Join Steve this week as he dives into a truly challenging situation with one of his clients. What started as a simple "email down" report quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis: Google terminated the client's account due to non-payment. This episode is a stark reminder of a hard lesson many learn too late. Google, like most cloud providers, explicitly states they are not responsible for recovering or restoring your data in such circumstances. It's up to you to have robust backups of everythi...
Jul 03, 2025•3 min
Are you ready to take your business — and your personal growth — to the next level? This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're thrilled to welcome special guest Gabrielle Zenner , an expert in strategic planning. Join Steve and Gabrielle as they dive deep into the world of Annual Operating Planning (AOP) . This isn't just about setting goals; it's about crafting a comprehensive roadmap for your entire year, ensuring every step you take is intentional and impactful. Gabrielle breaks down...
Jun 20, 2025•44 min
This video dives into why a high-end graphics card is essential to experience the game's breathtaking visuals, from vibrant nebulae to epic fleet battles.We'll also explore the endless ways to play in EVE Online's player-driven sandbox:Mine valuable resources ⛏️Explore uncharted space 🔭Run missions for powerful factions 📜Master industry and manufacturing ⚙️Engage in thrilling PvP combat 💥 ...and much more!Plus, discover EVE's unique real-time skill training system, where your character progre...
Jun 13, 2025•13 min
Join Steve in this episode of "Breaking Down I.T." as he tackles a common and frustrating tech complaint: a "slow as molasses" website. Steve recounts a recent client interaction where this very phrase was uttered, prompting a deep dive into troubleshooting web performance. In this episode, we'll walk through the practical steps Steve takes to diagnose and resolve such issues. We'll discuss the importance of running a reliable speed test (and how to interpret those results from sites like speedt...
Jun 05, 2025•5 min
Join Steve for the second installment of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," where we dive deeper into the impactful work of Home Plate Youth and the indispensable role technology plays in their mission. In this episode, we explore how Home Plate leverages technology not just for daily operations, but also for critical fieldwork, ensuring they can effectively reach and support displaced youth. A major focus of this discussion is the paramount importance of cybersecurity and data privacy. Given Home...
May 30, 2025•23 min
Breaking Down I.T. with Steve: Home Plate Youth Services In this special episode, we're on location with Home Plate Youth Services, joined by Executive Director Dorian and Development Coordinator Jaycie. We dive into Home Plate Youth's crucial mission: uplifting and empowering young people (ages 12-24) experiencing housing instability in Washington County, Oregon. Home Plate Youth meets young people where they are, providing a safe, judgement-free community and offering a range of vital services...
May 26, 2025•19 min
Imagine you own a business. You're great at what you do – maybe you run a bakery, a law firm, or a construction company. But dealing with all the computers, networks, and software can be a real headache, right? That's where I.T. Managed Services comes in. Think of PDX IT as your outsourced I.T. department . Instead of hiring a full-time I.T. person (which can be expensive!), you partner with PDX IT. We take care of all your technology needs for a predictable monthly fee. What does "managed servi...
May 16, 2025•11 min
This week on 'Breaking Down I.T. with Steve', we're tackling a frustrating reality of modern life: power outages. Ever wonder what a UPS is and why it's not just for businesses anymore? Join Steve as he demystifies Uninterruptible Power Supplies and explains exactly how they can safeguard your valuable electronics. More than just theory, Steve shares a personal (and slightly chilling!) story about a recent power event that wreaked havoc on his refrigerator's delicate electronic panel. Learn from...
May 09, 2025•3 min
This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're taking a detour from our usual tech talk to explore the exciting, and often daunting, world of starting a new business. Join Steve as he welcomes Dean Cambray of Cambray Media for an insightful conversation about what it truly takes to launch your entrepreneurial vision.Forget just the product or service – Dean pulls back the curtain on all the crucial elements that often get overlooked in the whirlwind of starting up. From the initial spark of...
May 02, 2025•12 min
Join Steve this week for another engaging "Story Time" episode of Breaking Down I.T.! Forget the technical deep dives for a moment as Steve takes you back to the early days of his career at a bustling startup. Picture this: it's 2 AM, the office is eerily quiet, and Steve, the server admin, is tackling some late-night maintenance alongside the network administrator. In the hush of the night, they stumble upon a rather unexpected and definitely NSFW discovery – someone is indulging in adult conte...
Apr 25, 2025•3 min
Heads up, digital nomads and coffee shop dwellers! ☕️💻 That free Wi-Fi might be tempting, but are you browsing dangerously? 😬 In our latest "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve" episode, we dive into the scary truth about public Wi-Fi security – spoiler alert: often there ISN'T any! 😱 We're talking NO encryption, meaning your passwords, bank info, and even your browsing history could be out in the open. 🤯 But don't panic! Steve breaks down the ultimate shield: a VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Thi...
Apr 18, 2025•7 min
Ever wondered what all those numbers and acronyms mean when you're shopping for a monitor? Steve's got you covered! In this episode of Breaking Down I.T., we're breaking down the jargon and getting real about resolution and refresh rates. We'll explain why 'more pixels' doesn't always mean 'better' and how refresh rates can make a HUGE difference in your gaming experience. Get ready for a clear, concise, and fun look at the tech behind your screen!
Apr 11, 2025•4 min
Imagine your computer is like a house. You have locks on the doors (antivirus software) to keep out known burglars (viruses). But sometimes, sneaky burglars find a way in, or they're using new tricks your locks don't recognize. That's where EDR comes in. It's like having a security system with cameras and sensors all over your house, constantly watching for anything suspicious. It doesn't just look for known burglars, but also for strange behavior: someone jiggling a window, a light turning on u...
Apr 04, 2025•5 min
Ever wonder how big organizations keep their sensitive information safe from cyber threats? It's like protecting a really important house, like a bank or a hospital, filled with valuable things. You wouldn't just leave the doors unlocked, right? In this short explanation, we break down two crucial cybersecurity concepts: SOC and MDR. Think of your SOC (Security Operations Center) as your dedicated team of highly trained security guards, constantly watching your digital "house" 24/7. They have al...
Mar 28, 2025•3 min
This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're tackling a critical topic that every small business owner needs to understand: vulnerability scanning. You might think cyberattacks only target big corporations, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets. So, what exactly is vulnerability scanning? Join Steve as he breaks it down in simple terms. Think of it as a digital health check for your network and systems. It's a process that au...
Mar 21, 2025•6 min
This week, Steve explains why vulnerability scanning is vital for small businesses. Think of it as a digital checkup that finds security weaknesses hackers can exploit. Learn why regular scans are crucial to protect your business from costly cyberattacks, data loss, and reputational damage. Don't be an easy target – understand your vulnerabilities now! Tune in on Friday for this exciting full episode.
Mar 18, 2025•20 sec
This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're pulling back the curtain on a real-world tech incident that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security. We're diving deep into a fascinating, and frankly, a little unsettling, story from a local non-profit. What started as a seemingly generous donation – a used laptop – quickly escalated into a potential privacy nightmare. Imagine this: a non-profit, relying on the kindness of their community, receives a donated laptop. Eager...
Mar 14, 2025•3 min
This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're diving deep into the buzz surrounding the New Microsoft Outlook ! If you've been wondering what all the fuss is about, or if you're hesitant to make the switch, this episode is for you. Join Steve as he meticulously breaks down the key differences between the classic Outlook you know and the sleek, updated version. We'll explore the fresh look and feel , dissect the exciting new features , and guide you through the essential settings to get you...
Feb 28, 2025•8 min
Microsoft has made a change to its login process that affects how you stay logged in to your account. Starting February 1st, even if you close your browser, you may remain logged in to your Microsoft account. This change means that once you've chosen to stay logged in, Microsoft will keep you logged in until you manually sign out of your session. Why this matters: Convenience vs. Security: While this new feature offers convenience, it also raises security concerns, especially if you use a shared...
Feb 23, 2025•2 min
Hacked? Don't panic! 🚨 In this week's episode, Steve shares his 5-step guide to recovering from a cyberattack. 🛡️ Learn how to secure your accounts, protect your data, and get back to normal.#cybersecurity #datasafety #onlineprivacy #hacking #techtipshttps://pdxittech.com
Feb 15, 2025•2 min
This Friday, get ready to level up your gaming knowledge on 'Breaking Down I.T. with Steve'! 🎮 We're diving deep into the world of graphics cards, explaining why a high-end card is crucial for an epic gaming experience. 💥 We'll break down the tech, explore the differences, and leave you feeling like a true gaming pro. Don't miss it! #Gaming #GraphicsCards #TechTalk #IT #BreakingDownIT #CCP #EVEONLINE
Feb 07, 2025•4 min
In this episode, Steve dives deep into the world of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), explaining how it can revolutionize how small businesses communicate. Tired of the limitations and escalating costs of traditional phone lines like Comcast BVE? Discover how VoIP offers: Unmatched Flexibility: Work from anywhere with crystal-clear calls on any device – your smartphone, computer, or even a dedicated VoIP phone. Cost Savings: Say goodbye to expensive long-distance charges and pricey hardware. ...
Jan 31, 2025•7 min
This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we dive deep into the world of computer storage. Join Steve as he breaks down the key differences between Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each, including speed, performance, reliability, and cost. Steve even brought in some visuals to help you understand the inner workings of these storage technologies. Don't miss this informative episode that will help you make an i...
Jan 24, 2025•6 min
In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we're going to talk about the importance of having better cybersecurity as a society. We get inundated with news stories about companies and government agencies getting hacked, and it's clear that the bad guys are getting better at what they do. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can make it harder for hackers to target us by taking some simple steps. One thing we can do is to make it more expensive for them to hack us. This means investing i...
Jan 17, 2025•6 min
Join us for Part 2 of "Breaking Down IT" as we dive deep into the world of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Our special guest, Erik Swanson from Cardinal Services, shares his insights on the frustrations and challenges of implementing and managing MFA. We discuss: The importance of MFA: Why it's crucial for protecting your own information and the sensitive data of your clients. Common MFA pitfalls: We explore the common frustrations users experience with MFA, from constant prompts to forgotten...
Jan 10, 2025•33 min
In this weeks episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year, as well as, sharing some gifts that I received for Christmas. Let's make it the best year yet!" https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/imperial-star-destroyer-75394 https://www.sharkclean.com/page/powerdetect-robot-vacuums https://pdxittech.com
Jan 03, 2025•3 min
In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we welcome back Erik Swanson from Cardinal Services. Erik specializes in bringing the power of big-company HR, payroll, and benefits solutions to small businesses at a fraction of the cost. We'll discuss how Cardinal Services handles all the complex paperwork required by federal, state, and local authorities, freeing up small business owners to focus on what they do best. But that's not all! We'll also delve into the ever-present threat of email ...
Dec 28, 2024•23 min
In this episode, Steve tackles the common (and costly!) mistake of using free email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo for business. We'll discuss how relying on these free services can make your company appear unprofessional and damage your credibility. Learn why a dedicated business email address is crucial for building trust with clients, enhancing your brand image, and improving your overall professional reputation. We'll also explore the security risks associated with free email accounts and how ...
Dec 21, 2024•3 min
This week on Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we're diving deep into the world of unwanted emails: spam and phishing. Learn to distinguish between these two cyber threats, understand their tactics, and discover how to protect yourself from falling victim. Steve will also discuss the importance of email filters and how they can help keep your inbox clean and your data safe. Tune in to learn how to master your inbox and maintain control over your email communication. https://pdxittech.com
Dec 13, 2024•6 min
In this episode, Steve debunks the common misconception that antivirus software is no longer necessary in today's digital landscape. We'll discuss the evolving threat landscape and why antivirus remains a crucial component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Tune in to learn the truth behind this persistent myth and protect your devices from potential threats. https://pdxittech.com https://www.avg.com/ https://www.datto.com https://www.bitdefender.com/ https://edr.datto.com/...
Dec 07, 2024•3 min
