Tuesday, November 2, 2010

ODI Server Systems

Do you think sharing information, data and documents among your coworkers is sufficient without a server? Do you think that a peer-to-peer network and emails are doing the job?

Well, without a server, you risk experiencing performance problems, security vulnerabilities, additional costs, and decreased operations efficiency. But you don’t need one of those big, expensive servers. Not yet, at least. ODI Consulting offers server systems that are micro in size but mega in advantages…ideal for growing businesses with limited office space.

Centralize

You need immediate access to a file that a coworker has been editing. He’s away on vacation and he’s left his notebook PC at his desk. Panic time? No. Your company centralizes its files on an ODI Dedicated Server. Just as you would on your own computer’s hard drive or an external USB stick, simply navigate to the folder in which the file is and open it. Many Small Businesses use peer-to-peer networks and think they're sufficient enough, if one user shuts down their machine, then information stored on that system cannot be accessed.

Collaborate

Centralizing files and other data on a server encourages collaboration between workers. Rather than storing files on individual PCs — leading to inconsistency, poor information sharing, dated/duplicate files, and extensive management—file-sharing enables employees in different locations to effectively work together, leading to increased productivity and success.

Protect

Issues pertaining to information security also exist internally when it comes to file sharing. A peer-to-peer network offers little security, seeing how users share information and access to each other's PC. With the HP ProLiant MicroServer, you can maintain control over who can view or access confidential and sensitive files and folders. Defining access rights is simple and leaves you at ease. At the same time, a server protects and your company from external security threats.

Support mobility

Implementing a server into your Small Business will allow you to better support on-the-go. These systems enable remote access to files, data, information, and running applications stored on the server. Using Notebook PCs with built-in mobile broadband, your staff has fast and safe access to any information they need. The combination of the Server with notebooks provide an impressive capacity to serve your current and future needs.

The ODI Server Systems are reliable, fast, fast, affordable, and adaptable allowing you to meet your growing needs and quickly respond to your customers and competitors.

Call us today to see how we can save you time & money!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Email Spam Down, virus' up!

According to a recent article posted on CNN; Email spam is down while virus transmittions are up.

In August viruses in emails process by Google increased by 111% compared to the same month last year. Google's system blocked a record setting 188 million emails containg viruses in just one day!!

Email virus's can be annoying to some and devasting to many others! Malware is increasingly being housed in messages purporting news about celebrities or unleashed when recipients open file attachments sent by family and friends.

Our technicians spend an amazing amount of time performing multiple virus scan's to eliminate malware, adware, trojans, etc. If you've experienced an infected computer, you know that many times these malicious applications can hijack your operating system or wipe your hard drive clean! We encourage our clients to be proactive and ensure your virus protection is updated regularly.

Call us today to schedule a System Cleaning. We'll review your current virus protection and advise you of any upcoming renewals that need attention!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Microsoft to launch Windows Phone 7

Looks like the announcement for which carriers will be making & selling handsets for Microsoft's newest operating system will be Oct 11th. AT&T is one of those carriers!

Windows Phone 7 is Microsoft's complete do-over of its mobile operating system previously dubbed Windows Mobile. Microsoft established an early lead on mobility with its older mobile operating system, but in recent years the company has suffered substantial losses in market share.

Windows Mobile hasn't been upgraded substantially in several years, and more user-friendly competitors such as Apple's iPhone and Google's Android OS have taken market share away from Microsoft. As a result, Microsoft scrapped the Windows Mobile project and redid the entire OS into a tile-based interface incorporating elements of the Zune media player and Xbox Live gaming.

Though the company will announce details about Windows Phone 7 at the October 11 conference, multiple reports have claimed that the official shipping date of the first Windows Phone 7 devices is Nov. 8.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Dell Ships motherboard with malicious code

Ut Oh! This is not good for business!

Recently published in ZDNet and other technical publications, Dell ships motherboards with malicious code.

Dell has confirmed that some of its PowerEdge server motherboards were shipped to customers with malware code on the embedded server management firmware.
The issue affects a limited number of replacement motherboards in four servers - PowerEdge R310, PowerEdge R410, PowerEdge R510 and PowerEdge T410.

ODI is a full service IT/Web & Programming company, if you're not aware of the services we provide, please feel free to call or email us. We can quote servers of all brands, sizes and customize them to your needs!

Better yet, check us out at www.ODIConsulting.com!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sarasota's Google Bid makes it into CNN


In a news article printed by the Herald-Tribune (published: Saturday, March 27, 2010):


Sarasota sprinted toward a Friday deadline for applications to become Google Inc.'s high-speed Internet guinea pig with an appearance by its mayor on CNN.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based search-engine company, meanwhile, said it has fielded more than 600 applications since its Feb. 10 announcement that it wanted to work with a U.S. community to push Internet speeds to the home and office to roughly 100 times the current U.S. average.

The company will narrow the field in the months ahead and expects to make a decision by the end of this year, according to a Friday update from Google’s product manager James Kelly.
Sarasota Mayor Dick Clapp, jumped into a tank filled with bonnet head sharks at Mote Marine earlier this month to drive home the point that Sarasota has educational, eco-minded groups that could benefit from Internet speed.

In a Herald-Tribune interview, Clapp indicated that officials have been inspired to gather more information regardless of Google's decision. The chief information officers from both the city and county "are trying to get an inventory of dark fiber that FPL put in that is not being used," Clapp said. FPL Group, parent company of Florida Power & Light, operates a wholly-owned fiber optic cable unit. "It is not in the interest of Comcast, Verizon or Bright House to lower prices or give away speed," Clapp said. "Google is out there stirring the pot saying, 'If you aren’t going to do it, we are going to weigh in."

In overall presence, Sarasota comes in fifth, bettered by No. 1 Grand Rapids, Mich.; No. 2 Duluth; No. 3 Topeka, Kan.; and No. 4 Baltimore. Sarasota was ahead of other major contenders, including No. 6. Fresno, Calif. and No. 7 Madison, Wis.

Sarasota's attention-getting actions -- temporarily renaming City Island as Google Island and having singer/song writer Lindsey Ray record a song about its efforts -- have pushed the community to fourth place in the entire nation for a metric Greiner calls "activation." Greiner even provides an activation timeline showing spikes in digital activity related to specific stimuli, such as the naming of Google Island. Greiner said Sarasota has a real edge in this regard.


Google "loves theatrics," he said.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Summer is here! Free internal cleaning

Summer is here!

We all love the heat during the summer, lounging out by the pool or basking in the sunlight on the beach. And my favorite... summer bbq's and grilling outdoors. But heat can be deadly, especially to your costly computer components.

Computers are built out of many digital circuits. These circuits are constantly switching state; i.e., when doing calculations. Heat is a by-product of these calculations. Computer chips, central processing units (CPUs), and graphic processing units (GPUs) are getting more powerful every day. With newer technology comes faster processing. Faster processing leads to more heat being generated. Without proper heat dissipation, components can be damaged beyond repair.

Our computers have cost us our hard-earned dollars. We save up to buy the very best and we expect reliable performance. But, just like a car, a computer requires proper maintenance. Keep them cool and clean and they’ll last you a lifetime. Ignore them and you they will start costing you more in the long run. Be cool and keep it cool!

In the summer you may notice your computer freezing and crashing. This could likely be caused by heat build up. Dust, pet hair, smoke residual, and faulty cooling components in the computer can cause excessive heat build up and possibly lead to catastrophic failure.

During the summer months ODI is offering a free internal cleaning of your computer and inspection of its cooling components. Bring your's in today! Don't let your computer get beat by the heat!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Sarasota Sheriff Press Release


If you're new to ODI's blog, then great news is to be read today!

ODI Consulting has completed and launched the new website for the Sarasota County Sheriff Department!
This new website offers the public and media access to a ton of great information and services to the public.

Read the Press Release submitted May 5th, 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Sunbelt MVP!


A Huge congrats to our very own technician Tim Gardner for being nominated as Sunbelt Software's MVP!!!

Nick Hallin, a Tier III Customer Support Technical at Sunbelt, has nominated Tim Gardner for their MVP program.

"We greatly appreciate all the time you spend volunteering on our forum helping others and would like to reward you .... As a MVP on the Sunbelt Support Forum, Tim will have the title “MVP” beneath his author icon and a MVP icon added to his signature."

Another outstanding reason why ODI's technicians are the best at what they do! Call us today to find out for yourself!


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Rogue Antivirus'

Thank you to our friends at Sunbelt:

All antivirus companies are being hit with the next wave of malware: Rogue antivirus tools like Antivirus 2010. This code throws messages on the user's screen that they are infected, and "download here to get rid of the malware". Sure enough, that gets the Trojan installed.

The reality is that no AV vendor, ESET, McAfee, Sunbelt, Sophos, Symantec, etc. can give you 100% coverage against it.These new fake antivirus variants are some of the most vicious, polymorphic Trojans this industry has seen. They use extremely complex obfuscation techniques which make detection quite challenging by even the best antivirus engine. Many of these rogues are also service-side polymorphic. That means every time an exe is downloaded, it's recompiled on the server-side into a different piece of code.

There are about 75,000 new tier-1 pieces of malware coming out every day. Educate yourself! The vast majority of infections these days are caused by social engineering. A user will get a funny video link on Facebook or some other social networking site, click on it, and it will say that they need to "install a special codec", or "update Flash". Or they will be doing a Google search and a malware site will have attached itself to an innocent keyword. The user will click and start getting crazy warnings that their machine is infected. This is the malware trying to get the user to install. If something does not look right, it probably is not right - DON'T CLICK ON IT!

Be sure you have a current version of your AV program installed or updated. If you’re not sure what you have, throw caution to the wind and consult an ODI rep. Too often we’ve found clients have not 1, but 2 AV programs installed and more times than not, they either hog up space on your computer- slowing it down something terrible, or they conflict with each other! Give us a call today!

PC Clean Up

Does it feel like your computer is dragging?

There can be several reasons for this, but if you've recently purchased a computer with Vista or Windows 7, then more likely it could be related to memory.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, if you look at your task manager under the performance tab you will see a graph labeled Memory. This is how much memory your PC is using at that moment. Sometimes that number is larger than the amount of RAM you have in your system. The "overflow" is stored on your hard disk drive for (not so) quick access.

For example, let's say your computer has 512MB of RAM. If you look at your memory graph in Task Manager, chances are your computer is using more than 512MB of memory. If that number in the graph is 768MB, this means that the PC is using all 512MB of RAM, plus it is storing 256MB worth of commands on your hard disk drive (virtual memory).

The solution is either add more memory or clean up some of those unnecessary commands. Give us a call. We can log into your PC and clean up programs that aren't needed which will bring that number down. We will also provide you a quick overview of the hardware you’re using and it's capacity. Is it an acceptable amount of storage, or do you need to upgrade?

Monday, April 5, 2010

Computer Registry Cleaners

Often, clients who thought they were doing a good thing by installing a registry cleaner find out they’ve possibly made a small problem bigger! They install a Registry Cleaner program, run it, and then problems start; Bootup errors, missing .dll errors, etc. This happens because the registry cleaner removes a key that it shouldn't have.

When you boot up your computer, the registry is loaded into your RAM not the hard disk. This means the performance you gain from cleaning the registry is so small that you will probably not notice any difference.

Running a registry cleaner may clean up 75-150 keys - not worth the risk of the registry cleaner removing something it shouldn't.

Call or email one of our certified technicians for assistance or more information!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

FREE Security Consultation - VIPRE Premium!

If you are a client of ODI and/or if you have been following our blog, you may have heard us talk about VIPRE. VIPRE is an Antivirus and Antispyware program developed by Sunbelt Software in Clearwater FL. If you are already using the system, you know why we swear by it.

Recently Sunbelt released an all new version called VIPRE Premium. This version incorporates new technologies and additional layers of security to offer you unsurpassed protection --keep your computer system(s) safe and secure from malicious software and internet-borne threats. Some of these new features include an enhanced firewall, web filtering with the ability to block known bad sites, and intrusion detection and prevention.

In an upcoming blog, we will talk more about these different points of protection and why they are essential. At ODI we are committed to enhancing our client’s security and are here to help ensure that your computers and network remain safe from outside intrusion. ODI has partnered with Sunbelt Software to be able to provide our clients with this cutting edge technology. Don’t wait until your system(s) and data have been compromised! Contact us for a FREE Security Consultation for your computer or network, to verify that your current security solutions are doing the job.

Sunbelt offers a wide range of security products for home users, as well as small to large businesses—all of which are extremely competitively priced. Contact us today for a free quote.

ODI is offering a special promotion now through April – receive a FREE copy of this software with your next security-related service call. Simply call or email our office (info@odiconsulting.com ) to book an ODI technician and mention the Vipre Promo*. Your technician will install this software FREE of charge!


*Vipre Promo valid with any billable system service call. Promo must be requested at time of service call booking.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Kids in Manatee and around world log on for World Math Day

Check out this news article from the Bradenton Herald!
~Kids in Manatee and around world log on for World Math Day~

Math x millions = fun - Education - BradentonHerald.com

What a great way to encourage our children to look past generations of boundries and meet and learn with other children from across the world!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A little good news for small businesses?

A little good news on the ‘small business’ front!!! (See article about employment figures for small business).
Written and posted originally from Chris Crum of Smallbusinessnewz:

Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Intuit, the software vendor responsible for such popular financial software like Quicken, QuickBooks, and TurboTax, has released its monthly report, the Small Business Employment Index. The main finding of this month's report is that small businesses are showing signs of an economic rebound. The findings were based on data from businesses with fewer than 20 employees (87% of the total US private employer base). Do you think employment is turning around? "Employment for these small businesses began trending upward in mid-2009, a good sign for the overall economy," said Dr. Susan Woodward, the economist who worked with Intuit to create the index.

"This index is an indicator that the small business employment situation may be getting better," she added. "Small businesses generally recover faster than larger businesses because they begin hiring sooner than big businesses. To see these figures showing a rise in employment at small businesses is very heartening at a time when good news is scarce."

Employment among these businesses has declined overall since December 2007, but the most recent month-over-month change was up 0.2% (on a "seasonally adjusted basis"). It is only the latest in an upward trend since mid-2009. According to Intuit's findings, employment grew nearly 0.8% over the past eight months, which is 1.1% at an annual rate, translating into nearly 40,000 new jobs for February and about 150,000 new jobs since June 2009.

Intuit also found that monthly average compensation per employee has been flat since September 2008, and it remained relatively flat in February at $2,559, down by 0.1% compared to January. Hourly employees worked an average of 101.4 hours in February. Intuit surveyed about 50,000 small businesses to obtain this information.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Social Networking

The other day, my daughter told me that she’s been challenging and having Math wars with other students from around the world. This is a teaching tool the school encouraged and that she’s able to do from home as well as school. She’s been meeting other kids from Egypt, Haiti, Kuwait, and others! I got to thinking, “Who are these kids?” “How old are they?” “Are they being supervised?”

I happened to run across this article in the office and thought best to share with all of you!

2007 Federal Trade Commission printed the following:
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES: A PARENT’S GUIDE


“It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where your children are?”

Remember that phrase from your childhood? It’s still a valid question, but now it comes with a twist: “Do you know where your kids are – and who they’re chatting with online?”

Social Networking sites have become the mainstream for adults, teens, and now children. These sites encourage and enable people to exchange information about themselves, share pictures, videos, blogs, and use private messaging to communicate with friends and others who share interests.

When it comes to young kids, the law provides some protections and gives parents some control over the type of information that children can disclose online. For sites directed to children under 13, and for general audience site that know they’re working with younger children, there’s the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). It requires these sites to get parental consent before they collect, maintain, or uses kids’ information. COPPA also allows parents to review their children’s online profiles and blog pages.

Help kids socialize safely online! Talk to your teen and children about social networking sites and offer times for using the sites safely.

1. Help kids understand what information should be private. Information like their full names, address, phone numbers, and tell them not to choose a screen name that gives away too much personal information.

2. Use privacy settings to restrict who can access and post on your child’s website.

3. Remind kids that once they post information online, they can’t take it back!

4. Talk to your kids about bullying. Online bullying can take many forms from spreading rumors online and posting or forwarding private messages without the senders okay. Tell your kids that the words they type and the images they post can have real-world consequences.

5. Go where your kids go online. Sign up for, and use, the networking sites they use.

6. Review your kid’s friends list.

7 . Tell your kids to trust their gut! Most sites have links where users can report abusive, suspicious, or inappropriate online behavior.

For more information, check out Federal Trade Commission: www.onguardonline.gov
To get free information on consumer issues visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

Friday, February 12, 2010

Quotes

I like quotes. They can be meaningful, spiritual, something to ponder, and something to laugh about.

Since I haven't posted anything for the last month I figured I'd switch things up a bit and share a few quotes related to computers!

1. The great thing about a computer notebook is that no matter how much you stuff into it, it doesn't get bigger or heavier. ~ Bill Gates

2. Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog. ~ Doug Larson

3. To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer. ~ Farmers Almanac

4. In a few minutes a computer can make a mistake so great that it would have taken many men months to equal it. ~ Unknown

5. The more you know, the more you realize you know nothing.~Socrates

6. Pessimists, we’re told, look at a glass containing 50% air and 50% water and see it as half empty. Optimists, in contrast, see it as half full. Engineers, of course, understand the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. ~ Bob Lewis

7. Commenting your code is like cleaning your bathroom — you never want to do it, but it really does create a more pleasant experience for you and your guests. ~ Ryan Campbell

8. SUPERCOMPUTER: what it sounded like before you bought it.

9. 1f u c4n r34d th1s u r34lly n33d t0 g37 l41d

10. To go forward, you must backup.

So, until next time.....Enjoy

Friday, January 15, 2010

Data Backup


You never know do you? You never can tell when your computer is going to crash and then, just in that single moment, you realize......Why didn't I backup my information!?


Funny thing, one of our ODI technician was called out to a job for standard computer repair. While onsite, he and the client began discussing data backup and that any backup is beter than no back up. The client recalled she had actuallay performed a quick backup onto a USB; the problem though was that it was crushed into several small peices!


ODI can perform most data recovery on various types of media; hard drives, CD's, DVD's, Flash Drives, etc.


Check out the ingenuity...... In a short moment, we were pulling data and saving a backup for the backup! Great Job!!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Happy New Year - Welcome 2010!!

Happy New Year to Everyone!

As ODI welcomes in the New Year we would like to wish everyone a happy New Year and may it be a prosperous one! It’s the end of an era and 2009 has been a rough year for many and ODI owes a big Thank You to to all of it's partners and clients. You have been a major contributor to ODI's success and we thank you! Hopefully 2010 is going to be an exciting year for us. There are going to be many new products and technologies emerging this year and along with them will be technical challenges to overcome. We can't wait for them and we look forward to the challenge!

ODI can help you and your company stay in tune with new technologies in 2010. ODI offer's free evaluations of the technologies you have in your home or business and can make recommendations of new technologies to increase not only productivity, but enjoyment as well. ODI also offers Web Design and Hosting solutions ranging from personal web pages to large-scale enterprise and e-commerce solutions. Give us a call and we will conduct a free analysis of your web site and meet with you to discuss how we can help maximize its potential. Your website should be making you money, not costing you money. If you are experiencing problems with your computers or networking on your home or business ODI is here to help. Highly skilled technicians are standing by to solve your problems.

Remember, whatever your needs may be this year ODI is here for you!