Tag Archives: Microsoft Windows XP

About 920 days ago Spyware and Malware

Malware Takes Aim at USB Devices

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A USB drive is such a handy, inexpensive way to transport information that technology research analyst Gartner estimates 222 million USB devices shipped last year. But in some instances, those devices transport trouble as well. Small businesses in particular are paying a price for the convenience of using USB drives. As we grow more savvy to malicious attacks via e-mail and other avenues, cybercriminals are turning to USB drives to distribute malware. According to research by Panda Security, a whopping 25 percent of malware today is developed to disseminate through USB devices.  The top two threats in security provider BitDefender’s most recent E-Threats report are spread through USB drives. “Just these two viruses account for 17 percent of the total number of malware apps in the world,” says Catalin Cosoi, head the Online Threats Lab for BitDefender. BitDefender is also seeing new samples of malware distributed via USB drive. “Most hackers are lazy and don’t want to spend hours and hours trying to hack secured computers,” Cosoi explains. “If they can attack an easy target with just a few clicks, they will do that. Spreading malware through USB devices is just as easy as it sounds.” Why you might be vulnerable The risk posed by malware-infected USB drives isn’t limited to small and mid-sized businesses. IBM apologized after distributing infected drives at an Australian security conference earlier this year. However, experts say small businesses are vulnerable because of these factors: Older operating systems. Windows Vista and Windows 7 offer much more protection against infected USB drives, notes Tim Armstrong, a malware analyst with security vendor Kapersky Labs. However, Windows XP remains the most-used operating system worldwide, and the malware exploits the “AutoRun” feature for removable media. Stick a USB drive into the port on a Windows XP machine, and you may find your every keystroke logged and sensitive business files distributed to servers halfway around the world. Even if your company has upgraded its operating system, your employee might be working at home on Windows XP. A lack of security know-how. Smaller businesses are less likely to have dedicated IT personnel or to have policies in place to combat risky USB use. For instance, Good Samaritans in your company may be inclined to pick up a drive found in the parking lot, then insert it into their work computer to see if they can find the drive’s owner. “Somebody could write a script on that drive that goes and searches for your sales database and contact list,” says Rich Baich, principal for security and privacy at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Alternative ways to share information. It may be easier for a small company to rely on USB drives than to take the time and resources to develop other solutions, such as working in the cloud. How to protect your business You can’t afford to ignore this threat, say security experts. However, there are smart steps you can take to insulate your business from the risks posed by malware-infected USB devices. These steps are essential: Maintain up-to-date security solutions. Make sure your security is up to date on all computers attached to your business, and enable Windows updates. Consider an endpoint security solution that can prevent USB drives from being recognized Disable AutoRun. Countless online tutorials detail how to disable AutoRun. To temporarily disable AutoRun, hold down the shift key as you insert a USB drive. Maintain a dedicated computer. If your business is small enough that it’s practical to keep all critical information on one computer, consider doing so, says Baich. Then, don’t ever insert USB devices into that computer. “Keep it very clean. Don’t go surfing websites, use it only for business functions,” he advises. Update your operating system. Lessen your risk by using a more recent version of Windows or another operating system. Use security-protected devices. “Although USB drives are a major culprit for spreading malware, they have also evolved tremendously over the years,” says Cosoi.  “Some brands have built-in security software, which makes them safer. Look for these USB drives, and use them exclusively.” Educate your employees. In most cases, your employees are going to find the simplest, most convenient way to get their jobs done. It’s up to you to provide a means for them to move information when necessary and to outline the risks involved with USB drive use. Even posting a sign telling workers not to use unknown USB devices is likely to help. However, establishing a usage policy is your best protection. Parameters might include never running personal USB drives on work computers or business drives on home computers and passing along “found” drives to a designated employee, who can safely scan the devices. Consider alternatives. “It’s almost time to move away from USB sticks to cloud-based solutions,” Armstrong says. Break the USB habit by offering alternatives for file-sharing and storage, but make sure you have employee buy-in, say experts. “Companies should take this issue very seriously,” cautions Cosoi. “At BitDefender, we think USB-transmitted malware is more dangerous than e-mail or other ways of propagating malware.”  

About 920 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Malware Takes Aim at USB Devices

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A USB drive is such a handy, inexpensive way to transport information that technology research analyst Gartner estimates 222 million USB devices shipped last year. But in some instances, those devices transport trouble as well. Small businesses in particular are paying a price for the convenience of using USB drives. As we grow more savvy to malicious attacks via e-mail and other avenues, cybercriminals are turning to USB drives to distribute malware. According to research by Panda Security, a whopping 25 percent of malware today is developed to disseminate through USB devices.  The top two threats in security provider BitDefender’s most recent E-Threats report are spread through USB drives. “Just these two viruses account for 17 percent of the total number of malware apps in the world,” says Catalin Cosoi, head the Online Threats Lab for BitDefender. BitDefender is also seeing new samples of malware distributed via USB drive. “Most hackers are lazy and don’t want to spend hours and hours trying to hack secured computers,” Cosoi explains. “If they can attack an easy target with just a few clicks, they will do that. Spreading malware through USB devices is just as easy as it sounds.” Why you might be vulnerable The risk posed by malware-infected USB drives isn’t limited to small and mid-sized businesses. IBM apologized after distributing infected drives at an Australian security conference earlier this year. However, experts say small businesses are vulnerable because of these factors: Older operating systems. Windows Vista and Windows 7 offer much more protection against infected USB drives, notes Tim Armstrong, a malware analyst with security vendor Kapersky Labs. However, Windows XP remains the most-used operating system worldwide, and the malware exploits the “AutoRun” feature for removable media. Stick a USB drive into the port on a Windows XP machine, and you may find your every keystroke logged and sensitive business files distributed to servers halfway around the world. Even if your company has upgraded its operating system, your employee might be working at home on Windows XP. A lack of security know-how. Smaller businesses are less likely to have dedicated IT personnel or to have policies in place to combat risky USB use. For instance, Good Samaritans in your company may be inclined to pick up a drive found in the parking lot, then insert it into their work computer to see if they can find the drive’s owner. “Somebody could write a script on that drive that goes and searches for your sales database and contact list,” says Rich Baich, principal for security and privacy at Deloitte & Touche LLP. Alternative ways to share information. It may be easier for a small company to rely on USB drives than to take the time and resources to develop other solutions, such as working in the cloud. How to protect your business You can’t afford to ignore this threat, say security experts. However, there are smart steps you can take to insulate your business from the risks posed by malware-infected USB devices. These steps are essential: Maintain up-to-date security solutions. Make sure your security is up to date on all computers attached to your business, and enable Windows updates. Consider an endpoint security solution that can prevent USB drives from being recognized Disable AutoRun. Countless online tutorials detail how to disable AutoRun. To temporarily disable AutoRun, hold down the shift key as you insert a USB drive. Maintain a dedicated computer. If your business is small enough that it’s practical to keep all critical information on one computer, consider doing so, says Baich. Then, don’t ever insert USB devices into that computer. “Keep it very clean. Don’t go surfing websites, use it only for business functions,” he advises. Update your operating system. Lessen your risk by using a more recent version of Windows or another operating system. Use security-protected devices. “Although USB drives are a major culprit for spreading malware, they have also evolved tremendously over the years,” says Cosoi.  “Some brands have built-in security software, which makes them safer. Look for these USB drives, and use them exclusively.” Educate your employees. In most cases, your employees are going to find the simplest, most convenient way to get their jobs done. It’s up to you to provide a means for them to move information when necessary and to outline the risks involved with USB drive use. Even posting a sign telling workers not to use unknown USB devices is likely to help. However, establishing a usage policy is your best protection. Parameters might include never running personal USB drives on work computers or business drives on home computers and passing along “found” drives to a designated employee, who can safely scan the devices. Consider alternatives. “It’s almost time to move away from USB sticks to cloud-based solutions,” Armstrong says. Break the USB habit by offering alternatives for file-sharing and storage, but make sure you have employee buy-in, say experts. “Companies should take this issue very seriously,” cautions Cosoi. “At BitDefender, we think USB-transmitted malware is more dangerous than e-mail or other ways of propagating malware.”  

About 1172 days ago Business Software

Windows 7 Tips n’ Tricks for Business

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So you’ve purchased Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest and greatest operating system, and found it to be fast, stable and full of features to support your small to mid-sized business. Critics agree the Redmond, Wash. software giant have their mojo back, after delivering the much-maligned Windows Vista a few years back. To get even more out of the leaner and meaner Windows 7 for your growing business, here we provide a handful of productivity-enhancing tips and tricks — with some help from the experts. One-click access Windows 7 lets you “pin” large icons to the taskbar for a one-click launch of your favorite applications or files. To do this, simply right mouse-click on a file or program icon and one of your options will be to “Pin to Taskbar.” Run your mouse over these taskbar icons and you’ll see a live preview of what’s inside as a thumbnail image — and even multiple websites open as “tabs” in your browser. “A lot of people rave about this feature as it’s a fast and easy way to manage and access documents and other files you need,” says Microsoft’s Sandrine Skinner, a director within the Windows 7 small business group. “I know a manager of a personal staffing company, for example, and she uses pinning to prepare the desktop for temp workers.” It’s a snap You’ve got a widescreen laptop or computer monitor, so why aren’t you taking advantage of this added real estate? Windows 7 makes it easy to do just that by letting you view multiple files or applications at the same time. Called “Snap,” simply open a couple of programs — such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer 8 — and then hold down the Windows key (beside Alt) before using the right or left arrow keys to snap them beside each other. You can also drag and drop content from one to the other (such as a website photo into Paint or highlighted text into Word). Lock it up Your employees likely carry around a laptop, netbook, or USB thumbdrive with company data on it, but what happens if the computer or drive is lost or stolen? The Enterprise and Ultimate versions of Windows 7 include “BitLocker” protection that can encrypt files or folders — preventing anyone from accessing them unless they know the password. Simply right-click on a drive letter (such as F:) in Windows Explorer to enable BitLocker protection. “This reduces the risk in case the device goes missing, and makes up for the fact that employees, consciously or not, don’t always put data security at the top of their to do list,” says Carmi Levy, an independent technology analyst based in London, Ontario. “With the BitLocker To Go feature activated, however, nothing gets copied unless the target device is encrypted.” Kick it old school It’s not secret Windows Vista was plagued with software and hardware compatibility issues, therefore Microsoft made this one of the top priorities in Windows 7 — including an optional “Windows XP mode” for those businesses who need it. “We’ve heard companies tell us ‘this software here is my bread and butter and if it’s not compatible with Windows 7 I won’t upgrade,” explains Skinner. “We listened.” To serve and protect No computer should ever be powered on unless it has at least some protection against malware — such as viruses, spyware, rootkits and the like — especially for computers used for business. “While full-blown security suites from market leaders like McAfee and Symantec do a better job, the free Microsoft Security Essentials tools, along with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, are more than adequate, and should be activated no matter what other solutions you have in place,” advises Levy. Get outta my way If things get too cluttered because of multiple programs open at the same time — such as a Web browser, word document, calculator, e-mail, and sticky notes — simply grab hold of the program you want to see clearly, by clicking and holding on the top bar of the window, and give your mouse a shake left and right. This will automatically minimize everything else. Do it again and it brings back all the apps that were minimized.

About 1213 days ago Business Software

How to Leapfrog from XP to Windows 7

Once upon a time, Microsoft introduced Windows Vista, assuming Windows XP users would upgrade to the new operating system as a matter of course. We all know how that turned out. This past October, Microsoft tried again, with the release of its newest operating system, Windows 7. This time around the new operating system is gathering kudos from users and reviewers, who praise the features and performance, and the fact that Windows 7 does not demand as much computing power as Windows Vista did. Oddly, experts also all note that Windows 7… really isn’t all that different from Vista after all. “I look at Windows 7 as new service pack for Windows Vista,” says Christopher Blake, workstation administrator, The Benchmark Group, an architectural and engineering firm. Still, he says, the new name made it easier for Benchmark to opt for the upgrade. “In my opinion, Vista was a good operating system for the enterprise, but the problem was really psychological. People hated the word ‘Vista,’ and we would have been martyrs if we’d tried to roll it out.” Like The Benchmark Group, the majority of companies that stuck with Windows XP in the face of Vista’s real or reputed problems now face an additional challenge as they plan their move to Windows 7. While upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 is merely a matter of installing the new disk, an upgrade from Windows XP means reinstalling all the applications on the computer as well. “I don’t know if the intent was to reward the people who upgraded to Vista or punish the people who stayed with XP, but they did not include a user-friendly tool for migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 — and they knew that was what most of their customer base would be doing,” Blake says. Still, the new features in Windows 7 make it appealing to both end users and IT staff. Most smart phones and mobile devices are recognized instantly when they are plugged in, and mobile workers can now have laptops that recognize their location and sent print jobs to the nearest printer, while the IT team gains the ability to install software remotely and handle power management more efficiently. “Now is the right time for us to move to Windows 7, because we’re seeing that we can benefit from the new technology and new features,” Blake says. Time to switch With Microsoft committed to security support for Windows XP (with Service Pack 3) until at least 2014, is now the right time to move to Windows 7 for your company? Yes, if you want Windows 7’s new features, if your users do a lot of mobile computing, and if you use mostly standard business applications such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office. Also if you are buying new desktop computers, since the new machines will likely come with Windows 7 preloaded. No, if you don’t want to buy any new hardware, since moving to Windows 7 will probably require new video cards for some computers at the very least. You should also wait if your company uses large numbers of unusual or custom applications. “Our accountant clients use a huge number of different applications, and I wouldn’t even consider upgrading them right now because too many of those applications won’t run on Windows 7 yet,” notes Byron Patrick, CEO of Simplified Innovations, a managed IT provider that supplies both IT services and leased equipment to small business clients. Windows 7 does come with Windows XP Mode, which creates a virtual XP environment within a Windows 7 computer, for the purpose of running any applications that don’t run on Windows 7. But managing a virtual personal computer inside of a physical personal computer may be a bit much for some users. “Like any computer, it has to have network access set up, be connected to a printer, and to the Internet,” Patrick says. “Expecting corporate users to handle all this may be unrealistic.” Ready or not To its credit, Microsoft has provided some tools this time around to help you determine both whether the hardware you have will be adequate to run Windows 7, and whether the applications you have are compatible with it yet. “We have a compatibility wizard built into Windows 7 that will scan the hard drive and let you know if your hardware and software are Windows 7 compatible,” says Lee Sabow, marketing manager in the Windows Client Organization at Microsoft. Or, if you want to find out before investing in the new operating system whether your applications will work with it, you can find out at Microsoft’s Compatibility Center, he says. If you do decide to go ahead, Patrick recommends copying the data off the computer to be upgraded, and then formatting its hard drive before installing Windows 7. “On any system, when you have the opportunity to wipe the slate clean, it’s great,” he says. “And by doing it now, you avoid any anomalies that might occur because of the upgrade.” As for installing the new operating system itself, he says, it’s easier than with any previous Windows installation. “With Windows XP, halfway through there were things we had to click to continue the process. With Windows 7, we have it loaded on a USB drive. We plug it in, set it to install, and half an hour later, it’s done.” For small group upgrades, it may make sense to reinstall applications manually, but Blake advises using an automated software deployment tool if you’re upgrading more than 50 users, especially if you only have one or two IT staff members to handle the job. “Most tools won’t deploy the operating system itself, but they will deploy the applications,” he says. “He advises choosing a tool with reporting capabilities, so you can see what upgrades have been successfully completed and which users have which software installed. “You have to know what’s going on in your environment before you can manage your environment,” he explains. The Benchmark Group uses a KBOX appliance from KACE for software deployment, he adds. However you do it, make sure to build in enough time for testing the new operating system with your company’s applications, and also for training on how to use it. “Don’t get into a situation where the upgrade will become a pain point for people,” Blake says. “We have time, so take it slow, and do it right.”

About 1330 days ago Business Software

Top 10 Free Apps and Services for Business

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Times are tough, but you can save your company some cash by taking advantage of many free applications and services to help you remain lean and competitive. This includes many downloadable programs for your BlackBerry, iPhone, or Android smartphone as well as tools for PC productivity, such as online back-up options, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) software, and no-cost office suites. Free apps are sought-after downloads today in business. It’s not just because it makes sense to those watching their bottom line, but the apps are getting a lot more robust instead of simply covering the basics, says Scott Steinberg, publisher of Digital Trends. “You’d be surprise what you can find today when it comes to free applications — and there’s plenty of free apps to choose from for your smartphone, PC, or a cloud-computing solution that bridges the two,” adds Steinberg. Steinberg says he’s most excited about the explosion in downloadable apps for smartphones. “The apps transform phones into notebook replacements, audio recorders, GPS navigation devices, note-taking devices, and even gaming getaways for those in need of an entertainment fix while traveling for business.” Speaking of travel, Chris Silva, an analyst at the Cambridge, Mass.-based Forrester, the technology research company, says many of these free productivity tools have an inherent benefit compared to traditional desktop software: “On-the-go businesspersons want to be able to access their content wherever and whenever, and on any device — and while Microsoft recently unveiled a ‘cloud’ component to [Microsoft] Office, we’re finding people are turning to Google’s established and free Gmail for e-mail, file storage, document sharing, and so on.” Caveat emptor There’s little dispute that cost-cutting measures are critical — especially given the current state of the economy — but there are a few things about free software that businesses should be aware of. Silva reminds businesses that these free apps are still not as full-featured as paid versions. “Productivity suites might not have the 500-plus menus and tools built into Microsoft Office, for example, but most people don’t venture outside of ‘create, format, print and share’ anyway,” he says. “Many companies, especially small to mid-sized businesses, are finding these free alternatives to be good enough for their needs.” Silva also warns of two other possible downsides to free apps. “It’s no secret there are occasional Gmail outages, which means you can’t access your e-mail, or Skype congestion that can affect call quality, along with other issues associated with Internet-based solutions,” he says. “Plus, there are always increased security risks in allowing your employees to use any kind of software they want. You’ll need to take steps to educate employees about risks, about some company information that shouldn’t be shared with Gmail or IM, and mitigate these with policies.” Best bets for free apps If you’re looking for completely free apps for your smartphone or PC, consider the following recommendations: Skype – Available for PCs and select smartphones (iPhone and Windows Mobile), Skype lets you make free phone calls to any other Skype user on the Internet via VoIP technology. PC users can also chat using video, swap files, or pay a few cents a minute for “Skype Out” calls to landlines and cell phones. Gmail – Google’s free Web-based e-mail solution reliably keeps you in touch with others, regardless of the platform you’re using it on. Benefits include loads of storage, little spam, contact and calendar management, and support for Google Talk between multiple devices. OpenOffice.org – Sun Microsystems’s free Microsoft Office alternative offers a suite of productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and graphics. It supports multiple operating systems and has a portable version that runs off a USB key. Documents To Go – With a free version included on newer BlackBerry devices, this clever app suite allows for viewing and editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. It’s usually bundled with PDF To Go, as well, supporting Adobe’s popular Portable Document Format. Zoho – Free for individuals, Zoho’s range of productivity and collaboration apps include Zoho Mail, Zoho Chat, Zoho CRM, Zoho Writer, Zoho Discussions, Zoho Sheet, Zoho Meeting, Zoho Show, Zoho Creator, Zoho Docs, Zoho Invoice, Zoho Notebook, Zoho Projects, Zoho Wiki, Zoho Reports, and others. Windows Live SkyDrive – Microsoft is offering up to 25GB of free online storage. Only a Windows ID is required (such as a Hotmail e-mail address) and this password-protected virtual drive can be accessed for virtually any online computer in the world. Some folders can be set up for sharing, while other are for your eyes only. Remote Desktop Lite – Use your iPhone or iPod touch to securely access a Windows XP Professional computer, anywhere on the planet. This software provides full access to your PC — via Wi-Fi or EDGE — as if you were in front of the machine you’re accessing. At the time of writing this, Remote Desktop Lite is the no. 1 free business app at Apple’s App Store. Call Time Tracker by momentum – As the name suggests, Redwood Technologies’ free app for Blackberry helps business professionals account for their time in order to bill hours and recover expenses. Ideal for lawyers, consultants, salespeople, realtors and IT professionals, this app pops up at the end of calls and you can easily mark it as billable time. Nice Office – BlackBerry users can manage their e-mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks from this one free suite of tools. Nice Office securely also grants access to forms and documents, lets you record sales activity while on the go and automatically logs device activity, and provides a detailed report on mobile interactions with your contacts, including calls, messages, and appointments. Google Maps – While it doesn’t provide audio-based turn-by-turn commands, Google Maps is a completely free and powerful tool for your smartphone that can help you find nearby establishments (such as restaurants, gas stations, or hotels), show overhead street views (even with satellite imagery), and give you accurate directions to a destination. It works via GPS or even cellular technology (though the latter isn’t as accurate).

About 1360 days ago Business Software

Windows 7: Should You Upgrade?

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Windows 7, Microsoft’s next computer operating system (OS), is looking to win over skeptics disappointed with the much-hyped but often-maligned Windows Vista. While it’s not available until Oct. 22, the early buzz is uniformly positive — “Microsoft’s mojo is back” seems to be the general consensus — but does this mean your business should upgrade to Windows 7 at launch, if at all? First, a look at a few new features and improvements over past operating systems. Benefits to upgrading A key focus to Windows 7 is speed and compatibility. From faster start-up times to quicker program launches to overall performance, Windows 7 addresses many of the speed issues found lacking in its predecessor. This is true even for underpowered netbooks and older PCs. And when it comes to hardware and software compatibility, Windows 7 will work with more accessories and programs, which wasn’t the case when Windows Vista debuted in early 2007. “It’s no secret Vista had a rough start — the ecosystem just wasn’t ready for it — and as a result it frustrated many users,” says Michael Silver, research vice president and analyst for client computing at Gartner, Inc., a Stamford, Conn.-based research and consulting group. “Windows 7 will address many of these concerns.” “In all fairness, though, Vista wasn’t as bad as its reputation. Plus, Microsoft made many improvements to that OS over the past three years,” adds Silver. “So Windows 7 will build on these Vista tweaks, and add better memory management, a more intuitive user interface, and many networking enhancements, too.” Windows 7′s streamlined interface includes a cleaner desktop and task bar, which now lies along the bottom of the screen, and a preview of what’s inside by simply hovering your mouse above the icons. Carmi Levy, an independent technology analyst based in London, Ontario, agrees with Silver. “The user interface is also light years ahead of Windows XP and Vista — and finally gives Windows users something to brag about when they meet Mac users at parties.” For the sizable number of companies out there still running Windows XP, Windows 7 should offer much of what they like about XP, adds Levy. “This includes relatively snappy performance on older or trailing-edge hardware, excellent driver availability, and industry support — plus improved security and desktop administration.” Levy says Windows 7′s “touch” support will also be compelling to some users. “Windows 7 will have built-in support for multi-touch gestures, handwriting, and voice, for those computers built to support alternative input options.” Timing your upgrade Benefits aside, Silver believes a small or mid-sized business must assess how old their computers are before considering an OS upgrade. “Generally, we don’t recommend an organization upgrade all PCs at once to a new OS, spending money on something that might not bring you a discernable return of investment. But if the computers are relatively new you might already be eligible for a free Windows 7 upgrade.” If not, says Silver, a company might want to wait until the PCs need replacing and “skipping Windows 7 won’t be an option at that point.” He predicts: “This version is going to be very popular.” Levy agrees that businesses using Windows XP will be pleased with Windows 7, but what about businesses currently running Vista? “Although Windows 7 can conceivably deliver faster performance on equivalent hardware, upgrading operating systems on existing desktops and laptops is not an insignificant undertaking,” she says. “Software has to be tested on a new operating system, as does all related hardware that the machine connects to on the corporate network” Levy adds. “Similarly, no matter whether you’re running Vista, XP, or even something older like Windows 2000, you never want to be the first company on your block to adopt a new OS.” Levy says companies interested in upgrading might consider working with it in a test or pilot environment, “and then implement them on all PCs after Microsoft has had a chance to work through the inevitable set of bugs that will affect any new operating system.”

About 1603 days ago PCs, Laptops, and Notebooks

When One Monitor Isn’t Enough

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Linda Musgrove never thought about hooking up a second screen to her office computer until the day her tech-savvy husband came home with a new monitor. She decided to have him install the new monitor alongside her old one — and voila — a convert was born. “Once I started using two, I couldn’t go back to one,” says Musgrove, proprietor of TradeShow Teacher, an Aventura, Fla., trade show marketing consultant. “Then he brought another one home and I started using three, and once I was using three he got me another one.” Today, Musgrove would be lost without her four-monitor arrangement: two standard 20” screens stacked one on top of the other and two 21” widescreens to the left and right. All are from Acer. Musgrove does a lot of graphic design work for her business and multiple monitors allow her to have a document she’s working on up on one, research materials on two others and her Facebook page on the fourth. “I can be working on one thing and while it’s saving I can jump onto something else,” she says. “I have ADD so I need to have a lot of things going on at once, and I really do work faster.” Musgrove powers her set up from a PC her husband modifiedwithanIntel Core 2 Quad 3 gigahertz processor and 6 gigabytes of RAM. Musgrove’s husband outfitted her computer with two Nvidia GeForce graphics cards, each with two digital video interface (DVI) outputs so there are connectors for each of her four monitors. Multiple monitor fans Multiple monitor, or “multi-mon” users as they call themselves, can be found in many information-heavy professions including graphic design, stock trading, software development, IT administration, and publishing. At one time, Ryan Thompson, owner of an independent IT business in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at one time used five 19” to 21” standard CRT monitors lined up horizontally. It was a few too many monitors. “I started getting dizzy spells after a few days from turning my head too much,” he says. “I found I really only used the middle three effectively. The others basically devolved into scratch space and log output.” For Thompson, three feels about right, with a middle monitor rotated vertically for document editing. “Having a single monitor would be crippling,” he says. Like Musgrove, Tom Anderson stumbled onto using multiple monitors accidently. The last time that Anderson Analytics, his Stamford, Conn., boutique market research firm, bought computers he ended up with two extra flat panel monitors. He started using them and was immediately smitten. “It’s so natural,” Anderson says. “Whether you have e-mail up on monitor one and are surfing the Web or typing an e-mail response or other type of document in Word on monitor two, it’s so nice to have both there at a glance.” And like Musgrove, Anderson eventually upgraded to using more than two. Today he uses three identical 24” widescreen flat panel displays connected to a Dell Studio XPS 435 MT with an Intel Core i7-920 processor and uses a swivel office chair “so I can easily change my angle slightly,” he says. Anderson’s advice for anyone thinking about adding a screen? “Why wait, splurge, you won’t regret it.” SIDEBAR: Getting Started with Multiple Monitors If you’re interested in adding a second monitor to your desktop or laptop computer, here are some resources to get you started: Official Microsoft how-to guide — Step-by-step instructions for configuring and using multiple monitors with Windows XP. Linux user’s multi-monitor wiki — Instructions for setting up multiple monitors on Linux computers either in clone mode, where each monitor displays the same thing, or in “multihead mode,” where each monitor displays a separate session. Social Wallpapering — An online purveyor of background wallpaper with dozens of scenes suited to dual screens. Utility software — Multi-monitor utilities include programs such as UltraMon, which sets up a multi-monitor system, and Multi-Mon, which opens a new Windows task bar on a second monitor. Multi-Mon developer MediaChance also sells a heftier pro version that works with XP and Vista. Graphics expansion modules — External devices such as Matrox Graphics’DualHead2Go and TripleHead2Go connect two or three monitors to a PC or Mac, laptop or desktop computer through the VGA or DVI output.

About 1695 days ago Hardware

Netbooks: The Smartphone Alternative?

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Computer makers are betting the farm that small and mid-sized businesses will spring for “netbooks” — you know, those relatively inexpensive, petite, and Internet-enabled devices designed simply to access the Internet and check e-mail. Thanks to breakthrough products like the $249 ASUS Eee, they’re one of the hottest computer categories these days among consumers, and so it’s no surprise virtually every major computer manufacturer wants a piece of the action (er, except Apple). While less straining on your bank account, especially during this economic downturn, the question is whether or not these “dumbed-down” notebooks are ideal to manage your growing business. The good Netbooks distinguish themselves from fully-functional notebooks in a few areas. “The pricing is, in a word, irresistible,” says Andy Walker, author of Microsoft Windows Vista Help Desk and Windows Lockdown!: Your XP and Vista Guide Against Hacks, Attacks, and Other Internet Mayhem (QUE books). “We’ve been trained that small and sleek laptops mean ‘expensive’ — not anymore — as the price is tag is as tiny as these computers,” Walker adds, citing sub-$300 models including the Acer Aspire One, Sylvania G, and aforementioned ASUS Eee. A decent laptop computer, on the other hand, costs about $600. Usually weighing between two and four pounds, these Wi-Fi-ready netbooks are highly portable, continues Walker. “If you spend any time on the road, these small Internet appliances can be a good choice for a businessperson since they can shove it in a bag, purse or luggage and have access to the Net, e-mail and company documents.” “Plus, there’s always a concern of losing or dropping a $2,000 laptop while traveling, but now we’re talking about 10 percent of that cost, so even though I hesitate to say it, it’s almost, well, disposable,” he adds. The bad Netbooks have a lot going for them — an attractive price, small form factor, and wireless connectivity — but while they may be ideal for mobile students, a few limitations might prevent them from catching for the business crowd. For one, netbooks were designed for basic functionality and not high-end applications. “These PCs are great for basic word processing and checking e-mail but not for video editing, gaming or any other demanding apps,” cautions Walker. What’s more, in order to keep costs down, many netbooks ship with a version of the free open-source Linux operating system, opposed to having Windows XP or Windows Vista installed. “Because of this fact, you have to make sure your business applications will work with Linux or else you’ll have to install Windows — if there’s enough memory to do so,” says Walker, alluding to the fact netbooks usually ship with modest storage space such as 2GB of Flash memory, and no optical drive. That said, a few free productivity suites work with Linux, such as OpenOffice.org 2, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation creation software, and more. “Don’t expect a full computer experience on a netbook, so base your expectations accordingly. You’re not going to design the next space shuttle on these things,” says Walker. The compromise HP, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers, has also created an aggressively-priced subnotebook — the HP 2133 ($499) — but it’s not quite a netbook either. “HP is definitely in this category — a small form factor, optional Linux operating system, and Flash drive, but it gives you more of what a typical notebook will give you,” explains Robert Baker, product marketing manager for commercial notebooks, North America, at HP. “We see the demand for smaller, entry-level netbooks, but we did some market research and found those who use computers for business didn’t want to give up too much in the power department, so our 2133 is our first offering that splits the difference,” explains Baker. Specifically, users can select from a number of laptop-like options, such as up to 250GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, Windows Vista Business edition, and so on. When pressed on the likelihood of launching a true netbook to compete in this hot category, Baker says, “We’re actively looking into this market….. Yes, we’re watching it extremely closely, but I can’t tell you if we’re going to come out with one.” It all boils down to what you’re using it for. “I know people who are perfectly fine with having a netbook for Web surfing, especially if a lot of your computing is in the ‘cloud’ these days,” Baker says. “From our experience, however, while netbooks are emerging, the business parameters just aren’t there yet.”

About 1695 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Netbooks: The Smartphone Alternative?

our beautiful site

Computer makers are betting the farm that small and mid-sized businesses will spring for “netbooks” — you know, those relatively inexpensive, petite, and Internet-enabled devices designed simply to access the Internet and check e-mail. Thanks to breakthrough products like the $249 ASUS Eee, they’re one of the hottest computer categories these days among consumers, and so it’s no surprise virtually every major computer manufacturer wants a piece of the action (er, except Apple). While less straining on your bank account, especially during this economic downturn, the question is whether or not these “dumbed-down” notebooks are ideal to manage your growing business. The good Netbooks distinguish themselves from fully-functional notebooks in a few areas. “The pricing is, in a word, irresistible,” says Andy Walker, author of Microsoft Windows Vista Help Desk and Windows Lockdown!: Your XP and Vista Guide Against Hacks, Attacks, and Other Internet Mayhem (QUE books). “We’ve been trained that small and sleek laptops mean ‘expensive’ — not anymore — as the price is tag is as tiny as these computers,” Walker adds, citing sub-$300 models including the Acer Aspire One, Sylvania G, and aforementioned ASUS Eee. A decent laptop computer, on the other hand, costs about $600. Usually weighing between two and four pounds, these Wi-Fi-ready netbooks are highly portable, continues Walker. “If you spend any time on the road, these small Internet appliances can be a good choice for a businessperson since they can shove it in a bag, purse or luggage and have access to the Net, e-mail and company documents.” “Plus, there’s always a concern of losing or dropping a $2,000 laptop while traveling, but now we’re talking about 10 percent of that cost, so even though I hesitate to say it, it’s almost, well, disposable,” he adds. The bad Netbooks have a lot going for them — an attractive price, small form factor, and wireless connectivity — but while they may be ideal for mobile students, a few limitations might prevent them from catching for the business crowd. For one, netbooks were designed for basic functionality and not high-end applications. “These PCs are great for basic word processing and checking e-mail but not for video editing, gaming or any other demanding apps,” cautions Walker. What’s more, in order to keep costs down, many netbooks ship with a version of the free open-source Linux operating system, opposed to having Windows XP or Windows Vista installed. “Because of this fact, you have to make sure your business applications will work with Linux or else you’ll have to install Windows — if there’s enough memory to do so,” says Walker, alluding to the fact netbooks usually ship with modest storage space such as 2GB of Flash memory, and no optical drive. That said, a few free productivity suites work with Linux, such as OpenOffice.org 2, which includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation creation software, and more. “Don’t expect a full computer experience on a netbook, so base your expectations accordingly. You’re not going to design the next space shuttle on these things,” says Walker. The compromise HP, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers, has also created an aggressively-priced subnotebook — the HP 2133 ($499) — but it’s not quite a netbook either. “HP is definitely in this category — a small form factor, optional Linux operating system, and Flash drive, but it gives you more of what a typical notebook will give you,” explains Robert Baker, product marketing manager for commercial notebooks, North America, at HP. “We see the demand for smaller, entry-level netbooks, but we did some market research and found those who use computers for business didn’t want to give up too much in the power department, so our 2133 is our first offering that splits the difference,” explains Baker. Specifically, users can select from a number of laptop-like options, such as up to 250GB (7200 RPM) hard drive, Windows Vista Business edition, and so on. When pressed on the likelihood of launching a true netbook to compete in this hot category, Baker says, “We’re actively looking into this market….. Yes, we’re watching it extremely closely, but I can’t tell you if we’re going to come out with one.” It all boils down to what you’re using it for. “I know people who are perfectly fine with having a netbook for Web surfing, especially if a lot of your computing is in the ‘cloud’ these days,” Baker says. “From our experience, however, while netbooks are emerging, the business parameters just aren’t there yet.”

About 1756 days ago Cloud Computing

Tech Talk: Cloud Computing Lifts Acting School

As one of Hollywood’s premier acting schools, Lesly Kahn & Company has been teaching the art of drama and comedy to stars for a dozen years now. The school’s staff suffered a series of computer problems — servers crashing, application woes, backup problems, etc. — until they moved to cloud computing and migrated their applications to a managed data center, office manager Suzy Henschel tells IncTechnology.com. Elizabeth Wasserman: What does an acting school do with technology? Suzy Henschel: We’re big on communication and tracking our actors’ progress. We’re almost scientific about it. We’re really thorough with the note-taking process by our staff on every actor’s progress every week to track their growth. We have 20 different people logging into our system to add notes and levels on a daily basis. There’s also so much scheduling involved in actor coaching all day long and we hold classes day and night. It’s a lot of work scheduling so many people on the computer systems. Wasserman: What drove you to consider cloud computing? Henschel: We were always crashed. Our server was always going down. We’re not necessarily the most tech savvy people in the world. We’re all actors and artists. But the computer problems meant we were always in crisis mode. At one point we all had paper notebooks. Our computers were down so much that we were taking notes by hand and then transcribing them later into the computer system. The company was growing so much and we were having so many problems that we needed to move onto a larger firm that could help us grow. For one thing, we wanted a resource that we could go to with all of our issues, which we didn’t have before. Now, Cloudworks is our one-stop for every issue we have. No matter how serious. And accessibility has become a non-issue because we can all log in from anywhere and at any time. If someone is out on a movie set or somebody is at home or it’s 3 a.m. and a teacher wants to type in notes, we can all log in. In the past, people were having to drive in here from the Valley or wherever to post their notes or do their scheduling. Wasserman: What did you end up doing? Henschel: We got rid of our servers. Our software applications are now Web-hosted. Our employees can access our applications through a Web interface, which presents to them a virtual desktop. So if I were to launch this in full screen mode, you wouldn’t know that it wasn’t based on the computer. It looks like Windows XP. We still have desktops but we can purchase less expensive ones that don’t need to have as much horsepower. And that day to day maintenance has simply gone away. Wasserman: What kind of results have you seen? Henschel: The office is 1,000 times more efficient. The most basic tasks used to be problematic — scheduling, and even our e-mail system. We all used one giant e-mail box. Staff didn’t have their own e-mail addresses before. Now, we all have individual e-mail addresses. We’re saving an enormous amount of time. We’re saving money, too, as far as paying people hourly rates to type in notes into computers that kept crashing. The teachers are happier and the office staff are much happier. With a user name and ID we can all get on the system and we can all be logged in at the same time.