Running a business today means relying heavily on Microsoft technologies. Email, collaboration, security, cloud hosting, identity management — they all sit right at the heart of daily operations. When everything works, nobody notices. When it doesn’t, productivity drops, customers feel it, and stress levels rise fast.

This is where a Managed Service Provider (MSP) comes in. Instead of reacting to problems as they happen, an MSP takes ownership of your Microsoft environment and manages it properly, day in, day out.

Below, we’ll break down why using an MSP for your Microsoft platform support is not just a nice-to-have, but a smart business decision.

The Microsoft Platform Is Powerful — and Complex

Microsoft’s ecosystem has grown massively over the last decade. Most businesses now rely on some combination of:

  • Microsoft 365 for email, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive
  • Cloud infrastructure and virtual servers
  • Identity and access management
  • Endpoint security and device management
  • Backup, compliance and data retention

Each of these systems works brilliantly when configured correctly. The challenge is that Microsoft platforms are not “set and forget”.

Settings change. Security threats evolve. Licencing rules shift. New features are rolled out constantly. What worked well last year may now expose your business to risk.

An MSP lives inside this ecosystem every day. They understand how the moving parts fit together and, just as importantly, how small configuration mistakes can lead to big problems later.

Proactive Support Instead of Firefighting

One of the biggest differences between break-fix IT support and an MSP is the mindset.

Break-fix support waits for something to go wrong. An MSP works to stop issues before they happen.

With Microsoft platforms, this proactive approach makes a massive difference. An MSP will:

  • Monitor systems for early warning signs
  • Apply updates and patches safely
  • Review security settings regularly
  • Spot misconfigurations before users are affected

Instead of reacting to outages, you get stability. Instead of urgent calls, you get planned improvements.

That shift alone can save businesses a serious amount of time, money, and frustration.

Stronger Security Across the Board

Cyber security is no longer optional. Microsoft provides excellent security tools, but they are only effective when configured and managed properly.

An MSP understands how to layer Microsoft’s security features together, including:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Conditional access policies
  • Email threat protection
  • Device compliance rules
  • Secure user onboarding and offboarding

Many businesses think they are secure because they “use Microsoft”. In reality, default settings are rarely enough.

An MSP ensures your Microsoft platform is locked down appropriately for your business, without making life harder for staff.

Security becomes part of daily operations, not an afterthought.

Better Use of Microsoft Licences

Microsoft licencing is famously confusing. It’s easy to overpay for features you don’t use or miss out on tools you already own.

An MSP helps by:

  • Reviewing your current licencing
  • Matching licences to actual user needs
  • Removing unused or unnecessary subscriptions
  • Advising when upgrades genuinely make sense

Over time, this often results in lower costs and better value from the Microsoft tools you’re already paying for.

Instead of guessing, you get clear advice backed by experience.


Faster Support When Things Go Wrong

Even with the best planning, issues can still happen. When they do, speed matters.

An MSP already understands your environment. They know how your Microsoft tenant is structured, how your users work, and what changes have been made over time.

That means:

  • Faster fault diagnosis
  • Quicker fixes
  • Less disruption for staff
  • Clear communication during incidents

You’re not explaining your setup from scratch every time. Support becomes efficient and predictable.

Scalability as Your Business Grows

Growth is a good problem to have, but it brings IT challenges with it.

New users, new devices, new locations, and new compliance requirements all add pressure to your Microsoft environment.

An MSP designs systems with growth in mind. Adding users, deploying devices, or rolling out new Microsoft features becomes straightforward rather than chaotic.

This is especially valuable for businesses that are expanding, hiring regularly, or adopting hybrid and remote working models.

Clear Advice, Not Just Technical Fixes

A good MSP doesn’t just fix problems. They act as a trusted advisor.

Because they work with Microsoft platforms across many businesses, they can:

  • Recommend best practices
  • Warn about upcoming changes
  • Suggest smarter ways to work
  • Help align IT decisions with business goals

Instead of reacting to technology trends, you can plan for them.

That strategic input is often just as valuable as the technical support itself.

Reduced Internal IT Burden

Many small and medium-sized businesses rely on one person “who knows a bit about IT”. Over time, that becomes unsustainable.

Microsoft platforms require ongoing attention. Expecting internal staff to manage security, updates, troubleshooting, and optimisation alongside their day job is risky.

An MSP removes that pressure. Your team can focus on what they do best, while specialists handle the Microsoft environment properly.

Consistency and Documentation

One often overlooked benefit of an MSP is consistency.

Configurations are documented. Changes are tracked. Best practices are followed every time, not just when someone remembers.

This makes a huge difference when:

  • Staff leave or join
  • Audits are required
  • Systems need to be restored
  • Security incidents occur

Your Microsoft platform becomes a well-managed system, not a collection of ad-hoc settings.

How CK Computer Solutions Can Help

At CK Computer Solutions – Managed IT Services Dublin, we specialise in supporting businesses that rely on Microsoft platforms every day.

We don’t just “support Microsoft”. We design, integrate, secure, and manage it as a complete system that supports how your business actually works.

Our MSP services include:

  • Full Microsoft 365 management and support
  • Secure setup of email, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive
  • Identity, access, and security configuration
  • Ongoing monitoring, updates, and optimisation
  • Clear advice tailored to your business, not generic templates

Whether you’re already using Microsoft extensively or planning a migration, we help you get more value, better security, and fewer headaches from the platform.

If you want Microsoft to work quietly in the background — supporting your team instead of slowing them down — an MSP approach makes all the difference.



In today’s fast-paced business world, effective communication is key to staying ahead. At CK Computer Support, we provide modern VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions designed with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. Our services are dependable, scalable, and affordable, ensuring your business remains connected—wherever and whenever you need it.



Attacks on companies are more complex these days. Basically anymore can do basic attacks like phishing and vishing. These kinds of attacks are still an effective way of getting access to a company’s most important and confidential information.

Although companies use many security controls intended to lessen their intrusion footsteps and protect their information and systems against invasion, those defensive restrictions are negated when an attacker is able to gain the appropriate authorization to the setting.

Multi-factor authentication has emerged as a very protective method to protect a company from far-off attacks and when done right, can counter most threats from gaining an easy footing into his/her organization, even when user names and passwords become jeopardized.

What is MFA?
Multi-factor authentication is the method of establishing a user by verifying 2 or more characteristics or factors that are exclusive to that person. There are 3 main characteristics that are commonly used as components in the process of authentication. They are something that you possess (one-time passcode), something that you know (password), and something that you are (facial recognition). With authentication, the computer verifies the identity of a person. Mfa adds a supplemental layer of security and protection against data breaches and jeopardized credentials. Without this additional layer of protection, it’s hard to truly authenticate that the person accessing the system is who they say they are because passwords can be cracked, stolen, or easy to guess.

Why is mfa important
Mfa is important because it is one of the most protective to avert unlawful access to confidential information. Passwords aren’t enough for protection anymore because they can be cracked or stolen. Plus, firewalls, anti-virus software can be bypassed. It’s useful to have if someone gets your password. The user will be prompted to enter a one-time passcode or provide a code generated by an app. Facial recognition, voice recognition, or some other form of biometrics can also be used. When completed right, mfa can be utilized to protect business applications, email, and other points of authentication.

Conclusion
With the increasing growth of cyber-attacks against companies, passwords alone can’t be depended on as the only method of security for a business to hinder people from attaining unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication has been proven to reduce the probability of a breach of data by a stolen password.



If you use the internet, security should concern you. Hackers can easily intercept your personal communications and even monitor what websites you visit.
When you consider the use of your computer for work or business, online threats become even more disconcerting. When family members, including children, become involved, you start to understand that security matters.
With so much at stake every time you go online, shouldn’t you take some precautions? Although online security may at first seem complicated, you can quickly enhance your safety by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Continue reading to learn what a VPN can do for you.
Anonymity :
A VPN service creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your computer and a VPN service. This prevents your ISP and hackers from seeing what websites you visit. Also, when using a VPN, web servers log your VPN’s IP address, not yours, allowing you to anonymously use online resources.
Additionally, your ISP sees only that you’ve connected to your VPN service. If you choose a VPN provider that doesn’t keep user logs, you can defend yourself against government surveillance, advertisers and third-party subpoenas.
Security :
Have you ever connected to a “free” Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, library, airport or store? Every time you do, anyone else connected to that network has a chance to hack your phone or computer. Also, they can monitor your plain-text data such as emails and URLs sent from your device to the internet.
A VPN tunnel allows you to safely use public Wi-Fi without fear. Sure, the owner of the Wi-Fi network as well as any snoopers and hackers can see that you’re using the network. However, they can’t see any of your data or what websites you visit while connected via your VPN service.
Freedom :
Some Wi-Fi operators, such as schools, employers and businesses restrict the type of websites that users can access through their network. They may do this for one or more reasons:
• Conserve bandwidth.
• Prevent distractions.
• Maintain standards.
• Manage liability.
Common content restrictions may include social media, video, pornography and file downloads.
In such settings, you can still freely access the internet by first connecting to a VPN service. When you do, network administrators can see that you’ve connected to an internet resource. However, since all data goes through your VPN tunnel, no one can analyze your activities.
In summary, a VPN gives you an affordable, easy to use way to increase your anonymity, security and freedom online. Stop taking risks with your personal, family and business. Always connect to a VPN before using the internet.


19 February

Dell xps 13 review

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The Dell XPS 13 is slim computer with excellent performance as wel as modern design. In addition, the computer has a bright HD-touch screen. A bright and clear screen is a definite plus with any computer. You will never experience glare of any kind with the new Dell XPS 13. en-INTL-L-Dell-XPS-13-9343-2727SLV-i5-128GB-Silver-Androidized-CWF-01965-mnco
The Dell XPS 13 has a much longer battery life in comparision with other similar notebooks. The aluminum and carbon fiber body is almost identical to the previous models. The Quad HD-infinity display certainly adds a nice touch to the Dell XPS 13.
When watching movies you receive excellent contrast and you can adjust the screen to full mode if desired. In addition, the volume control can be easily adjusted. The sound is clear and concise along with a fabulous picture.
The XPS 13 comes with a backlit keyboard with two levels of lighting. The lighting may be easily adjusted to suit your needs. The computer touchpad is approximately 4.1 x 2.3 inches and it has a smooth matte type finish.
The touch screen was created with wide viewing angles as well as spectacular color range. Actually, the color range on the Dell XPS 13 is far superior to the full-HD version of this notebook.
Color range was of great importance with the XPS 13 computer. Color range was right on target covering roughly 103.6 percent of the SRGB spectrum. When comparing the XPS 13 to Macbook the color range was much more limited.
The XPS 13 has excellent sound and has better than average bass and volume. It seems that the crisp clear sound was a definite selling point when it came to this computer. In addition, another appealing feature of the XPS 13 was the reversible USB C-port. The reversible USB C- port provides support for the Thunderbolt 3.
Keep in mind, the C-port does not in any way charge the laptop. However the C-port does transfer data up to 40 Gbps to multiple displays over a single cord. This information can be quite useful when using the webcam. The webcam is located beneath the main display.
The built in camera can be quite useful. The camera comes with dual mics which enable better audio reception during video calls. However, in some cases shadows may be visible on some of the photos.
The Dell XPS 13 appears to be at the top of the list when it comes to graphic performance. In addition, brightness and color accuracy are exceptional in comparison with other similar type computers.
The Dell XPS 13 can be easily purchased for under $800.00. However, cost may vary depending upon where you purchase the Dell XPS 13. This unique computer can be purchased from a variety of Internet based retailers. A simple and very basic Google search should provide a wealth of information on availability and price.



It is Coming Windows 10 Will be Automatically Pushed Through Windows Update

windows-10-upgradeMuch to the dismay of some users Windows 10 is scheduled to be pushed through as a recommended update in Windows. It may be the windows update that you are looking forward to. It is simply one of the ways you can get the best of what Microsoft has to offer. The reason that Microsoft has decided to do this as they were dissatisfied with the number of users that were downloading windows 10. However, the new update is a problem with those who have metered connections.
Users who have metered connections may wish to turn off their recommended updates settings or disable automatic updates altogether. At 6GB there might be a bit of problems staying within monthly limits. This is may be difficult, but another process to skip Windows 10 being downloaded will be explained a bit later.
Windows 10 does have some interesting features like the windows assistant and Edge the cutting edge search engine, as well as turbo multi tasking and in depth Cortana. It can be one of the windows programs you need. Many people like the Edge browser as a cutting edge tool to surf the internet. This is one of the things that users have noticed about Windows 10. One thing that users may like about 10 is that new updates to the Edge browser are available in the windows store. It may just the thing that you choose to use. Make certain that you get all you have coming to you with windows 10.
However, as mentioned, Windows 10 is a real problem for those that may have metered usage. There is no way to really opt out of getting the Windows 10 update however you can control when he updates are put on your computer,and you may be able to avoid windows 10 sucking up all of your bandwidth. It is just one of the things that users should be able to control.
There are options for those who are happy to stick with versions 7 or 8.1 of windows and they can avoid the update by using A GWX version of a control panel that can allow them to find the type of blocking options they need. Consumers who don’t want windows 10 and haven’t been able to block it can use removal tools to get it off the computer.


CK Computer Solutions is proud to announce an open position for IT Support, Helpdesk/Deskside Engineers.
If you’re a motivated, have experience in IT Services and want to join an expanding IT Services company, send your CV to jobs@cksolutions.ie or[intlink id=”245″ type=”page”]click here[/intlink] for more.


2 August

How to Remove McAfee

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Add remove programs:

  1. Click on Start, Click on Control Panel2) Double-click on Add or Remove Programs
  2. Find the Network Associates or McAfee product listed and click on it.
  3. Click on Change/Remove
  4. Place a checkmark next to each McAfee product you wish to remove and click Remove

Using MCPR tool:

  1. Click on the following link to download the MCPR removal tool
  2. http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe
  3. Click Save and save the file to your desktop
  4. After the removal tool finishes, you should be prompted to restart your computer.
  5. Once the computer restarts, your McAfee product should be uninstalled.

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