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Tip: Lost in Word? Make a Macro!

Do you have a Microsoft Word document that is so long you need a GPS just to find your place? Macros are a great tool that you can utilize as a document bookmark. With this PC productivity tip, we will...

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Our Four-Step Approach to Computer Repair

When a computer goes down, there are many different ways to get it up and running again. The challenge is finding the most efficient and cost-effective route to repair your PC. We have researched every PC repair method and have...

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Find the Right Blend of Noise with Coffitivity

There is a reason why we turn down the music in our cars when approaching a tricky traffic situation: music can distracting. For many people, listening to music at work can be equally distracting when it comes to staying productive....

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You’ve Reached VoIP, Press 1 for Savings!

If your business is still using a traditional phone system, then you are paying more every month than you have to. By switching over your phone system to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), you can slash your phone bill by...

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Microsoft Upgrades to Windows Blue

Microsoft is turning blue for their next big release, Windows Blue. Official details on Blue have yet to be released. Microsoft is saving the big Blue reveal for the Build conference this June. Many tech experts are predicting how Blue...

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Congratulations! You have successfully installed EasyBlog!

Thank you for making the right decision to start blogging in your Joomla! website. With EasyBlog, you can be assured of quality blogging with the following features: Blog now, post laterYou can compose a blog now, suffer temporal writer's block,...

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Slash Your Electricity Bill with Server Virtualization

The electricity bill is one operating expense that comes with a bitter taste. This is because you know that with a few tweaks to your operations your bill would be lessened; but where do you start? Turning off the lights...

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4 Benefits of BYOD

Has your company joined the BYOD revolution (Bring Your Own Device)? Many companies did not plan for this, it just kind of happened as a byproduct from almost half of the public owning mobile devices. If your company has yet...

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Don't Be An April Fool, Back Up your Data!

Your data is critical. Backup is extremely important for businesses of all sizes, from sprawling corporations to one-man shops. March 31st is World Backup Day, reminding us all that deploying a bullet-proof backup solution is vital for business continuity. If...

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A Keyboard! How Quaint

Technology is synonymous with advancement. We advance at a cost, with every new technology we get; it often replaces an older one. Technology comes and goes, and it takes a bit of insight to decipher which technologies will last and...

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3 Reasons Why Users Avoid Upgrading their PCs

We like to point our clients in the direction of upgrading to the latest technology; and we don't make these recommendations blindly, we have a laundry list of benefits that come with upgrading that can be quite convincing. Yet, there...

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3 Power Saving Settings for Windows 8

Part of going green is conserving power whenever you can. This means turning lights off in rooms that you are leaving, adjusting the thermostat, and taking advantage of the power saving settings on your computer. Windows 8 has three power...

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Don’t Let Issues Turn into Problems, Get Proactive!

Nobody likes problems, they are chaotic and costly. Life can be messy and problems seem to abound with everything that we touch, including technology. While there is no magic bullet to take all problems out of life, we have discovered...

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The History of Social Networking

The late Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens once famously stated that the "internet is not something that you can just dump something on. It's not a big truck. It's a series of tubes." This infamous statement was made at a time...

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Use Procrastination as a Productivity Tool

Would you call yourself a procrastinator? Many people who have a difficult time meeting deadlines would blame their inability to be on time on their tendency to procrastinate. Stanford professor John Perry believes that procrastination is not a bad thing...

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Tip: Change Your Home Page on Your Web Browser

Your home page is where your virtual heart is. Okay, maybe your home page is not that big of a deal to you, but it's nice to be greeted by your favorite website every time you log onto the Internet....

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3 Benefits of a Tablet for the Office

It wasn't too long ago where the tablet computer was virtually dismissed as a device simply for multimedia and content consumption. There is currently an appreciable shift in the way people use mobile devices and tablets, in particular. Productivity applications...

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Rack 'Em Up! Get More from Your Servers

It is likely that you spent a lot of time and energy picking out a server that is right for your business; but have you taken any time to consider how you will store your server? Keeping your important hardware...

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Reach More People and Save Money Using Webinars

Depending on the nature of your business, some communication tools are more cost-effective than others. Judging which tools are right for your business means taking into consideration how many people you are going to reach with each tool. The best...

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What’s Your Server Look Like?

Every piece of technology that makes up your network is important when it comes to keeping your business in business. At the heart of your network is your server, it is a crucial piece of equipment that stores and sends...

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Get More Done by Checking Your E-mail Less

Thanks to all the communication possibilities that mobile devices offer us, we are now more connected than ever. This is great if you are into receiving real-time updates for every little thing that your friends do, but these updates can...

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We Can Help at Finding You Help

Professional networking is an essential part of doing business. It would be nice to have a business guru on staff that is an expert in everything, but this is impossible because people's brains are finite and can only store so...

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Printing Can Be Evil, Fight Evil with a Print Server

Printers are a necessary evil. Evil, because nothing can bring out the worst in a person quite like a printer error can. Yet necessary, because "ain't nobody got time" to go paperless. While you can't vanquish an evil printer with...

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Whaling Scams Go After Corporate Big Wigs

A strong network security solution will keep your company's data safe from hackers, unless a user is flat-out tricked. Deceiving users into opening misleading e-mails is a common scam called phishing. Most phishing e-mails are easy to spot because the...

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The Surface Pro: Microsoft’s Most Powerful Tablet

Performance has always been one drawback with tablet computers. With a tablet, you are not quite getting a PC, but you are getting more than a smartphone. Microsoft looks to break through the surface of this hardware barrier with the...

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An Overview of Your Social Networking Options

Social Media can be likened to vampires in the media. Both are loved by teenage girls, and like vampire characters, it seems like there are now too many social medias to keep track of. Just like you don't have to...

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Don’t Flip Out! You Can Recover Unsaved Documents

Most computer errors are no big deal, just hit the undo button, keep calm, and carry on. However, there is one mistake that is sure to panic even veteran PC users, and that is closing an important document without saving...

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Edge Mini: The Littlest Computer that Could

Velocity Micro dared to ask the question, "How small can we make a fully operational and powerful desktop PC?" The result is the Edge Mini. Small enough to fit inside the pocket of your jacket, the Edge Mini is a...

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X-cellent Productivity Advice from Goal X-pert Jerry Seinfeld

"There are only 2 types of computers in the world: Those that waste your precious time and those that waste your precious time faster"-Jerry Seinfeld. Believe it or not, Mr. Seinfeld is a bit of a time management expert; he...

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Don’t Believe the TV, Hackers are Jerks

According to a 2011 survey by Ponemon Research, 90% of U.S. businesses reported that their company's computers had been breached over the course of one year. Of these companies, 77% reported that they were breached multiple times within the same...

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Clean Up the Clutter from Your Facebook News Feed

In 2012, Facebook hit one billion active users. Facebook is the undisputed king of social media, but this does not mean that their subjects are happy. In a January 2013 study, online news site 24/7 Wall St. found Facebook to...

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Clean up Your Online Profile with DeleteMe

It can be unsettling to know that there is a detailed profile about yourself floating around the internet. Your online profile can be shockingly thorough and is constantly being exchanged by internet data collecting companies for various purposes. If you...

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Keep in Contact by Using an E-mail Auto Responder

People go on vacation to get away from tasks like checking e-mail. You may be able to unplug and unwind, but this is not an option for your inbox. The best practice to keep in contact while you are away...

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Tip: Take Care of Word Squigglies

Writing in Microsoft Word, it will be within a few sentences before you encounter the squigglies. The squiggles are the colorful lines that show up below the words and sentences of your text. Everybody knows of these lines because they...

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Tip: Manage Passwords Stored in your Web Browser

While it's convenient to have your web browser store passwords, you need to keep in mind that anyone who accesses your computer can retrieve your saved passwords. This risk is very real if you share workstations or laptops with others....

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The Hunt for Red October: Newly Discovered Malware Targets Governments

You would think that governments would be the one organization in the world that would be immune to computer viruses because they have sensitive information on every citizen as well as military secrets. Yet a new type of malware called...

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Tip: Shut Down Unwanted Apps

Is your computer taking longer to boot up then you remember it taking back when it was new? One reason may be due to unneeded applications opening up automatically every time you power on your PC. These extra apps can...

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Security Vulnerabilities Found in Java Software

There are several practices that you can do in order to keep your PC safe from computer viruses. Not visiting shady websites and keeping your antivirus program up-to-date are proven best practices; although, sometimes these practices are not enough. Sometimes...

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Boost PC Performance with these 3 Actions

A well-used PC may not run as fast as it used to. There are dozens of procedures you can try that will speed up a slow computer. Some procedures, like tinkering with the hardware or reinstalling your OS, can be...

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Don’t Get Caught with an Outdated Internet Explorer!

The Internet is a fast-changing, practically organic entity, and you can think of your web browser as the window to the Internet. These days, most people use one of the three most popular browsers; Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Internet...

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4 Valuable IT Help Desk Features

A help desk that offers 24/7 remote support is a service that is easy to take for granted, primarily because most of the calls received are related to computer issues, and when PCs are properly maintained, issues are minimized. When...

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It’s 2013 and Fax Machines are Still Going Strong

In today's digital office, it seems odd that fax machines still have a home; yet there they sit, collecting dust and still churning out the occasional fax. One would assume that e-mail would have dethroned the fax machine a long...

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Protect Your Identity from a Stolen Device

In 2012, the popularity of smartphones skyrocketed to a 46% ownership rate for American adults according to Pew Research. In 2013, worldwide sales of smartphones and tablets are projected to hit a record 1.2 billion. Both of these figures would...

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What's New with Microsoft Outlook 2013

If you are enjoying the newly redesigned Windows 8, then you are going to love the new Microsoft Office 365. Scheduled for release during Q1 of 2013, your favorite Office applications have been overhauled with cloud computing services, touch screen...

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Tip: Prevent Reply All Slip-Ups with TuneReplyAll Add-On for Outlook

You are bound to make mistakes when using your computer, many of these mistakes are no big deal, just hit the undo button. Not every task has an undo button, for example, there are no take backs if you hit...

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New Year’s Resolution Help: Freedom from the Internet

Exercise is at the top of most people's New Year's Eve resolution list, but for many tech heads, number two on the list may be spending less time on the internet. To help you achieve this internetless goal, there is...

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Tip: Download a Start Button for Windows 8

If you are a veteran of the many different editions of Microsoft's Windows operating systems, and you are having a difficult time adjusting to the new tile interface of Windows 8, then we have for you a free download for...

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It's The Most Wonderful Tech of the Year

(To the tune of: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year) It's the most wonderful tech of the year With smartphones a ringing And music a streaming and caches are clear It's the most wonderful tech of the year We...

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What’s New in Microsoft Excel 2013

2013 is looking to be another exciting year for the IT industry, starting off with the release of Microsoft Office 365 in the first quarter. On the heels of Windows 8, Office 365 looks like it will benefit from similar...

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Even Drew Carey Needs a Backup Plan

If you have ever experienced data loss, then you have likely had this same expression on your face. Drew Carey had an entire workday erased due to a system error. Drew was saving his work directly to his laptop, without...

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The Top 5 Technology Fails of 2012

We are counting down to 2013, but before we close the books on 2012, let us take a painful-yet-entertaining look back at the top 5 technology fails from 2012. Hopefully, history will not repeat itself and the tech industry will...

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Ditch the iPhone USB Cord with ChargeCard

Mobile devices are handy, but the need to pack a USB cable or wall charger takes away from the mobile experience. Cords do not fit well in pockets, and often require a carry-on bag, yet everybody carries a wallet. ChargeCard...

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Work Place Stress Effects More Than Just Employees

Any business owner or executive can tell you that nothing can stymie productivity more than a distracted worker. In these times of economic uncertainty, the pressure on employees is greater than ever. Two of the most disruptive variables that administrators...

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What’s New in Microsoft OneNote 2013

If you are enjoying the new Windows 8 OS, then you will appreciate the new features in Microsoft's Office 2013, which is scheduled for release during Q1 of 2013. Microsoft has redesigned each of its popular Office applications, and we...

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Be More Productive with Good Filenames

Have you ever went to search for a specific file on your PC, only to give up after wasting 10 minutes looking? Not only do you walk away frustrated, but you may also be kicking yourself after realizing that you...

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Lightshot: More than a Screenshot

Remember the old days of having to click Shift plus Print Screen in order to take a screenshot? You would then have to open an image editing program to cut out the rest of the screen you didn't want to...

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If Only Everything in Life was Managed

The best way to take care of your technology is to have it proactively managed. With managed IT service, issues with your IT are caught and taken care of before they develop into major problems; this will greatly reduce your...

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Tip of the Week: Prevent Eyestrain with Windows ClearType

If you spend the majority of your day staring at one or more screens, then you might be feeling the effects from computer vision syndrome (CVS). Side effects of CVS include headache, eye twitching, and physical fatigue, and affects 50-90%...

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Comparing Managed Life and IT Services

Taking a managed service approach with your IT is a proactive way to keep your technology infrastructure running optimally. Unlike the traditional approach of reacting with a fix every time equipment breaks, which is hard on both your hardware and...

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10 VoIP Features to Enhance Business Communications

There are several advantages to switching over your company's phone system from a traditional analog service, to an internet-based Voice over IP (VoIP) phone system. The biggest advantage of using VoIP is saving 50-70% on your long distance phone bill....

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Increase Office Productivity with UTM

Running an office comes with many challenges, keeping your employees on task should not be one of them. In an ideal office, a worker will spend every minute at their workstation plugging away on projects, doing their due diligence. In...

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BYOD and BYOA Test the Limits of Network Security

We have seen the development of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) to work explode from the adoption of gadget-junkies, to what is now a common sight in the office. BYOD has allowed for more convenience and independence for workers, as...

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4 Secure Online Shopping Tips

Do you plan on shopping online this holiday season? If you answered yes, then you are among the 51% who are also planning to, according to a 2012 survey by Harris Interactive. This survey also cited different reasons for shopping...

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The Vaio Tap 20, Sony’s Massive Tablet/Desktop Hybrid

If you are shopping for a new computer, and you are torn between getting a new PC or a tablet, then you are the exact consumer Sony is targeting with the Vaio Tap 20. This new device takes full advantage...

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Tip of The Week: Quickly Attach a File to Outlook

Everyday, you likely spend more time than you want to checking and writing emails. To help you out, we have a tip that can save you time with your daily email responsibilities. With just a right-click, you can quickly attach...

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5 New Features for Microsoft PowerPoint 2013

The next big thing from Microsoft is their Office 365 offering. Scheduled for release during Q1 of 2013, the familiar Office applications have been given the same sleek makeover as Windows 8; this means many new features have been added...

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File Sharing with iTwin

The ability to access your files from virtually anywhere is rapidly changing the face of computing. While there are consumer-based services that let you transfer and sync files, these services offer users a couple of gigs of online storage for...

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Tip of the Week: Use Keystrokes to Close All Windows Applications

There are times when you might need to shutdown your computer as quickly as possible. This can prove burdensome if you have a dozen programs open. For times like these, and even in your day-to-day, Windows has a shortcut to...

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Do You Have an Employee On Boarding Process?

The need to grow your bottom line is a good problem to have, but being prepared when hiring new staff members is crucial for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, for a small business, it's pretty likely you are hiring because...

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Is Your Network Monster-Proof?

Are you ready for Halloween? Beyond having a cute costume picked out; we want to know if you are prepared for a disaster brought on by ghosts, ghouls, goblins, or ogres. Battling the dark legions can escalate quickly into a...

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The Expiration Dates of Windows 7

Who's stoked about the launch of Windows 8? According to a Reuters report, not the business world. Many businesses perceive that Windows 8 is primarily a consumer product, and lacks any upgrades that will improve operations. It is also the...

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Windows 8: Three Products, Not An All-In-One

Microsoft launches Windows 8 today, and the complete revamp of the interface has the Windows faithful scratching their heads. To add to the confusion, Microsoft is actually releasing three different versions of Windows 8, and you should be familiar with...

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Tip of the Week: How to take Screenshots

How many times have you gotten a weird error or problem on your computer but couldn't accurately explain it to tech support? In this case, a picture is worth a thousand words, and having a screenshot can help support resolve...

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Cut Costs by Focusing on your Servers, Part 2

When we last met, we went over how you can save money by consolidating your various underutilized servers into one server, with a solution called virtualization. Today, we want to continue our discussion, by showing you another solution that will...

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3 Online File Sharing Services

Nowadays, when someone mentions the cloud there is a 50/50 chance they are talking about the amorphous brumes in the sky. Many times what they refer to is the internet cloud. The concept has taken off exponentially over the past...

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Cut Costs by Focusing on your Servers, Part 1

One of the toughest parts about the job of an office administrator is budgeting. This is due to the fact that finding extra money in the budget often requires cuts, and nobody appreciates being asked to do their job with...

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Finding Savings in Your Underutilized Servers, Part 1

When budgeting, most businesses will look at ways to save by spending less on products and services, like downgrading to storebrand cola. These cuts are never popular and have been known to insight office mutinies, "Dr. Thunder, are you kidding...

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Adobe Reader X is Essential for Mobile Device Users

Whether you use an iOS, Android, or Windows-based operating system (OS) on your mobile device or smartphone, you may or may not be already equipped with a default program that will allow you to access and read PDFs. This depends...

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Clear the Clutter from Web Content with Evernote Clearly

Evernote is a fantastic free application that helps you organize your notes and share them across all of your computers and devices. It works great on PC, Mac, and virtually any smartphone and tablet. With Evernote Clearly, you can now...

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The Ultimate Security: Multi-Factor Identification

The best practice for password security has always been to use complex passwords that have numbers and special characters, but the password/login defense is looking weaker these days as hackers become more sophisticated. Multi-factor authentication is a tool that enhances...

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3 Tools to Strengthen Your Passwords, Part 2

When we last met, we discussed the importance of using strong passwords to protect your identity. We now want go over three solutions to manage all of your different passwords spread out over your many different accounts.Each tool has its...

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Manage Passwords for Better Security, Part 1

Some people are just asking to have their identities stolen. If your password is personal and simple, written down next to your computer, used on multiple sites, and shared with others; then you might as well leave your car unlocked,...

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VoIP - The Communication Game Changer

It is safe to assume that you have an internet connection if you are reading this blog. You obviously have surfing the web figured out, and perhaps checking email and playing games are also a part of your repertoire. If...

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Is Your Business Still Using Fax?

If Marty McFly time traveled in the Back to the Future delorean from 1985 to our modern office, he would be disoriented, not from messing with the space time continuum, but from the many technological advancements made over 30 years....

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Know These 5 Email Threats Before Opening your Next Message

Deleting spam is easy. "New iPad $10," deleted. "You are pre-approved for $5,000!" deleted. "Re: Singles Ready to Mingle" deleted. "This little blue pill..." deleted. The con here is so obvious it is almost silly. Sometimes dangerous spam messages are...

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The Great Paperless Office Challenge

The dream of a paperless office has been a popular idea going back almost 100 years with the advent of the microfilm machine. To help out those unfamiliar with microfilm, picture a big arcade cabinet, but instead of Street Fighter,...

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New Wireless Charging Devices Set to Zap the Market

In 1893 electricity pioneer Nikola Tesla successfully illuminated phosphorescent lamps, without the use of wires! Fast forward 119 years; today, the innovators at Intel and Nokia are currently picking up where Tesla left off, experimenting with the ability to charge...

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Talk like a Pirate, but Don’t Be a Pirate

"Ahoy ye maties! We be takin' cannon fire on the port side! Gird up ye trousers! Yarrrr!" That is pirate talk for "Greetings fellow employee. Our server is being rebooted, so be sure to save all of your work!" This...

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5 Solutions To Look for in Houston Area Computer Support

In the market for a new computer service provider? Choosing a company to service your technology is a decision that carries a little more weight to it than, let's say, finding someone to trim your hedges. This is because you...

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Is the Apple iPhone 5 Built for Business?

September 21st is the official launch date for Apple's iPhone 5. In typical Apple hype, they officially released the specs one week before launch, putting an end to wild rumors throughout the technology community. If you are an Apple aficionado,...

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