Technology has so many aspects, which are constantly
changing. Our monthly newsletter aims to demystify
the jargon and provide helpful advice and
information, on a range of topics that are relevant to
both home users and small businesses. Plus,
it's authored by CT Aspley's very own Sonia Cuff and
distributed to the Computer Troubleshooters global
customer base through our network of over 450
franchisees.
Find a topic that interests you and download the
full article (Adobe PDF file). Enjoy our back issues and make sure that you sign up
to receive the next instalment directly to your inbox.
"We
often get asked “what’s the best anti-virus software?”
however that’s like asking a group of people what the
best car is. Raise the subject of anti-virus software
with a group of computer experts and you will get many
different opinions. Here are some things to consider
when selecting security software for your computer"
"Did you know that you can have all of the business
benefits of a server, without physically owning a
server? These benefits include a common storage
location for shared information, email and calendaring
features and remote access, to name a few. However
servers are often thought of as an expensive initial
purchase, requiring ongoing maintenance and future
upgrades. If your business is seasonal you may find
that your technology needs also peak and drop with
demand, yet you have to allow for those peak demand
times."
"Did you know that when
your computer is connected to the internet, it has over
131,000 ‘ports’ that a hacker could connect to? These
ports are like doors in a building and if they aren’t
protected properly, then someone could sneak in without
you noticing. If the hacker is not installing a virus,
they can still do some serious damage without alerting
your security software, including transmitting your
personal information. So how do you watch all of these
doorways to your information? You need a firewall!"
"Technology is always changing and evolving, but most
businesses can’t afford to keep pace with the latest
trends. Instead, focus on laying a solid foundation for
your business technology, with a plan and a budget for
ongoing support, maintenance and replacement. It’s just
as important to get the technology basics right as it is
to have a strong financial or marketing plan. This
month we touch on the ten technology basics that should
be in place in your business."
"School-aged children
quickly learn to make friends, display preferences and
establish their own social circles. This interaction
used to take place in person, via notes or letters, or
via the home telephone. Affordable technology has now
provided our children with new methods of communicating,
including ‘online’ via various methods on the internet
and also through personal cellphone text messages.
Unfortunately, those
communication channels can also be used as a channel for
harassment or bullying, bringing this childhood threat
out from the school playground and into our homes."
"This month we continue our advice on technology’s
little hassles, with a few more areas that can be easily
and inexpensively solved.
Starting from scratch?
If you have a document, spreadsheet or presentation to
create, see if the topic is used by other businesses
too. An online search or a visit to the Microsoft
website may uncover a template that you can apply to
your situation. Common examples include budget
templates, sales presentations and employment forms."
"Often technology’s little problems or hassles are ‘put
up with’, instead of being given the attention needed to
resolve or improve them. Let’s start the New Year by
dealing with a few areas that can be easily and
inexpensively solved. Watch out for part 2 of this
article next month."
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