The Big Picture
The Main Point, a 30-year-old Pittsburgh consulting company, found itself solving everyone’s problems except its own. While successfully offering fresh finance and business strategies to family-owned small businesses, The Main Point team was struggling to move their IT operations from Windows to Mac. An environment of PCs running Windows was becoming ineffective at meeting client needs. The Main Point, with about 50 percent of its clients outside the Pittsburgh area, needed to switch to the Mac platform to keep pace.

The Challenge
After trying to transition from Windows to Mac and encountering one obstacle after another, The Main Point team needed outsourced help. They were searching for an IT support company that offered Apple product and macOS expertise, as well as a high level of client service. “We’re a small business and we rely on our information technology 1,000 percent,” explained Emily Melious, Managing Partner at The Main Point. “We don’t have an IT department and we can’t afford one. If we’re down, we’re down.” Melious needed to gain the benefit of IT capability and support but at a fraction of an in-house resource — a tall task. Read More...

Tags: macintosh, Support

Text messaging has become one of the most important ways we communicate with each other. With Apple users, iMessage has quickly become just as important. When you’re using your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or even your Mac, you gain access to a variety of features that make texting your friends and family quicker, easier, and more personal. When using iMessage to text another Apple user, or just sending a regular SMS, the handy features of Apple’s Messages App make it a joy! Read More...

Tags: iMessage, SMS, texting

Email is an integral part of most people’s lives. It’s how we communicate with each other in both the professional world and on a more personal level. When using email on your Mac, most of us use the “Mail” application, but did you know that there are other email client options? Airmail is a email client that enhances the user experience while making the emailing process more fluid and intuitive. Read More...

Tags: mail, Email

Cranston IT understands that a working computer is vitally important to you. We also understand that any interruption in being able to use your computer costs you time and money. Here at Cranston IT, we have a solution to help detect common problems early and solve them as quickly as possible. With the CIT Alert system, you can take the worry out of your everyday operations.
CIT Alert (CITA) is a program available to our customers that use Mac computers. This program’s main purpose is to catch a problem quickly when it occurs. Once installed on a computer, CITA conducts hourly checks to ensure everything is running smoothly. During these hourly checks, any warning signs that indicate that vital software or hardware are failing are inspected. Read More...

Tags: Alerts, monitoring

The next, great generation of iPads has landed, and as usual, they’re revolutionizing the world of tablets. Last month Apple announced the release of both the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. Two of the most anticipated updates to both the Mini and Air are the addition of Touch ID and the new gold finish. Touch ID allows users to unlock their device, make App Store, iTunes, and iBooks purchases, all using their fingerprint. The new gold finish makes these iPads the most beautiful yet, but don’t let appearances fool you. Read More...

One of the advantages to being an Apple user is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you are protected against the viruses that plague many other machines. While Macs are far safer than most other computers, they are still susceptible to some problems. The SSL POODLE bug is a flaw in encryption software that can allow a hacker to monitor the encrypted information that is sent over a network between your browser and secure sites. This means that sensitive information such as account information that you send encrypted over the internet could be seen and gathered by others. While the SSL POODLE bug may seem scary, it really only poses a threat when using public wifi networks. Often hackers create fake public wifi networks at places like coffee shops or restaurants. When logged into these networks, hackers can gain access to the information sent via your browser. Read More...

Tags: SSL, Poodle, Hacking

As a small business ourselves, we at Cranston IT understand that there are lots of challenges that the modern small business face. You may need to be able to access your important data from different locations such as your office, warehouse, production floor or on the road. It is often critical that your information stays up to date or you may need to create a workflow process that employees can follow. Maybe you’re looking to make the transition from working on paper to electronically or perhaps you are trying to eliminate double entries of data. Whatever problem your business is looking to overcome, we at Cranston IT have a solution. Read More...

Tags: FileMaker, database, developer

We use our Apple devices for everything. From watching movies, listening to music, staying organized with calendars and reminders, and keeping connected; our Apple devices are powerful tools. Often there is a need to share all of this important information with those who are the most important to us, our families. iOS 8 has created a solution that will change the way you and your family interact digitally, Family Share. Family Share lets you sync up to six individual Apple IDs and share App Store purchases, photos, calendars, and much more. Read More...

Tags: ICloud, Family Sharing, App Store, ITunes

One of the advantages that Apple computers offer over Microsoft is their resistance to viruses and other software that can have potentially devastating affects on your computer. While your computer may not be in imminent danger, there is potential for annoying programs such as adware and malware to affect the function of your machine. Malware is software that is installed on your computer and written to do harm like steal or erase data. Adware does not have such damaging consequences, but once installed it can be very annoying by causing popup windows with ads to appear continually on your computer, often trying to get you to purchase software to remove the ads it’s causing. In addition, these popup windows can cause your computer to run more slowly. Read More...

Tags: malware, Sophos, xprotect, Watchman, Adware

Success Story: Scott Hare Law Office

The Big Picture
Scott Hare Law Office in Pittsburgh is dedicated to the highest standard of service for its clients. In an effort to maintain high productivity levels among its staff yet increase the degree of security around client information, the firm wanted to switch to a Mac-dedicated IT landscape. Knowing the potential pitfalls of migrating to a new computing network environment, Scott Hare, the CEO and founder, sought to outsource the project. Read More...

Tags: macintosh, Support, Server, Backup

Apple has the uncanny ability to create products that their consumers need, before anyone recognizes the need. The exciting release of the Apple Watch follows in the footsteps of prior products by promising to become the next product we can't live without. The Apple Watch is part timepiece, fashion statement, calendar, communication tool, and so much more.

The first impression of the Apple Watch reveals a stunning product. Apple has made the Apple Watch completely customizable with three different styles: the traditional watch, the sport version, and the 18 karat gold edition. Choose between two different face sizes, band styles, and metal types to create the watch of your dreams. The physical appearance of the watch isn't the only thing that can be customized, you can also choose between different watch faces, making sure you can get the time just how you like it. Read More...

Tags: Watch, Apple, new product

Bigger isn't always better, but with the release of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple is changing our minds. With a overhaul in design, two sizes, and amazing new advancements in technology, Apple has once again outdone themselves.

The iPhone 6 and brand new iPhone 6 Plus are completely reimagined. The iPhone 6 is not only taller, but also wider and amazingly thin when compared to past generations. The iPhone 6 Plus comes in at an unheard of 5.5 inches tall and takes all of the incredible feature of the iPhone and effortlessly proves that bigger is sometimes better. Size isn't the only thing that's changed on iPhone 6, the new brilliantly clear and vibrant HD retina display seamlessly connects to the body of the iPhone, making a much more fluid experience. Read More...

Tags: IPhone, Reviews, IPhone6

The Big Picture
ThoughtForm Design is a visual communication design consultancy firm located in Pittsburgh. When the company lost its internal IT manager in 2010, ThoughtForm Design began the search for an outside resource to modernize its IT infrastructure, provide ongoing user support and offer personal one-to-one attention. Read More...

Tags: IT Support, network, Server

Wallets can often feel like a black hole. We all have multiple cards for different accounts. Business expense cards, credit cards, gift cards, rewards cards and more; they junk up our wallet and often have us scrambling at the register. Wouldn’t it be great if you only had one card for everything? Coin is a creative solution that promises to solve this problem by storing all of your cards in one convenient location. Read More...

Tags: Credit Card, Security

Apple is known for designing platforms which enable people to fulfill their creative potential. Whether it’s using Pages, GarageBand, or iPhoto, Apple developed their products around enabling creativity along with productivity since their conception. iBook Author is a free mac application that further promotes the creative spirit allowing users to write, format, and sell their ebooks on the iBooks app. Read More...

Tags: eBooks, IBooks, Publishing, os x

The Big Picture
GasketsRock, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a manufacturing and installation company that develops commercial refrigerator gaskets of the highest OEM quality for hotels, casinos, restaurants and others. The company depends heavily on technology to streamline its business processes and improve its bottom line. In fact, technology enables GasketsRock to reduce the cost of supply chain management, product design and the overall manufacturing process. When the business experienced a surprise growth spurt, it needed to outsource an IT support company to help keep up with customer demand.

The Challenge
Job 1 was clear — GasketsRock needed to rebuild its database to modernize workflow and optimize scalability. The company was working with a database developer unable to keep pace with its growing business and evolving IT needs. Worse, its FileMaker database was experiencing numerous problems and wasn’t as scalable as needed. GasketsRock needed to make a change, according to Christopher Bladen, Director of Business Development. “We had issues trying to create an efficient process that would allow us to receive orders from across the country,” he said. “A process that would then convert those orders into a format that the factory could utilize for the manufacturing process.” Read More...

Tags: FileMaker, database

June’s announcement of iOS 8 is full of beautiful new features. Apple’s aim for the new release is to make the interface feel more natural. Every upgrade and new feature has a purpose and is designed to enhance the user’s experience. With changes to the keyboard, pictures, and much more, iOS 8 is poised to be the best mobile operating system yet. Family Sharing, Messages, and Health are three new features and upgrades that make iOS 8 truly spectacular. Read More...

Not being able to open a file because of out-of-date software or not having the right program can be frustrating. Often we are scrambling for a way to convert the file which usually ends in downloading programs that don't work anyway. Zamzar is a free web based service that allows you to convert virtually any file type. There are no programs to download and no credit card needed; just log onto zamzar.com and create an account. Zamzar supports 1,200 file types which include audio or video files and allows you to simply upload a file and choose what you’d like to convert it to. Aiming to convert your file in under 10 minutes, Zamzar delivers in speed and convenience. Read More...

Tags: File Conversion, Cloud

In a electronic age where fast pace business environments have become the norm, using services such as file sharing, tasks lists, and instant messaging has taken over the way we collaborate. Often, we have different programs or services that is being used to fulfill these different needs which can lead to losing data, or at best managing many windows. Samepage.io is a unique website that allows you to collaborate in all the ways you did before, just in one convenient location. Read More...

Tags: Reviews, Cloud, Business, Collaboration

Planning a getaway can be fun, but often we find ourselves lost in the never ending details of confirmation numbers, addresses, directions, and flight information. The overwhelming amount of logistics is often made even more complicated when you need to share your trip plans with friends and family. TripIt is a free service that takes all of your travel plans, cuts out the useless information, and compiles them in to a simple, easy-to-read itinerary that you can share with anyone who needs to know your plans. Read More...

Tags: travel, Reviews, Cloud

Nothing gets the tech world buzzing like the annual World Wide Developers Conference and with it comes many exciting announcements from Apple. This week Apple announced their new operating system for Mac, Yosemite, which will be released to download sometime this fall. In typical Apple fashion, Yosemite offers a slew of new and exciting features that are sure to revolutionize the way we interact with Macs and mobile devices. Handoff, iCloud Drive, and notifications are just three of the innovative new features Yosemite has to offer. Read More...

Tags: Yosemite, os x, Handoff, ICloud, notifications, Spotlight

As a kid, overprotective moms were annoying. Whether you or your best friend had one, they were always there, having you check in every five minutes. As an adult, sometimes you may wish that you still had a paranoid mother looking over your shoulder. There’s good news! Kitestring is that overprotective mom you wish you had! Read More...

Tags: Safety, Cloud

What if I told you that I’m typing this sentence using nothing but my voice? Well, I’m actually using my voice and the handy new dictation feature that comes with the Mavericks operating system. With the many amazing new features that Mavericks offers, its easy to over look some of the less showy improvements. Dictation and Enhanced Dictation are two truly remarkable innovations that will change the way you type. Read More...

When it comes to an Apple based business management software, it’s no secret that Daylite is one of the best. Recently Daylite released its newest version, Daylite 5, that takes an already great product and makes it more valuable. Read More...

Tags: daylite, CRM, Reviews

Cranston IT is pleased to welcome Brad Cranston to our team of FileMaker Developers. Brad has been working as a subcontractor for Cranston IT since January, 2013, however, we felt hiring Brad as a full-time FileMaker Developer would truly benefit our business and our clients. Brad joined our team on January 1st, 2014.
When we started to grow rapidly, we realized we needed to hire another FileMaker developer to assist with developing and handling custom databases for our clients. Patrick Cranston, President at Cranston IT, took Brad under his wing to teach him how to build, troubleshoot, and update databases. Read More...

Tags: FileMaker

“Where’s the laptop?” That was the haunting question one of our own employees, Kelsey Lewis, was asking after her apartment was broken into one night during a recent visit to Thailand. While she was out, burglars had gotten away with a MacBook Air and iPad. After confirming that they had been stolen, she didn't panic, instead she turned to Find My iPhone. Read More...

Tags: IOS, App, tracking, laptops, IPhone, IPad

The internet is a powerful tool that has transformed and enriched our lives. With new ways to communicate, it’s good to be aware of potential danger that could cost you. Internet scams are nothing new, but with ever changing technology and smarter scammers, it’s becoming more difficult to tell when someone might be trying to pull a fast one. Below are some of the most common internet scams and ways to detect and avoid future threats.

Phishing is an email scam that uses well known companies to trick you into giving sensitive information. Here’s how it works: you get an email for a company, such as your bank, saying they need you to immediately sign into your account and provide a link for you to do so. Once you click on the link, you are taken to a website that looks like that of the trusted site. If you provide your login credentials, they are saved and used to access your account. If you receive an email requesting sensitive information, it is probably a phishing scam. Read More...

Tags: Scams, macintosh, Email, Internet, Web, Web Browsing

While the iPad was designed to be used with your finger, there are definitely times when having a stylus can be a big benefit. This can be especially true when taking notes or drawing. There are apps designed specially for these activities, but using your finger is uncomfortable for most users. So what are your options?

There are numerous low cost options for styluses that range in cost from $10 - $20. These are okay but don’t offer any special functionality. For people who are going to be using a stylus on a frequent basis, they may want a better one. There are two styluses that are marketed as high performance and come with high end price tags. The styluses are the Jot Script ($75) and the Pencil ($60). Do either of the styluses live up to their marketing claims and hefty price tags? Read More...

Tags: Reviews, Pencil, Paper, Jot, Stylus

We use google for everything. From finding restaurant reviews, to questions on current events, and settling arguments between friends, Google has become our lifeline. From time-to-time we all Google things we want to keep private, and clearing the search history removes all previous search results, right? Unfortunately, no. Your searched history is tracked and compiled into a profile that can be sold. Not only can unique information about you be bought, but Google also keeps track of all your search history, which can be legally requested. Is all of this data collections a little alarming? Don’t panic, use DuckDuckGo.com Read More...

Tags: Reviews, Search engine, google

It’s a mantra here at Cranston IT. Backup, backup, and then backup again. We know we sound like a broken record. Why do we advise this time and time again? Well, sadly, if you don’t back up then when that inevitable glitch, user error or hardware failure occurs you’re going to have a problem. Sometimes it’s going to be a major problem.
If that crash does occur and you realize you didn’t back up your data, then what? There are still recovery options available through professional data recovery services. These services can be expensive but if your critical data is on a failed drive, it can be well worth the price of recovery. Read More...

Tags: data recovery, Hard drive

Learning is a lifetime pursuit that doesn’t stop at the end of our college careers. However, with lives that are busy, finding the time to take a class or attend a seminar may seem impossible. Apple’s application, iTunes U, is a great tool that will help you expand your mind while making it easy, fun and free! Read More...

Tags: ITunes, Education, Free, online training

If you’re like most people, combing through masses of junk emails and unwanted subscriptions is just part of your daily routine. More often than not, we’re hitting the delete button. On occasion you might feel inspired to clean up your inbox and vow to unsubscribe from pesky emails, but finding the “unsubscribe” button and completing the prompts is tedious and time consuming. With a new web service, Unroll.me, claiming to revolutionize email, you can finally keep your promise and clean out your inbox once and for all. Read More...

Tags: Email, Free

There's no question that the information stored on your computer is of the utmost importance. Often your life is greatly affected when your computer is out of commission, no matter the duration of time. Here at Cranston IT, making sure that you have as few problems as possible and ensuring that the problems that do arise are solved quickly is our main goal. We’re always trying to give you “peace of mind” when it comes to your Apple products and with our new program, Watchman Monitoring, you can be even more worry free.
 
Watchman Monitoring is a new program available to all our residential and business customers using Macs. The program operates under a simple idea: catch a problem quickly when it occurs, and that’s exactly what Watchman Monitoring does. We install the Watchman program on your computer and it runs hourly checks to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Read More...

Tags: monitoring, Free, Watchman

In a growing online world, passwords are required for everything. From email, to e-commerce sites, and online banking, we’re bogged down with tons of passwords to commit to memory. Unfortunately, this often leads to using the same password for multiple sites along with passwords that aren’t always as strong as they should be. There is a solution. 1Password is an application for your Mac, iPad, and iPhone, that not only remembers all of your passwords for you, but also generates secure ones that will help protect your accounts from getting hacked. Read More...

Tags: Reviews, mac os x, IOS, Passwords

The first word that comes to mind when looking at Apple’s new Mac Pro is efficient. The small cylinder is just a fraction of the size of Apple’s previous model, but blows its predecessors out of the water. Apple enthusiasts have long awaited an upgrade to the Mac Pro towers, and with an overhaul of design and amazing processing power, the sleek, black cylinder is completely unrecognizable.

The new Mac Pro truly is the picture of efficiency. Weighing in at 11 pounds and only 9.9 inches high, the large bulky towers are a thing of the past. Not only is it much smaller, but also amazingly quiet. The new design vents warm air out the top of the cylinder, making it virtually silent. Much like the Mac Mini when it comes to stealth, the Mac Pro’s fans won’t disturb you. Read More...

Tags: macpro, Reviews, Professional