Hot Summer Weather and Power Glitches!
This is the time of year we see a lot of power glitches - short outages or surges that can damage equipment and result in down time. Your server, desktops, and network gear all need to have battery protection. For a very short outage, the battery protection (Uninterruptible Power Supply or "UPS") will keep your system on or at least provide enough time for a safe shutdown. Also, when the power comes back on, your equipment will be protected by the potential spike in power. Check your equipment and make sure no unnecessary equipment is plugged into the battery side of your UPS (it depletes resources needed by your critical equipment). If your UPS system is beeping, its time to replace the battery (not the whole unit, just the internal battery which costs a lot less).

Another thing to watch out for: if your Internet service goes out for a short time, in some cases it may not connect again (it's supposed to, but doesn't always behave). In many cases, a simple process of power cycling the modem (and the router) will quickly resolve the problem. It's helpful to make sure someone in your office is trained on how to do this so you're comfortable with the equipment and a short downtime doesn't because a long time. Ask your engineer to show you how to do this next time they're on site and it may save you a lot of stress when there is a power outage or short glitch.

China Domain Name Scam:
A few clients have reported getting emails stating that another company is trying to get their domain name registered in China, so we thought it was worth bringing it to everyone's attention. It's a scam! Typically, the email is sent by someone saying they represent another company who wants to register your domain internationally, and they're trying to bring it to your attention so you can "protect" your brand. What they are really doing is trying to scare you into purchasing a bunch of domain names you don't need - your domain with various Asian extensions (instead of the "dot-com" name you already own). Instead of just asking you to buy something you don't need (yourdomain.cn, .tw, .asia, .in, .hk, etc), they twist things a bit saying that they are trying to protect you from this other company and you have just two days to protect your network brand around the world. These types of messages are sent out randomly, so don't worry if you get one and don't reply.

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Get Organized with Microsoft Outlook!
Please join us Thursday September 9th from 12:15-1:00pm for a free lunch time webinar: Get Organized with Microsoft Outlook! Enjoy lunch at your desk while you learn some useful tips for managing mail, contacts, and appointments.

If you or someone else in your office would like to sign up for the webinar, please call (978-692-4200) or email us and we'll get the dial-in information to you.

Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover in the future? Let us know!

MWCOC - Taste of the Chamber.
If you're looking for a fun event with good food, business networking, and art, here's an event to check out: Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce (MWCOC) Gallery of Tastes. The Event will be held Tuesday September 21, 2010 at 5:30 PM at Powers Gallery: 144 Great Road, Acton MA. Ekaru has been a member of the MWCOC since 2001! Register on-line or call the MWCOC for more information (978-263-0010).

Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who sent in a customer survey card back in June! As promised, in appreciation for getting cards back, we donated a big box of socks to Boston Healthcare for the Homeless: 72 pairs of socks were donated! We look forward to your feedback any time, and watch for your next survey card.

  Enjoy the rest of Summer!

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!

           
  ©2010 Ekaru, LLC. All Rights Reserved.