How-To Live-Swap a Back-UPS Battery Safely

How to Live-Swap a UPS Battery; Safely

When an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery fails, it often triggers a loud, continuous alarm or displays a flashing battery error icon. In an enterprise environment, shutting down the server rack, NAS, or network switch connected to that UPS just to swap a battery means unwanted downtime.

Fortunately, UPS devices such as the APC Back-UPS Pro 1350 (BX1350M) support hot-swapping. This means you can replace the internal battery cartridge without powering down the unit or interrupting the critical equipment plugged into it.

Whether you are an end-user maintaining your workstation or a deployment technician following company infrastructure protocols, use this step-by-step guide to perform a hot-swap safely.

Set Up DMARC for Microsoft 365 Hosted Email

 

How to Set Up DMARC for Microsoft 365:
Stop Email Spoofing for Good!

If you own a custom domain, email security isn't optional anymore. Major email providers like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft strictly require authentication records to ensure your emails reach the inbox instead of the spam folder.

Setting up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) prevents scammers from impersonating your business while boosting your overall email deliverability.

Here is a step-by-step guide to properly setting up DMARC alongside SPF and DKIM for Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365).

Set Up DMARC for Google Workspace Email

How to Set Up DMARC for Google Workspace:
Stop Email Spoofing for Good!

If you own a custom domain, email security isn't optional anymore. Major email providers like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft strictly require authentication records to ensure your emails reach the inbox instead of the spam folder.

Setting up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) prevents scammers from impersonating your business while boosting your overall email deliverability.

Here is a step-by-step guide to properly setting up DMARC alongside SPF and DKIM.

App Passwords: Why You Need Them & How to Set Them Up

 

Your Guide to App Passwords:

Why You Need Them & How to Set Them Up

Have you ever tried to connect an older email app, a smart home device, or a scanner to your main account, only to be hit with a stubborn "authentication failed" error; even though you know you typed your password correctly?

The culprit is likely your account's modern security settings. As Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) becomes the standard for protecting our online lives, many third-party apps and older devices simply don't know how to handle that second step. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) makes users 99% less likely to be hacked. However, it can break compatibility with older software.

Enter the App Password: a specialized, secure bridge that lets these devices connect without compromising your main account's security.

Apple Business Manager: Employee & Employee Apple ID/iPad Setup

Apple Business Manager:

Add Employees & Apple ID/iPad Setup Guide

If you manage devices for a growing team, you already know that handing a brand-new iPad to an employee isn't as simple as just taking it out of the box. Security, app management, and company data protection are huge priorities. That is exactly where Apple Business Manager (ABM) comes in.

Setting up devices through ABM ensures your company retains control of the hardware and data while giving your employees a seamless onboarding experience. But if you're new to the platform, the workflow can be a little confusing.

To help simplify things, I’ve put together this start-to-finish guide on how to onboard a new employee, set up their iPad, and offboard them when it's time to part ways.

Deploy Nextcloud on TrueNAS SCALE; Behind NPMplus SSL Proxy

 

Deploy Nextcloud on TrueNAS SCALE

Behind a NPMplus SSL Proxy

Nextcloud is consistently one of the most-installed apps on TrueNAS SCALE, but the official app catalog ships with a few defaults and quirks that can send a fresh install sideways; especially if you're putting it behind a reverse proxy like NPMplus. The good news is that once you know which boxes to tick (and which to leave alone), the whole stack comes up clean and stays up.

This guide walks through the exact sequence I used to deploy Nextcloud on TrueNAS SCALE Community Edition with NPMplus handling SSL and reverse proxying, with all the working settings with no detours, no "try this and see if it works" steps, and no recovery sections you'll only need if something breaks.

UniFi Console Migration Guide:

Dream Machine Upgrade or Migration: Including Cloud Account Claiming, Cellular WAN Failover, SSH Credential Capture & Orphaned Device Recovery

This guide covers migrating all adopted UniFi devices (APs, switches, cameras) from a Dream Machine (UDM) to a Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) with minimal disruption. It assumes you are replacing the UDM entirely and the UDM-Pro will take the same network role.

This guide has been updated with real-world field experience from an actual UDM → UDM-Pro migration, including the cloud account claiming procedure, Mesh AP tweaks required post-restore, and cellular WAN failover configuration using a designated LAN port as WAN3.

The Manual Every Computer User Should Read

We’ve all been there... 

The screen freezes. 

The printer won’t connect. 

A suspicious email pops up in your inbox, and you aren't sure if you should click it. 

For most people, computers are essential tools, but they are also sources of endless frustration and anxiety.

After 20+ years of professional experience in IT, I realized that while technology changes, the fundamental skills users need to stay safe and efficient rarely do. I wanted to create a comprehensive, practical guide that bridges the gap between "technical jargon" and "what do I actually click?"

The Computer Handbook

*Updated 2-16-2026 to fix hyperlink issues!

New Computer Migration & Setup: How-To Guide

Setting Up Your New Computer:
A Complete Migration Guide

Getting a new computer is exciting, but the transition from your old system to the new one requires careful planning to ensure nothing important gets left behind. These principles apply universally, regardless of your hardware path: whether you are performing a standard upgrade (PC to PC, Mac to Mac) or switching operating systems entirely (PC to Mac or Mac to PC). Whether you're upgrading at home or replacing workstations at your business, proper preparation can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and hours of frustration tracking down missing files and forgotten passwords.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after a computer migration. There are several things you can do ahead of time to make the process faster and more successful; with less surprises!

For Mac/Apple Computer Time Machine Migrations, Click Here!

QuickBooks Error 3371 Cause, Fix & Prevention

How to Fix QuickBooks Error 3371:

When Repairs Don’t Work

QuickBooks Error 3371, “Could not initialize license properties” is one of the most frustrating QuickBooks errors because standard fixes often fail. Repair installs, reinstall tools, and even Intuit’s own troubleshooters may do nothing.

This article documents a real-world failure mode we see in IT support and some fixes that actually work.

Switch Windows Server Editions Using DISM; Windows Server Activation

Switch Windows Server Editions via DISM

Sometimes you need to change your Windows Server edition; maybe you installed Datacenter but only have a Standard license, or you're migrating licensing models. Here's how to do it in-place without a full reinstall.

Installing Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2025 (Workgroup; No Domain)

Installing Supported Remote Desktop Services, on a Workgroup Server (No Domain)

Microsoft’s official stance is that Remote Desktop Services (RDS) generally requires an Active Directory Domain. However, for small environments, standalone servers, or specific test cases, you can set up a Workgroup RDS Deployment.

This guide covers how to install the RDS roles manually, configure licensing without a domain controller, and strictly manage local user access.

⚠ Important Warning: This guide focuses on a Workgroup setup. If you require strict Per-User CAL enforcement or advanced features like RD Gateway, a Domain environment is the only fully supported path.

Spilled Liquid on A Device: Your Emergency Step-by-Step Survival Guide

Spill Emergencies:

How to Save Your Laptop & Electronics

Whether it’s a splash of water on your smartphone or a full cup of coffee dumped into your laptop keyboard, liquid is the #1 enemy of electronics. When moisture meets electricity, you are in a race against short-circuits and corrosion.

If you’ve just had a spill, don't panic. Follow this step-by-step guide to give your device the best chance of survival.

 

PNW Computers' Recommended Hardware

After years of working with small and medium businesses across the Pacific Northwest, I've learned one fundamental truth: the right hardware makes all the difference. Whether you're building out a new office network, upgrading your storage infrastructure, or simply need a reliable mouse that won't quit on you during a critical deadline, choosing the right equipment saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

This guide represents my go-to recommendations for devices that consistently deliver performance, reliability, and value. These aren't just products I recommend; they're the equipment I trust for my own infrastructure and confidently recommend to clients.

 

What To Do If You Are Compromised By A Scam/Scammer

A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Digital Life

Online security is becoming increasingly critical as more of our daily lives move onto the internet. Whether through hacking, phishing, tech support scams, or other malicious activities, account compromises can happen to anyone. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps to help you respond effectively, recover your accounts, and protect yourself from future incidents.

IMPORTANT:

If you are in immediate danger or feel threatened,

Call 911 immediately.

The Computer, IT & Cybersecurity Guide & Manual(s) Trifecta

 

Announcing Three "IT Guide" Projects!

I am thrilled to announce the launch of three new, powerful resources on GitHub designed to help you navigate, understand, and master the world of technology, from fundamental computing to advanced cybersecurity. Whether you're a complete beginner, an aspiring IT professional, or a seasoned enthusiast, this new collection has something crucial for you.

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection (ProxMoxVE)

Setting Up OPNsense as a Private DNS Server with Intrusion Detection in a Proxmox VM

Transform your network security with a dedicated DNS server and real-time threat detection

Enroll in the Windows 10 ESU Program

Enroll in the Windows 10 ESU Program:

Free & Paid Options

💡 What Is the Windows 10 ESU Program?

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, many users and organizations are wondering how to keep their systems secure. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers a solution; and the good news is, some users may qualify for free access. This guide walks you through both the free and paid enrollment options, with clear steps and helpful visuals to make the process simple.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows individuals and organizations to continue receiving critical and important security updates for Windows 10 devices after official support ends on October 14, 2025.

Ensure Spam Filtering Is Active & Set-Up: Microsoft Outlook

Ensure Spam Filtering Is Active & Set-Up Correctly in Microsoft Outlook

In today’s digital workplace, email remains a critical communication tool, but it’s also a prime target for spam and phishing attacks. While Microsoft Outlook offers robust built-in spam filtering, no system is perfect. Some unwanted messages inevitably slip through the cracks, cluttering your inbox and potentially posing security risks.

This guide walks you through two essential strategies to keep your inbox clean and secure:Ensuring Outlook’s spam filtering is active and properly configured.
Creating custom rules to catch and remove spam that evades automatic detection.

Troubleshoot Mac Scanning Problems & Issues

 

Scanning on Your Mac Not Working?

Here's How to Try to Fix It!

If your printer or scanner won't scan to your Mac/Apple computer anymore, try these steps to hopefully get things fixed: