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Directive Blogs

Directive has been serving the Oneonta area since 1993, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Chris is a hopeless Technology Fanatic, an Inbound & Outbound Marketing Expert as well as a Senior IT Advisor, Web, Graphics & Software Designer. When he's not running Directive and JoomConnect he's probably sharpening his skills as an Amateur Photographer and Filmmaker. Chris lives with his wife Charlotte and their 2 sons in Upstate NY. Visit his photography site at www.directivestudios.com.

5 Smart Glass Options Beyond Google Glass

b2ap3_thumbnail_computer_glasses_400.jpgThe final quarter of 2013 saw an immense amount of hype around the latest trend of wearable technology. In 2014, it's looking like the hype will pay off as more wearable technology products are hitting the shelves and becoming available to consumers.

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Use These 5 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows like a Boss!

b2ap3_thumbnail_keyborad_shortcuts_400.jpgThe computer mouse makes navigating your PC easy. However, the mouse isn't always the most efficient way to get computer work done. By taking advantage of keyboard shortcuts, you can shave precious seconds off your workflow and wow your coworkers with your computer prowess. Here are five time-saving keyboard shortcuts to get you started.

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Consumer Data Collection is Growing

b2ap3_thumbnail_getit400.jpgWith the holiday shopping season winding down, it's the busiest time of the for data collecting companies that compile information on the purchases you make. Are you aware of the extent that your purchases are being tracked? Knowing about data collection may make you want to buy all of your presents with cash.

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Can I Have My Email without the Spam?

b2ap3_thumbnail_atspam400.jpgNobody enjoys getting spam in their email inbox. It's annoying, it can take up precious time to sift through, and did we mention that it's annoying? Every email user is familiar with spam, but not everyone may know how spam got its infamous name. The answer may surprise you and make you chuckle.

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Bots Outnumber Humans for Web Traffic

b2ap3_thumbnail_webbot400.jpgIt has finally happened, the bots have taken over. While robots have yet to enslave humanity, bots have taken over the Internet, accounting for 62% of all web traffic. Is the bot takeover something you should be concerned about?

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How to Get Your Business Started with Twitter

b2ap3_thumbnail_twitastic400.jpgSocial media has become a big part of business, and Twitter is one of the top sites. You may know Twitter as an app that lets you send short messages to "followers," however, there's so much more to this useful tool that has been embraced by 218.3 million users worldwide. Let's take a closer look at Twitter and how to utilize it for your business.

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Another Year, Another Smartphone

b2ap3_thumbnail_ayas400.jpg2013 might go down in history as the bridge year between high-end handheld electronics and wearable gadgets that offer enhanced flexibility and access, but for now, the best electronics for communication, collaboration, and convenience are the handheld computers that we've learned to lean on. Below are some of the top smartphone options on the market.

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The Shaky Future of the PC

b2ap3_thumbnail_tabcomp400.jpgThere's been a lot of talk lately about the seemingly bleak future of the PC due to the rapid growth of the mobile device market. Will the PC ever really be extinct, or will it find a way to evolve? How will the questionable future of the PC impact your business?

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There’s a Security Flaw!

b2ap3_thumbnail_santa400.jpgA Song In the tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus"

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A Christmas Carol in the Cloud

b2ap3_thumbnail_mchist400.jpgAround the holidays, we are often reminded how important it is to give, and graciously receive good will. One story that sparks these thoughts is Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. For those of you who are not familiar with the story, Ebenezer Scrooge, a wealthy, shrewd miser gets visits from the three spirits of Christmas after he believes that Christmas is no better than a day of wasted profits. Scared out of his wits by the legacy he would leave behind if he didn't change, Scrooge's transforms into a generous and caring man, literally overnight. This story has been told several different ways over a century, but the premise is still the same, profits aren't always what matters most.

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Pogue’s Top 10 Time-Saving Tech Tips

b2ap3_thumbnail_ted400.jpgNew York Times tech column writer, David Pogue, recently presented a TED talk, in which he suggested his top ten time-saving technology tips. Each of David's tips were incredibly simple, but understated and carry the potential to save tech users time and effort. Do you know about these time-saving tips?

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Be Prepared to do Business without Computers

b2ap3_thumbnail_prep400.jpgBusinesses that are aggressive will grow quickly, and in the same way, businesses that have an aggressive continuity plan will survive the worst disasters. You need to aggressively be prepared for any disaster, even the scenarios that leave your company without computers.

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Tips to Search the Web like a Pro, Part 3

b2ap3_thumbnail_endsearch400.jpgIn parts one and two, we shared tips on how to search the web. By now, you should be able to hone in your Internet searches and find almost anything you're looking for, but you can't yet call yourself a Search Master.

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5 Technologies that Will Shape 2014

b2ap3_thumbnail_trendfive400.jpgBig changes are happening in the world of technology, and it's important that your business stays on top of these changes in order to stay competitive. By taking advantage of the latest trends, you will be provided with solutions designed to maximize profits. Here are five of the latest trends you need to watch for in 2014.

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The Holidays Don’t Always Bring Joy to Small Business Owners

b2ap3_thumbnail_pout400.jpgFor most small business owners, your average week includes several moments where you look at your expense sheet and search for ways to cut costs and improve the profitability, and thus, the sustainability of your company. Around the holidays, when business picks up for everyone, some small businesses run into problems that stunt their net profitability. The inability to spend the money that larger companies can, will often result in handcuffing a business' ability to compete.

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How to Reduce the Noise from Your Servers

b2ap3_thumbnail_serverbay400.jpgOne IT problem that you may have heard about is server noise. A server unit is a noisy piece of equipment because it comes with multiple fans used to keep the machine cool. One big reason why servers are banished to their own room is because of all the noise they make. Here's what you can do to quiet your servers.

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Your Guide to High-Tech Holiday Goodies

b2ap3_thumbnail_techgift400.jpgIt's time once again for holiday shopping, and you've got a plethora of technology choices before you. With so many options, it's easy to get confused and grab the first thing you come across. To help you avoid the stress of shopping for technology this holiday season, we've prepared for you this guide so you can be sure that you're purchasing the best item for people on your list.

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Is Augmented Reality the Future of Marketing?

b2ap3_thumbnail_arstorm400.jpgConcocting a comprehensive and concise marketing strategy is extremely important for any small business. Across the board, the average company uses between 8%-to-15% of their gross revenue to reinvest into marketing themselves. When you consider how large of a percentage of an organization's workable capital that really is, you'll begin to understand why companies are trying to find a solutions to cut their marketing costs. They need not look any further than the palm of their hand to find that very solution.

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Tips to Search the Web like a Pro, Part 2

b2ap3_thumbnail_mastery400.jpgLast week, we shared four tips to help you search the web and find anything that you're looking for. In part 2, we will take a look at additional search tools that will help you refine your searches so you can become a search master!

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How BYOD Can Boost Your Green Campaign

b2ap3_thumbnail_byodgirl400.jpgTwo of the latest trends in business culture are environmentally friendly green campaigns and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) work environments. There are a few ways that a BYOD system can contribute to the success of your company's green campaign, as they both seek to use technology to increase everyday efficiency at the office.

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What to do with Your Old PC

b2ap3_thumbnail_pcrecycler400.jpgIt's nice to get a shiny new computer that's fast, powerful, and has all the latest features. Before you install your new machine, you have to make a decision about what to do with your old one. Your old computer has been a faithful friend over the years so you may feel bad pitching it to the curb; instead, consider giving it a new home.

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The 50 Year History of Our Industry

b2ap3_thumbnail_msphist400.jpgWorking in the IT industry means embracing change and the latest technology trends. Doing the same thing day-in and day-out is a luxury we don't have, and frankly, sounds kind of boring. Since computers were first invented, there's been a need to service them. Here's a look at how the IT service industry has changed over the past 50 years.

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The 4 Best Things about Remote Support

b2ap3_thumbnail_rsupport400.jpgIf you've never taken advantage of remote support to remedy an IT problem, then you're likely doing IT support the hard way by having a technician physically take care of every issue. While it's always nice to chat with your friendly tech, you may be able to save yourself a whole lot of time and money by taking care of the issue with remote support.

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4 Data Loss Scenarios that can Happen to You!

b2ap3_thumbnail_dataend400.jpgYou may feel like your computer network is immune to data loss, but according to a study by Blackblaze.com, 46% of users experience data loss every year. Whether it's from something big like a natural disaster, or minor like improperly removing a flash drive, every form of data loss is costly and can be prevented with a data backup plan.

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3 Interesting Facts about Mobile Marketing

b2ap3_thumbnail_mobmark400.jpgMobile technology use is growing at such a fast rate that it's proving to be more than a trend. In the U.S., 56% of adults own a smartphone, and for businesses with an Internet presence, 31% of conversions took place over a mobile device last year. This mobile revolution has huge implications for how your business reaches new customers.

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Amazon Suggests Drone Deliveries Not Far Off

b2ap3_thumbnail_adrone400.jpgDo you ever feel like you're living in the future? With all the technological advancements designed and manufactured to entertain us or make our lives easier, we don't often take a minute to realize how much the world has changed in a very short period of time.

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2 Million Passwords Stolen! Have You been Hacked?

b2ap3_thumbnail_pword400.jpgOn December 3, 2013, security company Trustwave discovered over two million stolen user passwords for popular online services like Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, Yahoo, and 93,000 other websites. There's a high probability that you use one of the services affected by the hack. Is your personal information compromised?

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Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Review

b2ap3_thumbnail_surface400.jpgMicrosoft is well known for their software, but manufacturing tablet computers is a new venture for the tech giant. It's been almost a year since Microsoft's signature tablet the Surface Pro was released, and now the second generation of Surface, the Surface Pro 2, is available. Here's an overview on how the new tablet stacks up.

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Virus Alert: CryptoLocker Can Disable Your Business!

b2ap3_thumbnail_crypto400.jpgIn September, a new ransomware came on the scene and it's been wreaking havoc on computers the world over ever since. Given the name CryptoLocker, it's capable of taking over your system, encrypting your files, and literally holding your data ransom in order to extort money from you. If you don't pay, then your files are deleted. What's an honest business to do against such a threat?

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Tips to Search the Web like a Pro, Part 1

b2ap3_thumbnail_goog400.jpgThe Internet is a place of wonderment where you can find almost anything you can imagine, but you have to know how to find it. How good are you at online searches? Anybody can type a query into Google, Bing, or Yahoo, but a simple search like this may not yield the best results.

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Secure Your Sensitive Data with VPN

b2ap3_thumbnail_vpenn400.jpgInstalling a VPN solution is perhaps the best move you can make to ensure the security of your network, and the files that it transports. Whether you send files between your workplace and home or to remote locations around the globe, VPN can help ensure their safety. What exactly is VPN, and why should your company be using it?

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How Long Do Hard Disk Drives Really Last?

b2ap3_thumbnail_hddlast400.jpgIt's important to understand how long your hard drive will last so you can minimize the risk of data loss from a drive failure. Disk hard drives are made up of tiny parts with platters that rotate at thousands of RPMs, which makes it the most vulnerable component of your PC. How much life is left on your server's hard drive?

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Only 25% of U.S. Homes Will Have Landline Telephones by 2015

b2ap3_thumbnail_tincan400.jpgWired telephone service, also known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is seemingly nearing their extinction. This is thanks to the more economical and convenient Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone option. Until recently, nearly every American home was connected to the PSTN, but by 2015, this option will see a 75% decrease. What does this mean for your business?

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Watch Your @#%!ing Mouth at Work!

b2ap3_thumbnail_smdb400.jpgLanguage is one of the biggest contributors to determining office culture. For example, a workplace where the management motivates with threats will be a completely different environment than an office where encouragement is liberally applied. The allowance or forbiddance of swearing is another major indicator of your company's culture. How does the language in your office reflect your company's values?

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Is Square Cash the Future of Digital Payment?

b2ap3_thumbnail_squarecash400.jpgBy now the vast majority of people have settled into using the Internet as a 24-hour shopping center, where almost anything imaginable can be purchased and shipped right to your door. From goods to services, everything under the sun has a digital price tag. While most of us have used a credit card to buy something online, many of us have alternatively chosen a more secure option, especially when closing deals with individuals on online auction sites like eBay. That option has traditionally been PayPal, which in many ways, has helped to revolutionize the way people transfer money. In fact, PayPal has been so successful, and essential to eBay's success, that eBay bought the company in 2002.

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Cloud-based Network Security Offers Flexibility

b2ap3_thumbnail_secu400.jpgWhen considering network and computing infrastructure security for your business, you don't usually think about about alternative routes of delivery for these solutions; and especially don't consider that this technology is available without the traditional appliance. Now, comprehensive security solutions for your network, server, and end-user is available as a service, in the cloud.

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90% of Large Businesses Have Successfully Upgraded from Windows XP

b2ap3_thumbnail_windows400.jpgWe hope that this isn't the first time you've heard about Microsoft ending support for their popular Windows XP OS on April 8, 2014. Microsoft has been warning users of this "death date" for years, yet we still come across businesses and consumers that are just now getting the memo. You may have to help get the message out!

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How to Covert PDFs to Word Documents

b2ap3_thumbnail_pdfword400.jpgHave you ever been frustrated by not being able to edit information locked up inside of a PDF? Now, with Microsoft Word 2013, the issue is resolved, making it super easy to edit text, tables, and graphics within a PDF file.

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Is the Computer Mouse Dead?

b2ap3_thumbnail_phaseout400.jpgTen years ago, the idea of not using a mouse to navigate through a computer was an idea only found in science fiction movies. With the introduction of tablets and touchscreen technology, our little handheld friends are feeling left out. Is the death of the computer mouse in our near future?

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Stream Media Wherever You Go With Chromecast

b2ap3_thumbnail_chromecast400.jpgMillions of users from all over the globe would admit that Google has taken over their PC. For any major application that has been created, Google seems to have an answer for it. With the exception of television models that run "Google TV", they hadn't found a way to take over your TV.

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Backup Protects Your Most Valuable Data

b2ap3_thumbnail_twentyp400.jpgThe importance of backing up your company's data cannot be stressed enough. Data is your business' most valuable asset, as evidenced by the fact that companies unable to access their data for ten days after a major disaster (like Hurricane Sandy that hit the mid atlantic and northeast U.S) will not survive the next fiscal year. Here's how to protect your business with data backup.

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The Internet as Conceived in 1969

b2ap3_thumbnail_internety400.jpgThe Internet certainly has changed the way we live, work, shop, and communicate. We may think we're superior to previous generations because of all our Internet-based technology, but we have video proof that the Internet was actually conceptualized in 1969. In many ways, our parents and grandparents were spot on with their predictions. In other ways, not so much.

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Has Illegal Downloading Met its Match?

b2ap3_thumbnail_nodl400.jpgSince the late 1990s, digital information, music, movies, software, and content has been at risk of being illegally shared worldwide for free. Peer-to-peer file sharing has forced entire industries to shift the way they do business as they try to counteract the illegal practice. The new Copyright Alert System will attempt to quell illegal file sharing.

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'Ellio! Can I bye o' Ofsistance?

b2ap3_thumbnail_helpdesk400.jpgHow does it make you feel having to call IT support? If you've never talked with one of our IT technicians, then you may think of the stereotypical scenario of dealing with an incoherent foreigner and dread making the call. We feel IT Support should be quick, easy, and resolve the problem, not test the limits of your patience.

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Nokia has 25/20 Vision

b2ap3_thumbnail_nokia400.jpgIt's no secret that Microsoft is trying to implement a full court press regarding the Windows RT operating system by trying to get it on as many tablets and phones as possible. However up until this point the only company still producing these devices was Microsoft itself. Now Nokia has entered the fray with their Lumia 2520. Microsoft recently purchase Nokia, however, the merger will not be complete until sometime next year, so this still feels, looks like, and operates the way you would expect a Nokia product to.

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Does Working from Home Turn an Employee into a Deranged Psychotic?

b2ap3_thumbnail_workfh400.jpgThanks to cloud computing technology, many businesses are taking advantage of having a mobile workforce by allowing their staff to work from home. Working from home can be beneficial by making workers more productive, saving employees' time and money from commuting, and increasing worker satisfaction, but how can you know for sure if work is really getting done?

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How to Permanently Delete Your Files and Cover Your Tracks

b2ap3_thumbnail_trashed400.jpgAfter you've finished with that incriminating file (you know which file we're talking about), you will drag and drop it into the Recycling Bin. You may think that just because you selected "Empty Recycling Bin" that the evidence is gone forever, but that's not exactly how the Recycling Bin works. You will need a more permanent solution to completely cover your tracks.

 

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3 Reasons Why Text Messaging Makes a Poor Business Tool

b2ap3_thumbnail_texter400.jpgDo you have what it takes to win the annual National Texting Championship? 17-year-old Austin Wierschke has the texting speed, dexterity, and accuracy to be crowned the most recent texting champion, an accomplishment accredited to sending 500 texts a day for training! This is a major achievement for young Alex, but does it translate to a hirable skill?

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Why More Bars are Not Necessarily Better

b2ap3_thumbnail_phoneservice400.jpgHave you ever had a cell phone call drop or not go through even though you had all five bars? What's up with that? Going against the grain of conventional wisdom and cellphone marketing, it's not always the case that more bars guarantees you better service.

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Make Gmail More Efficient With This Trick

b2ap3_thumbnail_gmaily400.jpgOne of the biggest time wasters we all face is sorting through our email inbox. This is a tedious task made worse because you have to sort through emails from the same sources every day, like newsletters and social media updates. Here's a tip to help you better organize your incoming Gmail messages.

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Go Green with Wake-on-LAN

b2ap3_thumbnail_wake400.jpgDid you know that your computer may have the capability to be turned on and off without ever physically pushing its power button? Besides helping you feel like a wizard, your computer's Wake-on-LAN feature has many convenient applications for your business, including saving time and energy, and aiding your campaign to create a greener workplace.

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Don't Make These eBay Mistakes

b2ap3_thumbnail_ebay400.jpgSince 1995, eBay has become an online giant, and an obvious choice in the ecommerce industry. Buyers and sellers have taken to this online platform as a convenient solution to acquire things they want, and sell things they don't.

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6 Ways to Motivate Your Employees

b2ap3_thumbnail_motivateam400.jpgHave you been frustrated with your employees lately? Maybe they aren't getting projects done on time, or aren't producing at a very high quality. Have you ever considered that you have substantial control over their job performance? People only work if they are motivated to do so. Here are six ways to motivate your employees. 

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Don’t Trust AnyBYODy

b2ap3_thumbnail_byods400.jpgThe latest news in office technology movements is the shift toward BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments; in which employees are bringing their own mobile devices to work. All the cool kids are doing it, but should you? Before you follow the trend and allow your employees to bring their devices to work, you should consider these risks.

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5 Questions to Ask Before Migrating to the Cloud

b2ap3_thumbnail_cloudjack400.jpgYou hear a lot about "migrating to the cloud." Using Internet technologies, cloud computing gives users scalable IT solutions that are hosted offsite in data centers, which look nothing like clouds. Cloud computing is a hot trend that many companies are taking advantage of, but is the cloud right for your organization?

 

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The Booming Industry of Cellular Radio Telephones

b2ap3_thumbnail_tower400.jpgAs commonplace as cellphones are today, it's hard to imagine that there was a time in the 1980's when this technology was first introduced and the benefits had to be explained. Here's an old cellphone commercial from Motorola about "the booming industry of cellular radio telephones." Times sure have changed!

 

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Why You Should Care About the New iPad Air

b2ap3_thumbnail_ipadair400.jpgApple is at it again. After record breaking sales of the new iPhone 5s, Apple announced a new product line with confidence. CEO Tim Cooke and his staff recently launched new MacBook models, the Mac Pro workstation, a new OS, a new iPad mini model, and the most anticipated highlight; the new iPad Air.

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The 4 Fundamentals to IT Security

b2ap3_thumbnail_secure400_20131101-174011_1.jpgAt a recent security event, VP of Gartner Neil MacDonald broke down the fundamentals of IT security into four categories, "Information security was never about device lockdown, or dictating applications, or building firewalls. It was always about protecting the confidentiality, the integrity, the authenticity, the availability of information." Here's a closer look at these four security qualities.

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Protect Your Business with Intelligent Surveillance Cameras

b2ap3_thumbnail_cam400.jpgThe world you do business in is a pretty dangerous and messed up place, and things always seem to be getting worse. Thankfully, security technology is improving, which helps offset the risks of living in a perilous world. You can take advantage of these security improvements by installing intelligent surveillance cameras for your business.

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3 Ways Homeownership and Your IT Infrastructure are Similar

b2ap3_thumbnail_nethouse400.jpgYour company's technology infrastructure is made up of several complex systems that all work together in order to keep your business running smoothly. Your IT infrastructure functions much in the same way as another type of infrastructure, your house. It's surprising how much you can learn about computer networking by looking at "This Old House."

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Businesses Still Prefer Windows 7

b2ap3_thumbnail_eightseveny400.jpgWe are in a unique time of Windows OS transitions. The redesigned Windows 8 has been out for one year, and the first major update to it (Windows 8.1) was just released. Additionally, the popular Windows XP expires in April, forcing everybody to upgrade and choose between Windows 7 and 8. Which OS will your business go with?

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IBM CEO Shares 3 Benefits of Successful Data Management

b2ap3_thumbnail_datamang400.jpgAs your company grows and enters into more competitive markets, your ability to access reliable and accurate data is of the utmost importance. Ginni Rometty; CEO, president, and chair of IBM, shared her insight on data management in her speech on October 2nd at the IBM InterConnect 2013 event. Here are three benefits of successful data management according to Rometty.

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I Ain’t Afraid of No Lost Cell Phones

b2ap3_thumbnail_drac400.jpgWhat is the scariest situation you can imagine? Being chased by a werewolf? How about being boiled alive in a witches brew? Or what about succumbing to a zombie hoard? For people that are nomophobic, these monster-filled situations would be preferred compared to their greatest fear; being without their cell phone!

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The Horrifying Reality of Nomophobia

b2ap3_thumbnail_frank400.jpgWhat are you terrified of? Spiders? Heights? Deep water? Financial problems? Shockingly, the greatest anxiety among humans is public speaking, even ranking above the fear of death! But, for some people, these things would be readily faced in lieu of their greatest fear; being cell phone-less! Oh, the horror!

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Windows 8.1 Looks to Address User Issues

b2ap3_thumbnail_8point1-400.jpgOn October 17, Microsoft publicly released the Windows 8.1 update. It is the first major update for Windows 8 and Windows RT. The Windows 8.1 update was designed to confront some of the usability issues that Windows 8 PC users have encountered since the release of the OS, last year.

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How to Protect Your Cloud Hosted Data from Security Breaches

b2ap3_thumbnail_secure400.jpgRecently, Adobe sent out e-mails and letters to users notifying everyone of a security breach. "The attackers may have obtained access to your Adobe ID and encrypted password." The obvious question here is, "How do I protect myself and my business from such attacks?" The unfortunate answer is you can't, but you can marginalize the impact by taking some common sense measures.

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Be Wary of Free Wi-Fi

b2ap3_thumbnail_securephone400.jpgWhen browsing the Internet on your smartphone, you know how to be on the lookout for scams that will disable your device with viruses; but did you know that you also need to be careful which Internet connection you use? By connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi signal, you could be falling for a scam.

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Apple’s New OS X is Free for All!

b2ap3_thumbnail_mavs400.jpgOvershadowed by the new iPad Air and iPad Mini announcement, on October 22nd Apple launched its new Operating System OS X Mavericks. This new OS is sleek, efficient, and free. Wait, a free Apple product? Really? Yes really. Is this too good to be true? Let's take a look at this new OS and find out.

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By the Numbers: A Look at The Cost of Downtime

b2ap3_thumbnail_bleh400.jpgIf your business has never experienced a major computer problem, then it's easy to underestimate just how damaging downtime can be. This conclusion can be drawn from a recent survey of small business owners, where 65% estimated they would only lose $500 if their company's network went down for a day. In reality, downtime is much more costly than $500.

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Microsoft Gets Down to Business with Windows 8.1

b2ap3_thumbnail_windows81-400.jpgOne year ago, Microsoft took a big gamble when they released Windows 8 with a new user interface that strayed from their successful twenty year-old template. Throughout the year, Microsoft has been listening to user feedback and they have recently addressed the biggest issues with Windows 8.1, the first major upgrade to Microsoft's newest OS.

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Bulletproof Your Customer Service Policy

b2ap3_thumbnail_success400.jpgThe way you treat customers, handle their feedback, and serve their needs can be the most powerful selling point of your business. Customer satisfaction comes down to the way customers feel after they've made a purchase. Your customer service policy can either make or break your business. Here's how to bulletproof your customer service policy.

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7 Tech Assets You Need to Succeed

b2ap3_thumbnail_list400.jpgAs a small business, your goal should not only be to survive, but to thrive. Many times, small businesses try to cut costs by not purchasing essential equipment and services. Unfortunately, because of its cost, technology ends up on the backburner of the priority list. Don't cut corners. Here are seven tech assets you need to invest in.

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Today’s Network Security is about Controlling Information

b2ap3_thumbnail_netseccloud400.jpgThe modern IT landscape is dramatically changing from a model where an IT department controls everything, to companies outsourcing their IT services. This paradigm shift challenges older ideas about traditional network security equating ownership and control with strong security. Does your business view IT outsourcing as a security help or a hindrance?

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4 Characteristics of a Fake Facebook Friend

b2ap3_thumbnail_facebuk400.jpgWith all the personal information users entrust to Facebook, it's no surprise that scammers are also on Facebook, often posing as friends. When using Facebook, you will need to be aware of this scam in order to keep your personal information safe. Here are four characteristics of a fake Facebook profile that you should consider before confirming a friendship.

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YouTube Makes an Effort to Be a Nicer Place

b2ap3_thumbnail_comments400.jpgPerouse the YouTube comments on any popular video and it will appear like a teenybopper is texting a neo nazi. The level of stupidity seen in the comments of YouTube is the ultimate proof of human idiocy. Finally, after years of putting up with people's hate and ignorance, YouTube is cracking down on comments!

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3 Easy Tips to Improve Your PC’s Boot Up Time

b2ap3_thumbnail_turnon400.jpgImproving your computer's startup time is a great way to get more productivity out of your work day. Studies have shown that people are most productive during the early hours of the day; therefore, you don't want to waste your best hours waiting for a PC to load. Here are three easy tips you can do to improve your PC's boot up time.

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How Restarting Your Computer Magically Fixes Everything

b2ap3_thumbnail_restart400.jpgWhen experiencing a computer problem, what is the first thing you do to troubleshoot it? If you are an experienced PC user, then you will try turning your machine on and off again. Your computer's restart button can feel like a magic wand that takes care of any issue, but do you know how this fix-it wizardry works?

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#WhatYouShouldKnowAboutHashtags

b2ap3_thumbnail_hashtag400.jpgYou've seen them around everywhere. Every time you watch TV, look at a poster, listen to the news, or have a conversation with a teenager, you'll be exposed to the term "hashtag". What are hashtags exactly? What do they do? Why should you care about them? How can they help your business? #readmoretofindout

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4 Ways Increased Tablet Sales Are Changing Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_tab400.jpgAccording to a new study from the International Data Corporation, tablets are expected to outsell PCs for the first time in the fourth quarter of 2014. While mobile device sales have been trending this way for years, this is the first time the mighty PC will be dethroned by a gadget. What does this mean for your business?

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Disconnect from the Web and Experience Life

b2ap3_thumbnail_celly400.jpgMobile devices give you the ability to always be connected with the virtual world. It may seem like this is great for productivity because you feel like more work is getting done; but could it be that constant connectivity is wearing us down? In light of the stresses caused from being connected, it's good to unplug and recharge your brain.

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4 Reasons Why Webinars Are the Bee’s Knees

b2ap3_thumbnail_webinar400.jpgChances are, you've sat through some really exciting and useful webinars. But, there's probably more of a chance that you've sat through some pretty dull ones as well. Have you ever considered hosting your own?

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What’s Up with Google Glass?

b2ap3_thumbnail_glass400.jpgEvery once ina while, a radical piece of technology is introduced to the market that has the potential to change everything. Over the last half century alone, digital music, cell phones, GPS technology, PCs, and much more hit the market and changed the way technology is incorporated into our daily lives and workplaces. Is Google Glass the next revolutionary gadget?

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Social Media as a Business Communications Tool

b2ap3_thumbnail_ftygwg400.jpgIn its infancy, social media was adopted by teenagers and used to share personal opinions. Many businesses took their sweet time adopting social media as part of their marketing strategy, supposing it to be a fad. Now that social media has grown up, almost every business has a social media presence, yet many companies still ban its use in the workplace.

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Windows XP is a Liability for Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_xtothep400.jpgIf you are still running your business or home PC on Windows XP, then it's vital that you upgrade to a newer OS. Yes, your decade-old Windows XP system may be working just fine, and therefore, you may not feel the urgency to upgrade, but you will feel the heat next year when Microsoft stops supporting its popular operating system.

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4 Ways Hackers Can Disrupt Your Life

b2ap3_thumbnail_cybercrime400.jpgIf a hacker manages to get their grubby hands on your computer, you're going to have a bad time. Of course, how bad of a time you have depends on your hacker's intentions. There are several things hackers can do to harm you, here are four of the most common ways hackers can disrupt your life.

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How Good is Your Technologese?

b2ap3_thumbnail_vendhead400.jpgHave you ever talked with an IT technician about how technology works, and one minute into their explanation you zone out and can't understand a word they're saying? They're speaking English, you recognize the words, yet you can't make sense of anything. In situations like this, you need an interpreter that speaks technologese, we can help.

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Use VoIP to Feel like a Superspy

b2ap3_thumbnail_phoney400.jpgRemember when a family's home had only one phone line and someone else would pick up the phone in the middle of a call? There would be a click, a pause, the caller would then ask, "Is someone on the other line?" A hasty hang-up click would then follow. With VoIP, you can listen in on phone calls without being detected!

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A Fax Machine Can Hinder Productivity

b2ap3_thumbnail_fserv400.jpgFirst introduced by Xerox back in the 1964, the fax machine, or Long Distance Xerography as it was called then, was the hottest office productivity tool of its day. This new technology saved workers from having to send documents via mail, which dramatically improved office communications. Nearly fifty years later, and the fax machine has become a hindrance to office productivity.

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Improve Productivity and Protect Your Business with UTM

b2ap3_thumbnail_timewaste400.jpgYou can connect to over 2.7 billion people over the Internet, but you probably shouldn't. There are many people on the Internet with bad intentions, along with several websites that can harm your business. With a Unified Threat Management (UTM) tool, you can protect your business by filtering out the worst of the web.

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3 Data Backup Options for Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_bu1-400.jpgWhat would happen if your business experienced a disaster and your sensitive information was erased? If you don't have a business continuity plan in place that includes data backup and recovery, then it's highly unlikely your company will survive. To protect your business, you will want to consider and choose one of these three backup solutions.

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It’s Time to Retire Windows XP

b2ap3_thumbnail_xp400.jpgIf you haven't yet upgraded from Windows XP, then you (and 500 million users) must have strong reasons for hanging on to a twelve year old product. Unfortunately, everybody's strong reasons won't hold water come April 8th, 2014 when Microsoft stops supporting XP with new security patches.

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3 Differences between Real Clouds and Cloud Computing

b2ap3_thumbnail_cloudy400.jpgHave you ever wondered how cloud computing got its name? Despite popular opinion, cloud computing has nothing to do with the clouds in the sky. Instead, information is transferred to and from data centers, which are shaped nothing like clouds. Yet, there are similarities between the two clouds. We will compare them side-by-side to help you better understand cloud computing.

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5 Easy Steps to Increase Productivity

b2ap3_thumbnail_list400.jpgWouldn't you like to be more productive at work? For most of us, increased productivity means making more money, spending more time on what matters most (family, friends, etc.), and simply just feeling better. Many of us seek to increase productivity with elaborate and complicated methods. Here are five ways to increase your productivity, starting today.

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Fixing a Computer’s Bing Bong Noise

b2ap3_thumbnail_itcrowd-400.jpgWith traditional IT support, there's room for humorous-yet-frustrating mistakes stemming from miscommunication. Having a user with limited knowledge about computers describe their problem to an IT technician with limited patience is a recipe for disaster. Thankfully, new IT support tools make communication between users and IT support much easier.

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The Stinky Side of Fingerprint Technology

b2ap3_thumbnail_hahafp400.jpgWith all the advancements in security technology, it's only a matter of time before clunky passwords are replaced with a more secure and more convenient solution. Unlocking your technology with a fingerprint reader is an easy and fun alternative that's being integrated with some of the latest devices; but how safe are fingerprint readers?

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Full Charge Ahead! Device Battery Maintenance

b2ap3_thumbnail_batt400.jpgDo you let the batteries in your mobile devices fully deplete before recharging? If so, then you may be doing this based on some scientific-sounding advice you once heard. This advice has been around for years, and battery technology has dramatically advanced, which makes us ask the questions, "Is it still necessary to fully deplete your battery before recharging?"

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5 BYOD Risks for Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_bringit400.jpgIn our last blog article, we introduced the IT trend of employees bringing in their personal devices to work (BYOD). We looked at 5 ways BYOD can help your business, but BYOD is not without risks. In part 2, we will cover five risks BYOD brings to your company's network and what you can to do manage them.

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How Prepared is Your Business for a Disaster?

b2ap3_thumbnail_disaster400.jpgIn a recent survey of small businesses, only 13% of respondents believed themselves to be susceptible to a disaster resulting in data loss. That means 87% of small businesses must be located in a fortress where they are protected from every natural disaster--yeah right! No business is immune from disaster; therefore, every company needs a disaster plan.

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5 BYOD Benefits for Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_fingerfone400.jpgThe latest trend in business technology is employees bringing in their personal devices to work. This trend is commonly referred to as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), and it's presenting businesses with both new opportunities and challenges. We will breakdown BYOD into 2 parts; benefits and risks. In part 1, we will look at five benefits of BYOD.

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Every Move You Make VoIP Presence Will Be Watching You

b2ap3_thumbnail_busyman400.jpgAs a busy person, you're constantly on the move. The downside of being busy is that you sometimes miss important phone calls, even if you there are a dozen different ways to reach you. VoIP provides you with a solution to help you never again miss a call with a feature called Presence.

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