Can Macs Get Viruses?

     A common misconception is that Apple products cannot get viruses. Not true! There is no such thing as a 100% safe computer. Devices running OS X, Windows, Linux, Android or any other operating system are all capable of being infected with a virus or other malware.

     However, the likelihood that a Macintosh user gets a virus is much lower than for Windows users. In fact, many Apple users don't even run any antivirus software on their computers. Whether that is a smart strategy is debated by many IT professionals.

   A few of the reasons why Macs don't get as many viruses as PCs are:

•  Mac OS X is based on the Unix operating system, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems around.
•  Microsoft Windows is used by many more people, so it's a bigger and better target. Plus, the way that Windows is built makes it easier for viruses to spread across computer networks.
•  Many of the tools designed to create viruses or malware are written for the Windows operating system.

Windows Threats Even For Macs

     Many Mac users find themselves having to use Parallels, BootCamp or other virtual software to run Windows-only programs such as Microsoft Publisher. Because these Macs are now running a Windows operating system, they are now susceptible to Windows viruses. In addition, an Apple computer can certainly become a "carrier" of a Windows-based virus. This virus would not infect the Apple machine but could infect other Windows machines on your network if it were to send that virus via email or across the office computer network.

And Even More Threats...

     Any software, plug-in or other third party add-on that is installed onto any computer that connects to the internet can introduce its own security risks. One of the most common ways that the "bad guys" are able to attack a Mac is through browser applications and browser plug-ins such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Java and others. Just about every Mac user has all three of these plug-ins installed on their computers (and many more). These are a necessary part of business but do introduce additional security risks for all computers.

The Human Factor

     Although Macs are less vulnerable to viruses, they are still operated by flawed humans who can still be the victim of Trojan Horses, phishing and other online fraud. Your best bet is to keep everyone informed about online security risks in your business, no matter the computer they're using.

3 Things You Need To Know About E-mail Marketing Before You Press "Send"

     It's everyone's favorite application. Since its introduction, it has revolutionized the way we communicate, both personally and professionally. It has had a major impact on how companies market themselves, communicate with vendors, send out press releases, rally employees and alert clients to their latest and greatest promotion. The ease, low-cost and speed of e-mail in marketing is the biggest reason why our inboxes are overflowing with spam.

     In response to the ubiquitous outcry "I hate spam," governments have crafted regulations surrounding the use of e-mail. If you are one of the millions of companies using e-mail for marketing, then it's important that you familiarize yourself with these laws.

     Even if you don't get caught by the feds for violating the rules of e-mail usage, you can still end up on a blacklist with the major ISPs such as Yahoo!, Gmail, GoDaddy and Earthlink. Once you get blacklisted, you are considered guilty until proven innocent, and ALL the e-mail you send won't get through, even to people who want to receive it-a consequence that could end up hurting your business more than a fine.

What Are The Basic Guidelines Of E-mail Marketing?

     First and foremost, make sure you are only sending e-mail campaigns to people who have solicited (requested) to be on your distribution list. This is called "opting-in" or subscribing, and e-mails sent to these folks are considered "solicited e-mail." You are perfectly within your rights to send them messages, but if you got their e-mail address by any other means and they did NOT specifically request to be on your list, that's considered "unsolicited e-mail" or spam. Sending promotional e-mails to people who have not requested them is not only illegal, but annoying...so don't do it!

     Next, make sure you provide directions on how a person can remove themselves from your distribution list in EVERY e-mail. The best place to put this information is at the very bottom of your message. You should also include your full company name and contact information at the bottom so no one can blame you for cloaking your identity-another legal "no-no" of e-mail marketing.

Our #1 Recommendation

     Lastly, when sending e-mail out to your marketing list, we recommend using a service such as ConstantContact or MailChimp. These web-based applications will help you manage your e-mail distribution list with automatic opt-out and opt-in tools and will keep your e-mail server off an ISP's blacklist.

     Naturally, you want to make sure the information you are sending is interesting and relevant. No one wants more junk filling up their inbox, so the better you are at marketing, the better your results will be. E-mail is not a magic marketing bullet that will solve all your marketing problems but, used correctly, it can certainly help you reach more customers and build stronger relationships with the people you already do business with.  

Congratulations to Annmarie Lanesey, President of Greane Tree Technology in Troy. She correctly answered last month's trivia quiz, below:

April is named after the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who is the goddess of?

The correct answer was: c) Love. (As Annmarie noted, love is "always the answer.")

Want to win a pair of movie tickets? Answer this:

Which May celebration was first observed in 1908?

a) Kentucky Derby

b) Mother's Day

c) Cinco De Mayo

d) Memorial Day

E-mail us right now with your answer at: 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.

DropBox - Is It Secure For Your Business?

   Are file-sharing services such as DropBox, YouSendIt and Google Docs secure enough for business? If you use any of these services for your business, here's the scoop...

Treat DropBox As A Public, Shared Environment.

   DropBox (and the others mentioned above) is designed to easily share large files - ones that are not optimal for e-mail because they're too big. Examples include videos, audio files, large PDFs and graphics files. These services are typically free (or very cheap), and you shouldn't have the expectation of great security for this price.

   But an increasing use of these tools, even for legitimate reasons such as collaboration, is putting a lot of private information at risk. According to a recent Ponemon study, 60% of organizations have employees that frequently put confidential files on services like DropBox without permission. In fact, companies such as IBM have banned the use of these services completely.

When Does Or Doesn't It Make Sense?

When you have a file that doesn't need to be secure and simply needs to easily and quickly get from point A to point B, then DropBox can be a viable solution. On the other hand, you would not send or store any sensitive files, such as contracts or financial statements, on DropBox. These services are also not safe for any files subject to government compliance regulations such as PCI, HIPAA, SOX, Sarbanes-Oxley or HITECH. These file-sharing solutions are NOT compliant.

What To Use Instead

If you need to transfer files outside of your network and need to do so securely, some options to consider are:

•  Creating a secure FTP site
•  Use 2-factor authentication rules
•  Be sure to have audit logs involved to monitor the security of your data

Shiny New Gadget of the Month

Intel Ultrabook Convertible

The Intel-based Ultrabook Convertible is one of the most cutting-edge, on-the-go laptops to date. Quite simply, it's a laptop when you need it and a tablet when you want it.

   Ultrabook with touch display, using Windows 8, delivers stunning graphics and the ultimate in precision and control. And unlike an iPad or Android tablet, this convertible turns into a powerful laptop in an instant.

   Additionally, models with Intel Smart Connect Technology continually update your email and social networks even when your Ultrabook is shut down. You'll wake from sleep mode in less than 7 seconds and already be completely updated so that you can resume what you were doing in the blink of an eye.

   And with Intel's Anti-Theft Technology, if your Ultrabook is ever lost or stolen, you can instantly disable the machine from anywhere, ensuring that your data is safe and secure!

Learn more today at www.intel.com/Ultrabook

BONUS: COOL NEW GADGET

Have you ever heard of Sugru? It's like a moldable silicone. You can use it to fix computer cords that have worn off, add to hiking grips or fashion into gardening tools. It's soft, durable, flexible, and sticks to almost anything! The company's founder has a fixer's manifesto, reflecting their product: "If it's broken, fix it. If it's not broken, improve it." Check out: sugru.com for the back story, blog and guide on its many uses. Or, just google "sugru" and you'll find plenty of user reviews and interesting pictures of how sugru can help you repair shoes, knobs, refrigerator doors, and so many other DIY projects you forgot about!

Office Notes

Lori's a mom!

Lori Hardy, our office manager extraordinaire, is a mother! Dylan Robert Lewis was born on April 6, eight weeks early. For pictures and updates, go to

Welcome to our newest client...!

Refer your friends and business associates to us for their IT needs. If we get an appointment with them, we will give you $25. If they become a client, we will give you an additional $50 and we will give them $100 off their first month's service!

For more information, call Chad at: 518-320-8906 x100 or email: clinen@groffnetworks.com

Help kids!

Some kids in North Central Troy need your help! In this neighborhood, 96% of the kids in the local public school (School 2 in Troy) receive free/reduced lunch. Want to give them a brighter present and future while teaching them about a great past-time? Join Groff NetWorks in supporting Troy Central Little League. This league heavily relies on its donors - businesses like you! - to keep registration costs down (kids can play in this league for $25, whereas other leagues charge $100 for registration) so that kids can afford to join the league. Sponsorship levels start at just $50. $250 gets you a sign on the ball field, $750 includes team sponsorship. For more information on this or other levels of sponsorship, email: egroff@groffnetworks.com or send a check to: Troy Central Little League, c/o: P. Kownack, President, 6 Ray's Way, Wynantskill, NY 12198