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

Quickly, the icons for their anti-virus software disappeared, and their anti-virus software was inoperable — worse, the virus was spreading throughout their network, doing similar damage to each machine it hit.

All in all, this computer virus outbreak affected most of this particular company’s 16 computer systems, including 2 production servers – resulting in days of downtime.

Unfortunately, we were called after the damage had been done – discovering that one of the first machines to get infected had expired anti-virus software.

But guess what?

After a few days of recovery, reinstallation, and integration back into their office environment — we were able to get them back on their feet, and rolling again!

It’s these kinds of incidents where having a Managed Anti-Virus solution, or even better, Managed IT Services for your business saves days of downtime.

Why?

The beauty of Managed Services are that they stop the problem from happening at all.

In this case, the computers on the network weren’t being kept up to date with the latest anti-virus updates, and the Sality Virus slipped in.  With Managed Services the computers on the network are automatically updated as soon as anti-virus updates are made available – with NO user intervention!

If you’d like to know more – be sure to learn more about our Managed Services, including:

• Managed Anti-Virus Protection,
• Managed Backup & Disaster Recovery,
• Managed Anti-Spam Protection, and
• Managed Voice-Over-IP Services (VOIP).

If you’re having a problem with your computer, network, or technology right now, be sure to visit YourComputerHelpDesk.com, or give us a call at (800) 573-0234.  We’re here for you!

PS – If you ever see the message “Your Anti-Virus software update has expired, would you like to renew?” — be sure to renew!

PPS – Here’s the symptoms of the Sality Virus:

• Disables antivirus software and prevents access to certain antivirus and security websites.
• Prevents booting into Safe Mode and may delete security-related files found on infected systems.
• Spreads via the autorun feature of Windows, generally drops a .cmd, .pif, and .exe to the root of discoverable drives, along with an autorun.inf file which contains instructions to load the dropped files when the drive is accessed.

The Sality Virus has keylogger and back door capabilities meaning that it:

• can monitor the keys you’re typing and send them to hackers on the Internet, and
• allow hackers to access your computer (think GoToMyPC) remotely.

As you can imagine, Sality opens the doors to online identity theft.

…there is nothing that you can do about it.

Never be put in that position, because when you work with us, you’ll be enControl® of your network!

As you probably know, computers & technology have a nasty habit of giving out when you need them most.

Most of the time, problems can be avoided by proactively monitoring, and updating technology.

Our Managed IT Services & Support is our service that provides that proactive solution, and we call it enControl®.

Who knew that it could be so easy to get out of that “break and fix” relationship that the vast majority have with technology today?

If you are looking for fast results, that get you back up and running faster than you thought was possible, then are looking in the correct place.

Learn more about our Managed IT Services & Support services or if you need help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

It’s entirely possible that it does, and you might not even know it!

With our Managed Anti-Virus Protection, you don’t have to worry about viruses anymore.

Every computer user on the planet, that is connected to the Internet, has gotten at least 1 computer virus.

In fact, “computer viruses cost businesses more than $55 billion annually with over 30% of this activity taking place in the United States.”

This is a very scary statistic for the typical business owner.

Luckily, there is a solution that can take the worry out of virus protection…

It’s our Managed Anti-Virus Solution which offers the following services:

• Automatic and up-to-date definitions, patches and updates that are applied to all PC’s on your network.
• Automatic alerts of any virus activity on your network, and
• No annual subscription/licensing fees!

Computer Security is a major component of any business, be sure you’re prepared.

Interested in our Managed Anti-Virus Protection services or do you need help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

…because your computer crashed?

We know the pain and frustration that you can experience and we’re excited to tell you that we can help!

We know what you’re going through — the loss of data can be a huge set back in the business world as well as at home.  History shows us, that the number 1 way to avoid these kinds of issues is Proactive Planning.

When a disaster strikes, and it will sooner or later, what are you going to do?

How are you going to get back, up and operational?

Our Managed Backup & Data Recovery services can help you get back on your feet quickly and easily.

Time is money and we know that a disaster could severely hurt you, or your business.

Rest easy knowing you’re prepared for any disaster!

Interested in our Managed Backup & Data Recovery services or do you need help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

Did you know we offer complete Apple Sales & Service?

We’re an authorized Apple Service center, and…
…that means that we can take care of any problem that you might be experiencing with you Apple computer.

We can even take care of Mac’s without a warranty!

Never again do you have to sit on the phone and wait for someone to walk you through troubleshooting your computer, only to tell you to send it in for a week. (We know this can be frustrating experience!)

Just bring it to one of Entech’s two authorized Apple Service centers located in:

Fort Myers and Sarasota

This means that any problem(s) that might pop up with your Mac can be solved quickly and without you having to go very far!

Interested in our Authorized Apple Sales & Services or do you need help with your computer – feel free to visit www.YourComputerHelpDesk.com, contact us, or call us at (800) 573-0234.

This is our 6th tip in our series “Windows 7 – 15 Tips You Need to Know”. This information is also available in our “Windows 7: 15 Tips You Need To Know” eBook.

…you don’t have any photo editing software on your computer.

However, with Windows 7, making a screen capture is very fast and easy!

In Windows 7 there is a new utility called the Snipping Tool. The Snipping Tool is a new, faster way to take a picture of what is on your computer screen.

There are 4 different aspects of the Snipping Tool for Windows 7:

• Free-form snip
• Rectangular snip
• Window snip
• Full-screen snip.

Free-form snip is a Windows 7 feature that allows you to draw a path with your mouse (even a circle or triangle) and, when you release your mouse button, your computer will take a snapshot picture of the specific area that you cut out. You can then choose to draw on this picture or save it to your computer.

The rectangular snip feature basically takes a snapshot picture of a specific rectangular location on your screen. Simply, click and drag your mouse to a certain size rectangle. When you let go of your mouse, your computer will take a snapshot picture of the area that you highlighted.

The window snip allows you to take a picture of a certain program, window, or browser screen that is running on your computer, as well as a picture of you taskbar or other areas of your PC.

Finally, with a full-screen snip you can take a snapshot picture of everything that is shown on your screen. This is similar to the old “Print Screen” function.

With Windows 7, you will be able to quickly take pictures of your screen and share with friends, family, or even tech support!

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

This is our first tip in our series “Windows 7 – 15 Tips You Need to Know”. This information is also available in our “Windows 7: 15 Tips You Need To Know” eBook.

As you may know, Microsoft’s previous operating system, Windows Vista, had quite a few problems when it debuted…

Many look at Windows 7 as the polished, tested, tried & true version of Windows Vista…  For starters, Windows 7 is easier to use and more efficient.

With tons of upgrades and more friendly applications, Windows 7 promises to be a true contender with the ever growing popular Mac OS, called Snow Leopard.  From our experiences with it, it’s doing great!

The current slogan that Microsoft is promoting is: Your PC, Simplified.

Essentially, with this release, Microsoft is opening the door to an easier, faster, and more friendly way to use your computer — and the reviews are showing they’re delivering!

If you are ready to upgrade to Windows 7 or are considering upgrading your system to Windows 7 – we can help you with the process, simply contact us, or give us a call at (800) 573-0234.

We look forward to helping you have a positive and productive experience with Windows 7, and today’s wonderful technology, in general!

Enjoy!

…you, and your business, relating to Microsoft’s New Operating System, Windows 7.

In related news, we’re offering our new “Lunch-and-Learn” monthly series, and the first workshop will be held on Thursday, December 17th, from 11:30a to 1pm at our corporate headquarters in Fort Myers.

It’s called “Microsoft Windows 7: Should You or Shouldn’t You?”, and we will have a Microsoft representative present to answer your questions, as well!

Our goal with our “Lunch-and-Learn” workshops is to teach businesses how to effectively use today’s technology, and most important, have a positive and productive experience as well!

Be sure to check out our News Release about our Lunch-and-Learn series – it reviews our next three sessions.  Seating is limited, and we’re expecting each of them to fill up quickly.

If you’re interested in attending, feel free to contact us, or give us a call at (800) 573-0234.

Thanks so much, and have a great day!

- Martin

…here’s a few helpful hints on whether you should upgrade:

1. Is everything working fine now?

   If you’re computer, printer, Internet, e-mail, and software programs are working perfectly fine – the old saying rings true “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

2. Do you have older programs that require Windows XP (or earlier versions of Windows?)

   Although certain versions of Windows 7 have an “XP Compatibility” mode you’re going to want to assure ALL of the programs you currently use WILL run in Windows 7.   Microsoft offers a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that can help you figure this out.   If you need further assistance, just let us know.

3. If you’re running Windows XP – upgrading will require a complete reinstall.

   Microsoft does help through this process with its migration assistant tool; however, it’s recommended if you’re using XP to consider a new PC with Windows 7 on it, and migrate over to it WITHOUT any downtime or issues.

   You’ll have plenty of time to load programs, transfer your data, and assure everything is in working order before selling, or repurposing your old computer.

Do you have more questions about Windows 7?   Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Have a great day!