LAN Systems 
  
March/April 2014 eNewsletter
   
This is certainly a welcome Spring for all of us in Atlanta. And we are settling into our new office at:
4711 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Berkeley Lake, GA 30092
 
Be sure to keep an eye out for our Open House/Earth Day Invite! We will be grillin' and collecting electronics for recycling.
 
If you still have Windows XP and Exchange 2003, it's time to upgrade. On April 8th, Microsoft is ending support for these products.  Questions on upgrade options, just email or call.
 
Best,
Mary
  

 It's time to upgrade Windows XP

nullThe time has come to upgrade your Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8, but how do you decide which is better for you and your organization?

 

With the end-of-support for XP on April 8, 2014, there will be no security updates or hotfixes leaving your XP machine extremely vulnerable to hacking. As with all change, it will mean a temporary reduction in productivity as you become accustomed to the new look and feel.  But you can minimize the stress and inconvenience by choosing the right operating system for your Windows personality.

 

The Windows 7 Personality:  You are smart and talented.  You use your computer as a productivity tool and like to get things done.  In your computing choices, you minimize risk and become anxious if too many changes happen at the same time.  You like the features in Office 2013 but also like your program icons to be familiar and your keystrokes to be efficient. You prefer to spend minutes rather than hours customizing your computer and you shy away from loading the latest gadgets on your workspace.  You play a game now and then, but you don't have a gadget in your hands during all your waking hours.  Your phone is a mobile device mainly used for talking and texting (but never while driving)!  You keep up with the latest technology developments, but still don't quite get Twitter or Google+.  You compute to live rather than live to compute.

 

The Windows 8 Personality:  You are a virtual, digital, mobile machine.  You can tackle and solve most any computer problem.  You never shy away from a computing challenge and use your computer in ways that few can even imagine.  You are an early adopter of social websites and you google your name often.  You embrace the computer experience and have a device for every occasion.  You write reviews for computing sites and have an app for organizing your life. The hours you spend on your devices seem like minutes and you are expert at the online experience. Others always come to you for help with their computer issues.

 

Windows 7 Start MenuFor the Windows 7 personality, upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 will give you the upgraded features and security with the least stress.  You will have the classic look and feel of Windows and this will minimize the learning curve.  If you have a newer computer, you may be able to load Windows 7 without upgrading your hardware.  Microsoft has a Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor tool that will scan your PC for potential issues and make before-you-upgrade recommendations.

 

For the Windows 8 personality, go for it.  Windows�8This is the most modern computer experience.  You are most likely going to buy a new super-powered PC, but you can always use the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.  You'll enjoy reading the compatibility report and will get an option to buy.

 

Whether you choose Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can get to know Windows and explore all the features at Get to know Windows 7 or Meet Windows 8.

 

Want to further discuss your options, email me at [email protected].  Happy computing!

 

 

The IT Services People!
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In This Issue
Windows XP
Rethink Connectivity
LAN Systems

Solutions and Services to help you grow your business

System and Network
Design & Installation

Microsoft, Linux and Unix
Servers and desktops
vCIO Strategy
Architecture review
System installation
Network security
Storage solutions
Virtualization
 
Service and Support
Support  agreements
Onsite services
HelpDesk support
System maintenance
Emergency services
Data recovery
 
Managed Services
24/7 system monitoring
Real-time notification
Automatic updates
Quickly fix problems
Alarming for critical events
System health reports
Follow up action plan
 
Data Backup Plans
Online combined with local or offsite storage
Easy to manage
Restore individual files or entire system
Safe and affordable
 



 Rethink Business Connectivity

If you have been readying your company for the mobile workforce, chances are that your business rode out the recent winter storms with little disruption. Yet, for business owners feeling once burned and twice shy after back-to-back weather challenges, now is a good time to rethink your business connectivity and possibly explore an IT strategy that incorporates Cloud solutions.

Keep in mind that the combination of Cloud applications for email/documents and mobile devices for on-the-go communication allows you to work anyplace, anytime. However, when using Hybrid-Cloud - some applications are on-premise (usually your office) and some in the Cloud - you may not be able to gain access to your on-premise applications.

Of course, power outages are challenging for any technology. Work may prove difficult if the Internet connection is down - even for businesses that have built a Private Cloud (servers in a data center), or for those that use the Public Cloud (leased servers).

Here are three things to consider when exploring Cloud solutions for business continuity.

  1. Maintain email - For most small businesses, hosted email is an easy-to-implement, cost-effective solution. You can keep your domain name and migrate email from multiple accounts. A hosted solution, such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps, provides continuity and backup in the Cloud.
  1. Edit and store documents in the Cloud - This will give your entire team access to the latest revision and make collaboration a snap. Consider using the Cloud to backup important files as part of your disaster recovery plan.
  1. Access specialized applications ­- Making a hybrid solution with your own Private Cloud (that includes redundancy and backup), or moving your applications to the Public Cloud, may make sense for your individualized business needs. Start with a cost-benefit analysis by assembling a team of in-house experts or hiring an IT consultant.

No matter how big or small, you can keep your business running by using the latest Cloud and mobile technology - to fuel the mobile workforce or to confront an emergency.

nullGet up to $350 (per device) back when you trade up from an old iPad, iPhone or other devices to a new Windows Phone or Tablet

 

 

Earn money from your old hardware while making your company more modern. Download the brochure for full details.

 

  • Multiple tablets and phones qualify. To start the trade-in process, please go to the Windows Devices Corporate Buyback Program website.
  • You must purchase a Windows device before going through the trade-in process. There is no limit to the number of devices you may trade in.
  • The Microsoft device must have been purchased within thirty days of the date you ship your old device.
  • Old devices will be recycled so you don't have to worry about what to do with them.
  • For full additional information, please see the FAQ page on the web site.
  • For more information, contact us at 770 662-0312 or [email protected]