What's new

Going, Going, GONE! - Windows XP Pro

Microsoft Windows XP Pro will not be available after June 17th, 2008. That is the last day Dell will accept orders from us for XP. After that everything will be Vista.

If you are thinking about upgrading or replacing your computer over the next six months, you should really think about replacing it within the next FOUR WEEKS. Computers with Vista on them are more expensive for end users in a few different ways:

Initial hardware requirements are quite demanding, leading to the purchase of a more expensive machine.
Subsequent incompatibilities with hardware and software lead to unbudgeted expenditures.
IT support costs are higher than normal because of the previous item.

These items lead to a higher Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for your equipment. This is the last opportunity we have to help you keep your TCO down on your computer purchases for FY 2008. Please contact us ASAP with your hardware needs so we can customize a computer for you!

Change in travel policy as of June 1, 2008

Due to the significant increase in fuel charges this year, we will be changing our policy regarding charging for travel time. Please be advised that as of June 1, 2008, we will be charging for 1 way travel (or 50% of total travel time).

Most of our clients have remote access software installed, so we can continue to assist you remotely. If you do not have our remote access software installed, there is a onetime trip and installation charge (for time). An additional benefit of this software is that YOU can use this software to access your machine remotely (say from home or vacation - not that any of us work on vacation).

News & Views

Microsoft XP - SP3

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING.

The latest service pack for Microsoft Windows XP Pro is called SP# (service pack 3). This service pack has been delayed numerous times and is about a year overdue, or is it? If you own an HP machine, Microsoft added a feature that will send your computer into a cycle of ENDLESS REBOOTS. Better yet - there is no uninstalling the service pack. At the moment, this issue seems only to affect HP machines - but only a small number of machines have been upgraded so far. Please contact us prior to undertaking this upgrade to see if the major issues have been resolved. We are monitoring the situation closely.

SPAM turns 30

On May 3rd, 1978 since Gary Thuerk, a marketing manager for Digital Equipment sent a single email message to many users over ARPAnet (the predecessor to the Internet). The intent was to publicize open houses in the Los Angeles area, where the company would be showcasing its newest computers. Realizing how tedious it would be to send individual emails to hundreds of people, Thuerk devised a method to send the single message to everyone on a "mailing list". And thus spam was born.

Security

Beware of your anti-virus software - not all software is created equal!

Over the last two weeks we have replaced antivirus software for over 100 computers. There are two critical comments we need to pass along. #1) When you use FREE anti-virus software - you will get what you pay for. #2) One of the top names in the anti-virus business misses LOTS of viruses.

At one client, we moved them from free antivirus software to our preferred software and the software immediately found 56 viruses. This was not unexpected.

At another client, we moved them from a leading antivirus software to our preferred software and the new software found 24 viruses on the network! We were surprised at this outcome, but it reinforced our decision of the new software.

While implementing the software is of great benefit to computer users intent on being "virus free", there are over 20 options in purchasing it, dependent on your hardware configuration, your needs, concerns, etc. Therefore, it is important that the correct software for your particular environment is professionally chosen and installed. If your anti-virus software is not up to date, please let us help get you into the right software for your needs.

Timely tips

Microsoft Word

Have you ever wanted to change the case of a Word, WORD, word? Highlight a word, sentence or paragraph, press . The first time you press the combination you get "Proper case" where the first letter of the line is capitalized. The second time you press the combination you get "ALL CAPS". And the third time returns you to "all lower".

GMP: Good Maintenance Practices

Patch Management

Are your restore disks outdated?

If you're not planning on upgrading to a new machine any time soon, you'll find that your older machines will eventually require complete Windows reinstall. For this task, your manufacturer usually gives you system restore CD's. But these discs lack hundreds of critical updates. To download and install these updates requires hours, and multiple reboots, often prolonging the time it takes to restore your computer for a day or two. Who has that time?

We offer two options:

Option #1) Computer Installation Package (CIP)

This includes backing up your data, performing a complete install of the operating system, installing critical software, applying all relevant patches, restoring your data and onsite setup of your machine. This service is offered as a flat fee service for machines brought to our office.

Option #2) Custom Installation Disc (CID)

We take your old discs, and update them with the latest service packs, hotfixes, and patches. The result is a bootable CD that will install the operating system and all patches at the same time. We can also include your license keys so that you do not have to enter them each time. The service can be purchased either as a one-time solution, or as a subscription service. If you choose to go with the subscription service, you will receive a new disc whenever new updates are released, keeping your restore CD's current with the latest patches. Please contact us for pricing.