End of the Month Specials

For those of you who missed my email earlier...I know some of you have configured email to hate on graphics in email...here's a list of end of the month specials that I am running.  If your rep is not me, you might want to ask them about any special prices they can do for you.

(then of course they'll come yell at me...and we all know how well that goes for them.)

Enjoy!

VA2342-LED - LED monitor - 23" ViewSonic VA2342-LED - LED monitor - 23" - 1920 x 1080 FullHD - 250 cd/m2 - 1000:1 - 10000000:1 (dynamic) - 5 ms - DVI-D, VGA - black Sku #9333252 Price $145.00	Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 - keyboard and mouse set Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 - Keyboard and mouse set - 2.4 GHz - English - North America Sku #7868180 Price $45.00
Wired Keyboard 200 - keyboard Microsoft Wired Keyboard 200 - Keyboard - USB - English - US - black Sku #8718254 Price $16.00	Vostro 270 - Core i3 3220 3.3 GHz - Monitor : none. Dell Vostro 270 - MT - 1 x Core i3 3220 / 3.3 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 500 GB - DVD-Writer - HD Graphics 2500 - Gigabit LAN - Windows 8 Pro 64-bit - Monitor : none. Sku #9433040 Price $435.00
ThinkCentre Edge 72 3484 - Core i3 3220 3.3 GHz - Monitor : none. Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 72 3484 - Tower - 1 x Core i3 3220 / 3.3 GHz - RAM 4 GB - HDD 1 x 500 GB - DVD SuperMulti - HD Graphics 2500 - Gigabit LAN - Windows 8 Pro 64-bit / Windows 7 Professional 64-bit downgrade - pre-installed: Windows 7 - Monitor : ... Sku #9431922 Price $459.00	X501A RH31 - 15.6" - Core i3 2350M - Windows 8 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 320 GB HDD ASUS X501A RH31 - Core i3 2350M / 2.3 GHz - Windows 8 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 320 GB HDD - 15.6" wide 1366 x 768 / HD - Intel HD Graphics 3000 - black Sku #9384442 Price $419.00
CP1500AVRLCD - UPS - 900 Watt - 1500 VA CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD - UPS - 900 Watt - 1500 VA 8.5 Ah - 8 output connector(s) Sku #7130149 Price $157.00	Bulk Cat5E Solid Cable 1000' Blue BULK CAT5E SOLID CABLE 1000' BLUE Sku #754733 Price $159
Cat5E 350 MHz Snagless Patch Cable - patch cable - 7 ft - black C2G Cat5E 350 MHz Snagless Patch Cable - Patch cable - RJ-45 (M) - RJ-45 (M) - 7 ft - CAT 5e - molded - black Sku #107532 Price $1.89	LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475dn - multifunction ( fax / copier / printer / scanner ) ( color ) HP LaserJet Pro 400 color MFP M475dn - Multifunction ( fax / copier / printer / scanner ) - color - laser - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in) (original) - Legal (216 x 356 mm) (media) - up to 21 ppm (copying) - up to 21 ppm (printing) - 300 sheets - 33.6 Kbps - ... Sku #8991719 Price $659.00

Windows 8 Security Training

You know what makes training better?  Being trained by the designers of something!  These trainings from Microsoft are by some seasoned engineers who make sure that you get in-depth learning, and can feel more confident about Windows 8 security.

If you are not learning, you're not living! :)

Excelsior!

A How-To for new Windows 8 Users

I try not to criticize much in my posts here, the closest it comes relates to the adoption of the Windows 8 software.  I would have thought that after all of the amazing technological advances we've had in the past 13 years, that people could embrace change, and understand that things will have to move forward.  Not everyone is a multi-billion dollar bank who wants to remain on XP (and will pay millions of dollars to do so every technical instance after the 2014 support end date), and you're going to have to use Windows 8 eventually.

That's the average user...I"m not talking about y'all who are running Linux and coding your own stuff...more power to you, but in actuality, you amount to a very tiny portion of the population.  XP overran it's course in time, and with the under-adoption of Vista, it made it harder for people to adopt Win 7 (which is probably one of the better things Microsoft has made in 20 years)...and now people are 2-3 generations behind on Operating systems.   I'm also not talking about moving EVERYTHING over to Win 8.  For businesses, MS allows licensing holders to downgrade to Win 7 if you're not comfortable with 8...but you NEED to do that soon.

Now, for those of you who have jumped to 8 and you're now suffering the "user backlash" of queries like, "Where's the start button?"  "I can't find my files" "Internet Explorer is weird looking" or my favorite "My desktop twitches all day, why is it alive?"...Here's a pdf that explains how to use Windows 8 without too much difficulty.

Personally, I find it sad that any user doesn't have enough curiosity or basic know-how to investigate how something new works.  Send this out to those who are whinging about the change to Win 8 or who are having difficulty.

See?  Here's me, helping you with something free.  Who says I have to sell stuff all the time? :)

Xbox One: Future Tech In Your Living Room

Howdy everyone!  So today the tech world and gaming world is abuzz about the new Xbox One.  Not that it's the first, but that it's the only ONE product you'll need to manage your entertainment in your household.  We've been inundated with media for years: netflix, amazon, dvd, dvr, bluray, cloud streaming, on demand, etc...and we all have our own solutions.  Some of us use multiple ways to an end...some of us are a bit more focused...but in the end, we all want our media and we want it easy.  In my opinion, the Xbox One may have nailed this.

On the reveal date, they didn't talk about new games.  No cutsey cartoon characters, or shoot-em-up heroes to make people go oooh and ahhh over.  No...this time it was about how the Xbox One (The XO? Sounds too huggy & kissy for me, and the X sounds too much like alimony is involved) will be the heart and soul of your living room.  Why?  Because it integrates with your cable box/satellite box and internet to provide a managed experience.  Coming home, you walk in the door and say, "Xbox, On" and your entire entertaiment system comes on, and is ready to go.  After watching the event, and seeing all that the new software could do, it confirmed what I've been saying the past year...that Microsoft wants to own the device that will aggregate all of your media through the television set...and now they can.  Split screen viewing (the Snap function from windows 8) is possible, as well as using Xbox's Guide, which is tagged into your cable/satellite provider...and you can seamlessly switch between games, movies, tv and internet...it's almost creepy.

The biggest whine/flack/junk from gamers that I'm seeing, and 50% of it is based on unfounded news reports, is the belief that MS will not allow you to trade games, or buy/sell used games.  They do have a program for this, but as they're not able to talk about it now, it's still in the planning stages.  But, the games actually install from disks, and are registered to you through your account.  (Attention big brother nuts.)  What I think MS, and the game manufacturers want, is to know who is playing what...when you trade games to friends, they have no idea who is playing their product after the initial purchase.  So with a system (that will not cost you money) being built to trade games and sell used games coming, that should take care of that.

Really, if you own an Xbox, take the time to watch the event...this product can do amazing things.  Heck, my wife who is a sort-of-gamer, immediately saw the usefulness of the product, and commented that it would be good for folks like us to get back into shows we want to watch because of the ease and integration of media to the console.  Lastly, I've often found that the negativity being spouted by people when something like this is revealed, only stems from the want to be right if it does turn out bad...which is a bad way to look at life.  I have high hopes for the Xbox One and what it's going to do to bring media together.  Thumbs up so far, Microsoft!

Something great for Windows 8: Invoice360

Much like I heard when Windows 7 released, there's a lot of flack about switching over.  "It isn't XP...",  "where's my start button?", "I'm scared of change!"  (ok nobody has actually SAID the last one but it's easily inferred.)  Granted, there are always good reasons to not immediately adopt a new OS, but it's been out there for quite awhile now...I have been using it for over a year and a half, myself.  I thought I'd do some scouring to find things that make Windows 8 great...and in today's case, why Windows 8 tablets can be great.

Now the OS shines on tablets...it almost makes me want to pitch my Nexus 7 in the trash...and this software app can help a LOT of companies out of the Dark Ages of computing.  Invoices are the bread & water of businesses, and the bane of users.  No two companies are alike...heck out of all my clients, not one sends me a similar invoice...everything is tailored to each businesses' need.  The folks at Invoice360, have tackled the issue of portability, usability, and individuality all at once.  Not only can you use the basic template contained in the program, but you can download their invoice creator program to make your own.

This Application is FREE...but the free version has a watermark placed on any PDF it outputs.  Heck but the price for the full, un-watermarked, version is only $14.99...and who can argue with that if it works?  I suggest you check it out...got windows 8?  Go here to get it.

I'm looking forward to helping the wife potentially sell the clothes and jewelry she makes and this seems to be the best way to document it professionally without having to go get quicken or other tools. :)

Troubleshooting Outlook

Howdy folks!  Here's a great article from my friends over at TechRepublic on troubleshooting your Outlook.  There's a link here...or you can read below. :)

 

By Jack Wallen

May 15, 2013, 7:02 AM PDT

Takeaway: When Outlook falters, productivity and vital business communications take a big hit. These troubleshooting measures will help you resolve problems quickly.

Outlook is currently the de facto standard email/calendaring client in the business world. Generally speaking, it works like a champ. But there are times when Outlook goes down in a ball of flames. When that happens, if you don’t have a bevy of tricks to pull out of your pocket, you might find yourself in a world of pain.

But troubleshooting Outlook doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, you can almost script out the troubleshooting process with these 10 handy tips.

1: Scan PST

Those PST files will inevitably develop errors. When they do, they can prevent Outlook from working properly. When Outlook is starting to fuss, one of the first things I do is run scanpst.exe against each PST file used within Outlook. But be warned: Scan PST can take some time to run. It has to back up your data file, scan for errors, and repair any errors found. If the data file is large, this process can take quite some time. To run Scan PST, you’ll need to locate the scanpst.exe executable. (Its location will depend upon the version of Windows being used.)

2: Archive

Although not really a troubleshooting tip per se, there are times when a PST file will grow so large it causes problems with Outlook. Instead of letting that PST continue to get unwieldy, it’s best to set up archiving. When the data file has reached the excess of users’ allocated space, I always encourage them to archive by year. This method ensures that they will be archiving the largest amount of data to their local directory (thereby clearing up space on the server). This will also shrink the PST and alleviate issues associated with a too-large PST. After this is done, I recommend running Scan PST.

3: Rename OST

If users take advantage of a locally cached data file, sometimes renaming their current OST file is enough to resolve plenty of issues. Just close Outlook, open the folder that houses their data files, make sure you can see extension names, and change the .ost extension to something like .old. The next time Outlook opens, it will rebuild that .ost file and Outlook should be good as new.

4: Delete/rebuild profile

When all else fails (just shy of an uninstall/reinstall), delete the Outlook profile. Now you need to use caution with this. If Outlook is working with a POP account, the current Inbox (and calendars, etc.) will need to be exported as a data file (which can then be reimported after the POP account is re-created). If Outlook is connecting to either an Exchange server or IMAP account, this process is just a matter of deleting the profile and re-adding it. To do this, open the Control Panel, go to Mail | Profiles, and delete the profile.

5: Disable add-ons

The more add-ons that are connected to Outlook, the slower it becomes. If you have any doubt, start Outlook in safe mode (issue the command outlook.exe /safe) and see how much faster (and smoother) Outlook runs. If you find this to be the case, go into the Trust center, disable suspect add-ons, and restart Outlook normally. You’ll know when you’ve found the culprit, as Outlook should run normally. This is a tedious exercise, but one that will generally bear fruit.

6: Disable virus scan

Many antivirus tools have an Outlook connector that scans emails as they come and go from a system. In some cases, this can slow Outlook to a crawl. If you’re unsure where an Outlook issue is stemming from, temporarily disable the antivirus Outlook connection to see whether that solves the issue. If it does, you might need to update the antivirus software to fix the problem. Just remember, if you leave that connection broken, Outlook will be vulnerable.

7: Run in safe mode

As I mentioned before, running outlook in safe mode is a good way to troubleshoot. The one caveat is that a number of features will not work. This obviously means that running in safe mode is not a solution for a problem — just a way to help debug it. Sometimes, just the act of running Outlook in safe mode will resolve the problem at hand.

8: Run with resetnav

When you issue the command outlook.exe /resetnavpane, you reset all customizations to Outlook’s navigation pane (the left pane, with the folder hierarchy and app buttons). This is necessary when users have done something to the navigation pane (something they don’t remember doing) that causes Outlook to malfunction or have problems starting. Note that users will lose any customizations that have made to the navigation pane.

9: Migrate PSTs from the server

I’ve seen this happen so often. A user will have unusually large PST files (especially archives) housed on a shared (or redirected) drive on a server. Those files are best served from the local drive. If you have more than one PST file having to connect to a remote location, chances are Outlook is going to bog down. Move those archives to the C drive of the local machine to improve performance.

10: Adjust calendar permissions

If someone sends an invitation for others to use his or her calendar, but they can’t make or edit appointments, you need to change their permissions. Open the calendar in Outlook, right-click the shared calendar, click Properties, and then go to the Permissions tab. There, you can add users to the calendar and give them specific permissions that will allow them to do anything from reading to owning the calendar.

Webinars Galore!

Upcoming webinars from us here at PCM…check them out! :)

05/23/13	10am     Pacific	Let Us Help You Say Goodbye to Windows XP
06/06/13	10am Pacific	Cloud: Embracing the Advantages while Avoiding the Hidden Costs
06/06/13	10am Pacific	Windows 8 is Right for Business
06/13/13	10am Pacific	Office 2013 or Office 365: Which is right for you (encore)
06/20/13	10am Pacific	Efficiently Protecting Vmware Environments with Symantec

Also…for those using iPads, a great webinar on May 24 about Custom IOS Apps for your Business!

During this online seminar, here’s what you’ll discover: • How iPad and iOS apps are improving workflow, productivity, and business relationships.• The wide range of apps in the App Store to consider for business tasks—from analytics and field services to productivity and sales support. • How successful businesses are getting immediate results by developing custom apps. • Where you can find iOS app development resources to help build and deploy your own in-house apps. View the seminar schedule and register for the series. Register now

Excelsior! :D

Google Cracking...

Far be it beyond me to reveal some of the search techniques that keep me ahead of my co-workers, but this is something that if you have the time to read, you should read it.  In the original article at Wired.com, the document Untangling the web: A Guide to Internet Research by the NSA is discussed, and its availability to the public.  (Also Google Hacking by Johnny Long is mentioned.)   There are a lot of things up on the internet for finding...many of them terrifyingly interesting...many of the duller than a butter knife.   Take a look...   http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/05/nsa-manual-on-hacking-internet/

Pardon me

Looks like a scheduling error tried to send out tomorrow's post this afternoon.  Sorry about that folks. :)

Microsoft vs. Google: Let the mudslinging go into round 6,513...

Office 365 is Microsoft's outing into Cloud distribution of product, pushing their Office 2013 product out to clients.  Because it allows for an instance to be installed on up to 5 devices for a lower price than their business open license product (1 perpetual license) it's a far better deal for small businesses or for those users on the go with multiple devices.  It's a huge stab at Google Apps, and to further the punching bag game between both companies, Microsoft did this recently...(from the article over at CNet)

 



 

Really Microsoft?  Rather than try to co-exist, knowing that both yours and Google's products appeal to different people...you have to go all Eric Garcetti on Wendy Greuel on us!  There is no need in the business world to do jerky things to competitors, it just reinforces an already negative opinion about you when you do.

Real Cloud Backup: Barracuda

A couple of years ago, a client of mine...we'll call him Bob...had called me with concerns about his backup scenario.  With two locations on different sides of the US, it made it difficult for him to manage the information, and do specific backups.  It was here that I first really heard the phrase, "Mike, how can we use the Cloud to backup and restore?"  For all of my knowledge, I was a little stumped...because there really wasn't anything yet that could do what he needed to do, without some major tricks involved.  We worked on several solutions that COULD help him, but they never came to fruition, then a budget hit...so it's languished for some time.  I never gave up on him, and always kept this failure of mine in the back of my mind, watching like a hawk for something that would work for him, or anyone else I was working with.

Earlier this year, along came my friends at Barracuda (I'll bet you a donut that they're reading this too) in one of their standard vendor meetings.  I've always loved their products, and their awesome team that I work with makes it even better.  I was tired that morning after being up late re-reading my copy of the last Dresden novel, and was only half there when I heard the phrase, "...yes it's Cloud Backup."  My eyes and ears perked up at that, and the part of my brain waiting on that phrase kicked into gear ...almost making me stand up out of my chair.  There it was...like magic.  I quickly became adept with the product, and brought it to several clients...all of whom are seriously pursuing it...and I even have a conference call today with my largest client about it as well.

What's important to know here is that this is a disk to disk to cloud solution.  Now their backup unit comes with the software to manage the backup, and does NOT have to go out to their cloud to be used.  It is efficient without the cloud and bears looking at it, even if the word "Cloud" gives your bosses the willies.  It shouldn't however, because Barracuda's cloud backup is HIPAA compliant...and that's a very good thing.  If it passes that muster, it's got secure legs to stand on.  Like I said, the Cloud portion is optional, in both a 200gb unit version, and an unlimited version (there's a price break in there...if you work with me I'll show you).  The kicker on top of that is the Instant Replacement feature.  Yes it adds a little more to the price but once used pays for itself 10x over.  If that unit ever goes down/melts/drowns/and otherwise becomes useless...just call Barracuda and they will ship you a new unit with the files you're storing in their cloud on it, ASAP.  Holy melted backup Batman...you are saved!

Is it perfect, No...and I would never claim it to be.  Can it solve all of your backup/DR worries?  I think it can.  In the end it bears taking a look at.  I'd like to get you on the phone with them...email/call/use the contact page and get in touch with me...we'll work out a conference call so you can see this stuff in action.

I'm telling you now...don't wait...let's evaluate your backup/DR solution now!

Happy Wednesday!

Adobe Creative Cloud

Much has been said about Adobe moving its business to the Cloud...with complaints on every side including folks in sales.  I'm not one to complain, but I wanted to make sure this post covered, why the Cloud, and what you can do to take advantage of it.

So why Creative Cloud for teams?  One of the biggest plagues that businesses go through is refreshing their software.  With Adobe refreshing every year, most folks were content to update their software every 3-4 years instead of being on top of new features...not that businesses were lazy...Adobe's setup just made it expensive.  Now, with the Cloud model where you pay monthly (through adobe) or yearly (at a large discount from people like me), you can be up to date with the newest Adobe software.  The Creative Cloud for teams model actually works to your advantage in that:

1. You have the most up to date software.


2. Your team can collaborate & share files through the Adobe site


3. The publishing services included help publish webistes and digital apps


4. The creative cloud files folder online (100gb per user) allows you access from anywhere.


5. Easily track usage and transfer seats while getting the Expert support from Adobe.

Right now there's a special deal to get you and your company into the Adobe Creative Cloud.  Normally $70 a month ($840/year), until August 31 you can pick up a year subscription for $479.  Not bad right?  You can see more details here.   Let me know if you have questions!

Information Tech Department Growth

Howdy folks!  I get a bit dismayed as I have been so busy with sales work that I've not been able to post effectively as much as I want.  So I'm frontloading posts a bit here so you'll start getting things regularly...and I'll have more things toward the end of the month when "sales life" explodes. :)

This is a great article from Mikko Peltoniemi at Spiceworks, as it really relates to a lot of you out there (and myself included).  Trying to make things work while a company grows, only to find that you've been so busy with the growth that you lost the personal touch, and may have more work than expected with new things.

One of the things that Mikko mentions is finding new personnel to add to your IT staff...always a difficult thing.  How do you find qualified people?  How do you truly know they're qualified?  It's a difficult thing...I know, I've worked in management before I came to be in Tech Sales, and hiring the right person is always a game of russian roulette...less if you can do your research on them...but a game nonetheless.

Enter PCM and my Services team.  We have one of the best Tech Personnel/Staff Augmentation groups in the US working for us, providing the personnel you need, with the quality assurance of "hire them as a temp"...pay us to handle that mess...try them out for 30 days, and if you like them, pay the fee and hire them away from us."  It's simple, easy and gets done what you need.

Got a large project that you need to get done, but don't have the expertise to do it?  We have someone...either someone you can bring on as a temp, or our own service personnel for work like that.  Don't try to train yourself and tackle something that is brand new...I and my team can connect you with the right people for the job!

So call me...talk to me...tell me what you want to do...solve that problem!

Make today a great one! :)