more prevalent in the workplace, it’s more important than ever to have basic computer hardware and software skills. An employer will be looking for computer skills on your resume, and you need to be able to walk the walk in addition to talk to the talk—meaning that you need to be able to know how to use a computer when you’re on the job.

Here are 5 free and easy way to improve your computer skills.

Short on time? Jump down to see some free courses, so you can start learning for free today!

1. Identify what you need to learn.

Most likely, you only have so much free time that you can dedicate to learning a new skill. Accordingly, it’s important to use that time wisely. Whether you’re looking to pivot your career or level up within your current field, analyzing the job description of your ideal position is a great way to identify what skills employers are looking for, as well as the tools you should know how to use. The “Requirements” section of a job description is generally a good place to find this information.

Networking is another great way to discover what technical skills other people in your field have, or what software and apps they use on a day-to-day basis. This can be accomplished with a simple question, such as “Have you learned any new skills lately that have helped you in your job?,” or “What’s your favorite software or app that use regularly for work?”

In addition, you can also find much of this information online. If you are a customer service representative, for example, you might search for “customer service software.” Keep an eye out for the specific products that appear in your results. Capterra, a software review company, is another helpful resource for identifying common tools in your trade.

Not sure where to start? The specific skills you need are highly dependent on your position and your field, but you can familiarize yourself with this list of top computer skills to start out. Also review some of the best skills to include on your resume.

2. Start with the basics—and ensure you know how to use a computer.

While this goes without saying, before you learn any specialized technical skills, at the very least you need a fundamental understanding of how to use a computer—ideally, both a Windows or Mac. There are many free resources online. Sites like Lifewire, for example, are very helpful in providing comprehensive tutorials.

These days, it’s pretty common to find free (or affordable) computer training events. Check with your local library, community center or community college to see what they have to offer. In addition, you can take free Mac courses at an Apple store near you.

If you’re working in an office role, consider getting certified in Microsoft Office to improve your skills and add value to your resume.

3. Familiarize yourself with an understanding of how computers (and the Internet) work.

While this goes without saying, before you learn any specialized technical skills, at the very least you need a fundamental understanding of what a computer it is and how it works. In some cases, it can be helpful to learn how the Internet works, too.

Now, do you need master computer science? Absolutely not. But, having an elementary understanding of how the technology that you use functions provides a strong foundation for future learning. Here is a list of some free online computer skills lessons that you can start with:

• Computer Basics for Absolute Beginners – from GCF Learn Free (Free)
• Internet Basics for Absolute Beginners – from GCF Learn Free (Free)
• Computer Science 101 – from Stanford University  (Free)
• How the Internet Works – from Khan Academy (Free)
• G Suite Training Center (for Google Apps) – from Google (Free)

4. Take a free online or-in person computer course.

There are many free resources available, both offline and online. Be sure to check out offerings in your community, such as at your local library, community center, community college or YMCA. You can also search on sites like Meetup or Eventbrite for educational events or groups. If you live in Los Angeles, New York City or Chicago, CourseHorse is another excellent resource.

If you’d rather learn tech skills for free online, there are plenty of ways to do so! You should be able to search on YouTube for pretty much anything you want to know. If you’re looking for a more formal learning experience, you can find tons of free college-level courses online on sites like Coursera, EdX and Class-Central. You can also find free, introductory courses on sites like Khan Academy, Codecademy, and Free Code Camp.

Tip: Here’s an extensive list of free and low-cost online computer classes you can take to get started.

5. Apply the knowledge and get hands-on practice.

If a job description requests familiarity with a specific tool, try to see if there’s way to get hands-on experience. For example, say a position requires that you know how to use Trello, a project management tool. You could consider ways you might be able to integrate Trello in your current position. If this is not possible, perhaps there’s a case where you could use it in your personal life—like for planning a trip.

Get as creative as possible. Need to learn how to use Google Calendar? Start using it to plan and schedule your families’ appointments and activities. Need to know how to use Skype? Create an account and use it to make a video call with someone you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Alternately, if you are learning a skill like graphic design, web design or development, there are many ways to practice: you can enter contests on 99Designs, or solicit gigs on Fiverr, for example.

If you need to be familiar with a paid tool or software then you cannot gain access to, look to see if that app offers a demo or has any training videos on its website. At the very least, you’ll have a chance to garner a basic familiarity with the structure and functionality of the software

Remember, you should always be honest with an employer about your skills and abilities. Don’t oversell your skills. If you’re lacking a skill that is listed in the job description, you can always mention that it is something you are currently learning (or intend to learn), and emphasize your ability to pick up new skills quickly.

5 troubleshooting tips for fixing your own computer

The five-step PC Repair And Troubleshooting process consists of the following:

1. Verify that a problem actually exists.
2. Isolate the cause of the problem.
3. Correct the cause of the problem.
4. Verify that the problem has been corrected.
5. Follow up to prevent future problems.

Action Items

Within the four general guidelines previously mentioned, there are several action items that are important to the successful achievement of the goal of troubleshooting:

1. Verify that something is actually wrong.

A problem usually is indicated by a change in equipment performance or product quality. Verification of the problem will either provide you with indications of the cause if a problem actually exists or prevent the troubleshooter from wasting time and effort on "ghost" problems caused by the operator's lack of equipment understanding. Do not simply accept a report that something is wrong without personally verifying the failure. A few minutes invested up front can save a lot of time down the road.

2. Identify and locate the cause of the trouble.

Trouble is often caused by a change in the system. A thorough understanding of the system, its modes of operation, and how the modes of operation are supposed to work, the easier it will be to find the cause of the trouble. This knowledge allows the troubleshooter to compare normal conditions to actual conditions.

3. Correct the problem.

It is very important to correct the cause of the problem, not just the effect or the symptom. This often involves replacing or repairing a part or making adjustments. Never adjust a process or piece of equipment to compensate for a problem and consider the job finished; correct the problem!

4. Verify that the problem has been corrected.

Repeating the same check that originally indicated the problem can often do this. If the fault has been corrected, the system should operate properly.

5. Follow up to prevent further trouble.

Determine the underlying cause of the trouble. Suggest a plan to a supervisor that will prevent a future recurrence of this problem.

This basic troubleshooting philosophy is the basis for the seven-step troubleshooting method discussed later. It reflects the basic strategy for troubleshooting, though each individual facility may require a different application of the strategy specific for the equipment and policies at that facility. An important point to remember as we discuss the seven-step methodology is that we are discussing a philosophy - not a procedure. Using the seven-step philosophy, a procedure could be developed that would provide the most cost-effective and efficient means for troubleshooting a particular piece of equipment in a given facility. However, this procedure would not necessarily be effective when used with different equipment or even the same equipment installed in a different facility.