A question we get asked all the time from businesses is what should they purchase with their new computer. How much memory, which processor, disk drive size, etc.?
The answer will depend on the needs of the individual using the computer and available budgets. Our philosophy is that a desktop computer should have a life of between 3-5 years. When we design a system for our clients, the hardware may be overkill for their current needs, but the long term cost savings of not having to buy (and reinstall) a new computer every 2 years is worth it.
For a general office computer (Word/Excel/Outlook, web surfing, and a business application or two) there are a few standards you should have:
Desktop Computer
- Processor (CPU)- Intel Core2Duo (any speed), 1333Mhz FSB
- Memory -3GB (the more the better)
- Disk- Any size will do. (Your data should be saved on a central server)
- Monitor - 19″ LCD, Widescreen
- Video Card – Integrated Graphics (no 3rd party card)
- Media - DVD-ROM drive
- Warranty - 1 Year, Next Business Day – Hardware replacement
- Operating System - Windows 7 Professional
Laptop
- Processor (CPU)- Intel Core2Duo (any speed), 1066Mhz FSB
- Memory -3GB (the more the better)
- Disk- 160GB +
- Video Card – Integrated Graphics*
- Wireless - 802.11n
- Media - DVDRW
- Warranty - 3 Year, Next Business Day – Hardware replacement
- Operating System – Windows 7 Professional
* Video cards on laptops cannot be upgraded. Make sure your business applications do not need any extra graphics horsepower.
Summary
When purchasing a computer think of what your needs WILL be in a few years. People should not be fixated on CPU speed anymore. Instead of speed, think cores (these are the individual processors inside a single physical chip (Think multiple engines under the hood of your car).
Anti-virus software should not be purchased with the system. As a business it better to buy a corporate level product, such as Symantec Endpoint Protection, in one license bundle.
For more information and pricing, please contact Wireguided.
Windows 7 Pro
Windows 7 has finally arrived. Now what do you do? Windows 7 is the next generation of Microsoft’s Windows operating system (XP –> Vista –> Windows 7). Should you go run to the store and buy it? Start upgrading your all business systems? The answer depends on a few things.
While Vista was to be avoided at all costs, Windows 7 is the exact opposite. We have been using it for a few months now internally and is is getting rave reviews. It looks like Vista (with some great productivity improvements), runs faster than XP (in general), and can run on most desktops, laptops, or netbooks bought in the past few years.
If you would like to determine if your system is ‘Windows 7 compatible’ click here to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
Businesses – What to do?
The first thing you should NOT do, is go buying licenses for Windows 7 to install on your computers. The main reason for this is that there is no direct upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. You will need to rebuild each XP machine to run Windows 7. Yes, that stinks. However, planning should be started now for a Q1 / Q2 2011 migration. Things to consider:
- Any computer bought after June 22nd, 2009 is eligible for a free Windows 7 upgrade. No need to purchase new licenses for these systems.
- Computers SHOULD have at least 2GB of memory. Now is the time to start replacing old computers and start purchasing computers with 3 or 4GB of memory as the standard. Windows 7 will work on system with as little as 1GB of memory, but the more the merrier.
- Older computers (3+ years) will more then likely not have the graphics cards in them to use the new ‘Aero’ interface. Not a biggie, but it could effect training scenarios and manuals.
- Plan to be fully windows 7 by Q1/Q2 2011.
- 2010 is a big Microsoft release year. Windows 7, 2008 Server R2, and the new Office suite are all coming out. Prepare your capital budgets.
Personal – What to do?
If you have a Windows Vista system, upgrade as soon as you can. Just for the speed increase alone (and the removal of those annoying pop-up alerts) it is worth it.
If you have a Windows XP system, it is best just to wait until you need to buy a new computer. Since there is no direct XP to Windows 7 upgrade path, you would need to reinstall the operating system which is not worth the heartburn for most folks.
Summary
If you are a business, start planning today for your Windows 7 future. Bump up computer specs on new purchases and set aside some extra cash to your capital budgets for licenses and hardware.
If your business would like more information or needs assistance in planning for a Windows 7 migration, please contact Wireguided.
-Tim
One of the most common questions we get is ‘how much is it going to cost’ and ‘what do I get’. The chart below provides the clear answer. Not only does Wireguided provide the most comprehensive managed service package, we also do it at the lowest price. Maybe that is why we have over a 96% retention rate.
Click on the below graphic for the full size chart.
Contact Wireguided today and start saving.
Is your organization located in Massachusetts or does it do any business in Massachusetts? If so,and your business contains information on any MA resident, you have until March 1st, 2010 to get compliant with the new law (201CMR17.00) or face some serious penalties.
What is 201 CMR 17.00?
201CMR17.00 is a new law defining mandatory computer security requirements for businesses that operate in Massachusetts?
What is the scope of this new regulation?
To quote the law:
“The provisions of this regulation apply to all persons that own, license, store or maintain personal information about a resident of the Commonwealth.”
What does it mean to my organization?
Section 17.03 states that organizations covered by the law MUST:
“develop, implement, maintain and monitor a comprehensive, written information security program (“program”) applicable to any records containing” protected information which is consistent with industry standards. A program must contain “administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality”
So what does it really mean to my business?
In short, your business will need to create a detailed written security policy, lock down your data with encryption, ensure security software and hardware is active and up-to-date (antivirus, antispyware, firewalls, etc.), and much much more.
What happens if my business is not compliant?
Massachusetts General Law 93H allows for penalties of $5,000 for each violation. Also, improper data disposal could be subject to a fine of up to $50,000 for each instance.
More information
Here is the text of the law and a great article which provides the nitty gritty details.
If you are not sure if your organization is 201 CMR 17.00 compliant or would like more information on how to become compliant, please contact Wireguided.
After coming from ten days on a farm in Ireland I though it would be a good idea to share what tools and tips a business
traveler should know about before leaving on a business trip. Part 1 is all about the tools you will need. I will assume you are bringing a laptop.
Tool #1 – Global outlet adapter
Notice I did not say POWER adapter. Many countries (e.g. Europe) use 22o volt outlets, which is not compatible with equipment made for the US (120 volt). However, 99% of laptops can be used on both voltages. Check the bottom of the power ‘brick’ that sits between the laptop and the outlet. Check the ‘Input’ field to see if it says ‘Input: 110-240V’. If so, you can use it overseas. You just need a way to plug it in. I use the Kensington Travel Plug Adapter. Unlike other power adaptors, it is one unit without multiple loose attachments. It is ugly, but works great.
Tool #2 – Softphone software (and headset)
A softphone is just software that sits on your computer which allows you to make and/or receive calls over the Internet. Basically, your laptop becomes your phone. You may be saying “but I have a cell phone”. If your cell phone works overseas AND is paid for by your company, skip this section. If not, and you do not want to have a crazy phone bill, use a softphone. There are two options I recommend, Skype and Vonage. Skype allows free calls and 1-to-1 video conferences to other Skype users. For additional fees you can make/receive calls to/from regular landlines or cell phones. You will be provided a local US number for people to call. Vonage has a device called a V-Phone which is a little USB adapter that contains all the software needed to make and receive calls. It auto-installs when plugged in to the computers USB port which makes it great if you need a US number on any machine you will be using. The device costs ~$40 plus Vonage fees. The V-phone can also be used as a 250MB flash drive for storage.
Tool #3 – USB Flash Drive
Pick up one of these drives anywhere (or here).It should contain backups of all your applications and critical documents you will need on your trip. Scan a copy of your passport as well. You would be wise to also put a file on it with all your emergency / business contact numbers. Feel free to throw some photos from home on it as well. Then, encrypt the flash drive and throw it in your pocket before you leave for the airport. Do not store it in your laptop bag.
Other tools might include a web camera (with built in mic) or external travel mouse. If you will be traveling for business, please contact Wireguided for more information on this topic.
We are pleased to announce that Wireguided has achieved SMB Specialist Partner status with Symantec! This means we can provide our clients with 500 employees and under even better service and pricing than before.
Symantec is the market leader in security software (45% market share). They make two of the best software packages we use with our clients. Endpoint Protection (anti-virus/anti-spyware) and BackupExec (backup software).
If your business is currently running into any issues with viruses or backups please contact Wireguided today.
-Tim
Raise your hand if you ever had a time when you didn’t want to go into the office, but needed to get work done. In the past, remote access was difficult for employees to set up and even harder for businesses to support. Technology has finally caught up with our needs and can now make easy remote access a reality, and a money saver.
What remote access means for your business
If you have employees who can work without being in the office then your business can benefit in the following ways:
- Lower operating costs – An employee working for home uses no electricity or other resources in the office. From turned off computers and lights, to smaller office spaces and coffee filters, money can be saved in large and small amounts.
- More Productivity – Having the ability to work remotely means that employees can do their jobs in case of bad weather or personal issues (no babysitter). Giving people the tools to work remotely allows more business to get done during the times they cannot get into the office.
- After hours, without the overtime - Does your business need to answer calls past 5pm? If so, hire someone in a different time zone and use remote office technology to integrate them into your business contact points (phone, email, instant message, etc.). Also, some employees would rather work at night then play catch up in the morning. This benefits the business and the employee.
- Swine Flu - The US Gov’t is expecting a large Swine Flu problem this year. Giving employees the option to work from home, in case they are sick, or do not want to get sick, could be very helpful to everyone. (We were actually asked about this)
The Tools & Capabilities
Just a few years ago, remote access meant setting up complicated VPN software and hardware on employee machines. Neither the employee or the IT support staff really liked this. Getting everything to work was the first problem. Once it did work, figuring out how to use it could be even more difficult. Technology has come a long way.Now you can do most of the items below with no special software needing to be installed on remote machines.
Here are some of the things your business can do:
- Email/Calendar Access – either via a web interface or fully integrated Outlook client.
- Document Access -Full access to all files ‘at work’.
- Applications - Ability to run business critical programs remotely
- Phone - Have your home/mobile number ring when your extension is dialed.
- Presence - Ability of co-workers to know if you are online and available to chat (via Instant message or phone).
As you can see, you can have a fully mobile, home based, or distributed workforce. More importantly, they act as if they were all in the same office (minus the gossip).
The costs for this technology has gone down significantly which makes it more attractive to businesses of all sizes. Tools from vendors such as Cisco and Microsoft can meet different levels of needs.
If you would like more information about setting up a remote workforce please contact Wireguided.
-Tim
If you own or manage a small business, you may be tempted from time to time to just go to the store to purchase a computer or peripheral (printer, monitor, etc.). You might have seen an advertisement from a retail store listing great prices on computers that seem to be a really good deal. They usually are not and here is why:
- Computers purchased retail will have the HOME version of Windows loaded on them. The business version is what you should have at the office and that adds about $100 more to the price.
- The warranty on retail bought computers is usually mail in only. That may be fine if your home computer breaks, but you should have next-day on-site warranties which you can get from computers purchased from your IT vendor. As a side note, ask your IT vendor where they purchase your computers. If they say Best Buy (or something similar), get a new IT company.
- As a business owner, simpler is better. Continuously buying the lowest cost PC at the store will give you a mish-mosh of hardware which will cost more to manage in the long term.
-Tim
Windows 7 Professional (Business version) has a special feature called XP Mode (XPM). This allows businesses that have software that does not run in Vista/Win 7 to be run in a virtual Windows XP computer within Windows 7. This mode requires a processor (CPU) that supports hardware virtualization. It turns out that Sony has disabled this feature on all their Vaio laptops.
Please ask the following questions of your IT dept:
1. Does our organization have any business applications that do not run on Vista?
2. Does our organization use any Sony Vaio laptops?
If there is a ‘yes’ answer for both 1 and 2, then it is time to start testing new hardware or new versions of the incompatible software (if available).
If you have any questions about Windows 7 and Vaio compatibility please send us an email.
-Tim
