Photo: The Entech Family at our annual dinner looking forward to 2012.

We hope you had a great 2011, excellent Holidays, and are enjoying 2012 so far!

We’re really excited about 2012, and the biggest buzz in our industry has been, and continues to be, the exponential growth of Cloud Computing.

If you’ve been following our blog, you noticed we wrapped up a series on “7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business” (also available as a free eBook) in October.

Over the last few months, we’ve been asked how businesses are actually switching to, and using Cloud Computing.  We’re extremely excited to say we’ve compiled 8 great examples for our new free eBook that will be debuting shortly, entitled:

“8 Ways to Use Cloud Computing in Your Business”

We’ll be reviewing how Cloud Computing helps businesses continue to grow and flourish through having centralized business document storage, secure online accounting & billing (allowing business owners the ability to more closely monitor cash flow!), and even enhance the relationships you have with your clients through online customer relationship management!

Be sure to get your free copy of our “7 Ways Cloud Computing Will Change Your Business” eBook and you’ll automatically be notified of when our new eBook debuts!

As always, if you have any technology questions, or need help with your computer systems, or network, please give us a call at (800) 573-0234, or contact us online.  We’re here for you!

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

-Martin

If you’re out and about using your notebook computer and see a wireless network appear that’s called Free Public WiFi, DO NOT connect to it. Unfortunately, it isn’t what it sounds like.

What you probably think is that it is a free public wifi connection to access the Internet. In reality, it’s actually a computer bug that has been around for years, originates from Windows XP.

It has a fix available for it which is simply installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.

Hopefully you keep your computer up to date to protect yourself from virus and hacking attempts.

If you are using Windows 7, then you have nothing to worry about (If you’d like to upgrade to Windows 7, take a look at this handy upgrade guide).

So you are probably thinking, what exactly is “Free Public WiFi” then?

Well, it’s an ad hoc network, or a network that is set up by your Windows XP computer when it can’t find another wireless network.

It’s basically a computer to computer connection.

A majority of the time, people that do connect to this network are simply looking for free wireless Internet.

This isn’t too big of a deal, as they will probably leave as quickly as they connected.

Although there can be a chance that someone with malicious intent could try to use this as an access point to get into your computer.

This is why you should disable your computers ability to connect to this network.

If you are experiencing any problems with your computer or you simply need help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

…more small businesses are making the move to Cloud Computing Services!

Interestingly:

• 3,258 small and midsize business owners from 16 countries around the globe were surveyed,
• the businesses were asked about how cloud computing will have an impact over the next three years,
• 39 percent of businesses expect to be paying for one or more cloud services in that time frame (up from 29 percent),
• small businesses stated that a positive service experience from the service provider was a key factor in selection, AND
• buying cloud services from a local provider was important!

If you’re not sure exactly what Cloud Computing Services are, feel free to read our “What is Cloud Computing?” information, contact us, or give us a call at (800) 573-0234.  We’ve been helping many businesses understand how to properly implement cloud services, while saving money on expensive network upgrades.

It’s our goal help you have a positive experience with technology.

Feel free to read the entire article, “More Small Businesses Make the Move to Cloud Services“, too!

Thank you!

This is the 4th Tip in our “5 Things Ever Computer User Should Know.” If you’d like to take these 5 tips on the go with you, go ahead and grab the eBook, right here.

…when it’s slow and you’re in a hurry.

You turn on your computer only to have it take:

• 5 minutes to start up
• 2 minutes to get to the program you want to use
• 1 minute for you printer to warm up
• and another minute to print (if you’re lucky!).

That’s almost 10 minutes of your time completely wasted, waiting on your computer!

You’re probably thinking -

“What’s the deal with my slow computer and how did it get that way?”

Computers are slow for many reasons, such as:

• The most common reason – not enough computer operating memory (RAM)!
  • As you add newer programs that require more memory, you outgrow the RAM that was installed when you purchased your computer.
• The addition of programs and files over time.
• Spyware, malware or viruses running in the background (You already know all about these from Tip 1).
• A full hard drive – you’re nearing the end of the total storage space available.

Believe it or not, there are quick ways to remedy these issues:

First, try rebooting your computer. This clears up the computers memory, allowing it to work faster (at least for a while!)

If it is still slower than you’d like, it’s time for a memory upgrade.

If you believe that it’s your hard drive that is the problem, then there are 2 things that you can try:

1. It could be beneficial to run a disk defragmenter. Your computer doesn’t always organize everything properly when it’s first saved onto your hard drive. Organizing all of the files is what a defragmenter does. This might not be something that you can visually see once your computer is done defragmenting, but your computer can tell the difference.
2. Simply deleting programs that you don’t use can have a tremendous impact on the speed of your computer; a full hard drive will always be slower than an empty one.

Hopefully these tips have gotten that slow computer back in working shape pronto.

It’s very important to me that you have a positive and productive experience with technology!

If you are experiencing any problems or you need any help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

This is the 3rd Tip in our “5 Things Ever Computer User Should Know.” If you’d like to take these 5 tips on the go with you, go ahead and grab the eBook, right here.

“Here, take a look through my check register!”

Your computer is just like your checkbook. It houses a ton of private information about you. So why would you let someone you barely know get on and look at all of your private information?

Most likely you have all of your passwords set up so that even you don’t have to remember them (if you do type them in yourself you are already protecting yourself!)

Using the “Keep me logged in” or “remember me” check box when you log onto any site that you frequent (for example Facebook).

On many occasions, you may even have your web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc…) remember your passwords for you.

Basically anyone who you allow get on your computer has access to such things as:

• Online Banking
• Student Accounts (If you or your child is in college)
• Facebook (or other social networking sites)
• Work Accounts
• Email Accounts (such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail or Hotmail)

So what can you do to help protect yourself from people getting onto personal accounts such as these?

Here are a few simple tips that you can use to protect yourself:

• Password protect your computer!
• Don’t post your passwords in obvious places (i.e. sticky notes on your monitor, or on a bulletin board by your computer!)
• Don’t tell anyone your passwords.
• Don’t have your web browser save your passwords
• If you do have your web browser remember your passwords, set up a master password for them.
• Have your web browser clear cookies and history when you close it.

With these simple tips you can avoid a lot of problems and save yourself from potentially painful trouble.

Every computer user should…

Be careful of who you let use your computer, and protect yourself if you do let others use it.

If you are experiencing any problems or you need any help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

restart it 5 minutes later. (What a PITA!)

This is the 2nd Tip in our “5 Things Every Computer User Should Know.” If you’d like to take these 5 tips on the go with you, go ahead and grab the eBook, right here.

It’s really important that you continually update your computer as updates are made available.

What does a system update do?

System updates are created to fix problems on our computers. These problems can range from something unnoticeable to a frustrating issue that you have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

System updates can include:

• Fixing security vulnerabilities
• Fixing bugs
• Improving performance
• Improving usability
• Improving stability

While these are all good things for your computer, there is occasionally a downside to updates.

Some updates can cause new problems after fixing the old ones.

So what should the average computer user do?

To download or not to download that is the question…

The best thing to do before you install a new update is to check if it is causing any new problems. You can do this by performing a simple Internet search using keywords such as, “mac update problems”.

Don’t let this scare you though. If a problem does arise in an update it is usually very quickly fixed, depending on the severity of the problem that has been created.

So don’t forget…

Always update your computer (via Windows Update or via Software Update – Mac).

If you are experiencing any problems or you need any help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

This is the 1st Tip in our “5 Things Every Computer User Should Know.” If you’d like to take these 5 tips on the go with you, go ahead and grab the eBook, right here.

…your computer is always vulnerable to viruses, malware, spyware and hackers, so make sure you have security software.

What does a virus do to your computer?

A computer virus can have varying effects on a computer, depending on what it was designed to do (HINT: all viruses are designed to make your life more difficult).

You might get lucky and get a virus that simply corrupts files or destroys data that is saved on your computer. This can still be a massive hassle for any computer user, as it may corrupt things such as Word documents or Excel files.

In the worst case scenario you could get a virus that completely disables your computer by erasing files that are necessary for your computer to function. Although this happens less often, it obviously results in:

• Huge amounts of downtime
• Possible data loss
• Computer service to restore your system.

If you believe that there is spyware or a virus on your computer you can run a spyware sweep or virus scanner.

What is a hacker?

A person who is attempting to take sensitive information from your computer, usually for personal gain.

Information such as:

• Bank Account numbers
• Credit Card numbers
• User names and passwords
• Any sensitive information that is stored on your computer

Can be the target of a hacker.

Hackers aren’t the only people out there who are trying to get your sensitive information though. There are also things called phishing scams, in which a person who wants to get sensitive information attempts to get the computer user to give up their bank account or credit card information (for example) by looking like a legitimate web site or business.

What is the best way to avoid going through all of the pain that any of the above situations would create?

Up-to-date security software that is constantly running is the solution.

This applies to all computer users, including Apple computers. Contrary to popular belief, Macs can get viruses.

There are many different security based programs out there for a computer user to use. Some of them are free and others cost money.

Some of the more popular security programs are made by: McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky.

So be careful, and assure you always have up-to-date security software that is installed, updated and running!

If you are experiencing any problems or you need any help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

…and I’m sure that it’s a large part of your personal life as well.

So exactly what computer basics might I be talking about?

Well there are 5 things that are quite important to think about when using your computer, whether for personal or professional use.

• Computer security
• Computer updates
• People who use your computer
• Computer speeds
• Computer backup

While you are using your computer you should always be cautious and take every preventative measure that you can so that you can avoid the pain and frustration of having to fix your computer.

Luckily if you are using your computer professionally, you will probably have a technology person who can help you out.

But if you don’t, who are you gonna call?

If you are experiencing any problems with or you need any help with your Computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

but you aren’t really sure what you need or where to begin.

Luckily you’ve stumbled upon the only resource that you’ll need when it comes to Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

So without further adieu, here are the 15 Tips (plus a Bonus Tip) that will make your Mac OS X Snow Leopard experience a great one.

Tip 1 – Mac OS X Snow Leopard – Apple’s Newest Operating System

Tip 2 – Mac OS X Features – The Features You Need To Enable

Tip 3 - iLife ’09 – iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD.

Tip 4 - iWork ‘09 – Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.

Tip 5 – Microsoft Office for Mac!

Tip 6 – Mobile Me – The Amazing Benefits of Cloud Computing.

Tip 7 – Spotlight, Spaces and Quicklook. Speed Up Your Efficiency.

Tip 8 – Address Book, iCal and Mail – Your New email Client!

Tip 9 – Front Row: Your Quick, Easy Entertainment Center

Tip 10 – iChat: Video Chat on Your Computer

Tip 11 – Dashboard and Exposé, Information at the Touch of a Button

Tip 12 – Time Machine: Don’t Lose Anything Ever Again!

Tip 13 – Calculator, TextEdit, Stickies, and Photo Booth: Everyday Programs for Everyday Use.

Tip 14 – Mac Virus Protection, You Can Get Viruses and You Do Need To Protect Yourself.

Tip 15 – Running Windows on Your Mac, Get The Best of Both Worlds!

Bonus Tip – Bonus Tip – Mac Programs to Help Eliminate Your Minor Frustrations.

Hopefully these tips have saved you time and even increased your efficiency when using Mac OS X.

If you’d like, you can even download all these tips in our “Mac OS X Snow Leopard – 15 Tips You Need To Know” eBook and review it all at your convenience.

If you are experiencing any problems with Mac OS X Snow Leopard or you need any help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

This is a Bonus Tip in our series “Mac OS X Snow Leopard – 15 Tips You Need To Know”.

Now what about those few programs that misbehave?

Not every program is created equally and when it comes to computers, there are so many different formats that it’s hard to find 1 program that will play well with them all.

So here are a few programs that can help relieve some potentially minor frustrations for you.

1st things first, Quicktime doesn’t play well with a lot of video formats (especially .wmv files).

There are a few programs that can help alleviate this problem.

• Flip4Mac
• Perian
• VLC

Flip4Mac is a plug-in that works with Quicktime, converting .wmv files as you watch them.

Perian works in similar fashion but supports many more file types.

Finally you have VLC, which is a stand alone video player.

VLC is a great alternative to Quicktime and it supports just about every video file format out there, which means it’s a 1 stop shop for you.

So now that your video viewing problems are solved, we can move on to .zip and .rar files.

The built in Archive Utility in Mac OS X is alright but for heavy duty jobs your are going to want to grab UnRarX.

This is a great file compression program that should do the trick for all your file compression needs.

That should take care of the majority of your minor frustrations, if you had any in the first place that is.

Enjoy Mac OS X Leopard!

If you are experiencing any problems or you need any help with your Mac – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.