XPERTECHS the blog

SOPA/PIPA :: Have You Heard?

2012-01-18T14:02:00.001-05:00

End Piracy. Not Liberty.

If you're unsure of what exactly Congress is aiming to do with each of these bills, click here to educate yourself. Then? Come back and click the above image to sign the petition.

Are We Connected?

2011-12-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to follow XPERTECHS

on Facebook as well as Twitter!

Let us inspire you, update you and keep you current

with the latest breaking technology news!

Happy Holidays From Our Family Here At XPERTECHS

2011-12-23T16:36:00.002-05:00

From the XPERTECHS family to your family,

we would like to wish you the

Happiest of Holidays!

Netiquette: Brought To You By CNET and XPERTECHS!

2011-12-20T15:18:00.000-05:00

I came across this article the other day while perusing my usual daily tech-site reads and couldn't help but share. Are you a "Google-Stalker," too? Perhaps you've been struck by the urge to google a cube-mate's name? Or even that annoying next door neighbor? The good news is, you're not alone.

"The other week, we covered the difference between searching and stalking online. We dusted off our hands, satisfied with our ample labors, and just as we were about to sink into the deep cave of hibernation/suspended animation that we enter between columns, we received the following inquiry:

"This has been a hard thing to admit myself, but I have a problem: I am a total and complete Google stalker. I'll spend hours just surfing the Web, searching for details about old high school acquaintances, co-workers and potential dates. I am a machine. Seriously. I can find anyone. Give me a first name and an identifying detail, and I'll give you a whole freaking dossier.

My friends make fun of me mercilessly, teasingly (I hope) calling me a creeper, and I've seen some sitcoms and movies lately that seem to indicate that Google stalking kills the mystery or whatever, but I'm just fascinated by people -- and the fact that our lives have become so public. (Also, sometimes stalking comes in handy -- a wedding ring can come off, you know). My question is: Am I really a creeper?"

- Creeper(?) in Connecticut

Well, Creeper(?), assuming -- as we did in the last column with Creepy Crushing in Chicago -- that you are not, in fact, out of your mind, allow us to parse this out for you by way of the following examples.

Is it creepy to Google stalk...

Work contacts

You've just been hired! (Finally, someone appreciates your amazing fortune cookie-writing skills.) You've just shaken hands with your new cubiclemate and you're settling into your computer chair when you're hit with the uncontrollable urge to enter her name into Google and hit "Search." Are you a creeper?

Nope. In the wild, wild west of fortune-cookie writing (and all other professions), it's advantageous to know as much as you can about the people you're working with. Does your colleague have a website? Does it have information about her past gigs? Does it include some hobby that you, too, enjoy (She does George R. R. Martin fan art, too?!)?

Well, then, feel free to cast around. No one is going to be creeped out that you looked at a repository of information that they themselves put online -- just do it at home (How will you feel if she walks by to invite you to lunch and sees you're six pages into her blog?), and bring it up tactfully: "Hey! I saw your website. What was it like working with Donald Lau? He's a legend!"

On the other hand, "I saw all those pics on Flickr where you're dressed as Lady Gaga, passed out on a couch. I love 'Born This Way,' too!" probably won't go over too well. As the cookie would say, "A wise man knows when to keep his mouth shut."

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Get Your FREE COPY of "What Every Business Owner MUST Know To Protect Themselves Against Online Identity Theft"

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

All it takes is one innocent security slip by you or one of your employees to instantly give online criminals the

information they need to access your network and steal your identity.

In no time at all, they can gain enough information to max out your credit cards, wipe out your bank accounts, and completely obliterate your business and personal credit. They can even use your identity to commit further crimes such as forgery, stealing from other businesses, or online scams. This nightmare can take months - sometimes years - to clean up and can destroy your credit and good name.

That’s why for a limited time I’m giving away FREE copies of my new eBook, “What Every Business Owner MUST Know To Protect Themselves Against Online Identity Theft” (a $19.97 Value, FREE during December).

This critical eBook will reveal:

The 3 most effective tricks online identity thieves use to gain access to your business and personal information - and how to avoid them.
Sneaky e-mails you should delete IMMEDIATELY upon receiving them (you’ll want to share this list with your friends, family and staff).
One super-easy, sure-fire way to make your computer network impervious to online identity thieves.
How to protect yourself against NEW scams being spread through social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.
How to keep your employees from accidentally giving away passwords and other “keys to the kingdom” to Internet criminals.

To download your free copy, go to the web site below. Copies of this eBook will be made available for FREE until December 31, 2011.

www.xpertechs.com/ebook

If you have questions about how we can assess your network to verify you have all of the best identity theft protection in place, call Michael at (410) 884-0225.

Have You Read Your December 2011 Issue of XperText?

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

If not, here are some of the fantastic articles you could be missing out on! Be sure to click each title as it will direct you to the XPERTECHS' Newsletter Archives:

What Every Business Owner MUST Know To Protect Against Online Identity Theft

10 Ways To Keep Your Computer Safe

Hosted Email - Why It's Right For You!

If you haven't already joined our mailing list to receive your monthly copy of the XPERTECHS XperText, click here to do so via our Facebook Page!

XPERTECHS Brings Power of Cloud Computing to Local Businesses

2011-11-30T17:28:00.001-05:00

XPERTECHS, Baltimore‟s leading provider of outsourced IT solutions, today announced it has ended Beta testing and added cloud computing to its service offerings to help local businesses take advantage of the benefits of this powerful new computing model. “

We are very pleased to be offering cloud services,” said Michael Mellott, President of XPERTECHS. “Instead of building and maintaining expensive IT systems on premise, businesses will now have the option of simply plugging into whatever IT resources they need, and only having to pay for what they use on a monthly basis. The cloud computing model is similar to the way businesses now consume and pay for electricity. After Beta testing for several months, XPERTECHS has on-boarded several clients in a full production mode.

To read the full press release, please click here to visit the official XPERTECHS webpage.

9 Steps You Must Know To Prevent A Server Crash

2011-11-18T15:47:00.002-05:00

To be sure that this...

Never happens to you, be sure to heed the following tips:

1) Tidy up the server room; a

neater room will increase air

flow.

2) If you have more than one

server, arrange them in a row

so that the cold air comes

from the front and is expelled

out the back.

3) Keep the doors to the server

room closed and seal off the

space.

4) Make sure cold air reaches all

the equipment

5) Have a redundant A/C that is

specifically designed for

computers.

6) Buy a rack enclosure where

the cooling is built in to the

bottom of the rack.

7) Keep the temperature at no

more than 77 degrees.

8) Use blanking panels over any

empty spaces on your server

rack.

9) Consider virtualization or

hosting in a cloud

environment so you are

generating a lower amount of

heat in the first place

To read more from the November issue of XPERTECHS' XperText, click here!

image source

Is Your Business Ready For The Cloud?

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Cloud computing or “going to the cloud” is very similar to the concept of paying for electricity as a utility rather than purchasing and running your own generator to power your home or office. Public utilities shoulder the burden of generating and delivering electricity and can provide a cheap, reliable, “pay as you go” service to anyone wanting water or power. Similarly, with cloud computing, the cost of hosting, securing and delivering network services are owned by the utility company.

If you want to know if cloud computing is right for you, click here to visit the XPERTECHS webpage and fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 410-884-0225 for a free, no-pressure, no-obligation cloud readiness assessment. We’ll evaluate your current situation and provide insights and options for moving to the cloud. We’ll also answer any questions you have and tell you the unvarnished pros and cons of choosing this option.

Let XPERTECHS help you Move To The Cloud.

XPERTECHS November Newsletter: A Must Read!

2011-11-08T09:02:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out this month's XperText Newsletter!

:: 9 Steps You Must Know To Prevent A Server Crash ::

:: How To Clear The Internet Cache in Firefox 6 ::

:: An Important Update To Section 179! ::

XPERCloud Client Spotlight

2011-11-03T09:47:00.001-04:00

October was a great month for moving to Hosted Email.

Several clients saved $$$, upgraded to Exchange 2010
and secured their email by moving a total
of 400+ email accounts to the cloud.

Way to go:

Mabey Bridge & Shore

Network Building and Consulting

Intuitive Business Concepts

Tablet Users: Wealthier, Employed and Highly Educated.

2011-10-26T16:15:00.001-04:00

According to a new Pew report, owners of iPads and other tablet devices tend to be news junkies who are wealthier and more highly educated than than the general population.

In fact, 51% of tablet users have a college degree compared with 28% of all Americans. Difficult to imagine?

Other study highlights indicate that tablet owners also tend to be employed and heavily reliant on their tablets for news almost daily.

The study, conducted by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism in collaboration with The Economist Group, finds that the vast majority of tablet owners -- fully 77% -- use their tablet every day. In doing so, they spend an average of about 90 minutes on them.

The study also finds some striking differences in tablet use versus other kinds of digital consumption. People, for instance, are highly likely to read long articles on their tablets, not just get headlines. However, the expectation that people would gravitate to "apps" on their tablets -- which they would pay for and which would offer a richer user experience -- has not really come to pass.

To read more about this study you can click here or here.

Section 179 and XPERTECHS Savings!

2011-10-24T13:29:00.000-04:00

In what has come as a welcome surprise to many business owners, H.R.5279 (The Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010), which was signed into law in late 2010 affected Section 179 in a positive way for this 2011 tax year.

The newest Section 179 changes are as follows:

The Section 179 Deduction limit increased to $500,000. The total amount of equipment that can be purchased increased to $2 million. This includes most new and used capital equipment, and also includes certain software.
“Bonus Depreciation” increased to 100% on qualified assets. However, this can be taken on new equipment only.
When applying these provisions, Section 179 is generally taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation—unless the business has no taxable profit in 2011.
Also, many businesses can find Section 179 Qualified Financing an attractive option in 2011.

Now, Here’s How XPERTECHS is Going To “Sweeten The Pot” And  Help You Save Even MORE Money!

If your business schedules an upgrade for your network with XPERTECHS before November 21, 2011 we will include:

3 FULL MONTHS of our XperCARE Proactive Managed IT Service (a $3,000 value!!) absolutely FREE! All computer networks need ongoing maintenance to keep them running problem-free, and with our XperCARE you’ll not only enjoy faster and more reliable service from your computer network, but you’ll gain incredible piece of mind knowing that your network and the data it holds is safe from loss, corruption, downtime, viruses, hackers, spyware, and a host of other problems.

We’ll allow you to continue your XperCARE Proactive Managed IT Service at a special discounted rate that will easily save you Thousands in IT support! After the three months are up, you can continue to receive regular maintenance, critical updates and security patches, fast, remote support, and 24-7 watch over your network and data at a discounted rate. Of course, you are under no obligation to continue this maintenance, but I’m certain you are going to want to after you see how we guarantee to keep things up and running.

Don’t miss out on the SAVINGS!! Click here to sign-up today or Call us directly (410) 884-0225.

Hackers Now Prefer Small Companies.

2011-10-20T16:09:00.001-04:00

Statistics are showing that small and medium-sized businesses are being targeted by hackers on an escalating scale. The reason for this is smaller businesses tend to have lax and weak security, making them much easier and quicker to steal from.

via

In physics, there's a concept called 'the path of least resistance'. The meaning is plain enough – objects that move in a system take the path where they will encounter the least challenges and hurdles in order to quickly move to wherever they are going.

Apparently, the same principle applies to hackers nowadays. Instead of targeting larger firms for that big 'score', hackers are now considering it more feasible and much easier to victimize smaller firms and companies, even for a much smaller amount of money.

....To read the rest of this article click here.

CNN Tech Check: Blackberry Bomb, iPhone Drop and More!

2011-10-14T13:04:00.002-04:00

On this week's Tech Check podcast, Doug Gross, John Sutter and Stephanie Goldberg lead off the conversation talking about this week's BlackBerry outage. In what's being described at the the phone's biggest outage in history, a breakdown started in Europe and eventually spread to all across the globe, shutting down Web and texting service to millions.

This podcast also takes a closer look at the iPhone 4S, whose biggest selling point seems to be Siri, a talking "personal assistant" that, according to Apple, will do everything from making a lunch appointment to solving the meaning of life.

Be sure to catch this week's podcast here and have a great weekend!

XPERTECHS Lunch and Learn Webinar

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

How Cloud Computing Can Cut Your IT Costs By Half,

Provide Automatic Disaster Recovery And

Free You To Work From Anywhere On Any Device!

Speaker: Michael Mellott

President, XPERTECHS

When: October 18th @ 11:45 am

Where: Participate from the comfort of your very own office!

Space is limited to the first 25 people who sign up.

NO EXCEPTIONS

Call: (410) 884-0025

Or email: mmellott@xpertechs.com

Your Worst Nightmare... Don't Fret, XPERTECHS Can Help!

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I startled out of bed in a cold sweat, heart racing, with fear racing through my mind…and you were the reason for my panic! Was I having a nightmare? Was I just watching too many episodes of “Ghost Hunters?” Maybe taking the Halloween spirit too far? No – it simply occurred to me that you might not know the importance of having a solid backup and disaster recovery plan in place!

And if your server data was erased, corrupted or destroyed because of a hardware malfunction, system crash, fire, flood or some other random, unforeseen disaster, you might not be able to be back up and running again FAST!

The Thought Of That Happening Scared Me Half To Death!

And quite honestly, it should scare you too! Just imagine what would

happen if your server went down and you…

· Lost all accounting documentation and history…

· Lost all the work files you’ve spent YEARS developing…

· Lost the work files and documentation you desperately need to

service your customers…

· Lost all the e-mails you’ve had saved and couldn’t access your

inbox…

Can you even put a price tag on it?

Probably not – yet so many business owners aren’t 100% certain that they could be back up and running after a disaster and are purely hoping that their current tape drive or backup is

working and storing a usable copy of their data.

That's why I desperately urge you to contact us today to schedule your

FREE Data Security and Backup Audit – a $300 value. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Call our office at 410-884-0225 and mention this letter.

2. Go to: www.XPERTECHS.com and sign up for a FREE 2-hour support visit!

Hurry, offer ends October 31, 2011!!

October XperText: Volume IV, Issue X

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Be sure to check out this month's edition of the XPERTECHS newsletter, XperText. In it, you'll find just a few great articles including information regarding secure data and back-up recovery plans, the shiny new gadget of the month as well as resources to better protect your children when using the internet!

XPERTECHS October TechTip

2011-10-03T09:11:00.000-04:00

If you want to know if cloud computing is right for you, visit the XPERTECHS website and fill out the form to the right of this page or give us a call at 410-884-0225 for a free, no-pressure, no-obligation cloud readiness assessment. We’ll evaluate your current situation and provide insights and options for moving to the cloud. We’ll also answer any questions you have and tell you the unvarnished pros and cons of choosing this option!

Welcome, Welcome!

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Please Join Us In Welcoming Our Newest

XperCARE Clients!!

Boggs & Partners Architects—Partners in design, management and

execution of a wide range of commercial and residential projects.

Celeste Hart Interior Architecture & Design, Inc.—A full service

interior architecture & design firm.

Both firms are located in Annapolis, MD.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you!

Why Is It Necessary To Back Up Your Server?

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

source

Backing up your server is an essential task to be performed on a regular basis. As a general rule, its thoroughly important to always back up your data onto your server at all times. Why? The answer, of course, is simple. To protect your information from getting lost.

Sixty percent of small businesses that lose their data go bankrupt because of that data loss. In order to recreate this data from scratch, taking on such a project would cost anywhere from $2000 to $8000 per megabyte. Why go through the trouble, and take the risks, when the solution is as easy as backing up your server?

With its fast virtualization capabilities, our NAS device at XPERTECHS can be configured to function as a replacement server if needed. This unique device can also replace management intensive, error-prone tape backups while providing much more.. starting with peace of mind.

Though tape backup is common, it’s far from being an ideal BDR solution. Analysts have said that over half of tape backups fail, so chances are that if you need to restore from tape, you’ll be out of luck.

What happens if my server crashes?

In the event of a catastrophic server failure, our business continuity solution also includes a boot CD that allows us to perform a bare metal restore on new hardware in a fraction of the time of a typical server rebuild. And, this NAS device restoration will allow you to eliminate the hardware abstraction layer during the restore process so that the new drivers can be loaded on the server replacement, no matter which server brand is used — giving you speedy recovery options in times of crisis.

Data protection is a very important issue, which must be considered seriously. Have you thought about backing your data up to The Cloud? XPERTECHS would love to answer any questions you have regarding this move. Whether you are looking to reach new markets, increase efficiency and organization, or leverage your technology investments, Maryland Cloud Services from XPERTECHS are the solution you’ve been looking for.

XPERTECHS Spotlight: IT Testimonials

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

To hear more about what our top-notch clients have to say about their experiences with XPERTECHS, visit our IT Testimonials page. Xperience the difference...

A Refresher In Conducting Yourself Properly Online.

2011-09-13T08:29:00.000-04:00

If you are thinking about posting those wild pictures from the office booze cruise—you may want to think twice. In today's increasingly hyper-connected world, you never know how long those images will be online, who can see them, and where they may end up. It therefore becomes increasingly important to be smart about exactly what and how much you post online. After all, what you put up in cyberspace today may come back to haunt you later on.

There is no denying that the Internet (and especially online social media such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter) has brought about great change in people's behavior—many of them for the better. These tools have allowed easier information sharing, greater collaboration, and the fostering of communities like never before. However, these tools also have a darker side, and if not used properly they can be a source of problems for you or your organization later on.

To read the rest of this article, click to head on over to www.xpertechs.com.

source.

A Little Funny For Your Friday

2011-09-09T12:22:00.002-04:00

source

September XperText Issue: What You're Missing!

2011-09-07T13:17:00.001-04:00

We're talking cloud.. and it ain't about the weather! Head on over to XPERTECHS.com to see what great articles we share in the September edition of the XperText Newsletter! You won't want to miss Shiny New Gadget of the Month or J.M. Smucker's Rules for Success! We hope everyone had a safe and sunny Labor Day Weekend! It's back to the daily grind now...

XPERTECHS TechTip Postcard

2011-09-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

www.xpertechs.com/tune-up

Email: Things You Might Need But Don't Have...

2011-08-31T12:31:00.000-04:00

The kind of email system you use makes a difference. Full access and full control of your email account – even when on the go – can be essential tools for people who work in the field. But just the same, you might need a few tweaks to a less fully featured system to keep operations efficient and cost-effective.

Whether you work from an office or are productive while on the go, email most likely plays a big factor in the way you go about your business. Unbeknownst to many, some types of email systems have certain limitations that by extension can also limit the level of productivity of your business, and especially for people in the organization who must also work while out in the field.

To continue reading head over to XPERTECHS.COM.

Wise Words From Steve Jobs in a 2005 Commencement Address

2011-08-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

Drawing from some of the most pivotal points in his life, Steve Jobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, urged graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life's setbacks -- including death itself -- at the Standford University's 114th Commencement on June 12, 2005.

A Letter From The President {Of XPERTECHS, That Is!}

2011-08-29T11:50:00.000-04:00

I can’t believe summer is over and school in back in session. Here at

XPERTECHS, we are back in school again also. Mike and Joel spent 4 days in San Diego attending the ChannelCloud Partner Training course. They had a very intensive session and learned a tremendous amount about Cloud Services and how we can position ourselves to be your “Trusted Cloud Advisors”. Check out our new web site www.cloudITPros.com for more information.

Joel also completed his Microsoft Certification exams and is now a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS). After 1 more test he will have completed his Microsoft Certified IT Professional certification which validates that an individual has the proficiency and comprehensive set of skills to perform enterprise level technology implementation projects. Way to go Joel!!!!

Now that we are back in full swing, my attention is once again focused on

increasing our technical staff. If you know of anyone that has computer

experience and would be looking to work for a great company – pass their name along and we will interview them. If we decide to hire them, we are offering a $500 referral fee!!!

September will be a full month for XPERTECHS as we rollout our newest Cloud Services offerings. If you are considering moving to the Cloud – please give us a call before you make any decisions.

Have a great fall and enjoy the great weather!

Can Your Company's Data and Technology Services Withstand A Natural Disaster... Or Two?

2011-08-25T11:25:00.000-04:00

Congratulations! You just survived a 5.9 earthquake!

Are you prepared for hurricane Irene?

More importantly, are you worried about your company's data and technology?

Last year we discovered a tremendous new backup and disaster recovery system we're calling Backup & Disaster Recovery (BDR). I have to admit when I first saw it, I was skeptical it could deliver the protection and security for such an incredibly low price. But I've spent the last year doing research and testing, and installing over 75 of these BDRs, and have come to find that this is by far, an absolute necessity for all my clients.

From now until September 30th, I have secured a special "Natural Disasters" discount for all of my clients. After the 30th? The prices go back up.

While your current backup system may be working, there are a lot of problems with it. Problems such as:

It doesn't back up ALL of your data off-site.
If a problem were to disable your servers, it could cost thousands to restore and would take a few days to get you back up and running.
It doesn't do open file backups OR continuous backups; that means you could lose an entire day's worth of work (and if Murphy's Law applies, that would be the day you completed a 30-page report).
You have to constantly swap out tapes, which leaves room for human error. Plus, tapes have an average failure rate of 100% -- they all fail, it's just a matter of when.

That's why I want to convert you over to our new BDR. Here are six reasons why:

1. ALL of your data is backed up CONTINUOUSLY throughout the day in 15 minute increments -- even open documents. That means if your server crashes, we can recover your work up to 15 minutes prior to the event.

2. We AUTOMATICALLY back up all of your data to a highly-secure, off-site location. This eliminates the unreliability of tapes and external hard drives, and protects you if your office is destroyed by an earthquake, flood, fire, and even theft and human error.

3. No more swapping tapes! Everything is done automatically.

4. Should your server crash - or even get destroyed - we'll have a mirror copy of your server, with all the software and settings EXACTLY as you had them that can INSTANTLY become your virtual server. That means you won't be down for days while we rebuild your server!

5. We can monitor this system 24-7 to make sure it's working. No 'unpleasant surprises' that your backups weren't working.

6. This will save you a TON of money on offsite backup. This is what amazed me the most -- the price! To get this level of backup and security would normally cost thousands of dollars more, but this new system delivers it at a fraction of the price.

But I have to know you are 'on board' by September 30th in order to receive the XPERTECHS Natural Disasters discount.

After that the normal fees apply.

For more information, please visit our website at www.xpertechs.com and click on Services or call Michael at 410-884-0225.

5 (Cheap) Ways to Make Old Computers Faster and More Reliable.

2011-08-22T08:52:00.001-04:00

#1. Add Memory.

One of the most inexpensive and effective ways to improve a computer’s performance is to install more RAM (random access memory). This will speed up the applications installed on your computer and allow you to open and run more programs simultaneously.

#2. Upgrade The Processor Or Add A Graphics Accelerator.

If you are just looking for a little more “zoom,” upgrading the processor or installing a graphics accelerator will give your computer the ability to process information faster and improve its overall speed.

#3. Perform Regular Maintenance On Your Servers and Desktops.

Computers, like cars, need regular maintenance to perform at top speed and reliability. At a minimum, you should run ScanDisk and the Disk Defrag

Utility on your machines once a month. This will make your applications and files load and run faster.

#4. Run A Spyware Scan Once A Week.

One telltale sign that your computer is infected with spyware is slow, unstable performance. Spyware

sucks up your system’s resources to carry out its evil intent, slowing down your computer and even causing it to freeze and crash.

#5. Disable Or Remove Unnecessary Programs Running In The Background.

Many computers have pre-installed software programs that use up system resources and slow down your computer.

While these recommendations will certainly speed up your system, they

aren’t a miracle cure for a seriously out-of-date computer network.

If your computer or network constantly crashes, freezes up, or runs painfully slow,
then it’s time to call XPERTECHS for an upgrade (410) 884-0225.

R.I.P HP TouchPad: Slayed By iPad Popularity.

2011-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Breaking news: HP pulled the plug Thursday on its TouchPad tablet device, launched June 1, and furthermore, has plans to discontinue its WebOS-based smartphones.

The move marks a reversal of strategy for the world's largest computer maker. HP paid $1.2 billion in April 2010 to acquire Palm, developer of the WebOS software that powers its smartphones and tablets, in a bid to stand out in the mobile market. So says Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps, TouchPad's untimely demise "has as much to do with the commoditization of the PC business as it does with Apple."

So, what were some other pitfalls? Retail presence in particular has been a problem for HP's TouchPad. Selling at many big-box retailers, where many similar products can be found sitting side by side, makes it hard for PC makers to stand out. That runs in stark contrast to Apple's smooth retail presence, where iPads and iPhones get prominent display and unrivaled service. HP's TouchPad also didn't have the apps presence or a store, comparable to iTunes, that is necessary to drive consumer interest. At launch, HP boasted some 300 apps, compared with the roughly 90,000 that were available to Apple's iPad.

Although HP may have pulled the trigger a bit early, I think it goes without saying that the HP TouchPad truly is no match for the apple of Apple's eye.

image source

Dual Monitors: An Increase in Productivity Or Too Much Distraction?

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

The workplace adoption of dual screens can be hit or miss, especially if an IT department isn't actively encouraging or supporting the use of more than one monitor. It goes without saying that technical support may be needed to make it possible not to mention that laptop users may be in a better position for the upgrade, particularly those who use docking stations.

That being said, there are many pros to adopting a Dual-Screen Work Space. The biggest advantage being an increase in productivity.

There have been a number of studies perfdormed over the years that have attempted to calculate the change in productive from using mutliple moniters. According to a study done by Jon Peddie Research, productivity increases an avergae of 42% when using multiple displays.

The Pfieffer Report from 2005 (testing the impact of large monitors and/or multiple monitors) found that improved productivity could result in an ROI of several thousand dollars per year.

While you may be using the primary screen for the bulk of your work, you could have your email or Twitter open all the time in a second browser. While this practice is normally associated with reduced productivity, using a second screen for this purpose can help you to still stay focused on your work while allowing you to quickly scan what is coming through (and respond promptly) with a minor impact on your work. Not to mention that it will help immensely when copying and pasting information from one application to another. No longer any need for data memorization!

Extending your computer to a second screen is actually very easy, although to many people it sounds like it would be more difficult or involved than it really is. If you’ve been wanting to try a dual screen set up but have been putting it off, there’s really no reason not to give it a shot.

source

Interested? Call us for help today!

Cost Effective IT Consulting and Technology Services

2011-08-11T07:00:00.004-04:00

XPERTECHS offers cost-effective Virtual CIO solutions that benefit your business and your bottom line for years to come. Serving Baltimore, Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, Towson, Hunt Valley, Laurel, Linthicum, Hanover, Eldersburg, Maple Lawn, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Howard County, Prince George County, Montgomery County and Carroll County, we deliver IT Consulting Services that will help you simplify your budget.

If your business could benefit from technology services and outsourcing, Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) service, IT outsourcing services, IT consulting services, IT outsourcing, computer consultancy, outsourced IT, computer security consultants, or network consulting for small businesses – we’ve got a solution.

Our experts can help you save money and build a more profitable business with technology. Let an IT Consultant show you how the right technology will increase your bottom line.

August 2011 XperText: Insider Business Tips

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Please join us in welcoming our newest XperCare client, learn The Most Critical Part to Data Backups that Most Companies Overlook and read about everyone's favorite online bargain site, Groupon!

Gone Phishing? Take Caution! Phishing Emails Are On The Rise...

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

A phishing e-mail is an e-mail sent by a hacker designed to fool the
recipient into downloading a virus, giving up their credit card number,
personal information (like a social security number), or account or login
information to a particular web site. Often these e-mails are well designed
to look exactly like an official notification from the site they are trying to
emulate.

source

For example, a recent phishing e-mail was circulated that appeared to
come from Facebook stating that videos or photos of Osama Bin Laden’s
death were posted online. These e-mails looked exactly like a legitimate
Facebook e-mail and even appeared to come from “Facebookmail.com.”
Once you clicked on the e-mail the phishing site would attempt to install a
virus on your machine.

And now, due to recent security breaches with Sony and e-mail marketer
Epsilion, phishing attacks are going to increase – and they are going to get
more sophisticated and harder to distinguish from legitimate e-mails.
That’s because the hackers that were able to access the private databases
of the above mentioned companies now have the name, e-mail and
interests of the subscribers, and in some cases birthdays, addresses and
more. That means a phishing e-mail can be personalized with relevant
information that the user provided to Sony, making the e-mail appear to be
more legitimate and the user more likely to click on the links provided and
take the actions requested.

Now more than ever it’s critical that you are wary of e-mail notifications and the actions they request you take. Even having good anti-virus software installed won’t protect you if you give
your account information away freely!

Computer Humor, Brought To You By Geek & Poke

2011-08-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Easy Technology...

Six Cool Things To Do With Your USB Flash Drive.

2011-08-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you thought your USB flash drive was cool before, just wait until you read this list of six cool things you can do with your USB flash drive from CNET's Technology News.

source

Run Linux

Have you ever wanted to try Linux but were too afraid? Linux Live media allows you to boot to and run the entire OS from the CD/DVD, or in our case, a USB flash drive. This is a great way to give Linux a try without actually altering your system.

Maintain Windows

Windows computers can be maintained easily with a variety of tools, right from your USB flash drive. With a program called Parted Magic, you can partition your drives, reset your Windows password, clone your hard disk, and more. Parted Magic is essentially Linux Live, with a ton of useful utilities included.

Encrypt It

Yes--transporting files and documents with a USB flash drive is cool. Losing your USB flash drive is not so cool.

Install Windows 7

Installing operating systems with an optical disc is so 2005. Besides, your shiny new portable Netbook or laptop may not even have an optical drive. In just a few short steps, you can create a USB Windows 7 installation drive.

Run Portable Apps

We all love our tablets and smartphones, but a USB flash drive can run apps, too. Just pop it into a host computer and run Firefox with all your bookmarks, edit documents with OpenOffice, play games, and more.

Scan For Malware

Did a virus or Trojan take your computer down? Run a rescue CD from your USB flash drive to get it back up and running. Give out rescue USB flash drives to all your relatives who undoubtedly have you on speed dial for tech support.

The HP TouchPad Versus The iPad

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

David Pogue compares the HP TouchPad with the iPad.

Word on the proverbial Technology Street is that the HP TouchPad seems to be overpriced with its offerings when compared with Apple's iPad. Do you have experience with either? What are your thoughts?

Do You Podcast? We Do. Listen Here To One Of Our Favorites.

2011-07-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

Alan Yacavone of the News Technology Office at The Times explains the features of Apple’s new Mac OS X 10.7 Lion software and Jack Welde, the founder and chief executive of Smartling, chats about his company's approach to Web-site translation.

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/technology/techtalk.html

Why XPERTECHS IT Services?

2011-07-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

Are you searching online for a computer consultant because your company's network is running slow, acting crazy and you can't depend on your current solution?

Look no further. Here at XPERTECHS we are offering a FREE 2-hour on-site support visit to diagnose your computer problems and prove we can do a better job than your past or current solution.

Head on over to XPERTECHS.com to sign up.

It's 100% Free! NO obligation. NO commitment.

Why? You shouldn't have to spend money for us to prove we can do a better job at supporting your small business technology than your current provider period. Put us to the test!

(Note: must have 10+ computers to be eligible for free support visit)

True or False: Less Than 50% of Smartphone Users Make Calls

2011-07-25T09:15:00.001-04:00

image source

Believe it or not, it's true. If you're thinking, "what's the point of a smartphone then?" you are not alone. You may be among the minority, but at least you're not the only one feeling a bit dumbfounded.

A new survey from social communications company CloudTalk has found that making calls is only the fourth most popular activity for smartphone owners... and one that only 43% of Americans actually engage in.

And the reason that texting, emailing and chatting on social networks (the three top smartphone activities, according to the survey) are more popular than talking to people? Phone calls are apparently "too time-consuming or intrusive," say the respondents, with nine out of ten people asked admitting that texting is preferable.

CloudTalk CEO David Hayden characterizes the attitude like this: "What we're seeing at CloudTalk is that people love to talk, as long as, (like text messaging), it doesn't require our immediate attention, we can respond on our own time and see the entire conversation thread at a glance – it's just more convenient."

Not to mention, it's easier to have time to think up smarter replies when you're not chatting in real time. But with smartphone users drifting away from voice services, how long before we get a smartphone that doesn't really work as a phone?

Laughter Is Serious Business.

2011-07-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Three Important Questions Regarding Microsoft, Cloud Computing And Your Business.

2011-07-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Can You Really Get Microsoft Office For Just $6 Per Month?

Recently, Microsoft announced a real “game changer” for the IT industry and something that may mean the demise of the $62 billion company’s stronghold on the desktop. What is it? Office 365, which is their new cloud computing answer to Google Apps. Instead of paying $300 per license, You can now access the entire Office suite of products via the Internet for $6 to $24 per month (like paying for a utility).

What Is “Cloud Computing?”

Cloud computing or “going to the cloud” is very similar to the concept of paying for electricity as a utility rather than purchasing and running your own generator to power your home or office. Public utilities can provide a cheap, reliable, “pay as you go” service to anyone wanting water or power. Similarly, cloud computing means that the cost of hosting, securing and delivering services (like Office) is owned by the utility company (in this case, Microsoft).

Is This A Smart Move?

The cost savings with Office 365 are hard to ignore; however, there are a number of things to consider before you jump ship to cloud computing. You need to consider the reliability of your Internet connection, what type of help desk support you want, security, what other applications (accounting, CRM, line of business applications, etc.) you need and which devices (scanners, printers, iPads) you need to use. Many people also have concerns about security and where their data is kept – all things that need to be addressed before you move to the cloud.

Free “Cloud Readiness” Assessment Will Give You The Facts. If you want to know if cloud computing is right for you, call Michael at (410) 884-0225 or visit WWW.XPERTECHS.COM for a free, no-pressure, no-obligation cloud readiness assessment. We’ll evaluate your current situation and provide insights and options for moving to the cloud. We’ll also answer any questions you have and tell you the unvarnished pros and cons of choosing this option.

image source

Ten Important Steps For Small Business Blogging

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Does your Small Biz have a blog? Is it in need of an update? Maybe you're thinking of a brand new start up whose blog might help spread the word. If so, you're not going to want to miss these 10 Important Steps For Small Business Blogging from Chris Wise at TechSling.

1. Create Your Blog

There are a number of different free blogging platforms you can utilize to create your business blog. WordPress and Blogger are the most common. Once you have signed up and created your business blog, the next step is to figure out where you want that blog to be located. The most popular examples used by most current business Webmasters include:

http://SITENAME.com/BLOG
http://BLOG.SITENAME.com and
http://SITENAMEBLOG.com

Usually, any of the above style are fine, it basically depends on your personal preferences.

2. Writing Effective Blog Posts

The goal of many small business blogs is to showcase knowledge/expertise and become an industry leader. Some posts should be strictly informative, others opinions, some made as commentary about recent news or events, and others a combination of all three. It is important to keep the blog posts are at a reasonable length, as attention spans can sometimes be short. Also, longer articles can be broken down into multiple posts.

In addition, be aware of others who may be commenting on your posts, and be sure to respond if the situation requires it. Constructive interaction may lead to more word of mouth followers. Just be sure to keep an open mind when dealing with others’ opinions. It is also helpful to include any relevant pictures, links, or audio/video that may help your readers. This can make the difference between a good or bad post. Finally, remember to determine who your readers are (or who you want them to be) and cater for them.

3. Find Similar Blogs

You can start looking for related blogs by using search engines. Search using relevant keywords + “blog”. You should use the singular and plural form of the keywords for each search. For example (a travel website) – “travel blog”, “traveling blogs”, “travel planning blogs”, “tourism blogs”, “vacation blogs”, etc.

Search on multiple engines (e.g. Bing, Google, Ask.com, etc) as you will come up with more results that way. After finding related, high quality blogs bookmark them or put them in a spreadsheet. Keeping track of everything can save headaches later on.

After finding and organizing your potential candidates you should subscribe to their blog. This normally involves submitting your email address and/or website with some simple personal information. After subscribing you will be updated when there are new posts and also when others reply to your comments.

*Note- It might be a good idea to make a new email address dedicated entirely to following others’ blogs. This way you can separate your personal email from your blog-related email.

4. Interact With The Related Blogs You Have Found

Most blog owners will post updates anywhere from 1-10 times per week. Considering the amount of related blogs you may have found, this can be an overwhelming amount of information. So my advice, comment only on posts you have knowledge of or feel strongly about. To show your expertise your comments need to be thought provoking. After a few comments, regular readers will be aware of your expertise, and then visit your own blog – this will lead to more readers for you.

Furthermore, it is a good idea to mix-up the type of comments that you make. Debate if you disagree with something, or agree with others and tell them why. You may want to add something to some posts. Either way, it’s important to switch it up.

5. Comment On Business Related Articles And News

The internet is filled with articles and news pertaining to your area of business. Start by doing a search for the different types of articles you would like to add to. Use searches like “tourism articles”, “travel planning articles”, “cheap vacations articles”, etc. Also, use any relevant keywords with the word “articles” or “article” at the end and you will know doubt find thousands of possible places to comment and add a link back to your blog. Get creative with your searches. You can be as specific or broad as you like. Focus on the highest ranking articles, as these will be seen more and result in more people reading your comments.

The second part of this step is to stay up with current business news. These get the most traffic, however they usually attract many comments which can make it easy for yours to get lost and overlooked. It is important to pay attention to the regulars commenting on these types of articles. They are usually leads to finding new blogs and potential interaction and/or networking.

Finally, when commenting on news articles, it is important to keep your responses shorter and to the point. Don’t forget to add your website’s hyperlink.

6. Submitting To Relevant Blog Directories

In order to make your blog easy to find, it can help to submit to multiple blog directories. This involves doing a number of searches and using keywords followed by the word “blog(s)” + the words “directory” or “directories”. After this, you can search for and submit your site to general blog directories. Note that “blog directory”, “blog directories”, and “free blog directory” are good keywords to start your searches with.

7. Look For Guest Blogging Opportunities

There are many websites dedicated to bringing together bloggers and people looking for guest blog spots. Start with some simple searches and elaborate as needed. “Travel guest blogging” “Guest blogging opportunities” etc are good keywords that can be used to find guest blogging opportunities.

It also helps to be able to contact other blogs in your industry and ask to guest blog for them. This step becomes much simpler once you have built a relationship with them.

8. Bookmarking And Spinning

Every time you write a new blog post it should be submitted to all of the various social bookmarking sites. Digg, Delicious, Reddit, Folkd, and Stumble Upon – just to name a few. This provides instant backlinks to your posts and can also help them to get indexed quicker.

Many informative blog posts can be “spun” into articles and submitted to different article sites. If done correctly this can increase exposure and provide useful backlinks. Some of the most effective article websites are: Ezinearticles, Squidoo, and Hubpages.

9. Utilize Existing Channels And Contacts

This one is a no brainer. After you have made a few posts and your blog is looking good, reach out to anyone you already know that might be interested. Start with employees, clients, suppliers, and anyone else in your industry. Use email, twitter, facebook, and even phone calls to spread the word.

This step will help you gain a good base of followers and is a great starting point. People tend to follow blogs that already have a lot of followers.

10. Conclusion:

There are many additional factors and tactics that can be utilized, but they are advanced and for another article. Overall blogging is an effective tool to get you and your small business noticed. If people are searching for anything related to your business and you don’t have a blog…you are missing out!

XPERTECHS Goes Google. Google Places, That Is.

2011-07-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Did you know that 97% of consumers search for local businesses online?

Go ahead, Google us. That's where you'll find the XPERTECHS Places Page. What's so great about this page, you ask? Easy. With just one click you'll learn more about our business and you'll quickly see why XPERTECHS has been a a leading technology provider in the Baltimore and Washington metro areas since 1988.

On the official XPERTECHS Google Places page, you can navigate through customer reviews, video testimonials and more!

What are you waiting for? If you've ever had the pleasure of working with XPERTECHS, we would love to hear from you. Be sure to stop by and leave your review!

We're Hiring!

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

We are hiring! Are you looking for an exciting and challenging career in a fast-paced, technology driven environment? XPERTECHS may have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are currently looking for:

Help Desk Operator
Managed Services Level I Engineer
Managed Services Level II Engineer

For more details and complete job descriptions,

please visit: WWW.XPERTECHS.COM/CAREERS

Laughter Is Serious Business.

2011-07-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

A Note From The President's Desk...

2011-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

The President of XPERTECHS, that is.

There is quite a bit of buzz around the word “cloud” lately. Vendors promote their new “cloud” products daily. Major technology corporations stress on TV their role in moving businesses “to the cloud,” as seen with Microsoft’s new ad featuring the coffee shop attendant connecting to his partners via the web or the airport scene where they go “to the cloud” to kill time waiting for a delayed flight. Even our Quarterly vCIO meetings with clients now focus on answering questions on “the cloud” and why they should consider it.

In order to make myself more aware of the tremendous change “the cloud” brings to our business, I have enrolled our staff in a very special 10 week training session called “Cloud Integrator Blueprint”. This course incorporates the key skills we will need to be successful cloud business consultants with expertise in delivering tangible business results. This includes an understanding of core business drivers as well as the cloud architecture and technology.

The technology landscape has really made our EXPERTISE more valuable than ever. By focusing on our relationship as the TRUSTED ADVISOR, our service offerings become more focused on helping our clients properly leverage technology for their business and they benefit with solutions that SAVE them money and make them more productive.

In keeping with that effort we are striving to be the forward thinking technology expert that brings “the cloud” to your company and helping you develop your own cloud strategy.

Call me today to discuss the details and what they mean for your business at (410) 884-0225.

Google Goes Social.

2011-07-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

It is now evident that Google is striving for total digital domination.

With a simple and elegant interface created by a former Apple designer, Google+ builds off another Google service, Profiles, and adds in all of the social features (friending, posting, liking) that you find on Facebook with the ability to follow people like you can on Twitter. Circles is the Google+ way of creating groups of friends that you can selectively share content with and control how they can connect back to you. Hangouts is a quick way to set up a video conference with up to 10 people while Sparks is an integration of Google’s email alerts honed down to its essence: letting you know about stuff you are interested in. (source)

So, are there problems? Of course there are. For one, the limited number of users creates for some interesting and frustrating social circles, or really more like an "un-social circle." Second, there is complete and total lack of Google App support. What gives?

I know plenty of Google users that are constantly using Google Apps to manage a myriad of things. Personal and work emails, RSS Feeds and Chat, just to name a few. Right now, in order to continue to use these functionalities as well as Google+, one must log back into their plain ol' ad-filled Gmail account.

Although Google has more than a few changes up their sleeve, such as:

Rebranding Picasa and Blogger into Google properties

Adding a black bar across the top of all the Google services (including the search page)

Upping the number to 10 accounts that Multiple Sign-In supports

I have a feeling that other problems will soon arise.

Isn't that the case for any revolution, even a digital one?

The iPad.. A Businessman's Replacement for the Laptop?

2011-07-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

You’ve taken the plunge and invested in an iPad. So, is it possible to ditch your laptop for business trips or even work itself? Inc. Magazine teams up with COO's and CEO's worldwide to share with readers their picks for Losing the Laptop.

Joe Keller, president and COO of Motivaction, a performance-improvement marketing company based in Minneapolis, says he relies on several apps that have allowed him to use his iPad almost exclusively. Pages and Numbers are two of them," Keller says. "I'm able to do a lot of Word document work on Pages and spreadsheet work on Numbers as part of the general rhythm of the business day. I'm not printing anymore. I'm just reading and editing right on the iPad." Keller also uses GoodReader to view /PowerPoint presentations and iAnnotate to make comments on PDF files. "If I'm looking at a pdf document like a contract or a brochure I can actually make comments on it and forward it to someone else who will get the highlighted version."

Steven Holtzman, COO of West Coast Aerial Photography in Los Angeles, says he can sometimes be flying with no Internet connection for up to seven hours at a time. For him, Instapaper has been the best iPad app he has purchased. "It lets me flag articles and long emails to read later and…has really been a phenomenal help for staying updated," he says.

If you want to move beyond merely accessing files and would like to get your hands on your actual desktop applications when away from your main computer, there are even ways to do that.

"The best tool I've yet found is from Lenovo," says Rob Enderle, an expert on the Focus network Enderle Group."Cloud client allows you to run virtually any desktop Windows-based application on an iPad, secure the iPad, and partially manage it. You may also be able to use KACE Tools from Dell to manage the iPad. Both showcase that the best companies to help make an iPad work like a PC in business are those that regularly deploy PCs in businesses."

Another option for remotely accessing a desktop is the Citrix Receiver for iPad app. "[It] makes it easy for iPad owners to take their virtual office with them on the go," says Mark Fidelman, general manager of the Americas for enterprise solution provider Harmon.ie and expert on the Focus network. "One simple touch gives iPad owners secure access to all of their corporate Windows applications and desktops, making it easy to work from anywhere, while still enjoying the great user experience they bought an iPad for in the first place."

Will using the latest and greatest apps let you give up your laptop altogether? The experts polled for this article generally think not, although they say it comes pretty close as a replacement, and even does things the laptop can't.

So, the jury is still out on this one.

CloudITPros: Check Out Our New Site!

2011-07-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

If trouble-free collaboration seems like an impossibility for your business, think again. With Cloud Services from XPERTECHS, teamwork has never been easier!

XPERTECHS is your partner in providing trustworthy Cloud Computing that can increase productivity and profitability in your business. With well planned Hosted Applications, we can deliver the peace of mind to stop worrying about technology and focus on what really matters.

Our experienced professionals are your partners in Cloud Services, so your business can simplify its everyday processes and increase efficiency in Baltimore, Annapolis and Columbia.

The sky's the limit...

Bright Business Idea? Stop Thinking And Start Doing!

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

"Hey, wouldn't it be cool if..."

We've all been there and I can personally count on both hands how many times I've started a sentence with that phrase. As fellow leaders in small business, you know what I'm talking about. Those times when that small seed of an idea becomes implanted in your mind and the wheels start turning towards "that next great idea." But for many of us, those wheels often stop as quickly as they started.

Jenn Houser recently shared with Inc. Magazine "5 Ways to Stop Dreaming and Start Building Your New Business Now." Jenn Houser is a serial entrepreneur and start-up adviser, who together with David Ronick partnered with Inc. to create Upstart Bootcamp@Inc., a program that guides entrepreneurs to start up smarter.

Here are her pointers to "get you building your business now:"

1. Take a step, any step. One of the things that makes starting so hard is that there's so much to do. It's overwhelming. So just pick something—anything—and do it. You'll feel good getting a task done and then be encouraged to take on another one. Before you know it, you're on your way. I usually start with something I like to do, and can get done in one sitting. For example, since I'm a product person, I will write a quick description of what the product offering will be. Then I'll add who will buy it and why. I won't sweat it if it's not perfect (see the next point) because I can change it later. Now I feel pretty darn good because I got started.

2. Keep it simple and forget perfect. Jason Fried of 37signals, a Chicago web company, says this best: "If you're opening a hot dog stand, you could worry about the condiments, the cart, the name, the decoration. But the first thing you should worry about is the hot dog. The hot dogs are the epicenter. Everything else is secondary." Figure out what your hot dog is, hold the (perfect) trimmings for later and you'll find starting gets much simpler.

3. Don't reinvent the wheel. There is no need to build something from scratch that you can rent, lease, or (better yet) use for no or low cost. For example, when you are building your website, consider using Wordpress or Blogger rather than having a custom-coded website built. The "off the shelf" tools are much cheaper, faster, and easier to use while you're learning what is needed for your business.

4. Tell people you're starting. Some founders assume they shouldn't tell anyone what they're doing because someone could steal their idea. But in my experience, the benefits far outweigh the risks. First, nothing makes a business "real" faster for me than telling the people in my life that I'm starting it. Second, a curious thing happens when you tell people about your business. They ask questions and offer ideas. They make introductions and identify the competition. And, by knowing, they can support you (emotionally and otherwise) as you're doing this incredibly rewarding but hard thing.

5. Tell people what you need. Immediately after you share with someone what you're doing, you should also identify for them what you need right now. This makes their help even more helpful. For example, if you are a technologist who really needs an online marketing expert to help you run the business, tell that to everyone you meet. Your contacts may not know the right person but someone else they know might. You'll be surprised what a small world it is that way.

You can read the full article in Inc. Magazine here.

To learn more about business planning, take UpStart's on-demand course.

Content Filtering for Your Employees - Have You Tried It?

2011-06-22T16:17:00.008-04:00

Do you have any idea how much time your employees spend on Facebook, March Madness or fantasy baseball websites? If they are doing it on your time, then you should know. A $20 an hour employee lo sing 1 hour per day costs you over a $5,000 a year. Content filtering helps you control that cost.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Content filters can be software only or a combination of software and hardware. The type of content filter will depend on your network and how much reporting you would like. Most content filters have a way that you can block everything or you can allow specific employees to have access.

WHAT CAN YOU BLOCK?

Content Categories. You can block websites based on a category. Some of the categories that you might want to block would be pornography, violence, hacking, sports, news, dating, bank and chat sites.
File Type. You can restrict your employees from downloading files. For example, you can block the download of executables or EXE files. This would prevent your employees from accidentally installing a virus or pirated software.
Instant Messaging (IM). You can block instant messaging such as AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, and MSN Messenger. These services can cause security vulnerabilities and are often the target of hackers. Blocking public IM communications outright is one strategy to secure information flow and increase network security.
Application Blocking. You might want to block applications including Internet music applications, software updates, and browser toolbars.
Allowing Access. Because some people need higher levels of access and functions, you can set filtering by the individual user or a group.

You might want to block all social media sites. This would include LinkedIn. But some of your employees should be using LinkedIn as part of their business networking. If you restricted their use, you would force them to use it from home or worse, from their Blackberry. Using their Blackberry will take 4 times longer and now you are losing time and money. Most filters will allow you to let these specific employees have access to specific websites.

Warning Policies. You can show employees a custom ‘block page’ but allow them to proceed after being warned. Warning policies are useful for reminding users about sites which may violate corporate Internet usage policy without blocking them outright.
Web Traffic Monitoring. You can setup the filter for monitoring specific website categories or domain names without presenting block pages to users or preventing access. Monitoring will
help to make a business decision on what blocking you might want to use.
Time-based Exceptions. Another common feature is allowing access during specific time periods. You could let all your employees have access to Facebook over their lunch break.
Spyware and Virus Protection. You can block access to known spyware sites, spyware downloads and detect and block spyware activity.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Content filters can cost between $500 and $3000 in software/hardware costs the first year. Most content filters have a renewal fee the following years.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

The ROI on content filters is quick. Let’s use this scenario: Your business has 20 employees and on average they each make $42,000 per year or $20 per hour. Let’s say they lose an hour a day to personal internet use.

If you installed a content filter, that would cost you $1000. You just saved your company $104,000 in wasted employee time.

For you mathematicians and bean counters, that is a pretty exciting ROI.

Now you might be one of those skeptics. I can appreciate that point of view. Let’s say you don’t believe that your employees waste one hour a day. You can do your own math. Even at a half hour per day, you have a savings of $52,000 per year.

This is still a huge savings.

For more information and additional features of this new service, visit our website.

In Honor of All of the Dad's

2011-06-17T14:53:00.004-04:00

We just couldn't let this week go by without posting something special for all of the Dad's out there. We hope that each and every Dad has a wonderful Father's Day weekend, and that your families spoil you rotten!!

So, in honor of Father's Day, we just had to share this video with you ...

Happy Father's Day!!

WWDC: Apple Launches iCloud

2011-06-07T15:44:00.005-04:00

Apple announced the launch of it's iCloud at the Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday in San Francisco. Apple will now be joining the ranks of Google and Amazon with the breadth of its cloud offerings. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, noted during the keynote, "iCloud is the post-PC-world replacement for syncing everything — photos, audio, documents and more — across all your Apple devices." (source)

This new iCloud will replace Apple's former cloud service, MobileMe. It has also been noted that "iCloud also allows users to backup books, settings, documents, photos and music. That means a user could lose a device, sign in, and retrieve all of the lost device's data automatically." (source)

Here is a two-minute clip about what is in store for our future with the new iCloud!

For more information about the iCloud release visit here and here.

The Best Offer of the Year!!

2011-06-02T09:56:00.003-04:00

"6 Great Reasons Why Summer Is The BEST Time To Upgrade Your Computer Network Or Start That New Project You've Been Thinking About"

Reason #1: You get to take the investment off your taxes THIS YEAR! Thanks to a tax deduction titled a "Section 179 Election," you can buy up to $250,000 in new office and computer equipment and expenses, and write off that entire amount on this year's tax return. However, the election has to be made in the year of the purchase.

Reason #2: In Summer, we can get the work done FAST. Most people are so wrapped up in the vacation schedules that they put all projects on hold until the end of the year. However, NOW is the best time to get started because our schedule is lighter than usual, and we can get your project scheduled and completed faster than any other time of the year!

Reason #3: You get the BEST discounts and savings. Hardware and software manufacturers are trying to make their numbers and are willing to give even bigger discounts on products and services. HP is offering special "Smart Buy" configurations and Microsoft is offering the "Big Easy" promotion with many software deals.

Reason #4: We'll send you a FREE copy of my new book. The Executive Guide to Hassle-Free IT arming you with the basic information you need to find a trusted advisor who can help your small business tame technology and turn it into a powerful, competitive weapon instead of a huge financial strain.

Reason #5: A FREE dinner for two! To make this our best offer ever, we're going to give a certificate for dinner for two to anyone who commits in June for a network upgrade or XperCARE Managed IT Services.

Reason #6: We're giving away 2 FULL MONTHS of our Premium Plus XperCARE Managed Services plan! All computer networks need regular ongoing maintenance - and if you hire us to do any network upgrade or project, we'll throw in 2 FREE months of ongoing support and maintenance!

Call Us Today To Get A No-Hassle Quote On Any Upgrade Or Project Plus

2 FULL MONTHS of XperCARE Support: 410-884-0225

The Future of the Internet: Google Does It Again

2011-05-18T17:09:00.009-04:00

Everyone who uses the internet has heard of Google. They are a leader in thought provoking internet usage, and a search engine giant in today's world.

Something Google hasn't done yet? Released a physical product. Until now. The Google Chromebook will be Google's first official physical product. What is it? Basically a laptop whose only capability is accessing the internet. With the growing popularity of cloud computing, our guess is that everything will eventually become "cloud accessible." Google's Chromebook is designed for just that, sort of like their version of the iPad. Both of these products speak to the future of the internet and the direction that we are headed.

Have you been worried about your transition to "The Cloud?" Don't be. Just let us know, and we'll take you through the process and get you to the other side easily. You'll be happy you did. Check out our Cloud Services for more information.

Want to know more about the Chromebook? Click here.

Apple Takes the Reigns

2011-05-11T09:29:00.007-04:00

In case, you missed it, or have been living under a rock of some sort, Apple has recently become the most valuable consumer facing brand in the world, surpassing the likes of Microsoft, McDonald's, IBM and even Google.

Apple's recent success has been driven mostly by the release and overwhelming success of both the iPad and iPhone4. Here at XPERTECHS, we have been iPhone users for some time, but have just recently become super fans of the iPad and MacBook as well. It is no secret that Apple has become a leader in technology, and that their products are always highly sought after by consumers.

Other brands that made major leaps this past year included Facebook, growing by 246% and making it's appearance in the list at number 35, as well as Amazon, who has nor surpassed WalMart to become the most valuable retail brand at number 14.

Want to see where you favorite brand fell on the list? Check out the full article here.

Don't forget to check out our latest Ask the Xpert iPad edition here!

Do You Feel Safe Going Mobile?

2011-05-03T20:00:00.008-04:00

A recent poll that was taken by Truste found that consumers are wary of the amount of privacy that remains while using their mobile device. Let's face it, all or most of us are now using smartphones, and these devices hold important information about us: our contacts, location, emails and passwords, just to name a few. Truste reported that 38% of the consumers polled listed privacy as their number one concern with mobile applications. Security was a seemingly close second at 26%.

According to Fran Maier, President and Executive Chair of Truste, "consumers seem to understand that the phone is attached to them, it has their location data, contacts, email, and a lot of other personal data about them and they hold it very privately." Despite this fact, it seems that consumers still desire to have more control over what information they are required to share while using mobile apps. Consumers are choosing which information they are comfortable sharing, and sometimes still avoiding apps that require too much.

IDC's Vice President of Software Solutions, Michael Fauscette explains that he feels that, over time, consumers are getting more and more comfortable with "less privacy." He believes that this trend has been aided by social media giants like Facebook.

The privacy of consumers' information is an essential piece in the future of mobile applications and media. Right now, only about 25% of mobile apps were found to be linked to privacy surveys. It is our hope that this number will continue to rise, as it seems that mobile devices are here to stay.

What are your thoughts? Do you feel comfortable storing information in mobile applications? This is sure to be a hot topic among consumers for some time to come.

Click here for the full article from destinationCRM.com

Five Years Later: Twitter Not Going Anywhere

2011-04-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

The social phenomenon, Twitter, was born five years ago! It's hard to believe that it has grown as quickly as it has in such a short time. In those five short years, the number of users has grown to 200 million, and those 200 million users are sending about 140 million tweets every day.

Of course, Twitter has become a part of pop culture, and many are using it to keep in touch with friends, follow celebrities and promote personal brands. On the business side, social media marketing has become increasingly popular, and allows businesses to reach a much broader network of individuals in a much more cost efficient way. Twitter offers businesses an easy way to share information on the web, allowing them to position themselves as an industry expert to their followers. Small and large businesses alike are using Twitter to reach their followers about events, promotions and updates.

Another advantage for businesses is the "safe" arena in which followers feel that they can leave feedback, and businesses can speak directly with their followers almost instantly! This communication and marketing tool can also direct users right back to your website, and make them feel like they are a part of a very hands-on, responsive system.

For the complete article, click here.

Are you using Twitter yet? Follow us today at @XPERTECHS

Take Me Out to The Ball Game

2011-04-13T10:33:00.011-04:00

According to an article on CNN.com earlier this month, professional sports teams' arenas are doing everything they can to lure people out of the comfort of their family rooms, and back into the ball parks. Nearly a dozen Major League Baseball teams have made significant technological upgrades prior to their opening days in hopes that the new technologies will have fans coming back for more.

Some of the standout updates were the ballpark-wide free Wi-Fi that the Chicago White Sox introduced, some 1080i displays from teams like the Astros, Brewers and Twins, and a 10-year, $285 million construction project that began with installing three new scoreboards in Fenway Park. The Phillies also installed a super impressive new scoreboard whose capabilities surpass a standard 1080i video board.

All of these upgrades, and the many others that were completed prior to the 2011 season will allow baseball fans to have an upgraded and super high tech experience the next time they buy tickets to go see one of their favorite teams play. Changes like these are sure to have sports fans more excited to check out their stadiums, especially when they are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, as this enables them to keep up with stats, social media, etc. right from their seats!

As we all know, technology is constantly changing, and sports teams/arenas are not immune to the saying "Keeping up with the Jones'." These most recent changes will be the first among years of upgrades and implementations. It is our hope that these things will keep fans coming back, and allow our sports teams to stay current in our high speed world.

HP E5000 Messaging System for Miscrosoft Exchange Server 2010 is Now Available!!

2011-03-15T10:00:00.005-04:00

HP has just released the E5000 Messaging System for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. This is exciting news in the world of technology because it means there is finally a turnkey solution for new server integration!

"This jointly developed system is the industry's first self-contained, pre-configured platform based on best practices for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 that delivers enterprise-class messaging to businesses of all sizes providing large, low-cost mailboxes." (from HP/Microsoft Frontline Partner March Newsletter)

The E5000 was designed to provide most simplicity in deployment and management after integration. The E5000 will give business users the experience they want most: large mailboxes, centralized archiving of mailboxes files and 24x7 access from any device.

Read more on the HP Blog today!

If you have questions, feel free to contact us directly via www.xpertechs.com

HP and Microsoft Release SBS 2011

2011-03-11T10:09:00.005-05:00

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 and HP ProLiant have joined forces to bring the user the best combination of hardware, software, applications, tool and services to help manage and grow their businesses.

They have even created a YouTube Channel containing videos that they are calling "Coffee Coaching Sessions" to help you get started! Check out the video below to get started today!

And, as always, please visit our website for more tips, tricks and information about how XPERTECHS can help! www.xpertechs.com

Technology of the Future

2011-02-16T11:44:00.003-05:00

We thought this video was too cool not to share. Technology is always changing and evolving and this may be what we have to look forward to in the future!!

Super Bowl XLV the Most High Tech Yet

2011-02-09T13:00:00.001-05:00

When we think of the Super Bowl, we normally think of a hard-hitting game, exciting commercials, good food and time spent gathered with family and friends, right?

Well, this years' Super Bowl had us thinking about the level of technology that was present during this most-watched television event. The sporting event doted stats like a $40 million high-definition video screen, a bank of servers inside the Dallas Cowboys stadium storing 100 terabytes of data, and even a Super Bowl app for the iPad that game attendees had access to. And these highlights are only naming a few of the high tech ways that this Dallas stadium has set technology records across the National Football League.

So, for all of you football lovers out there, and for all of us techies, you may find shared enjoyment out of this years' post-game articles.

Want to know more? See more high tech Super Bowl game details at CNN Tech here!

Sharepoint and Microsoft Office Training Videos from XPERTECHS

2011-02-08T09:58:00.005-05:00

Here at XPERTECHS, we strive to keep our clients and friends informed about the latest technology developments, trends and hot button issues. In keeping up with this effort, we have created a new section on our website focused on training.

This month, we are featuring videos on Sharepoint and MS Office 2010; so, please stop on over and check out how easy it is to stay up-to-date with technology training with this new tool!

Visit the XPERTECHS Training Section today!!

Are You Prepared for More Snow & Ice??

2011-02-01T16:30:00.005-05:00

Still digging out your cars and homes from last week's snowstorm? Are you ready for the impending ice storm that is headed directly our way? Getting organized for increased productivity in the New Year at work and at home? XPERTECHS wants to help prepare your business for this next storm and for ongoing remote access and improved productivity.

Some common reasons people need to work from home or remotely are to allow them to remain productive or not fall behind at work. Whether you can't get out of your driveway due to a snowstorm or there's a sick child at home. We have found that people can work remotely from home and get a lot accomplished. The phones aren't ringing and co-workers aren't interrupting your work.

XPERTECHS has created the free report:

7 Essential Technology Tools You Need to Work From Home During a Snowstorm

This report describes technology tools enabling you to work away from your office. XPERTECHS recommends that you review the tools with your IT support team to see what applies to your specific situation and act on those items and act promptly.

For anyone wishing to obtain a copy of this report, click here.

How Much Work Are Your Employees Really Getting Done?

2010-12-07T10:03:00.002-05:00

Interruptions come in many forms. Phone calls, emails, faxes, colleagues, vendors. And once a person is interrupted, it can take as much as 30 minutes to get back on track. According to a recent study from the University of California, employees have an average of only 11 minutes of uninterrupted time on any given project; and they typically have 12 projects going at once. All this interruption adds up to over 10 ½ hours of unproductive time per week, says the study. So what advice does the study give to resolve this productivity loss? Close your email, let your phone go to voicemail, and shut your door – at least until the next crisis strikes.

Have A Slow PC?? Have It Back Up & Running Like New in No Time!!

2010-11-23T16:26:00.009-05:00

How to Make Your PC as Fast as the Day You Bought It

One of the most frustrating things in life is a slow computer.

Every few years, we buy an expensive new PC and love how fast it starts up, runs programs, and loads web sites. Inevitably, though it starts to slow down, until eventually we are pulling our hair out waiting for it to do routine tasks.

Why is this? It turns out the answer is actually quite simple and you don't even need to be "technical" to understand the causes and solutions.

The good news, it's not the computer hardware that's the problem. In most cases the hardware you have is perfectly capable of being restored to its original glory and kept in fast running condition with minimal effort.

Rather, the problem lies with changes that occur to the PC's software. The 2 most common causes of slowdown (along with easy solutions) are:

Registry errors - the most common problem

Every time you (or your kids) load a program, game or file, your PC's software registery is updated with new instructions needed to operate that item. However, when the item is removed, these instructions usually remain on your PC. Every time you run your computer it tries to execute these instructions but, because the related program can't be found, it causes a registry error. Your PC is doing a lot more work than it should be and the result is a significantly slower computer.

One of the best ways to manage this is with a neat little tool from a Seattle based company called the Advanced Registry Optimizer 2010 (ARO for short). This program scans, identifies and fixes registry errors - resulting in a computer that's a lot more like it was when you first bought it. On top of the amazing results it offers, it's so easy to install and use that it was recently awarded a coveted 4.5 star rating (out of 5) by CNET's editorial staff.

You can now get a free working version of the software which will quickly scan your entire PC and identify all of the registry errors that may be bogging it down. The free version eliminates the first 100 errors and if you have more errors that you want to clean-up or want to set the program to run on a regular basis (recommended) you can easily upgrade to the full version for just $29.95. After that registry errors will no longer be a problem.

To get the free version simply click here.

Spyware and viruses

Spyware and viruses are software programs that are loaded on your computer without your knowledge or permission. They have various purposes, including:

· Changing the default search engine in your browser

· Tracking your web surfing habits and showing you targeted advertising

· Using your email program to send out spam to other email addresses

· Stealing your personal information

Most spyware and viruses get onto our computers through files that we download from the internet or as attachments to emails. They tend to take up a lot of computing power and as a result will significantly slow down the computer.

The simple rule of thumb to follow is to never download any free software programs from companies you do not know and trust, especially screensavers, emoticons and the like. In addition, you should never open any attachment to an email unless you are 100% certain you know and trust the sender. In addition, make sure you have a good anti-virus / spyware removal software running at all times.

Follow the above advice and your PC should stay fast and safe.

XPERTECHS the blog

SOPA/PIPA :: Have You Heard?

Are We Connected?

Happy Holidays From Our Family Here At XPERTECHS

Netiquette: Brought To You By CNET and XPERTECHS!

Get Your FREE COPY of "What Every Business Owner MUST Know To Protect Themselves Against Online Identity Theft"

Have You Read Your December 2011 Issue of XperText?

XPERTECHS Brings Power of Cloud Computing to Local Businesses

9 Steps You Must Know To Prevent A Server Crash

Is Your Business Ready For The Cloud?

XPERTECHS November Newsletter: A Must Read!

XPERCloud Client Spotlight

Tablet Users: Wealthier, Employed and Highly Educated.

Section 179 and XPERTECHS Savings!

Now, Here’s How XPERTECHS is Going To “Sweeten The Pot” And Help You Save Even MORE Money!

Hackers Now Prefer Small Companies.

CNN Tech Check: Blackberry Bomb, iPhone Drop and More!

XPERTECHS Lunch and Learn Webinar

How Cloud Computing Can Cut Your IT Costs By Half,

Provide Automatic Disaster Recovery And

Free You To Work From Anywhere On Any Device!

Your Worst Nightmare... Don't Fret, XPERTECHS Can Help!

October XperText: Volume IV, Issue X

XPERTECHS October TechTip

Welcome, Welcome!

Why Is It Necessary To Back Up Your Server?

XPERTECHS Spotlight: IT Testimonials

A Refresher In Conducting Yourself Properly Online.

A Little Funny For Your Friday

September XperText Issue: What You're Missing!

XPERTECHS TechTip Postcard

Email: Things You Might Need But Don't Have...

Wise Words From Steve Jobs in a 2005 Commencement Address

A Letter From The President {Of XPERTECHS, That Is!}

Can Your Company's Data and Technology Services Withstand A Natural Disaster... Or Two?

5 (Cheap) Ways to Make Old Computers Faster and More Reliable.

R.I.P HP TouchPad: Slayed By iPad Popularity.

Dual Monitors: An Increase in Productivity Or Too Much Distraction?

Cost Effective IT Consulting and Technology Services

August 2011 XperText: Insider Business Tips

Gone Phishing? Take Caution! Phishing Emails Are On The Rise...

Computer Humor, Brought To You By Geek & Poke

Six Cool Things To Do With Your USB Flash Drive.

The HP TouchPad Versus The iPad

Do You Podcast? We Do. Listen Here To One Of Our Favorites.

Why XPERTECHS IT Services?

True or False: Less Than 50% of Smartphone Users Make Calls

Laughter Is Serious Business.

Three Important Questions Regarding Microsoft, Cloud Computing And Your Business.

Ten Important Steps For Small Business Blogging

2. Writing Effective Blog Posts

3. Find Similar Blogs

4. Interact With The Related Blogs You Have Found

5. Comment On Business Related Articles And News

6. Submitting To Relevant Blog Directories

7. Look For Guest Blogging Opportunities

8. Bookmarking And Spinning

9. Utilize Existing Channels And Contacts

10. Conclusion:

XPERTECHS Goes Google. Google Places, That Is.

We're Hiring!

Laughter Is Serious Business.

A Note From The President's Desk...

Google Goes Social.

The iPad.. A Businessman's Replacement for the Laptop?

CloudITPros: Check Out Our New Site!

Bright Business Idea? Stop Thinking And Start Doing!

Content Filtering for Your Employees - Have You Tried It?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

WHAT CAN YOU BLOCK?

WHAT DOES IT COST?

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

In Honor of All of the Dad's

WWDC: Apple Launches iCloud

The Best Offer of the Year!!

The Future of the Internet: Google Does It Again

Apple Takes the Reigns

Do You Feel Safe Going Mobile?

Five Years Later: Twitter Not Going Anywhere

Take Me Out to The Ball Game

Now, Here’s How XPERTECHS is Going To “Sweeten The Pot” And  Help You Save Even MORE Money!