Cloud Concerns: Data Security

One major concern business owners often raise regarding cloud-based services involves data security. Obviously, if you’re going to entrust your valuable data to a third-party, you need to insure that the company takes data security and integrity very seriously. Below, you’ll find two of the main points you’ll want to discuss with a potential cloud-services provider.

Learn more about “Cloud Concerns:  Data Security” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/cloud-concerns-data-security.

Still in a fog about the Cloud? Bring things into focus with this brief overview.

What is it? Cloud computing refers to the access of computational resources on demand via a computer network. Those resources include computing power, software, data access, storage services, and more. The main benefit of the cloud is convenient, secure access to all your data and applications anywhere you have an Internet connection. Have you ever used Google Docs? Or stored photos on sites like Flickr or Photobucket? Then you’re already using the cloud.

Learn more about “Still in a fog about the Cloud? Bring things into focus with this brief overview.” by visiting CMIT’s blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/05/11/still-in-a-fog-about-the-cloud-bring-things-into-focus-with-this-brief-overview/.

Protecting Your Business Finances from Cyber Attack

A recent report indicates that small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) are increasingly targeted by cyber criminals due to the perception that SMBs employ less robust IT security measures than large corporations. Though the SMBs generally have less money in their accounts than larger companies, they also tend to have more money than individuals, making it a still-attractive target for hackers. Compounding the problem, the proliferation of easy to use hacking toolkits allows even novice cyber criminals to do what was once limited to highly skilled hackers.

Learn more about “Protecting Your Business Finances from Cyber Attack” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/05/06/protecting-your-business-finances-from-cyber-attack/.

What the Heck is a QR Code, and Why Would I Use One?

Have you seen one of these recently? It’s called a Quick Response (QR) Code. Scan it with a QR reader app on your Smartphone, and any number of things can happen. You might be taken to a website, receive contact information (e.g., vCard), or be prompted to send an email. A single QR code is capable of storing over 4000 alphanumeric characters.

Learn more about “What the Heck is a QR Code, and Why Would I Use One?” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/05/03/what-the-heck-is-a-qr-code-and-why-would-i-use-one/.

Getting the Most Out of Your Laptop Battery

Want to get the longest performance out of your laptop battery? Use these tips to conserve battery power when you’re on the go.

Learn more about “Getting the Most Out of Your Laptop Battery” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/05/03/getting-the-most-out-of-your-laptop-battery/.

Working with Windows Aero

Windows Aero is a graphical user interface enhancement available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, and Windows Vista Enterprise.

Learn more about “Working with Windows Aero” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/04/05/working-with-windows-aero/.

8 Tips to Avoid Spam Filters

Spam filters rank incoming emails using a point system according to the content of the message. If a message has enough red flags to cross a certain points threshold, off to the spam folder it goes. Don’t let your important emails languish in the recipient’s junk-mail folder. Avoid these red-flag items:

Learn more about “8 Tips to Avoid Spam Filters” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/04/05/8-tips-to-avoid-spam-filters/.

Walk the Line: Staying in Compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003

Small businesses use email marketing as a cost-effective tool for communicating with both current and future customers. However, if you’re conducting email marketing campaigns (including e-newsletters), you need to comply with the following rules or risk running afoul of Federal Trade Commission laws (disclaimer: We’re not lawyers. Consult with legal counsel to verify any commercial emails you send are in compliance with the law).

Learn more about “Walk the Line: Staying in Compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003″ by visiting CMIT’s blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/03/24/walk-the-line-staying-in-compliance-with-the-can-spam-act-of-2003/.

To Friend or Not to Friend: Handling Facebook Friend Requests from Customers and Colleagues

If you’re an avid Facebook user, you’ve surely experienced the internal turmoil that ensues when an acquaintance requests to join your network, and you don’t necessarily want that person knowing what you’re up to on the weekends or seeing your pictures. If that person happens to be a customer or colleague, the potential for causing offense amplifies your anxiety, as you don’t want to risk alienating someone with whom you have a business relationship.

Learn more about “To Friend or Not to Friend: Handling Facebook Friend Requests from Customers and Colleagues” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/03/18/to-friend-or-not-to-friend-handling-facebook-friend-requests-from-customers-and-colleagues/.

Shortened Battery Life May Surprise New Smartphone Users

We received an email from a client yesterday who recently purchased his first smartphone. Although pleased with the many great features of his new device, its short battery life compared to that of his previous phones was of concern and he asked our opinion on purchasing an extended battery. Buying an extended life battery is always an option, but before adding another expense to an already expensive device, we offered the following explanation and advice:

Learn more about “Shortened Battery Life May Surprise New Smartphone Users” by visiting CMIT’s Blog at:  http://www.cmitsolutions.com/blog/2011/03/16/shortened-battery-life-may-surprise-new-smartphone-users/.