FryeTech It Services

Another happy FryeTech customer!
I recently migrated a client from Google Workspace email to Microsoft 365 with business apps, and the results made a huge difference for their day‑to‑day workflow.

What this solved for them:
- Reliable syncing between mobile devices and desktop Outlook
- Resolved issues sending to certain email addresses
- Consolidated their email and M365 licensing into one place — cheaper, simpler, and easier to manage
- Cleaned up and organized Outlook by merging duplicate folders (Inbox, Sent, Junk, Deleted) and renaming poorly migrated folders
- Updated their email security with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for better deliverability and protection

Another smooth upgrade and another business running more efficiently

Thank you BNI Alabama for a great event! It was nice to meet everything and exchange information. Excited to see what the next chapter brings and hopefully it opens the doors to some great opportunities. BNI Ascend Business Connections - Florence, Alabama & BNI Singing River - Florence, Alabama.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a type of technology that helps machines and computers have “thinking” abilities similar to humans. Devices using AI can learn words and concepts, recognize objects, see patterns, or make predictions. They can also be taught how to work autonomously. AI is often used to help people understand and solve problems more quickly than they could on their own.
AI includes:
-Machine learning: This type of AI looks at large amounts of data and learns how to make fast and accurate predictions based on that data.
-Deep learning: This type helps computers operate much like the human brain. It uses several layers of “thought” to recognize patterns and learn new information. Deep learning is a type of machine learning.
-Generative AI: A human can use generative AI to create text, videos, images, and more. It is based on deep learning.
NASA.gov - https://www.nasa.gov/learning.../what-is-ai-grades-5-8/

AI, in simple terms, is a huge network of computers trained on massive amounts of data so it can recognize patterns and ‘learn.’ One example: if you show a computer 1,000 labeled photos of cats, it can start identifying whether a new picture is a cat or not. Now scale that up to a huge portion of the internet, and you get systems that can understand language, write, recognize images, play games, generate code, and even speak naturally.
Some well‑known AI tools include ChatGPT (OpenAI), Copilot (Microsoft), Grok (xAI), Siri (Apple), and Gemini (Google).

IT Tip of the Day:

Did you know that rebooting a device, powering it down for 30 seconds and then powering it back on, solves basic issues with a device around 75% of the time?
If you are having an issue with any device, try rebooting the device before trying anything else.

Try it out and drop any tech questions you have in the comments!

Updated version of the flyer for Small Businesses.

Using a password manager such as Keeper Security or LastPass is one of the smartest ways to keep your accounts secure. It stores all your passwords safely, syncs them across your computer and mobile devices, allows for family/employee sharing, and even creates strong, unique passwords so you never have to memorize them. Don't memorize your passwords, auto-fill them.

Try it out and drop any tech questions you have in the comments!

Another great FryeTech install.
This client wanted more control and better security, so I replaced the AT&T gateway’s routing functions with a Ubiquiti Dream Router 7. Now their network stays intact even if AT&T swaps out equipment or they swap their ISP (Internet Service Provider). It also allows for failover internet if they want to add it.

Here’s what I set up for them:
- Secure VLANs to separate and protect network traffic

- Enhanced security features such as region blocking, IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), encrypted DNS, UniFi active signature detections, and DHCP Guarding.

- A dedicated Guest Wi‑Fi network

- A coworking Wi‑Fi network and VLAN for another attorney in the office

- DHCP reservations for their server and main printer to keep everything consistent without using static IPs inside the DHCP pool

Is it time to update or upgrade your network?

IT Tip of the Day:

Did you know that enabling MFA / 2FA (the login code sent to your phone) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to strengthen the security of any account that supports it?

Try it out and drop any tech questions you have in the comments!

Is your IT provider keeping you safe—or putting your entire business at risk?

This is a real‑world assessment I walked into, and any one of these issues could have caused major issues:
- Unlicensed or hacked Server 2019 Essentials install
- All file shares mapped using the built‑in Administrator account
- Client has no admin password and no other server accounts exist
- Single hard drive in the server (no RAID, no redundancy)
- Backups stopped months ago—no current or local backup at all
- Anti‑virus is unmanaged and often disabled just so staff can work
- Receptionist laptop running Windows 10 Home
- Two Wi‑Fi routers that use the same subnet and one is double-NATed
- Server and printer static IPs placed in the middle of the DHCP range with no reservations

This setup is a disaster waiting to happen.
If that server failed today, this business would lose everything—files, operations, productivity—on top of the daily headaches caused by a mismanaged network.

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to take your IT seriously.
I can assess your environment and give you a clear, actionable plan to fix it before it becomes an emergency.

In many IT engagements, the main point of contact (PoC) is the difference between a smooth, efficient visit and one that drags on longer than it needs to. The PoC is usually the person who understands the issue, has the context, and can help confirm details or decisions quickly.

What’s interesting is that some PoCs worry they’re “getting in the way” by staying involved. In reality, the opposite is true.
When the PoC is available—onsite or reachable—it prevents miscommunication, avoids repeated steps, and keeps the work aligned with the actual problem that needs solving.

A few things tend to happen when the PoC isn’t accessible:
- Troubleshooting slows down because key details are missing.
- Decisions get delayed or passed to someone unfamiliar with the issue.
- Work may need to be repeated, costing more time for both sides.

Keeping the PoC engaged doesn’t mean hovering or micromanaging. It simply means being reachable and connected to the issue so the work can move forward efficiently.

This small operational detail consistently leads to better outcomes, faster resolutions, and fewer surprises for everyone involved.

Looking to strengthen your IT environment or boost your security posture?

FryeTech offers a comprehensive onsite IT Site Assessment paired with a customized IT Improvement Plan designed around your needs—whether you’re a personal user, home office, or small business.

There are no contracts, no required hardware or software purchases, and no long‑term commitments—just a straightforward hourly rate and clear, actionable guidance.

What the IT Site Assessment Covers
I take a detailed look at your:
- Computers and devices
- Printers and peripherals
- Server(s)
- Network structure and Wi‑Fi
- Email hosting
- Website setup
- Software environment
- Account and password management practices

What You Get in the IT Improvement Plan
- Immediate Action Items — High‑priority issues that need attention right away.
- Secondary Action Items — Medium‑priority improvements to plan for in the near future.
- Planned Improvements — Strategic upgrades and adjustments mapped out for the rest of the year.

If you want a clearer picture of where your IT stands—and a roadmap to make it stronger, safer, and more reliable—let’s talk.

256‑924‑3000
[email protected]