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April 18, 2013
Software is complicated, with hundreds of thousands of lines of code. Over time, "bugs" are discovered that are fixed by developers and released as "patches." Microsoft (and many other software vendors) collect patches together into Service Packs that fix a number of issue all at once.
Microsoft has announced that they will no longer be supporting the originally shipped version of Windows 7 (known as "RTM") after April 9th, 2013. In the software world, “RTM” means “release to manufacturing,” meaning that the software is “released” or “issued” to hardware manufacturers like Dell to be included in their future hardware packages. After April 9, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) will become the only officially supported version of this PC operating system.
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April 18, 2013
A look at the issues small companies need to make sure they address before jumping into cloud computing.
Small businesses, of course, can save a ton of money and gain a lot of efficiencies by going to the cloud. But getting there isn't necessarily that simple. Fact is, one size does not fit all. "A startup marketing company, for example, may take a very different path from an established medical practice," says Igal Rabinovich, CEO of IT Help Central, a White Plains, NY consulting firm. Here are some key considerations to take into account before making the move.
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Cisco
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April 18, 2013
The new Office is a cloud subscription that provides virtually anywhere access to your familiar Office applications plus business-grade email, calendar, and video conferencing across your devices – from PCs to smartphones to tablets.
Here's what’s new:
Devices: The new Office works great across all your devices. With its modernized, clean, and fluid user interface, it works great with touch, mouse and keyboard, or pen.
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April 18, 2013
Mobile devices have become an essential tool for everyday life. We check in for flights, make online purchases, access bank accounts, and connect to social media all on mobile-enhanced websites and newly developed applications.
The worldwide adoption of the smartphone has prompted cybercriminals to shift their focus toward mobile users and away from the traditional PC environment. According to Norton's Cybercrime Report, 1 in 4 adults have been a victim of mobile and social cybercrime.
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November 23, 2012
It’s so frustrating: you regularly send out emails and then sit staring at your computer, waiting for some sort of response. Don’t you sometimes get the feeling that you’re just sending words out into a black hole?
Of course, you can never "ensure" that emails are going to be read or acted upon. It’s a sad result of the information overload we suffer from. People who sit working at their computers for hours every day might have the time, energy and interest to open the numerous messages which fill their inbox—or they might not. So what is it exactly that tips them over the delicate, crucial line between “read” and ”leave for later/delete”?
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reprinted with permission from the HP Small Business Center
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January 26, 2012
The following article by Tony Schwartz appeared on the Harvard Business Review Blog Network earlier this month. We believe this is an ideal article to start off the new year. It lends credence to a commitment that each of us at Matson & Isom Technology have to our core values, our clients, our colleagues, and our community. If you haven’t heard of Tony, he is the author of Be Excellent at Everything (highly recommended reading) and founder of The Energy Project www.theenergyproject.com.
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January 26, 2012
Excel can be a powerful tool for your business, but it can also be daunting with its formulas, charts, and formatting. This month we’ll take a look at two simple but very useful formulas, and how to make them work for you.
You can also view the quick video version of this tip, that demonstrates all the methods of summing and averaging numbers.
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January 26, 2012
Free antivirus software may seem like a bargain, but it’s not. Learn what issues you need to consider before you download this particular "freeware.
In this tough economy, getting something for free is always a good thing, right? Short answer: It depends on your tolerance for risk.
Take free antivirus software as an example. It may seem like a bargain, but it’s not. Here are the issues to consider before you download this particular “freeware.”
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used with permission from Symantec
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January 26, 2012
Anyone who manages a network is embarking on an exciting ride. Maybe you've already strapped on your seat belt and are underway, riding through:
•A steep climb in Internet traffic and network access from smartphones and tablets
•Increased traction in cloud services and virtualization
•The growing popularity of IP voice and video
•Challenging twists and turns in security, including international hacking
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used with permission from the Cisco Small Business Resource Center
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November 23, 2011
In this month’s client spotlight, we are recognizing one of our newer clients, and one we are proud to call our own, Pacific Living Properties (PLP.) With six properties in Chico alone, PLP has been providing unique and innovative apartment homes to meet the needs of their residents for over 20 years. Their nearly 40 living communities span the entire west coast with properties in Northern California, San Diego, Central California, Inland Empire and the Northwest.
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