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August 2010 Issue
Can I Still Get Windows XP?
IE6 Browser..
Backup Options Worth Exploring
Meet the Tobin Staff..
Excel Tip: Adjust Column Widths
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  Tobin Solutions Newsletter 
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The goal of our newsletter is to provide information about emerging
 technology, present money-saving and efficiency-improving ideas, and offer tips that will help you get more from your computers.
 For topic sugestions and feedback, please send an e-mail to:
Topic Suggestions
Can I Still Get Windows XP?
Microsoft will end sales of Windows XP on October 22, 2010, meaning manufacturers will no longer be able to sell new computers with the system pre-installed.
 
If you're planning on buying new computers and want Windows XP, Dell and other manufacturers suggest you purchase by October 1, 2010, so they can comply with Microsoft's deadline.
 
Computers purchased with Windows 7 Professional may be downgraded to Windows XP Professional. However, this requires erasing Windows 7 and installing a vintage Windows XP system, adding labor costs.
 
If your programs and peripherals are compatible with Windows 7 Professional or the XP Compatibility Mode that is part of the operating system, then you should consider it to be a viable alternative to Windows XP.
 
See Microsoft's website for more information.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/end-of-sale.aspx.
IE6 Browser - Move to Something Safer! 
Still using the nearly 10-year-old Internet Explorer 6.0?
If the answer is yes, your computer and data are at higher levels of risk.
Updates and patching have ended for IE6 meaning it does not include security features integral to newer Explorer versions, making it easier for hackers to infect Web sites, spread malicious software, and launch other attacks.
Amazingly, about 25% of Web users still rely on IE6, a fact cyber criminals are aware of and exploit.
Protect your computer and data by upgrading to the latest version of Explorer or switch to the latest version of another browser.
Backup Options Worth Exploring
diskTape-based backup is a traditional and relatively reliable method for the backup and recovery of your critical data and systems; however, there are some excellent ways of augmenting or maybe even replacing your current tape system.
 
Are you okay with tape but need to increase your ability to recover documents or even a whole server more quickly?  Are you tired of changing tapes and carting them around to store offsite?
 
Disk-based backup and backing up securely over the Internet have become more reliable and cost effective.   Alone, or with tape, these technologies are worth exploring as part of your backup and recovery strategy.
 
Please contact us about our belt-and-suspenders approach to data backup!
Meet the Tobin Staff... 
Mike Lindow, Developer Analyst
Mike Lindow likes his job like most people like time off.  He routinely comes in early and works late keeping client computers and servers tuned up with the latest security patches and program upgrades. 
 
He has also clocked countless hours on the help desk during his nine years with Tobin Solutions.  In fact, at one time or another, all of our clients have spoken with Mike.  In addition, he manages Web sites hosted by Tobin Solutions.
 
Mike has 25 years of experience as a programmer, web developer, and system administrator.  Before joining Tobin Solutions, he was a senior analyst for wire transfer in the banking industry. His degree in Management Information Systems/Business is from UW-Madison. 
 
When Mike does take time for vacations and fun outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking and tennis.
EXCEL TIP: Easy Column Widths Adjustments
Quickly adjust columns to larger or smaller widths by pointing to the short vertical line between the column labels A, B, C, etc. at the top of the spreadsheet.
 - A vertical bar with arrows pointing to the left and right appears:  double arrow bar  
- Click on the vertical bar, drag it to the left or right, and release to adjust the width    
 
Pointing to the line and holding down the left mouse button displays the column width measurement. Default is 8.43 inches (64 pixels).
 
Double-clicking on a vertical column line automatically adjusts the column to the widest entry in the column.
We sincerely hope you appreciate our service as much as we appreciate your business!
Please mention Tobin Solutions to people who might benefit from our services. Or, let us know a potential client's name, and we'll make the contact. 
Let us know who could use our services  
The best compliment is a referral!