CTSNWW - Technology Solved

This direct from Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/oct08/10-28ESCPR.mspx

Next generation of Windows Embedded Standard will offer a richer set of solutions for building smart, connected, service-oriented devices.

BOSTON — Oct. 28, 2008 — Today at the Embedded Systems Conference Boston, Microsoft Corp. announced plans for the next generation of Windows Embedded Standard, code-named “Quebec” to be built on Windows 7. Windows Embedded “Quebec” delivers powerful next-generation Microsoft technologies including Silverlight 2, Windows Presentation Foundation and interoperability with Visual Studio 2010. Alignment with Windows 7 features will give OEMs access to the skills and contributions of a global community of Windows developers familiar with Visual Studio. OEMs will be able to quickly develop applications and drivers for connected device scenarios requiring rich applications, services and end-user experiences connecting to Windows-based PCs, servers and Windows Web services.

Driving Connected Experiences With the Richest Set of Solutions

“Windows Embedded ‘Quebec’ will provide OEMs with the ability to further differentiate their devices by taking rich user experiences to the next level with exciting new input capabilities through multitouch, gesture support and user interface enhancements,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft. “It also will feature a rich set of componentized operating system technologies and specific features that let developers optimally size the operating system on their devices with only the drivers, services and applications they need.”

Built on Windows 7, Windows Embedded “Quebec” will offer developers a powerful, familiar and reliable experience that will include the following benefits:

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Because so many companies are holding onto their purse strings so tightly, Microsoft are watching their orders very closely.

Surely other options are limited? But that isn’t really the case. Open Source solutions are out there waiting to be found; and that is where the problems usually start.

Finding an Open Source solution for Microsoft Office is simple - Open Office has been around a long time and the latest incarnation is excellent. What about other types of software?

Where to start? You really can’t believe how much there is available.

If you put “Open Source Directory” into your search engine you will find lots of resources that will list available solutions.

Some are better than others but beware, some of the solutions have a cost involved that’s hidden, most are free.

From simple online calculators and eCommerce sites to full CRM solutions you can locate the best zero cost options around if you are prepared to trial a few likely candidates.

This blog is written using Word Press, another Open Source solution (and in my opinion, one of the very best).

So Microsoft are right to worry that they will lose some revenue, but this will be a short term loss. It won’t be long before companies gain confidence in the economy and Microsoft profits will rise again.

In the mean time, happy hunting.

As people find old places to put their money (under the matress usually) it seems that business is slowely grinding to a halt for many people.

There are several things you can do to make sure you get out of this alive!

When others are wondering what to do you have to take the initiative. In the past you got new customers by doing what?

How did you advertise previously?

You may think that advertising is expensive, but with everyone feeling the pinch it may be possible to strike up a deal.

Who Moved My Cheese.

You can’t stand still waiting for customers to break down your door demanding that you sell them something. You have to move on through the maze and discover a new cheese station!

I have to admit, I don’t like to have just one solution to a problem in my arsenal when 2 or more are available.

Putting all your eggs in one basket is always risky and remote support and access to a clients PC is a classic case in point.

When Vista was released some remote access solutions used to disconnect whenever Vista raised a security issue and asked for a note from your Great Great Grandad co-signed by his father just so you could change a setting!

My solution was to use a different tool to do the job and get on with my life.

CrossLoop is a VNC based application that offers remote access point to point but with a difference.

As an IT professional I can now show myself as available to a potential client anywhere in the world and they can ask me for support having first seem my charges.

I arrange the support for the client, access their PC remotely, fix the problem (of course) and they pay me via PayPal for my time. The whole process is as simple as can be and I have to say that the large CrossLoop interface is brilliant for some of the older generation who have enough trouble with PC’s without the added difficulty of reading access codes off a monitor without their reading glasses!

There are so many available helpers online at any time that you will always be able to get someone to help you at a reasonable price.

As yet I haven’t helped anyone on the new system but I am a regular CrossLoop user with my existing Computer Troubleshooter clients.

More information can be found at: http://www.crossloop.com/

In days gone by (and yes like many I remember them oh so well), the Personal Computer was the IBM machine based on 8080 technology and a DOS operating system, then along came Sir Clive Sinclair and there followed a raft of computers that changed home computing for ever.

One thing that set these machines apart from the IBM PC was that their OS loaded from an EPROM, you flicked a switch and in a couple of seconds you could be typing commands.

Today we have PC’s that run Microsoft based Operating Systems as the defacto standard of the industry. They take anything from 3 - 5 minutes to boot, they require reboots on a regular basis.

The OS is released full of potential exploits to make life easier for the software developers to get their products to market and installed without the need for the user to make technical changes to the OS configuration. Instead once these products are released and stable Microsoft come along with am update that closes the loopholes and we are grateful!

When Windows 2000 came out, the NT world cheered, then got upset, then SP1 came out and things got better from that day onwards.

XP was released and the die hards decided that 2K was better but eventually (after SP1) they accepted the OS and generally embraced it.

Vista promised so much with the fantastic looking Aero graphics and what happened? Dismal, disappointing dross! This time SP1 came out and hardly changed a thing in my opinion.

There are far too many versions of Vista, they are overly complicated, again Microsoft change the names of our well loved and well known utilities (why the hell change Add/Remove Programs to Program Features?), and basically unless you have a really good PC you can’t getthe benefits of Vista Ultimate.

I’m sure one or two of you are shaking your heads saying that you love Vista, well in that case try running Ultimate 64bit without 4Gb of memory. Yes it works, but opening a complex application can be like the days of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and those dodgy tape loads, it takes forever!

So, what’s the answer?

In truth I don’t know! BUT, I do thow the following:-

• Vista is too complicated for it’s own good
• There are too many versions of Vista
• Most business users don’t need half the functions
• Most home users don’t need the other half of the functions
• The physical size of the OS is far too large
• Technology has moved on and the price of memory has fallen

Is the time ripe for a return to the EPROM days? Could we run several versions of an OS off several EPROM’s with a choice of useage at boot (gaming, office, browsing etc)?

I know there are rumours that Microsoft are looking at new processor architecture to help with something like Micro OS along just those lines. If this becomes reality what will happen to the IT Support industry?

Personally I have no doubt that we will still have work to do, but the nature of that work will change. We may find ourselves upgrading EPROMS to get the latest versions out there, or we may just find ourselves fixing application errors.

Either way, those who embrace the technology will lead the way.

Over the last couple of weeks Jason Hiner at TechRepublic has found himself with hundreds of trackbacks because he picked on a subject dear to the heart of any IT engineer.

Sure we all love our work, as an old boss of mine used to say, “It’s a fantastic job, and the only thing that would make it better is getting rid of the end users!”

On Jason’s blog he you will find “Five things that suck about working in IT” http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=822 but is it really that bad?

Certainly I have seen small teams of IT engineers working around the clock between them to keep an business that was primarily a 9 – 5 operation up and running. Not only that, but their job was originally 9 – 5 and just developed due to operational requirements. Worse still, they received no real benefit for the extra hours worked! That would stress anyone out after a year or so.

What about the technology?

Technology moves on, technical companies with development departments are often on the cutting edge. The IT department is expected to pick up and run with something that a developer has spent months researching and developing. The training is usually a case of RTFM (read the f*%&$^G manual). A good developer will spend some time during the handover helping out, but being a good developer means they will be tasked with the next best thing.

In a reply to Jason’s blog:-

TechRepublic member Eric from Colorado pointed to the problem of “Wildly unreasonable expectations, i.e. IT=magic.” He wrote,

“Non-technical end users think you are a graduate of Hogwarts instead of some place in the real world. Typical end-user expectation: ‘I would like access to the last 10 years of my email, with all attachments, instantly searchable and with no performance lag - and I expect you to make this happen on my Pentium II… Anything less means you’re an utter incompetent.’”

When I’m in my office I’m surrounded with diploma’s and certificates from the various Hogwarts establishments I have attended over the years and still I find IT as a career fascinating and frustrating in equal amounts.

Some end users are great to work with, many comment on my patience claiming they would have thrown the damn thing out of the window by now. I usually reply that if it was mine I would have done so, but their windows look more expensive than mine.

And yet each day I scour the many news posts, magazine articles and emails that point me towards the next best thing.

If you have a presence on the internet (or if you are considering it) then having your own internet domain name adds to your credibility.  It also means your I.T. infrastructure can change behind it, but your customers still have the same website address to visit.  Your domain name can also be used within your email addresses (e.g. me@mybusiness.com instead of me@emailforfree.com).  This month we look at some of the traps of internet domain name registration.
 
Naming Rights
Depending on which country you are in, different rules apply regarding who can register a domain name that has your company name in it.  In some cases you may need to provide proof that you own the company name (e.g. a business registration certificate).  In most cases, anyone can register ‘generic’ addresses including phrases (e.g.www.fixmywashingmachine.com).  If someone else has already registered the name you want, they own it for the period that they have paid for. 
 
Registration & Renewal
Domain names are not permanently ‘owned’ - instead they are registered for a set period of time, usually 1, 2, 3 or 5 years.  This is done with a company called a ‘domain name registrar’.  When that period of time is up, the owner may be advised that it’s time to renew the registration.  The details of the domain name include contact details for both the owner and a technical contact (usually email addresses), so it’s important to ensure that these details are correct if you change email service or technical support companies.  If your domain name registration expires, your email and websites can stop functioning and someone may be able to take over the registration and become the new owner!
 
There are many domain name registrars available on the internet, handling both international domains (e.g. .com, .net) and national domains (e.g. .co.uk, .com.au).
 
However, there are also a number of questionable companies that use underhanded tactics to try and convince you to transfer your domain name to them.  If you receive postal mail or email regarding the renewal of your domain name, contact your local Computer Troubleshooter to ensure that it is legitimate.
           
Other Services
A domain name by itself is useless, much like having a street address but no building!  To communicate with someone in your ‘building’ you still need a phone number for phone calls to go to and a letter box for postal mail to go into.  Likewise, your domain name also contains details for where your website is stored and where your email needs to go.
 
Passwords
Your domain name registration comes with a password to allow you or your technician to alter the details of your other services mentioned above.  It’s only really needed when things do change, which makes it easy to lose!  If your domain name has old, incorrect email addresses listed, then getting the password reset can require things like the business owner’s signature on company letterhead paper.  This tight security is in place to prevent other people from trying to reset your password and gain control of your domain name.  Other security features include locking your domain name so it can’t be transferred to another domain name registrar and hiding your contact details from public view.
     
Domain names are just one component of the technology that makes your website and emails work.  Talk to your local Computer Troubleshooter to ensure your registration is current and protected.

See our latest deals at http://www.ctsnww.net

Moving into a different house or office can be very stressful, though many moving companies offer practical tips for the packing and relocation of your goods.  So how can you ensure that everything goes to plan with all of the technology that you rely on?  This month we offer 10 tips for moving your technology.
 
Weeks before:
1. Scheduling - Where possible, schedule the actual move to happen over a weekend, giving you extra valuable hours to sort out any technology problems before the next business day arrives.

2. Internet & phone - Give your internet provider as much notice as possible (preferably up to 21 days) so they have time to arrange everything that needs to happen behind the scenes. Some internet connection types work off telephone lines and can be dependent upon confirmation of your new phone connection or phone number.  Make sure you’ve notified your phone company too (if they are a different company than your internet provider).

3. Cable guy - If you need to connect multiple computers at your new location, find a quality, approved cabling installer and again give them as much notice as possible.  Usually they can handle both your phone and data requirements, ensuring that you have the correct number of connections.

4. Troubleshooter - Let your local Computer Troubleshooter know of your move date, even if you plan on moving your technology yourself.  If things don’t go smoothly and you need expert help, you’d like your Troubleshooter to be there as soon as possible, so advanced notice of a ‘possible call’ can help with their work scheduling.

5. Emergency supplies - Moving can throw in unexpected challenges like equipment not functioning once it has been moved and it can be difficult to source replacement parts at short notice (especially on weekends or after business hours).  Identify what technology hardware is mission critical to your business and discuss with your local Troubleshooter what your options would be should it fail.
 
6. Worst case scenario - Have a ‘Plan B’ for how your business could operate if nothing was ready at your new location when you expected it.  Maybe the meeting rooms/faxing service etc at the local hotel could be an option, or maybe you would survive from home with a laptop and a mobile, wireless internet service?
 
Just before:
7. Backup, backup, backup - Ensure that you have a current, valid, tested backup before you move critical equipment like laptops and servers!  This may take a bit of extra effort, but now is not right time to find out that your backups have been failing or your backup media is unreadable.
 
8. Mobile office - If you have laptops, use them as a quick repository for critical business information whilst everything else is in transit or in boxes.  This could include copying your accounting information or customer database to them and installing the necessary software applications.
 
Moving day:
9. Priorities - make your internet and network connections the first priority of your move, using a laptop to test this before other computers are setup.  If you had to put up with boxes or sit on the floor on Monday morning, at least your customers could still email you.
 
10. Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3 - Test that EVERYTHING works .. phones, email, printer etc.  Don’t take it for granted that just because you can browse the internet, you can send/receive email.

Telephone and Internet Services
Computer Troubleshooters NW Wales offers a range of phone and internet services for home and business users.

Home Telephone and Power
Home users can take advantage of a partnership that will allow you to get all your domestic communications, and power on one easy to understand monthly bill.

Business Telephone and Power
Our partnership with a local, totally independant telecommunications company means that we can get a telephone engineer on your premesis to assess your needs and provide you with cost effective phone systems, taffifs and billing.

You can also have your power costs checked to make sure that you are with the very best provider, this will result in your company making savings that will have a positive affect on your bottom line.

Web Hosting
CTSNWW can now offer web hosting to home and business users alike. Hosting packages start at under £5 per month. You can customise your package to add superb products such as Search Engine Submission, Secure Server and SMS Messaging.

Talk to your local Troubleshooter about your moving plans and good luck!

You can guarantee that technology is always changing and always improving.  This is particularly true for computer hard disk drives which provide the long-term storage for your files.  Not long ago, disk sizes of 250GB (Gigabytes) and 320GB would have only been needed by businesses (who could have afforded them), but now these sizes are accepted as standard for new home computers.

This increase in storage capacity has come from an improvement in the quality and cost-efficiency of the components and the driving consumer need for more and more storage space.  It’s estimated that as much as 98% of all information that exists today was ‘born digital’ i.e. it did not exist before someone created it in a digital format.  We’ve become a society that functions on emails, websites and documents and all of that information has to be stored somewhere.  And that’s before you’ve mentioned entertainment, with digital photos, videos and music compounding our storage problems.  All of this is nicely supported by rising internet speeds, which now make it possibly to email a 10MB attachment without taking 3 days to deliver it.

Unfortunately, your 250GB hard disk doesn’t give you a full 250GB anyway to store your own files.  The ‘operating system’ (e.g. Microsoft Windows) takes its share first, then you need to allow some free space for temporary ‘swap’ files and you may also have a portion of space allocated to a ‘recovery partition’ (which contains a backup of specialist files for your particular computer hardware).

So, here are a few tips for keeping your file storage use under control:

1.  Clean out temporary files – each time you visit a website, it saves some files (especially pictures) to your computer to make it faster for your next visit to that site. 

These and other temporary files aren’t always deleted automatically and can add up to a significant amount of space over time.  Install a utility to clean out these temporary storage areas, or learn how to use the inbuilt tools in your computer to do this (e.g. Disk Cleanup). 

2.  Review your programs – So many free software programs on the internet can seem appealing, but little by little they will start to cut into your free disk space.  Review and uninstall software that you don’t need or don’t use.

3.  Duplicates – If you’ve ever saved an email attachment to your computer to work on it and you still have the original email, you’ve just doubled the amount of storage needed.  Be ruthless with how you handle attachments, especially the ones that also appear in your Sent email folder too.

4.  Quality versus quantity – When it comes to media files like pictures, audio and video, the file size is directly related to the quality of the image or recording.  Whilst your digital camera may produce amazing quality for high definition printing, you may be able to compress pictures if they are just being emailed or added to a document, therefore also reducing their size and storage requirement.

5.   Add more hardware – There is an enormous range of options available if you just really need more space, from replacing your current internal hard disk with a bigger one, to adding external storage via USB hard disk enclosures or even network attached disks.

If your computer is starting to struggle, the disk space is one of the first things we’ll look at, so talk to your local Computer Troubleshooter about the best way to handle your digital storage requirements.