Technology Advisor: Laptop Protection, Netbooks, and Chrome

Vol 9-6 July 2009

Ekaru
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Welcome to this month's issue! The Technology Advisor provides technology advice, strategy, tips and trends to help you manage and grow your business!

Will your laptop travel with you this summer?
Keep it Safe!
If you will be travelling with your laptop this summer, keep a close eye on it! Dell and the Ponemon Institute released the results of the first lost laptop and business traveler study of its kind. In the first half of 2008, the Ponemon Institute surveyed 106 United States airports and over 800 business travelers to understand the frequency with which laptops are lost in airports. Some of the key results:

Up to 12,000 laptops are lost in United States airports each week

Between 65 and 70 percent of lost laptops are never reclaimed

Most laptops are lost at security checkpoints

53 percent of business travelers surveyed carry sensitive corporate information on their laptop

65 percent of those who carry confidential information have not taken steps to protect it while traveling

42 percent of respondents say they do not back up their data

These results are alarming. Here's what you can do: First and foremost, keep a close eye on your laptop. I've read that laptops retain about 50% of their retail value on the resale market, so your "used" laptop is quite valuable to a thief. Even more important than the physical value of your laptop is your irreplaceable data, so make sure your data is backed up! Finally, encrypt your confidential data - password protection is NOT enough. The new Massachusetts Data Protection Law, going into effect January 1, 2010 REQUIRES encryption of any personal identifiable confidential information on portable electronic devices.

What's New: NetBooks and Google Chrome
Netbooks, which are small, cheap, laptop-like computers, are quickly gobbling up market share. Almost 20% of all notebook sales in the first quarter of 2009 were netbooks, according to DisplaySearch data. Netbooks aren't great for running a lot of software, but if you just need to get out to the web and have access to email, they are an excellent alternative to bigger and more-expensive notebook computers.

One of the things making this new trend very interesting to watch is that Google is targeting netbooks for their new Chrome operating system, aimed at taking a direct hit on Microsoft market share. Today, 90% of all netbooks are run on Microsoft Windows operating systems, and users have been willing to pay more for Microsoft over Linux-based systems. This could all change when Chrome starts taking over your PC with Chrome operating system and Internet browser, Google Apps and Google Search.

Do you already have a netbook? If so, we'd really like to hear what you think about it - send us an email!

Lunch & Learn Phone Seminar:
"Cost-Saving Technology Tips"
Join us July 24 at 12:30pm for an informative phone seminar. We'll cover some cost-saving technology tips - easy steps you can take to get more for your technology dollar. If you haven't already done so, please reply to this email if you'd like to join us, and we'll send you the dial-in details and links. There is no cost for the event! Also if you have any questions you'd like to submit prior to the seminar let us know!

Was this newsletter helpful to you? If so, forward it to a friend or colleague! Do you have suggestions for future newsletter topics or a particular question you'd like to see answered? Send us an email!. We want to write about what's important to you! Click here to read past issues.

Enjoy the Sun!

Sincerely,
Team Ekaru

Introductory Technology Assessment Over 400 local small businesses have chosen Ekaru to manage their computers and networks. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to get started. We'll visit your office, review your network, and make recommendations. Call us at 978-692-4200 or email us to schedule a no-obligation assessment. If you know someone who could benefit from this offer, simply forward this email to them. Thank You!

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