Windows 7 was released to the general public October 22, 2009 amidst declarations from critics that it was the best Microsoft operating system in recent memory. So what makes it so special? It doesn’t look all that different from Vista, which since its introduction has been widely panned by these same critics. Here are some of the major reasons Windows 7 is being considered such a success when compared to the other Windows systems of recent memory…

1. It’s faster – One of the major improvements for Windows from Vista to 7 is the processing time. Upon installing Windows 7, nearly everyone notices that their computer starts up in significantly less time, and applications open and close in a far more timely fashion than Vista. What does this mean for you? You are able to open Word while surfing multiple Firefox windows or tabs, with your Outlook running in the background and instead of waiting a minute or more to be able to begin writing, editing, etc. You’re able to begin in less than half that time. Less wait time = more work time and therefore more efficiency.

2. A cleaner look – It may seem like a small improvement, but Windows 7 is easier on the eyes. There is more customization available for how system icons are displayed (That would be those pictures in the bottom right hand corner)

Highly customizable system tray options

In addition, the taskbar (where all your open programs are displayed) shows only the icon of the open program, saving precious space for when you have a multitude of projects open at once.

More than one window of a program open? No problem, Windows 7 simply shows the icon “stacked” with the windows in behind it, like so.

Three or more Firefox windows open.

Even better? Windows took a note out of the Apple OS book and made a really cool feature. Simply hover your mouse over a minimized program (such as the Firefox windows in the previous example) and a small preview of the three windows will pop up.

3. Stability – Windows 7 is a highly stable operating system, with far fewer reported instances of crashing or freezing when compared to Windows Vista. Many updates and bug fixes were necessary before Vista could run in a streamlined manner, however 7 runs with very few problems immediately upon installation. This comes as a relief to those who have ever had an issue with Windows crashing in the middle of a huge project in the past caused by a missed update.

So should you update to Windows 7?

The easy, although not cut-and-dried answer: It depends.

· If you purchase a new computer, chances are it will have Windows 7 pre-loaded on it, so it is a moot point.

· Have Windows XP and unsure whether an upgrade to Windows 7 is a good idea? This situation has some necessary considerations before making a decision. Windows XP came out in 2001, which is a L-O-N-G time as far as technology goes. The first consideration is whether your present hardware can handle the new operating system. To find out if your current system can run Windows 7, visit the Microsoft website and try out their Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor . Something else to think about if you are considering coming to 7 from XP is if you have any specialized programs, will they be compatible with the new operating system?

· What about those who have Windows Vista and are wringing their hands trying to decide if an upgrade is worthwhile? This is the hardest decision to make. Essentially, Windows 7 is everything Windows Vista should have been. It cuts down significantly on the annoyances many people complained about with Vista (such as endless pop-up windows asking permission to do pretty much anything) and also has all the improvements listed above. However, if your computer is running Vista just fine, and you have customized it to meet your needs, there is no real need to upgrade unless some of the appealing upgrades are just too cool to pass up.

Many computer users who do not launch a NASA shuttle or play the latest video game run into issues with PC performance.  They are not doing anything more on their computers than browsing the web, checking email, downloading their digital pictures, syncing their Ipods, and word processing.  These are pretty common everyday consumer/office worker tasks yet the sophisticated "bad guys" on the Internet still come up with ways to land on to your computer.   Spyware, Malware, Crapware, and viruses are still running a muck on the computers of everyday people.  Even recently we have heard more about this in the media with the details on Conficker showing up on everyone’s televisions.

What can I do to prevent these programs from getting onto my machine?

You cannot fly blindly on the internet anymore.  You have to pay attention to the actions that you are taking.  This is especially true now that more and more older generations are using email and social tools like Facebook.  The “bad guys” are using what is called Social Engineering to get you to click, watch, or add them as a “friend.”

Here are some basic services to improve your chances staying safe:

1. Always have a Router installed on your network.   If you are using cable internet from the cable company, this is a must.  If you are using DSL from your phone company, then you are more than likely already using one.

2. Run Antivirus.  We recommend that our clients use AVG Free as it does an excellent job at keeping machines clean from unneeded services and crap!

3. The bad guys have become very tricky and are constantly finding ways around Antivirus, so we recommend also using OpenDNS on your small business network or on your home machine.  This service has a built in blocker for those services that call out to the internet for further commands or ask you to purchase something.  There are a lot of added benefits for home use and for small business use.

How can I repair my machine?

1. Be sure to update and patch your machine using Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com/.

WARNING!   There are many Shield icons out there and they attempt to fool you into using or buying some malware.  NEVER CLICK ON OR BUY ANYTHING FROM ANY OF THOSE ICONS!   If you purchased anything from one of those icons, contact your Bank immediately for guidance.

Below is what you should see:

If you are running XP, you want to run updates if you see this image in your system tray in the lower right corner:

If you are running Vista, you want to run updates if you see this image in your system tray in the lower right corner:

2. Load the latest AntiVirus patches and do a scan.  If you do not have Antivirus, then load AVG Free to your computer.

3. As I was saying earlier, hackers are getting around Antivirus, so 2 additional tools to install and run for free are Malwarebytes; Anti-Malware and Spybot Search and Destroy.

What are some common tasks I should run?

The above actions should be taken once a month.

This article is meant too aid you in a moment of trouble and be proactive.  Some malware, spyware, and viruses do not get removed from using the above tools and at that point please contact us or your local IT professional

for additional guidance.

Nick Hemmert

iwantthe@abilityto.com

In recent months, we have come across more customers than usual that have experienced an unfortunate event causing hardware loss at their facility.  Thankfully through our disaster recovery plan, our backup process including an offsite backup, we have been able to recover all of the business critical data. 

These events prompt me to remind all computer users that they should have in place a strategy for backing up the most critical information that they have. 

Are you backing up your data?   Are you taking a copy of that to a secure location?

Common files important to have backed up include:

• Quickbooks
• Email
• Digital Pictures
• Office Documents (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
• Digital Music
• Internet Favorites
• My Documents folder for Windows Users

This backup could be completed in one of the following ways:

• USB Key
• USB Hard Drive
• Burnable CD
• Burnable DVD
• Another Computer on your network
• An offsite automated backup

Common Ways to Backup:

1 - The simplest way to backup your files is to manually copy them to your backup location.

2 - Use a backup software package to automate the process

3 - Create a script to run and walk away from it while it is running

This is your opportunity to take some time now to think about what would happen if your office or house had a fire?   What if my hard drive had an issue?  What if…..

Contact us today to have a free consultation on how we can create a Disaster Recovery plan for you. 

Nick Hemmert

iwantthe@abilityto.com

Access to  your office information remotely is at a growing pace as the technology becomes easier and easier to use.  One of the aspects where we see this growth is on Mobile Smart Phones.  In an already complex world of immediate access and new gadgets, a small business owner wants access to his/her data with little to no extra hoops.  There are 3 major players in the SmartPhone business: Blackberry, Apple, and Microsoft Windows Mobile (Brands include Treo, Motorola, and Samsung, and HTC) .  What I would like to share with you today is the advantages of using a Microsoft Windows ActiveSync phone which includes the IPhone (Version 2) with your Microsoft Small Business Server.

1. Calendar, Email, Tasks, and Contacts syncing with no cable over the Internet.

When you are looking for mobile access, you want mobile access.  You do not want to boot up your machine to sync your calendar, your tasks, and your contacts.  You want to be able to access all of your information on the fly when you are in the field.  When your assistant changes your calendar for a late afternoon meeting and you are out of the office, you do not want to have to always have to call her for updates.  With Windows Mobile, you get access to all of your Outlook features: Email, Calendar, Tasks, and Contacts over the Internet using your providers data network. 

In contrast, there are 2 other types of phones:  Blackberry and Palm.

The Blackberry will push your inbox to your phone only out of the box.

The Palm with sync your Email, Calendar, and Contacts over the air.

2. No need for third party software: you are connecting directly with your server.

When using a Windows Mobile Phone or an IPhone you are connecting directly to your companies Exchange server.  There is no need to install any Desktop or Server Software.  Your SBS server will handle the load, the minute you walk out of the store.

3. Lower Cost

The Windows Mobile Phone is already licensed to connect to your company’s Exchange Server.  Right out of the door, you can connect your phone to all of your company’s Exchange features. 

With the Blackberry, you are only licensed for email access, and you have to purchase the Blackberry Professional Software and have us configure it on your Exchange server.  The software is free for the 1st license/user and $100/License after that.

With the Palm, you are licensed for email, calendar, and contacts.  This would be why we prefer this over the Blackberry, but their phones are not current at all phone providers.

4. Seamless Integration:  Add, Edit, Deletes.  Also, filing emails.

When you add, edit, or delete your email, calendar, contacts or tasks on your Windows Mobile phone, those changes are made directly to the server without connecting again.  In addition, you can file your emails via the phone without having to open up Outlook.  These are 5 time saving activities that add up really quickly when you are out of the office and need access now.

With the other device types, you are very limited to what you can

5. Enhanced Contacts and Company Directory Lookup:  Look up Fellow Employees in the Company Directory (Windows Mobile 6)

In Outlook you can setup each contact with a photo of your choice.  So when an email comes in, that pictures shows in the header.  Well these pictures are transferred to your Windows Mobile Phone automatically, so every time you get a phone call, email, or Text Message, you will see that picture!  Pretty sweet!

Need Jane from Accounting’s email on the road?  You can look up her email using the company directory.

6. Familiarity.  You know how it works, it’s Windows.

Everyone knows how Windows works and therefore it is very simple to pick up a Windows Mobile phone. 

Hot Tip!

You can install Google Mobile Maps on your Windows Mobile Phone and find directions to all your contacts!  Once you have loaded all of your contacts, you can lookup their address on Google Maps and get their quicker!

We recommend that you look at smart phones in the following order:

1. Windows Mobile Phone or Windows Activesync.  Made by: Treo (Palm), Motorola, HTC, Samsung, and IPhone

2. Palm based phones.  The Treo or Centro.

3. Blackberry Model Phones.

Allow us to help you enhance your productivity, minimize your cost, and keep you happy away from the office.