386 TotalPC

Blog

AI
Grok 4: Elon Musk’s AI Moonshot or Just Another Chatbot in the Crowd? 

In the summer of 2025, while most people were trying to figure out how to keep their iced coffee cold long enough to survive a Zoom meeting, Elon Musk decided to launch another rocket, but this time, it wasn’t into space. It was aimed straight at the heart of the AI race. 

On July 9–10, 2025, Musk’s AI company xAI rolled out Grok 4, its flagship artificial intelligence model, designed to take on the biggest names in the game: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. 

And because this is Musk we’re talking about, Grok 4 didn’t just arrive quietly. It came with an audacious pitch, a $300/month premium tier, a multi-agent reasoning engine called Grok 4 Heavy, and naturally, a few eyebrow-raising controversies before the first week was out. 

 

The Latest Twist: Grok 4 Is Now Free (With a Catch) 

Just when everyone thought Grok 4’s $300/month Heavy tier was the headline, xAI surprised the market again. According to reports from Social Media Today, Facebook, and the Times of India, Grok 4 is now available for free use, but only for a limited time and with some notable restrictions. 

Here’s what’s on the table: 

  • Free Access.  Anyone can now try Grok 4 through the Grok iOS and Android apps or the X website. You can choose Auto Mode (routes complex questions to Grok 4) or Expert Mode (always uses Grok 4).
  • Limited Usage. The free tier includes a daily query limit. If you want unlimited power, you’ll still need a paid subscription. 
  • Strategic Timing. The move to make Grok 4 free came just days after OpenAI released GPT-5, widely seen as a strategic push to grab market share and lure users away from rivals.

This isn’t just a “nice perk.” This is a calculated product sampling strategy. xAI is letting the public get a taste of Grok 4’s capabilities in hopes they’ll pay for full, unrestricted access. 

 The Basics: What Exactly is Grok 4? 

Grok 4 is the latest evolution of xAI’s conversational model family, running on the Colossus supercomputer, it is a high-performance computing setup to chew through massive reasoning tasks like a Tesla Model S Plaid chews through 0–60, a mere 1.99 seconds. 

The model brings: 

  • Native tool use and real-time search integration – including searches across X, the broader web, and news sources. 
  • Advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities handle text, images, and voice input. 
  • Large context window. 128K tokens for the app, 256K for the API, so it can process extensive information in one go. 
  • Grok 4 Heavy is the paid “supercharged” variant for SuperGrok Heavy subscribers, leveraging multi-agent reasoning for even higher accuracy. 

 

Musk’s Signature Style: Moonshot or Bust 

It wouldn’t be an Elon Musk product if it didn’t swing for the fences. Grok 4’s launch was positioned not as “our next version” but as “the most intelligent model in the world.” 

This confidence is classic Musk. This is the same mindset that took Tesla from a niche EV startup to a global disruptor, and that turned SpaceX’s reusable rockets from sci-fi dream to a boring Tuesday launch livestream. Musk doesn’t aim for “better.” He aims for category-killer.

 

Benchmarks That Have Everyone Talking 

According to multiple early tests: 

  • 25.4% on Humanity’s Last Exam, a notoriously tough reasoning benchmark. 
  • 16.2% on ARC-AGI-2, which is more than double Gemini 2.5 Pro’s score. 
  • Internal AI evaluations put Grok 4 above GPT-4o and Claude in overall “AI intelligence index” rankings. 
  • Outpaced ChatGPT in Human Eval-style coding benchmarks. 

 

Where Grok 4 Feels Like a Game-Changer 

  1. Academic, Math, and STEM Logic. It excels at step-by-step reasoning in technical fields. 
  2. Real-Time Intelligence meaning live search is integrated into the core model, not just an add-on. 
  3. Multi-Agent Accuracy with Grok 4 Heavy’s “AI debate” system improves accuracy for complex, high-stakes queries. 

 

But Then There’s the Flip Side… 

  1. Visual & Spatial Reasoning Lags Behind – Gemini and GPT-4o still lead here. 
  2. Creative Output Feels Flat – Grok 4 is strong in logic, but not so much in imagination. 
  3. Code May Need Debugging – It’s quick and robust but not always production-ready. 
  4. Bias Toward Musk’s Own Content – It has a tendency to utilize Musk’s X posts. 
  5. Safety Concerns Linger – Early issues with harmful outputs have been “fixed,” but no formal safety docs yet. 

 

Who Should Actually Use Grok 4? 

User Type  Why Grok 4 Fits  Why It Might Not 
Enterprises & Researchers  Exceptional for high-stakes reasoning, legal analysis, and complex math/science tasks.  The Heavy tier’s $300/month price tag is steep for casual needs. 
Developers & Power Users  Strong coding integration and tool use for automation and analysis workflows.  May still require debugging and lacks the creative “spark” of GPT-4o. 
Casual/Creative Users  —  Gemini or GPT-4o will feel more polished and versatile for everyday conversation, creative writing, or multimedia. 

 

Is It Worth the Hype (and the Price)? 

Now that there’s a free trial period, there’s no reason not to try Grok 4 yourself.  Just remember the daily limits. If you like what you see, the premium versions (especially Grok 4 Heavy) can deliver serious ROI for research-heavy or accuracy-critical work. 

For most casual users, GPT-4o or Gemini may still be the better fit; but Musk’s latest move puts Grok 4 firmly in the conversation. 

 

Brought to You by Total PC 

This insight into Grok 4 is provided by Total PC, your partner in keeping your business ahead of the curve. Whether you’re exploring AI adoption, tightening network security, or developing custom tools, we’ve got you covered. 

We provide network support, VoIP services, AI solutions and insight, and custom development for industries including: 

  • Healthcare 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Financial services 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us

Software
Windows 10 Is Going Away, Is Your Business Ready?

What Your Business Must Do Before October 14, 2025 

Time’s almost up for Windows 10. 

The good news? You’ve still got time. But you don’t have much and the companies that wait until the last minute will be stuck scrambling for hardware, licenses, and IT time. 

Let’s break down what this means, why you should act now, and how Total PC can help you upgrade smoothly and affordably.

Why This Change Matters More Than You Think 

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it’s not just a polite “sunset”, it’s a hard stop on the security updates that protect your business from evolving threats. 

  1. Over 70% of PCs Still Use Windows 10

As of mid-2025, more than 7 out of 10 Windows PCs are still on Windows 10. That means millions of unpatched machines will be floating around by Q4 2025, making them prime hunting grounds for ransomware, malware, and phishing exploits.

  1. Compliance and Cyber Insurance Require Supported Platforms

If your business is in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or retail, you already know: many compliance frameworks and cyber insurance policies explicitly require that all systems run on supported operating systems.
Failing to upgrade could mean losing coverage or failing an audit. 

  1. Unpatched = Unprotected

It doesn’t matter how strong your firewall is, if a known Windows 10 vulnerability is published on October 15, 2025, attackers will exploit it knowing Microsoft won’t patch it. 

 

Your Options Before the Deadline 

You’ve got three main paths forward. The right one depends on your hardware, your budget, and your operational needs. 

 

🔄 Option 1: Upgrade to Windows 11 

If your PCs are relatively modern (usually under 5 years old), they may already meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. 

  • Pros: Cheapest option if your hardware is compatible. 
  • Cons: Requires a compatibility check to confirm CPU, TPM, and memory specs. 

Total PC can: 

  • Audit all devices for Windows 11 readiness 
  • Handle the upgrade process 
  • Ensure apps and data migrate smoothly without disrupting your business 

 

🛡 Option 2: Extended Security Updates (ESU) 

Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates for businesses that can’t immediately upgrade. 

  • Pros: Buys you time beyond October 2025 for critical patches. 
  • Cons: Costs extra per device, prices rise each year, and it’s not a long-term solution. 

Total PC can: 

  • Enroll your eligible PCs in ESU (Extended Security Updates) 
  • Map out a phased replacement plan so you’re not paying for ESU indefinitely 

 

💻 Option 3: Replace Aging Hardware 

If your PCs are more than 5 years old, there’s a good chance they won’t support Windows 11 at all. 

  • Pros: Boosts performance, reduces downtime, and positions you for years of secure operation. 
  • Cons: Higher up-front cost, requires planning and deployment. 

Total PC can: 

  • Source cost-effective new hardware 
  • Migrate your data securely 
  • Set up devices ready to go on day one 

 

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Q4 2025 

Here’s what will happen if you wait until September or October next year: 

  • Hardware supply will tighten as thousands of other businesses rush to upgrade. 
  • IT providers, like Total PC may be booked solid, you may be waiting weeks for service.
  • Your staff will be juggling end-of-year workloads and learning a new OS at the same time.

By planning now, you avoid the rush, lock in better pricing, and roll out changes on your schedule. 

 

Real Risks of Doing Nothing 

  • Cybersecurity Breach: Your attack surface grows exponentially the moment Microsoft stops patching vulnerabilities. 
  • Compliance Failure: Non-supported OS could trigger audit findings or legal trouble in regulated industries. 
  • Insurance Denial: Cyber insurance providers can deny claims if breaches involve unsupported systems. 
  • Operational Disruption: A single ransomware hit could take your business offline for days; or worse. 

 

How Total PC Makes the Transition Painless 

We know upgrades can feel daunting, especially across dozens or hundreds of devices. That’s why Total PC offers a turnkey migration service tailored to your business.

We can: 

  • Audit Device Readiness: See which PCs can be upgraded and which need replacing. 
  • Plan Cost-Effective Paths: Balance budgets with performance needs. 
  • Deploy with Minimal Downtime: Schedule upgrades outside peak hours to keep your team productive. 
  • Secure Your Network: Ensure every new or upgraded device is fully patched and compliant. 

And because we also handle network support, VoIP services, AI solutions, and custom development, we can address the ripple effects of an OS migration across your entire IT ecosystem. 

 

The Clock Is Ticking.  Here’s Your Next Step… 

October 14, 2025 will arrive faster than you think. The safest, smartest move is to start your upgrade plan today.

Contact Total PC now to schedule your Windows 10 readiness audit: 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

 

Sources & Further Reading 

 

 

Security
Millions of Office Printers Have a Critical Security Flaw

Here’s How to Stay One Step Ahead: 

It’s 2025. We have got AI writing code, cars driving themselves, and refrigerators that tell us when the milk’s gone bad. And yet, one of the biggest cybersecurity stories of the year is not about quantum computers or space satellites, it’s about office printers. 

Yes, printers. The beige boxes in the corner of the office that most people only think about when they are out of toner. 

This summer, researchers uncovered a hardware-level flaw that affects millions of business printers worldwide. It is the kind of vulnerability that makes security pros sit up straighter, because unlike most software bugs, this one can’t be patched away.

Before you panic and start wrapping your office hardware in tinfoil, let’s break down exactly what is going on, how serious the risk really is, and what smart companies are doing right now to protect themselves. 

 The Discovery That Got Everyone Talking 

The story starts with Rapid7, a well-known cybersecurity firm that’s made a name for itself by finding and responsibly disclosing big vulnerabilities. While examining enterprise office printers, their researchers stumbled onto something unsettling: 

Over 740 printer models, mostly from Brother, but also from Fujifilm, Ricoh, Toshiba, and Konica Minolta, use a predictable algorithm to generate their default administrator password. 

That algorithm? It is based on the printer’s serial number.

At first glance, it might sound harmless. But here is the problem: 

  • The serial number is often visible or easily retrievable on a network. 
  • If a bad actor knows the algorithm (and now they do), they can calculate the admin password in seconds. 
  • Once logged in as admin, they have full control over the device.

And remember, we are talking about network-connected printers, devices that can store documents, manage print jobs, and sometimes even integrate with cloud storage or email. 

 

CVE-2024-51978: Why This One’s Different 

This flaw has an official designation: CVE-2024-51978. And unlike the usual “apply this update and you’re good” vulnerabilities, this one lives at the hardware level. 

That means: 

  • The password-generation logic is hardcoded into the device. 
  • Firmware updates cannot rewrite it. 
  • Even fully updated printers are still affected, if they are using the default login system.

Brother and the other affected manufacturers have issued updates to address related issues such as information disclosure or (DOS) denial of service attacks. But the core password flaw remains.

It is like locking your front door, replacing the windows, and adding an alarm, but still leaving the original key under the doormat. 

 

Should You Be Worried? 

The answer depends on your setup. To exploit this flaw, an attacker needs three things: 

  1. Network access to the printer, either through the local network or remotely. 
  2. The serial number can be easily found if the printer’s services (like SNMP or PJL) are exposed. 
  3. Default credentials are still in place, meaning no one has ever changed the admin password from the factory setting. 

 

If your printers are:

  • Isolated on an internal network (no internet exposure), 
  • Locked behind a firewall, and 
  • Using strong, custom admin passwords, 

then your real-world risk is low. 

But if you have network-connected printers with default credentials, especially if they are accessible from outside your corporate network, then you have a fundamental problem that needs addressing now, not later. 

 

Why Printer Security Matters More Than You Think 

Many businesses overlook printer security because they see them as “dumb” devices. In reality, modern office printers are fully-fledged networked computers. They have operating systems, onboard storage, and sometimes even web-based management consoles. 

If compromised, a malicious actor could: 

  • Steal sensitive documents stored in the printer’s memory. 
  • Intercept print jobs to capture confidential information. 
  • Use the printer as a foothold into the rest of your corporate network. 
  • Launch attacks on other devices connected to the same network. 

And because printers are rarely monitored as closely as laptops or servers, breaches can go undetected for months, or even years. 

 

The Good News: This Is Fixable 

You can’t change the fact that the password algorithm exists, but you can neutralize its usefulness with some straightforward actions.

Step 1: Change Default Admin Credentials 

This is the single most important step. If the attacker’s “calculated” password doesn’t work, they’re locked out. Make sure every printer in your organization has: 

  • A strong, unique admin password. 
  • No reused passwords across devices. 

Step 2: Disable Remote Management (If You Don’t Need It) 

If your printers don’t need to be managed from outside your local network, turn off remote access entirely. 

Step 3: Restrict Network Exposure 

Put printers on an internal VLAN that’s isolated from public-facing systems. Only allow management traffic from authorized devices. 

Step 4: Apply All Other Vendor Patches 

While the default password issue can’t be patched away, related vulnerabilities can. Check your vendor’s official security advisories regularly, especially Brother’s if you own affected models. 

Step 5: Review of Printer Security in Your IT Policy 

Make printer configuration and password changes part of your standard IT onboarding process. Treat them like you would a new laptop or router. 

 

Why This Vulnerability Won’t Just “Fade Away” 

Unlike software bugs that eventually disappear when everyone updates, hardware-level issues can linger for years. Printers are often replaced on multi-year cycles, meaning many vulnerable devices will still be in service well into the late 2020s. 

That’s why the fix has to be policy-based every time a new printer comes into the building, your team should contact Total PC so we can:

  1. Change the admin credentials. 
  2. Lock down network access. 
  3. Disable unnecessary services. 

 

Avoiding the “Set It and Forget It” Trap 

Printer security isn’t a one-and-done task. Over time, settings can get changed, new vulnerabilities can be discovered, and old policies can be forgotten. 

Total PC is constantly performing: 

  • Running device audits, checking firmware, passwords, and network exposure. 
  • Integrating printers into vulnerability scans, treating them like any other endpoint. 

What smart companies can do: 

  • Training staff — so even non-IT team members know not to share admin passwords or plug printers into unsecured networks. 

 

The Bigger Lesson 

The CVE-2024-51978 story isn’t just about printers. It’s a reminder that any network-connected device can be a security risk, even if it’s not the flashiest piece of tech in the office. 

Printers just happen to be the overlooked elephants in the room: used by everyone, managed by few, and rarely updated unless something breaks. 

 

What to Do Today if you are not on a service contract with Total PC  

If you’re a business owner or even the unofficial “tech person” in your office, here’s your quick action list for today: 

  1. Inventory every network-connected printer: model, serial number, firmware version. 
  2. Change admin credentials on all of them. 
  3. Limit access, allow internal network only, if possible. 
  4. Update firmware to the latest available version. 
  5. Document everything so you can repeat the process regularly. 

 

Brought to You by Total PC 

This security advisory is brought to you by Total PC, helping businesses stay safe and competitive in a connected world. 

From network security and support to VoIP services, AI solutions, and custom development, we help clients in: 

  • Healthcare 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Financial services 
  • Retail 

Our team can help you secure your network-connected devices, from printers to servers, so vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-51978 never put your business at risk. 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

AI
ChatGPT-5: What’s New and Why It Matters for Your Business 

In August 2025, OpenAI released ChatGPT-5, its most advanced version yet. Unlike earlier models, this one is better at remembering information, thinking through complex problems, and working with text, pictures, and sound all at once. For companies, that means an AI that feels less like a chatbot and more like a real assistant that can actually help with day-to-day work. 

Key Improvements 

ChatGPT-5 makes conversations smoother and more useful, especially when things get complicated. 

– Smarter Answers: It can decide when a quick reply is enough and when to slow down and think through a tough problem step by step. 

– Much Better Memory: It can keep track of far more information in a single conversation, like reading an entire book or report and still remembering the first page when you ask about the last. 

– Understands More Than Text: You can show it a chart, picture, or even use voice, and it can respond naturally better than before. 

– Takes Action: It can now connect with calendars, email, or other apps to get things done (like scheduling a meeting or drafting a reply), though that requires a expensive subscription. 

– More Reliable: It makes fewer mistakes and is more likely to say “I don’t know” instead of making something up, but it still makes mistakes from time to time, so you still need to be aware of that and sometimes ask it to double-check it’s response. 

– Adapts Its Tone: You can set it to sound formal, friendly, or casual, and it will stick to that style consistently. 

Why This Matters for Business 

These upgrades translate into practical benefits for almost any organization. 

– Customer Support: Can answer detailed customer questions instantly using all your manuals and FAQs. 

– Marketing & Content: Creates social posts, product descriptions, or newsletters that fit your company’s style. 

– Routine Tasks: Pulls numbers from a spreadsheet, writes a quick report, and even sends an email, all in one go. 

– Decision Help: Reads long reports and highlights the important points so managers can act faster. 

– IT and Office Help: Can assist with simple coding, fixing formulas, or automating repetitive computer work. 

– Global Reach: Translates messages smoothly, keeping the meaning and tone across languages. 

How It Compares to Others 

GPT-5 now sits at the front of the AI pack, but each competitor has its niche. 

– Grok 4 (Musk’s AI): Good at tough math and live internet search. But memory is smaller, and it’s less creative. 

– Google Gemini: Strong with pictures and built into Google tools. Not as sharp in problem-solving. 

– Claude (Anthropic): Polite and cautious, good for long documents. GPT-5 now matches or surpasses it in most areas. 

Things to Watch Out For 

Even with all the progress, GPT-5 isn’t perfect. 

– Still Makes Mistakes: It’s better, but you still need to double-check important answers. 

– Outdated Knowledge: Its training only goes up to late 2024 unless you connect it to live search. 

– Privacy Matters: Safe by default, but you shouldn’t feed it sensitive customer or financial details unless you’re using the enterprise version. 

– Free vs Paid Plans: The free version is fine for small tasks, but bigger jobs (like reading long reports) require a paid plan and some features are locked behind the pro subscription. 

– Learning Curve: Staff need some practice on how to ask the AI questions and how to review its answers. 

– Not a Human: It can draft a contract or health tip, but it’s not a lawyer or doctor, experts still need to be involved. Sometimes it will be spot on, sometimes way off. 

How to Get Started 

The best way to adopt GPT-5 is to start small and grow from there. 

– Choose Simple Tasks: Customer emails, social media posts, or first-draft reports. 

– Run a Trial: Test it in one team for a month and track results. 

– Train Your Staff: Show them how to ask clear questions and check answers. 

– Plug It In: Use it inside tools you already use, like Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook. 

– Review and Improve: Gather feedback, refine how it’s used, and set rules for what AI can and cannot do. 

– Stay Curious: AI changes fast, keep an eye on updates and new features. In a few months, everything might have changed. 

– In plain terms: ChatGPT-5 is more capable, more reliable, and more practical than past versions or most competitors. Used wisely, it can save time, improve service, and help people make better decisions without replacing human judgment. 

 

📞 Call: 386.868.2572
🌐 Contact us: totalpc.com/contact-us 

 

 

Uncategorized
👋 Farewell, Skype. Hello, Microsoft Teams.

🤔 What you need to know about the migration – and how to make it painless.

📉 Why Is Skype Going Away?

Microsoft is officially retiring Skype for Business and Skype (free version) to make way for Microsoft Teams, a more integrated, flexible communication platform.

Here’s why:

• Skype is outdated and lacks the collaboration tools modern teams need.

• Microsoft Teams combines chat, calling, file sharing, video conferencing, and app integration all in one.

• Support and updates for Skype are ending. Staying on it long-term could expose your business to security risks and compatibility issues.

If you’ve been seeing those “Migrate to Teams” popups, this is why!

⚠️ Before You Begin: Important Note About Teams Accounts

These instructions will help you move your existing Skype account into Microsoft Teams (Free). This can be useful if you want to preserve old conversations or maintain your Skype contacts.

However, if you already use Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, or OneDrive, then you likely already have a Microsoft 365 Teams account set up for your organization.

✅ In that case, we recommend using your existing Teams account instead of creating a new one. It will:

• Automatically connect you with coworkers in your company

• Unlock all Teams features (like shared calendars, file storage, and admin controls)

• Provide better integration across your Microsoft apps

You should only follow the steps below if you want to use your Skype account as a backup or are not part of a Microsoft 365 business subscription.

🛠️ How to Move from Skype to Teams – Step-by-Step

These instructions will allow you to keep your existing Skype account and move it into Teams. However, if you use Office/Word/Excel/Outlook, chances are you already have an existing Teams account. In which case, you should only follow these steps if you wish to keep a “backup” of your old conversations. You should use the Teams account that is already setup for you as it will “link” you to everyone else in your organization automatically and also provide you with the full features of Teams. The steps below only provides basic features.

Step 1: Watch for the Prompt in Skype
You’ll receive a notification in Skype that says it’s time to start using Microsoft Teams. Click Start using Teams to either launch the app (if installed) or begin downloading it.

Step 2: Install Microsoft Teams (If You Haven’t Already)

• Visit this page to download the Teams app for desktop or mobile.

• Or, you can use Teams on the web.

Step 3: Sign in With Your Skype Account
Use your current Skype email and password to sign in to Microsoft Teams. Your contacts and recent chat history will automatically carry over.

Step 4: Click “Get Started”
After logging in, click the Get Started button to begin setup.

⚠️ If you don’t see it, make sure you’re part of the Skype Insider and Teams Insider programs.

Step 5: Confirm Your Profile Details
You may be prompted to:

• Review your profile picture – click Continue to confirm.

• Verify your name – update or confirm your first and last name, then click Confirm.

Step 6: You’re All Set!
Your Teams Free account is now ready! You can:

• Chat with your old Skype contacts

• Make voice or video calls

• Explore added features like file sharing, meetings, and calendars

🔗 Need More In-Depth Help?

We’ve summarized the basics, but Microsoft has a complete transition guide:
👉 View the official Microsoft support page here

🤝 Need Help Migrating? We’ve Got You.

At Total PC, we help businesses transition smoothly to Microsoft Teams with:

• Chat history and file backup

• User setup and team structuring

• Training and remote support for your staff

📞 Schedule a Migration Consultation by contacting support – or just reach out your usual way and we’ll get you sorted.

Don’t wait until Skype stops working. Let’s get you up and running with Teams the right way.

NetworkingVoIP
☎️ Communication Unleashed: Why Now’s the Time to Switch to VoIP

🤑 And why Total PC clients are getting the best deal on it

If you’re still using traditional phone systems, you’re missing out—on savings, on features, and on flexibility. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets your business calls run through the internet instead of outdated phone lines. That means lower costs and smarter tools.

At Total PC, we’re offering exclusive discounts on VoIP service for our existing clients—just one more way we’re helping you stay connected and competitive.

🔍 What Is VoIP (and Why It’s Better)?

VoIP lets you make and receive calls using your internet connection. No clunky equipment or expensive telecom contracts. Just clear, reliable communication.

Here’s what VoIP can offer:

• 📞 Unlimited local & long-distance calling

• 💬 Voicemail-to-email (no more missed messages)

• 🧑‍💻 Video conferencing & call routing

• 📱 Mobile app support (take your business line anywhere)

• 🧩 Easy integration with CRMs and help desk tools

And with Total PC managing your system, there’s no tech headaches—just plug-and-play simplicity.

💰 Why Total PC’s VoIP Offer Is a No-Brainer

We’ve negotiated lower-than-retail pricing on VoIP systems—and we’re passing those savings directly to our clients. That means:

• No hidden fees

• Full support and installation included

• Same technology that big companies use—at a fraction of the cost

Most providers charge extra for many of these features. With us? It’s bundled in.

🧠 Already Have a Phone System?

No problem. We’ll help you:

• Compare your current setup with a Total PC VoIP upgrade

• Migrate numbers and call trees with zero downtime

• Train your team to use the new system efficiently

Whether you’re upgrading one line or your whole office, we make the switch simple.

🎯 Ready to Modernize Your Phones?

If you’re a Total PC customer, you’re already eligible for discounted VoIP services. Let’s talk about what setup fits your business—and how we can get you live, fast.

📞 Get My VoIP Quote Now
No pressure. Just answers.

AI
🤖 How Artificial Intelligence Can (Actually) Help Your Business

🧙‍♂️ And why it’s not just hype… but also not magic

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for Silicon Valley giants anymore. Today, small and medium-sized businesses are using A.I. to automate repetitive tasks, boost productivity, and even improve customer service.

But with great power comes… great data risks. 🕵️‍♂️

At Total PC, we’re seeing more of our clients explore A.I. tools and we’ve put together this guide to help you do it the smart way.

✅ What A.I. Can Do for Your Business Right Now

1. Save Time on Everyday Tasks
AI can automate everything from scheduling emails to generating reports or responding to routine customer questions. Tools like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot are becoming mainstream in office environments.

2. Enhance Customer Service
Smart chatbots or automated phone menus powered by AI can reduce wait times and improve your customers’ experience—even when your human staff is offline.

3. Smarter Document Management
AI-powered systems can search, sort, and classify documents much faster than a human, which can save hours every week for teams that handle a lot of files.

🚧 What You Need to Watch Out For

1. Data Privacy & Compliance Risks
Most AI tools rely on feeding in data, and that can mean customer info, passwords, or business IP. If you’re not careful, you could be sending sensitive info to third-party systems without realizing it.

2. Over-Automation
AI should assist your staff, not replace them entirely. Handing over too much to automation too fast can create problems that are hard to untangle—especially with customer interactions.

3. The Learning Curve
Every tool has a setup process and a learning phase. Don’t expect overnight results. Without proper training or integration support, AI can become shelfware (software no one actually uses).

4. Future-Proofing your Data
When you upload your data to an online platform, remember this: you may be giving up control of it forever.
Even if today’s A.I. tools promise security, that data is stored somewhere, and as technology evolves, so do the risks to that saved data. For example, quantum computing is already on the horizon. And while it may bring breakthroughs, it could also make today’s encryption obsolete overnight.
That means files you thought were secure in 2025… might be wide open in 2026.

🔐 The takeaway? Always assume that anything you share with third-party A.I. systems could one day be exposed. Plan accordingly—and keep sensitive info local when possible.

💡 Should You Use AI In Your Business?

Short answer: Yes—but with guardrails.

Before you adopt any A.I. platform, ask:

• What data will this tool access?

• Who will manage and monitor its usage?

• How does this align with our current security policies?

🛠️ How Total PC Can Help

We help our clients:

• Evaluate A.I. tools before adopting them

• Train staff on how to use them efficiently and securely

• Set up safe usage policies and permissions

• Ensure data privacy and compliance with industry standards

Whether you’re just testing the waters or ready to roll out AI company-wide, we’re here to make sure you do it safely—and get your money’s worth.

👉 Ready to explore how A.I. could benefit your business?
Let’s talk about what makes sense for your size, industry, and goals.

📅 Schedule a Free A.I. Consultation

New
Be Internet Awesome!

Google has launched a fun way for kids to understand how to be safe on the internet, but that doesn’t mean no grown ups allowed. There is a lot you can learn about internet safety with these games. If you’ve ever not understood how certain things work or you are always paranoid about your actions online then it’s worth a look.

 

Be Internet Smart

This section of the game teaches you what things are safe to share and with who. Things like sharing your location or certain pictures you would want to make sure only friends or family can see. Some people post information or status updates that are available to the public and people not on your friends list. It is also a good reminder to not share private information like your phone number or address with people you don’t know.

 

Be Internet Alert

Scammers are all over the internet and it can be hard sometimes to know if something is a scam. And even if you know that something is a scam, what steps are you supposed to take to stay safe? There are some things taught here that many adults may not know, so this section is definitely worth a look.

 

Be Internet Strong

Things like passwords, card information, or even sensitive photos need to be protected. This section helps you keep your private stuff private. Creating a strong password is extremely important!

 

Be Internet Kind

Children have difficulty with cyber-bullying. You may already know to be kind and cordial online, but it is helpful to remember to talk to people online as if you were face to face.

 

Be Internet Brave

It is important to know what you don’t know. If you don’t understand something it is better to ask someone who would know the answer, like your I.T. administrator! ☺

If you are interested in this game you can click the link below.

Software
What does it mean when Microsoft discontinues a product?

As an I.T. administrator any time a product is announced to be discontinued a slew of emails come in asking me “what do we do!?” It may seem like you’re being bullied into upgrading but that’s not at all the case. Any company has to cycle out old products to focus on new products. That’s all they’re doing. They support products as long as possible but there comes a time when they must refocus their efforts on bigger and better things. On the other hand when they start popping up notices every time you turn on your computer, that’s a bit more invasive.

It was sad to see the once great Windows XP operating system lose support back on April 8th, 2014, but even 3 years later I still see it frequently in use. Is that a concern? Well, yes and no. It really depends on how it’s used. I wouldn’t suggest using your Windows XP system to surf the web any longer. Fewer browsers are supporting updates, anti-virus solutions are slowly moving away from supporting XP and as a result it’s slowly becoming obsolete and more of a security risk in business environments. However, some smaller companies that depend on software that’s tried and true on their XP systems sometimes experience large costs associated with being forced to upgrade. With proper precautions these systems can still be safely utilized. For starters up to date anti-virus is a must. Content filtering is also a good idea just to prevent idle hands from visiting dangerous places on the internet. Whether it’s an operating system or software, just because it’s being discontinued doesn’t mean you have to upgrade immediately. They’re not going to automatically uninstall it from your system, they’re just not going to offer any further updates nor offer answers to any questions you may have about that particular software. Take the upcoming End of Life for Microsoft Office 2007 on October 10th, 2017 for example, the last major update was back on October 25th, 2011. Likely every possible question you could have about Office 2007 is already answered somewhere online. So, although Microsoft is saying they’re discontinuing the product in a few months, it has not needed much support for several years now.

Once discontinued a product will eventually become obsolete. That’s the point at which upgrading does make sense. As I said earlier, XP’s browser options are diminishing which makes surfing the internet difficult. Forget about Internet Explorer 8, you’d have to use FireFox to view most websites these days on a Windows XP system. But, eventually no browsers will offer a good web experience on XP, making upgrading to a newer OS a necessary decision. To sum it all up, don’t concern yourself too much about End of Life notices. Don’t brush them off completely, but you have plenty of time to figure out an upgrade plan.

Security
Secure Your Passwords

 
How important is it to have a strong password? Passwords keep your information, money, and identity safe. Here are some ways to keep yourself safe.

Complexity

The best way to keep yourself safe is to have a password that can’t be cracked easily. The password should have uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This prevents hackers from using dictionary attacks.

If your password is too simple (123456, password, etc.) it will be cracked in no time. To see how long it will take hackers to guess your password try this Password Cracking Estimator.

Multiple Passwords

Having just one or two passwords makes you vulnerable to getting all of the websites you use hacked as well. Once they correctly guess your password on let’s say eBay, they will try it on PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, or anywhere else you could have a sensitive information saved.

It is best to have at least four different passwords and to try and change them regularly.

Do Not Save Your Passwords

It is not smart to keep a list of your passwords anywhere. Even if you just write them down on a sticky note or in a notebook, someone could still get their hands on it. The best method is to just to keep them in your head but if you really need to write it down keep it somewhere safe and not just out in the open (On your monitor or under your keyboard).

 
Changing your passwords, having multiple passwords, and keeping them complex and secret is the best way to keep your information safe.

Copyright © 2025 Total PC