Breaking Down I.T. with Steve

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve , we tackle one of the biggest security challenges facing modern businesses: managing and securing remote employees and outsourced staff like Virtual Assistants. When your team uses personal devices (BYOD) or works outside the office walls, how do you enforce your company’s security policy and protect sensitive data? Owner Steve Shaff breaks down th...

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve , we tackle that alarming little notification everyone dreads: "Your Password Has Been Compromised." Owner Steve Shaff breaks down exactly what this Google pop-up means, why it appears, and—most importantly—what immediate steps you need to take to secure your accounts. We dive deep into the world of passwords , covering: The Anatomy of a C...

As Q4 kicks off, it’s the perfect time to stop reacting and start planning. This episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve" is your guide to finishing the year strong and setting up a secure, efficient 2026. We'll walk you through the non-negotiable end-of-year tasks every business needs to tackle: Free Cybersecurity Audit: We discuss the power of our complimentary audit, which pinpo...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about something you use every single day—the cloud. While it’s the engine of our modern world, its security is often overlooked. We’ll break down why the cloud is a top target for hackers and what you can do to protect your personal and business data. We'll cover the essentials for both individuals and businesses, includ...

Your smartphone is your office, your bank, and your social life all in one. But did you know it’s also one of the biggest entry points for hackers? In this episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're diving deep into the critical world of mobile and wireless security. We’ll show you why your devices and the networks you connect to are far more vulnerable than you think, and how...

Is your business still running on old software? You might be using applications that are about to reach their "End of Life" (EOL) without even knowing it. In this episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about the ticking clock on widely used software like Windows 10 , Microsoft Office , and QuickBooks Desktop . We’ll break down the key EOL dates you need to know: Windows 10: Supp...

Ever wonder how all that spam and phishing garbage gets filtered out of your inbox? This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're pulling back the curtain on the email security tools that sit between you and your provider like Microsoft or Google. We'll break down in an easy-to-understand way exactly how these digital gatekeepers review, detect, and verify every email to ma...

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about something everyone faces: hitting a wall. Whether it's a technical puzzle, a business challenge, or a complex project, there comes a time when you can't solve it on your own. We'll discuss why it's not only okay to ask for help, but why it's the smartest move you can make. We'll cover the import...

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. , we discuss the critical issue of Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life this October. Host Steve shares a story from the dentist's office, which, like many businesses, is still running the outdated OS. With 20 locations, the dental practice faces a huge challenge to upgrade to Windows 11. The key takeaway? Before you roll out a new OS, you must test, test,...

What happens when a new office is ready for business but Comcast drops the ball, leaving them with no internet on day one? On this episode, Steve shares an incredible story of an I.T. crisis averted. Find out how OOMA saved the day by overnighting a cellular WiFi device, providing a critical internet connection and turning a potential disaster into a seamless launch. We’ll discuss the importance o...

In this episode, Steve breaks down Ooma, the all-in-one communications and home security platform. We'll explore how Ooma's Voice over IP (VoIP) phone services can streamline operations and boost your bottom line, with a look at features like videoconferencing, team chat, and integrations with business tools like Salesforce and QuickBooks. We also dive into their home solutions, including...

Welcome to "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," the podcast dedicated to helping small business owners navigate the world of technology for greater profitability and efficiency. In this insightful episode, Steve sits down with George from Ooma to explore the diverse phone system solutions available. They delve into how the right phone system can empower your business, streamlining operations...

This week on Breaking Down IT with Steve , get ready for some wild and woeful tales from the front lines of IT! Join me, Steve, for a special "Story Time" episode where I pull back the curtain on my life as an IT professional, sharing two unforgettable experiences that highlight the importance of doing things right. First up, picture this: I walk into a retail establishment, and what greets me is...

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 responsi...

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 co...

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 co...

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 issu...

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 you...

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 yo...

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 wi...

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 chilli...

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 curta...

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 th...

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 cou...

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...