Eaton Power Products

As an Eaton partner, Homeland Secure IT offers Greenville and the Upstate of SC the full line of Eaton power protection products, from surge protectors to full UPS or Uninterruptable Power Supplies to keep your computers, servers, network and phone systems online even when the power is off.

Safely shut down during a power outage and never lose the document you are working on by using an UPS.

There is an Eaton product that is right for every installation senario you may have. From home, home office, to small business and even data centers.

For more information or a sales quote, please call us at 864.990.4748 or use our handy CONTACT form!

EPC Data Containment Unit

This is our DCU, it is like many other DCUs, but this one is our own….

I bet you are wondering, “What the heck is a Data Containment Unit?” aren’t you?!!

The trashcan-like device pictured above is a DCU or “Data Containment Unit”.  Its purpose in life is to hold old hard drives that are destined to be destroyed PHYSICALLY to prevent unauthorized retrieval or recovery of data that may be contained on them.

This DCU in particular is provided by our partner, EPC and will be located at the Homeland Secure IT office in Greenville.

When we pull hard drives from computers that are to be disposed of, the drives will be dropped into the DCU’s slot and remain under lock and key until a time when EPC’s mobile unit retrieves the contents and security destroys everything within.

Homeland Secure IT is offering *free* destruction of hard drives pulled from computers and servers we sell when they reach their end of life, or should the drive become non-functional and need to be replaced in one of the computers we have sold. Yes, even non-functioning hard drives can have their data recovered in many cases!

As a service to the community, we will be offering low cost destruction of drives brought in to us and deposited in the DCU. We can also remove the drives from your old computers for you.

For more information, please call 864-990-4748 or stop by 104 Mauldin Rd, Suite E in Greenville.

The release of Microsoft Windows 8 is now just a few days away!

When you buy a desktop or notebook computer from us with Windows 8 on it, why not add Microsoft Office 2010?

Not only will you have the latest and greatest software and operating system, customers who purchase any qualifying version of Microsoft Office product between now and April 30, 2013 can download the next version of Office as soon as it is available!

Want more information about the new Windows 8 and the upcoming Microsoft Office release? Call us at 864-990-4748 or use our contact form on the website.

We are your Microsoft Small Business Specialist in Greenville / Upstate SC, offering sales and support of computers & servers from most manufacturers, powered by Microsoft!

• Initial outlay of cash
• Downtime during installation & migration
• Learning new software, time to train
• Double entry on two systems working simultaneously for a period of time
• Final migration to the new system after they see the new software working
• Lost revenue during this change-over

The list was actually longer than that, but I made it a little more concise in the interest of not boring you with details.

I then remembered a recent letter I received from one of our lending partners which says they offer Flex Plans, designed specifically to help out during times like this!

They can offer a 60 or 90 day “delay plan”, to keep cash flow at current levels until after the installation is complete.

That sounds like a winner to me! Maybe it can work for the client in question, and potentially someone reading this may have a similar concern and the knowledge that this is available could help.

Should your business be considering an upgrade of computers, servers or network equipment, please give us a call at 864-990-4748 or use the CONTACT link in the menu and let’s talk about what we can do for you!

Nexlink – Made in America FOR America

Sure, we offer all the big names in workstation, desktop, notebook and netbook computers and server such as HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Dell and the like, but there’s one brand that sticks out when we review the service calls and warranty repairs.  Seneca Data and their Nexlink desktops have proven to be an outstanding value for our customers.

The Nexlink computers are well made, with quality parts, and we generally sell them with a 3 year warranty.  These machines mean business! We get very few service calls on them, and in the event that we do, what parts we do not stock are shipped to us and generally arrive the next business day. Furthermore, their tech support department speaks English and are based right here in America, so it is always a pleasure to talk with them in the rare event we actually have to. Their help desk does not put us through unnecessary steps to diagnose a problem and reducing the time on the phone considerably.

I really can’t say enough good things about these machines!

Seneca Data realized just how high the quality of the machines are recently from their own data regarding repair and warranty claims and decided that going forward, the same machine that we have been selling with a 3 year warranty will be upgraded to a FIVE YEAR warranty at no additional charge to us, and we pass that savings on to you.

Desktops are generally replaced every 3 to 5 years, so essentially, the five year warranty could be considered a lifetime warranty for most businesses and individuals.

In all the years I have worked with computers, I have not seen computer manufacturers up their warranty!  This says that Seneca Data is willing to put their money where their mouth is with Nexlink computers!

If your business is looking to purchase new computers or servers, whether it is one or one thousand, please call us at 864.990.4748 or use the CONTACT link in the navigation bar and let’s see if we can provide you with what I think is the best computer for the money! If you want to try out just one computer before upgrading your entire company, we can arrange that. Likewise, if you would like to use a true business class computer at your home or in your home office, we have just the computer for you!

We provide Greenville & the Upstate of SC with complete computer, server & network sales, service and support…

Coming your way right after Easter – Security updates from Microsoft!

This information is from the Microsoft Security Advance Notification for April 2012:

********************************************************************

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for April 2012

Issued: April 5, 2012

********************************************************************

This is an advance notification of security bulletins that Microsoft is intending to release on April 10, 2012.

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for April 2012 can be found at http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/ms12-apr.

This bulletin advance notification will be replaced with the April bulletin summary on April 10, 2012. For more information about the bulletin advance notification service, see http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/advance.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://technet.microsoft.com/security/dd252948.aspx.

Microsoft will host a webcast to address customer questions on these bulletins on April 11, 2012, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada). Register for the Security Bulletin Webcast at http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin.

Microsoft also provides information to help customers prioritize monthly security updates with any non-security, high-priority updates that are being released on the same day as the monthly security updates. Please see the section, Other Information.

This advance notification provides a number as the bulletin identifier, because the official Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers are not issued until release. The bulletin summary that replaces this advance notification will have the proper Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers (in the MSyy-xxx format) as the bulletin identifier. The security bulletins for this month are as follows, in order of severity:

Critical Security Bulletins

============================

Bulletin 1

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 2

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 3

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 4

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 2

- Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Office 2010 (32-bit editions)

- Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 1 (32-bit editions)

- Microsoft Office 2003 Web Components Service Pack 3

- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with

Advanced Services Service Pack 4

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 3

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 3

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 2

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 3

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for 32-bit Systems

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems

- Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Microsoft BizTalk Server 2002 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Commerce Server 2002 Service Pack 4

- Microsoft Commerce Server 2007 Service Pack 2

- Microsoft Commerce Server 2009

- Microsoft Commerce Server 2009 R2

- Microsoft Visual FoxPro 8.0 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Visual FoxPro 9.0 Service Pack 2

- Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Important Security Bulletins

============================

Bulletin 5

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway 2010 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway 2010 Service Pack 1

Update 1

- Impact: Information Disclosure

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 6

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 2

- Microsoft Works 9

- Microsoft Works 6-9 File Converter

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Other Information

=================

Follow us on Twitter for the latest information and updates:

http://twitter.com/msftsecresponse

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool:

==================================================

Microsoft will release an updated version of the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services, and the Download Center.

Non-Security Updates on MU, WU, and WSUS:

========================================================

For information about non-security releases on Windows Update and Microsoft update, please see:

* http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894199: Microsoft Knowledge Base

Article 894199, Description of Software Update Services and

Windows Server Update Services changes in content.

Includes all Windows content.

* http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/bb456965.aspx: Updates

from Past Months for Windows Server Update Services. Displays all

new, revised, and rereleased updates for Microsoft products other

than Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) ===========================================

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections websites provided by program partners, listed at http://www.microsoft.com/security/msrc/collaboration/mapp.aspx.

Recognize and avoid fraudulent email to Microsoft customers:

=============================================================

If you receive an email message that claims to be distributing a Microsoft security update, it is a hoax that may contain malware or pointers to malicious websites. Microsoft does not distribute security updates via email.

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) uses PGP to digitally sign all security notifications. However, PGP is not required for reading security notifications, reading security bulletins, or installing security updates. You can obtain the MSRC public PGP key at https://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/pgp.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://technet.microsoft.com/security/dd252948.aspx.

********************************************************************

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS MICROSOFT COMMUNICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

********************************************************************

To manage or cancel your subscription to this newsletter, visit the Microsoft.com Profile Center at <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=245953> and then click Manage Communications under My Subscriptions in the Quicklinks section.

For more information, see the Communications Preferences section of the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement at:

<http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92781>.

For the complete Microsoft Online Privacy Statement, see:

<http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=81184>.

For legal Information, see:

<http://www.microsoft.com/info/legalinfo/default.mspx>.

This newsletter was sent by:

Microsoft Corporation

1 Microsoft Way

Redmond, Washington, USA

98052

—

If you require assistance with these or any other updates, please do not hesitate to call upon us at 864.990.4748.

Apple iPhone

Smartphones: Whether it is an Android, iPhone or even a Windows based phone, you cannot survive without one. These devices provide instant communication with your clients through email, text message and phone, along with the ability to browse the web and select from tens of thousands of applications to assist in your business. Your clients will not wait for you to get to your office to respond to an email. Even a quick, “I’m driving, will respond as soon as it is safe” auto-response is better than no response. The cost of a typical phone can range from 100 to 300 dollars per phone depending on features and term of contract from the carrier of your choice.

Square Credit Card Reader

Credit Card Processing: If you expect to get paid, then you need to accept every form of payment possible, including plastic. Yes, you will lose a little bit on the sale, but you will gain an instant payment. If you are just getting started, without purchasing a machine or paying a monthly charge, you can accept credit cards anywhere you have a cell signal using the Square credit card application with your smart phone and the free reader device that they provide to you. No per-swipe fee, and less than 3.0% charge. Fast, secure, and in your account the next business day. Find it in your phones’s marketplace.

Reliable & Fast Internet: There are a lot of choices these days for fast internet, from DSL to cable to fiber, and the old tried and true T1 standard, but some businesses may find that a wireless broadband internet plan may be enough for them. We recommend Charter Business in most situations, but that varies depending upon what is available at the business location. One advantage to using a cellular based broadband internet connection is that you can take it with you, which is great for businesses that are not tied to one specific location. Typical 4G plans will provide over 5 meg down and up to 2 meg up. Verizon Wireless offers the MiFi devices for around 50 dollars with 5GB plans for 50 dollars per month.

IP Surveillance Cameras

IP surveillance: Sure it sounds like the CIA, but IP security cameras at your business will decrease loss of inventory, increase productivity, and may provide an insurance savings. You can even keep tabs on your employees using a smartphone or any web browser to view these camera. Recordings can be reviewed after events occur, and most systems can email you when there is movement in a particular location. Prices range from $150 for a single entry level camera into the $2000 range to cover an entire business. You can install yourself, or get an IT provider to handle this for you for the most professional results.

Email: This is a no-brainer, but many small businesses will cut corners here. A Hotmail account will work for sure, but who wants AcmeWidgetCo@hotmail.com on their business cards. At the very least, your business should use a service that allows for linking a domain to your mail, such as Google Apps (Gmail) or Microsoft Office 365. This gives you a professional appearance, and provides for important features such as linking of your smartphones, sharing of calendars between users and so much more. Microsoft Office 365 costs about 5 dollars per person per month and gives you up to 20GB of storage.

Anti-Virus & Security: Far too often this is overlooked, or taken for granted. A business that is vulnerable to viruses or malware is a business that could experience costly downtime and repairs, not to mention, open yourself up for compliance violations and potential fines or legal issues depending upon the field you are in. The components of a secure network are as simple as a quality firewall like those offered from Cisco, Watchguard or SonicWall, an anti-virus software package from Trend Micro or Symantec, and taking the time to apply updates to the Operating System (Windows, Mac, etc) and support software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, JAVA).

Backup: When disaster strikes, you need to be prepared for it. Having backups of your important files will insure you are not out of business when a computer or server fails. Backups technology can be as simple as an external USB drive or remote backup solution, or on the other end of the spectrum, as complicated as auto-loader tape drives. One thing is for sure, ANY attempt to backup your data is better than none. For automated cloud backup solutions, consider Servosity or Mozy Pro.

Here at Homeland Secure IT, we utilize a vast array of technology and we also help many small and medium businesses and even home offices stay up to date. If we can help you with decisions regarding your Greenville or Upstate technology infrastructure, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer sales, service, repair and consultation of everything from computers to VoIP.

What is your “must have” business technology? I would love to hear about it.  VoIP phone systems? iPad, Android or Windows based tablet computers? A favorite app (We love TiKL & Waze)?

The new look of Nexlink computers

Check out the new look for Nexlink’s computers! Same great case, with a more modern face plate…

Those of us here at Homeland Secure IT have worked with computers from every major computer manufacturer you’ve heard of, and we are partners with many great providers of computers and servers, such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, etc…  However, for business computers, we tend to recommend the Nexlink line of computers.

Why wouldn’t we go with a mainstream solution for every client? After all, HP has a reputation as a quality business computer supplier, wouldn’t it be a great investment for any business?

Absolutely! HP does make a quality system, however, one of the things you are paying for when you purchase that new HP system is the name. HP has worked hard to create a presence in the business market and that has cost a fortune.

Other vendors, such as Nexlink, can offer comparable desktops, servers and notebooks, without the marketing and sales expenses attached to them, allowing you the best computer for your dollar!

Furthermore, the Nexlink products are some of the highest quality we have ever worked with. They use trusted components, such as Intel motherboards and Intel processors, nothing less than the best. The support from Nexlink is outstanding, and all the business systems we sell have a 3 year warranty with next day shipping should something be needed!

Should your business be considering new computers, servers or notebooks in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area, give us a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com and let’s discuss if Nexlink is right for you!

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Thursday, February 23, 2011

Microsoft has released Security Advisory 967940, titled “Update for Windows Autorun”, and it covers an issue that has long plagued Microsoft Windows Operating Systems. When you insert a USB flash drive, or USB hard drive, Windows has attempted to treat them like CD/DVD material and perform an autorun on it. While most IT professionals and tech savvy individuals have disabled that feature, and anti-virus developers such as Trend Micro have provided an option to disable that function, as gaping hole has been there for everyone else.

How has it affected people? Many ways, from a person inserting their USB flash drive from home into a business computer and the autorun functionality automatically installing the malware that was on the home system directly onto a network computer, creating a huge network security issue, down to malicious people dropping a flash drive containing malicious software on it in the parking lot of a large company they wanted access to. This resulted in workers at said company picking up the flash drive and inserting it into a computer on the corporate network in an attempt to see what was on it or find the owner to return it, and unknowingly permit software that would allow remote access to the network.

So, finally, after years of this, Microsoft has addressed it!

Microsoft has also published MS10-077, a revision to a bulletin posted in 2010 for a change to the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 update package. And MS10-070, which is yet another revision to .NET Framework 4.0. These are labeled “Critical” and “Important”, respectively.

Keep your systems up to date, and be sure you have current anti-virus… We recommend and sell Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security and Titanium. In Greenville / Upstate, SC please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information…

Homeland Secure IT Alert

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 “it” could be data, as in your databases, email, files, or it could be programs / applications, such as web based suites of software like Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word or custom applications.

All this talk about moving to “the cloud”, a term which is generically used for the internet, has people thinking about how it can be used for their business. Let’s take our own small business and use it as an example.

Currently, we use a large server which has Microsoft Server 2008 loaded on it and functions as our domain controller, DNS, DHCP, and other standard server tasks… It also serves as our file server, and it hosts Microsoft Exchange for our in-house email. Other tasks this one piece of hardware is responsible for are: TFTPd for management of our VoIP phone system’s configuration files, backup of data (Using multiple backup systems such as Servosity Online Backup Solution, an “in the cloud” product, and MozyPro) and Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Advanced for anti-virus and anti-spam.

We have a second server which hosts additional files, Blackberry Enterprise Server (not currently in use due to the switch to Android phones), and is a test bed for us. Then we have two other servers, a Voice over IP server based on Linux OS which is in control of our phone system & voice mail, and a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for storage of video from our CCTV cameras.

In order to reduce some overhead, we could potentially maintain a smaller main server with only Windows 2008 R2 running on it as a domain controller, then utilize Microsoft Aurora, or even Microsoft BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite), allowing mail storage and transport to take place outside our building.

We could then switch from Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Advanced to the Trend Hosted solution, relieving our server from those duties.

Since we are already using a remote backup solution, we would not have to worry about that, and our backup requirements would actually drop since we would no longer need to backup the Microsoft Exchange Store (Microsoft would handle that for us with the BPOS solution).

As you can see, eliminating the main server entirely from the equation here is not going to be possible, however a considerable amount of storage, backup, and resources could be moved elsewhere.

One thing to take into consideration before moving to these hosted solutions is, what if our internet is down? That is a good question which still has many people concerned about these technologies. In the case of online file storage, if you do not have cached storage at your location, you simply have no access to it. In the case of mail, if you are caching the information locally, you CAN see your old/existing email, but you cannot send or receive new mail until the connection is reestablished. It is important to note that cloud based email will still RECEIVE email when your business is without an internet connection and you will get it as soon as the connection is reestablished, something that doesn’t happen now if you use an onsite Exchange Server, unless you are using a mail hold & forward (spool) system at your ISP or other provider.

Should you desire to discuss your needs and how products like Microsoft Aurora, BPOS, Google Apps, Servosity and other cloud services can fit into your infrastructure, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for a free consultation!  We are partners with Microsoft, Google, Servosity, MozyPro and other cloud providers. We also offer a full line of computer, server & network service, support, sales and consultation here in Greenville & Upstate SC!

Microsoft is offering a free 30 day trial of their Business Productivity Online Suite if you would like to see it in action.

Say "no" to stacks of CDs

If you are using CDs,  DVDs, flash drives, external hard drives, or other physical media to backup your notebook computer, you are doing 100% more to protect your data than the majority of all PC owners!

However, you are also spending time connecting devices or inserting backup media and likely are manually starting the backup, leaving lots of room for missed backups. If you are using an external USB hard drive, you may be using the included software to automatically backup to that media when you have it plugged in, which could make for gaps of days, weeks, months, or who knows, even longer between backups.

Those of you who want to insure your data is backed up, automatically, without interaction from you at all, should consider an online or remote backup solution. These are ideal for a mobile computer, whether it is an Apple Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows or even a Linux based system! All you do is establish an account, install the software, configure the software for a time frame for running and you are done. “Set it and forget it” as they say.

When you have your computer turned on and connected to the internet, the data is uploaded to the remote server automatically and you get an email that lets you know that it completed correctly or that a backup was missed. You can see the backup details, you can set the backup to be “continuous” where your files are synced as they change, etc.

Your data is stored remotely on encrypted and secure servers. You can access a single file or restore an entire folder via the application or a handy web interface!

Here at Homeland Secure IT, we use, recommend and offer a free trial of Servosity Online Backup. Servosity is a locally owned and operated business here in Greenville, SC whom we are proud to partner with to bring our clients a rock solid, dependable and affordable backup solution. Servosity works with desktops, laptops, server (including Microsoft Exchange, SQL, and more!) and as mentioned previously, multiple operating systems from Windows to Apple Mac, to Linux, etc.

Free Servosity Online Backup Trial! Click Here…

If you would like more information about how Servosity Online Backup can help you or your business, or you would like a FREE TRIAL of the service, please email info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748. We offer a full range of backup solutions, both physical onsite and remote.  Don’t go another day without KNOWING your data is protected!

Many times a company needs to purchase a new server but liquid capital prohibits them from doing so, and other times, it just makes more sense to purchase based on a lease.

Some benefits to leasing include:

• Fair Market Value or 10% option – This option allows for a customer to have the choice to purchase or return the equipment at the end of the original term AND deduct the payments as a monthly operating expense. Upgrade equipment anytime during the lease with a “Wrap Lease” product or upgrade at the end of the term.
• $1.00 Purchase Option – This option allows a customer to own the equipment at the end of the term for $1.00 and deduct payments over five years on a depreciation schedule or deduct all in one year under IRS Section 179. Upgrade options are still available with this program.
• Equipment Finance Agreement (EFA) – This allows the customer to retain full ownership of the equipment from the inception of the contract. It is tax deductible under a five year depreciation schedule or under IRS Section 179. This product has unique advantages for the customer who will most likely want to exercise and early buyout option.

We are happy to be able to offer leasing terms for larger purchases, so if you have a server refresh in your future, a larger scale deployment of desktop or notebook computers, etc, call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information.

At 10pm we received a call from the alarm monitoring company saying that we had multiple zones activated at my wife’s business, including a door, and several interior motion sensors! Police were dispatched, and Pamela and I rushed out the door headed towards her office with flashlight and firearm at the ready. We actually beat the police to that location due to the large number of calls they were receiving due to power outages and lightning strikes in that area.

It was immediately apparent that we had a false alarm… Thankfully, nobody was arrested or shot, and in fact, the only casualty was the alarm system sensors that were damaged by the strike. The power had been off all around that location, and computers, servers, and more were offline.

After the storm died down and morning came we were greeted with calls from our clients. As you can imagine, computers were down and would not come up, servers were down, a lot of network connectivity issues such as no internet access, no access to application servers, etc. Most of these were solved over the phone, but a couple required visits to the sites.

Thought I would just take a moment to remind everyone that a large number of service calls and computer repairs can be avoided by simply investing in adequate UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) devices. These affordable products can be used to protect almost everything you plug into AC power. Those switches, routers, firewalls? Protect them! What about your time clock? Yes, that too. How about that expensive CCTV or VoIP system? Yewbetcha!

Small surges that come in on the power line can cause big damage to sensitive electronics!

Homeland Secure IT is happy to partner with some great power protection companies such as Eaton and APC and we can provide you with a quote for the proper product for your application! Please email info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748 for more information…

If you are calling a one-man-shop, you may be getting a great deal in terms of hourly rates, however, you may find that the wait for this one person to finally get around to you could lead to inconvenient downtime. Unfortunately, the better the technician, the more likely this will become reality as they will pick up new clients, and have to service them. Obviously, there is only so much of one person to go around.

Some independent technicians have built-in a set number of clients to avoid this, as they realize they cannot be in two places at one time. The average tech will operate on a first come, first served basis, and still others will prioritize their calls, placing downed servers higher in the queue than a workstation with a virus.

Before opening Homeland Secure IT, many years ago, I ran a business like that, and though I had plenty of clients, I was run ragged with a call in Easley, then a call in Greer, then a call in Clemson. I am glad those days are over!

Homeland Secure IT is fortunate enough to have multiple technicians who CAN be in more than one place at one time! What about when we can’t? Yes that happens, when we are deploying a new server or network where all technicians are tied up on that job, sometimes we have to pull a man off that job to handle a call. Still other times we will have a heavy workload, such as in the case of when a new virus or updates are released and everyone is calling at one time. Using remote access tools, in many cases, we can service more than one client at a time. Again, these are tools that the average one-man-shop does not have at his/her disposal.

What is YOUR response time?

Generally, in the Greenville area, we are on location within 30 minutes, longer if we are dealing with Seneca due to drive time. Our average response time is difficult to measure due to a large number of our calls being handled by remote access, email or phone, which equates to INSTANT response time! When averaged in with our typical on-site response time of 30 minutes, it brings us closer to 5 minutes for response time! Just remember “on-site” where we go to you, will generally take us 30 minutes from the time you call.

What about these free estimates? How does that work?

Computers which are brought to our office qualify for a free estimate. We never charge to determine what is wrong with your computer, if it is brought to us. The same goes for an onsite consultation regarding performing service for your company. We will come to you and talk with you about how our services or products may or may not be right for you at no charge. That being said, we do not offer free estimates for a computer repair if we must dispatch a person to your location. We still generate a charge for the visit.

What services does Homeland Secure IT provide?

It may be easier to ask, “What services doesn’t Homeland Secure IT provide?” than to ask what we do. We specialize in small business computer and network support. We have offices with a single person in them that we provide total IT support for, and we have clients with 50+ users, with multiple locations, requiring VPNs between their sites and many servers. There really is no client “too small” for us, and we have yet to find one too large, but I am sure there is one out there! We do everything from desktop and laptop repairs, to network security, Voice over IP, CCTV and server deployment and maintenance.

If you are dealing with the one-man-operation and you are happy, then by all means, please continue! If you are growing tired of waiting hours and hours, or even days for a technician to show up, or return a call, then please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We serve the entire Upstate of South Carolina!

Microsoft BPOS

Are you tired of dealing with POP3 or IMAP mail from your ISP? Tired of SLOW email? Do you want to share calendars between coworkers? Do you want to see the same contacts, calendar entries and emails on your phone as you do in your Outlook on your desktop and also via a web interface? Do you want your mobile workforce to have access to the same resources you do, including public / shared calendars & contacts? Want support for your Mac, Apple iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry?

Then Microsoft Exchange is the way to go, however, there are costs associated with hosting your own Exchange server that are unattractive to many smaller businesses.

Fortunately there are Hosted / In-The-Cloud alternatives, such as Microsoft’s Own BPOS, the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite which features a Hosted Exchange server, SharePoint, Office Live Meeting and Office Communications Online. Using BPOS can eliminate the need to purchase, deploy, maintain, backup and eventually upgrade a Microsoft Windows Server with Microsoft Exchange Server. The services are hosted “in the cloud”, in a data center, where all maintenance and upgrades are maintained FOR you. No need to worry with backups either.

This solution isn’t right for everybody, but it could be the answer to your problems if you have a smaller office, a large mobile workforce, a small budget or possibly no central location to place a server at. Would you like more information? Please call us at 864-990-4748 ext 201 or email info@homelandsecureit.com to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation.

Free 30 Day BPOS Trial

Optionally, you can sign up for a FREE 30 day trial of BPOS - Business Productivity Online Standard Suite - This trial includes 20 user licenses for Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting, and Office Communications Online.

Homeland Secure IT offers Hosted Microsoft Online Services including the full BPOS / Business Productivity Online Standard Suite (Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting & Office Communications Online) as well as the Business Productivity Online Deskless Worker Suite (Exchange Online & SharePoint Online), and each service individually.

If you are in the Upstate / Greenville SC area, we can assist you with configuring your Outlook to work with the Hosted Exchange Online service at your location or ours.

We also offer full remote support and phone support to clients anywhere in the United States.

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Monday, August 02, 2010

Microsoft Issues Emergency Patch: Rated Critical

Microsoft issues out-of-band security bulletin and patch today August 2, 2009. Out of band means released ahead of the regular scheduled monthly update.  The out-of-band patch is designed to address a security flaw in the way shortcuts are displayed.

Software affected includes Windows operating system, various versions, and is rated critical. Microsoft encourages users to take action

This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows listed here and obtained from Microsoft

Operating System
Windows XP Service Pack 3
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2*
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2*
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems*
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Recommendation from Microsoft: Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually.

Microsoft Security Advisory

If we can be of assistance with this or any other security or computer issue, please do not hesitate to call us at 864-990-4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert – Contact Info

The other day, I wrote about Nexlink SP series business notebooks and that generated some interest in their products among our clients and friends. Today we happen to have both a Nexlink SP 4000 and a Toshiba Tecra A11-S3511 in stock before they are delivered to their new owners, so I thought we would give a rough comparison of the two.

We have an even playing field with these two products… Both are designed for business use and feature the following specs in common:

Nexlink SP 4000 Business Notebook

Intel i3-350M 2.26G Processor

2GB DDR3 1066 SODIMM RAM

15.6″ widescreen LCD display w/built-in camera

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional

Docking connectors,  VGA port, 10 key numeric pad, media card reader, express card, DVD-RW, audio in/out, Gigabit NIC, Wireless & Bluetooth, security lock slot

The differences between the two are:

Toshiba has a finger print reader, serial port, mini display port, eSATA, modem, 3 USB ports and only 250GB HD

Nexlink has 4 USB ports & 320GB HD

Aesthetics: In comparing the two visually, they both feature a matte finish on most of the areas you touch, though the mouse buttons on the Toshiba are chromed plastic and show fingerprints badly. The rest of the surfaces are similar between the models. The layout is similar, except many of the connections, including power are on the back of the Toshiba unit. The Nexlink’s backside is devoid of connections.

Display: Set to the same resolution, I can tell no difference when viewing the same screens and graphics. The speed of refresh is great on both models. One difference is that the Nexlink may offer better privacy when viewed from the side. Those working with sensitive material may still wish to use a privacy filter.

Toshiba Tecra A11-S3511 Business Notebook

Keyboard & Touch Pad: Both units have excellent keyboards though slightly different in style, however the touch pad on the Nexlink is more to my liking, the surface area is larger and is a little rougher, making it easier for me to manipulate. Your mileage may vary here. All of us in the office like the Nexlink’s feel better and it seems to be more responsive.

Performance: Considering these are units going out to clients, we did not want to load them down with benchmarking tools. We did use them to browse, check resources and to run the Windows Experience Index. Not surprisingly due to the similar configuration, they both had a 3.6 rating, with the Toshiba coming in 0.1 faster on disk access and the Nexlink 0.2 higher on gaming graphics. Otherwise, they performed identically. It should be noted that the Toshiba comes pre-loaded with their suite of software and applications to support the notebook and that from the factory it was using 1.02GB of RAM, while the Nexlink was using 600MB.

Overall Experience: Either of these notebooks would make a great system. They weigh about the same, have about the same dimensions, have similar battery life, and have a rugged build to withstand the everyday wear and tear a portable computer user would inflict. In addition to being a great portable computer, they also connect to an (optional) docking station that allows the use of a large LCD, external speakers, printers, full size keyboard and mouse all by dropping the computer into the docking bay. Who could ask for more?

The bottom line probably comes down to money for most potential owners of these notebooks. If that is the case, then I recommend you consider the Nexlink SP Series as your first choice. You get similar performance and features and can save a little money!

Homeland Secure IT is proud to partner with the US based manufacturer and offer the entire line of Seneca Data’s Nexlink notebooks, computers and servers. Please call 864-990-4748 ext 201 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information. We provide installation, migration and support in Greenville / Upstate SC and national sales.

Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security is Anti-Virus you can depend on!

I am asked why Homeland Secure IT loves Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security and Office Scan products so much. The default answer is, “Because it is the best!”, and then I proceed to explain how we feel it protects our clients better than other anti-virus / anti-malware suites, and how it consumes less resources and many other factors, however, I could stop with just the security. After all, what good is anti-virus if it doesn’t do the job it is intended for?

Our belief that Trend Micro is the best is backed up by many totally satisfied clients who use it and rely upon it daily, and many independent studies which have been performed on various Anti-Virus brands.

One that sticks out is a benchmarking test performed by AV-Test.org that covered five Enterprise endpoint solutions, including Symantec, McAfee, Microsoft, Sophos and Trend Micro. The Trend Micro test included two products, Worry-Free Business Security designed for small business and OfficeScan designed for large Enterprise accounts.

AV-Test.org Endpoint Security Benchmark Testing

AV-Test.org tested zero-day attacks actually occurring in the wild by sourcing malicious URLs which have malware associated with them. The testing occurred simultaneously across all vendor’s platforms to ensure no biases during the test runs. Products were configured to block or detect the threats at multiple levels, thereby giving each vendor maximum ability to protect against these threats.

In these test, Trend Micro emerged as teh overall winner. Trend Micro also demonstrated a decided advantage in blocking these threats at their source, the URL. With an overall score at blocking zero-day threats of 89.5 and 89.0 percent, the Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security and OfficeScan solutions respectively stand distinctly apart from other products whose averages ranged from just 52.5 to 77.5 percent.

Source: AV-Test.org | Note: Results are based on the T+60 minute results

And in the time to protect category, Trend Micro ranked #1 too.

Source: AV-Test.org | NOTE: Time-to-protect improvement is the percentage of threats missed at T=0min that are subsequently prevented at T=60min. For example, with Trend Micro OfficeScan: At T=0min, 161 threats were prevented while 39 threats were missed. Of the 39 threats missed at T=0min, 17 were prevented at T=60min (17 of 39 equals 43.6%).

Why Trend Micro outperformed the competition

Trend Micro has outperformed the competition in a number of recent tests (See NSS Labs) due to the Smart Protection Network™ infrastructure that powers OfficeScan and Worry-Free Business solutions. This unique cloud-client architecture that uses Smart feedback to source new potential threats, patent-pending correlation that analyzes multiple threat vectors (web, email, file) in real-time allows Trend Micro to react faster than other vendors against new threats. Our multi-layered approach to security gives us a decided advantage over the competition in combating today’s sophisticated threats as well as the volume of new threats.

For more information or to receive a copy of the report, please call us at 864-990-4748 ext 201 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We sell Trend Micro products nationally and offer installation and upgrade services to Greenville and the Upstate of SC. We also provide complete virus removal and cleanup service!

The SP 4000 Notebook from Nexlink means BUSINESS

When buying a new or replacement notebook for your business, you may turn to Dell, HP, Lenovo, or Toshiba for trusted and reliable products, that is why we are partners with and offer these fine brands! However, there are some outstanding alternatives which may be of interest to your company.

First, let’s discuss the difference between a computer designed for consumers and one designed specifically for business. The most notable difference is that a computer purchased for home use will come loaded with Microsoft Windows 7 Home (either basic or premium), which will not allow your shiny new computer to join a corporate domain. The business computer will have Microsoft Windows 7 Professional loaded on it, which supports all domain functions required to associate with your corporate domain. You *can* upgrade a Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium computer to have the Professional or even Ultimate version of the operating system on it, but you will spend additional money and additional time doing so.

Lastly, the hardware design of the business computer may and likely does incorporate higher quality components, such as hard drive, displays, cooling fans, and even power supplies, which are designed with longer duty cycles in mind. The “duty cycle” is the amount of time the computer may be used. Typically a business computer will be on 24/7, or at the very least, from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, while a home or consumer based system may see only a couple hours a day. A manufacturer will want to design their business based computer to outlast their warranty period for a computer that is on continuously. In the case of notebooks, a business notebook may be more robustly built to handle the abuse that a typical worker inflicts upon their systems.

What does this mean for you and your business? Simply stated, putting a computer built for home use to work at your company will function, but will it provide the user experience and the longevity of a system designed specifically for that purpose? In our experience, the odds are 50/50, and those are not enough in our favor to attempt, so we always recommend a system built for the job.

The downside to purchasing business computer systems is that the upfront costs are going to be higher. To offset some of that, you may wish to look into alternative business systems instead of the mainstream brands.

We are proud to offer Seneca Data Nexlink SP Series Notebook computers which feature Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Pentium, Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors,  13.3″ or 15.6″ displays with 1366×768 resolution, webcam, Intel HM55 Express Chipset, NVIDA GeForce GT 330M 1GB graphics, full numeric keypad and a full docking station as options.

Seneca Data is a mature company with over 30 years of experience in offering solutions right here in America! We have extensive experience with Seneca Data’s Nexlink brand of custom-built desktops, notebooks, servers and storage devices. Each Nexlink platform is assembled using on the highest quality, tier-one components and undergoes rigorous testing to receive Windows (R) Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) approval. Nexlink products consistantly offer performance, quality and reliability to Business, Government, Education, Healthcare, Enthusiast, and OEM customers nationwide.

Another advantage is that in the event of the need for customer support, we as vendors have had a pleasant experience in dealing with Seneca because they are a US based company, with technical support that speaks English! No disrespect meant to any other company, but when we are trying to do our job, adding a language barrier does not make matters easier.

The next time you need to buy a notebook, consider Seneca Data’s Nexlink SP series! We can spec one to suit your needs. We offer the full line of Nexlink products, from desktops, thin clients, tablet computers to servers! Call us at 864-990-4748 ext 201 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information! If you are in Greenville or the Upstate, we will come to you to evaluate your needs!

We offer sales of licensing and renewals for these and many other great companies…  Just call 864-990-4748 ext 201 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We serve Greenville and the Upstate of SC, as well as nationwide licensing sales

One lightning strike can ruin your whole day…

This last week has been a bad week for computers in Greenville & the Upstate.  I don’t know what it is, but we have had computers come in with fried power supplies, toasted motherboards and hard drives, and a call from a potential client this morning with a dead PC and a destroyed hard drive.

Power protection experts estimate that over half of all dead power supplies could have been prevented if an UPS / Uninterruptable Power Supply had been used. That’s a lot of power supplies! And more importantly, that is a lot of money that consumers could potentially save.

While the power supply itself is not expensive, usually costing less than 100 dollars on most computers, the damage that a power supply can cause to the PC can be much greater. We have seen entire motherboards ripped apart and even fires on the extreme end of the spectrum, and lesser damage such as zapped memory, processors, and hard drives on the other end. At the very least, a power supply that fails will cost you in terms of time and inconvenience.

Should a hard drive be damaged by one of these power events, you could potentially lose everything on the drive, or need to send it out for recovery if you don’t have backups. What? You don’t have backups? Please try our FREE trial of Servosity Online Backup before it is too late….

What can you do to protect yourself? Install an UPS! We are proud to be Eaton Power Advantage partners and can offer the full line of Eaton products. They have an UPS for every application, from your small home system, home office, small, medium and large business, all the way up to enterprise and data center solutions!  Don’t forget about your expensive Apple Mac systems, CCTV and VoIP systems, they need protection too!

Please check out the Eaton Product Showcase at http://www.homelandsecureit.com/Partners/Eaton-Power-Products.html

Or, call us for more information at 864-990-4748 – email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert

 These are from CERT and affect Microsoft & Oracle. There are patches available.

Microsoft Releases July Security Bulletin

added July 13, 2010 at 01:25 pm

Microsoft has released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Office as part of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2010. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the bulletins and follow best-practice security policies to determine which updates should be applied.

NOTE: To summarize, these updates Microsoft Windows desktop and server OS, and Microsoft Office – Please apply updates ASAP.

Oracle Releases Critical Patch Update for July 2010

added July 13, 2010 at 04:03 pm

Oracle has released its Critical Patch Update for July 2010 to address 59 vulnerabilities across multiple products. This update contains the following security fixes:

• 6 for Oracle Database Server
• 2 for TimesTen In-Memory Database
• 5 for Oracle Secure Backup
• 7 for Oracle Fusion Middleware
• 1 for Oracle Enterprise Manager
• 7 for Oracle E-Business Suite
• 2 for Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite
• 8 for Oracle PeopleSoft and JDEdwards Suite
• 21 for Oracle Sun Products Suite

US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the July 2010 Critical Patch Update and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

If you require assistance applying these patches / updates, please do not hesitate to call us at 864-990-4748 or email info@HomelandSecureIT.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert – Contact Info

Stop the spam with Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Advanced

Businesses using Microsoft Exchange 2007 and 2010 have many opportunities to stop spam dead in its tracks!

Microsoft expanded spam filtering with the release of Exchange 2007 over the previous Exchange 2k3 release and it does an admirable job once configured correctly and a few RBLs (Real-time Block Lists) are setup, but don’t stop there for sure. By using Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security Advanced, or Trend Micro Scan Mail on your Exchange server, the flow of spam can turn to a trickle!

Trend Micro’s anti-spam products are amazing. Our clients enjoy near spam-free inboxes without purchasing costly Barracuda or other anti-spam appliances. Viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, malware, spam are all stopped before they reach your inbox…  You can also block content, such as profanity, certain phrases, and even the transmission of social security numbers, and other important data. Stop chain-mail. Block attachments and more…

Now if only the Old Spice Guy would make a commercial for us..   “John M. Hoyt & Homeland Secure IT can install Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security and stop your spam problems, while I stand here and look good”…

Call us at 864-990-4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information about Trend Micro products! We offer national sales. Service & installation is available to Upstate / Greenville businesses and individuals.

Our service area includes: Greenville, Easley, Anderson, Simpsonville, Duncan, Greer, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Spartanburg, Piedmont, Pendleton, Clemson, Pelzer, Six Mile, The Cliffs area, Fountain Inn, Welcome community, Seneca, and the entire Upstate of South Carolina.

If you require computer repair, service or support and live in any of these great cities, call us! Services performed in our office, your office or your home. Everything from simple virus removal and cleanup, to system installations, software / application installations, Microsoft Windows & Server updates.

864-990-4748 or info@homelandsecureit.com – http://www.HomelandSecureIT.com/

Servosity – Now with continuous data protection goodness!

I’ve heard every excuse in the book for not backing up data. Too much trouble, too expensive, too time consuming, slows the computer down while the backup is running, etc.  Until today.

I actually had a discussion in which the individual told me that backups were useless because they were not real-time, and that using a backup program like Symantec’s Backup Exec or even an online backup solution like Servosity was a scheduled backup and data had potential to be lost between the time you saved it, and the time it was backed up to the media or remote server.

Then, I dropped the bombshell…  There is such a thing as “Continuous Backup Protection”. Symantec offers it of course, but this person was totally against a hardware solution that was on premise, so I told him about Servosity’s offering. Where you can have a regular backup taking place after hours, but for critical data, you could have that backup immediately when you save it! And, if you wanted, you could set it up to backup the entire system in near real-time! Kind of a mirror of your data, on a remote, secure server where each file that is saved or modified is synced with the remote system.

This is where cloud computing, or Software as a Service (SaaS) really shines! If you backup instantly, to a remote location, and a horrific incident occurs, say a tornado, fire, flood, or even theft of your equipment, you have access to it over the internet! A perfect solution for business continuity plans.

Servosity can protect a single workstation or a thousand, a fleet of mobile computers, your Mac OS X, Windows Servers, Exchange, SQL, Linux, and so much more!

If you would like more information about Servosity or other Continuous Backup solutions, please call us at 864-990-4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE TRIAL OF SERVOSITY!