Spiderhost - The Official Blog

2012-01-26T08:46:00.002-05:00

I love Photoshop and for those like me that wait a long time to upgrade and end up having to pay full price. Well if you have the money that's fine but if you would like a cheaper option (free?), try Artweaver.

This is a program that my daughter was using and getting great results. I loaded the program to test it and wanted to know what the catch was. The program performs beautifully and it is a lighter weight program than Photoshop. This is a full featured Photo Editor that supports most Phot Shop plug-ins.

Check this out at www.artweaver.de.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I have

U.S. Gamers Crack Puzzle in AIDS Research that Stumped Scientists for Years

2011-09-20T08:38:00.001-04:00

In just three weeks, online gamers deciphered the structure of a retrovirus protein that has stumped scientists for over a decade, and a study out Sunday says their breakthrough opens doors for a new AIDS drug design.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/19/us-gamers-crack-puzzle-in-aids-research-that-stumped-scientists-for-years/#ixzz1YUo0yTLc

FTW!

RFID, the end of unlimited refills?

2011-07-17T15:39:00.002-04:00

Reports: Disney World to test software to limit refillable mugs

Walt Disney World is testing technology that would limit guests’ use of the refillable resort mugs.

RFID= the future of dieting? I can see where in the not to distant future people are put on strict diets by doctors and the the new government healthcare can use RFID to monitor a patients intake of food.
a black market for RFID-less food packaging?
All speculation of course but, here is a test of that type of control in the public sector.

read more:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/disney-a-mom-and-the-mouse/2011/07/reports-disney-world-to-test-software-to-limit-refillable-mugs/

2011-06-03T20:47:00.001-04:00

If you have a MacBook get this software now!

http://www.hiddenapp.com

It helped a man get his laptop back in one piece.  Great story about the power of the Internet and technology to fight crime

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/web/06/02/stolen.laptop.returned/index.html?iref=obnetwork<br>

with Big News comes Big Risk

2011-05-02T19:46:00.002-04:00

Following the news of the demise of Bin Laden. The internet scam artists attack with full force.
Beware the warnings below...you have been warned..

"The world's most wanted criminal was found and killed Sunday. By late that evening, crooks had unleashed a wave of new spam emails, poisoned search results, and specially crafted websites -- all designed to mislead people seeking news.

Security analysts across the Internet Monday morning warned of the onslaught of new threats that inevitably follow a major news event. Leading security firm Kaspersky Lab began detecting spam e-mail campaigns and Web pages built specifically to game the major search engines within hours of the first reports of his death in a firefight with U.S. forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

President Obama announced the results of the top-secret operation late Sunday night, calling it the most significant blow to Al Qaeda to date. Within hours, the architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that killed more than 3,000 people was buried at sea, the president said.

And within hours of that, warned Kaspersky analyst Fabio Assolini, the company began finding search engine optimized (SEO) Web pages offering news of bin Laden's death and claiming to offer photographs of the slain terrorist. Clicking those links directed Web surfers to malicious Web pages that try to install Best Antivirus 2011, a rogue anti malware program, Assolini said.

Another Kaspersky researcher uncovered a Facebook spam campaign offering "free subway rides and plane tickets" to "celebrate Osama's death." Users visiting the malicious page were asked to enter personal information to win a prize, but end up spamming their own friends with the solicitation, he warned.

This is only the beginning of what promises the be the usual onslaught of scams and trickery, warned experts.

"Within 24 hours we can expect in excess of 100 million spam emails," Symantec's Steve Martin told SecureComputing.com.

"Anytime there is a major event there are always scammers," he said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/05/02/usama-bin-laden-death-joy-cyberscammers/#ixzz1LF5AewP9
"

Fun with Statistics and Formulas?

2011-04-06T17:38:00.003-04:00

Curiosity calls on you from time to time to ask those number crunching questions like;
Compare the size and atmosphere of Earth and Mars or Jupiter.
What are the cultural comparisons between China and USA.
How do I calculate Gravity.

There is a site that has been compiling statistics and formulas and over the period of 20 of R&D has created a search engine style interface that recognizes your queries and generates results based on statistical data.
http://www.wolframalpha.com

wolframalpha.com contains components such as;
Linguistic analysis
Curated data
Dynamic computation
Computed presentation

Check it out!

Tron Legacy. How were those affects made?

2011-04-04T20:01:00.002-04:00

All computers, of course :)

What software?

Adobe, Cinema 4D and some custom software written in C.

Check out the artists post here

http://jtnimoy.net/workviewer.php?q=178

Email Archiving

2011-02-28T07:26:00.000-05:00

Even Google is vulnerable to losing data. 150,000 email account email gone!

Article Here

Ways to protect yourself

Forward your email account to a secondary account just for backups. Simply setup a forward
Use an IMAP client such as Outlook or Thunderbird and backup the local mail files on your computer. This will keep the messages on your computer as well as the email server
Use an online archive. Not free, but may be worth the $20 or less per month

Just think what would happen today if you lost all of your email, calendars and contacts?

National Broadband Map

2011-02-23T07:39:00.001-05:00

The first ever nation wide broadband (cable, dsl ,etc..) map.

You can search it.

Analyze the data.

Check it out

http://www.broadbandmap.gov/technology

Another Facebook Phishing Attack

2011-02-22T07:34:00.000-05:00

If you use Facebook, 1 in 13 people do. Be very careful. There is yet another phishing scam going around.

At 2010's end, we saw a run of phishing links being sent around via the chat feature. We're seeing a new run at the moment. The following links are sent (from hijacked accounts) through chat messages and posts on the Walls of randomly selected friends:

  •  http://apps.facebook.com/dealscentral[...]/dsuguo[...]/
  •  http://apps.facebook.com/reallytimeto[...]/
  •  http://apps.facebook.com/backseatdriver[...]/
  •  http://apps.facebook.com/fishingfor[...]/

The links look as if they would go to an App, but they instead just take the user to pages that look like the real Facebook log-in page:

The pages are fake. They are designed to steal your username and password. Nothing fancy. Just be aware and stay alert!

Read the view article here

Backup Reminder Day

2011-02-17T07:19:00.000-05:00

Today, right now! check your backups. If you are not doing backups, do one now!

Personally back up the following items

iPod
iPhone / Smartphone
Music (iTunes)
Pictures
Important Documents (school papers, will, legal, scanned papers, etc...)
Software you purchased online

Professional back up the following items

Exchange Mailboxes, Logs and Database
SQL and MySQL databases
Employee Files
Email
Accounting Software Files
Web Site Files
Server Files

If you feel real ambitious, try restoring a file or files. And if you really want to sleep good at night, grab a spare server and test how long it will take to get your whole server back up and running the way it is today. Reward yourself or your team if they can do it by lunch!

UPS with 100% individual outlet control

2011-02-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Middle Atlantic Products has put out a new product. A UPS that you can monitor and control ALL eight outlets individually via IP.

View what device is pulling what amount of power. You could even hook it up to MRTG to graph the power usage.

Check out their site for more information

Blackberry Phones May Run Android Apps

2011-02-14T16:23:00.000-05:00

"RIM is allegedly prepping the QNX-based operating system running their forthcoming PlayBook tablet to run Android applications, according to a Bloomberg article. As RIM has stated that the QNX platform will run at least some of its upcoming smartphones as well, this could cinch Android's status as the lingua franca of smartphone application environments, especially with BlackBerry's current market leadership and Android's explosive marketshare growth."

DELL, HP, Apple Outlets

2011-02-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

A great way to save money on hardware is to buy from the manufacturer's outlet. You can by refurbished systems at a fraction of the original cost. Here are links to DELL's, HP's and Apple's online outlet store

DELL

HP

APPLE

Online Backups

2011-02-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

We have all fallen victim to losing files, pictures, music, etc...

Why? Lazy? Cheap?

There are many affordable solutions available now to backup your laptop and desktop.

There is a company Backblaze that offers UNLIMITED backups for only $5 per month per computer.

The software is simple. You select what you want backed up and how often and it will do it. The limitation will be your Internet connection's upload speed.

Send important items first. Test restoring files to get comfortable with the process as well as the reliability of the system. Their software works on both MAC and PC.

Bottom line, have an online (off-site) backup solution. $60 / year is worth it for the peace of mind.

iPhone. Verizon vs At&t. What is the difference?

2011-02-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

With the iPhone 4 making it's debut with Verizon wireless tomorrow. What will be different than the iPhone with At&t wireless?

Several things. Some better, some not so...

Verizon claims dropped calls will not exist. This is the most common frustration with current iPhone users on At&t's network
Price is the same for the device
Antenna. Verizon uses CDMA. Not compatible with At&t. You cannot use your At&t phone with Verizon and vice versa.
Verizon allows you to use the iPhone as mobile hotspot. Meaning you can use your iPhone with your laptop or mobile device to browse the Internet
The biggest downfall with Verizon will be the fact that you cannot talk on the phone AND use the Internet at the same time. Voice and data will have to be done separately.

Learn more here

Precycle

2011-02-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

Recycling is great, but Precycle is even better.

Stop your postal junk mail

Plant five trees

Get two energy efficient light bulbs

Get a great reusable bag

In one easy package!

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/precycle-offer.html?campaign=tv-precycle

Market Research / Focus Group

2011-02-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of business owners always want to know what their market thinks about something. How much they would pay for something, the best way to word their marketing/advertising, what features do they feel are important, etc...

Wouldn't it be great to have a focus group assembled with people that meet your specific requirements? Want woman, 25-35, with children, etc...

Ask them 10 questions and then get all of the answers to review?

Well now you can and very economically.

A service http://askyourtargetmarket.com/ does just that

AYTM allows you to create online surveys and present them to our built-in consumer panel for rapid responses to your target market research. Define your target market, launch your online survey, have results within hours.

Check them out. It will save time and money. No need to wait and see how things will work. Ask upfront.

The internet has run out of addresses. Time for IPv6!

2011-02-04T09:22:00.004-05:00

As of Feb. 3rd the last net blocks of IPv4 addresses have been allocated.

Read more about the story in the following article

Last blocks of net addresses get handed over by BBC NEWS
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12367484

JW
Spiderhost

Flowtown

2011-02-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

A great tool for companies trying to better target their customers and prospects is Flowtown.

Flowtown enables you to enter any email address, and the system instantly reports back where and how that address is connected on the social Web.

It allows you to drill down to a granular level to get the insight you are looking for.

“Should we be on Twitter, or Facebook, or Linkedin, or YouTube, or some other places?” Flowtown gives you the answer in seconds.

So, if you want to instantly send an email to only your customers that are on Facebook, inviting them to become fans of your brand there, you can do it in minutes using Flowtown’s existing integration with MailChimp.
The fee for up to 75,000 sent emails per month is just $99.97.

A great aricle on Flowtown can be found here

Flowtown's web site can be found here

Desktop & Laptop Support

2011-02-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

If you have a virus, malware, software challenge or need help with your desktop or laptop there are two virtual options for you. Instead of traveling to a local computer store or a big box store for support, you can have a trained professional log into your computer remotely to remedy the situation.

The two companies are iYogi and support.com.

iYogi

This company will remote into your computer remotely to troubleshoot. You talk to them on the phone while they are in the computer. They typically pinpoint the challenge in 15 minutes. They charge $170 per year for unlimited support. You just can't beat that price.

They are based out of India

Low cost leader

http://www.iyogi.net/

Support.com

Support.com asks more questions than iYogi. There response time was slightly longer than iYogi to talk to the initial rep. They offer the same service. Their pricing starts at $199 per year for unlimited support. They also charge a small setup fee.

They are based out of North America

U.S.A. Based

http://support.com

These are virtual options. If you need someone to come out to your office or home you may want to use a local computer store or one of the big box stores. They will be able to put their hands on the computer and replace and/or fix hardware. But if it is a challenge that can be fixed remotely one of the two options above will definitely work.

Facebook Privacy

2011-01-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

If you use Facebook you may be interested in this tool

http://www.reclaimprivacy.org/

It checks your current Facebook privacy settings. Follow the instructions on the web page on how to use.

Modern warfare: Nations are harnessing digital and satellite technology for C4I systems

2011-01-07T15:13:00.007-05:00

Israel is among several nations that have developed a C4I system, short for "command, control, communications, computers and intelligence" that integrate battlefield information. Before this technology troops would need up to 20 mins to target and strike the enemy. Now utilizing the C4I system, troops can strike the enemy within seconds.

Read more in the following article byAssociated Press writer Josef Federman

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iB5RMcvqF6isqCLiHwrpTTFh1LIA?docId=1fe7ba6ef02f4b40ace782b624807493

JW
Spiderhost

Ford's first all-electric car

2011-01-07T14:46:00.001-05:00

Ford Motor Company debuted its first all-electric vehicle, the Focus Electric, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show Friday. It is one of five new electrified vehicles that will be available in North America and Europe by 2013. By Nick Barber IDG News

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/216086/ford_debuts_allelectric_car.html

JW
Spiderhost

Stolen iTunes accounts up for auction in China

2011-01-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

Over 50,000 iTunes accounts have been stolen and are currently for sale in China. Each of the stolen accounts has an associated active credit card of the person whose account has been stolen. The account will be good for about 12 hours allowing the buyer plenty of time to max out the card before it gets canceled.
Read more in the article below by Matthew Humphries at Geek.com
http://www.geek.com/articles/apple/50000-stolen-itunes-accounts-up-for-auction-in-china-2011016/

JW
Spiderhost

Microsoft's Kinect is connecting with consumers

2011-01-06T10:14:00.002-05:00

Microsoft has sold 8 million Kinect sensors. The kinect sensor allows your body to be the controller and even mimic facial gestures through your avatar.

Read more about it in the following article by Brett Molina
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2011/01/microsoft-sells-8-million-kinect-sensors-netflix-hulu-support-in-works/1

JW
Spiderhost

A smart phone that can power a lap top? Really?

2011-01-05T15:56:00.002-05:00

Motorola just unveiled the Atrix Andriod phone at CES. The Atrix is a super powerful smartphone that can plug into a laptop and power the laptop.

Read more about it in the article below by Jay Yarow

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/05/businessinsider-motorola-atrix-2011-1.DTL

JW
Spiderhost

Cisco to Roll Out Hybrid TV, IPTV Device

2011-01-05T12:55:00.002-05:00

The telecom giant is expected to make a big splash in the market by introducing a set-top box that will provide both conventional television services – like live TV, on-demand and recorded programming – as well as Web-based services that are offered through competing products.
By Beecher Tuttle, TMCnet Contributor

http://iptv.tmcnet.com/topics/iptv/articles/131816-cisco-roll-out-hybrid-tv-iptv-device.htm

JW
Spiderhost

The latest tech gadgets will be revealed this week at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show

2011-01-05T12:07:00.001-05:00

Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the largest trade shows in the world. Countless new gadgets will be revealed, and new products will be demoed in front of more than 140,000 attendees and press.

Check out the Five technologies to watch for at CES 2011 in the article below by Ben Parr at Mashable

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/01/five-technologies-to-watch-for-at-ces-2011/1

JW
Spiderhost

Television is no longer the main source for news among Young Adults (Pew Research study)

2011-01-05T11:17:00.006-05:00

The Internet is now the main national and international news source for people ages 18 to 29, a study from the Pew Research Center reports.

Check the entire story in the article below by Meghan Peters at Mashable

http://mashable.com/2011/01/04/internet-surpasses-television-as-main-news-source-for-young-adults-study/#

JW
Spiderhost

UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and the Orlando Science Center win first place for "Energize" game

2011-01-03T16:06:00.007-05:00

UCF's Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and the Orlando Science Center create a new game that has won first place at the 2010 Serious Games Showcase & Challenge competition.

Energize is a video game that challenges you to provide electricity to a growing community while keeping pollution minimized. The goal of the game is to raise awareness about how to effectively utilize energy sources and combat climate change.

http://today.ucf.edu/fieas-award-winning-game-energizes-climate-change-solutions/

JW
Spiderhost

IBM Sees Visions of Holographic Cellphones Within 5 Years

2010-12-28T11:31:00.003-05:00

Video chat has exploded on the scene over the past year, but IBM is already looking to the future.

The following link is an article by Richard Adhikari of TechNewsWorld on the vision of a holographic cellphones.

http://www.technewsworld.com/story/IBM-Sees-Visions-of-Holographic-Cellphones-Within-5-Years-71531.html?wlc=1293553826

JW
Spiderhost

Amazon: Wi-Fi Kindle is Best-Selling Product Ever

2010-12-27T13:16:00.001-05:00

Amazon has never announced sales figures for its e-reader, the Kindle. It still hasn't, but the company did reveal today that the latest version of the device, the Wi-Fi only, third-generation Kindle, is Amazon's best-selling product ever.
By: Peter Pachal

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374742,00.asp

Harris gets $19 million patient health-care records contract

2010-12-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Melbourne-based Harris Corp. will be paid $19 million by the state of Florida to create a network of patient health-care records that can be easily accessed by health-care providers.
By Kathleen Haughney, News Service Of Florida

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-harris-ahca-records-contract-20101222,0,6945765.story

JW

Boeing Wins Bid to Build Vulture, the Solar Spyplane That Stays Aloft for Five Years

2010-12-22T15:48:00.001-05:00

Boeing's spyplane development wing won an $89 million contract this week to build the
SolarEagle unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, designed to fly continuously for five years at 65,000 feet. By Rebecca Boyle

http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-09/boeing-wins-bid-build-solar-plane-flies-five-years-end

JW

25 Best Android Apps Under $1

2010-12-22T15:44:00.002-05:00

You may be on the road less traveled, but, if you are part of the Android movement, you are ahead of the smartphone curve.
by Switched Staff

http://www.switched.com/2010/12/22/25-best-android-apps-under-1/

JW

70 Design-Happy, Geek-Friendly Gifts For Under $70

2010-12-22T15:39:00.001-05:00

Swtched.com has put together a list of tech gifts for under $70

http://www.switched.com/2010/12/10/70-design-happy-geek-friendly-gifts-for-under-70/

Dell to buy medical cloud archiving company

2010-12-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

InSite expands Dell's reach into the medical IT services market
By Lucas Mearian December 22, 2010 02:52 PM ET

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9202139/Dell_to_buy_medical_cloud_archiving_company

JW

Spiderhost and Smart City Enter into Regional Web Hosting Partnership.

2010-12-22T15:29:00.000-05:00

Beginning March 1st, 2009, Smart City's 1,000-plus hosting and e-mail clients will benefit from Spiderhost's expertise in hosting solutions.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Spiderhost+and+Smart+City+Enter+into+Regional+Web+Hosting+Partnership.-a0194050931

JW

Net Neutrality: Why the new rules don't guarantee internet equality

2010-12-22T14:05:00.000-05:00

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday (Dec. 21) passed a set of controversial Net neutrality rules that aims to give everyone equal access to the Web. However, the rules have been under massive scrutiny, and critics say they don't actually achieve this goal.
By Samantha Murphy, TechNewsDaily / December 22, 2010

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Latest-News-Wires/2010/1222/Net-Neutrality-Why-the-new-rules-don-t-guarantee-internet-equality

JW

UCF basketball team ranked in Top 25 for first time

2010-12-20T16:47:00.001-05:00

UCF's basketball team is ranked for the first time in school history.

By Iliana Limón, Orlando Sentinel
2:30 p.m. EST, December 20, 2010

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/knights/os-ucf-top-25-1221-20101220,0,7994047.story

JW

Spiderhost on FOX News Net Neutrality

2010-12-20T14:38:00.001-05:00

Dale Frohman, president of Spiderhost discusses Net Neutrality w FOX news.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orY5N2ey4XE&NR=1

JW

Navy’s New Railgun Shoots at Mach 7, Can Hit Targets 100 Miles Away

2010-12-17T17:07:00.001-05:00

Last week the Navy took its best shot and it was a doozy. The shot, fired on December 10th, broke the world record for the most powerful shot, as the 23-pound aluminum projectile rocketed out of the Navy's electromagnetic railgun at a reported speed of Mach 7, or seven times the speed of sound.
by Jennifer Welsh

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/12/13/navys-new-railgun-shoots-at-mach-7-can-hit-targets-100-miles-away/

JW

An Electric Superbike Worthy of the Name

2010-12-17T17:04:00.001-05:00

When Chip Yates set out to build an electric motorcycle, he insisted that it keep up with the 600-cc machines he races in the AMA. It was almost laughably ambitious, given that the fastest bikes in the electric-motorcycle racing scene currently lap tracks about 20 seconds short of that mark.
By Chuck Squatriglia

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/09/swigz-electric-motorcycle/

JW

Mobile Carriers Dream of Charging per Page

2010-12-17T16:59:00.002-05:00

Just a week before the FCC holds a vote on whether to apply fairness rules to some of the nation's internet service providers, two companies that sell their services to the country's largest cellular companies showed off a different vision of the future: one where you'll have to pay extra to watch YouTube or use Facebook.
By Ryan Singel

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/12/carriers-net-neutrality-tiers/

JW

Electronic Theft Costing Companies More Than Physical Theft

2010-12-17T16:41:00.002-05:00

Reuters reports that a recent study conducted by a risk consulting firm shows that, worldwide,
electronic theft is now costing companies more than physical theft.

by Caleb Johnson on October 18, 2010 at 06:00 PM

http://www.switched.com/2010/10/18/electronic-theft-costing-companies-more-than-physical-theft/

JW

Word Lens Translates Words Inside of Images. Yes Really.

2010-12-17T15:57:00.001-05:00

Ever been confused at a restaurant in a foreign country and wish you could just scan your menu with your iPhone and get an instant translation?
By: Alexia Tsotsis

http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/16/world-lens-translates-words-inside-of-images-yes-really/

JW

Donor gives every UCF medical student an iPad

2010-12-17T14:59:00.001-05:00

The Apple tablet, which debuted in April, is quickly being adopted by various professions.

By Sarah Lundy, Orlando Sentinel
7:46 p.m. EST, December 15, 2010
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/ucfmedicalschool/os-ucf-ipad-donation-20101214,0,4706076.story

JW

'Stuxnet virus set back Iran’s nuclear program by 2 years'

2010-12-15T15:33:00.003-05:00

Top German computer consultant tells 'Post' virus was as effective as military strike, a huge success; expert speculates IDF creator of virus.
By YAAKOV KATZ 12/15/2010 05:15

http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=199475

JW

Latin American IT Markets: Cloudy days ahead

2010-12-08T15:44:00.001-05:00

Cloud Computing was the most beseeched IT trend amongst CIOs in Latin America in 2010. As with several other industry-transforming technologies, adoption of Cloud Computing is a bottom-up phenomenon, driven into the enterprise sector by consumer behavior and economics.

Analysis by: Fernando Belfort

http://www.glgroup.com/News/Latin-American-IT-Markets--Cloudy-days-ahead-51797.html

JW

MasterCard, others hit by DDoS attacks over WikiLeaks

2010-12-08T15:07:00.006-05:00

Computerworld - The main Web site of MasterCard was knocked offline today in a large distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack apparently launched in retaliation for the credit card company's decision this week to cut off services to WikiLeaks.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9200521/MasterCard_others_hit_by_DDoS_attacks_over_WikiLeaks?taxonomyId=82

JW

3 ways to secure your Internet connection

2010-12-06T06:10:00.000-05:00

1) Make sure you have a firewall installed. Many are free and Microsoft includes a free firewall with their newer operating systems

2) Use network monitoring software to see what is going in/out of your network. Again there are many free options out there

3) Have fun! Try to crack your wireless password to see if someone sitting outside of your home can do the same.

This is form the article below

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-ways-check-security-internet-connection/

Mystery Surrounds Cyber Missile That Crippled Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions

2010-11-28T12:01:00.002-05:00

In the 20th century, this would have been a job for James Bond.

The mission: Infiltrate the highly advanced, securely guarded enemy headquarters where scientists in the clutches of an evil master are secretly building a weapon that can destroy the world. Then render that weapon harmless and escape undetected.

But in the 21st century, Bond doesn't get the call. Instead, the job is handled by a suave and very sophisticated secret computer worm, a jumble of code called Stuxnet, which in the last year has not only crippled Iran's nuclear program but has caused a major rethinking of computer security around the globe.

Intelligence agencies, computer security companies and the nuclear industry have been trying to analyze the worm since it was discovered in June by a Belarus-based company that was doing business in Iran. And what they've all found, says Sean McGurk, the Homeland Security Department's acting director of national cyber security and communications integration, is a “game changer.”

The construction of the worm was so advanced, it was “like the arrival of an F-35 into a World War I battlefield,” says Ralph Langner, the computer expert who was the first to sound the alarm about Stuxnet. Others have called it the first “weaponized” computer virus.

Simply put, Stuxnet is an incredibly advanced, undetectable computer worm that took years to construct and was designed to jump from computer to computer until it found the specific, protected control system that it aimed to destroy: Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.

The target was seemingly impenetrable; for security reasons, it lay several stories underground and was not connected to the World Wide Web. And that meant Stuxnet had to act as sort of a computer cruise missile: As it made its passage through a set of unconnected computers, it had to grow and adapt to security measures and other changes until it reached one that could bring it into the nuclear facility.

When it ultimately found its target, it would have to secretly manipulate it until it was so compromised it ceased normal functions.

And finally, after the job was done, the worm would have to destroy itself without leaving a trace.

read more to find out how this was possible!
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/11/26/secret-agent-crippled-irans-nuclear-ambitions/
By Ed Barnes

Published November 26, 2010
| FoxNews.com

The Internet Invades the Living Room with DISH Network's Google TV Solution

2010-11-12T12:51:00.001-05:00

The recently created Google TV, an Android-based solution to a set-top box and TV media integration.

http://iptv.tmcnet.com/topics/iptv/articles/116729-internet-invades-living-room-with-dish-networks-google.htm

JW

Mobile Phones Replace Room Keys in Stockholm Hotel

2010-11-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

Check in and check out without ever stopping by the front desk

http://news.discovery.com/tech/mobile-phones-replace-hotel-keys.html

JW

IPads Perform Better on Wi-Fi Than 4G?

2010-11-12T11:27:00.002-05:00

BTIG Research: The iPad does not perform as well on Clearwire’s 4G iSpots as it does on typical Wi-Fi access points.

http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20101105/for-ipad-users-hex-marks-the-ispot/

JW

Malware-Bytes

2010-11-07T23:05:00.002-05:00

Simply one of the finest free malware scanners available.

install this on a USB drive for instant scanning on any PC or laptop.
Runs on Servers as well
free scans, free cleans, free updates.

very effective.

http://www.techspot.com/downloads/4716-malwarebytes-anti-malware.html

Ed

Search and Destroy

2010-11-07T22:54:00.003-05:00

Now, many may have heard of this powerful little tool. And some may have tried or used it.
The newest version has some very nice tools built in for keeping your PC somewhat safer than without it.

It has, among other things, a registry back up on install.
An "immunization" tool to take a form of snapshot/locking of important files.
And it will not allow these to be modified without user intervention. This can be updated after a new, trusted program is installed.

This is also a very powerful ( can be dangerous in unexperienced hands ) registry scanning and reporting and Cleaning tool. Not to mention a large and dedicated online community you can submit these reports to for free inspection and they will help you find problems, if you have them, in your PC.

all in all the newest free version of search and destroy, installed after a Clamwin install, will go along way in free protection - adding realtime file protection for immunized files.

both work on Win2K8 servers as well.

http://spybot-download.net/spybotsd162.exe

this will run an update on install as well.

Ed

Wi-Fi Direct Products Connect Without A Network

2010-11-02T13:09:00.001-04:00

The first batch of Wi-Fi Direct products were formally certified Monday Oct. 22, 2010, launching a wireless technology in which devices will be able to communicate directly with each other without being on a network or without first connecting to a network access point

http://www.informationweek.com/news/infrastructure/remote_access/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=227900741

JW

Unemployed Entrepreneur of the week

2010-11-02T12:56:00.003-04:00

60-Year-Old man loses job, Creates 12 Websites for income

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/28/from-unemployed-to-selfem_n_775544.html

Free Server or home use Anti-Virus

2010-10-26T12:49:00.002-04:00

ClamWin
http://www.clamwin.com/

now, its not a real-time scanner but, its a good manual/free/open source alternative to the high dollar server level AV solutions.
They offer updates and virus definition updates as well.

I use it on mine and just kick off a scan when ever i disconnect, on next login you see if it caught anything.
I'm sure with a little testing a scheduled task could be made to work. I have not tested though.

2010-10-19T08:53:00.002-04:00

Face Book Privacy is once again being questioned. A recent report from the Wall Street Journal claims that Face Book "Apps such as FarmVille, Texas HoldEm Poker and FrontierVille, have been sending users' personal information to dozens of advertising and Internet monitoring companies." Nothing is free, we pay for it in some way.

At&t Microcell

2010-06-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

Now you can have full five bar coverage in your entire office or house.

At&t has released their Microcell in the Central Florida market.

We just installed our first one and it is truly amazing.

Here is the official link

http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/why/3gmicrocell/

Benefits include

1) Unlimited voice and data while connected to the microcell

2) Full coverage if you have spotty reception in your home or office

3) friends and family CAN use it

4) It is portable

5) You can cancel or reduce your home/office long distance plan and use your cell phone

Installation was a breeze. Just make sure you put it in the DMZ on your router and enable UPnP

This is so the device can talk to at&t's service.

It uses your internet connection to make the calls

It is just like having your own personal cell phone tower

How Much Power Do You Use At Home?

2010-06-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

Black and Decker have a new device that can help you watch your power consumption in real-time!

It will help lower your power bill.

Amazing to see what sucks all of your power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rvb780YAlA

You can buy it here for on $99

http://www.bdwebstore.com/Black-Decker-Power-Monitor/M/B001ELJKLE.htm

Counting iSheep

2010-06-08T05:06:00.002-04:00

A very interesting study regarding sleeping and electronic screens. Particularly iPads and Laptops. Apparently using them late at night may be keeping us up and diminishing our quality of sleep.

Maybe it is time to turn them off earlier?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/05/13/sleep.gadgets.ipad/index.html

Paypal

2010-06-03T11:41:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I have discovered an alternate to PayPal.

Another trusted payment source by Intuit, the makers of Quickbooks, Quicken and TurboTax can be used.

To learn more go to

https://paymentnetwork.intuit.com/PaymentNetwork/

If you are currently using PayPal to accept payments, you too may want to reconsider.

Intuit Payment network only charges a single fee of $ .50 per transaction. This is a tremendous savings over PayPal.

Help Lake Mary High School

2010-05-26T14:03:00.000-04:00

I received a disturbing email from our local Lake Mary High School.

It is below. I really have a hard time understanding big business and the decisions to cut programs for schools. The sports program is HUGE for children. Spread the word and help out! We did.

Please join Keith Rivers in supporting Lake Mary High School on Friday May 21st at 5:30pm for the Red and Gray Football Classic.

In December 2009, Lake Mary High School received a cease and desist order from Chrysler® to remove or replace all use of the Dodge® Ram logo before the end of the school year-with only a few exceptions. To replace the logo around campus would cost upwards of $100,000. However, to leave the school bare of its identity would crush the spirit of its students--especially as Lake Mary High School gets ready to celebrate its 30 year anniversary in 2011.

With your support, we can raise the funds needed to turn this unfortunate situation into a positive experience for the students and celebrate our 30 year anniversary by making history!

You can show your support with a tax-deductible donation or by purchasing a Lake Mary Rams t-shirt featuring the new logo designed by Global Village Concerns.

Please visit www.supportlakemary.com to show support for the Lake Mary Rams. T-shirts will be delivered directly to your home following the ceremony.

Sincerely,
Will

Will Ford
Executive Director of School Affairs
Global Village Concerns, Inc
720-339-1332
Email: wford@go2gvc.com
Website: www.go2gvc.com

DONATE NOW

Backups at home

2010-05-21T07:54:00.001-04:00

A lot of people backup their files onto a USB thumbdrive or an external hard drive. These devices have high fail rates. They will not last for more than a couple of years. Make sure you backup to multiple devices or a device that has more than one drive in it so if one drive fails your data is still there. We rely on these devices for storing our photos,music, important papers,etc...and often they are not there when we need them. So in short make sure there is a backup of the backup.

Just as important is to make sure you have software that is backing up your important files every day.

An alternative is to use an online backup service. These monthly services are very inexpensive and take care if everything mentioned above.

Anti virus

2010-05-20T07:46:00.001-04:00

Make sure every computer and file server in your company has anti virus software installed. Make sure it has been updated with the latest virus definitions within the past 24 hours.

Maturity

2010-05-19T07:40:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately our industry is not mature.

It may be because the industry is young? It may also be because it is easy to get into? Essentially ANYONE can get into it overnight.

Most artisans spend years learning their art and then venture on their own so they can share their passion with others. If they can't do the work to their high level if standards they don't do it. If it is a matter of special skill or tool needed they will simply refer you to the best. If it is a task that no one should do, they will tell you no because they care about what they do and the art they are in. They will not compromise the unwritten rules of their trade for a dollar.

Not in technology. Everybody is the expert in everything. They don't know who to refer you to and they will do whatever is asked of them. Regardless.

There are few relics left. Those who started when IT all started. Those who were apprentices to the bright minds that envisioned and layed the foundation for eveything we use today.

Now you can just get a template web site, stock logo, and you are an expert.

Unfortunately customers are the ones that suffer.

Hopefully the industry grows up soon.

Stop Wasting Time

2010-03-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

Do you find yourself distracted every day at work? Are your employees?

Check out Rescue Time. This software sits on your desktops or webtops and monitors what your employees are doing. It includes reporting and alerts to make sure they stay focused.

Check out a tour here

https://www.rescuetime.com/tour

Rescue Time is available on webtops

Software

2010-03-11T08:48:00.001-05:00

DO NOT HIRE a person or small company to write custom software that is critical to your business.

It is expensive.

They WILL hold you hostage or demand ransom to fix any future challenges.

They will not be there years from now when you need help.

They will be unwilling to help when a challenge arises.

Use a big publically traded company that you heard of. This way there are bright minds who can step in and help when a challenge occurs. There are also 10,000 people who can be hired to help. Not 1.

We see this every week. EVERY week.

Extend your network over existing power outlets

2010-03-10T04:03:00.000-05:00

This is pretty handy for either your home or your office

If you need a network connection in a different area but wireless is not fast enough or not available in the device and you do not or cant run a network connection / cable then you can use your existing power lines / outlets to extend your network.

Image below

It only costs $89.99 from the manufacturer

http://www.brite-view.com/linke.php

or $99 through Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Brite-View-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapters-included/dp/B002JTWSN2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1268211486&sr=1-5

Email Archiving

2010-03-02T07:04:00.001-05:00

It is law for some businesses to archive all email correspondence in and out of the company. This is especially for e-discovery during a lawsuit.

We feel it is a very good idea to archive all email as it can help with employee and customer challenges.

We have found it useful when vendors have "amnesia".

Your current email provider should be able to add this for little cost.

If you are hosting email yourself, please outsource that today to a hosting company :)

This email archive may just save your butt!

Business Software

2010-03-01T07:29:00.004-05:00

Software

When you buy software, make sure you keep the media that came with it. The media will be the CD or DVD. A lot of software is now coming electronically only. If so make sure you download the file(s) and keep in a safe place. Preferably burn to a CD or DVD or put on a USB thumb drive.

The second important thing to keep in mind is to keep the license information. This is the serial number or license number needed to activate the software. This license is unique to you and should not be shared with anyone outside your organization.

Finally, if you have your software customer developed or custom made by a company or person make sure you get the SOURCE CODE. You should also have a third party check the SOURCE CODE to make sure everything is there in case you can no longer reach that person or company.

Three useful iPhone apps

2010-02-26T23:13:00.002-05:00

SlyDial
http://www.slydial.com<br>

slydial is a free voice messaging service that connects you directly to someone's mobile voicemail

Knocking
http://knockinglive.com

it lets you share footage from your iPhone camera with friends who have the app

IM+ Lite
http://www.shapeservices.com

All-in-One Mobile Messenger for chats within
AIM®/iChat, MSN®/Windows Live™ Messenger, Yahoo!®, ICQ®, Jabber®,
Google™ Talk and MySpaceIM from any iPhone

Spiderhost Halloween Bash - Haunted House

2009-10-31T00:05:00.000-04:00

We converted our entire office in Lake Mary into a GIANT haunted house to entertain (scare) clients, partners, family, friends and neighbors. It was a blast with an awesome turn out. Check out the video.

Happy Halloween!

Sincerely,

Dale Frohman
Head Spider

FREE Paperless Delivery for Businesses

2009-10-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

This blew my mind. What an awesome concept

https://static.zumbox.com/mk_businesses_overview.html

Check out Zumbox (http://www.zumbox.com)

You send them a digital file of what you would normally print out and send to your client and then your client logins in to view the document that they would have seen days later in the mail.

It will save money, save the environment, and hopefully speed up the time in which you will get paid!

New Miniature Laptop

2009-10-11T14:12:00.000-04:00

We all know what a laptop is.

Recently Netbooks have become very popular. They are lightweight, small and inexpensive.

My prediction is that the iPod touch will begin replacing both traditional laptops as well as netbooks.

The iPod touch (or iPhone) can connect to a wireless network (home or traveling) and check email, post blogs, use your webtop service, listen to or download music, watch movies, record voice memos, browse the web, become your GPS, create or join a WebEx meeting, manage shipping with FedEx's app, accept credit cards, use skype, and much much more

All of this for $199, and all of the apps mentioned above are FREE!

You can now begin your journey to work virtually anywhere in the United States (or World) while having everything you need in your pocket. (Another trend I predict will take place over the next 3-5 years)

Try it, you will be surprised.

P.S. This blog was written with an iPhone :)

SpiderTip #7: 8 reasons Brooks loves Redbox

2009-10-01T05:40:00.000-04:00

http://www.redbox.com

Managed Services

2009-09-29T05:55:00.000-04:00

The new buzzword in our industry is "managed services" . If you were to ask 100 people what the heck managed services is, you will most likely get 99 different answers. Let's break it down.

Managed means to administer or be in charge of
Services means the action of helping or doing work for someone

So in it's simplist form managed services means to administer doing work for someone, in this case a business.

We have seen managed services defined as the following

Taking care of your printers
Taking care of your desktop computers
Taking care of your routers and/or firewalls
Taking care of your servers

etc..

It is all over the place. Then it gets even more complicated as you break this down further.

Some companies will only "monitor" your computers or servers. Meaning that they will install a program on the computer and it reports to a central place, usually outsourced, that tells them if there is a problem. Then they will alert (hopefully call) you to let you know there is a problem and then the meter starts. Okay...?

Some companies will monitor your computer or server and respond to any alarms they receive, but then charge if they have to come on-site. Okay...?

It gets more and more complicated.

The problem with that model is they get themselves in the door with their introductory price of $19 per computer or $75 per server. Which sounds great, at first. Then you find out you still have to pay hourly rates for various scenarios, you still have to purchase and maintain hardware, you still have to purchase and maintain software, etc...

You still have the same headaches but you may have let your IT person go and "outsourced" his/her functions. Saving you money, so you thought.

To me all you have done is put your IT person on call for a small fee and then will pay him/her handsomely when something breaks.

You have not fixed your IT costs. You still have tons of hardware and software to support. You have no disaster plan.

You still have a blackhole in which you are just throwing money at each month.

Keep it local!

2009-09-08T23:35:00.000-04:00

It is important to remember what made this country great. What made our neighborhoods what they are today. The experiences we had as children and as parents.

Think twice about where you spend your dollars. Invest in your community. Support your neighbors, friends and family.

Spread the word.

Actions speak louder than words.

http://www.the350project.net

Unlicensed Software

2009-09-03T10:25:00.003-04:00

Make sure you own the licenses of the software you bought or will buy from your IT / Software vendor. Unfortunately a lot of guys out there charge you full price for the license and then install / use an illegal version. You may be stuck with the bill. Check out this article from Tampa

http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2009/08/31/daily51.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article

Interesting Technical Support Flow Chart

2009-08-30T01:30:00.002-04:00

Thought this was interesting

Your web site

2009-05-05T13:28:00.001-04:00

A lot of people are using web sites as their primary point for research. Your hours, your team, your pricing, your products and services, etc...

Is your web site up to date with all of this information?

Your doctor

2009-04-11T12:41:00.001-04:00

To cut corners doctors may use software, servers or services that are not secure. Such as Google Apps or Amazon's S3 service. These services may not be HIPPA compliant. Ask your doctor where your personal and private information is stored. While you are there take a look at the name on the folder on the counter and ask where her records are as well, which is also against compliance. You probably pay enough and you expect your data to be secured.

Documentation

2009-04-10T08:13:00.001-04:00

It is important for every company no matter how big or small to document the following

1) passwords to everything

2) serial numbers for equipment

3) license numbers for software

4) how everything talks to each other ( network map )

5) vendor contact information and escalation list

6) backup plan and disaster plan

It is easier to gather this information now instead of scrambling in an emergency.

Oh and print it out and keep in a binder!

Make Your Computer Faster

2009-04-02T15:44:00.002-04:00

Interesting article on 99 ways to improve the speed and performance of your computer

http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-xp-tips/99-ways-to-make-your-computer-blazin
gly-fast/

Myspace

2009-03-31T18:48:00.001-04:00

Have you checked your childs, employees or employment candidate's myspace and facebook page?

You should.

You will be surprised!

Software

2009-03-26T13:08:00.001-04:00

Before you purchase any software think. Think about alternatives.

Is there a free or open source option?

Is there a hosted option that I can pay monthly?

Is there a better option?

Do I need this?

Finally, will this do exactly everything I want or will I need something custom?

Software is not just software.

New Web Site Checklist

2009-02-04T08:47:00.002-05:00

When you hire a professional to re-design or design your web site and build it make sure they provide you with a standard document that includes the following:

1) Colors
2) The names of the font(s) used
3) The programming language (php,asp,.net,etc...)
4) The type of database (mssql,mysql,etc...)
5) Special file permissions
6) If you are using ecommerce (shopping cart) what type did they use?

They should also provide a CD, DVD or usb drive with ALL of the files you paid for. Images, Logo, PSD of the design (layered file), template files, flash source files, uncompiled programming files, etc...

This is all necessary

A) To have someone work on your site later
B) To move your site
C) You paid for it!

9 Things Our Children Wont See

2008-10-17T06:35:00.004-04:00

Here is a list of 9 technology related products, services and web sites that our children may never see

1) Floppy Drives / Diskettes
replaced by USB drives

2) CRT Monitors
replaced by LCD screens

3) Fax Machine
replaced with virtual or electronic fax

4) Dialup Internet
obsolete due to DSL, Cable, etc...

5) Classmates.com
rarely used due to myspace and facebook

6) CD-ROMs
replaced with DVDs

7) Boxed Software
replaced with electronic download

8) Backup Tapes
replaced with disk to disk backups and virtual tapes

9) Copy Machines
scanners and electronic documents

Have any to add ?

Go Green! Recycle old computer hardware

2008-09-07T21:23:00.002-04:00

What a great program Staples is offering.

You can drop off any computer, printer, monitor, ink cartridge, cell phone, rechargeable batteries and other personal electronics.

There is a small fee for large equipment ($10), but all other items are free.

Many business owners do not know that it is illegal to throw away some of these items in your regular trash. Plus they are just being added to out landfills.

Take advantage of this program. It could even earn you free reward dollars!

http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/about/soul/recycling.html

Your Power Bill

2008-09-03T22:43:00.003-04:00

Check out this link where Gartner quotes

http://www.bcrtraining.com/course-info/mpc.php?priorityCode=CMTSBC01

"Gartner predicts that by 2009, power and cooling costs will be second to salaries in the IT budget"

Think about it.

Your servers, your external hard drives, your computers, your monitors, your tape backup drive are all sucking power. Most companies leave these devices on 24x7 .

Here are a couple of ways to save on your power bill

1) Shut off computers when you leave the office
2) If you do not use your server, turn it off on the weekends
3) Outsource your servers to a hosting company with a data center. You have a flat rate with them and you get more value
4) Buy newer energy efficient servers and desktops
5) Replace the big CRT monitors with flat panel LCDs
6) Replace your clunky desktops with thin clients. Here is a calculator on how much you can save

http://spiderhost.com/managed_services_citrix.php#calc

Every little but helps.

The Single Person IT Department

2008-08-15T10:03:00.002-04:00

A lot of small businesses have just one person in their IT "department" . Either that or they have another employee that has a different job function act as the in-house computer geek.

This is very dangerous. Many companies rely on computers way too much. Now you have just one person with all of the knowledge. We all know he/she is not documenting everything. Why would they? This means there is no job security for them. A lot of them use their personal email address when interfacing with vendors regarding licenses. They have all of the passwords in their head or a spreadsheet on their personal laptop.

Then comes the day when they dont show up for work, get in a car accident, find another job, or you have to fire them. Now what?

It does not have to be stressful. You should have more than one person responsible for this critical piece of your business. You may not have the luxury of hiring two people. You could designate another trusted employee to work with this lone ranger. Either that or consider outsourcing to a company that can help.

Think about this not only for the technical side of your business but for your accounting, sales, and other departments.

When Disaster Stikes

2008-08-06T07:37:00.002-04:00

Most of us are prepared for a hurricane, right ;)

But most of us are not prepared for the more common reoccurring events that threaten our servers, data, email and business day. Here are 6 items to test TODAY!

1) Delete a file off of the server and ask your IT guy/girl to restore it. If you do not have confidence in them, back it up yourself first

2) Have a third party security company do an audit on your network. See if they can get to your sensitive data from outside of your office

3) Check to see who owns your domain name (i.e. spiderhost.com) . It should be in your company's name with a valid email address. Use http://www.whois.sc/ it is free

4) Go to wherever your server is and see if the backup tapes are sitting right next to the server. At the very least they should be in a fire proof and water proof safe. But they should be out of the office

5) Do you have a backup email server? What if your email service went down? Most organizations cannot run if email is down for 24 hours

6) Finally, do you have one IT person? This person has all of your passwords, vendor information, knowledge, etc... what if something happened to this person?

Test it! Have a backup!

Rinse and repeat

3 Ways To Save Money On Technology For Your Office

2008-08-04T07:38:00.004-04:00

Here are a few easy ways to save money on technology at your office

1) VOICE

Get rid of those expensive copper/analog lines from your local phone company. You are probably paying $50+ a month per line. Signup with Vonage or Call Vantage for $25 a month for unlimited service

www.vonage.com

www.corp.att.com/voip/

2) Office Software

Ditch Microsoft Office and save yourself $300 - $400 per copy. Download Open Office from Sun Microsystems for FREE! Yes, FREE! No catch and it does work with Microsoft Office. No one will ever know

www.openoffice.org

3) FAX

Get rid of the fax machine in your office. It wastes power, paper and toner/ink. You can also get rid of the fax line you have plugged into it. Go with an online fax service that will take your fax and email it to you. You can also log into their control panel and download the fax. For a few bucks a month you get a toll free fax number. If you have sensitive data, get a second line just for you

www.efax.com

www.trustfax.com

Computer Tossin

2008-07-05T06:32:00.004-04:00

We had IT professionals, consultants and business owners come to our office to watch us throw a live server over the 2nd story balcony.

Yes, we really did it.

The question is, if your server was the one that was thrown overboard, could you be back up in 15 minutes? 1 hour? 1 day? 1 week?

Watch the video and let us know how we can help

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pciD0U17uJU

Power

2008-07-01T07:21:00.004-04:00

A lot of us keep our computers on at home. While they are designed to be on all day long, if you are going to not use the computer for 8 or 10 hours while you are out of the house, at work, etc..then why not shut it down? Here are a few benefits of why you should shut your computer off for 1/3 to 1/2 of the day

1) It saves money. Shutting your computer down (and monitor, printer, etc...) will cut down your electric bill.

2) The room that the computer(s) are in will be cooler. The computer, monitor and printer put off a lot of heat.

3) A lot of software programs do not release memory properly when you shut them down. Eventually it will slow down your computer. Shutting down your computer will close all of the programs. Every time you do this the computer will run faster.

4) Noise. It is a lot quieter without the computer running.

Also, if you live in Florida or a state prone to lightning strikes and power outages, then please please please invest in a battery backup / surge protector. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) . Here is a link from APC, the leading maker of UPS', to determine what size UPS you need

http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm

And here is a link to a sale circuit city is having on a small UPS. Only $20

Circuit City

$20 is a lot cheaper than replacing power supplies, hard drives, computers, monitors, etc... You may want to put one on your TV, Tivo (DVR), XBOX, Wii. Anything electronic that is always plugged in or you may use during a storm. The power surges alone can destroy any of the items listed above. If your computer is on during a storm and lightning strikes, you can lose your hard drive. If you lose your hard drive ALL data is gone. Hopefully you have a backup!

Spend the $20 :)

Laptop just stolen

2008-06-23T12:30:00.005-04:00

What would you do if when you went home today and your laptop or computer was not there?

Someone stole it!

Think about it. All of your digital pictures, all of your music (iTunes - MP3s), all of your school work, all of your programs (that you dont have the serial/registration info for), all of your emails, etc....are gone.

Now think about a fire, or water damage or the computer crashing.

What can you do ? What should you do? BACKUPS!

Backup to a CD, or DVD, or usb memory stick or external hard drive. Use a service like eVault and do online backups. The latest versions of Apple and Microsoft Operating Systems (Leopard and Vista) include free backup software that you can schedule and copy your important stuff to daily. Yes daily. Think about how much changes each day.

So go now and backup!

P.S. Dont keep your backups next to your computer. Put some where else safe. Safety deposit box, safe, neighbor, etc...