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Welcome to this month's issue! The Technology Advisor provides technology advice, strategy, tips and trends to help you manage and grow your business! Enjoy Summer! |
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Tech Headlines
Here are some of the Tech headlines we're tracking:
Google is putting ads directly into the new gmail mailbox - Lots of changes, many not welcome. We recommend businesses use their own branded domains for email. Read more on Business Insider
Why EMR Companies don't care about useability - EMR software is like consumer software from the 90s. User interfaces could use a lot of improvement. Check it out on KevinMDs Blog
Make sure your social security number isn't in the wind - The IRS may have mistakenly posted "tens of thousands" of Social Security numbers on the Internet. Read More on Forbes Tech News
Missed our last training webinar? - Past webinars are posted on our web site. Our goal is to help you get more from the technology you already have and learn about new technologies you need to know about for your business.
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Windows 8 - What's New
If you haven't had a look at Windows 8, or if you have a new system and you're struggling to find a way around, here is a link to a Windows 8 Tutorial by Microsoft that will help you get going.
The new interface is VERY different from past operating systems, so it will take some effort to get used to.
Also, we are advising all clients to check their industry-specific software ahead of time for compatibility with Windows 8 and also Office 2013. In many situations, we are still quoting Windows 7 with Office 2010, especially for medical practices working with Electronic Medical Records.
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"Patch Tuesday" - July 2013
"Patch Tuesday" is the day each month that Microsoft releases their newest security updates, typically the second Tuesday of the month. This month included seven updates, including six "critical" updates affecting Windows and Internet Explorer and one "important" update. The updates impact Internet Explorer, Windows, Office... just about all users are affected:
For a full breakdown, check out the Microsoft Security Bulletin posted on line. Note that in the days leading up to Patch Tuesday, there is always an advance notification, which gets replaced by the actual bulletin on the release date.
A "critical" patch is defined by Microsoft as "a vulnerability whose exploitation could allow the propagation of an Internet worm without user action". As a general rule, all critical patches should be installed as soon as possible. Also, if you have a managed service support plan with us, all patches are tested before installation, and we are tracking the updates for you.
Note that several of the security bulletins require reboots! If you aren't regularly rebooting your systems, this is an important reminder.
Also, another reminder to start planning now for end of life for Windows XP. Microsoft is ending extended support in April 2014. Read more on ZDNet. After this time, there will be no more security patches. Up to date security patches are required for compliance to many security standards including the Massachusetts Data Protection Law.
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Thank You!
Thanks to all our clients who sent in client survey cards over the past two months. As promised, as a "Thank You" for your time, we are donating socks (110 pairs!) to the
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Key values identified in the surveys are responsiveness, knowledge, and friendly service. Areas we will be working on improving are more communication and better follow-through on open issues.
We greatly appreciate working with all of you! Thank you!
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 Daily Small Business Tech News  Please "Like" us for tech tips, news, and free training  Subscribe to our blog for weekly tech tips Connect with us on LinkedIn
Does your business have a Facebook page or Twitter account? - Let us know so we can follow you too!
New! YouTube Training Videos - Check out our YouTube Channel - More training videos coming for 2013! www.youtube.com/user/EkaruIT If you need to do an "out of office" reply for an upcoming vacation, check out the video! |
 Enjoy Summer!
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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!
Microsoft Small Business Specialist
©2013 Ekaru, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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