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applications

Do You Know What Software Is Installed On Your Computers?

Most businesses have a pretty good idea how many computers they own. They may even know who uses each one.

But ask what software is installed on those computers and the answer can be much less certain.

Over time, employees install PDF tools, browser extensions, meeting applications, printer utilities, and other software they need to get something done.

Some of it is useful. Some was installed for a project three years ago and hasn’t been opened since. And some probably should never have been installed in the first place.

The problem isn’t necessarily that employees are doing anything wrong. Most are simply trying to get their work done. But every piece of software installed on a business PC becomes something that needs to be managed.

Software adds up quickly

Think about a computer that’s been in service for several years. Employees may have installed utilities. Before long, that computer can have dozens of programs beyond the applications the business actually uses.

Each one represents another potential maintenance or security issue.

Software needs updates. Older applications may stop receiving them altogether. Some programs install background services that continue running even when nobody uses the application.

A program doesn’t have to be malicious to become a problem. It may simply be old, forgotten, and vulnerable.

Free software isn’t always free

Employees often search online when they need to perform a task their existing software can’t handle.

Need to edit a PDF? Search for a free PDF editor. Need to convert a file? Download a converter.

The employee may solve the immediate problem, but nobody has reviewed the software, its publisher, or what else was included with the installation.

This is one reason administrator access should be limited on company computers. Requiring IT approval before software is installed creates an opportunity to make sure the program is legitimate, supported, and appropriate for business use.

Don’t forget the web browser

Not everything employees use appears in the Windows list of installed programs. Browser extensions have become applications of their own. Employees may add extensions for screenshots, grammar checking, productivity, document handling, or dozens of other purposes.

Depending on the permissions granted, an extension may be able to read information displayed in the browser or access information employees enter online.

Many extensions are legitimate and useful. Businesses should still know which ones are being used and remove those that aren’t necessary or approved.

Remote access deserves special attention

IT providers and software vendors frequently use remote access tools for legitimate support. Employees may also install their own remote access application so they can reach a work computer from home.

The problem comes when nobody knows those programs are there.

Old remote support applications can remain installed long after a vendor relationship has ended. Your IT provider should know which remote access tools are installed, who uses them, and why they are needed.

Start with an inventory

Modern IT management tools can collect an inventory of installed applications across company computers. That information can then be reviewed for software that is outdated, unnecessary, unauthorized, or no longer supported.

Pay particular attention to remote access programs, old versions of common applications, software from unknown publishers, and applications installed by former employees.

The goal isn’t to strip every computer down to the bare essentials. Employees need tools to do their jobs.

The goal is to know what’s there.

Once you have an inventory, establish a simple process for approving new software and periodically reviewing what’s installed.

Your computers shouldn’t accumulate software forever. If nobody knows what a program does, who installed it, or whether it’s still needed, that’s a good reason to take a closer look.

Ask your IT provider to review the software installed across your company computers. You may be surprised by what’s been quietly collecting there.

Line Of Business Applications: Efficiency & Productivity

Jason Cooley is Support Services Manager for Tech Experts.
As someone who works with businesses of all types, I see a wide range of line of business applications in action on a regular basis.

Whether it‘s tracking inventory, calculating loan payments, estimating material cost for a construction project, keeping sales records, or preparing taxes, there is probably an app for that.

You may be wondering: what are line of business applications exactly? A line of business app is any application that serves a particular business need or assists with customer transactions in some way.

It differs from something like an email app, which could be considered a business application, but since it doesn’t apply to a specific industry or specific need, it wouldn’t be a line of business application.

For some people newer to the workforce, the days of old are never even considered. Remember when all restaurants used pen and paper to take orders?

The implementation of a point-of-sale system in restaurants eventually served as an all-in-one solution. Taking orders, keeping track of daily sales and cash totals, even inventory tracking and clocking in/out can be done all from the same program.

Tax preparation and accounting software, too, has come so far. Whether you have all internal or outsourced accounting, the days of having to do much more than signing the forms after printing are over. I’m not talking using an online tax prep program at home. I mean, large scale businesses filing end of the year taxes.

Keeping monthly ledgers, banking records for large corporations, strange tax situations, incomes from multiple states, and just about anything else can be found in good line of business tax and accounting software. So much of this information was only done on paper for so many companies not that long ago.

While many companies (particularly very small businesses) may not have the business scale to require this type of software, it’s time-saving and the accuracy assurance cannot be denied.

The examples above are just a few of many implementations of line of business applications and how they replace the ways of the past.

There are some free line of business applications out there and I am sure there are some that are acceptable for their purposes. But the adage is true: you get what you pay for.

Good corporate-level line of business applications often come with some costs involved. Whether that’s purchasing application licensing, paying a monthly or yearly usage fee, and for support for the applications, there will be an investment.

So how do you know if your investment will be worth it in the long run? How can you be sure using a new line of business app will be beneficial?

If you are looking for software to make your business operate more efficiently but have questions as to how the implementation will work or if the cost is worth the benefits, reach out to the software company.

In many instances, there will be trials or demonstrations available that you just have to inquire about. Emailing or making a phone call with specific questions can really help you have a more informed look at your upcoming investment.

If you are a business that uses a managed service provider, like Tech Experts, you should also interface with your IT provider. They may have insight from other clients or past experiences and should be a part of any technology change your business is looking into.

Your productivity and efficiency could be on its way up and, here at Tech Experts, we’d love to help you get there.