Tbook - Software and IT Support

New Tech Blog for Non Profits

 The Two Black Labs marketing firm has just set up a new multi-user blog – the NFP Tech Blog (http://nfptechblog.com/) – to provide non-profits with advice about Microsoft Dynamics products and other not for profit accounting software.

Microsoft partners Brittenford Systems, Maner Costerisan, MIG & Co., T3 Information Systems and SSi Consulting have already begun blogging about their experience with non-profit clients.

As the blog evolves, the partners hope that it will become a resource for non-profits to find advice on how to decide which Dynamics product to invest in and how to implement their software. Microsoft Partners will share case histories – like this Microsoft Dynamics GP non profit case study – describing how the American Red Cross use the software to reduce their warehouse costs by 50%.

Routers and Tips. What’s all about?

Internet is one of the greatest discoveries of the century and at the moment almost everyone uses it at home or at the office or even at a home office. We like to call it “surfing the Web”, like we were born doing it and we know everything about it. The thing is that when something wrong happens and can’t go online, the first thing that crosses our minds is restarting the computer and everything will go away. But that’s not the case almost every time and we need to ask for IT Support from a professional IT Company. Let’s think a bit about routers. What’s their purpose in our house? What do we do when we have problems with them?

A router is an electronic device and its role is to connect other devices between them and share information or connect them to the Internet, with the power of radio or wire signals. In order to understand better what a router does, think of this: the reason why you can get online both on your computer and laptop at the same time, is your router; email, surfing the Web, playing games online – your router; having better IT Security, well, it’s all because of your router. So, you’re network is more secure and you have all these advantages because of this IT product and IT Support. So, all data sent between computers or online is handled by your router.

There are two different kinds of routers: if every computer is tied to the router by using wires, then you are dealing with a cable router; if you have a wireless router, this means that you can get online from your laptop and you don’t need to use a cable. There are certain advantages of using one of them: if you are looking for a cheap, portable and safe solution then you would like to use a wireless router, but if you want high-speed, reliability and security then you should better choose a cable router. However we put it, routers have a significant role in IT Connectivity. The thing is that we will always need IT Support when talking about machines.

Now, how about problems which seem to knock on the door when we’re feeling too safe? Well, you need IT Support. One of the most popular issues with wireless routers is weak signal. This means that you could benefit from a great connection but there are some obstacles that make you lose your signal in some parts of the house. There are some great tips that can make you worry less for your connection. For starters, you should try to move your router somewhere in the centre of your house so that signal is the same in every room. Another tip would be to try and keep the router away from walls and metal objects as these are obstacles.

These obstacles that I’m talking about have something to do with the signals of the router. So, in order to have great IT connectivity, keep the wireless router obstacle free. Of course, if you can’t seem to make it work, then hire an IT Company to get professional IT Support. How about issues with cable routers? The most usual problem refers to limited or no Internet connectivity which means that you can see that you are connected to the Internet but you can’t seem to get online. The interesting and simple tip given in this unwanted complication is that you should reset the router. If it still doesn’t work, go for the smart solution and ask for IT Support.

The thing about routers everyone should know is that you have to know what kind of router fits the situation: for wide areas you should probably go for a wireless router, whereas a cable router is perfect for a room where there is more than one computer. Another tip to keep in mind and probably the most important one is that you shouldn’t underestimate a professional team that provides IT Support for your problems. Most of the times it’s not that hard to fix things on your own, but if the situation comes out of hand, then it is best to leave it on the hand of IT engineers. The certainly know how to repair what needs to be repaired.

How Does VOIP Improve Your Business

One of the most significant technology developments that have revolutionized the way we communicate and the business world is VOIP a.k.a. Voice Over Internet Protocol. Our traditional phones are connected to a landline which makes conversations with other people to be weak to interference and expensive. Fortunately for us, VOIP provides us with the opportunity to have great and long distance conversations over the internet with business partners or friends at a much smaller cost. Also, you can call any local, international or even a mobile number. It’s a service that has the best advantages regarding the quality of communication and price.

What does VOIP exactly do? Well, when you call someone using this service, your voice is changed from an analog sound to a digital sound which gets compresses and then travels the internet to the person that at the other end. When it arrives, the data is decompressed and converted back to its’ original sound and heard by the other person. This is the most advanced way of communication as you may benefit from audio/video calls at high speed with minimal charge. Regarding these kind of services, some work only on the computer or through a special IP Phone whereas others work even on the traditional phone with the help of an IP adaptor.

How can I get started? Well, first of all you have to choose from the three basic types of phones available for VOIP service. We have PC based Softphone also known as digital or internet phone, Dedicated VOIP Phone and Analog Telephone Adapter. The first one is the cheapest choice and you only need to install a software program on the computer. While making a call you need to be connected to the internet. The greatest thing is that nowadays softphones are designed to work almost like traditional phones. The most expensive type of VOIP phone system is Dedicated VOIP Phone and doesn’t need a computer to give and receive calls.

What about the IT Services providers? Well, you have to be careful before choosing your company. Usually, IT Support companies have this kind of service. So, while you’re at it, think about what else besides VOIP do you need and compare the offers they provide. You can find all this information online. Usually, the provider charges for the initial installation and for the connection or/and per call. In order to use VOIP you have to decide the type of equipment you need so that you can really enjoy the cost saving. To be honest, it is very easy to switch to this kind of phone service and the company provides everything you need.

Talking about the greatest advantages VOIP brings to our world, well, let’s start with clearer and faster voice quality, video/audio conferences, three way calling, caller ID, the cheapest long distance calls, ability to connect the offices spread all over the world so that they can work as one unit, mobility and flexibility for global operations, voice mail, call forwarding and I can go on and on and on. The thing is, this service gets you ahead of the competition. It doesn’t matter how large your company is, VOIP is the most affordable type of phone service and it can bring your company just the flexibility and sophistication it needs.

Just remember, VOIP is managed by the service provider but it’s controlled by you. It involves no capital investment, no operating costs, no management time, no need to take endless messages when people are out. Not missing a call may mean not missing a sales opportunity. While you’re thinking of what IT Support company to use, also think about the IT Security of your business and the level you want to take it to. You might find out that you also need services like Remote Backup, Disaster Recovery, Server Monitoring, good Broadband Service. This way, you control anything that happens to your business without any stress and time waste involved.

All About Broadband Service and More

The easiest way to explain it is that broadband is the term used to define the channel between our computers and the internet. Nowadays, a connection to the internet is an absolute must because of the fact that this is the century of speed. If you want something, you want it good and fast. Any piece of information you need is just a “connect” click away. So why refuse it? You can browse through the internet, download anything you want, communicate with others easily. We have it here, where we need it and when we need it. So, let’s find out how does broadband work, what are it’s advantages and how to choose the right internet package for you.

We can think of broadband service as a class of communication channel that can carry 10 times more data than the regular phone lines. The wider is the bandwidth of the channel the faster can it send data. This channel comes to our homes through cables and lines set up by internet service providers. These providers have made it easier for us to have access to the web. Because of its’ large demand, a very large number of providers have emerged to fulfill our wishes. Whatever we need, it’s included in one of those special packages of theirs. But what’s that special about it? I guess it’s high time we talked about the advantages broadband has brought us and how advanced is it. So, what’s the fuss? Well, just imagine that the simple fact that you can read this article lying comfortable in your bed while downloading the latest track from, I don’t know-Depeche Mode, is possible because of broadband. Oh, and just wait, 3, 2, 1…Done! You’re already listening to that track.

Yeah, it’s a miracle. I bet you’ve never thought at it this way. It’s fast and provides better uninterrupted service. Remember that dial-up that made your phone busy and that made you pay trillions every month? Forget it! These days you can have unlimited access with the minimum of resources. You just have to decide what you need in order to get the best deal. What do you use your broadband connection for? If you have an online business and need internet all the time for checking that everything is going smoothly and also checking your email, communicating with your clients, then you need an unlimited broadband. Also, if you use it for games, downloading music and videos, then you also need an unlimited connection as you’ll be a lot online and this way you save money. If you only use your broadband service for checking emails in order to connect with other people then you should get a package in which you pay for what you use as you won’t be that much online.

Availability of the internet service provider, connection speed and the download limit are the three things that tell you the kind of the performance the broadband connection offers. Also, the cost of all of this is not to be neglected. Most of the time we don’t have the internet usage we need or we pay too much for what we use. Availability depends of the network coverage in the area the provider has. Connection speed and download limit depends of course of the rates the provider demands. After you decide what your needs are, the next step is comparing the different packages of different service providers and choose the one that fits your budget best. What have we learned? Using an internet connection makes you faster and more efficient. Also, you can find the best provider that offers a range of quality business broadband services in order for your business to be at its’ best. So, contact your IT Support service company and get the best deal on broadband service.

If you find a company that provides better deals, then change your current one. It’s not a crime. And also, don’t forget about other services like it security, remote backup, online backup, disaster recovery, Technical Support. They might come in handy if you want your business to have the best chance in succeeding with fewer obstacles. broadband

internet marketing

 

A subset of the Mac vs. IBM wars is the current browser war. Netscape, maker of Navigator and Communicator, is competing heavily with Microsoft, maker of Internet Explorer (as well as a host of other monopolizing applications and operating systems). The debate rages on as loyalists from both factions argue about each browser's capabilities. "We have more stable patches!" the Netscapers yell. "Oh yeah?" the Microsofters call back, "well, we have integration with the OS!" (to which the Netscapers scoff in contempt).

While I won't take any sides on this issue, what I WILL tell you is that I'll give you instructions on setting up email and newsgroups with Netscape Communicator version 4.0 and up. Call it bias; I call it using the superior product.

Configuring your email through Netscape is easy, and it will allow you to use Communicator's handy graphical interface in mailing people. First, go to the Edit menu and select Preferences (it should be on the very bottom). Now, find the Mail and Groups menu choice on the left of the preferences window; double click on Mail and Groups in case the thread is closed (you'll see a "+" sign if it's closed. Just click on it to open the sub-menus).

Now, click on Identity if it isn't already highlighted. You'll see a selection of fields on the right. Fill in your name and email address (remember, gta100z@prism.gatech.edu!) If you have a signature file, choose it at the bottom. If not, don't worry about it.

Advance to the Mail Server menu by clicking on Mail Server in the sub-menus of Mail and Groups. In the mail server name field on the left, type in your GT number (i.e. gta001z). In the Outgoing SMTP field, type in "smtp.prism.gatech.edu". And, in the Incoming POP3 field, type in "pop.prism.gatech.edu".

Advance to the Groups Server sub-menu on the left. In the News Server field, type in "news.gatech.edu".

Internet Marketing for Microsoft Partners.

Now, click OK on the bottom of the preferences window. You're done! You can now use Netscape's mail and newsreader like you would elm and tin (of course, Netscape's nicer!). Familiarize yourself with Netscape's workings; try sending an email to yourself and receiving it. Subscribe to git.test and post a test message. Fun, eh? I thought so.