The Network-IT Insider

The Network-IT Insider: June 2007

It's Summer! Time to relax, get away, unwind. But....before you do ....we have some advise so that you can protect your network during summer storms, and protect your data if your using a WiFi hotspot at the beach, or on vacation.

~Chris

Have a great 4th of July!!

Network-IT becomes a Microsoft Small Business Specialist

We recently obtained the Microsoft Small Business Specialist designation allowing us to better support the special technical needs of small business—specifically designing, configuring and implementing appropriate technical solutions. We are one of only two companies with this designation in the area.

Read our Press Release

Summer Storms

Summer is here. And with it comes thunder and lightening. These storms can cause serious damage to your computer or network. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates that $2 billion is spent on damage and data loss resulting from lightening strikes. Here are a few things you can do to protect your network:

Install a surge protector between your computer and the electrical outlet on all pc's, servers and laptops.
At least once a year inspect your power protection devices to make sure that they are functioning properly. Most will have a signaling light to tell you when they are protecting your equipment properly.
Get surge protectors that offer protection from surges through network cables.
Use dedicated circuits, if possible, putting the computer on its own power circuit, so it isn't sharing the power with other electronic devices.
Unplug power cords during an electrical storm.
Unplug power cords during a blackout. When the power comes back on the signal can be inconsistent.
Summer heat can also be a problem. Keep your computers in a cool, dry area to prevent overheating.
Make sure you have a backup system in place, and verify that you can restore from those backups.

Kinsey turns 12!

Our Mascots
Kinsey opening her present

WiFi Hotspot Security Tips
With no encryption or filtering protections for users, most public hotspots are easy prey for cybercriminals. Whether you are using your laptop at the airport, or you enjoy bringing your laptop to Starbucks to catch up on email, there are security precautions you should be taking.

Make sure you're connected to a legitimate access point.
Encrypt files before transferring or emailing them.
Use a virtual private network (VPN).
Use a personal firewall and anti-virus software
Turn off file sharing.
Password-protect your computer and important files.
Make sure the administrator account on your computer is protected by a password that is hard-to-guess but easy-to-remember.
Don't set your wireless card to connect automatically to any available network. Remove or disable your wireless card if you are working on your laptop and you are not planning to connect to the HotSpot service.
Properly log out of web sites by clicking "log out" instead of closing your browser.
Update your operating system regularly.
Use Web-based email that employs secure http (https).

Tips of the Month - Outlook

MS Outlook

* Contact meeting attendees with a reminder or other message. Open the original meeting request, click the Actions menu, and then click New Message to Attendees.

* To create a task from an email - drag & drop email message into task folder.

* Quickly create an appointment in Calendar - click the day, drag over the block of time when the appointment occurs, and then type a description.

* Copy an appointment in your Calendar. Hold down CTRL and drag the appointment to a new time or date.

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