blog.innertag.com

A sneak peek at new features in Outlook 15

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:39:01 GMT

Microsoft’s upcoming office suite including Outlook 15, offers a familiar experience with similar capabilities and a few additional features you may find handy.

Hotmail accounts previously required an add-on, Outlook Connecter, to work. Outlook 15 offers seamless integration. You can setup your Hotmail accounts like any other e-mail and use all of the features of Outlook to send and receive messages as usual.

Peeks is another new feature that gives you visibility into objects in Outlook without changing your view. Peeks allows you to mouse over preset headers in the footer of Outlook such as Mail, Calendar, People, or Tasks and view a pop-up box with a glance of the section.

An inline reply option helps you reply to your e-mail messages quickly in the reading pane. This feature will simplify the way you send a response. You can compose in a new window if you would like but, for faster replies, you have the option to drop a quick note without switching to another window.

No Social Connector add-on needed Outlook 15 allows you to include your social networking accounts like Facebook and LinkedIn. It’s as easy as adding the configuration to Outlook’s defaults.

These new features allow for a more seamless experience in Outlook eliminating the need for a few add-on’s. Whispers online are hopeful for a late 2012 release of Office 15. Let’s keep our eyes peeled!

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106 x704
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Sluggish computer slowing your start in the morning?

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:07:29 GMT

Does your computer take forever to turn on in the morning? If you find yourself wandering around the office cleaning up and making coffee while your computer warms-up, these quick easy tips may be a lifesaver.

Did you know... that when your computer starts, all the software logged in your startup utility kicks into action? Sometimes, with new software downloads, the installation program will even automatically add the new software to your startup utility. If you haven't reviewed your startup utility lately, you may not even use all the programs that start when you turn on your computer.

Clean up your startup utility. In all Windows based systems, there is a startup folder that tells you what programs are set to initiate when you start your computer. Keep in mind, not all the programs that startup with your computer even appear in your system tray. You may not even know what is working in the background.

Find your startup utility. Keep in mind, you may need to be logged on as an administrator to make changes to the startup on your computer. Here are a few steps to help you find your startup utility:

Windows 7 users - to visit your personal startup folder to make changes for just your account, go to “My Computer”, “C:\” drive, click on “Users”, your user name, “AppData”, “Roaming”, then click on “Microsoft”, “Windows”, “Start Menu”, “Programs”, and finally “Startup”.

Older Windows versions - go to the “My Computer” folder, click on “C:\” drive folder, select “Documents and settings”, click on your user name, then “Programs”, and finally “Startup”.

Please note, if these folders do not exist then the programs starting up may be set for all users on the computer. You may need to click on “All users” to view all startup items instead of just your user account name.

Want to add something new? If you would like, you can even add new programs to the startup folder too. Simply find the program in your “Start menu” or on your desktop and right click, then select copy, go back to the “Startup folder”, right click and select “Paste”. This will add it to the regular startup menu.

Advanced users… Sure, you can always use the “Start”, “Run”, and “msconfig” path to get to the startup utility. However, **a word of caution** If you start turning things off that are connected with your operating system, things may not work right when you reboot. Only if you’re confident that you know the programs you want to disable, simply find them (double check it is the proper program by viewing the program path) and uncheck the box.

No matter what, restart your computer after making any changes. You may find something missing that you wanted. But, this way, you will notice right away and know just where to look to fix the problem retracing your steps.

If your computer is still running sluggishly, you may need a technician to clean it up and run a virus check. Infected computers will often run slower when starting up because programs running in the background can slow you down.

Give me a call if your computer needs a tune-up.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Don’t rely on Luck! Is your company prepared for disasters big and small?

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:04:43 GMT

While your cousins brother or the Jerry in sales may know a lot about computers, how much time can you spend bogged down with technology issues before your business looses money. Consider greater risks like natural disasters, does your answer change?

Can you afford to close the doors of your business for 2 days? Imagine if your network went down due to a virus attack, hardware issues or software problems (all common in a standard year of operation for small businesses in the US.) How long would it take to get your company up and running again?

Put a dollar amount on possible losses Quantify how much money you’re loosing each year due to minor technology issues like these. Don’t forget to include losses associated with paying employees to work when they aren’t, missed opportunities to serve your current clients, and potential customer losses due to downtime.

IT risks are inevitable, be prepared! Unfortunately, risk is a part of business; the question is how you handle the situations that arise. Will you be a proactive business owner with a plan or will you fix things only when they’re broken. Lessen the intensity and pain when downtime strikes; gather your resources and create a plan so you can take action immediately when the time comes.

Identify risks and solutions Take time to asses risks that can impact your business and create a Business Continuity Plan or roadmap for navigating your company operations during adverse conditions.

To get started, take a look at the threats associated with your business; earthquakes, fire, flood, malware attack, utility outage, or theft. While each company has a little different list of threats, all of these risks ultimately have the same negative impact.

Preventative steps and action plans After you’ve identified the risks, take a look at preventative measures and plan solutions. Preventative measures may include things like off-site backup, flood and fire planning, additional resources for communication if the phone lines are down, secure secondary computers or an alternate worksite.

Prepare an action plan so everyone in your company knows just what to do in an emergency. Create a list of who to call in an emergency: managers, utilities, repair resources, and emergency response groups like your local fire station, police, and EMTs. Be sure to include insurance information too like the carrier name, policy number, and contact information.

Real statistics Inc.com reported in a recent article titled Why You Should Stop Reading This and Go Get a Data Backup Plan,

“Some half of small businesses never reopen after a data Armageddon… Fifty-nine percent of the 130 owners surveyed said they have no disaster plan because they ‘haven’t thought about it’… yet more than two-thirds (69 percent acknowledged they would lose money if their business were unable to function for a single day.”

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Even if you are not anticipating a natural disaster, smaller issues like a building fire, flooding from a broken water heater, or a cyber attack can be just as devastating. Planning ahead may mean the difference between recovering gracefully with minimal damages and closing your doors for good.

Ready to get started? If you need a hand evaluating your IT systems to prepare for inevitable downtime, give us a call. We can help you analyze your current IT structure, identify risks, and set up a plan for ongoing management. We offer monitoring and support from our knowledgeable IT staff and low fixed monthly contract rates to cover all your IT support needs.

Offload your IT woes to a responsible IT expert dedicated to the well being of your business. So you can focus on what really counts, keeping your doors open even in a crisis.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

How long would it take a hacker to guess your passwords?

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:10:47 GMT

463 years would be nice!

Passwords are always a chore. Whether you're struggling to create strong passwords, or just storing your passwords on your computer, learn how to keep hackers at bay for years! A strong password is your first defense. Creating strong passwords may seem like a mystery. Really, it's easier than you think.

Follow these three simple criteria and create strong passwords to protect your most sensitive information at work and at home:

1. Always choose a password that is 8 characters or more in length. Stay away from words in the dictionary as they are easily guessed by hacker software.

2. Be sure to include upper and lower case letters, symbols and numbers (one of everything!)

3. Use a variety of passwords for your online accounts, and be sure to change them every 6 months.

Acronyms and memory devices can help! Think of a sentence and chop it up into an acronym. For example: "I have 5 trees in my front yard!" Break it down into a password using the first letter of each word like this: Ih5timfy! If you're not sure whether your password is strong enough, you can test it at
microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx.

Store your passwords safely. Keeping all of your passwords straight is such a pain in the can. You can keep all the details, such as website address and login information, in a password protected file with encryption. Or you can use a password manager like LastPass, KeePass, or 1Password. These password managers are even compatible with portable devices like smartphones and even iPads.

A hacker can crack a short password in ten minutes or less. According to Business Week's article "The Problem with Passwords," it takes hackers just 10 minutes to randomly guess a password with 6 characters, all lowercase. Even if you throw in numbers and symbols, they can still guess your password in just 18 days. In order to keep your company and personal information safe, use “long and strong” passwords for all of your online accounts, files, and even your computer.

Using the criteria above - at least 8 characters with numbers, letters (upper and lower case) and symbols - it could take a hacker roughly 463 years to crack your password!

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Virus, Malware, Spyware, Oh my…

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:35:02 GMT

In the current age of global economy, no business can afford to be without access to the Internet. Unfortunately, there are a growing number of threats that cause headaches and frustration to novice and professional users alike. Below is a list of the 5 most common things that I hear when a client has an infection.

1. “But I have a firewall” – While a firewall is an essential part of any business network, its function is often understood incorrectly as the ultimate protection from the outside world. This isn’t really the case. The function of a firewall is to protect your network from outside intrusion. Your internet router is a door, and the firewall is the security guard asking if incoming traffic has permission to be there. Instead of just a simple firewall, you might consider a Unified Threat Management (UTM) device. There is an additional cost, but UTMs enhance the protection of the network by combining the technology of antivirus and even antispam with a firewall. They not only ask whether the traffic is allowed in, but also what kind of traffic it is.

2. “But I have antivirus” – Antivirus software is similar to the inoculation shots we all received as a child. First, the infection was identified. Then the cure was developed. And, just like the flu every winter season, as the strain of infection changes, a new cure needs to be created. One of the biggest things that can help is to make sure that your anivirus software has current definition files, and that the software is up-to-date. Using Norton or McAfee 2009, even with the most current AV definitions, will not be as effective as the current software version and today’s definitions.

3. “I didn’t do anything, it just installed itself” – While this statement may seem true, most current infections require some sort of user interaction, even if we were completely unaware of it. Attackers insert their infections and malicious code into everything from hyperlinks to even web images. The act of clicking on a picture on the internet can launch code that installs the infection into your computer. The code may even have a time bomb aspect which delays the infection so that it becomes harder to track the source of the malicious code. It also gives the infection time to insert itself into your computer's restore points and backups.

4. “I don’t go to those kinds of sites” – Malware and Viruses can be found nearly everywhere, embedding themselves into any picture, icon, or link on the web. The use of Site Advisor software may help mitigate this threat.

5. “I knew the person who sent the email” – This recently caused issues for some of my friends. My Yahoo account was used to send an email containing an internet link that took users to an infected site. This email was sent to people in my address book at 2:30 AM on a Friday night, which is not a normal time for me to be sending emails! Most of the people who received it realized it was malware and deleted it right away. Others saw the subject line, which said “About your stomach problems”, and realized it didn't apply to them. Finally, some people noticed that the only text in the email was the internet link and nothing else. For the one or two people who were tempted to open the email, this was the final red flag that scared them away. So when opening an email, remember these guidelines: First, see who it is from, and avoid opening emails from unknown senders. Second, check when was it sent - is this a time when that person would normally be sending me emails? And finally, look at the content of the email - is it something that this user would send me?

You do not need to be a rocket scientist to protect your computer; just be vigilant and use common sense (which often is not so common). If you don't, you will have to call the Wizard to get rid of the evil witch that infected your computer.

hope this helps; till next post,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Thy Buffer Runneth Over

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:21:39 GMT

What exactly is a buffer overflow? To answer this question, we have to understand a little bit about how computer programs use memory. A computer program consists of two things: 1) A set of instructions, and 2) A set of data that those instructions will operate on. Normally, all of the instructions are loaded into memory when the program starts. Data comes in from some input source, either disk, a user interface, or the Internet, and gets stored in memory temporarily so that the computer instructions can use it. Finally there is some output data, which is created within memory and then moved to an output device, which again may be a disk file, a user display screen, or the Internet.

The program has to arrange for a place within the available memory to store the data. You might think of computer memory as a plot of land, with different sections separated by fences. The computing instructions go into one fenced-off area. From there, they direct the data into, and out of, a different fenced off area or “corral”. So what happens if some of the data decides to jump the fence, and trample all over the instructions?

Luckily, data doesn't have a mind of its own. But, suppose your program doesn't have a very good fence. Or, suppose the programmer drew a line in the dirt where the fence was supposed to go, but forgot to actually build it. Then, suppose you get some data coming in that doesn't fit inside the corral. It's going to overflow right into the instruction area.

If this happens by accident, the most likely outcome is that the program will either freeze or just crash. There's also a chance that nothing strange would happen, if the data overwrites some instructions that are not going to be used. But there's also a slim chance that the data might be interpreted as program instructions, and cause the program to do something it’s not supposed to.

Enter the hacker. If someone knows enough about the structure of a program and the operating system it is running on, they can predict the "size of the corral" that is supposed to hold the data. They can also tell the exact place in the program instructions where they could intercept the program flow. Then, they can craft some input data that is bigger than it is supposed to be, but is just the right size to "jump the fence". They add some special instructions in just the right place. They send the data to your program, where it leaps into the program instruction area and it takes control of your computer.

If this sounds scary, then I've succeeded! It's easy to find instructions on the Internet to take advantage buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Websites like packetstormsecurity.org and exploit-db.com list updates on new vulnerabilities that are being discovered every day. Hackers monitor these sites, but so do security professionals and software developers. This is why it is vital to always keep up with the latest patches and security upgrades. It's how you can keep your fences in good shape, and the data in the corral.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Backup vs Disaster Recovery vs Business Continuity

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:03:48 GMT

You’ve heard me preach in the past about good backups. A backup is no good unless you can restore your data and get “back up” and running. I’ve had clients ask me about Disaster Recovery plans, but sometimes I’m not sure they really know what that means. Do you know the difference between backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity? Which is right for you? Your level of paranoia about your network will determine which one(s) you need, and which you are willing to pay for.

Backup: This is the simplest and least expensive of the options. A backup is like a spare tire. It is an extra copy of your data. In case you delete a file by mistake, or some data becomes corrupted, or someone modifies a file but needs to get the original one back, you can retrieve an older copy quickly and easily. There doesn’t have to be any interruption to the rest of your network, and other users should not be inconvenienced.

A backup may be created on tape, on a USB drive, or offsite over the Internet into the cloud. Tape backups are NOT for Disaster Recovery or Business Continuity, since you can’t run applications from a tape. We have been actively moving clients to USB drives or network attached drives for backup, and in some cases backing up into the cloud.

Disaster Recovery: Your server or main computer just crashed. It’s no longer functional, and you can no longer get to your data. Disaster Recovery means getting you back up and running once the failed components are replaced. The quicker this takes place, the better. If you are using tape backup, it means reinstalling Windows and the backup software before a restore can take place. And if your backup system is configured to backup just data, then you need to find all your applications and reinstall them too. This process will take anywhere from 1-2 days, if you have access to all your application media.

If your backup process includes taking an image of your server, recovery time can be measured in hours, not days. This is the process we are now recommending and implementing for our clients: Local backups that include an image of their main computers, and also ALWAYS getting a backup offsite.

Business Continuity: Business Continuity gets your business back up and running after a major disaster, such as a fire, tornado or earthquake. It involves not only your computers and data, but your actual workplace as well. This is obviously a much bigger deal than just restoring data or replacing a server. It means having access to a facility with computers and servers available to you.

If all your data and applications are in the cloud, you probably don’t need this. All you have to do is go home, or to any location with internet access, and you can get to your data.

This does not even touch on the procedures that need to be developed to communicate to your staff about what to do and when. This is not an easy undertaking, nor is it inexpensive.

What is the cost to your business if your computer system is down? How long can you afford to be down? Answer these questions, and it will lead you towards the backup plan that is right for you.

Till next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Shopping Online with Amazon

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:51:55 GMT

I recently decided to make all my non-perishable purchases online. What I found was with a little bit of creativity and patience, I was able to get almost everything I needed through Amazon. Amazon offers the average Internet shopper an abundance of options to make their lives much easier, including flexible shipping options and a huge variety of wares. I was able to get everything I needed, from the comfort of my home, delivered within two business days. The flexibility saved me time and a lot of headache.

Amazon has changed the way we shop for almost everything (besides groceries), and it is often cheaper than retail stores. When Amazon launched in 1995, it was a fledgling online bookstore that sought to compete directly with stores like Barnes & Noble and Borders. As those “brick and mortar” stores began to close because of competition from online stores, Amazon picked up their market share, and currently has a net income of over $1 billion. By comparison, Barnes & Noble has only an income of $76 million.

Amazon's customer service is also one of the best. Occasionally boxes that are left on my front porch succumb to theft . If this happens, I contact Amazon and they will quickly send a replacement—usually with next day delivery. In the unlikely event that they have committed an error, they will fix the problem and provide compensation like a gift certificate. They have a wonderful customer service model that makes it attractive for their customers.

Nowadays, Amazon sells more than just books. They have a host of things for sale, including home improvement supplies and household items. This is what gave me the idea: could I buy everything I need through online stores like Amazon? As an experiment, I tried it for one month. What I found was that yes, it is possible, and also advantageous for a young professional like myself who lives in a city where transportation is sometimes a pain. I was able to find such unlikely items as toilet paper, Tide, Halloween candy, furniture, and many others. It was easy, simple, and straightforward.

Amazon continues to grow and expand its business. It has recently invested immensely in its media market, including e-books and streaming services. This service is directly competing with both Barnes & Noble and Netflix. In these new channels, it looks like Amazon may be beating out its competitors. It was the first service to get e-books to be widely used. And it has recently reached huge deals with the four major TV networks for its streaming services.
As long as the Internet is a viable option for people to shop and use as entertainment, Amazon is here to stay.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Why Hire a Consultant?

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:33:33 GMT

As a consultant, I am frequently asked why people would want to hire my company. There are a number of reasons: experience, cost effectiveness, objectivity, and independence. Depending on your situation, some or all of these attributes may be enormously valuable to your business.

What is a Consultant? Dictionary.com defines a consultant as a person who gives professional or expert advice. Consultants do give advice, but they frequently also perform tasks that result from that advice. Those tasks can range from running a public relations campaign to building a customized order fulfillment system.
It's important to note that consultants are not temporary employees. They are business people selling services to clients. Evaluate potential consultants as you would any other type of vendor.

Experience: Good consultants have valuable experience in one or more areas of specialty, and they can use this experience to your advantage. Consultants, by the nature of their business, frequently work on more projects than employees in the same field and generally do so across many more organizations. As a result, they may have seen more successes and more failures, enabling them to learn from both. They also interact with many different types of people and learn to adapt quickly to new situations. Finally, consultants must keep up with industry trends in order to maintain their expertise.

Project Work: Whatever your business is, you likely have projects that are out of the line of daily business operations, but are important to your success. Even if your staff has the expertise needed to complete these projects, can they accomplish their daily tasks, and still execute the additional work required for the project? What if they don't have the expertise? In either case, hiring a consultant may be the answer. They can provide missing expertise and relieve pressure on your staff, enabling your business, and your cash flow, to continue humming along.

Part-time Work: Sometimes you have a need that doesn't require a full-time employee, but is too much for existing staff. A part-time employee might be an option, but sometimes it can be difficult to find an employee with the right skills who is willing to work part-time. A consultant who provides the needed services might be able to fill your need, particularly if the amount of work varies. Employees generally want a predictable number of hours (and thus a predictable paycheck), while consultants are accustomed to clients whose needs come and go.

Cost: Whether you are looking for project help or part-time assistance, the expertise and experience you need can be expensive. Particularly when it comes to specialties that are in high demand, it can represent a significant payroll cost to hire someone full time. Hiring a consultant represents a way to acquire the needed expertise, at a cost that is lower and shorter in duration.
When comparing the cost of using a consultant to the cost of hiring an employee, remember that there is more than just payroll. You must also factor in employee overhead expenses that do not apply to consultants, such as your half of Social Security and Medicare, FUTA, SUTA, and other benefits.

Objectivity: Consultants have no vested interest in existing ways of doing things. They also bring another perspective to the table. Both of these attributes can be valuable, particularly if you're dealing with internal biases or resistance to change. Sometimes just having an idea pitched or endorsed by someone perceived as an unbiased outsider can be useful.

Office Politics: Like it or not, office politics can be a significant factor in business. Fiefdoms are built, friends and enemies made, and bailiwicks guarded. Consultants are not part of office politics and do not have an agenda; they just want to serve their clients. This neutrality can help avoid political conflicts, and, when combined with objectivity, can cut through obfuscation and attempts to derail or co-opt projects. Most consultants have been through this multiple times, and are skilled at identifying, overcoming, or even working around political agendas.

Hiring a consultant is not the solution to every problem and not always the right fit. In many cases, however, it can provide significant advantages in experience, flexibility, cost, objectivity, and impartiality. The next time you find yourself with a project on your hands, think about these factors, and consider whether hiring a consultant might be the right move.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Virtual Conference Saves Money

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:40:55 GMT

By attending a conference virtually, I saved money in more than one way. First, attending via the Internet saved me the travel money. Second, I became aware of an industry trend that has changed how I spend the business money and my time.

In March there was a conference that I was interested in, but my only option was to attend the conference virtually. I would be able to hear some sessions as they happened, and I could listen later to any sessions that I missed. One session that I was able to listen to “live” has proven to be vital.

Since I was attending via the Internet, I missed the personal contact and especially the discussions between sessions. Apparently this particular session caused a lot of controversy, and even anger. When the conference reconvened, a later session was being changed to answer more questions. I realized that I could hear that one live, and I’m glad that I did.

I decided that I needed to know more about this topic and signed on for more information. This meant webinars over a period of several months, and another conference in August. I checked the calendar to make sure that I could physically attend the conference. Through the webinars and the conference I obtained a better understanding of the trend.

In October I was able to physically attend a third conference in my industry. During one session, one sentence was spoken that explained the original controversy. Had I not attended the first conference virtually, this sentence would not have meant much. Now it changes how I spend my time and money. I now have a clearer understanding of the impact of cloud computing.

The virtual conference experience also let me pay more attention to information from other contact tools. My Outlook has become a great tool for checking who I know that may be impacted by a trend or company change. LinkedIn discussion group notices are telling me about input others are seeking. Facebook is allowing me to keep up with the actions of others. Blogs provide me with detailed information on a thought or action.

I have also realized that I am using the “old media” to get more details. The Internet is great for getting one-minute news info, but I like the longer interviews and in-depth topic reporting on some TV networks, and in some of the newspapers and magazines.

With the industry changes, and in this economy, multiple information sources are an asset. Each source is like a piece of a picture. If just one piece is missing, the picture may give a different impression. I am thankful to have the virtual conference as one more piece of the puzzle.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Count Dracula's Business Lessons

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:04:16 GMT

Count Dracula was able to survive for several centuries because he knew how to keep his business “alive”. He followed some rules that any business should use.

Change processes when beneficial. For Count Dracula, the human form was not always the best. He learned to become a bat or wolf when those forms better served his needs. All businesses need to question business processes periodically. We need to adopt new processes when they make us more efficient. Always ask how a new technology, application, or method can help, or hurt, your business. Then determine if, when, and how to make the change.

Learn the new culture. Before traveling to England, Count Dracula studied extensively. He read books and taught himself the language. We should all be learning new communication methods. Applications are available for mobile devices, and we are sending more data to remote sites for better access by all users (Cloud Computing). Quick Response (QR) Codes are appearing in more ads every day. Our knowledge of cultures should be increasing. With several generations now in the workplace, businesses are adjusting to the differences. Knowledge of other countries’ habits, language differences, and holidays is increasing, since work is now spread around the globe.

Observe others. Count Dracula seemed to come out of nowhere, since he did not cast a shadow. He was able to observe the habits and characteristics of others. He then put them to use for his survival. We all need to take time to observe our surroundings. We need to notice the changes around us. We need to note when actions match words. More importantly, we need to note what is not being said and/or done.

Utilize your resources. Our biggest resource is time. Periodically we need to review the time spent on different tasks. Then we can determine if the task should be improved, outsourced, or removed. Count Dracula knew when to use others to perform tasks that he could not handle.

Decide how to handle problems before they occur. In case things did not go well, Count Dracula had an exit plan for England. He also had alternative plans for any part of the escape. We all need to plan for situations before they happen. After a storm or theft, what are the plans for business continuity and data recovery? If a new business process does not work, how do you get back to the previous process and what are the costs?

We all need to change, learn, observe, utilize, and decide about processes that can impact our businesses. These actions help us see the impact of the processes more clearly, and keep our businesses “alive”.

Happy Halloween!

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
anevens@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Cloud Computing: EXPLAINED!

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:16:28 GMT

This blog post explains what that term means, and what’s in it for you.

What’s all this buzz about Cloud Computing, anyway? Basically it’s economics. Cloud computing means your Information Technology infrastructure, and all of its associated costs, are removed from your physical control, and moved to … well, let’s just say moved somewhere else. Instead of having servers, databases, backups, and archives physically located in your office, where you have to pay for square footage, utilities, repairs, configuration, and possibly staff, all of those things will be housed and managed remotely.

Isn’t that just the same thing as the Internet? Not exactly. The Internet serves many functions, including broadcasting information (and advertisements), providing communications and entertainment, and supporting a wide variety of commercial applications. When it comes to Cloud Computing, it’s using the Internet as a mechanism to run your own business applications, in a way that can be more flexible, more reliable, and cheaper.

You’ve probably already started the move to Cloud Computing without realizing it. Does your company have a website? Do you host it yourself? If the answers are “yes” and “no”, you’ve already started the transition. Your web hosting company is providing the platform for your website, along with whatever applications it serves up to your customers. They might also handle your email accounts, and at least some of your company’s data. If you use Google Docs, Facebook, Constant Contact, or any online backup service, you’ve already started pushing your company’s vital information into the Cloud.

What about security? OK so maybe your email and some customer information already lives “offsite”. But do you really want to move all your company’s data and primary internal applications? The cost calculation is easy – just look at the price of buying a server, maintaining an internal network, dealing with upgrades, power failures, disk crashes, and so on. Compare that to the monthly fee for cloud services – and also consider that cloud technology is being continuously upgraded, improved, and expanded. The decision ought to be obvious, and inevitable. Still, people often are reluctant to give up control, and they are nervous about a possible security breach.

Well let’s just turn the question around. What makes you think your company’s data is safe now? Are your business servers in a hardened computing facility, with 24-hour staff whose only job is to monitor and safeguard your data?

Like anything else, you get what you pay for. With Cloud Computing, there are lots of options, and security can be ramped up as needed. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, “… basic security tasks that often don't get done at a small enterprise … are usually part of the plain-vanilla package in the cloud. The more you pay, the more you get: firewalls around your data, high-end encryption, ‘private clouds’ that let you isolate critical information and still access extra processing muscle when you need it, hacker-attack notification and mitigation, and 24-hour tech support.”

OK, so what’s my next move? Look at your current business processes. Take a survey or audit of everything you are currently doing with your company’s computers and servers. Depending on the complexity of your needs, you may be able to migrate to the cloud on your own. Start by reviewing the web hosting package that you are already paying for. It probably includes more capacity and features than you are using, such as databases and customer service applications. Look at what else is available: free options, like Google Docs, and low-end ones, such as Amazon Web Services. See if they meet your needs. Finally, consult with us, your computer networking professional. We can provide you a more comprehensive solution and level of service, at a competitive price, and also help with whatever migration and integration issues you might have.

Good luck, be brave, and head for the Cloud!

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Manual Labor

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:17:20 GMT

This month I decided to try and get the webcam working on my new computer. Getting it started became an adventure. I learned new ways to find and understand instructions, and I also learned that tech support can actually help!

When working with a new device, I like to have a printed document with that tells me the functions and what they can do. My monitor came with only a software CD and a one-page “quick-start” guide, showing the front panel buttons on one side and the basic startup steps on the other. Since I grew up with devices doing only one function, this was not enough information.

First, I thought the webcam program might have already been pre-installed on my computer. To check, I just clicked on START. The webcam was listed under programs, so I clicked on it. Now I had a basic screen, but the buttons would not do anything. Obviously I was missing something. I needed a user manual.

Without a printed document, I didn’t know what the next steps were, or even where to go find them. I decided to go to the monitor manufacturer’s site and search for the manual. There it was! I found it! After downloading it, I found the section on starting the webcam.

I learned that I had to load some additional software. It was on the CD that came with the monitor, and luckily I remembered where I had stored it. I dug it out, inserted it, and began the setup again.

The installation process stopped without finishing, for some unknown reason. Don’t you hate it when that happens? I sure do. Good thing that I know how to uninstall a program and start over. The second time through, it worked fine.

Now I thought I was ready to begin. I opened the webcam, but still could not see myself. I was able to see the options on the buttons, and open some other functions and see what they did. But no picture. Then I saw the error message at the bottom of the screen: The webcam was not found.

I went back to the manual. To my delight, I found both the error message and the resolution for it. It said to make sure the monitor cable was connected. I checked the cable and it was fine. I looked at the chart again. I had followed the instructions, or so I thought. But still no picture. Needless to say, by this time I was very frustrated!

Finally I contacted technical support, via the “chat” link on the manufacturer’s web site. After telling them that I had already done everything that they were suggesting, I was escalated to the supervisor. Suddenly the comment was made about a second cable. Second cable? How was I supposed to know about the second cable?

I looked at the monitor setup instructions again. In the lower left corner, in very light print, was a step about connecting the USB cable. I completely missed that step the first time through! After finding the second cable, I turned the computer off, and then connected it. Suddenly the webcam worked!

In a user manual, I think the print should be easy to read – not blend into the background. Pictures should be big enough, and clear enough, to see the details. Maybe reading a manual online is better – then you can always zoom in. But just in case, I now keep a magnifying glass handy.

see ya next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Cramming: It’s not just for college anymore

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:55:38 GMT

"Cramming” is the illegal practice of placing unauthorized charges on your telephone bill. Crammers rely on confusing telephone bills and vague wording to trick you into paying for unwanted services. Charges may be labeled as a service fee, service charge, mail server, calling plan, membership, monthly fee, or other fees on your bill.

How to fight back Here are some tips from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for fighting unauthorized charges on your telephone bill:

Carefully read all forms and promotional materials – including the fine print – before signing up for telephone or other services to be charged to your phone bill. Be equally careful if you receive an offer by phone.

Thoroughly review your telephone bills every month. Monitor them just as closely as you would review your monthly credit card bill or bank statements.

Make sure you recognize the names of all the companies listed on my bill and what services they’re providing.

Do not ignore small charges, which can add up to big amounts. Crammers often try to go undetected by submitting $1.99 or $2.99 charges to tens of thousands of consumers.

If You Suspect Unauthorized Charges Ask the company for an explanation before paying when you don’t know what service was provided for a charge on your bill. If you don’t receive a clear and accurate explanation, immediately call the company that charged you for services you did not authorize and request adjustment to your bill for any incorrect charges.

If that doesn’t work, call your own telephone company and request to have the incorrect charges removed. And if that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with the FCC for charges related to telephone services between states or internationally, or with your state public service commission for telephone services within your state.

Have a nice weekend,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Get your business going with Google Places

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:47:51 GMT

More than 90 percent of consumers search for local businesses online, according to data released by Google. Many businesses spend time and money investing in online campaigns and search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, but may overlook or underutilize a free resource Google offers called Google Places.

Google Places launched in late 2009 as a “webpage for every place in the world, organizing all the relevant information about it.” However, not every place has found its place in Places so far. While Google Places is free and easy to set up, it can take some effort to get it set up so it benefits your business.

Start with the easy steps:
- Go to www.google.com/places
- Submit your pertinent business information, including basic contact info, plus photos and video if you have them
- Verify your listing by phone or postcard.
- Wait for your listing to appear on Google

More details make a better place Make sure your listing includes hours of operation, payment options, and additional information by completing the entire Places form online. The ranking of businesses on Google is very competitive and businesses with more details often move up the list.

You’ll be asked for your business category. Experts advise you to enter only one, even though you can override the system and enter more. Your business may get a better ranking by being strong in its primary category rather than trying to spread itself across many categories.

After a verification process by phone or mail, Google uses your entries and creates your place by searching the web and assembling information about your business from a variety of third-party sources, including Yelp and Yellow Pages.

Citations are hot Most of us are familiar with rankings on Google and other sites, and getting good reviews and rankings from your customers is important. But there’s a lesser known way to build up your ranking on Google. It’s called a citation and it is simply another website’s acknowledgement of your business. When your business name, address and phone number appear together on a webpage, it counts as a citation. The text does not need to be hyperlinked to your website, but the information, including spelling and suite numbers for example, does need to match exactly.

Remember Google is using its search engine to find citations. If you have partnership arrangements with other businesses, make sure they mention you in their website with your full name, address, and phone number in text so the search engine can find it. Likewise, if you sponsor charitable events, encourage the organization to print your name, address, and phone number in addition to your logo.

Official photography In May, Google announced a new project in conjunction with Places, called Google Business Photos. Using a professional photographer, this process creates and posts a 360-degree look at the interior of a retail store, a restaurant, or office. Business Photos is in limited release in the United States and a few other countries. You can find more about it by searching Google for “places business photos.”

Since most of your customers are using Google to find you, make sure you’re using the resource to your best advantage by using Google Places.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questoins or need help setting up your Google Places account.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Protect yourself from summer viruses

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:27:23 GMT

Viruses which cause physical illness may not be as common during the nice weather months but they still impact people. For example, the Norwalk virus is thought to be responsible for nasty summertime stomach flu symptoms, especially in close quarters like camps. Computer viruses don’t take summer vacation either. Be on the lookout for these:

Traffic ticket scam New York State Police say someone is sending e-mails claiming to be a traffic ticket from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The attachment contains an unknown virus, which is correctly identified by most security software.

Mac users included For years Apple Mac users have boasted about the lack of malware on their computers but they’ve been hit recently by a barrage of malware in the guise of an antivirus software called Mac Defender. This software looks just like a standard Apple application but it actually infects computer and attempts to get the credit card of the recipient by selling them the Defender product.

Good news and bad news Microsoft updated the Autorun feature for external USB drives in Windows XP and Vista a few months ago, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit flash drives to spread viruses. Consequently, the number of malware infections based on the use of the Autorun feature have declined significantly (Windows 7 already shipped with the protections in place).

At the same time, Microsoft announced the first security fix release of the summer which included nine “critical” fixes and seven “important” fixes. Call us today if your Windows machines are not up-to-date with all Microsoft patches.

See ya next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Recycle paper, not passwords

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:36:27 GMT

Strong passwords help protect you from a password-breaking systems which often focus on guessing common passwords. As you probably know, passwords with eight or more characters that include both numbers and letters are very secure. Add a special character and capitalize at least one of the letters, and you’ve created a password that’s very hard to guess, even for hackers.

Common unsafe practices   Now that you’ve created that password, however, how do you remember it? Two unsafe techniques people use regularly: They write down passwords on paper and keep them in an easy-to-access location, and they re-use the same password for many of the sites they access.

Password hide and seek   Physical protection of passwords is just as important as protecting them electronically. Think about how often vendors, customers, and even strangers can peer into your office. Walk through the office occasionally and make sure to remove post-it notes with login names and passwords from monitors, walls, and insides of drawers. Caution your office mates not to risk a security breach by accidentally revealing passwords.

Even the most secure password can be breached or stolen. If smart hacker figures out your social media password, for example, he may try to find your bank account and its password as well. Protect yourself by creating a unique password for each system. In case one system is breached, you won’t have to worry about many other systems becoming accessible to unauthorized use.

How to remember?   Now that you have created difficult passwords for each of the accounts you access, you may need some help remembering them. Password management software is an option. It stores and inputs all your login information for the sites you visit with a click of a button. You only need to remember a master login and password.

Smart phones can make password management more convenient and mobile. Check your application store to see what’s available. Even if you have to pay a small fee, it might be worth the investment to protect precious passwords.

thanks for reading and see ya next time,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Protect yourself! 4 easy Wi-Fi connection safety tips

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:57:15 GMT

Did you know that a Wi-Fi connection uses a radio link to connect to the Internet or other computers and the connection is not guaranteed to be secure?

What it boils down to is luck. If you are lucky, the Wi-Fi connection you find in a hotel or airport will be safe. If you are lucky, no hackers will be sitting around waiting for easy prey to pop on the Wi-Fi connection you found. Are you willing to risk the safety of your company and the data on your computer just to check in online while you are on the go?

Don’t compromise the security of your data for FREE Internet! It is all too easy to find a wireless hotspot these days. Coffee shops and restaurants even post signs in their front windows to advertise FREE Internet connections. Follow these 4 Wi-Fi safety tips and protect yourself against clever thieves.

1. Disable your wireless card’s ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) mode now! If you don’t know what an ad-hoc connection is, you probably don’t use it. Ad-hoc sometimes called computer-to-computer networking, allows two computers to be linked together. This type of connection may be used during a meeting to share documents or an Internet connection. Turning off this feature on your laptop will prevent hackers from connecting directly to your computer to steal data.

2. Assume you are being monitored by hackers on all free Wi-Fi connections. You can never really be sure if your connection is encrypted or secure when you do not have control over the connection. Turn on your firewall to protect yourself from computer-savvy hackers just waiting to break into your computer, browse your unprotected files or watch your online activity.

3. Don’t connect to your work computer without a Virtual Private Network (VPN). On an unencrypted connection, hackers can easily follow your actions and even hitch a ride with you right into your company’s system if you do not use a VPN. The worst part, businesses usually don’t know that their networks have been breached until it is too late. A VPN allows you to access your internal network or computer at the office using the Internet but through an encrypted tunnel so you don’t have to rely on the hotspot’s security to keep you safe.

What if you need to process a few payments online? While many companies, banks, and online shopping establishments now enforce stringent security policies, be aware that your email providers relaxed regulations could be dangerous. Even emailed financial information on a free Wi-Fi connection can be intercepted. Unfortunately, this kind of theft is difficult to track and even harder to prove. So, be careful out there!

4. Turn off your laptop’s wireless capabilities when you are not using them, especially when traveling. Most laptops search for Wi-Fi signals automatically and the connection could stay open even when you store your laptop in your shoulder bag to eat a meal at the airport or board a plane. Hackers look for computers that are connected but show no activity so they can dive in and take advantage of the free data buffet. Don’t leave your computer open for hackers to stop in for a bite.

A friend in your corner… If you need help preparing your laptop for your next business trip, give us a call. We can help you turn off the ad-hoc connection, turn on your firewall, and determine if your connection to the office is secure. Don’t risk your company or personal data on a free Wi-Fi connection while you are away from the office.

see ya next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Dispose of unwanted devices safely. Don’t recycle company data or your identity with your e-waste!

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:29:37 GMT

If you have recently invested in a new laptop or tower computer, you may be looking for a way to offload your old one. Be sure to clean off your personal information or you may be handing out your company or personal information to thieves.

Startling facts about e-waste. Consumer Reports reveals that 3 in 10 consumers replaced their computer in 2010. Nearly 2 in 10 consumers that disposed of a desktop computer or monitor threw them in the trash. According to the New York Times, approximately 1.8 million tons of discarded computers, printers, cell phones and other electronics wound up in landfills in 2010. That is a lot of e-waste!

So, if you have unwanted electronics or e-waste, please consider donating it to a good cause, selling it to someone who can reuse it, or recycle your e-waste.

Donate, sell or recycle your old computer, but keep your data and identity safe. Deleting files and information just isn’t enough these days. Your computer holds on to deleted data so it can be recovered if necessary. So, how can you be sure your information is properly removed from your computer before you get rid of it? Use a program that is designed to overwrite the hard drive on your computer to wipe it clean.

Removing the files yourself using disk-cleaning software is not too difficult. Many free cleaning utilities are available to download online for free such as Active Kill Disk, Disk Cleaner, or even Sure Delete. If this is just too much work, you can always send your used computer or other devices to a refurbishing company that will wipe the devices clean and donate them to a worthy cause for you.

Beware… printers can also hold critical data that criminals love! Did you know that many printers save data on a hard drive, and that data can be reused when plugged into a computer? Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if the printer even works. The hard drive may be unharmed and useful in the hands of a criminal. Just like a computer, your printer can be used for identity theft. There are software programs that can overwrite the data if you feel strongly about donating or selling your printer. However, destroying the hard drive is the only 100% guaranteed way of keeping your data safe.

Prepare your cell phone before handing it off… If you are selling, donating or recycling your cell phone, don’t forget to delete your personal and company data first. A cellular device is much like a printer it holds traces of the information so it can be restored if necessary even if the phone is broken.

If you are planning to upgrade to a new phone or just have an old one taking up space in your desk drawer, see your cell phone manual or wireless provider’s website for details regarding permanent information deletion. Don’t forget to remove your SIM and memory cards too before donating a cellular device.

Ready to donate? Determine if your device can be reused. A good rule of thumb to follow is, if you have a computer or device that is less than five years old it can usually be repurposed. The chances are very good that a non-profit or charitable agency could reuse your unwanted electronics to train individuals who are new users or even use your device within the organization.

Tips for donating unwanted electronics to a good cause. Donating your devices to a local charity or a community group can have a great impact on others. Be sure to call the group you have in mind first to be sure they have a need for the equipment you intend to donate.

If you cannot find a local organization, try searching for an agency that fits your interests online. Remember to check the agency’s policy regarding data on the devices to ensure proper handling of your critical information. Here are a few safe non-profit organizations to consider:

www.cristina.org
Accepts computer donations to reuse the technology to support training and greater independence for disabled individuals and other people in need.

www.pcforschools.org
A non-profit organization that refurbishes donated Pentium PC’s and late model Macintoshes, then distributes them to needy schools.

www.worldcomputerexchange.org
A global education and environmental non-profit that helps connect youth in 67 developing countries to the skills, opportunities, and understanding of the Internet while keeping working computers out of landfills.

Selling unwanted electronics can be a win-win too! Not only can you clear out devices that have been cluttering your home or workspace, but you can make a few bucks in the process. A great way to sell unwanted electronics is to include them in a garage sale or post them on your favorite classifieds website like CraigsList.org or ClassifiedAds.com.

If you have a little extra money to invest, look into upgrading your device before putting it up for sale. You may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your devices will sell with current software or programs and how much more you can earn with such a minimal investment.

Recycling locations in your area are easy to find! Now you can find e-waste recycling locations quickly with Earth911.com. This website holds information for over 117,000 locations and programs for more than 240 materials, and that is just the beginning of their service. Earth911 is also geared toward education, teaching visitors why they should recycle, on top of how and where. If you’re short on time, call for information and locations near you:

Earth911 • 1-800-CLEANUP

Or visit Earth911.com and download their FREE iRecycle application for your iPhone and start recycling today!

Recycling improves the health of our planet. So, let’s work together to keep our planet green! It is up to us to reduce the amount of waste piling up in our landfills. Take a look at the Recycling 101 section on Earth 911.com today to learn more. You will be amazed at how many items can be recycled. You just have to learn how and where. Go GREEN!

See ya next blog,

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com

Formatting using Word’s “Paste Special” feature

InnerTag - Simple Secure Smart — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:09:04 GMT

Copy and paste is a common function when editing in Word. You can better control exactly what you paste from your copying by using then Edit, Paste Special menu.

By default, when you Paste in something you’ve copied, Word will keep the source formatting. That may be fine when you’re working completely inside a Word document but if you’re pasting something from the internet or from another application, you may want to eliminate formatting. Here’s how:

Select the content from your source (a website, for example) and use the [Ctrl]+C keystrokes to copy the content to the clipboard. Switch to your Word document and place your cursor where you want to add your content. Select the Paste Special menu, and select one of the options:

- Formatted text retains the source formatting, it’s the same as using the Paste menu or [Ctrl]+V.

- Unformatted text will paste only the text. It eliminates formatting from the text and uses your document’s default style instead. It will not bring in any images you’ve selected. This is the most commonly used option but you may want to explore the others available.

- If you do a lot of pasting into Word from the internet or other sources using Word 2007 or 2010, you can change your default paste setting to be your most used setting.

- Click the File tab or Office button.

- Select Options (or Word Options at the bottom)

- Select Advanced in the left pane.

- In the Cut, Copy, and Paste section, choose from the pasting options. You’ll have a number of options to control the pasting default for several situations.

- Click OK.

You can control pasting when you’re working inside your open document, when you’re working between Word documents, and when you’re working with other sources such as Internet Explorer. Making the right selections could save you a lot of time in working with documents.

Unfortunately, Word 2003 doesn’t give you quite as much control. From the Tools menu, choose Options, and click the Edit tab. In the Cut And Paste section, click the Settings button and make your selections.

Thanks for reading, till next blog post.

Andrew Nevens
InnerTag
407-949-0106
andrew@innertag.com
www.innertag.com