Decisions being made by computer owners or prospective owners are mainly being drive by price these days, for obvious reasons. Not everyone wants to spend a ton of money on a new PC, unless the return on investment is high enough. However, quality matters, too, as does the manner in which you will be using your machine. So, here are the 4 choices which I see right now for most business or home computer users. 1) Netbooks (a new term which has arisen over the last several years to describe a … [Read more...] about Netbook, Notebook, Desktop or Wait and Repair?
Keeping computer systems running, secure and backed up in 2009
Many of us are considering the most effective technology investments that we can make to keep our systems happy and ensure optimal productivity in 2009. In previous post, I mentioned some free or nearly free items which have tremendous value. Proper security on a PC or network begins with a firewall. Firewalls are designed to keep unauthorized or harmful network traffic outside a network or computer system. A good online port scanner, ShieldsUP!, which can be used to test for potentially … [Read more...] about Keeping computer systems running, secure and backed up in 2009
What is the right computer to purchase this holiday season?
As the holiday season approaches, more and more people are asking for my advice on which computer system to purchase this year? This pertains to home users as well as those in a business environment. In my opinion, there are two major choices which must be made: PC or Mac? Desktop or laptop? PC or Mac? There are a lot of great systems available right now are very good prices, especially on the PC side, made by manufacturers such as Dell and and other. I recommend purchasing one of the … [Read more...] about What is the right computer to purchase this holiday season?
Sometimes, the Best Stuff is FREE!!!!
Today's slower economy is leading many people to consider free alternatives to services that they currently pay for. Consider benefiting from the following applications, all of which I highly recommend. Please bear in mind that some or all of these products have licensing limitations which may restrict their use or prohibit it in a business environment. 2 gb of free, secure offsite backup from Mozy Free web hosting and email accounts from DotEasy Free remote access to your workstation … [Read more...] about Sometimes, the Best Stuff is FREE!!!!
Windows Small Business Server 2008
Windows Small Business Server 2008 will be released on November 12, 2008, at the same time as the release of the new Windows Essential Business Server 2008, a multi-server solution intended for midsize businesses. The release of this new Small Business Server is very significant, considering that it offer several advantages and improvements over Small Business Server 2003. Small Business Server 2003 has been an extremely successful product and has stong following among IT people and small … [Read more...] about Windows Small Business Server 2008
Google Chrome
Within the last several days, Google has released a beta version of their new browser, Chrome, which can be downloaded and installed by anyone running Microsoft Windows. Versions for Macintosh and Linux are still in the works but will be available soon. I'm using Chrome now to edit this post and will continue to switch between Chrome and Firefox as my most-used browsers. I would encourage everyone to download and try Chrome for yourself. It appears that there are several features and security … [Read more...] about Google Chrome
Supercharge your Outlook with XOBNI!
Well, everyone, I've discovered what I believe to be the best and most productive Outlook add-in ever. At least it's the best that I've used. This tool XOBNI, makes analysis, searching and navigation of email much easier. Download the program for free at the above link. Feel free to respond and let others know what you think of XOBNI. … [Read more...] about Supercharge your Outlook with XOBNI!
DSL or CABLE or FIBER?
A frequently-asked question by my clients is whether a DSL connection, cable connection or fiber-optic connection is optimal for their home or business. In the Central Contra Costa County service area which I service regularly, the choice for DSL is ATT, while Comcast and Astound offer cable connections. The phone company, ATT, is also beginning to roll out and offer fiber optic-based services. In most cases, I prefer the reliability and stability of the DSL connection. While DSL connections … [Read more...] about DSL or CABLE or FIBER?
Is is better to upgrade or to replace a slow workstation?
Using a slow computer workstation is one of the must frustrating things for anyone trying to get something done on a computer, particularly with the mounting list of tasks that each of us must accomplish during the workday. A common request with by small business owners and managers and computer users is ". . . Speed up my workstation." Usually, one can do any of the following, and in the following order (Reply to this post with a questions or talk to your IT consultant if anything is … [Read more...] about Is is better to upgrade or to replace a slow workstation?
Is Windows Vista Ready for Business?
There has been plenty of debate regarding the relative merits of Window XP vs. Windows Vista in residential and business environments since Vista was released in early 2007, as evidenced by many discussions and articles which are available on the Internet and in trade journals. Microsoft continues to tout their latest operating system and points to the number of Vista licenses which have been sold, a figure in excess of 100 million licences. Now, with over 1 year to assess Windows … [Read more...] about Is Windows Vista Ready for Business?
