Posted by Erica Williams on Tue, Aug 03, 2010 @ 10:49 AM
So you’ve got your blog up and running with all the bells and whistles, 15 blog articles written, waiting in the queue, you are ready to go live with your site! The day before your official launch, you subscribe, via RSS, to a blog you stumbled across. The next day, your launch day, a light bulb goes off! I DON’T HAVE AN RSS FEED ON MY SITE! Don’t panic! Ok panic just a little bit. You NEED an RSS feed, it’s the easiest, most convenient way for your fans to subscribe to your blog. And it’s the easiest way for you to promote your content and distribute it across the web.
Ok that’s enough panicking. Calm down now, geez! We can help you. Here are a few, quick steps to get an RSS (real simple syndication) on your website. It’s really easy. So take a sip of water, a deep breath and let’s get started. Ready? Set? GO!
I hope you have a Gmail account like we told you last week. If not, stop here and go get one! Then come back!
- Go to feedburner.google.com and sign in using your Gmail account (see why you need Gmail?)
- Enter your website address
- Identify your domain name is correct.
- Presto! All done! If you want to add more statistics follow the prompts and u can add stats for clickthroughs, how often people clicked items back at your site and more !
- Not sure how to get the actual RSS box or graphic? click the publicize tab at the top and scroll down until u see “friendly graphic”, click there and choose the graphic you would like to use to promote your RSS. Then copy and paste the code into the coding for your website. If you don’t know where to post the code for your website, call your webmaster. If you don't have a webmaster, shame on you, call us!
Sidenote: If you want your information to be well received across the board, be sure to add a signup for email subscription. Although RSS feeds are widely used they aren't the only form people use.
Posted by Erica Williams on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 08:36 AM
Gmail is at the top of my list when it comes to email services. Because of its functionality, Gmail is not only used personally,but professionally as well. The people over at Google have done their due diligence to make sure that it can easily be integrated into all email enabled devices effortlessly. I think we all can appreciate that!
Along with making it accessible to just about everyone with a cell phone, the Google team has made it user friendly. Integrating email from other email accounts (even non Gmail accounts), ease of navigation and even a vacation responder are all components that make Gmail number 1 in my book!
Even though the average user can't stop, won't stop singing Google's praises, there are some functions that mosty dedicated Gmail users don't even know exist! Recently, Google released a list of Gmail tips “to become a master of your inbox”
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the tips Gmail divulged to the public:
- Use stars to easily mark certain messages as important or indicate that you need to reply to them later.
- Set up filters to automatically label, archive, delete, star or forward certain types of incoming messages.(also called "rules")
- Custom URL? No problem! You can use Gmail from your own domain or for your organization on Google apps.
- Forget to sign out of a public computer? You can sign out remotely by clicking “details” at the bottom of your inbox, click “sign out of all sessions” and it’s done
- Send and archive your email in one step.
- Easily preview an attached document instead of downloading and opening it in a separate program. Just click the “View” or “View as html” link to open a preview in a new window.
See? Gmail rules! To find out more tips about functions of gmail you may not be using, click here for a printable pdf.
Posted by Joe Sgroe on Fri, Apr 30, 2010 @ 12:25 PM
We all hear the word "VIRTUAL" these days for almost everything we do. We have Virtual offices, Virtual tours, Virtual PC, Virtual Servers, Virtual games and so on. It's getting to the point that we never need to leave our computers to do anything these days. I remember a time when if you wanted to play with your friend you actually had to go outside. Today all you need to do is see if they are online and you can talk and play a game. How do we create balance in our lives where we look people in the face and talk to them instead of through a web cam or a text message. Right now, I am texting my kids and we are all in the house (sad).
How do our kids learn to get along with others, deal with personality differences and build character? I work in the IT support industry and find myself falling into the virtual world by communicating via email and text messages and an occasional voice mail. But I would rather talk to someone face to face. You just seem to get more from a conversation or collaboration when you can see the expression on someone that tells you whether or not they are on the same page as you or if they don't agree with what you are saying.
I am not against any of these social media technologies. I believe that they are good for what they were intended to do. But .... If used to hide behind or to avoid conflict (which a lot of people do) it will create a bigger monster in the long run. I want to know what people look like beyond their Avatar
I would like to hear your opinions on this. Please leave comments below
Posted by Jon Deliz on Fri, Apr 09, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
When you get behind the wheel of a car, it should be an automatic instinct to fasten your seatbelt. All laws aside, it's simply the smart thing to do and can protect you should you ever be in an auto accident. But what about being safe when you sit down in front of your computer? Today's machines don't come outfitted with seatbelts and air bags, so how can you protect yourself when navigating the highways of the internet?
There is an endless array of malicious and harmful programs, such as viruses, adware and spyware that can infect your computer, leading to system failure, costly repairs and even identity theft. But there are simple, tried-and-true methods that you can incorporate into your daily computing practices that can prevent disaster. So fasten your seatbelts and let's take a drive through the world of Safe Computing!
You wouldn't buy a house that doesn't have locks on the doors, so you should want the same level of security for your computer. Anti-virus software should be installed and virus definitions should be kept up-to-date. Virus scans should be performed on any file you download externally from the internet, whether it's from a website or an e-mail attachment.
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That link you received for Grandma's famous cookie recipe? Scan it.
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That spreadsheet your boss sent you last minute?
Scan it.
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No matter what it is, if it's going to be downloaded to your computer, scan it!
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Never open any kind of e-mail or attachment from someone you don't recognize, or weren't expecting to receive.
Viruses come in all varieties, and some of the more nefarious ones don't even require you to open the attachment...merely opening the e-mail itself can cause irreparable harm to your system. 
If your e-mail inbox is anything like mine, it can seem a daunting task to sort through the massive amounts of ads, spam and chain-letters. While spam filters do their best to catch the garbage, some is still bound to seep through. While it might be tempting to click on the link that promises you've just become an instant millionaire if you only send them your bank account number for them to wire the funds to, keep in mind the old adage "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
But what about those e-mails that appear to be legitimate? Perhaps something from your bank, credit card company or shipping service. Keep in mind that legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information, such as username, password or account details. In today's fast-paced society, it can be easy to overlook something based on the appearance of legitimacy. If you receive an e-mail from a reputable company, such as your banking institution, and you question its validity, don't hesitate to contact the company directly for additional information.
Your identity and personal information should be kept secure at all times. When surfing the web, sometimes it can be difficult to know what a "bad" website is. If you are unsure about a website, then it's probably a safe bet to avoid it. Also, pay special attention to websites that you will be entering in any private information, such as personal data or credit card details. Make sure, before you input any information that you are on a secure website. Secure websites can be easily identified in the address bar, as they will begin with "https". This means that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted via a secure channel.
Practicing Safe Computing doesn't have to consume your time or detract from the sheer enjoyment of surfing the web. By keeping your virus definitions up-to-date, performing safe and smart e-mail operations, and completing routine monthly system scans, you can protect yourself from many of the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. The internet is a big place; chock full of every type of information possible. There is a world of data waiting at your fingertips, but before you venture out into the open, make sure that you protect yourself with good virus protection, so that your experience is one of satisfaction, not frustration!
If you would like to download free the latest security report please click here.
Posted by Jon Deliz on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 09:55 AM
How many times have you done something on your computer and wished that you could go back in time and do something different? Well I am going to introduce you to some free versions and some not so free versions that can save you time, effort and most importantly money!
Ok so let’s start with something free, easy, and probably already installed on your computer. System Restore is an easy fix for anybody who has installed something or has had a virus affect their computer. System Restore is found by clicking your start button; then either Programs or All Programs (depending on which version of
Windows you are running); Accessories; System Tools and there you should see System Restore. Now just follow the onscreen prompts and select a date (if it is a virus I would select the last known date the computer actually worked). There are some important things to consider: 1.) System Restore can only work if it is turned on, or hasn’t been disabled by a virus. The settings for System Restore can be found in the control panel under System and then click the System Restore tab. 2.) System Restore is only for the Window’s Operating System, so if your Excel spreadsheet doesn’t work then this won’t fix it! (I will be referring to a product that will below). 3.)
Also System Restore won’t affect files that aren’t part of the OS, so your documents, pictures, and emails are all safe.
Another free program to check out is if you have purchased an external hard drive, not a flash key or thumb drive. Most of the drives come preloaded with software that will do a backup of your documents. Although there are far too many preloaded software packages to mention in this article, feel free to contact DataCentric, as your Atlanta computer support specialist, so we can help you get setup and backing up correctly. Don't forget to ask about our online data backup solutions which will be covered in Part 2!
Posted by Joe Sgroe on Tue, Nov 03, 2009 @ 09:13 AM
Are you backing up your data?
Really? Be honest. How often do you check to see if the backup really works? And what about your employees? Are you sure that all your company data is being protected, even of the employee leaves the company?
Protecting the information on your computer(s) - both at work and at home - should be routine but it's amazing how many companies - and people - give only passing thought to their data protection process until a crises occurs.
"30 percent of small businesses admit they have no formal data backup and storage procedures, or do not implement their procedures consistently." According to an Imation Small Business Backup survey.
And that's the issue - you need a data backup system that does the thinking for you (most of the time).
Have you heard about on-line data backup? It's a relatively new option for secure data backups, but by no means bleeding edge. Whether you are thinking of using online backup at work or at home, the advantages of online backup are clear:
Online data backup ensures that you never have to worry about physical loss of your data - to hard drive crashes, viruses, accidental or intentionally erasing data, theft or even natural disasters.
Online backup protects your data in a secure, offsite location. So no one has to remember (and therefore can possibly forget) and if your location burns or floods, your data is still safe. and therefore does not require anyone taking the data to another location at the end of each day as is common practice with traditional backup methods
So while the benefits may be clear, choosing the right data backup provider may not be. Balancing cost, ease of use and reliability is the goal, but the equation may be different for different people, and different businesses.
Here are my top 10 questions to consider when preparing for and selecting the right online data backup service:
Do you feel knowledgeable enough to set up and manage the data backup on your own? Does the company offer live, real-time customer service both before and after the sale? Or is support primarily offered is through Forums, Q&A, and email support?
Which files you should back up? Make a written list of all things you would not want to be without. Think beyond your documents and photos, what about your emails, data from your key programs like your online financial and tax services? What about your system files and settings?
Do you know how to locate and select the all the files on your computer? Microsoft Windows hides a lot of file to help protect Joe Schmo from messing up his computer. But because things are hidden, you may need help finding all the data you really should back up. For instance, if you use Outlook, do you know how to select and configure your .pst file(s)?
Can a snapshot of the data be sent to the service provider? If you have a large amount of data on your servers, it won't be practical to upload it - so if the service provider only offers on-line uploads, even for the initial set-up, you should keep looking.
Can you use your computer while backups are running? How much will it slow down or disable your system during backups?
Can you schedule your backup to run when you want it to run, not when the software thinks it's a good time to run?
Are you notified when backups fail to occur? If so, how? Email? Phone calls?
Can you restore files back to a prior version? This means that they system keep a certian number of back copies of your dtaa - so if you want to restore a file or a document from say, 3 weeks ago ( before you made that change to a document that you now don't want to use), - you cna. It's sort of like document verison control - though you'll want to find out how far back they go.
Do you have servers running open files (i.e. Exchange)? If so, pay close attention to how the service handles this type of file backup. Many services say they do it - but many don't do it well.
Does the system support regulatory compliance requirements, i.e. FINRA, SEC, HIPPA etc...?
If you're really technically savvy, you may feel comfortable handling the download, install and configuration the service on your own. If not, you'll want to select a service that provides more help through the process. The same is true when you need to retrieve your data - if you're not a techie, you might not be comfortable restoring your system on your own. Look for a company that provides setup assistance, sometimes you have to pay for this, but it is well worth it. The technician will ask the questions that you might not think yourself and help ensure you're really protected.
If your business needs to protect both employee laptops and centralized servers, you'll also want to consider the system's ability to support all your file types and provide a console for management and reporting across all your assets.
Using online data
backup is a great way to protect your data - without the hassles and problems
associated with traditional backup methods of external hard drives, tapes and
jump drives.
When it comes to selecting the right service -
it comes down to one essential - chose a service provider you can trust.
Trust
to set it up correctly.
Trust
to monitor and ensure it's running consistently.
And
trust to restoring your data when and where you need it.
If they don't meet
these three criteria of trust, then don't do it.
If they offer a great
price but you can't talk to them, then don't do it.
If they are really
nice guys but you're not sure about their system, then don't do it.
If it's prepackaged
with other services and they aren't experts in data backup, then don't do it.
It's your data - and in many cases - your business
livelihood. A little bit of up front
investigation will help you select the best service for you and prevent major
problems later.
It’s your data – and in many cases – your business livelihood. A little bit of up front investigation will help you select the best service for you and prevent major problems later.
Posted by Anne Marsden on Mon, Oct 05, 2009 @ 03:05 PM
Last week Google introduced a new applet called Sidewiki that brings social networking to a whole new (and some say terrifying) new level.
In essence, this new widget allows anyone to post comments for all the world to see - right next to your website!
Yep, that means anyone - ANYONE - can heap praises or throw sticks and stones at you or your products.
If your company has been unwilling to engage in the exciting world of social media - either because you didn't think it really mattered much to you, your industry or your brand, or because out of site (pun intended) meant out of mind.....well social media has now come to you.
Almost every business today has a website. Whether your site is as simple as an electronic brochure or as sophisticated as a fully interactive site, it is one of the keys ways you communicate with your constituents (clients, prospects, investors, regulators, etc) and market your products.
And until now - when anyone visited your site - you were the only one talking to them. Not anymore.
Now when someone visits your site - they can quickly and easily see what others are saying about you as well.
So, just think - it's like having a "Review Me" sign next to every page on your website.
If you have great products and happy customers - this is a wonderful thing! It's like free advertising!!
But if you've had some bumps in the road - a mishap with poor customer service, or an employee fired for poor performance, or a competitor who decides to knock you down a notch - then this is a scary thing! It's like letting other people hijack your website to do you harm!!
Well, like it or not, two things are true:
1) those people were already talking about you - good and bad, though most likely the bad ones have been more vocal. It's just that if you haven't been participating in the social media conversations (be they on a blog, Facebook, Twitter or a dozen other social media platforms), you didn't know people were talking about you.
And you know what they say about Ignorance....
"Ignorance is innocence - stupidity comes with experience"
2) Your need to manage your brand image via social media has just elevated from "When I can get around to it" to "Right Now!"
Your IT support company can do a number of things to help you stay
abreast of IT technology that impacts your business - like writing
articles like this one, and providing tools and managed IT services to ensure your on-line presence is up and running efficiently. But quality tools and good support don't replace your need to actively manage your on-line image.
From entrepreneurial business owner to corporate brand manager - if you ignore social media - particularly Sidewiki - you do so at your own peril.
For a step by step on what it is and how to use it read Brian Maka's post.
Have you tried Sidewiki yet? Any stories to share? Let us know how it is or isn't (yet) impacting your business.