The AI Revolution: What It Means for Your Business and Everyday Life

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The AI Revolution: What It Means for Your Business and Everyday Life

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword from science fiction. It’s shaping the way we work, communicate, and even protect our businesses from cyber threats. From smart assistants like ChatGPT to advanced security monitoring tools, AI has moved from experimental labs into everyday life—and it’s only getting faster.

What Exactly Is AI?

At its core, AI refers to machines and software that can “think” and learn like humans. Instead of following rigid step-by-step instructions, AI systems adapt, recognize patterns, and make predictions. For example:

  • Email filters learn to recognize spam.
  • Virtual assistants understand natural speech.
  • Security software detects unusual activity before it becomes a breach.

Why AI Matters for Small Businesses

For business owners, AI is more than just a trendy tool—it’s a competitive advantage. Here’s how AI is already being applied in ways that directly impact small and mid-sized companies:

  • Cybersecurity – AI-driven platforms like Huntress and endpoint protection systems can spot and stop threats in real time.
  • Productivity – AI tools summarize meetings, draft documents, and automate repetitive tasks.
  • Customer Service – Chatbots handle FAQs, leaving your staff free for higher-value work.
  • Data Insights – AI can analyze sales or website trends faster than a human team.

Everyday AI in Action

You might already be using AI without realizing it:

  • Netflix and Spotify recommendations.
  • Google Maps traffic rerouting.
  • Smart thermostats learning your schedule.

These aren’t futuristic—they’re daily proof that AI is practical, not theoretical.

The Risks and Responsibilities

With every opportunity comes responsibility. AI isn’t perfect, and it can raise concerns:

  • Accuracy – AI sometimes produces errors (called “hallucinations”).
  • Bias – It learns from human data, which can carry human bias.
  • Privacy – Not all AI tools safeguard data equally.

That’s why trusted IT advisors are crucial—so businesses adopt AI safely and smartly.

What’s Next?

Experts agree AI adoption will accelerate. Expect to see:

  • AI copilots built into Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
  • Smarter cybersecurity tools that act before threats spread.
  • Industry-specific AI (for healthcare, legal, finance, etc.) to simplify specialized work.

Final Thoughts

Artificial Intelligence isn’t here to replace humans—it’s here to empower us. Businesses that embrace AI thoughtfully can improve security, efficiency, and customer experience.

💡 If you’re wondering how AI can streamline your operations or strengthen your cybersecurity, reach out to Wilmot Computer Solutions at 224-484-0456 for a free, no-obligation consult.

Windows 10 End of Life: Why You Need to Upgrade Now

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October 14, 2025 will mark a major milestone in technology: Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10. After that date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, patches, or technical support from Microsoft. For both business owners and individual users, this change has serious implications. If you’re still running Windows 10, now is the time to plan your upgrade to Windows 11.

What Does “End of Life” Mean?

When Microsoft declares an operating system “end of life,” it means the software won’t be updated anymore. That includes:

  • No security updates – leaving your computers vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and cyberattacks.
  • No bug fixes – issues that crop up won’t be patched.
  • No compatibility guarantees – newer applications and hardware may not work properly on Windows 10.

Put simply, staying on Windows 10 past October 2025 will expose you to unnecessary risks.

Why Business Owners Should Upgrade

Businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals. Running unsupported software can open the door to:

  • Data breaches that could compromise customer and financial information.
  • Compliance issues, especially if you handle sensitive data subject to regulations (HIPAA, PCI, etc.).
  • Downtime and lost productivity when outdated systems crash or conflict with new software.

Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures your business systems stay secure, supported, and efficient-helping you avoid costly disruptions.

Why Individuals Should Upgrade

Even if you’re just using your computer at home, Windows 10 end of life still affects you:

  • Online banking, shopping, and personal information become easier targets without security updates.
  • Over time, apps and devices (like printers or webcams) may stop working properly.
  • Hackers actively look for outdated systems to exploit-don’t make yourself an easy target.

Benefits of Windows 11

Moving to Windows 11 doesn’t just keep you protected-it offers new features and improvements, including:

  • A modern interface that’s easier to use and more intuitive.
  • Stronger built-in security to help block ransomware and phishing attacks.
  • Improved performance and reliability for both work and personal use.
  • Better compatibility with new hardware and software, ensuring long-term support.

Take Action Now – Free Consultation

Planning an upgrade doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re running a business or managing your home computer, taking action before October 2025 is the smart move. 👉 Contact Tom at Wilmot Computer Solutions today at 224-484-0456 for a free, no-obligation quick consult. We’ll help you understand your options and make the upgrade process smooth and stress-free.

Stop the Inbox Insanity

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Stop the Inbox Insanity: Tips for Better Email Management
“Email is an essential tool in business today. Don’t let it become a drain on your energy and attention.”

A staggering 269 billion emails are sent every day. Your business is receiving only a small fraction of those emails. Yet your staff likely feel as if at least 269 of those are coming their way daily. In fact, the typical employee in 2018 received 90 emails and sent out 40.
An email is a powerful tool. It helps with doing business ever faster but creates added business pressure. Consider these five strategies for better email management.

1. Don’t start your day with email. Many people do. It’s how they set up for the day. However, beginning the day with a cup of coffee and clicking through your inbox, can backfire. Many of those emails become items on your to-do list. You put off important tasks from your day responding to other people’s requests. Plan your day around your business needs first. Even knock off some of the more important tasks, before diving into that inbox!

2. Think twice about checking email constantly. It’s tempting to open emails as soon as they arrive. But, you only want to tackle your inbox when you have the time to take action. If you open an email planning to get back to it later, you’ll likely forget. When you have to revisit an email to remind yourself what it’s about, you’re doubling the time you spend on that message. Avoid interrupting your momentum by turning off email alert notifications and phone badges. Instead, set regular times to read and respond to accumulated emails.

3. Write clear, concise emails. Avoid contributing to a colleague’s inbox chaos. Provide as much relevant information as possible. Now, that doesn’t mean writing a War and Peace-length email. Focus your message for your audience, anticipate questions, and answer in that email. Starting the message with an informative subject line can make a big difference too.

4. Save time with reusable messages. You often end up answering the same questions over and again. Create templated emails that you can have at the ready to provide relevant details. Depending on your email software, this capability may be built in or you may need to add a plug-in.

5. Use filters and folders to sort emails. Learn how to automatically filter your messages into the appropriate folders. For example, if the email is from accounting@yourbusiness.com then send it to your “Accounting” folder. This can save hundreds of hours a year. The better your folder system, the less time you’ll spend looking for specific emails when you need them. In Outlook, you can also set up a filter to change the color of an email for different senders. Your boss could be red, and you’d know to handle that one first. Also, save time by setting up strong filters for junk and spam. Unsubscribe from mailing lists that you don’t need any longer. Cleaning out the clutter can make your inbox much less overwhelming.

An email is an essential tool in business today. Don’t let it become a drain on your energy and attention. Make the most of the time you spend in your inbox with smart strategies for email management.
Need help selecting the right email or setting up useful mailbox management tools? Need to get off that Free Yahoo or Gmail account and get yourname@yourbusiness.com?   Give us a call at 224-484-0456.

4 Advantages of Managed IT over In-House IT

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Tom Wilmot, Owner

 

 

Your IT support should aim to increase productivity, efficiency, and save money. This month, we present four advantages of Managed IT over an in-house IT.

4 Advantages of Managed IT over In-House IT

It’s tempting to hire an in-house IT technician to take care of your network and set them up with a cozy office just down the hall, but is it the right decision for your business? If you’re like most businesses, you’re always on the lookout for ways to save money while improving results. Sometimes this means expanding your staff to include a team of tech specialists at your beck and call, but this can often be an unnecessary expense that leaves you with highly paid employees twiddling their thumbs all day. For small - medium sized businesses who are looking for the best of both worlds, we recommend Managed IT services.

Put simply, Managed IT is our solution which gives you that team of specialist technicians and network experts, without the ‘quick, look busy’ element - and at a fraction of the cost. Naturally, you’d rather see your IT budget working to support your growth and kept as low as possible. That’s our focus too, and why we don’t simply maintain and repair your systems, we proactively monitor to avoid downtime and work with you to ensure your IT increases productivity and efficiency.  Whether you already have in-house IT and are auditing the value, or are curious about what having IT support might be like for your business, we’ve put together a few factors to consider before making your choice:

Availability: Most employees work 9-5, but what happens if something goes wrong with your systems outside these hours? Your in-house technician won’t appreciate being woken at 1am and called in for emergency repairs. It’s more likely that they simply won’t answer the call (or hear it), or if they do, expect some hefty contract renegotiation come 9am. Managed IT is very different as we expect problems after hours and have support technicians ready. We know that every minute of downtime is affecting your revenue, plus your business reputation, so we prioritize getting your systems up and running asap. As a bonus, with our Managed IT these types of disasters are rare as we constantly monitor and correct problems before they occur.

Total cost: One of the things that may have attracted you to having an in-house technician is the cost. But while you may be able to pay them a lower hourly rate, there are extra costs like hiring, training, ongoing training, healthcare and retirement. Once you start adding up the cost of an in-house technician, you might find it’s eating up your IT budget and leaving you scrambling to fill gaps you didn’t expect. Upgrades get delayed, opportunities missed, and IT expenses become a sore point. In comparison, Managed IT is one fixed monthly rate delivering enormous value, including access to specialists across all software applications and technology.

Ongoing Training: Putting aside the fact your technician will often spend entire weeks away upgrading their skills and leaving you scrambling for support while they’re gone, those training costs quickly add up. With a salaried technician, you’ll have to pay all ongoing training and certification costs, plus travel costs for industry conferences. We know how important it is to remain current, certified and skilled in new technologies, so we spend the money to invest in ourselves so we can serve you better. We’re part of industry related communities and attend multiple conferences each year, all at our own expense.

Different goals: For most employees, a higher wage is the goal and many will job-hop to achieve that. A salaried tech may be looking for the first opportunity to leave and get paid more, often leveraging all the training you’ve just provided.  In these modern times, switching jobs regularly is expected, with an average of only 3 years in each position. Considering how much it cost your business to acquire, train and upskill your technician, 3 years is an unreasonable ROI. Our goals couldn’t be more different - we only aim to keep you a happy customer for as long as we can!

In the end, your business needs to find the right balance between profit and expertise. When you partner with our Managed IT, you’re securing availability, ever-increasing expertise and commitment to your success. We work closely with you to provide the very best support and protect you against costly disasters, taking preemptive action to keep you safe and operational. There’s no doubt Managed IT is a better decision than hiring an in-house technician, and we’d be delighted to prove it to you.

 

Talk to us about Managed IT for your business.   

CALL NOW!!

Wilmot Computer Solutions

224-484-0456

 

Red Flags of Phishing Emails: Think Before You Click

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phishing

A single click can be the difference between maintaining data security and suffering massive financial losses. From the moment just one employee takes the bait in a phishing email, your business is vulnerable to data breaches and extensive downtime.

Quickly spot the red flags and put phishing emails where they belong:

1. Poor spelling and grammar While occasional typos happen to even the best of us, an email filled with errors is a clear warning sign. Most companies push their campaigns through multiple review stages where errors are blitzed and language is refined. Unlikely errors throughout the entire message indicate that the same level of care was not taken, and therefore the message is likely fraudulent.

2. An offer too good to be true Free items or a lottery win sure sound great, but when the offer comes out of nowhere and with no catch? There’s definitely cause for concern. Take care not to get carried away and click without investigating deeper.

3. Random sender who knows too much Phishing has advanced in recent years to include ‘spear phishing’, which is an email or offer designed especially for your business. Culprits take details from your public channels, such as a recent function or award, and then use it against you. The only clues? The sender is unknown – they weren’t at the event or involved in any way. Take a moment to see if their story checks out.

4. The URL or email address is not quite right One of the most effective techniques used in phishing emails is to use domains which sound almost right. For example, [microsoft.info.com] or [pay-pal.com] Hover over the link with your mouse and review where it will take you. If it doesn’t look right, or is completely different from the link text, send that email to the bin.

5. It asks for personal, financial or business details Alarm bells should ring when a message contains a request for personal, business or financial information. If you believe there may be a genuine issue, you can initiate a check using established, trusted channels.

While education is the best way to ensure phishing emails are unsuccessful, a robust spam filter and solid anti-virus system provide peace of mind that your business has the best protection available.

Give us a call 224-484-0456 to discuss how we can secure your system against costly phishing attacks.