Backup Basics Backing up personal or company data which is stored on your computer, server, or mobile device is a necessary, but often overlooked, part of the computing puzzle. In most cases, I recommend a combination of online backup and local backup to an external hard drive or set of drives. Not only is it necessary to make sure that backup of the proper data is taking place, it is also a good idea to periodically perform a test restore. Online backup services such as … [Read more...] about Backup Basics
Online File Sharing and Collaboration Services
Services such as Box.net, Dropbox and 4Shared and have been introduced over the last several years and are replacing FTP as a method for file sharing while adding additional features that were not possible before. Instead of having to build and maintain a filesharing and collaboration platform in-house, these services are relatively inexpensive and paid for on a monthly basis at a rate which depends on the number of users and the storage needed. Google Docs also offers some of the functionality … [Read more...] about Online File Sharing and Collaboration Services
Cloud Computing Revisited
Cloud computing refers to computing that is taking place somewhere other than on your computer or local server. Since the computing in cloud computing takes place elsewhere, it requires a good, stable internet connection to be accessed from your PC, laptop, Mac or smartphone. For example, web-based email can be considered a cloud service and has been around for a long time. Other, newer services, such as Google Docs, Office 365 and others are becoming more popular every day. QuickBooks online … [Read more...] about Cloud Computing Revisited
Mac vs. PC
Mac vs. PC In many respects, Mac vs. PC is not really so much of an argument any longer, as both Mac and PC are based on the same fast Core line of chips from Intel. Computers based on the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors can easily handle everyday computing tasks like surfing the web, email, photos and music. Core i5 and Core i7 enable more demanding applications such as Photoshop and Autocad. However, there are some noteworthy differences to note when considering when … [Read more...] about Mac vs. PC
Computing Predictions for 2011
Computing Predictions for 2011 Computer Upgrades Continue In 2011, people and businesses will continue to upgrade their computer systems at a brisk pace, lured by the ever-faster Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors and similar processors from AMD. These fast processors are available in PCs as well as Macintosh systems. Additionally, Windows 7 has been a big hit and Macs remain popular, so many will choose to replace their older systems this year. Google Apps … [Read more...] about Computing Predictions for 2011
Computer Security
Securing your computer and network requires careful attention in several different areas: passwords, online application settings, firewall settings, anti-virus, and anti-malware. If you stop paying attention in one of these areas, all the work in the others may be irrelevant. Maintaining and remembering passwords may seem like a pain, but it's important. Keep the following in mind regarding passwords: Choose and use complex passwords (using a mixture of letters, … [Read more...] about Computer Security
Google Apps
Most of us tend to think of online search when we think of Google. However, Google Apps, a full-featured suite of applications which is delivered online and accessible through a web browser, is one of Google's hottest offerings. There are 2 versions which interest businesses, a professional version ($50 per user per year) and a free, standard version. With Google Apps, all of the services are offered and accessible through a domain of your choice. You can use an exiting domain name or any … [Read more...] about Google Apps
Choosing the Right Smartphone
Choosing the Right Smartphone Today, consumers and businesspeople are making important decisions regarding their choice of smartphones (mobile phones with advanced computing capability). Smartphones enable mobile internet access, SMS messaging (texting), email access and access to a variety of applications. Many people now consider their choice of phone to be equally or more important than their choice of computer. Most people choose a smartphone based on physical characteristics, operating … [Read more...] about Choosing the Right Smartphone
Office 2010 – Revolution or Evolution?
Microsoft Office 2010, the latest release in the line of Microsoft Office products that has existed since 1990, will be released to the general public in June, 2010. (It will be available earlier for those in certain large corporate environments.) Office 2010 contains all of the features included in the previous version, Office 2007, as well as some new ones. The ribbon format for the toolbars remains. New features include: - The Word 2007 Equation editor will become common to all … [Read more...] about Office 2010 – Revolution or Evolution?
Will iPad live up to the Hype?
The Apple iPad is a sleek, slender device which is a bit smaller than a pad of paper. It features a high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS display with 1024 x 768 pixel display, which, like the screen on the iPhone and the iPod Touch, responds to your touch and gestures. Storage is provided by a 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive. Battery life can be up to 9 or 10 hours, depending on use. It is able to connect to WiFi wireless networks, and in certain models, a 3G cell mobile data network. … [Read more...] about Will iPad live up to the Hype?
