 |
Inspiration: "We all have the means to bestow on others the most lavish gifts; love, joy, peace, hope, kindness, acceptance, encouragement, laughter, forgiveness, time… There is not enough money to buy them, and not to little money to give them. The more you spend, the wealthier you become; yet nothing will cost you more than what you freely possess to give. " -Eden Eliot |
In This Issue:
IND Technology Seminar: Understanding Vista & Office 2007 - Jan 30th, 2007!
IND Receives Microsoft Gold Partner Certification
Optimize Your Laptop's Speed and Functionality
Windows Vista: Are You Ready?
IND Seminar Provides Security & Liability Information
New Features to a Whole New Outlook
Website Stickiness: the Competitive Edge
 |
IND Technology Summit: Understanding Vista & Office 2007 |
Top |
Wednesday, January 30th from 8 AM to 12 PM - Join IND, Microsoft, IBM, Lenovo, HP, and up to 100 other local business owners and decision makers as Windows Vista and Office 2007 are introduced. Keynote presentation revealing the newest features of Windows Vista & Office 2007 by Microsoft, with hands-on access to the latest technology from IBM, Lenovo, HP, and more!
Learn about Microsoft's newest operating system from IND
and other industry-leading representatives
on Wednesday, January 30th from 8 AM to 12 PM. Get hands on with the latest laptops, desktops and accessories that will be shipping with or supported by Windows Vista - and gain exclusive access to systems not yet released. More Information & Registration
*
FREE registration is required - Don't delay - space is limited to the first 100 guests! Continental Breakfast Included *
 |
IND Receives Microsoft Gold Partner Certification |
Top |
IND has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with a competency in Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing IND’s expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, IND has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs.The Gold Certified Partner is the highest level within the Microsoft Certified Partner Program.
“We are extremely pleased to have attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program. This allows us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship with Microsoft to our customers,” said IND CEO Douglas Rahn. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance and expand the offerings that we provide for our valued customers.”
“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Today, Microsoft recognizes IND as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”
Read the full press release here
 |
Optimize Your Computer's Speed & Functionality |
Top |
Just like our cars need their oil changed and engines tuned regularly for it to run at its peak performance, your PC/laptop require a few basic steps to maintain its peak performance and functionality. (Although some of these items are similar to what is required to keep server level systems running at peak performance this guide is not designed as such. If you are interested in discussing how to ensure your servers are always running optimally contact us regarding our server maintenance options or call us today at 800-621-9774.)
Step 1: Preparation
Backups should be made on your laptop weekly and then stored in a secure location. Double check that you are backing up all your data to a safe place and that the backups are in tact in case any data needs to be recovered. Also you should double check the amount of space left on each one of your drives to make sure you don't need to upgrade your memory.
Step 2: Scan Disk
The Scan Disk checks hard drives for errors. It should be run before the Defragment program. In Windows 2000 and XP, click My Computer and then the hard drive’s icon (usually C:). Then click Properties / Tools / Check Now and place checks in all check boxes. Click OK and Yes to schedule a full disk scan when the computer reboots. Then restart the computer. This can take a long time.
Step 3: Defragment hard disk
Disk Defragmenter consolidates fragmented files and then rearranges them to increase available space. As a result, your computer works with the drive more efficiently. Depending on your PC, it may take more than an hour to complete. Close all programs then click on Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / Disk Defragmenter and follow instructions.
Step 4: Create a system restore point
System Restore creates restore points, a "memory" of system files and settings on the computer at a particular point in time. System Restore can automatically create a restore points or you can create restore points yourself when you need them. Click Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools / System Restore and follow instructions on the System Restore window.
Step 5: Deleting TEMP files and directories
Increase hard disk space and reduce the time Windows takes to access the hard disk by deleting TEMP files. These files can build up and cause problems. To delete, close all running programs. Select Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tool / Disk Cleanup. Place a check next to the type of files you want to delete (temporary files are safe) and select OK.
Step 6: Remove unused programs
Remove old programs to free space for caching and virtual memory. This is critical if the free space drops below five percent of the total disk space. Click Start / Settings / Control Panel. Then open Add / Remove Programs. Click the Install / Uninstall tab and select the program to be deleted. Then click the Add / Remove or Change / Remove and OK buttons.
Step 7: Prevent memory leaks
Memory leaks are unused memory that Windows thinks is still valid. They are noticeable if the PC runs well when turned on, but it performs slower after several programs are opened and closed. For a permanent fix, isolate the program causing the leak by starting with a fresh session of Windows. Press Ctrl+ Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager. Review the CPU Usage % and the Available Physical Memory under the Performance tab. Open a suspect program then view the System Resources % again and write it down. Close and re-open the suspected program repeatedly, comparing the number to the ones you recorded. Each time, wait ten seconds before opening again. If the System Resources % or the Available Physical Memory continues to decrease, then a memory leak is occurring. Contact the program vendor for patches or fixes.
It is recommended to conduct this tune-up quarterly, but once a month is even better. Of course, while it may not prevent all future problems, the power tune-up will help stop common ones from occurring.
 |
Windows Vista: Are You Ready? Be Informed! |
Top |
Right now there are two important Windows Vista terms for you to be aware of before you purchase any new PCs or Laptops in order to receive the most value from your investment.
Windows Vista Capable vs. Windows Vista Premium Ready
Windows Vista Capable: The first of these terms means that with upgrades to this unit either memory, hard drive, or other that this system will support Windows Vista.
Windows Vista Premium Ready: This term actually means that your system when purchased currently meets the minimum hardware specifications required to support Windows Vista without performing any upgrades to hardware components. (Note: The designation is on MIMIMUM hardware specifications usually far from optimal performance.)
What About My Existing Hardware?
If you are interested in knowing if you can roll out Windows Vista in your environment contact IND today to schedule a Windows Vista Readiness Diagnosis. Utilizing tools developed by Microsoft, IND will analyze your PC's and Laptops to determine if they meet the minimum hardware specifications to support the new Vista operating system.
Learn More!
Register now for our FREE January 30th 2007 Windows Vista Launch event - space is limited to the first 100 guests.
 |
IND Seminar Provides Security & Liability Information |
Top |
Over 40 attendees enjoyed the value of IND's technology summit round-table seminar to discuss security (or lack thereof) and the various liability issues facing today’s technology-enabled businesses on November 15, at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. An hour of networking and breakfast preceded brief presentations by each panelist, leading into the open discussion format. The round-table session was extended based on participation and interest to continue the discussions. Giveaways included an IND Security Analysis and a WatchGuard Firebox - again congratulations to the winners - ITS & Perforating Industries.
Steven Brisgel (CitiGroup-Smith Barney) commented, “Thank you for a very professional event, the open discussion was refreshing and provided valuable information”. Read More
 |
New Features to a Whole New Outlook in Office 2007 |
Top |
Outlook 2007 comes with a whole new set of features that will make keeping yourself running at an entirely new level of efficiency.
To-Do bar: A new To-Do bar can help you keep track of things to do, including upcoming calendar items (such as meetings, appointments, and events) and flagged messages and tasks. You can customize the To-Do bar to display only the information you need.
Preview files attached to messages: Outlook 2007 enables you to see a preview of some types of file attachments directly in the Reading pane. When working with file attachments, always ensure that you have an up-to-date virus checker installed on your computer.
Assign names to color categories: You can assign names to items that you categorize by color. This color coding applies to all items in Outlook, including messages, contacts, tasks, and calendar items, making it easier for you to find messages about a special project, for example, if you mark all messages related to that project with a single color category.
Learn More: Learn about all the features of Office 2007 & Vista at the FREE January 30th 2007 Launch Event presented by IND - keynote speaker Microsoft.
Register now - space is limited to the first 100 guests.
 |
Stickiness: The Website Competitive Edge |
|
A Web site that is sticky is generally known to be one that keeps its users "sticking around." Stickiness is that quality in a Web site that keeps users there and keeps them coming back. But a common misconception among those creating or managing Web sites is that stickiness is attained only by giving users plenty to read, do, and experience on the site. These people think lots of text, along with quizzes, doo-dads, and will make the site stickier.
Too much text and too much wizardry can make your site resemble a cross between the Library of Congress and a carnival. Perhaps more importantly, do you invariably want users browsing around all the live long day? If yours is a site that sells, for example, do you want them browsing or do you want them buying? Stickiness is not always created by inspiring browsability. It is created by look and interaction as well. To find out more contact us today!
Happy Holidays
to You and Your Family
From Everyone at IND! |
 |
|
