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Microsoft Office alternatives OpenOffice.org & LibreOffice battle it out in a steel cage

Posted today on InfoWorld is an interesting article about two competitors to Microsoft Office. (See “Open office dilemma: OpenOffice.org vs. LibreOffice“)

While you have probably heard of OpenOffice.org, or the previous incarnation of it (StarOffice), a new alternative open source office suite is called LibraOffice, and it is being brought to you by the developers OpenOffice.org. Confused? Well, it’s that same old story… People work for a big company (Oracle) and this big company starts doing something they don’t dig, so they jump ship and start their own project. Tah-Dah! LibreOffice is born.

Are either OpenOffice or LibreOffice good candidates to eliminate your dependency on Microsoft Office?

In a nutshell, if your company requires absolute compatibility with all Microsoft Office documents, and you require a standardized interface that new people can come to your business use without any type of learning curve, then you already know what I am going to say. Stick with Microsoft Office!

If you run a small operation, or even a home office, then maybe one of these two offerings can work for you. They do offer the important features of Microsoft Office, such as word processing and spreadsheets, there are versions available for your Microsoft Windows systems, Apple Mac OSX, Linux, etc. And the price is outstanding…  Maybe if they don’t offer EVERY feature you need, then you could make the sacrifice.

InfoWorld’s article compares the two offerings and may give you some insight to help you determine if either of them are right for you. Of course, you can always download them both and try them for yourself if you have time to do that.

Should your Greenville / Upstate, SC business require Microsoft Office, we can help you with that! We can sell a single license or hundreds! Call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Oh my… No post today on my blog? What is the world coming to????

For all 3 of you reading this blog… I apologize from the bottom of my heart for not posting something entertaining, witty or even boring today.

Wait a tick…  I just posted this, so that means I DID post something. Bah! I can’t even procrastinate correctly, as I was going to do this tomorrow.

Off to the George Clinton performance in a few… He should rock out The Handlebar!  Haven’t seen him in about 20 years. He was kinda old then, so he’s really old now, still I just bet he’s so high you can’t get over it… So low you can’t get under it.

See you tomorrow for something computer or tech related, I promise. In fact, no, it’s not a promise, it’s a threat.

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How long will your computer last? It’s all about the MTBF! Or is it?

Kablooieeee

A common question that computer sales, repair, service and support people hear is, “How long will this computer last me?”

The most common answer is, “It depends…”

Just what does it depend on? The quality of the product is of the highest importance, but even a very reliable device can have a shortened life if not maintained properly and it is very dependent upon the environment it is subjected to.

For instance, a typical business desktop workstation could have a lifespan of 3-5 years in a “typical” office environment. But take the temperature of the room it is in up a few degrees, or expose that same computer to dirt in the air, which coats internal parts and affects how well heat is dispersed and you could have a machine that lives half as long. Power issues are another killer of desktop computers. Failure to use a surge suppressor or UPS could allow harmful voltage spikes and sags to damage components.

This is exactly why you hear “It depends” so frequently. No two locations are the same, and even offices in the same building are different.

Let’s look at what MTBF means exactly.  MTBF is the common abbreviation for “Mean Time Between Failures” and is indicative of how reliable a product is. The higher the MTBF, the more reliable the device is.

MTBF is measured in hours, such as the hard drive from a two year old Apple Mac Book that is on my desk… Its MTBF is rated at 300,000 hours, which should be, what? 34 years? WOW! That’s amazing! In reality that MTBF is a theoretical number, meaning that if all goes well, the drive should live a long happy life. Well all did not go well, the drive is dead in a tiny fraction of the MTBF.

One thing to keep in mind is that business class computers almost always contain components which have a higher MTBF than their consumer counterparts. Business class computers also have 3 year warranties available, and sometimes longer, because the manufacturer understands that they used the best parts that were available for the money. Give a business class computer consideration if you are looking to replace an important workstation or notebook in the future.

One thing I can say is, regardless, be sure to backup your systems! Use either a physical backup like a USB drive, flash drive, or even better, something like our Servosity Online Backup Solution (free trial!) to protect your data. Going by MTBF is like saying that you will live 78 years because everyone in your family did. Don’t count on it.

So how long will that computer last you? It depends….

If you need assistance in selecting a new computer or repair of an existing one for your Greenville or Upstate business, please call upon us as we offer a wide selection of Seneca Data / Nexlink, HP, Dell, Toshiba, Samsung, Acer, Lenova and more! 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Secure IT Alert: Adobe releases Acrobat, Coldfusion, Reader, Shockwave and Flash updates #security #adobe

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Homeland Secure IT Alert

Secure IT Alert for Friday, February 11th, 2011

Adobe has beat out Microsoft for the number of vulnerabilities addressed on Patch Tuesday with the unleashing of a plethora of patches for their Acrobat, Reader, Coldfusion, Shockwave Player and Flash Player.

Reader’s updates are considered CRITICAL and there 29 holes that are plugged… Shockwave comes in second with 21 CRITICAL vulnerabilities fixed, followed by Flash with 13 CRITICAL. These are for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux and Solaris.

The 5 Coldfusion vulnerabilities affect the security of Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX and Unix. Though this update is labeled as only “IMPORTANT”, I wouldn’t skip it!

The long and short of this is – Update! Also be sure to keep your anti-virus / anti-malware current.

If you are in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area and need assistance, please email info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748

Homeland Secure IT Alert Footer

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Don’t Forget A Screen Privacy Filter for Your Electronic Medical Record Computers EMR / EHR

Up until May of 2010, I rarely visited a doctor, but all that changed when a little old lady passed out or fell asleep and slammed into my car one morning. As a result, I saw way too many doctors.

PrivacyFilter

Example of a Privacy Filter in Place

During these visits, I was asked about the security of Electronic Medical Records and discussed that at length with doctors, clients, friends and my family. Fast forward to today and I am seeing more and more smaller clinics switching to EMR / EHR and some are doing a fantastic job of protecting themselves and their clients from the threats that exist.

What surprised me is that for all the anti-virus, anti-malware, firewalls and security devices, setting screens to time-out and lock, implementing strict password policies and the like, one simple thing is missing from many of these computers and servers.

A privacy filter for the screen… These fairly inexpensive will keep someone who is not directly in line with the monitor from viewing the display.

3M makes a fantastic assortment of these filters to fit your notebook, tablet, desktop LCD, even your smart phone!  I would recommend one be placed on every computer used for patient information.

For more information about these privacy filters, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Secure IT Alert: Microsoft Unleashes a Slew of Updates for Windows & Windows Server & IIS FTP

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Homeland Secure IT Alert

Secure IT Alert for Wednesday, February 9th, 2011


The February 2011 Patch Tuesday was not boring…   Updates include something for everyone.  Basically every current Microsoft Windows OS version was addressed.

The big one was the IE Update that fixed four code execution holes in the popular web browser.

In addition to fixing thumbnail and font vulnerabilities which mainly affect desktop users, several updates are very important for your servers.

Windows Server has an Active Directory DoS potential, elevation of privileges vulnerabilities from Client/Server Run-time SubSystem (CSRSS), LSASS, Kerberos  & multiple kernel related issues and an Information Disclosure Vulnerability from scripting engines… Most of these are for XP & Windows Server 2003 but the scripting issue affects Windows 7 & Server 2008 R2 only.

As with most of these, Server Core is not affected.

Please apply the appropriate patches ASAP.  Windows Update should be run, or if you are using WSUS, it should handle this for you.

But wait, there’s more!

Microsoft Visio 2002, 2003 and 2007 are vulnerable to code execution… More information is available in the MS11-008 Security Bulletin. This does not affect Visio 2010 or Visio 2007/2010 Viewer.

The Windows IIS FTP service running on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 suffers from a buffer overflow vulnerability which if exploited could cause a DoS (Denial of Service) or worse, allow an attacker to obtain full control of the server. This one is likely the most severe of the updates and should be addressed immediately!

Should you require assistance, or have questions, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer Microsoft Support in Greenville and Upstate, SC.

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Homeland Secure IT Alert

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Safe Browsing from Public Wi-Fi Hotspots is possible with a VPN

Security Padlock

Secure your Wi-Fi Connection with a VPN

WSPA’s Amy Wood (@TVAmy) had a great segment on last night (2011-02-07) in which she had Doug Cone (@nullvariable) a local web/graphics “devsigner” discussing the dangers of using public Wi-Fi. You can find that story here.

He demonstrated a tool which allows even the most novice of “hackers” to see a list of others who are using any given open wireless access point. He did this at a coffee shop and then went around and scared the bejeebus out of people by showing them how much information was at his fingertips.

In a discussion on Facebook the other day with Doug and Russell Tripp (@RussellTripp), I suggested that those two get together and product a video showing the same information in depth and then explaining how to protect yourself from this all-too-real security threat. I believe they may be doing that as a follow-up to the WSPA story and will post that information here as a reply when that becomes a reality.

In the mean time, I thought I give some info about one tool that is both readily available and super-affordable that you can use to secure your connection when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. That tool is a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. Yes, the same VPN technology that has been around for a very long time and used in businesses and larger corporations, and it is so easy, a caveman could do it. (I’m sure a lawsuit is forthcoming for my use of that slogan)

A VPN connection established to your home will allow you to connect to the open wireless network of your choice, build a “tunnel” to your home connection, and then send all traffic through the wireless network through the encrypted tunnel, providing a very secure transport.

All that is needed is a VPN capable router or firewall at your home. But wait, you say you can’t afford a Cisco ASA 5505 (or WatchGuard or SonicWALL security appliance). That’s okay, you don’t need one.

You may already have a compatible home router that can be setup with the free DD-WRT (the website http://www.dd-wrt.com has a list of compatible routers) which provides VPN capability to your 40 dollar Linksys or similar device!

The setup is pretty straight-forward once the device end is ready. Connecting takes only seconds.

The VPN is not just for Microsoft Windows, but also Apple Mac OSX, iPad, linux, freebsd, solaris, etc. Most smartphones including Android, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Blackberry should have the ability to utilize your VPN too.

If you don’t have a compatible router, you could optionally use OpenVPN on your PC, and last but not least, you could use the OpenVPN HOSTED service. The hosted solution comes with a price tag, but for many it may be worth it to protect their privacy.

If you are fortunate enough to work for a company with a VPN already in place, you could probably use that as an option, assuming the IT policy permits you to do so.

Should you require assistance in Greenville or the Upstate for your personal or business VPN needs, we are partners with Cisco, WatchGuard, SonicWALL, ZyXEL and have a solution that is right for you. Call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com.

Business Printer Repair vs. Printer Replacement

HP 4000 Printer Parts Diagram

Printer Part Diagram

It is Monday morning and you went to print your first batch of papers for the week but that didn’t go so well. Paper has been jammed in the printer, or maybe not even picked up out of the paper tray.

What to do? Should you either replace that beast or call a printer repair technician?

Replacing the printer is going to cost a good bit of money, but will generally result in a quicker solution since your favorite office supply store may have a suitable printer in stock. Of course if you need special trays, like an envelope feeder for instance, you may be in for a wait while that is ordered in.

Many times a service provider can repair a printer by fixing a jam or clearing an error and you could be back to printing as quickly as they come and work their magic. Others, you may find yourself waiting as the printer is taken to the shop, diagnosed, parts ordered if not in stock and subsequently replaced and the printer returned to your business.

On the positive side for replacing a printer:

  • New device, may operate years without further issue
  • Possible better toner usage, saving you money over the life of the printer
  • Could use less energy
  • Possible faster printing
  • Additional features, such as networking, duplex, color
  • May be in stock / instant gratification
  • Can depreciate it

On the negative side of replacement

  • Old printer ends up in landfill if not recycled (not a green thing to do)
  • May require changes to your document configurations / printer driver setups
  • May not work properly with older Windows XP OS  due to lack of drivers (rare)
  • May not interface the same way (Parallel / USB / LAN)
  • Some custom software requires a specific printer be used
  • Repair may have been cheaper

Whether you repair or replace is likely going to be based on the bottom line, just how much it will cost you, or optionally, how long it will take to complete the repair (downtime).

If you can afford the downtime, I would suggest calling a service technician to at least evaluate the potential for fixing the issue with your current printer. Some repairs are as simple as pulling a misfed/torn paper out of the machine, or unblocking a sensor. It would be a shame to chunk an otherwise functional printer in the garbage.

When should you replace? If you are working with a 150 dollar printer that you picked up from an office supply house and you don’t have a closet full of ink for that model, replace it.

If you have a 4 year old HP office laser printer with two input trays that has served you well. This is a great candidate for repair. So are any printers with multiple input trays, high capacity trays, high speed throughput, duplexing, collating or other special features.

Should you have questions, we repair / service and sell HP, Dell, Ricoh, Brother, Lexmark, Samsung and Oki Business printers in the Greenville & Upstate SC area. Please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

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Remote Temperature Monitoring for your Server Room or Wiring Closet

Server Room Fire

Let's hope your server room never gets THIS hot!

We are helping a client move their entire network (servers, computers, switches, firewalls) to a new facility. Unfortunately, the new digs do not allow for an optimum placement of their servers. They are to be relegated to an upstairs location in the building, and an air conditioner system is being installed to provide the cooling required to keep everything from melting down.

The worst part is that this far removed server room will contain 4 servers, a computer used for remote access, switches, backup solutions, VoIP system, UPS and various other components, and nobody will be close by to hear if alarms are going off for the RAID, UPS or overheat conditions.

What to do? We will use software to monitor the device temperatures, and we are suggesting a remote temperature sensor for the entire room which will maintain a chart of temperature trends, and allow us to set email alerts in the event the room itself exceeds a determined threshold.

These devices are inexpensive insurance against a meltdown that could cost thousands of dollars to recover from, not to mention downtime for the business affected. We will also be recommending an IP camera in that room that will allow remote visual monitoring, including alarms should something move in the room itself (there will be a log of who entered the room this way). And should the server and room temperatures rise beyond the threshold and alert someone via email, they can then view the camera with a browser or smartphone (Android, iPhone or Blackberry) and see if the room is in flames.

Should you be interested in one of these devices for your Greenville / Upstate server room, or wiring closet, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or info@homelandsecureit.com to discuss options that are available for you.

Just Who is Promoting Cloud Computing Solutions? Accountants?

Cloud Computing Solutions - Google Apps - Microsoft BPOS

Cloud Computing

With more and more cloud computing / SaaS offerings becoming available to us, just who is promoting them?

Hunter Richards, a Market Analyst in the field of accounting has a poll on the SoftwareAdvice.com site asking “Are accountants recommending the cloud yet?” That is a great question, unfortunately there was only a “Yes” or “No” answer. If there had been a “Sometimes” option, I would have selected it.

In our experience we have seen a couple clients move to cloud based solutions based on suggestions from their accountants. One of them seems to be happy, and another is currently not happy, but mainly due to a bandwidth issue which may be cleared up soon for them. We have another one that it has been suggested to, however they have not made the move.

What holds accountants in particular back from suggesting cloud solutions to their clients I can’t tell you, but here are some reasons I have heard from our own clients for not accepting the technology:

  • Fear of the unknown (Fear of change)
  • Potential for internet outage and data being unreachable
  • The recurring financial burden
  • Possible requirement to increase their bandwidth (and in turn recurring costs)
  • Loss of control of  data (applies mainly to system admins)
  • Security concerns (compliance, breaches, etc)
  • No urgency to make a change (what they use works fine)
  • Don’t wish to learn how to use a new system
  • Fear that the online provider could fold
  • Fear that once using the online system, rates may not remain stable
  • Nobody they know is using online solutions
  • Waiting for cloud computing to become more mature

While some of these reasons may seem minor, the one that comes up more than any other is not about expense, but concern that an internet outage would put them out of business. With the turmoil in the Middle East and Egypt effectively shutting down the internet for several DAYS, this may be of even more concern to certain industries, even though we are told to rest assured that the Internet Kill Switch would never be used here in the US.

When we are consulting with our Greenville and Upstate SC based small and medium business clients regarding a move to a cloud based solution, we have to offer the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the technology to them as we do not wish to leave any stone unturned. We are striving to provide a reliable network and have the “big picture” in mind. On the other hand, an accountant could find that suggesting SaaS results in recurring revenue for them, but if the service is not up to their clients expectations, they could ultimately lose a client. So that may be why more accountants are not actually steering their clients towards cloud computing.

It is my suggestion that a business contemplating the switch to a cloud based solution as recommended by their accountant also get their IT service professionals involved during the planning stages in order to avoid any pitfalls.

Should you wish to discuss a similar move for your business, or if you are an accountant that is interested in discovering more about cloud computing or want to team with a local IT provider, please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com