"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."

May 2009 - Why you need to know about Firewalls

"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."

February 2009 - New Year, New Office (Part 2)

"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."

January 2009 - New Year, New Office (Part 1)

"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."