When you are having issues with your internet, sometimes it makes sense to wait it out. But what should you do if you experience a persistent issue or need your internet to work from home? Chris shares 7 tips to help troubleshoot internet speed before calling your cable internet provider. If you are a small business owner looking for a trusted managed IT provider contact Petra Technologies today! This post was first published on petratechit.com.

Traveling can be an exciting but challenging experience, especially when you’re expecting. Whether you’re planning a ‘babymoon’, visiting family, or traveling for work, it’s important to keep both your comfort and health in mind. Here are some tips to ensure your journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Consult Your Doctor First Before you pack your bags, the first step is to check in with your doctor. Depending on your health and how far along you are in your pregnancy, your doctor can provide personalized advice and possibly some restrictions. It’s generally safe to travel during the second trimester for many women, but every pregnancy is unique. Choosing the Best Mode of Transportation By Car: If you’re going by car, make sure…

Have you noticed that cell phones, laptops, and wireless routers seem to get faster every year? Why is that? This is due to a technology called "wireless Multiple Input Multiple Output" or for short, "wireless MIMO". Chris gives an overview of wireless MIMO and the benefits of this technological advance. Does your business need a trusted managed IT partner? We can help, contact us today. This post was first published on petratechit.com.

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce GreetersWhat a great way to spend a Friday with 100+ other local businesses. Get connected and build relationships So you can grow your business. 

The first week of December each year is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week! Crohn’s disease is inflammation of the tissue in your digestive tract. The inflammation most often occurs in the small intestine but can also spread to the large intestine. People who suffer from Crohn’s disease may experience frequent abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, and malnutrition. This disease can be extremely uncomfortable and painful, especially when there isn’t a bathroom nearby, and may lead to complications that are life-threatening. Complications that can develop as part of Crohn’s disease include ulcers and bowel obstruction. When ulcers—open sores—develop in your digestive tract, they can burst quite easily, leading to bleeding. A bowel obstructi…

Cybercrime is one of the most costly and dangerous threats to small businesses. If you have business insurance, that means you’ve already taken a step in the right direction but will your policies cover any losses incurred after a data breach? Cybercrime has also increased by 600% since the beginning of the global pandemic. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Chris Cummings from Petra Technologies explains how having cyber security coverage can help protect against these types of situations – so make sure it’s added before any major incident occurs! Ransomware attacks can come at any time, take a proactive approach by working with an IT firm that can help protect your business. Do you need help protecting your business from cybercrime…

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most essential habits a child can learn. In a world filled with germs and bacteria, teaching your kids how to wash their hands effectively is a valuable skill that can significantly contribute to their health and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to teach your kids the importance of washing their hands. Start Early Introducing handwashing to your children at an early age is crucial. As soon as they reach the sink on a stool, begin incorporating handwashing into their routine. Make it a fun and positive experience, associating it with good health and cleanliness. Lead by Example Children often learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate the correct handwashing technique yoursel…

Nominate & Win! Got a favorite local business in Salem that's close to your heart? Give them a shout-out! Nominate them for the "We Love Local Holiday Give Back Giveaway," proudly presented by Petra Technologies.Deadline Alert: Hurry, nominations close on December 3, 2023!Your Reward: By simply nominating, YOU could win a $250 Roth's Fresh Markets grocery gift card!Voting Time: Cast your vote between December 5 - December 11, 2023. Remember, just one vote per person!Top 3 Businesses: The three businesses with the most votes will be featured in a WhirLocal "Sponsored Spotlight" - a fantastic opportunity to get in front of thousands of Salem area consumers (a  $597 value)Don’t wait! Nominate your favorite Salem small business today a…

Urban Grange Coffee and Bakery Celebrates 10 Years in Business Celebrating 10 years in business is a BIG DEAL! That's why we stopped by the Urban Grange Coffee and Bakery to take part in their customer appreciation event in West Salem on Friday, November 24, 2023. When we arrived, the coffee shop was buzzing with the sounds of happy customers enjoying themselves over steaming hot coffee and delicious homemade pastries. We were greeted at the door and given a thoughtful gift of an Urban Grange Coffee "Slippy" that slips on every cup and protects your hands from hot or cold drinks; made in the USA from plastic collected off the coast. How amazing is that?! Then we had our opportunity to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win fun prizes. Wit…

When you are putting together a cybersecurity plan for your business you must consider the three pillars of cybersecurity: People, Process, and Technology. Most businesses will invest in the technology of their cybersecurity plan by working with a trusted managed IT firm (like Petra Tech). They will put processes in place to maximize the efforts of their technology. But what about people and the potential for human error? A well designed security architecture not only considers security risks and mitigations but it also includes the blending of all these three things: The people, the process, and the technology. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Chris discusses three common myths and what businesses can do to align their technology…

Infertility can be one of the most frustrating, heartbreaking issues for couples looking to start a family. Different factors can lead to this problem in either partner. Though infertility affects around 1 in 5 women in the United States, the reasons why can vary and sometimes be difficult to pinpoint. However, there are treatments and alternative options available. What Is Female Infertility? Female infertility occurs when a specified or unspecified problem prevents a woman from conceiving. A woman may be experiencing infertility issues if she is younger than 35 and has been unsuccessful in trying to get pregnant after one year of trying. For women older than 35, it is recommended to consult a doctor after six months of trying. Risk F…

Do you know the difference between a private and public network? Which type does your business need? Petra Technologies’ CEO Chris Cummings gives us an overview of three types of networks, their differences, why they’re used for. You’ve got the private and the public [networks], those are the bare minimums. Sometimes you have an IoT network that is how we keep everything inside of your organization safe. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies In today’s modern world navigating this balance is important to keep in mind as we continue on the quest for convenience and efficiency without compromising security! Do you need help setting up your networks to be safe and secure for your business? Contact us today! This post was first publish…

Watching your baby grow and hit new milestones is an exhilarating experience. Among these significant milestones is the introduction of solid foods, the beginning of food adventures for your little one. But like any new phase, this also comes with its own questions and concerns for many parents. 1. Recognizing the Right Time for Solids Each baby showcases their readiness for solids in unique ways. Many pediatricians suggest the six-month marker as a guideline, but babies often provide their own set of signals either slightly before or after. These indicators include being able to hold their head upright, sit up (with or without support), putting hands or toys in their mouth, or being interested in food. 2. Infusing Variety in Your Baby’s Me…

Are hackers lurking in your inbox? Would you even know if they were? BEC stands for Business Email Compromises, which is a broad term for when a hacker gets access to your business email account, and then pretends to be you, either to gain access to private information or money transfers often with a sense of urgency. The hackers can be patient threat actors and they lay dormant in compromised email accounts watching and learning everything about what you do until they identify an opportunity to execute an attack. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies Petra Technologies offers resources to help your staff recognize and combat BEC. Email [email protected] or contact us today.  This post was first published on…

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, often called GERD, is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing several uncomfortable symptoms. Adults often experience GERD, but children can be troubled by the problem also. Untreated GERD can lead to erosion of the tissues in the esophagus and may even lead to the development of cancer of the esophagus. Symptoms of GERD Regurgitation of food back into the mouth is one of the more uncomfortable symptoms of GERD. Adults may have severe heartburn, coughing or chest pain. You may experience a feeling of food stuck in your throat or sudden vomiting. Asthma symptoms can occur. In children, GERD symptoms may include frequent episodes of vomiting in small amounts. Not wanting t…

If you work in an office or are a business owner, I’m sure you’ve gotten a prompt from your computer to download the latest update. Let’s face it, most people don’t want to take time out of their day for these pesky computer updates. While waiting can seem harmless these updates are often for critical security patches and other important fixes! Chris discusses the best way to handle updates besides ignoring the problem or waiting till an issue occurs. Do you need help keeping your devices updated? Contact us today! This post was first published on petretechit.com

This article discusses subjects that may be sensitive or uncomfortable for some readers. Please read with discretion. Children are exposed to a variety of stresses and pressures in different aspects of their lives, which can impact their mental health. Parents often find it difficult to identify mental struggles in their children since childhood development is a dynamic process. Parents may only begin to look for solutions when these issues persist and worsen over time. Here are five significant signs that indicate your child may need to visit a mental health professional. Behavioral Changes Certain changes in personality traits, behaviors, and interests are part of normal childhood growth. However, if these changes do not appear to be part…

Influenza, more commonly referred to as the flu, is a respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. For people who are pregnant, the flu can be especially dangerous because their bodies and immune systems are going through many changes. The Flu: A Serious Threat During Pregnancy Pregnant women are more likely to have serious complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death if they catch the flu. Their babies are also at risk for serious complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. The Flu Shot Is Safe for Pregnant Women The seasonal flu vaccine is safe, effective, and highly recommended to protect pregnant women and their developing babies during any trimester of the pregnancy. The flu shot is mad…

File sharing through email is a frequent occurrence in most businesses, but have you thought about how secure your methods might be? The solution: a cloud-based file sharing method with extra layers of security. Chris Cummings discusses how this type of file sharing works and why it’s a more secure way to run your business. Are you ready to implement these data privacy measures in your business? Contact Petra Tech today!

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect individuals throughout their lifetime, although it’s typically diagnosed in childhood. However, many adults who were not diagnosed with as children are realizing certain challenges that affect daily functioning and well-being may be attributed to ADHD after all. Recognizing the signs of ADHD in adulthood and taking the step to seek a diagnosis can be transformative, offering individuals clarity, understanding, and access to strategies for managing their symptoms. What are the Signs and Symptoms of ADHD? There are three main types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive, and combined, which is a mix of the first two types. It’s important…

Does your backup plan need a backup plan? If you are familiar with or use cloud backups for your personal or business needs, you are already on the right track! Having your backups in another location is a critical part of a healthy disaster recovery plan. Chris Cummings, CEO of Petra Technologies However, a singular cloud backup cannot always ensure that your data is secure or recoverable in the case of ransomware or other security breaches. So what can you do? The short answer: work with a managed IT firm to cloud back up your backups.  Learn more about the benefits of this service. Are you ready to get your business data secured? Talk to the professionals at Petra Technology today! This post was first published on petratechit.com.