Windows 10 is on the way, and you’re probably wondering just what it means for your business. Are you going to have to change operating systems AGAIN? Is it going to be as difficult to adapt to as Windows 8? How much is this going to cost? July 29, 2015. Windows 10 Is Available. Don’t worry about it! The team at {company} are on your side and will make the transition over to Windows 10 a breeze. Find out how easy it will be and how many benefits you’ll see by calling us at {phone}. First off: Upgrading to Windows 10 is FREE – so long as you’re already running a legitimate copy of Windows 7 or 8. So breathe a big sigh of relief over that. And even better, our team has looked ahead at the features of Windows 10, and we know you’ll love these main reasons to upgrade: No MS Account Needed: Unlike Windows 8, you won’t need a Microsoft account just to log in. Just make a username and password, and it’s all you need. The Start Menu is Back: Three cheers for the return of the classic start menu everyone missed! Easy access to programs again! Easy Customization: Even better, the Start Menu is easily customized, and you can combine features like tiles from Windows 8 that you might actually like. Simple Cross-Compatibility: Connecting your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop over Windows 10 will be easy and intuitive. Cortana is Here to Help: The intelligent assistant Cortana (like Siri) that comes with Win10 is actually helpful and simple to use. Just talk to it and get quick answers and help for all sorts of tasks. Virtual Desktops: Quickly and easily create new desktops for different tasks – so it’s easy to stay focused on your work. Upgraded Web Browser: Say goodbye to Internet Explorer and hello to Edge. It’s got features like Chrome or Firefox, as well as some cool built-in unique features that make integration with other Win10 features simple. Our team couldn’t be more excited about this huge improvement for Microsoft users that’s coming our way. When Windows 10 is released, you can count on {company} to know all the ins and outs of the system and be ready to help you get a smooth and simple transition over – all your files and programs will keep working, and you won’t miss a day of work. Contact {company} at {phone} or {email} to find out more about how you can take advantage of Windows 10 with our help!

Security researchers from Google’s Project Zero and FireEye have discovered a critical flaw in various versions of Windows, and Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band patch to deal with the situation. In a statement of advisory on Monday (July 20), Microsoft informed customers about the issue, warning that the vulnerability could “allow remote code execution if a user opens a specially crafted document or visits an untrusted webpage that contains embedded OpenType fonts.” They continued, “An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.” Basically, if the vulnerability were exploited, you’d be inadvertently handing operational control of your computer over to a cybercriminal. The potential issues stemming from that are limitless, especially for businesses storing sensitive data on their machines. Users working with Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or Windows RT are all affected – that includes users running Windows Server 2008 or later. It should be noted that Microsoft has deemed the software update “critical” for those users. As of now, Microsoft says they believe the flaw is public, but they have no evidence to suggest it’s being actively exploited. The patch is available now through any typical update methods, including Windows Update. For your protection, it’s crucial to make the update as soon as possible to prevent any issues with your system. For more breaking IT news or to get in touch with a team of technology experts who will help keep your business protected, contact {company} at {email} or {phone}.

Most IT support firms are top notch providers, and are always there to do their best. Unfortunately, there are some issues which we simply can’t or won’t help you with because as good as we are, we simply can’t perform miracles and some situations are just too dodgy to touch. IT support firms understand that everyone has IT needs that need to be fixed but you also have to be realistic and understand that there are limits. Let’s talk about some of this issues when we don’t want you to call us because you are wasting your time and obviously need to do some serious revaluation. No Back-Up C’mon folks! You desktop or some other device with critical client and company information crashes and you haven’t backed it up? This is PC 101 stuff folks – always back-up your data! I know many of you are under the impression that we can retrieve lost data, but you also need to know that the retrieval process is very expensive and there is NO guarantee we can recover it all. Often, when it’s gone, we aren’t necessarily going to get it all back. No Cash Some business people tell us they have no money available for their IT budget. Well, are you expecting us to work for free? An IT support company doesn’t work that way and we can’t really do anything for you to provide continuity for your business if you aren’t prepared to spend some money. If you have obsolete equipment or software, there’s only so much we can do. No IT Processes in Place IT support companies take pride in the services we provide. Most of us like to give the ongoing support you need to grow and prosper. But, if you don’t have any processes in place that provide some kind of current and long term plan to grow your business, we can’t really help you because that’s your job, not the job of the IT company. We provide the support for your business processes, but we don’t create them. Illegal Software We won’t touch that with a ten foot pole, and if that’ what you’re looking help with then we’re out the door. I understand software can be an expense, but this a line we don’t cross. We’ll get rid of it for you and install legitimate software, and teach you how to use it, but otherwise this is a total deal breaker. Want a Fix, but Not Ongoing Support Yeah, if you want a fix then we can do that, but keep in mind that a fix is just a very short term solution. IT firms like to partner with their clients for the long term because we learn about your business and look to your future growth. If you jump from IT company to IT company for a fix when you need it, you’re really not getting the best value for your money. We can help you grow more proactively and more productively when you form a partnership with us for the long term. Your IT company can do a lot great tech work, but there are some issues when we’d rather not hear from you because it simply isn’t worth it for you or for us. Want an IT partner to help you grow and build your business? Partner with {company} and let us help you prosper. Call us at {phone} or email us at {email} and we will build your business together!

We’ve noticed an uptick in Crypto-type virus infections over the past week. These infections are even getting past anti-virus software and network firewalls. If you’re infected, you WILL lose all of your data on your computer, as well as the data on any server(s) you are connect to, unless you have a good backup? How do Crypto-type virus infections work? They’re a type of ransomware, which means hackers get into your systems, encrypt your data, and demand a ransom fee in exchange for the decryption key. This is a very serious infection! Here’s a few vital tips you need to know to stay protected against ransomware: • Do not, under any circumstances, open email attachments, even if they’re from someone you know, unless you’re expecting the attachment. • Never click on any web page popups that ask you to install or download something – these popups are often malicious and shouldn’t be trusted. We’ve seen the virus spread to contacts in someone’s address book, so it’s entirely possible you may receive an email from someone you ‘know’ containing an infection. Even with proper backup, a serious defensive strategy must be put into motion to clean this type of virus infection up. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom fee will result in getting your files back after you’ve been infected. If you aren’t a Hammett Technologies SimpuCare managed client, cleanup from this infection can take several hours and cost several thousand dollars. If you aren’t 100% positive you have HOURLY backups of your data and those backups are tested, please call us today. Discover how our backup systems and our backup strategy work here. To repeat, a business must be making hourly backups in this day and age, in order to have the highest level of protection. We have never had a client using our recommended backup strategy lose data – EVER. If you have an email attachment or suspicious message you’re unsure about, call our office – we’ll screen it for you and let you know if it’s safe or malicious. We’d rather be safe and have you check with us than possibly get infected. Please make sure you’ve shared this with friends and co-workers to stay safe. Contact {company} at {phone} or send us an email: {email}. We’ll help you stay safe against threats, including ransomware.

It has become increasingly difficult to navigate the world of IT support. It seems like every company feeds you the same line about how much you need their service. So how do you separate the elite from the mediocre? And even more importantly, which one is the perfect fit for your specific needs? {company} who is based in {city}, has compiled a list of six questions you should always ask an IT company that you are interviewing. If they can’t provide a valuable answer to any one of them, they’re not the right fit for you. Do they have industry experience with your type of business? This question is vital to ask because it will instantly indicate whether or not they’re confident in their services. It’s not a requirement that they have previous work within your industry, but they should provide their answer confidently – either way. If the answer is yes, they should also be able to provide specific examples. If they can’t provide these examples, they may be lying just to get your business. Do they have technology specializations with the systems you have invested in? For this question the answer must be “yes.” There’s no point in paying someone to manage your IT services if they aren’t an expert in the systems you use. You may as well pick up a couple how-to books from the local library, and do it yourself. It’s your IT support team’s job to be an expert in your network systems. Do they have experience working with your business applications? This is just as important as the previous question. Do a little bit of research, and follow up with more specific questions in regards to the applications at hand. It’s very easy for an IT company to tell you they have experience with an application, when the reality is very different. Can they back up their claims of great service with client case studies? Check their website out. A reputable IT company will have written “social proof” of their work via case studies with previous clients. The case studies should describe the specific issues that their client was facing, followed by a detailed description of how the problems were addressed. It should also contain quotes from the client, which is a testimonial to the IT company’s work. Are they up to speed with the latest technologies? It’s important that your IT team is up to speed on the latest technological innovations. They will become the backbone of your company, supporting your efforts to surpass your competitors. Ask for specific examples of exactly how they stay up-to-date and informed in this ever changing media-scape. Can they take care of you? When interviewing your IT company, ask for specific examples of how they can assist in growing your company. Ask for suggestions, and pay attention to see if their answer is general run-of-the-mill, or specific to your company’s objectives. Ultimately it’s fundamental that you trust your gut feeling when hiring an IT company for your business. You should feel like you’re working with a human being, not a robot. They should have our best interest in mind, not their bank account. Always ask for proof of their qualifications, and always follow your intuition. If you’re currently looking for a reputable IT company with proven results, contact us today.  {phone} or {email}

Windows 10 Upgrade time is coming – are you prepared? When it comes time to upgrade to the new Windows 10 this month, at {company} we know that our clients are eager. Along with the upgrade come several new innovative advancements, making your work processes easier and more secure. Still, you need to take pause when it’s time to upgrade – because employing the automatic updater to get the job done may actually cause you problems. Using the new automatic updater is likely to have an adverse impact on your devices, including your computers, laptops, and your practice at large. That means that using the automatic updater can actually slow your transition to Windows down. When it comes to support cases for clients who have run into trouble due to attempting an automatic upgrade, we will deal with support on a first-come-first-serve basis. Avoiding an automatic upgrade will steer you clear of any issues. {company} wants you to benefit from all that Windows 10 has to offer; we want nothing more than to help your business thrive. In order for everything to run smoothly, your upgrade needs to be handled with care and by professionals. Get in touch with us at {email} or {phone} to discuss the right upgrade process for your business.

The rapid evolution of technology has enabled small and midsize businesses to gain a competitive edge in today’s market. In particular, technologies, such as cloud computing, mobility, and big data analytics have allowed for dramatic improvements in productivity and overall business performance. However, despite these new advantages, businesses are facing more security risks. If your business is considering moving to the Cloud or implementing a BYOD policy, you need to ensure that some basic security practices are part of your plan: Foster a culture of cyber security. Your employees are your first line of defense, and can be very effective in helping to protect your business from cyber attacks. However, in order to be effective, they need to be educated about the importance of cyber security. Without proper training and education, your employees will be your weakest link, as most cyber attacks originate from human error. Create a strategy for security management. Carefully plan for a possible cyber attack. Go over what-if scenarios and ensure that all aspects of your plan work effectively to safeguard your system in the event of a breach. Most cyber attacks are connected to highly organized crime rings. If your business is organized with a strategic approach, you’ll be in a better position to withstand these attacks. Align your technology with your company’s security needs. Acquire a managed security services provider that can provide you with easy access to highly skilled security professionals.  You’ll require engineers who can help you to quickly resolve issues as they arise. Design a policy for mobile devices. Mobile apps and devices have serious vulnerabilities when it comes to security. In fact, malicious code infects more than 11.6 million mobile devices each day.  Through these malicious codes, hackers can access sensitive files, personal data or even hijack a device’s camera or microphone to secretly obtain information about confidential business meetings. A comprehensive mobile security policy that addresses risks associated with mobile content, apps, and sensitive data access will protect your SMB against such vulnerabilities. Join a cyber threat intelligence sharing platform There is power in the conversations going on around you. Other businesses can be a great source of ideas. Therefore, working in conjunction with other organizations in the private sector to share information and expertise will better equip you to identify threats and prevent them from invading your networks before they become full-blown attacks. Cybercriminals are becoming more organized and effective in launching assaults against smaller businesses that are often unprepared to deal with security breaches. To learn more about how you can protect your data and arm yourself against organized cyber attacks, give us a call {phone} or send us an email: {email}.

Many companies just starting out are looking for ways to save money on their start up costs. Every business owner wants to appear as a serious player and be taken seriously. One of the ways you can do this is with a professional looking letterhead on your correspondence and other form of communications. What you might not know is that you can achieve this yourself simply by using Microsoft Word. It helps if you have a logo as that makes the process easier so you might want to hire someone to design one for you. Creating Your Own Personalized Letterhead The first thing to understand is how a “Header” works. You will want to start with a blank page and embed your logo and insert company identifiers into the header. Setting Up Your Header In the top of your blank Word doc you can either: Double Click at the top of the page, or Select the “Insert” tab and select “Header>Blank You must first decide on how much space from the top you will need to include the relevant company information and logo. The default amount of space before you select what you need is ½ inch. Be careful about going too close to either edge of the page as your printer may not cover all of the info. If you decide to make changes, all you have to do is double-click the header section once again, and then restructure what you have included. Another alternative is to insert a table inside the header which allows you to precisely configure your company information. You can also opt for right tabs or columns instead. Setting the Letterhead to the Side Alternatively you can also opt to put your letterhead on either the right or left side of the page. You can do this by embedding a text box inside the header, and then specify both the vertical and horizontal size of the space you need. You can also embed your logo. Embedding your Logo Logos might require a little more effort because they might be compressed. Only in Word 2010 can you instruct Word to not compress the image. For other versions of Word, you need to go the “File” tab and select “Options” and then click on “Advanced.” Find the section titled “Image Size and Quality” and check the box which reads “Do not Compress Images in File”. Also, you need to ensure that the area which reads as “Set Default Target Out To:” and set as the maximum DPI in the drop-down. And that’s it! You have a totally looking professional letterhead! Need your company to look professional! Our {company} can help you provide you with innovative tools to improve the look of your site and other vital documents so phone us right now at {phone} or email us at: {email} as we can custom design what your business needs to succeed! 

Most business managers are well versed in dealing with a crisis situation that can occur on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, many of these same managers don’t often consider creating a contingency plan in the event of a major disaster. This can vary from the sudden death of a key employee to having your whole building devastated by a natural disaster such as from a tornado, a fire or similar catastrophe. This can happen anywhere and at any time as you see from your nightly broadcasts. It is a sad statistic that nearly as many as these 25% of these businesses that have been at the wrong end of a disaster never reopen again. A good contingency plan can address many of the problems that can cause irreparable harm to your business. The best way to develop a contingency plan is to consider the various possible types of damage scenarios that can impact your business, ranging from minor inconveniences such as strikes, equipment breakdown, to the most serious losses such as the complete destruction of your business premise. In the situation of the death of a key employee who is vital for your business success and survival, you will want to have appropriate key man life insurance in place on your most valuable executives and personnel. Alternatively, you might to begin grooming other employees to fill in and take over for example. In the case of the most extreme scenario, it is vital that you have your extremely valuable IT services backed-up and located in servers at least 50 plus miles away from your current physical location. Another contingency possibility where temporary building/office premises aren’t immediately available, it would be possible for many of your employees to telecommute. But, that can only happen if you have a plan in place! Following a major disaster, your employees won’t know what to do and how to connect with you if you don’t have an established contingency plan. As a business owner or manager, you must be able to consider alternative suppliers, transportation scenarios, and consider and plan for a whole host of other strategic business issues to keep your business afloat or get restarted as soon as possible. This requires careful and detailed planning using the input of your essential personnel to develop an effective contingency plan to avoid falling in the failed business statistic category when a major disaster occurs. Need help in developing a viable contingency plan for your particular business? Contact {company} today, as we specialize in IT contingency business plans, so call us at {phone} or email us at {email} today. Protect you business before it’s too late!

You’re not an IT expert. But you need someone who is. You need someone knowledgeable, someone reliable, someone who knows how to not just respond to your needs, but predict your needs and take care of them before you have any problems. {company} provides the proactive support you need to prevent rather than recover from problems. That includes replacing or upgrading outdated hardware before it fails, and finding (and fixing) vulnerabilities before they’re exploited by cybercriminals. Securing your network, maintaining and optimizing your equipment, helping you prevent/recover from disaster… sure, those are all important responsibilities, and we’ll certainly take care of all that for you. But those services don’t help you grow; they just help you tread water. We want to do more than just that. {company} will give you the guidance you need to make smart investments in IT. We’ll sit down with your leadership and show you how technology can be used to help you meet (and exceed) your revenue goals and sustain long-term growth. The Darwinian Approach Only the strong survive. Over half of IT companies last less than 5 years before shutting down. So, it follows that you also want to use an IT company who’s been around for a while, specifically someone who’s been around for more than 5 years. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but in the majority of cases anyone who is able to stick around longer than the average IT company has figured out how to do something better than the competitors they’ve seen fail, which may include offering better service, a better price, or both. Geek Speak Translated into Plain English C-level Execs Can Understand The most important trait for a technology leader to have has nothing to do with technology. No, what are most important are communication skills, knowing what matters to businesses and how to look at the big picture. That includes knowing what needs to be said and what doesn’t need to be said. We’ll cut through the usual IT jargon and get right down to business value. We know you’re not interested in how technology works as much as you are in what technology can do for your business. That’s why we translate geek speak into plain English that C-level execs with no experience in IT can understand and get excited about. What are your long-term goals? Where do you see yourself next year, or in 5 or 10 years? We want to sit down with your leadership to discuss your future and show you how to use technology to make that vision become your reality. To get this level of leadership in-house you’d have to put up with the $150,000 average salary that a CIO takes home. We’ll provide you with the same expertise and attention you’d get with an in-house CIO, all at a flat rate that’s much more affordable than adding a six figure salary to your payroll. Contact us at {phone} or {email} for more information about our virtual CIO and other IT services.