The Single Biggest Cause of Computer Crashes, Data Loss, Hacker Attacks, Viruses and Other Computer Problems

Want to know how to eliminate close to 80% of the computer problems you experience AND get more life, faster speed, and better overall performance from your PC? The answer is simple...
 
The vast majority of computer problems can be solved with one simple step: regular maintenance. That's right; nearly 80% of all computer problems stem from neglecting to perform routine maintenance such as cleaning your registry, installing security updates, and monitoring performance.
 
Why Do PCs Have So Many Problems?
 
 Your computer is not a simple appliance like a TV. Once connected to the Internet, it's exposed to a barrage of sophisticated hacker attacks, viruses, spyware, and other programs that can instantly install themselves to gain access to your data and take control of your machine. Plus, adding new programs and other general use of your system will gradually slow your computer's performance over time; that's why that brand-new PC you just bought a month ago is suddenly not loading programs as fast as it used to. Regular maintenance will not only keep your computer network running like new, but it will also help you avoid crashes, down-time, and data loss resulting from faulty hardware or corrupted software.
 
The Smart Way to Avoid These Issues
 
     Given the fact that no business can operate without access to e-mail, the Internet, and other important systems and files, it often puzzles us why so many people cringe at spending money on maintaining their PCs. Trying to do it yourself is never a good idea (unless you happen to be a very savvy computer expert) and waiting until something breaks to bring in a technician is like putting on a seat belt AFTER the accident. That's why we recommend outsourcing the care and maintenance of your computer network to a professional. Not only will they do a better job, but over time, a well- maintained computer network will significantly reduce your overall IT costs AND allow you to focus on more important issues like sales, profits, management, and customer service.

      To claim your FREE diagnostic service, call us at 518-320-8906.

Who Wants to Win a $15 Stewart's Gift Card? Take Our Monthly Trivia Challenge!

The Grand Prize Winner of last month's Trivia Challenge Quiz is (drum roll, please) Susanne Briggs, receptionist at D'Agostino, Krackeler, Maguire & Cardona in Menands. She was the first person to correctly answer our question below:

What was the name of the singing cowboy in the musical Oklahoma?
a) Curley
b) Lucky
c) Frankie
d) Petey
 
The answer is "a":    Curley.

Congratulations, Susanne!
She won a $15 Stewart's gift card.

Now, here's your chanceto win a $15 Stewart's gift card!
 
This Month's Trivia:
What rocker had a top ten hit in 1983 with "Pink Houses"?
a) Michael Jackson
b) Don Henley
c) John Mellencamp
d) Lionel Richie
 

E-mail us right now with your answer!
trivia@groffnetworks.com

Please note: One prize per entrant per year. Entrants who have won a trivia contest in the last 12 months are ineligible to compete for prizes.

Shiny New Gadget of the Month:
Pico Solar Charger

Do you like to camp, hike, and spend time outdoors but can't live without your iPod or cell phone? We've got the solution!
 
Pico Freeloader Solar Charger is a compact and lightweight solar powered charger that can give you 35 hours on mobile phone, 14 hours on iPod, or 1.5 hours on GPS, all on a single, ten-hour charge. The crystalline solar cells will soak in the sun's rays by day, and when night falls, you can plug your phone or GPS in and charge it up in just one half hour! Now when you trek through the wilderness, you can do it with peace of mind. knowing your vital devices will stay charged in case of emergency.
  
What's particularly nice about the Pico is that you can recharge its internal lithium ion via USB in the event of a cloudy day or in the middle of winter. Oh, did we mention it's only $39? Maybe this is the new Christmas gift you get for everyone!

Client Corner

 
"What I like most about Groff NetWorks is their professionalism in service. They are flexible to their clients' needs. Working with Groff NetWorks has truly impacted my bottom line; they have helped me to increase efficiencies and the security of my network."
 
-John Santora, president
Santora Accounting & Bookkeeping Services, Troy

New GPS Cell Phone Tracking Helps Parents Keep Track of Their Trick-or-Treaters

 
This month, everyone's gearing up for a little Halloween fun (aside from Christmas, it's the biggest revenue-producing holiday of the year).
 
If you're like most parents, you want your little trick-or-treaters to be safe while out gathering the goodies, so here's a cool "high-tech" way to go beyond the glow sticks and reflective costumes: a GPS-tracking phone.
 
Three major carriers let you track the actual location of your child: AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. Verizon's Chaperone service and Sprint's Family Locator use GPS to pinpoint your child's location (which means you need a GPS-enabled phone) and even let you set up zones where your child is allowed to go-giving you an automatic alert (to either your cell phone or computer) if they leave that zone. Verizon can even send a text message to both parent and child if the child strays too far out of pre-set boundaries.
 
AT&T's FamilyMap service will use GPS, if it's available, or triangulation based on the location of the cell phone tower. The latter isn't quite as accurate but works better indoors. 

Lauren's Corner

This year, my wife is homeschooling our two daughters. They are focusing on art, practicing handwriting, learning to play violin, taking swim lessons, and going on weekly hikes all over the Capital Region, among other activities. There are so many great places to explore: Thacher Park, Christman Preserve and Grafton State Park, to name a few.

liam, on a hike

 

Office News

Welcome to David Zuckerman, our newest addition here at Groff NetWorks. He's our inside sales guy. A graduate of Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, he has done inside sales and customer service for other companies in the region. He also patrols the slopes at Okemo in Vermont.