FREE XP Upgrade Consultation

Free Consultation for an Equipment Upgrade Web Version                                                                    Like Tweet Forward Take advantage of this offer today! Is April 8, 2014 marked on your calendar? If not, it should be because this is date that Microsoft officially ends Windows XP operating system’s lifecycle with no further security updates or automatic fixes. If you have not upgraded your operating systems by the April 8th deadline, you are potentially placing your computers at serious risk for “zero day” cyber-attacks and viruses. Don’t let this happen because you didn’t take the necessary precautions. If we have your attention and you are now thinking about an operating system upgrade, be sure that your computers meet the minimum requirements for the new system. There can be software and hardware compatibility issues with the migration to a new operating system. Additionally, be sure that your screen has the required resolution to take advantage of the current Windows interface. Also, don’t forget to have a secure online backup system in place especially when you are moving data. Lastly, be aware that some older model printers, scanners and professional equipment that worked with XP might not be compatible with newer operating systems. There are a variety of issues to consider when updating an operating system or upgrading equipment and the technical decisions can seem daunting. Geeks On Call can assess your computer needs and execute an operating system or equipment upgrade. Call Geeks On Call today to take advantage of a free consultation. Don’t delay because April 8th is right around the corner!   FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN | BLOG Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe Geeks On Call 344 Maple Avenue West  Suite 170  Vienna, VA 22180

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Using Google Voice with Logmein Pro to record a live training session for LytecMD

Did you know you can use your Google Voice number to record a live training session while the trainer is remotely connected to your computer while you are remotely connected to a client's computer in their office and the client is remotely connected to a server miles away...oh, and I can be anywhere in the world? You can then edit the recording and post on you Youtube for your clients to use? Just plain sweet....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdfipjG2Xkw 

Ryle Irwin

Photo Business News & Forum: CalumetPhoto - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - comments by Ryle Irwin

Photo Business News & Forum: CalumetPhoto - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy



So, during my quest to reenter the field of photography after more 20 years, I had picked up a few lenses for my Nikon D7000 before I really knew what I wanted.  After some time, I had collected a few lenses I just wasn't using and wasn't going to use.  So, I took them to Calumet photo in Tysons Corner.  I left deciding to keep one lens and try to sell it on eBay with two lenses SOLD - or at least I thought.  It had been a few weeks and I realized I had no received a check from Chicago, so I call the store and nobody answers for days.  It was then that I got a sick feeling and realized the news I had failed to hear - Calumet had closed their doors.  Yep, closed their doors and stole my lenses.  I'll never see the money, but I have asked the attorney handling the bankruptcy if I could possibly get my lenses back.  Oddly, if Calumet has actually sold the lenses, then they have technically sold stolen property since I was never paid for them.  Oh well, others are in worse shape.  What about the people who took their gear in for cleaning or repairs and now their gear is locked up tight in a store where nobody has the key?  What a pathetic way to shut down a business.



Ryle Irwin

Carbonite Named Preferred Backup Vendor by Computer Troubleshooters and Geeks On Call

BOSTON, Feb. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carbonite, Inc. (Nasdaq:CARB), a leading provider of cloud solutions that keep small businesses and home offices running smoothly, today announced that it has entered into partnerships with Merrymeeting Group's Computer Troubleshooters and Geeks On Call as one of their preferred providers of cloud backup services for small businesses and residential clients. Computer Troubleshooters is the largest international network of franchise owners providing onsite computer services to small businesses, with more than 475 franchises in 28 countries. Geeks On Call has approximately 125 franchise territories.

"Computer Troubleshooters and Geeks On Call are both focused on serving small businesses, which makes them perfect partners for Carbonite," said David Maffei, Vice President, Global Channels, Carbonite. "Small businesses rely on local IT professionals to select leading, affordable technology solutions. Carbonite is delighted to offer our easy-to-use and lightning-fast server and workstation data protection solutions to clients of Computer Troubleshooters and Geeks On Call."

"We have high standards when it comes to choosing our preferred vendors, " said Kim Weinberger, Director of Operations, Computer Troubleshooters/Geeks On Call. "We chose Carbonite as one of our preferred backup service vendors because it offers enterprise-level features and security that small businesses are looking for at a price point that makes sense for them."

Computer Troubleshooters and Geeks On Call franchises are now able to offer Carbonite's full line of data backup and business continuity products:

   -- Carbonite Server solutions provide backup for an unlimited number of 
      servers and databases, including Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange Server, 
      MySQL, Oracle, and SharePoint. Starting at $799.99 per year, Carbonite 
      Server also backs up the Windows System State so a server can be restored 
      in its entirety, with no need to reconfigure the operating system or 
      reload applications. 
 
   -- Carbonite Pro for Workstations provides backup for an unlimited number of 
      computers, external hard drives and NAS devices, starting at $269.99 per 
      year. Additional storage and Windows file server backup are also 
      available with Carbonite Pro. 
 
   -- Carbonite Personal offers unlimited backup for one computer starting at 
      $59.99 per year. 

For more information about Carbonite franchise partnerships or the Carbonite reseller program, please contact the Carbonite Reseller Team at resellers@carbonite.com or 877-391-4759.

About Carbonite

Carbonite (Nasdaq:CARB) keeps small businesses and home offices running smoothly. Carbonite offers a comprehensive suite of affordable services for data protection, recovery and anywhere, anytime access. More than 1.5 million customers, including 50,000 small businesses, trust Carbonite's secure, easy-to-use cloud backup solutions and award-winning U.S.-based customer support. For more information, please visit Carbonite.com, connect with us on Twitter @carbonite or visit our Facebook page.

CONTACT: Media Contact: 
         Megan Wittenberger 
         Carbonite 
         media@carbonite.com 
         617-421-5687 
 
         Britt Gottlieb and Maribel Lopez 
         Pan Communications 
         carbonite@pancomm.com 
         617-502-4300 

Watch out if you are a Facebook user and especially if you follow all of the NFL news and events.  A new virus has emerged that will leave you with a nasty infection and the need for professional help to cure it.

http://betabeat.com/2013/06/football-fan-pages-serve-up-bank-account-draining-malware/

What do we do with our old computers?

Newer and faster laptops, phones and tablets are being released every day it seems, but what are we supposed to do with the outdated devices we no longer want to use? The security of proprietary and personal information and environmental issues are the primary concerns when disposing of unwanted computers. Here are some guidelines we recommend when phasing out computers from your business or home.

Deleting a File Does Not Actually Erase Information

When you delete a file from the hard drive, the operating system only deletes the information that describes where the file is located. Simply deleting files, emptying the recycle bin or reformatting the hard drive is not enough to cover your digital tracks. In addition to documents, photos, videos, and private information that is accessible on your computer; there is also your Internet browser’s cache, cookies and history; email contacts and messages; and the recycle or trash folder.

Another effective but more costly solution is degaussing.

This is the erasure of information through the use of a powerful magnet. Degaussing disrupts the magnetic domains on the drive, which erases your data while also rendering the drive permanently unusable.  The physical destruction of a hard drive is the only way to absolutely and forever ensure that the data is no longer available. There are contractors who will perform this task on site, using the appropriate tools and safety precautions. We do not recommend this type of hard drive destruction by consumers.

Donate or Recycle Your Old Computer

Extending the computer’s lifespan through re-use provides the highest environmental benefit. There are many donation programs that bridge the digital divide by providing schools, non-profit organizations, military personnel, low-income families and students with needed technology.

Here are some considerations when donating or recycling a computer:

If your computer is less than five years old chances are it can be put to good use. Most organizations have specific technology needs, so inquire in advance regarding donation guidelines.

Most charitable contributions are tax deductible and computers are no exception. Business donors can generally deduct the un-depreciated value of the computer and individuals can deduct the current market value of a computer. Remember to retain your receipt for tax records.

Even if a computer cannot be reused or refurbished there are reputable technology recyclers that can ensure valuable raw materials are recovered from old computers and that any waste is disposed of in an environmentally-safe and responsible manner.  Geeks On Call will peridocically notify our customers of local free recycling events for you to take advantage of. 

geeksoncall.com

Solid State Drives (SSD)

I have decent laptop.  A Core i3, Windows 7, 4GB of RAM.  I recently took the plunge and replaced the traditional hard drive with a Solid State Drive (SSD).  If you know anything about the history of computers, you know that hard drive technology hasn't really changed all that much.  They still have spindles and platters and read/write heads that operate with even less tolerance than they originally did yet store vast amounts of data.  They are mechanical and that alone is the single most degrading performance hit for today's computers.  SSD's are more like an extension of RAM so there is a tremendous increase in performance.  So, I bought one and loaded up Windows 7 on it.  Windows 7 boots in 35 seconds!  Quickbooks opens in just 7 seconds!  Don't blink when opening folders or you'll not see the folder open!  Even web browsing is much faster.  If you want to improve performance of your laptop, give Geeks On Call a ring at 1-800-905-GEEK for a consultation.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9230882/Hard_disk_drives_vs._solid_state_drives_Are_SSDs_finally_worth_the_money_

Ryle Irwin