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1Vol 11-7  July 2011
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Ekaru
Specializing in information technology outsourcing for small and medium businesses (1-50 Employees). "It's like having your own IT department"
  • Network Design
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  • Virus Protection & Recovery
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www.ekaru.com

978-692-4200
866-go-ekaru


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


Security Updates!

Yesterday was "Patch Tuesday", the day Microsoft regularly releases new security updates each month.  This month was very light for updates, with only four security updates, including one critical update to address a bluetooth related security hole in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. 

 

A question we often hear is: "How do I know if my updates are up to date?"  To check this out on your own system, click on the the Start Button, (Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen),  select All Programs, then select Windows Update.   On this page, you can check for updates, view your update history, install updates, and change your settings for automatic updates.  If you're on managed service with us, note that we manage the updates separately, and all the updates are tested before installation.  Watch for critical updates, which are the most important to install.  Typically, we don't advise blindly running automatic updates for all updates as a general rule because some have unintended negative effects. 

Tech Headlines
Microsoft revs dump-XP campaign, says "time to move on". Microsoft is encouraging customers to move to Windows 7 and the 10-year-old Windows XP has 1000 days left to live.  Microsoft will patch Windows XP until April 8, 2014.  Read more in ComputerWorld.
 
Report:  Mobile Malware to affect more than 1 in 20 devices in 12 to 24 months - Don't just think about your desktop and your laptop when it comes to security!  Read more on ZDNet.
  
Tablet forecast dropping, but iPad going strong  - Many competitors are hitting the market, but iPad is the leader by far.  Read more on ZDNet.
   
From the Ekaru Blog: How to Insert an Excel Spreadsheet into Word 2010.  This training post tells how you can more from the technology you already have - improve your reports and other documents with Exchange built right in.
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Thank You!  Spring Client Survey and Sock Drive 
Thanks to all our clients who returned survey cards this Spring. In a tradition we started last year, we're donating socks to Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (wSock Drive - Thank You!ww.bhchp.org) for all the cards we received.  This year, we'll be sending 112 pairs of socks. 

 

Why socks?  Access to shoes and socks is often limited for the homeless men and women living in shelters and on the streets. Rain-soaked feet, ill-fitting shoes, constant standing and diseases like diabetes take their toll on the feet of homeless people. Every day, BHCHP's nurses and physicians treat a huge range of foot ailments - from trench foot to skin infections, from frostbite to nail diseases.  The best way to prevent such conditions is to keep feet clean and dry - very difficult if you spend your days outside. Clean, white socks are a staple of homeless health care and make a real difference in the lives of our patients and the quality of care that we can provide.  (From www.bhchp.org).

 

Thanks to our clients who took the time to complete the survey cards and provide feedback.  It's important for us to hear what's important to you.  We love to hear from you when things are going well, and we need to hear from you when we can improve.  For more about what our clients have to say about Ekaru, visit our web site: http://www.ekaru.com/clients/.

Lunch & Learn Webinar - July 21 - Computer "Gotcha's" and How to Avoid Them!

Over the years, working with hundreds of local businesses, we think we've seen it all!  Learn about the common mistakes we see out there in the field, and how you can avoid them.  By learning a few simple "self help" tips, you can prevent a minor inconvenience from becoming a major headache.

 

Where:  At your desk!

When:  Thursday July 21 at 12:15pm - 1:00pm

 

Sign up Today!  

 

This is an encore of last month's webinar.  We'll cover some of the topics from last month and we'll add the new questions that come in this month.  Topics so far include public Wi-Fi security, installing printers, Antivirus questions.... 

 

Submit a question when you register and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2010! 

 

 


Enjoy Summer! 

 

Enjoy Summer!

Introductory Technology Assessment Over 450 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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msbs
Microsoft Small Business Specialist
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