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Content is King!

So you have a website... do you wonder if anyone is reading it....

Well, take a look at what you wrote, does it make you want to read past the first line or two? Do you get enough information from the title and articles the first couple of lines to understand what you will learn from reading it? Are there images which pertain to the content to help tell the story, and hold the readers interest?

As a website owner, you have just taken on another title... Author. So, is this book that you are writing going to be in the bargain bin, or is it going to be on the New York Times Best Sellers List? It's all up to you! Organize your thoughts, think about what you would like your website to say, how you would like it to feel, and most importantly.... How it can make your phone ring and your wallet fat!

Content is KING!

Why a Server?

In this day and age there are at least two or more computers in every household and business and usually they are networked together in some fashion or another. There is really no issues for home networks, but when it comes to small businesses, there is a certain point where you have to look at moving up to bigger and better things.

What I am talking about is a network server.

If you have a small business and you have less than 10 computers or devices, you are okay. On the borderline, but okay. If you go over 10, it is recommended that you look at going to a server based network. The reasoning behind this is you probably have an adhoc network setup. Meaning you have a DSL line or cable going into a modem, to a router, to a switch, to all your devices. You share folders, exchange data, and above all share the internet connection.

It works. But as you grow, and add more to your network, you get more PC's and devices, you could run into issues. If your business is growing and you go above 10 PC's and devices, moving to a server is advisable as it will open all sorts of doors for you.

A network server by definition is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other (client) computers over a local network or the Internet. This includes (depending on the OS) a database, email exchange server, various other bells and whistles that can enhance a companies productivity.

There are all sorts of options you can do, but I recommend that if one can afford it, to buy your own server and that way, it is yours!
You can take it with you, move it wherever and you don't have to worry about hosting companies moving, going out of business or being bought out.
No one likes change.

This of course comes at a cost. Servers are not cheap, neither is the software. This includes an IT person to setup and maintain it.

A system, if setup and maintained properly requires very little and IT support cost is low. Twice a week to come in and give it the once over, check logs, update, etc is about it, unless the job entails more. (company dependant) IT support can cost (depending on the area/demographics) anywhere from $75.00 per hour to $225.00 dollars per hour (approx).
The variables are many and those emergency "I NEED YOU NOW" calls are on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.

If you feel like you would like to move to a server, ask your IT specialist for a quote.
How much would it cost to move to a server?
What are the benefits to the company?
What do you want the server to do for you?
Do I really need a server?

The information is out there all you have to do is ask.

All in all, it is what you the business owner feels comfortable with and can afford.
As an IT specialist, all we can do is show the options available to you.

Security Options

Security is a broad subject.

It can entail internet security, computer security, network security home security you name it.
In this discussion, I am going to talk about security options for home or business.
There are quite a few options out there to give you that comfort level and they are primarily cameras.

Security cameras and packages come in all forms and range from $50.00 to $1000.00+ dollars. It all depends on what YOU want.
Most installers will try to sell you more than you need or just try to sell you something.

There are cameras that can continuously monitor an area, activate when movement is detected, snap pictures, even cameras hidden in clocks . There is a wide range of options.

If you remember an incident a while back, a lady was at work and decided to check her house (via the Internet) and saw that someone was breaking into her house. Well she called the police and watched the drama unfold on he computer. She gave police details on who was in her house and where they were, and what they were doing.

How did she do it?

She had some security camera installed in her home and linked them to her computer/internet.

Is this a hard thing to do?

No, but the system she used is relatively simple but costs about 200.00 per camera. This includes an option to be able to view from ANY computer ANYWHERE via a subscription to the company site.

Wired versus Wireless...Yes wireless can be expensive, but if you compare it with the setup fee, running the wire, the cost of the wire and the connections you may need, can give you something to consider. If you do it all yourself, you may have to buy the crimping tool and there is a cost involved in that too.Wireless is nice since it usually runs through your electrical system. There is very little invasive installation that a wired connection might require. (running wires through walls, ceilings, installing outlets etc. )

Having installed both options on various occassions to a couple of clients, the bottom line is what do YOU want, and what do YOU want to pay for it all?

If this is something you would like more information on, go to our Contact page and send an email to Chris.
We will get back with you within 24 hours.

Email Scams

With all the jerks out there who have nothing better to do than to steal from people, and the tricky ways technology allows them to do it, you have to be a little wary on how you go about your daily buisness on the internet and with email.

Recently a friend of mine lost $3000.00 dollars to a scammer who sent them an email stating they were stranded in Europe and needed cash quick. Yes, I know..."Oh heck..how can they be THAT stupid??"

Well it was a perfect storm....

The person who claimed to be stranded was a family member who traveled alot and was quite possible that it could be true.
They tried calling them and with no answer, the ruse started to solidify in their minds as fact. They even communicated (via email) once or twice to coordinate the exchange..yeah...I know..but once the hook was set.. only a miracle could stop it.

They sent the money.

THEN...the next day they got a call from the family member asking what the panic was about..what was going on...it was then they realized they had been had.

The money was picked up in the UK at a Western Union..it is gone, there is nothing they can do about it...BUT..we can learn from this and pass on our knowledge to all we know.

Some simple actions that can prevent this if you ever get an email from a friend of family member whi is "in trouble" and needs money.

1. If you get a suspicious email that SOUNDS like the person you know...first look at the email address. If it is NOT EXACTLY like the one you normally send emails to, that is the first red flag.

2. Call other family members INCLUDING the one who sent you the email. Guaranteed if it was true, you are NOT the only one they contacted. If you are the only one who got the email....Red flag #2.

3. Wait a day or so. There is nothing you can do that will make their situation any better in less than 24 hours regardless where they are unless they are being lined up in front of a firing squad as they typed the email. So wait and THINK about it..let your inquiries that were unanswered have time to get answered.

4. If you reply to the email and they reply back, tell them to call you collect, you will accept the charges....THIS is the biggest deterrent. They SHOULD know the number...if they have to ask what it is...you got them. and Red flag # 3

5. If you do realize the scam, contact the local police department, tell them what you have and ask them what you should do. Can you catch this scumbag? If you get an address of the place they want the money sent, (a western union or someplace)..if it is overseas..look it up, call the local police there and tell them what is happening. They might have a slow day and feel like catching a predator. I did it once and was glad the guy got caught! All it cost me was a few extra dollars on the phone bill.

Bottom line, don't react emotionally. Take a breath and a minute to research and think about it a bit. Make a few phone calls etc.
Again, there is nothing short of Godzilla about to flatten Tokyo that cannot wait a day or so before acting upon it.

Hope this helps some of you in the future...it can apply to alot of situations!!