If you lost all of your business information, would you be able to continue serving your customers? Would you lose money? Could your staff continue working? What about if someone stole your laptop and your personal photos from the last 10 years were on it, could you replace them?
The importance of backing up your data can not be overestimated. This is a key message that we at B Technologies continue to remind our clients about but still we are sometimes faced with the difficult task of trying to recover data after a laptop is lost or stolen, or a virus or a power surge destroys PCs or a server.
There are many ways to lose or damage your data and the impacts can vary greatly. Often our clients have contractual obligations about their own customer's information so losing this information can have legal ramifications.
The message of this blog entry is this:
- If you do not already have data back up for your business or home, you must talk to a professional to organise some level of protection. We can tell you what you need to protect yourself against and what options you have available to you. There are many back up options available, some cost as little as a few hundred dollars but they are worth their weight in gold.
- Do not wait until it happens to you and its too late. Believe us when we say that backing up your date is one of the most important things you can do. Too often we work with clients who try to pick up the pieces once it’s too late. Even if recovering lost data is possible, it some cases it can end up costing thousands of dollars.
- Make sure you ensure that the back up procedures are followed. Some businesses have great back up systems in place but the back up is left at work, so if a fire destroyed the building, the data AND the back up is lost. Whatever back up procedure you finally decide to go with, stick to it. Often your business represents your livelihood.
If you haven’t got protection in place to protect your data or if you would like us to review your current arrangements and assess whether they provide an adequate level of protection, contact us now on 1300 885 200 or email us at info@btechnologies.com
P.S. We also have an article on our website that goes into much further detail on this topic
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Email Tip - Have you ever sent an email to the wrong email address?
When you start typing into the 'TO' field of an email, usually the email program you are using will give try to complete the email address that you are typing.
So if I start typing 'D' for example, I am given the opportunity to select from all the email addresses that I have used before, that start with 'D'.
But what happens if someone has changed their email address? Sometimes we end up selecting the wrong email address and send to a person's old email or work email.
There are two things you can do to avoid this:
1. If the person you are writing to is an actual 'contact' of yours, edit their details and remove any email addresses that are no longer used. You can do this by searching your address book and finding their name, or by double clicking on their email address in the 'TO' field (which will also take you to their contact card).
2.You can remove any old email addresses in the 'TO' field of a new email, by typing in the first letter of the email address, scrolling down to the email address using your up or down arrows, and pressing 'delete' when you have the email address selected that you want to get rid of.
Remember, sometimes even our email addresses need a spring (or summer) clean.
To contact us visit our website or email us at info@btechnologies.com
So if I start typing 'D' for example, I am given the opportunity to select from all the email addresses that I have used before, that start with 'D'.
But what happens if someone has changed their email address? Sometimes we end up selecting the wrong email address and send to a person's old email or work email.
There are two things you can do to avoid this:
1. If the person you are writing to is an actual 'contact' of yours, edit their details and remove any email addresses that are no longer used. You can do this by searching your address book and finding their name, or by double clicking on their email address in the 'TO' field (which will also take you to their contact card).
2.You can remove any old email addresses in the 'TO' field of a new email, by typing in the first letter of the email address, scrolling down to the email address using your up or down arrows, and pressing 'delete' when you have the email address selected that you want to get rid of.
Remember, sometimes even our email addresses need a spring (or summer) clean.
To contact us visit our website or email us at info@btechnologies.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What are the differences between CDs and DVDs?
There is a link on Dr Marc Dussault's blog about what is the difference between CDs and DVDs. This link is to the BigPong Help Centre where there is a full explanation about:
- What the main differences are between the two
- How much information and what kind of information various CDs and DVDs can hold
- What do all those names such as CD-R, CR-ROM, DVD+RW mean
So if you ever wondered about CDs and DVDs and all their differences, check out this link.
To contact us visit our website or email us at info@btechnologies.com
- What the main differences are between the two
- How much information and what kind of information various CDs and DVDs can hold
- What do all those names such as CD-R, CR-ROM, DVD+RW mean
So if you ever wondered about CDs and DVDs and all their differences, check out this link.
To contact us visit our website or email us at info@btechnologies.com
Protect your customers' privacy
If you are sending out emails to multiple recipients at any one time, you will probably want to enter their email addresses' not into the 'To' field of your email but in the 'Bcc' field. This means that none of the recipients of the email will see each other's email addresses.
This has many benefits:
- It protects the privacy of your clients by not providing their email addresses to others - seeing your email address being sent to a hundred people can make people very upset
- It ensures that your email is seen as more personal (rather than being one of a hundred recipients)
- It protects your valuable client list and doesn't expose it to other businesses who may now sell to them before you get to do so
This has many benefits:
- It protects the privacy of your clients by not providing their email addresses to others - seeing your email address being sent to a hundred people can make people very upset
- It ensures that your email is seen as more personal (rather than being one of a hundred recipients)
- It protects your valuable client list and doesn't expose it to other businesses who may now sell to them before you get to do so
Monday, February 2, 2009
Common Internet Error Messages Explained
Sometimes you can find great information to everyday questions in the FAQ section or customer support section of major service providers.
If you’re not a BigPond subscriber, you might not have seen this list of common error messages explained - click on the hyperlink below for a list you’ll want to keep handy the next time something’s not quite working the way it should!
Some common error messaged explained include:
Error 404: Page not found. This is a very common error message – and it simply means that the site or page you’re trying to visit doesn’t exist. This may be because:
• The web address has been typed incorrectly (that may not be your fault).
• The webpage may have moved to a different place on the website.
• The webpage no longer exists. You may be able to get around the error by:
• Checking the web address and entering it again.
• Going to the site’s home page and then navigate from there to the area you want. If you can’t find the home page, try using a search engine like Sensis.com.au to find what you’re looking for.
501 Internal Server Error: The site or page you are trying to visit is currently experiencing problems. Usually, just trying again later will resolve the problem.
For the full list go to:
Common Error Messages Explained
Thanks Dr Marc Dussault's for some more great information.
If you’re not a BigPond subscriber, you might not have seen this list of common error messages explained - click on the hyperlink below for a list you’ll want to keep handy the next time something’s not quite working the way it should!
Some common error messaged explained include:
Error 404: Page not found. This is a very common error message – and it simply means that the site or page you’re trying to visit doesn’t exist. This may be because:
• The web address has been typed incorrectly (that may not be your fault).
• The webpage may have moved to a different place on the website.
• The webpage no longer exists. You may be able to get around the error by:
• Checking the web address and entering it again.
• Going to the site’s home page and then navigate from there to the area you want. If you can’t find the home page, try using a search engine like Sensis.com.au to find what you’re looking for.
501 Internal Server Error: The site or page you are trying to visit is currently experiencing problems. Usually, just trying again later will resolve the problem.
For the full list go to:
Common Error Messages Explained
Thanks Dr Marc Dussault's for some more great information.
Protect Yourself From Dangerous Viruses
Several of our clients have found that their computers were infected by a nasty 'antivirus software' virus. Read this article to learn how to spot the virus and for tips on how to prevent infection of your systems!
Based on initial analysis, this virus arrives mainly via spammed email messages that contain a link to bogus offers, and we have also received reports that the said link is circulating in instant messaging applications and private messages in social networking Web sites, too.
Once the said URL link is clicked, the Web threat infection chain begins and ultimately leads to the download of a Trojan. This Trojan is a 'rogue anti-virus' that displays very convincing messages that are meant to scare and confuse the user, ultimately tricking the user into revealing their credit card details. The message is perceived to be from a trusted Microsoft source. The messages come in a wide variety such as the following:
The trojan tells the user that since they are only using the “trial version" the users should get the full version so that they are always supposedly protected. The messages can look like this:
So ultimately if users find any of these or similar messages, they should contact B Technologies straight away as the trojan / virus has to be removed from the computer effectively.
To protect your computer against viruses users should do the following:
• Run effective anti-virus software. Look for anti-virus software from major vendors like McAfee or Symantec.
• Keep your anti-virus software updated. Remember that new viruses come out all the time and anti-virus software can only protect you if the software has been updated to know about the newest threats. You should update your virus definitions at least once per week if not more often.
• Don't open attached files via e-mail. Whatever e-mail program you use, don't open any attached files, even from people you know, unless you were explicitly expecting that particular file. Many viruses try to convince you that a file attachment containing the virus is something you really want to read. Be sceptical and careful!
• Keep your computer up-to-date with the latest patches. New security holes in operating systems are found on a regular basis. Use Windows Update to make sure your computer always has the latest fixes and patches for security holes.
• Use a firewall. Viruses and other threats can come over networks in methods other than e-mail. Many malicious programs 'probe' your computer looking for known security holes or open services. A port scan of your system can take seconds and can find innumerable vulnerabilities. A firewall blocks outsiders from probing or connecting to your computer unless you initiate the connection via a Web browser or other program. ZoneAlarm is a popular free Windows firewall application and may be a good option for many users. If you have a cable modem or DSL connection at home, consider a dedicated hardware firewall/router from manufacturers like Linksys, SMC, or Netgear.
• Never enter your credit card details into any program or website unless you are absolutely sure that it is trustworthy.
This is a topic that we at B Technologies take very seriously, if you have any concerns about the security of your computer or network, contact us so we can ensure your assets are appropriately protected.
Based on initial analysis, this virus arrives mainly via spammed email messages that contain a link to bogus offers, and we have also received reports that the said link is circulating in instant messaging applications and private messages in social networking Web sites, too.
Once the said URL link is clicked, the Web threat infection chain begins and ultimately leads to the download of a Trojan. This Trojan is a 'rogue anti-virus' that displays very convincing messages that are meant to scare and confuse the user, ultimately tricking the user into revealing their credit card details. The message is perceived to be from a trusted Microsoft source. The messages come in a wide variety such as the following:
The trojan tells the user that since they are only using the “trial version" the users should get the full version so that they are always supposedly protected. The messages can look like this:
So ultimately if users find any of these or similar messages, they should contact B Technologies straight away as the trojan / virus has to be removed from the computer effectively.
To protect your computer against viruses users should do the following:
• Run effective anti-virus software. Look for anti-virus software from major vendors like McAfee or Symantec.
• Keep your anti-virus software updated. Remember that new viruses come out all the time and anti-virus software can only protect you if the software has been updated to know about the newest threats. You should update your virus definitions at least once per week if not more often.
• Don't open attached files via e-mail. Whatever e-mail program you use, don't open any attached files, even from people you know, unless you were explicitly expecting that particular file. Many viruses try to convince you that a file attachment containing the virus is something you really want to read. Be sceptical and careful!
• Keep your computer up-to-date with the latest patches. New security holes in operating systems are found on a regular basis. Use Windows Update to make sure your computer always has the latest fixes and patches for security holes.
• Use a firewall. Viruses and other threats can come over networks in methods other than e-mail. Many malicious programs 'probe' your computer looking for known security holes or open services. A port scan of your system can take seconds and can find innumerable vulnerabilities. A firewall blocks outsiders from probing or connecting to your computer unless you initiate the connection via a Web browser or other program. ZoneAlarm is a popular free Windows firewall application and may be a good option for many users. If you have a cable modem or DSL connection at home, consider a dedicated hardware firewall/router from manufacturers like Linksys, SMC, or Netgear.
• Never enter your credit card details into any program or website unless you are absolutely sure that it is trustworthy.
This is a topic that we at B Technologies take very seriously, if you have any concerns about the security of your computer or network, contact us so we can ensure your assets are appropriately protected.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A recent testimonial we received
We have just received a testimonial from our friends at Excel HP which goes like this:
"We have found B Technologies to be a one-stop shop for all of our IT requirements. As a small business, we do not have the time or money to support in-house services and have decided to outsource.
In doing so, B Technologies were able to configure all of our IT and introduce effective systems. We have found their Team to be extremely helpful and resourceful - particularly when it came to dealing with our Macs.
We have no hesitation in recommending B Technologies to others. "
A big thank you to Trish and the team at Excel HP, and to read some other testimonials from satisfied customers click here
"We have found B Technologies to be a one-stop shop for all of our IT requirements. As a small business, we do not have the time or money to support in-house services and have decided to outsource.
In doing so, B Technologies were able to configure all of our IT and introduce effective systems. We have found their Team to be extremely helpful and resourceful - particularly when it came to dealing with our Macs.
We have no hesitation in recommending B Technologies to others. "
A big thank you to Trish and the team at Excel HP, and to read some other testimonials from satisfied customers click here
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
IT humour
Here are a few examples of genuine help desk calls that are sent around on the Internet.
Customer: Hi, good afternoon, I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it...
Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at Woolies.
Customer: I can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars (*****)
Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the circle around it?
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine."
AND
A horrendous truck roll-over on F3 today!
Customer: Hi, good afternoon, I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it...
Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at Woolies.
Customer: I can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars (*****)
Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get the circle around it?
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his printer is working fine."
AND
A horrendous truck roll-over on F3 today!
The "WaybackMachine" - archived images of all web pages from 1996 to the present
There is a website that allows you to browse through 85 billion web pages archived from 1996 to a few months ago. That means that you can see what websites looked like historically.
To use the WaybackMachine, type in the web address of a site or page which you want to see, and press enter. Then you can select from the archived dates available to see what the website looked like on those dates.
To use the WaybackMachine, type in the web address of a site or page which you want to see, and press enter. Then you can select from the archived dates available to see what the website looked like on those dates.
Friday, January 23, 2009
How fast does your website load onto a customer's screen?
Would you like to know how fast your website loads onto a customer's computer screen? Your could be losing customers if your site load speed is slow!!!
There is some great advice from here at Blogger.com, who suggest that you use "The StopWatch" program which will measure the time for you.
Simply go to their page and enter the URL to be measured and watch the top of the window that opens.
The StopWatch can only measure websites that can be displayed in a frame. Some websites use javascript to break out of frames. This is not a StopWatch bug.
Information from their own website:
Tip: to reload a page and bypass the cache of your browser:
Internet Explorer: Hold the Control key and click the Refresh button on the toolbar.
Mozilla, Firefox, Netscape Navigator: Hold down the Shift key and click the Reload button on the navigation toolbar.
Safari: Hold down the Shift key and click the Reload toolbar button.
How does it work?
The StopWatch is a small Javascript that runs on your computer (not the Numion server). It measures the time between the moment your browser starts to load the URL and when the browser signals that it has finished ("Done" in the status bar). The measurement therefore includes fetching and interpreting all HTML (including frames), images, and Javascripts. It does not include content that is handled by plugins. If the page is in the cache then the stopwatch will measure the faster loading time (see tip above). The accuracy is the accuracy of the Javascript timer, on most systems 10 milliseconds.
There is some great advice from here at Blogger.com, who suggest that you use "The StopWatch" program which will measure the time for you.
Simply go to their page and enter the URL to be measured and watch the top of the window that opens.
The StopWatch can only measure websites that can be displayed in a frame. Some websites use javascript to break out of frames. This is not a StopWatch bug.
Information from their own website:
Tip: to reload a page and bypass the cache of your browser:
Internet Explorer: Hold the Control key and click the Refresh button on the toolbar.
Mozilla, Firefox, Netscape Navigator: Hold down the Shift key and click the Reload button on the navigation toolbar.
Safari: Hold down the Shift key and click the Reload toolbar button.
How does it work?
The StopWatch is a small Javascript that runs on your computer (not the Numion server). It measures the time between the moment your browser starts to load the URL and when the browser signals that it has finished ("Done" in the status bar). The measurement therefore includes fetching and interpreting all HTML (including frames), images, and Javascripts. It does not include content that is handled by plugins. If the page is in the cache then the stopwatch will measure the faster loading time (see tip above). The accuracy is the accuracy of the Javascript timer, on most systems 10 milliseconds.
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