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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.

How the New iPhone 5s and 5c Can Simplify Your Workday

b2ap3_thumbnail_iphone5s400.jpgYou have probably already heard about Apple Inc.'s latest iPhone innovations; exciting new products that have the potential of revolutionizing your business workday. The two new models of iPhone will come with the opportunity to simplify tasks, be better organized, and have more fun with your daily routine!

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Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A Nasty Ransomware You Need to Guard Against

b2ap3_thumbnail_virus1-400.jpgOn September 10th, 2013, a new ransomware known as Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A began attacking computers all over the Internet, locking users out of their PCs and putting sensitive information at risk. If your computer gets it, then you're in for a world of hurt. Here are the details on what this virus does and what you can do to prevent it.

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3 Free Tools You can Use to Optimize Your PC

b2ap3_thumbnail_update400.jpgWith computers that have seen a lot of use, one of the biggest reasons a machine underperforms is because the hard drive is full of old files and programs. Instead of manually sifting through every file and deleting something you are unsure about, you can automate the process with the help of these three free apps!

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5 Qualities of Influential Business Leadership

b2ap3_thumbnail_success400.jpgAs a business owner, your position of leadership is crucial to the success of your company. If you've been appointed a leadership role, you are undoubtedly making key decisions and setting the tone of your office culture. You want to be a leader worth following.

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3 Free and Essential Mobile Apps for Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_appz400.jpgThere are currently over 900,000 mobile apps available for download. There are apps available for virtually any everyday function; entertainment, education, news, weather, health, and the list goes on. Your mobile device, armed with the right apps, can be your greatest productivity tools. Here are three essential mobile apps that can enhance your business productivity.

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The Danger of Easy Network Security

b2ap3_thumbnail_securitee400.jpgWhen your network's security is doing its job and keeping your business safe, it's easy to not think about it because you don't feel the heat from any threats. Just because you're not feeling the heat, however, doesn't mean you're out of the kitchen. Even if you enjoy strong security, you will still need to perform regular security maintenances.

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Use the 80/20 Rule to Save on Data Backup Costs

b2ap3_thumbnail_8020-400.jpgBacking up your company's data is critical when it comes to keeping operations going after a disaster. Data backup is an important operating expense that you can't afford to skip out on, but if you're looking to cut back on the cost of your data backup service, then you should consider the 80/20 Rule.

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What Does a Fully Realized BYOD Environment Look Like?

b2ap3_thumbnail_bywowd400.jpgThe growing popularity of employees bringing in their own devices into the workplace (BYOD) is challenging the traditional model of IT for businesses. Many companies are embracing BYOD and adapting their IT networks accordingly. With the way things are trending, it's important to ask yourself where all of this is heading, and consider what a fully realized BYOD environment will look like.

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Is a Paperless Office Possible?

b2ap3_thumbnail_smartpaper400.jpgWe are doing business in a digital world. Technology has become so prevalent that the employee who pulls out a notebook at a meeting is now the odd man out. Yet, you will still find dated paper-consuming devices in modern offices like fax machines. Is it possible for an office to go completely paperless?

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4 Tips to Build a Network Jigsaw Puzzle

b2ap3_thumbnail_puzman400.jpgYour IT infrastructure is a lot like a puzzle. There are many pieces of technology that connect to form one big solution. If just one piece of the puzzle is missing, then the picture is incomplete and the solution will not work properly. Good thing we're great at piecing together IT puzzles!

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5 Personnel Expenses Saved By Outsourcing IT

b2ap3_thumbnail_thisguy400.jpgIt's convenient to have an in-house IT technician. If your computer freezes up, you can call the IT department and they will swoop in and save the day. This is how in-house IT is supposed to work, but it's hard to hire anyone that's 100% reliable. We think it's actually more advantageous to outsource your IT; here are 5 reasons why.

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5 Tips to Boost Your Computer’s Lifespan

b2ap3_thumbnail_cpulife400.jpgWe all dread that moment. Whether it was a power surge, an accidental water spill, or a swift roundhouse kick out of frustration, your business computer is dead and needs to be replaced. While no computer will last forever, you can extend your PC's life with proper care. Here are tips that will boost your computer's lifespan.

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Take Advantage of the Cloud to Improve Team Collaboration

b2ap3_thumbnail_cloudcol400.jpgBefore the cloud, team collaboration looked like users attaching their projects to e-mails that explained what edits needed to be made. The cloud has improved office workflow that boosts business productivity. No longer are users limited so that only one person can edit an open file at a time.

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Where Are They Now: Clippy

b2ap3_thumbnail_clippy400.jpgIt looks like you're trying to read a blog letter. Would you like help with that? If Microsoft's animated Office assistant Clippy were here, he would undoubtedly be on the corner of the page distracting you from getting anything done. The last time we saw Clippy was in 2003. What has Clippy been up these past ten years?

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Power Up with the TYLT Energi+ Backpack

b2ap3_thumbnail_backpack400.jpgThe latest technology trend is wearable gadgets. Devices like smart watches and Google Glass are worn for easy transportation, but most wearable tech users will not use their smart watch as their main device; instead it will complement their laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other non-wearable technology. The TYLT Energi+ backpack is a solution that lets you wear all of your devices.

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End Your PowerPoint Presentation with Movie Credits!

b2ap3_thumbnail_ppcred400.jpgEverybody loves a pat on the back, especially after contributing to a great project. When you end your next PowerPoint presentation, don't just list your sources, give thanks to those who helped you in your research by epicly animating their names, movie credit style!

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3 Ways Green Technology Can Help Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_greengears400.jpgToday's business environment is environmentally conscious. Companies that implement green policies and use energy-saving technologies are making a positive impact on the environment. Going green is the responsible thing to do and will also positively impact your business. Here are three ways using green technology can benefit your business.

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How to Cut 25% Off Your IT Expenses

b2ap3_thumbnail_techy400.jpgWe've all learned in our Business 101 studies that cutting costs is an absolute priority of business operation. While there are plenty of products available that promise to save your business money, perhaps the easiest and most effective way is to downsize. Gartner Inc. reports that you can eliminate a quarter of your IT expenses by simplifying your IT network.

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How Do You Store Your Priceless Pictures?

b2ap3_thumbnail_cheese400.jpgIf your house was on fire and you only had one trip to rush in and rescue one item, what would it be? Most family-minded individuals would choose their photo album because it's irreplaceable. Insurance money can replace most household and personal items, but not photos. It's important to have a backup plan to keep your prized pictures safe from disasters.

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MOOOOVE! IT Support Lessons from Nick Burns

b2ap3_thumbnail_burns400.jpgIT support is not without its stereotypes. These stereotypes can make for some great humor, as seen in Jimmy Fallon's Saturday Night Live character, Nick Burns, Your Company's Computer Guy. Behind every Nick Burns stereotype is a truth about poor IT service. Let's take a look at Nick to show you how we are nothing like him.

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4 Mobile Technology Features Every Business Needs

b2ap3_thumbnail_mobileblue400.jpgAre you looking to enhance your business with new mobile technologies to give your workforce the competitive edge? If so, then we recommend that before you go out and purchase new mobile devices, you first need to understand the technology requirements of your organization. Here are four crucial needs you will want to consider.

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The Environmental Impact of Your Mobile Device

b2ap3_thumbnail_nrg400.jpgWhat's the difference between an iPhone and a refrigerator? You can probably list off a dozen without even trying because they are both designed for two very different purposes, that is, until Apple makes an app to cool your food. Although, there is one thing they both have in common: Energy consumption.

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A Healthy Intranet = Strong Marketing

b2ap3_thumbnail_intra400.jpgMarketing is not done in a bubble. Instead, it requires input from outside resources. When it comes to effective marketing, communication is key. Having a computer network that acts as a communications hub for every department is one the best ways to help your marketing team.

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When Negative Customer Feedback Can Help Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_troll400.jpgAs a business owner, your business is your baby. Therefore, it's easy to take it personally when a customer says something negative about your company. It feels kind of like a stranger calling your newborn baby ugly. Don't overreact to negative opinions by overhauling your business model; you can actually use negative customer feedback to your advantage.

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5 Solid IT Practices You Need to be Doing

b2ap3_thumbnail_itz400.jpgManaged IT services are designed to be an affordable solution to keep an organization's IT infrastructure running smoothly and minimize expensive downtime. To help you better understand how managed IT services can save your business money, let's look at five modern IT methods that our IT services are founded upon.

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Cloud Hosting is More than a Quick-Fix

b2ap3_thumbnail_clizzy400.jpgMany businesses are taking advantage of cloud hosting because it's a convenient way to downsize their IT infrastructure. The cloud also makes installing new software easier, and has several more advantages; although, it's important to not rush to the cloud and go with just any cloud hosting service. Choosing an inferior cloud service with poor support can have disastrous consequences.

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How to Set Up and Optimize Your Business in Google Maps

b2ap3_thumbnail_gplace400.jpgEven if your business doesn't have a website, or use social media, you still need to take advantage of at least one important Internet tool to direct people to your organization: Google Places. Getting your business mentioned on the Internet's biggest listing resource will make sure that anybody looking for you can find you.

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Directive's Annual Summer Picnic

b2ap3_thumbnail_pic2_400.jpgOn Saturday August 10th, Directive had their annual summer picnic! Directive employees and their families united for an afternoon of beautiful weather, great food and friends.

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Don’t Let These 3 Easy Oversights Compromise Your Network

b2ap3_thumbnail_lockblu400.jpgThere is a common misperception that strong anti-virus software is all you need to cover the security of your network. While anti-virus software is an important component to network security, there's more to it if you want a secure network. You need to also take into account the human factor, which can disable even the strongest software solution.

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When Outsourcing is a Good Thing

b2ap3_thumbnail_outsource400.jpgOutsourcing jobs is never a safe topic to bring up in a group discussion. If you mention "outsourcing," be prepared to hear nationalistic rhetoric followed by, "They took our jobs!" When outsourcing is done right, it can save your business money, and when you outsource IT services with us, you can rest easy knowing where the work is going.

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A Better Solution than Insurance

b2ap3_thumbnail_protect400.jpgYou can take out an insurance policy on anything, even a wedding. Insurance company Fireman will protect your big day against "nonrefundable expenses, including cancellation due to serious illness, injury, extreme weather, a missing caterer or officiate -- even a bankrupt event facility." Your businesses technology is important enough to insure; is there a policy to protect your tech?

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How much is Your Printer Costing You?

b2ap3_thumbnail_loot400.jpgAs a business owner, you are always on the lookout for money saving solutions. Technology offers cost-effective options because it can be used to save money by implementing something new, instead of making cuts. A print server solution is one example of how upgrading your technology can save you money.

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3 Ways We Help Assess Your Assets

b2ap3_thumbnail_asset400.jpgUpgrading your network and shopping for new technology can be a daunting task. Technology is expensive and it's an investment that will help your business grow, but that's only if you purchase what you need. A poor technology purchase can actually be a budget buster. To maximize your new technology purchases, it's worth it to partner with IT professionals.

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It’s Time to Reevaluate How You Share Photos

b2ap3_thumbnail_selfie400.jpgIf you use a smartphone to take personal pictures and post them to the Internet, then you may unknowingly be posting more about yourself than you want to, like where and when the picture was taken. This information in the hands of the wrong person can lead to dangerous consequences, like theft of your property, your identity, or even kidnapping.

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4 Tips to Avoid Network Cable Spaghetti

b2ap3_thumbnail_cables400.jpgThere's good spaghetti, and then there's bad spaghetti. Everybody loves a big plate of spaghetti, and everybody hates when network wiring becomes so tangled that it looks like spaghetti. Preventing your network from being confused with spaghetti takes careful planning and maintenance. Here are four cabling best practices that will prevent bad spaghetti.

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4 Statistics Every Business Ought to Know About Data Backup

b2ap3_thumbnail_bttu400.jpgEvery business needs to have a business continuity plan to keep operations going after experiencing a disaster. The centerpiece to every plan is having a backup and recovery solution in place for your company's data. If something happens to your data, your business may not recover. Here are four backup statistics that show the importance of backing up.

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Tip: Use YouTube HTML5 to Save CPU Resources

b2ap3_thumbnail_webvid400.jpgAnybody who is a master of multitasking is a fan of YouTube. There's so much useful and entertaining content on YouTube that it's perfect for streaming media in the background while working on a project. Unfortunately, YouTube is a large application that eats up precious CPU resources and may slow down your computer.

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5 BYOD Worst Case Scenarios You Need to Plan For

b2ap3_thumbnail_byodude400.jpgAs the mobile device market is booming, more employees are bringing in their own device to work (BYOD). Advantages to BYOD include a workforce that's mobile, increased employee satisfaction, and more; but using personal devices comes with risks, and business owners must consider these risks before allowing BYOD in their office.

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What’s New with PowerPoint 2013 Presenter View?

b2ap3_thumbnail_pp400.jpgMicrosoft PowerPoint 2013 Presenter View has new improvements designed to enhance your presentation. Presenter View is a helpful feature that allows the presenter to see a separate screen that's different from what the audience sees. The presenter's screen is used to display notes, previews, and other helpful tools. Here's how you can take full advantage of this PowerPoint feature.

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3D Printing: The Alpha Version Replicator

b2ap3_thumbnail_3d400.jpgHave you ever wondered what it would be like to simply tell a computer what you wanted to eat, and within a couple minutes have your favorite dish displayed before you? Or what if you needed a new kidney or heart and didn't have to be put on a waiting list? This technology isn't that far off with all the experiments and advancements in 3D printing!

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How to Anonymously Browse the Internet

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How to Anonymously Browse the Internet

--> b2ap3_thumbnail_whodat400.jpgSome places on the Internet are only suitable for secret browsing. Maybe you're shopping for a present and don't want your links to show in your browsing history, or maybe you don't want the customized ads to reflect a private interest. Whatever your reason is for wanting to anonymously browse the web, here's how you do it.

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Can a Software Firewall Stop a Dragon?

b2ap3_thumbnail_dragon400.jpgHaving a strong firewall to protect your computer is an important investment. The casual PC user may not think twice about their firewall because they use the firewall built-in with their Windows OS, but the complexity of your business demands a stronger solution.

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Trade in Your Cash Register for a Tablet

b2ap3_thumbnail_newregister400.jpgIf you're in retail, then you know the satisfaction of the loud "ka-ching" sound your cash register makes at the end of a transaction. It's a great sound, which is why you mimic it after draining a three-pointer in basketball. Although, with the way technology is trending, the famous "ka-ching" noise may soon be forgotten.

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5 Tips to Help a Cyborg Make a Good Impression

b2ap3_thumbnail_humanbot400.jpgThe fact that over half of all working adults own a smartphone is changing not only the way we do business, but also how we interact as a species. With the development of smart glasses and watches, we are seeing technology becoming even more intertwined with our bodies, effectively turning people into cyborgs.

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How Hosted VoIP Can Save the Day!

b2ap3_thumbnail_lockcloud400.jpgWhen a major storm slams into your business and knocks out power, who are you going to call for help? If your communication system is hosted on your in-house IT infrastructure, then you won't be able to call anybody because your phones will be down. This also means your customers won't be able to call you for help.

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Save Your A-Team with the Cloud

b2ap3_thumbnail_clizzy400.jpgYou have worked hard to gather and develop the perfect team and build a profitable business. It may have taken years to train your team in the intricacies of your business, and teach them to work together as a cohesive unit. Then life happens and messes up everything. When life hits, what can you do to save your team?

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Replace Your Soon-to-Be Drafty Windows

b2ap3_thumbnail_outwithxp400.jpgHow new are the windows in your home? Do you have problems when you're trying to open them, such as they don't stay up or simply won't budge? How about when you walk by them, do you feel a draft because their seals are shot? When this happens, what's the first thing you think? More than likely it's "I need to replace them ASAP". If you think this way when it comes to your home, then why not the same when it comes to your business?

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Is That Mobile Device Protection Plan Worth It?

b2ap3_thumbnail_shattereddreams400.jpgUpselling and add-ons are the reason why you go to buy a new smartphone, expecting to pay the too-good-to-be-true sale price, and walk out locked into a contract that costs twice as much as you planned on spending. One add-on that's pushed hard is the device protection plan (smartphone insurance). Is a protection plan worth the expense?

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3 Actions to Gain and Maintain an Efficient Network

b2ap3_thumbnail_strategy400.jpgHow long has it been since you last had a comprehensive assessment of your company's technology situation? If it's been more than a year since your last technology assessment, or if you have never had one, then you may be missing out on some great money-saving solutions. You can discover these solutions with a business review.

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How Managed IT Services Works

b2ap3_thumbnail_weare400.jpgWhen you break down our IT Company, you will discover that we are about more than just computers. In fact, everything we do with technology is basically one big effort to help your business perform better and save you money!

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3 Ways Redundancy Can Help Your Business

b2ap3_thumbnail_redundant400.jpgSomething that's redundant might be understood as something that's no longer needed, excessive, or unnecessary. While the word redundancy is used as a negative adjective for most of life's scenarios, when it comes to business technology, redundancy is an asset. Here are three ways redundancy can help.

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Microsoft Claims Xbox One is a “Justifiable Business Expense”

b2ap3_thumbnail_xboxone400.jpgSeriously. In a recent blog post, Microsoft makes the case that the upcoming Xbox One is more than a gaming console; it's actually a powerful business tool. The way Microsoft sees things, the $499 Xbox One is "entirely justifiable as a business expense." Before you laugh, consider the business friendly features of the Xbox One.

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New Software Precisely Predicts Your Future Location

b2ap3_thumbnail_location400.jpgBeing able to see the future is something that most people, meaning not everyone, would love to do. It would either provide comfort, or cause panic based on the results of such an inquiry. While some claim being able to look around the curve of time and space is theoretically possible, this new software doesn't use that approach. There is a new software, known as Far Out, doesn't use this approach.

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Don’t Trust Your Co-workers? Lock Your PC

b2ap3_thumbnail_lock400.jpgYour office might have the appearance of a warm and welcoming work environment, but deep down, you know that, behind the motivational posters and potted plants, your co-workers are dedicated to seeing your demise. To protect yourself, you will need to protect your workstation.

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Shut the Back Door! Paying Attention to Your Customers

b2ap3_thumbnail_backdoor400.jpgIf the front door represents the entry point to your company where prospects turn into customers, then the back door represents weaknesses in your business model that provide customers with reasons to look elsewhere.

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Don’t Forfeit Your Command-and-Control Center To a Zombie Army

b2ap3_thumbnail_zomb400.jpgWith an increase in Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks and packet flooding volume, its evident that hackers are using compromised web servers for their malicious activities. By infecting servers, these dastardly infiltrators create a Zombie command-and-control center to direct their malicious activities from.

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Shock: The Smartphone was Conceived a Century Ago

b2ap3_thumbnail_tesla400.jpgMost people believe that the internet, cellphones, smartphones, and other mobile devices are today's technology. What they may not know is that the very concept of wireless communication and data transmission was being experimented with in the late 1800's to the early 1900's by Nikola Tesla.

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Organize Your Download Folder with DropIt

b2ap3_thumbnail_dropit400.jpgIf you are a heavy user of the Internet, then your Downloads folder is likely bloated with pictures, music, files, and whatever else you have picked up along your online journey. You may cringe every time you open it because of how messy it is. To help you out, there is a free utility called DropIt that will automatically organize your Downloads folder.

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Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late for IT Support

b2ap3_thumbnail_ITknot400.jpgIf you are a business that doesn't have an IT support plan, then you're running on borrowed time. It's the nature of technology to eventually break, and when it does, it can disrupt the entire flow of your business. A reliable IT support plan is crucial to your business continuity plan. Without a plan, you will have a big mess on your hands.

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Is Your PC Picking Up Bad Vibrations?

b2ap3_thumbnail_onoff400.jpgFrom the outside, your computer looks like a standard piece of office equipment; but on the inside, there are fragile components that make up the hard drive, which means that you should take extra care when moving it.

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3 Ways We Relieve Your Pain Points!

b2ap3_thumbnail_solutions400.jpgWhat are your business' biggest pain points? Some pain points are obvious, like the issue keeping you up at night. Other pain points are smaller; you may not worry about them as much, but they still negatively affect your bottom line. Here are three ways we can help identify and find solutions for your company's pain points.

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Russia Protects Communications by Using Typewriters

b2ap3_thumbnail_typewriter400.jpgIf you have been following international news headlines with stories like WikiLeaks spreading confidential documents, and recent revelations about a US surveillance scandal, it kind of feels like we are in the middle of Spy vs. Spy. As nations look for stronger security solutions to protect themselves, Russia is looking to older technology to keep their communications safe.

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Go Forward with Service That’s Guaranteed!

b2ap3_thumbnail_1guarantee400.pngYou wouldn't make a major technology purchase without first researching it. A person who gives you advice is essentially putting their reputation on the line. When it comes to technology and our IT services, we will confidently offer you our expert advice in order to help provide you with the best solution possible. In business, this is called a guarantee!

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Slow Wireless Network? Upgrade Your Router!

b2ap3_thumbnail_1router400.pngIf it's been a few years since you setup your wireless network, then you may be overdue for an upgrade. Thanks to more devices having mobile capabilities, and more employees bringing their devices to work, wireless network technology has advanced quickly. Your old router might not be up for the new demands of the mobile office.

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The Need for Support with BYOD

b2ap3_thumbnail_1byod400.pngThere's a tidal wave of different consumer devices available on the market; smartphones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, and much more. Employees love their devices and love bringing them to work. If your company is allowing for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), then you will want professional support to get the most out of it.

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Giving Administrators a Helping Hand

b2ap3_thumbnail_1admin400.pngAs a business, you have to market yourself. Fitting everything you do into a catch phrase doesn't do justice to your many services. We know the feeling. As an IT Company, we do much more than computer repair. In fact, we work hard to find solutions for every part of business, including areas you wouldn't suspect, like administration and more!

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Employee Wins Car for Being Website's 1,000,000th Visitor

b2ap3_thumbnail_newcar400.jpgTakeaway: A local employee wins the grand prize of a new car after becoming the 1,000,000th visitor to a random website, much to the jealousy of his fellow employees. His co-workers respond by entering every online sweepstakes while at work, bringing productivity to a halt.

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You Never Want to Go Downtime

b2ap3_thumbnail_downtime400.jpgWhen your technology breaks, your business goes to a bad place called Downtime. It's a place where productivity comes crashing to a halt, revenue is no longer generated, and repair bills mount. You don't want to go to Downtime. The solution to prevent downtime is to have your technology professionally managed.

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Losing Data? Stop Cloning

b2ap3_thumbnail_backupagain400.jpgWhat would you say if we told you that disc error rates have been found to be ten times worse than what the vendor's drive specifications state? They're not lying, they are just predicting their own drive's failure rate. In order to be accurate, you must account for failure rates associated with the disk controller, the cables, the PCI bus, the memory, and the processor as well.

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6 Ways We Carve Out Solutions

b2ap3_thumbnail_solutions400.jpgAn IT service company specializing in solutions does several things well. A business that's solution-oriented won't easily take "no" for an answer. Finding solutions means moving mountains for clients and providing service that goes above and beyond. One may think that we only fix computers, but our solutions-approach to service means that we do so much more!

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Monitor Your Remote Employees with a Webcam

b2ap3_thumbnail_webcam400.jpgTechnology that allows employees to work remotely from home is easy for businesses to implement. Yet, many employers are hesitant to setup their staff with a remote solution because trust is an issue. A webcam is a great tool for remote sessions because it allows employees to prove that they using company time appropriately.

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5 Business Technology Trends

b2ap3_thumbnail_trends4002.jpgIn a recent economics survey of small to medium-sized businesses by Oxford University, it was discovered that two-thirds of companies believe that technology is the key to transforming their business in order to "achieve longevity and sustainable growth." This survey reveals a lot about how businesses worldwide feel about technology. Does your business identify with any these trends?

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Out With The Old, In With The New

b2ap3_thumbnail_tape400.jpgFor those of us that have been able to witness the current technological revolution, we can say mankind has progressed at an exceptional rate. Remember spending hours on your TRS-80 writing code to play the simplest of games? At that point, if you didn't have the floppy disk drive, once you turned it off you had to spend all that time to rewrite the code. This period has taken us from bulky PCs (albeit still marvelous at the time) to devices with hundreds of times the computing power that fit in the palm of our hands.

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Your Opinion Matters: Metro vs. Start Button

b2ap3_thumbnail_startbutton1.jpgOne of the most controversial decisions from Microsoft was the removal of the Start button with the Windows 8 operating system. Many longtime Windows users refused to upgrade, while others cheered the more mobile friendly touch-based Metro interface. Where do you land on this hot issue? Are you a hardcore Start button enthusiast, or do you think the Metro interface is better?

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3 Relevant Concerns for Small Businesses

b2ap3_thumbnail_bigdoor400.jpgYou don't need us to tell you that running a small business has its inherent difficulties. There are all types of factors that could literally destroy everything that the hardworking people in your organization have accomplished. The problem is that these situations aren't limited to just disasters such as flood or fire. Below are three factors that may wreak havoc with your small business in 2013.

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4 Tips to Not Be that Guy

b2ap3_thumbnail_coffee400.pngThe cool thing about using mobile devices equipped with tools that will allow you to remotely access your company's files from anywhere, is that you now have the freedom to work from literally anywhere. Just be careful not to abuse this freedom. Here are 4 tips to help you work on the go without annoying everybody around you.

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Fleksy Cures the Woes of Typing with Fat Fingers

b2ap3_thumbnail_flesky.jpgYou can do almost anything with a smartphone, except type a quick and accurate text message on a four inch screen. Even the best typist struggles with hitting the correct keys on a digital keyboard, and it doesn't help if you have a little extra mass on your fingers. A new app called Fleksy promises to cure the woes of smartphone typing.

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Innovation Doesn’t Stop

b2ap3_thumbnail_ideas400.pngConsider for a moment the computer you're using right now. Does it have wires? If so, how thick is the monitor you're using to view this? How many gigabytes is your hard drive? How many Microsoft Works documents could you have fit on your trusty 16-gigabyte USB thumb drive?Computing has certainly come a long way in the last four-plus decades; and it's getting exponentially better by the day.

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The Circle of Corporate Espionage, part 2

b2ap3_thumbnail_pride400.pngWhen we last left our young office administrator, Chosimba, he was framed by his rival Scarn for leaking sensitive company information that led to the arrest and outing of Pride Inc.'s CEO. Scarn set up Chosimba because he was in line to run Pride Inc. We now find our hero hiding in Africa, attempting to avoid litigation--based on the advice of Scarn.

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The Circle of Corporate Espionage, part 1

b2ap3_thumbnail_prideinc400.pngThere was once a young office administrator, Chosimba, who was in line to become President of Pride Inc., a multinational corporation that specializes in the distribution of exotic animal meats. One day, Chosimba was given the task of purchasing a new copy machine; little did he know that this piece of equipment would determine his fate, along with the destiny of Pride Inc.

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Use Rhythm for Better Sleep

b2ap3_thumbnail_sleep400.pngThere are many different sleep solutions on the market; some are simple like a fluffier pillow, others are more elaborate like a sleep apnea CPAP mask that assists with breathing. According to a new study by the University of Tubingen in Germany, the best sleep solution may be syncing the sounds around you with the rhythms of your brain.

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Don’t Let Technology Sink Your Budget!

b2ap3_thumbnail_Sinking400.jpgThe whole point of making a budget is to control costs. All it takes is one surprise to undo all the careful work of budget planning. No department is immune to unplanned expenses, and while it's impossible to totally prevent budget-busting expenses across the board, you can take action to turn many surprise expenses into controllable costs.

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Is a Private Cloud Right for Your Business?

b2ap3_thumbnail_PCloud400.jpgMany businesses are migrating their computing needs over to the cloud. In a worldwide survey, Gartner found that 60% of businesses have increased their budgets for cloud services through 2014. Yet, cloud computing may not be right for every business. For companies that would like cloud services, but may have cloud anxiety, going with a private cloud is a valid option.

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RAID Formatting Can Improve Server Performance

b2ap3_thumbnail_RAID400.jpgWhen it comes to computer memory, redundancy is a good thing. The more places that you have your data backed up to, the better off you will be if something happens to your hard drive. RAID is a common hard drive formatting procedure that improves server performance and protects your data in the event of a crash.

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The Waste of Tape

b2ap3_thumbnail_tape400.jpgEvery business needs to backup their data. If your company is hit with a disaster, and there is no backup in place, then it will be a critical hit to your operation. Backing up data with tape is a widely used solution, and while this is better than nothing, it is very inefficient compared to using BDR.

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Protect Your Business from BYOD Lawsuits

b2ap3_thumbnail_lawsuit400.pngMany businesses are discovering how great it is for employees to use their personal devices to accomplish work. BYOD has been proven to improve productivity and worker satisfaction; but like so many great things, these BYOD benefits are in danger of being shut down as employers are becoming concerned about being sued. How can you still benefit from BYOD while being protected from lawsuits?

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What to Look for in Another User’s Excel Workbooks

b2ap3_thumbnail_Excel400.pngCollaborating with a team to complete a project helps everything go smoothly. Although, poor communication and mistakes can actually make the project drag on. Passing on a Microsoft Excel workbook from one employee to another is an example where communicating all the details can help. Here are three important steps to take when inheriting an Excel workbook

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Tip: Use Word to Fill in Scanned Documents

b2ap3_thumbnail_word400.pngHave you ever got stuck having to fill out a paper document, only to butcher it with your handwriting? Paper forms filled out with sloppy handwriting are unprofessional and may even miscommunicate an important detail. To help your paper forms look professional, Microsoft Word allows you to scan the doc and then enter text; we'll show you how!

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The Business of Malware and Your Mobile Device

b2ap3_thumbnail_phonejack400.pngWe often view hackers as creeps who are bent on spreading viruses to disrupt everyone's lives, perhaps for the sake of anarchy or some extreme ideology. But when it comes down to it, most hackers are in it for the money and are just trying to make a quick buck. In fact, hacking groups may even be more organized than your business!

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4 Things to Look for When Buying a New Server

b2ap3_thumbnail_server400.pngAs your business grows, so does the need to expand your network. If your IT infrastructure is not meeting your company's growing needs, then shopping for a new server is in your future. Servers are highly configurable and customizable to meet the specific needs of your business. Here are 4 things to consider when shopping for a new server.

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How to Browse the Web Anonymously

b2ap3_thumbnail_privacy400.jpgWith revelations coming to light on how governments are monitoring citizen's Internet usage, many people are concerned about their online privacy. Most of us are so dependent upon technology that it's almost impossible to totally disconnect off the grid, yet there are a few tricks you can use to browse the Web with anonymity.

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Project Loon by Google, Internet above the Clouds

b2ap3_thumbnail_loon400.pngThe benefits that come with a society that have Internet access can help people in dramatic ways. According to Google, only 1/3 of the world's population is enjoying these benefits. The rest of the world is out of reach from the Internet's communication lines and satellite signals. Google plans on bridging this gap by using balloons.

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Do you Still Use a VCR?

b2ap3_thumbnail_vcr400.jpgIt wasn't too long ago when a person could go to his or her local supermarket and rent a copy of their favorite movie on VHS. When that novelty fell off, you could still get the movies at your local video store. Every town had one. Whether it was a chain such as Blockbuster or a locally owned store, millions of people relied on the video store in their town for entertainment for the better part of a quarter of a century.

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Know the Risks of the Internet before Logging On

b2ap3_thumbnail_virus400.jpgDriving a powerful car can be an exhilarating experience, but if you have no idea what you're doing, it can be dangerous. This is why governments require drivers to pass a safety class before they can speed down the road encased in steel and glass. The Internet is also a powerful tool that can be exciting, beneficial, and dangerous.

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What You Need to Know About BYOD

A new technology trend is equipping workers with high-powered mobile devices, like tablets, smartphones, laptops, and more--at the worker's own expense. Employees are bringing their tech into work in order to be more efficient and productive while at the office. Is your organization ready for the Bring Your Own Device revolution?

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Bury Your Treasured Files With TrueCrypt

b2ap3_thumbnail_tcsquare400.pngHow vulnerable is your sensitive data on your PC to unwanted threats? Can anyone who gains access to your computer be able to easily find this data and do whatever they wish to it? If these files were encrypted and then hidden from view, you can neutralize the possibility of it happening.

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Are you prepared for the Zombocalypse?

b2ap3_thumbnail_zombie400.jpgAre you going to make sure your machete is handy and start boarding up your windows for the coming of George Romero's slow-moving walking dead, or will you load up on ammo and lock yourself in a bunker for the more active and feral Max Brooks-type zombies? What about your data, like your Zombie Survival Guide E-book? Is it safe?

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Save Hardware Expenses with Desktop Virtualization

b2ap3_thumbnail_Cloud400.jpgWhen shopping for your personal computer, you will gladly pay the extra money to buy the best machine possible. However, when buying piles of workstations for your business, paying extra for the best equipment adds up quickly. Utilizing Desktop Virtualization for your business is a great way to get away with buying inexpensive computer hardware and that allows you to save money.

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Windows 8 Behind the Scenes

b2ap3_thumbnail_W8-400.jpgWhen working on your PC, there's a lot more going on than what meets the eye. While working on a project, your operating system is simultaneously using resources to perform several tasks behind the scenes. When you pull the curtain on Windows 8, you may be surprised with all the activity that's going on.

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Make Us Your IT Hero

b2ap3_thumbnail_super400.jpgRemember the good old days? You'd come home from school and break out your new copy of Superman: The Secret Years. You knew that you always had a Super Hero you could depend on. Unfortunately now, bound with the ties of life, you no longer have time to spend reminiscing on the heroes of your youth.

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