Memo From IT Department
Q4, 2011 

Network Source One is sending this quarterly newsletter brief, 'Memo from IT Department', to our contacts.  It contains short tidbits of current information from the world of I.T. that we hope you find useful.  If you do not want to receive this information from us, please use the safe unsubscribe link below to have your e-mail address removed from our newsletter list.  Thank you for your consideration.

In This Issue
Using Touch-Screens with Gloves On
Faster Internet Service
Big Patch Tuesday
Holiday (Tech) Gift Ideas!
 

How to Hack Your Own Touch-Screen Gloves

 

Those who dwell in cold climates know how it feels to be helpless when a phone call arrives and they're wearing gloves.

It just doesn't work.

Because smartphones don a capacitive touch screen--meaning, it responds to the static electricity in your fingertips--gloves block this "signal" and disable you from using your phone.

To fix this issue, some simply remove their gloves, while others cut off a couple fingertips, or even resort to flip-top mittens.

Luckily, there's an even better solution that allows you to transform almost any pair of gloves into touch-screen-compatible accessories so your fingers can stay toasty while you text your friends and surf the Web. Follow the link below to learn how!

 

 http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57340635-285/how-to-hack-your-own-touch-screen-gloves/?tag=mncol;txt

 

Changing your Internet Service Provider?

 

If you are one of the many organizations looking to get more bang for your buck when it comes to internet access, please make sure you keep us in the loop.  You can often get faster and less expensive internet service by switching from T-1 lines to a business cable connection (if it's available at your location!).  Some organizations are switching to Wireless or simply changing providers.  Please be aware that with changes to your internet connection, there needs to be associated changes to your Router or Firewall.  Don't make the switch without getting us involved to make sure you aren't without service!

There are also excellent solutions available if you want to add a second type of internet connection for redundancy.  If internet access is critical to your business, please give us a call to discuss options.

 

 

Patch Tuesday

 

Microsoft sent out its monthly advisory about the security bulletins that were released on Tuesday.  (Microsoft generally sends security 'patches' on the second Tuesday of the month.)

 The list includes 14 security bulletins, three of them rated "critical" and 11 of them "important." The three critical bulletins, warning of remote code execution vulnerabilities, affect most supported versions of Windows. The important bulletins cover Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft PowerPoint and Internet Explorer, among other products.

Often, Servers are configured to download these updates, but not install until initiated by an administrator.  PC's are generally configured to install automatically.

Review and installation of critical security patches are included in Network Source One's monthly support agreements.  If you aren't doing it for yourself, please talk to us about handling this service.

If you would like to review your current Microsoft licensing or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

 

 

Happy Holidays!

  

If you need a few ideas for gifts this year, here is a link to CNET's tech gift guide.  They have lists of gift ideas including: Under $50, Stocking Stuffers, and Gifts for Travelers. 

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/holiday-gift-guide/?tag=mncol;bc

 

 

 

From everyone here at Network Source One, we wish you a joyous holiday season!  

 

If you have any suggestions for news or information that we can present in an upcoming newsletter 'memo', please let us know! 

 

Thank you.

 
 Your IT Team
Network Source One, Inc.
 (248) 536-1001