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John M. Hoyt’s IT Predictions for 2011

Everyone else has been making their predictions for the coming year, so I thought I might do the same… These predictions are based upon industry news, social media and blog rambling as well as some personal wishes. Will any of it come to fruition? I guess at the end of 2011 you can remind me how wrong I was. A …

Is your smartphone spying on you? #android #iphone

Ever download an app for your phone and see all the access you are giving the thing?Ā  You wonder why a certain app would need access to your camera or your location, but you go ahead and install it anyway because you want the latest version of the program. I’ve done it myself, installed some game, which states clearly that …

Slow internet access? Charter Business ups the ante in Greenville / Upstate SC

Tired of waiting for that ISO to download? I know the feeling, even with the 30megabit download speeds we currently have… As if they were reading our minds regarding speed limitations, our Charter Business rep let us know the other day that they have turned it up a notch here in Greenville and are offering two new speed packages. The …

Are you ready for Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011?

The “preview” of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 7 has been available for months, and it looks like we are approaching an RTM (Release To Manufacturing) soon. Windows Small Business Server 7 is a total refresh of the Small Business Server 2008 which was built around Microsoft Server 2008 and Microsoft Exchange 2007. SBS 7 is built around Microsoft Server …

Cloud computing: Is Microsoft Aurora / BPOS right for your small business?

Today you can hardly have a conversation with IT professionals without the buzz words, “cloud computing”, “in the cloud”, “cloud solutions”, etc popping up. What do these terms mean? To over-simplify the definition, it means that something is not stored at your location. It is stored “in the cloud”, or on a remote server, and accessed via the internet. The …

Trend Micro Personal Security Products Going End of Life December, 31 2010

It’s that time of the year again where we must say goodbye to support for previous generation Ā personal security products from Trend Micro. Trend Micro will continue to provide support for your current version until the “End of Support” date. If you have a current and active subscription with a supported operating system, then you can always upgrade for free …

Microsoft Office 2007 reaches end of sales cycle December 31, 2010 – Seneca Data / Nexlink

One of our preferred computer vendors, Seneca Data, the manufacturer of Nexlink branded business computers will discontinue sales of Microsoft Office 2007 starting on December 31, 2010. Private label sales will follow shortly afterward. This does not mean the end of support from Microsoft, only the end of sales. Mainstream Support for the product will continue through April 10, 2012, …

Upstate storms underscore need for computer backup solutions and UPS

Last night was scary for some people here in the Upstate of SC. Easley was hit hard in the business area of Main Street and Pendleton Street and residences along 135 by the passing storms. As I watched the news and saw the video footage of damage, I felt horrible for the business and home owners affected. We turned on …

Server 2000 should just die!

This afternoon we spent a few hours looking at an old Windows Server 2000 for a local hotel who is having issues… I forgot just how unfun this Operating System is! It makes us appreciate Windows Server 2008 all the more! Ā Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Should you be running Server 2000, take this opportunity to upgrade and enjoy the speed, security and reliability …