Social Networking and Your Marketing Strategy - Part 2

In part 1 of Social Networking and Your Marketing Strategy, we discussed the uses of social media sites in society today and how it is a viable option to consider including as part of a business marketing strategy. Now, I want to give you an overview of the more familiar social media outlets and explain how they can be used in your overall marketing strategy.

According to a recent marketing poll conducted by social marketing platform Roost, most local businesses prefer a social marketing (71.4%) to other marketing channels such as search engine optimization (57.9%), print advertising (20.7%), paid search marketing (15%), review sites (10%), and display advertising (5.7%). Furthermore, most businesses feel that social media is an important piece of any successful marketing strategy.

Here is a brief look at a few of the more familiar social networking sites and how they can be used for marketing your business:

Blogs are basically a journal on the web. They consist of regular entries of opinions, information, comments, etc. arranged in chronological order from the most recent “post”. They aren’t necessarily as cool as Facebook and Twitter but are important as a marketing strategy for small businesses in that they are a means of controlling communication from your company. You can control the look, feel, and content of your blogs. They can be used to deliver company messages from the owners, create a conversation with folks who have something to say about your company, collect feedback from customers, and even serve as a means of damage control. There are many blogging websites including Wordpress, TypePad, Xanga, as well as the one we use at Kardon Technology, Blogger.

Facebook is the largest social network in the world today with over 750 million active users. Users create a profile, add other users as friends, exchange messages, even receive automatic notifications when someone changes their profile or posts a new message. Also, users can join groups in which they share a common interest, play games, upload pictures, post upcoming events, etc. When companies create Facebook pages, their friends are called fans. A fan can click a “Like” button on your company page, and are in essence advertising your company to all their friends – there’s that word of mouth advertising again. Facebook businesses profiles can perform all the same/similar functions as individual users can as well as create marketing campaigns such as photo contests for prizes, fun quizzes for their fans, and giveaways of apparel or other gear. It’s also fairly easy to get stats regarding user activity on a company page.

Twitter is another social networking and microblogging website. Users send and read messages called tweets, which are small posts (up to 140 characters) of text displayed on a user’s page. Twitter is used by those who want to find and follow interesting people or issues or who want to be that interesting person to be followed by others. Businesses can use Twitter to post corporate accomplishments, convey press release news, create buzz of a new product or service, distribute links that take followers back to the company website, or even just listen to what’s being said.

LinkedIn is considered more of a social network for business professionals. Users, typically white collar professionals, create a profile that lists their skills, education background, and current and previous jobs. A LinkedIn profile can allow you to have more control over what appears in Google results when people Google your name. Professionals can also stay in touch with colleagues and friends, find experts and exchange ideas, and explore career opportunities with other professionals. Businesses commonly use LinkedIn sites to find leads, grow their business, and find the right vendors to connect with. Other uses include finding industry associations and networks to participate in, find a company to outsource services that they aren’t experts on, keep in touch with people who care about your business, and obtain new customers through recommendations and word of mouth, get answers to business questions, acquire business referrals, and keep your friends close and your competition even closer.

YouTube is a video sharing website that allows users to upload, share and watch videos online. Most of the videos are considered homemade movies. I’m willing to bet you’ve seen 1 or 100 of them already. YouTube can provide an opportunity for businesses to market themselves to millions of people for next to nothing. It can also be used as a medium to reach potential customers and build more personal relationships with your current customers. If you have a video camera and a little creativity, YouTube can be a beneficial indirect marketing strategy for small businesses.

Foursquare is a location based social media network primarily used to let your friends know where you are and to figure out where they are. It is also a means for users to earn points, prize badges, and eventually coupons for simply going about your everyday business. Businesses can use Foursquare as a marketing tool by creating a special offer for users who frequent their establishment. You can promote a service in your store and make it a big deal by offering discounts when people check-in using Foursquare. Each time someone check-ins, the check-in updates go out to their friends – there’s that word of mouth thing again.

Google+ is a new entrant to the social network game. It isn’t ready for prime time yet, but the tires are being kicked for you by many lucky invitees around the world. So far, the word is that Google+ seems to be Google’s answer to Facebook. Here are five key features of Google+: Circles, Hangouts, Instant Upload, Sparks, and Huddle.

• Circles makes it easy to segregate your family and friends from you business colleagues. You can post messages or photos to certain circles versus a broadcast post to everyone like Facebook does – you probably wouldn’t want to post your family reunion photos to your business colleagues circle but you would, of course, to your family circle.
• Hangouts is a like an impromptu video conference between up to ten people within your circle. Using a web cam and browser, you can let your friends know that you are hanging out and are available to see who might want to have a face to face to face video chat.
• Instant upload enables you to quickly upload photos and videos automatically to a private album and allows you to choose who to share them with. We all know that sometimes getting photos off your phone is a pain.
• Sparks is a feature that allows you to have links, blogs, and info you are interested in streamed to you automatically so when you have time you will have something cool to watch, read, and share with people in your circles.
• Huddle allows you to turn multiple conversations into a group chat. For instance, if you and four of your friends are planning to have dinner together and you need to decide on a restaurant, you can turn all the individual text messages into a group chat so everyone can participate together in the group discussion at once.

Although Google+ isn’t ready for company profiles yet, there are some good suggestions out there as to what would be desired. Some ideas from Ford Motor company include the capability to provide product information and offer giveaways to circles of people, using hangouts for company salesman circles or designer circles, the ability to interact with readers’ posts, and capability to upload short videos. It is also speculated that Google will integrate Google+ with its Search engine allowing businesses who create a site with a lot of content rich posts to have their Google+ site found in Google search results. Another rumor is that Google could integrate Google Checkout and Google Product Search into Google+ therefore making e-commerce a viable feature. Just think what they could do if they integrated Google Apps with Google+.

In the final installment of this Social Media Marketing topic, I will give you a few reasons why you will want to consider incorporating social media into your overall marketing strategy. Furthermore, I will touch on how using a combination of social marketing sites together can give you more bang for your buck.

Social Networking and Your Marketing Strategy - Part 1

In this three part blog, we will be looking at how small businesses can effectively use social networking sites as a part of their overall marketing strategy. Part 1 will focus on what social networking is and why it has become a viable marketing strategy.

When talking about social networking web sites, you might think of some of the more popular sites such as Facebook and Twitter. However, social media encompasses many other places where individuals come together online such as blogs, forums, media sharing groups (YouTube and Flickr), location-based social networks (FourSquare and Gowalla), user review site (Yelp), and its newest entrant, Google+. The list continues to grow.

Over the last several years the social web has become very popular with individuals. It gives people a way to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions about anything and everything. Social web sites allow people to interact with one another and build relationships. Although the majority of individuals using social sites range from about 15 to 40 years of age, even my 70+ mother (Sorry, Mom J!) has a Facebook page. She is a newbie to Facebook and mostly interacts with family and people in her local community, but she now has a social voice and influence with her Facebook friends.

Since the rise of the advertising age, businesses have used various forms of media to promote and educate the public on their products and services, attract new customers, create brand awareness, and to achieve customer loyalty. Traditional marketing channels include newspaper, magazines, billboards, radio advertisements, TV commercials, direct mail, etc. Nowadays, businesses are learning how to effectively use social networking websites. These sites can be utilized by businesses in much the same way as traditional advertising. Businesses can post messages about a new product line, advertise a special product promotion, create buzz about a new item added to their menu, or even provide their “followers” with a coupon redeemable upon their next visit. The real value in social marketing comes when individuals “re-post” or “re-tweet” a message. By doing so, all of the individual’s connections or relationships can see the message as well. Social networking sites act as a word of mouth advertising medium. And, good or bad, “word of mouth” is the most influential form of advertising.

Creating a social presence online is free, easy to get started, fun, and a great way to interact with customers. These factors alone can be reason enough for small businesses to consider them as marketing tools - especially those small businesses who often have limited staff and small budgets but who also want to grow their business and customer base.

Social media is continuing to increase in popularity because it’s easily accessible to anyone with internet access. Social marketing takes a “customer oriented” approach and aims to create content that attracts attention from a target audience. And therefore, it is becoming an effective marketing strategy for businesses, particularly small local businesses.

In part 2 of my Social Networking and Your marketing Strategy blog, I will describe a few of the more familiar social media sites and how they can be used in your overall marketing strategy.

Do you need a tablet?

Seemingly out of nowhere, the idea of tablet computing has exploded in the marketplace. Mobile computing, multi-device syncing, apps, mobile media, and any number of cool new activities are now possible. They are possible for the low, low price of $500-$700.

Everyone sees the commercials. Watching a video on the porch. Reading an e-book on the train. Using the camera to see and talk with a distant family member. Galaxy Tab, Zoom, Playbook, the unstoppable iPad. They come with 10” touchscreens, two cameras, and a thousand apps that do everything from playing movies to keeping track of your diet. They may even tie your shoes (Ok, they can’t tie your shoes. No opposable thumbs....yet).

I don’t want to delve in to the world of comparing each product and discussing which one wins the day. I would rather focus on whether you need it to begin with. Is the must-have gadget for the Christmas season really the gadget that you must have for Tuesdays in April right before the budget meeting?

The most important thing, to me, is “will the tablet do something I need?” Does it actually fit in to your life? However, the caveat to that is, do I already have something that can fill that role? If you already have the piece that provides a solution, do you really want to just end up carrying more devices? This thought process can be seen in the declining sales of MP3 players. Nearly everyone has a phone that can double as an MP3 player, so why carry around two devices when I just need one?

• What do I want to be able to do?
• Where do I want to be able to do “it”?
• What am I prepared to pay?
• Do I already own a device that I can use?
• How often am I missing the functionality?

Each of the above questions should be evaluated when considering if a tablet PC is really for you. It can also be important to look at these categories with business and casual in mind. And, the answers will be unique to each person leading to a different conclusion.

It is important to understand and investigate when and where the tablet would fit in to a person’s normal day. A good bit of advice is to spend an evaluation period determining when and where the tablet would fit in to your life. Can you find an event (say, once or twice a week) that would be improved or made successful through the use of a tablet?

At the same time, it is also important to realize what your current devices may be able to accomplish. Current smart phones can watch Netflix, play music, browse the web, check Facebook, on top of such antiquated actions like making phone calls. Current laptops replace the business computer (at work, at home, and at the coffee shop) while also providing a platform for presentations, home theater, and boring every day word processing.

It is assumed that tablet PCs would fill some combination of the above functions. They will not be making phone calls or being used to type a term paper, but the countless abilities in both casual and business settings can be limitless.

In the end, I recommend two things. First, spend some time trying to place the device in your daily life without attempting to force the new gadget in to your schedule and budget. Second, review the below chart to make sure you aren't missing out on readily available devices.

http://www.techinfo-4u.com/2010/07/09/do-we-really-need-tablet-pcs/

Don't Ignore "Updates are ready to install"!

Everybody has seen them. The pop-up balloon in the right hand corner of the screen, down near the clock: “Updates are ready to be installed”. And, every one of us has done the same thing at one point or another, click “Remind me later”.
You’re busy. This email needs to be sent out before 4. The spreadsheet needs to be updated before the next customer. The phone is ringing. I can’t restart my computer right now. The dog is barking. The sun’s rays are too dim during the vernal equinox. Delaying patches or updates to computer software can happen for any number of reasons. It is natural to delay it for a minute.
It is important to remember that those minute delays cannot turn in to days or weeks or months. Whether the patches are for Windows itself, or FireFox, or Anti-Virus definitions, or Adobe Reader, or any number of other software programs, it is imperative that everyone stays on top of them. New software updates can be introduced for a whole host of reasons, including:
- Closes and fixes security holes and exploits
- Fixes possible compatibility issues with new software and operating systems
- Introduces new features while removing outdated features
- Protects AV software against newest viruses and trojans
All of these reasons can improve your computer experience while helping to keep your computer safe and secure from threats, such as hackers and viruses.
Anyone that owns a car will recognize the importance of proactive maintenance. It would be insane to leave an oil change for 15,000 miles or to drive your car until the tires are completely bald. For the same reasons, it would be insanity to use a computer for months without downloading and installing software updates. The damage to your car could lead to catastrophic failure that may open yourself up to injury.
Now, I’m not going to say that failure to run Windows Update will cause injury, but the danger to your personal information or your important documents can be just as real as a broken wrist or a seized engine. And, the computer security community feels the same way. As can be seen in this article from netsecurity.com, keeping your computer up-to-date is no different from eating right and exercising.
When undertaking the process of updating all of your software, there are several steps that need to be taken. The most important step is to make sure Windows has its most up-to-date patches. Microsoft is constantly releasing security patches along with patches to improve compatibility and performance.
To keep Windows updated:
- Make sure Automatic updates is enabled. In Windows 7, this is done by going to Start >> Control Panel >> System and Security >> Turn Automatic Updating on or off. You can change the settings to download and install updates during the middle of the day or the middle of the night if there is a need to avoid peak usage times.
- Check Windows Update regularly. This can be done by clicking Start >> All Programs >> Windows Update. In later versions of Windows, this should help give you updates for the operating system itself along with updates for other Microsoft programs, like Microsoft Office.
After covering updates needed for just Windows or Microsoft, it is important to realize that there are dozens of programs on your computer that need updating. Many of these programs have features that you can select during the installation that allow for auto-updating. These can be quite a benefit in case you have trouble remembering to check for updates.
If you need to check for updates, many programs allow for a quick and easy way to do such things. Many programs, like FireFox and Adobe Reader, allow for a “Check for Updates” feature in their help or tools section. With Adobe Reader open, click on “Help” in the toolbar and then select “Check for Updates”. It only takes a few moments and, once it is done, your computer will be more secure than 15 minutes ago.
Outside of software updates and patches, the next most important updates are the definitions for your anti-virus software. I’m going to take a leap of faith and assume that you have an effective and current anti-virus subscription. However, even if you have that subscription, you need to keep the program up-to-date. For best results, make sure that the anti-virus program is setup for regular definition updates and regular scans.
Viruses, spy-ware, and Trojans are constantly being created. There are always security holes that people attempt to capitalize on with a new threat. For your installed Anti-virus program, constant definition updates are required for optimum performance. Without them, an anti-virus program is, essentially, worthless.
When investigating computer problems, one of the first issues to check on is whether the system is up-to-date. And, one of the very first things to do when ensuring computer security is to make sure all software is patched and updated. It can be considered just as important as password security. A little preventative maintenance from time to time will go a long way in keeping your computer operating securely and efficiently.

Cloud Computing: Google vs Apple

Pop Quiz: Do you need software installed on your local computer to create a sales proposal for your boss? In order to take the amazing presentation you created to your client's office, do you need to have saved it on a thumb drive? Or worse, should you lug your laptop with you to the client's office just to have access to your files?

Answer: Not any more... thanks to the concept of cloud computing.

Cloud computing is not a new concept, but has been creating a lot of buzz lately. Basically, it's the concept of having secure access to all your applications and files from any network device (i.e. desktop PC, laptop, tablet, netbook, smartphone, etc) without being tethered to a single device.

Sidebar: Interestingly enough, netbooks were created with cloud computing in mind.

All of your personal files such as pictures, videos, music, word processing files, spreadsheets, presentations, etc can be created and/or stored in the cloud. Cloud computing eliminates the aggravation of installing and upgrading software, not to mention the need for a high power PC. It provides access to your data instantly, whenever you want it, no matter where you are.

When we Geeks say "The Cloud", we typically mean a service provided over the Internet. Although, the Cloud could also be your company's network. This provided service could be data storage and backup services such as Dropbox, Mozy, or Carbonite where you have to manually copy files over for later retrieval.... or it could be a application service, a.k.a. "software as a service" (SaaS), allowing you to create a word processing document, spreadsheet, or presentation, host an online company meeting, or even play games... all without lugging around your laptop or CD/DVD or thumb drive. It is possible that your company may be using cloud services without you even knowing it. Using a web-based email service such as Gmail or Yahoo! is an example of a cloud service because your email is stored on servers across the Internet. Even your desktop email software, such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or Mozilla Thunderbird, can use servers in the cloud to store your emails.

There are many perceived advantages to Cloud computing including device and location independence, security, agility, scalability, performance, and maintenance to name a few. Cost is claimed to be another advantage, although it seems to be one of those things where "it depends on how you look at it". Regardless of whether you use a Mac, Windows, or Linux powered device or a tablet, smartphone, or netbook - If you can connect to the Internet, you can utilize cloud services. This advantage alone can make cloud computing attractive to businesses who utilize mobile workers, have telecommuting needs, and outsourcing services.

Apple & Google

Two of the more prominent players in this Cloud computing game are Apple and Google. They both already dominate the smartphone and mobile device markets. Google already has a host of applications in the cloud, whereas Apple just recently acknowledged the cloud as the new center of the digital world. However, each company has taken a different approach to cloud computing.

Google...

Like most everything Google does, their cloud computing concept is Web-based. To access most of Google's services, all you have to have is a device with a web browser and an Internet connection. Google has 60+ products and services, many offered at no charge. Some services familiar to most, include Google Mail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Maps, Google Chrome, and of course Google Search. Some maybe not so familiar are Google Bookmarks, Google Finance, Google Gears, YouTube, Google Analytics, Orkut, iGoogle, Google Health, and Blogger (in which this blog was created and posted). There are many more. So, to find out what these services are.... Google it! :)

Since Google designs it's services for simple web-based access, your Google hosted files and folders are not device dependent. You can access your Google Docs files from an Android device or from an iPad. You can create and update your blog from your Galaxy Tab or iPhone using Google's Blogger service. Essentially, with the Google cloud experience, you will create and update your documents in the cloud and those people you have access to your documents can see it using a web browser.

Apple...

Apple has taken an app-centric approach in it's new iCloud service. Apple noticed the problem with keeping your devices, whether a PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, up to date and in sync. Their solution is a series of services that syncs all your music, photos, email, contacts, apps, documents, etc and automatically pushing it out to all your devices. Unlike Google, iCloud's document syncing is not web-based. Instead, Apple created several APIs (application program interfaces) that developers can embed in their apps. These APIs will tie the documents created in an app to that app. This will allow you to use the same app you created the document with to edit it later, regardless of which device you choose to edit it from. And when you make any changes, your updated version is automatically synced to all your other devices, without having to use another app to move or upload your files.

Confused yet? Let me give you an example comparing the two approaches...

Say you created a document you plan to submit in the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on how Kardon Technology swooped in and saved the day for your business in record time when your network crashed. While in a cab on your way to a meeting, far away from your PC in your office where you started creating this article, you decide you want to add to your article and give a shout out to Jason, the Kardon Tech Geek, who not only raised your crashed network from the ashes but also provided a plan to help prevent this from happening in the future.

Now if you drink the "Google approach to cloud computing" kool-aid, you realize all you need to do is access your article in the Google cloud from your iPhone and add your changes. You will use the web browser right there on your iPhone. There is no need for any special software or apps to do this.

But if you subscribe to "Apple's iCloud approach", you still are able to access your article on your iPhone as it was automatically sync'd there after you initially created it from your office PC. But, now you will use the same app to make your additions as you did to create the article. Once you finish, your updated version will be automatically sync'd to all your other devices, including the PC back at your office... you know, just in case you decide to nominate Jason for a Nobel Peace Prize or something. :)

Summary: Google provides services that allow you to access to your data, create and update documents and even share them with others. All you need is a web browser and Internet connection. Apple, on the other hand, syncs your data from say Google Docs to your Mac at home, your office PC and your Android smartphone all the while allowing the same editing experience independent of which device you created the document on to which one you are accessing it on now.

Suffice it to say, cloud computing considers your data to be the most important factor and all devices are just a means to access that data. The vision of cloud computing is evolving - I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Sidebar: Apple's mostly free 5GB of storage iCloud approach will replace their costly MobileMe service, although you will be able to purchased more space. While Google's SaaS approach is free for those with personal accounts. Google does have a cost for some services such as Google Apps for Business.

So, which approach do you think is the best cloud computing solution? Apple's iCloud or Google's myriad of web services? After all, both companies have developed an approach that they feel is most important to users.

Check out this article Apple cloud vs. Google cloud: The philosophical differences for a look at two different approaches to cloud computing.

Password Security

        The first line of defense in protecting computers is password security. Maintaining, updating, and strictly controlling the use and complexity of a password is one of the most integral pieces in securing computers and data. It is an important roadblock to prevent intruders from accessing your most important files. And, despite repeated warnings, it is often the most neglected area of security for computer systems.

        Take a moment to think back on the passwords that you use on a daily basis. Passwords that you use for logging in to your computer, to check your email, to post to Facebook, to log in to company programs, to check your bank statement, to order an item from Amazon. Review them quickly and determine if you are doing a good job of password management.

        - Do you repeat passwords for multiple websites? Is the password for your Facebook the same as the answer to the security question on your banking website? Is your email account password the same as the one you use to log in to your company’s web portal?

        - Do you have a blank password for your Windows/OS login?

        - Do you use your first name as a password?

        - Do you use regular words that can be found in a dictionary as a password?

        - Do you use only letters or only numbers as a password?

        - Do you use your anniversary or a birthday as a password?

        - Do you use a child’s name or a pet’s name as a password?

        - Do you use default passwords like “12345” or “password”?

        - Do you use passwords that contain readily available personal information that could be found on MySpace or another social site?

- Is there an Excel spreadsheet named “Password” stored on your computer that contains a list of all important passwords?

        I am willing to bet that, while reading the above list, you thought more than once that Carnac the Magnificent was writing this blog entry. Without much luck, any person with nefarious ideas has guessed or determined one or more of the passwords you use on a daily basis.

        In addition to passwords that are easily guessed, many people make it even easier for their information to be compromised through poor password control. A person wouldn’t leave their car keys on the roof of their car while they went shopping and they wouldn’t provide copies of their house keys for everyone in the office. However, there is a good chance one of your passwords is written on a sticky note attached to the monitor or under the keyboard. You’ve probably told a friend or coworker the password that you use for Amazon or Facebook or your email or one of a dozen other uses.

        There is also the threat of outside attack from malware or phishing scams. And, such attacks can victimize anyone, including senior government officials. Even with all the security in the world, a momentary lapse in judgment can cause devastating problems.

        Protecting your password, protecting your computer, and protecting your life is an ongoing process that requires persistence, planning, and a little dedication.

        The first step to keeping passwords safe is the creation of complex and secure passwords. This can be a daunting process, but it can be simplified in to a repeatable procedure. Below is a 5-step process that creates very secure passwords.

Select a recognizable, but lengthy word (7-10 characters)	rushmore
Spell the word backwards	eromhsur
Convert letters to numbers or symbols	3r*mhsur
Capitalize 2 letters (first and middle or middle and last)	3r*MhsuR
Append 4 digit number to the end	3r*MhsuR1234

        When looking at the above steps, there are a few notes:

        - To convert the letters, look for letters like E, O, L, and S. These letters can become 3, * or 0, !, and $. The addition of symbols and numbers make passwords noticeably harder to crack through the use of hacking programs

        - The 4-digit number does not have to be a random set of numbers, if the worded password is sufficiently complex through the first 4 steps. IF you create a difficult beginning, the 4-digit number can be easily remembered. And, considering most company password creators, changing the last 4 numbers provides sufficient change if password changes are required every 6-8 weeks.

       

I know that the above steps can be scary or unsettling when you first read them, but a memorable and repeatable procedure for password creation is the best way to create and store passwords over a long period of time. I do not use a program designed to store and protect passwords. If you are interested in researching them, remember that this program will end up holding the keys to your entire personal or professional life. Any password used for the security of that program should be unique and monumentally difficult (10+ characters of random alphanumeric).

        By taking the above steps, you are well on your way to creating protected and safe passwords. However, you must remember that this is only the first step in a continuing process. There are a few additional steps that you must remember to protect those passwords that you spent some time creating.

- Do not use one repeated password for all access that you need. Split them up to separate your data. Use one password for the Windows login, one password for company logins, and one password for social websites like Facebook or email.

Doing this will prevent a widespread loss of security should one of your passwords be compromised. The most dangerous situation for a stolen password is when that password is used for multiple logins allowing the thief unfettered access to all areas of your life.

- Change or modify your passwords on a regular basis. Even with strict security, over time, passwords become stale or less secure. Many browsers have password remember options or auto-fill options and one instance of that on a public computer could compromise your password.

It is suggested that passwords be changed every 6 to 8 weeks for best security practice.

- Remember to keep anti-virus and anti-spyware programs up-to-date and on a regular scan schedule. Most malware (malicious software) designed today is created to log or find passwords and use them to steal personal data.

MalwareBytes AntiMalware and Spybot S&D scans on a regular basis will keep your computer secure and protected from outside attacks.

- Last, but not least, be smart about password security. Do not keep passwords written down in open places. Do not talk publicly about passwords. Do not freely provide passwords through open communication like email correspondence. All of the above work can be undone through one sticky note left on a co-worker’s desk.

Remember, criminals spend hours working on methods and strategies for cracking passwords and stealing data. Every day, they are improving their ability to attack systems and compromise personal information. To combat this, everyone needs to take the time to improve their passwords and data security in an effort to keep their personal data safe and secure.

The Need for Malware Protections

Antivirus/Security software is a required element for computer systems today.  According to Top Ten Reviews, “Today, an unprotectied computer isn’t just vulnerable, it’s probably already infected.  If you load anything on your computer from other computers, browse the Internet, use Instant Messaging or Email then you need an antivirus program that is up-to-date and active on your computer at all times.

Computer viruses, worms, trojans and other types of malware (malicious software) can damage files and interfere with your computer’s ability to function normally.  They can also set your computer up to be used to attack other computers without you even being aware of the activity.  They can open up access to everything on your computer and everything you do on the Internet to be shared with, and utilized by, criminals, literally, all over the world.  

In fact, the majority of malware and other harmful bugs comes from North America, but a close second is Asia followed by Europe.  When you connect your computer to the Internet you are connecting to the World, and there are plenty of unethical people in the world we live in today.

The personal information you access online and store on your computer is completely open to attack without having the proper security measures in place.  Also, as a responsible Internet citizen, you should protect your computer to prevent it from trying to attack other computers.  If you computer becomes part of a botnet, you just give the criminals more processing power to come up with new attacks on everyone else.

There are no true “Silver Bullet” protection systems that can guarantee prevention from infections.  New attacks are being developed every day.  But, if you don’t have some level of protection software loaded, up-to-date and running you are completely at the whim of the next criminal to find you on the Internet.  

There are, however, plenty of reliable and free versions of protection available.  They are designed for home use, though, not businesses.  Here is a list of options we recommend for free antivirus solutions:

• AVG Free ( free.avg.com )
• avast! Free ( www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download )
• MalwareBytes ( www.malwarebytes.org )  ( must be run manually if you use the free version )

Make sure they are not just loaded but running and fully up to date at all times.  Our Monitoring Services can assist you with keeping an eye on the status.


Please follow the licensing rules and never load free home versions of software on all your business computers.  There are plenty of solutions that help you get discounts for multiple computer licenses.

There is also no need to have three or four versions running.  Have one you run all the time and make sure it is up to date and then one you use just in case things seem suspicious just to double check.

Much more complete protection software is available when you purchase security solutions.  Purchased solutions usually use faster technology and often more updates faster than the free versions do.  We can recommend purchased versions that fit your configuration.  They are not one-size fits all solutions.  Plus, some of the solutions actually hinder your ability to get things done if they are not configured properly.

If you have a computer without protection we see that the same way the police do if you are robbed and you never lock your house or your car.  There isn’t much we can do to help you when you have a problem.  Every problem resolution will have to start with downloading and running one of these tools to clean up the computer.  That takes a lot of time to complete, especially if there are a number of infections.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any security questions or concerns.  We would be happy to help you sort through the options and find what works best for you.

What computer should I buy?

All technology people get the questions all the time but during the holidays, year end and graduation time we hear it the most.  "What computer should I buy?"

We always have to follow that up with questions.  Purchasing a computer system is more like purchasing a car than most people realize.  You wouldn't just walk onto a dealership lot and pick any car the sales person suggested.  You need to get what meets your needs for features, size, style, driving requirements and budget.  Computers are the same way.

First, know what you want to spend.  Know what the maximum you want to spend is $500, $1000, $1500, $2000.  Pick one of those numbers.  You will immediately narrow down your choices.

Next, what do you plan to do with it?

• Is it for home use, younger children, office workstation, school work, home business or maybe all of the above?  
• In an office, do you need something that is for general administrative work or is it for an advanced user with all kinds of number crunching and custom applications in play?
• Home computers vs home office computers can be used in very different ways today.  Do you want to use it to connect to your TV or will it just be used to manage accounting and business emails?
• I recommend never combining everything on one machine - especially if kids are going to be running games and access websites (even ones designed for them) on the same machine you are trying to run a home business or work from home.  
• Do you need to run specific applications on it for you school, work or business?  What do those applications require?  
• If you just want it to create documents but not necessarily using Office tools it is a different requirement than one that requires MS Office applications.  
• If you want to run applications from your company make sure you know what they require.
• Do you need to move it from place to place regularly or occasionally?  
• If you want to be able to move from place to place or take it on trips you obviously don't need a desktop but how light and small do you need your device to be? 
• If you are going to leave it in one place it can be much more cost effective to have a desktop with more computing power than a laptop.
• Is it something you mainly just want to use for email and Internet access?  If so, where will you want to have access to the Internet?  
• Do you only need to connect to your single wired connection at your desk in the office?
• Do you need to have wireless access but only to a WiFi hot spot signal?
• Do you need mobile internet capabilities?

Now, we can review the choices within in those limits that meet your needs.  (I will assume the limit doesn't include all the taxes, shipping and accessories you may incur.  Just the price of the equipment.)

My favorite FREE tools

Whenever I set up a new computer there are certain tools I like to load on any machine.  Here are some of my most favorite ones that I think should be automatically loaded on most machines.

First, install another browser - I rarely use Internet Explorer on my computer unless it is required for the site I need to access.
Chrome - The browser created by Google.  I really like how fast it responds and the fact that I can just type my search words in the address line if I don't know an address and it will automatically search and respond for me in one step.

Firefox - The best known alternative to the IE browser.  Some pages work better in Firefox (FF) than in Chrome.  If anything isn't working the way I expect I immediately try it in FF.  (Some people also call this Mozilla since the official name is Mozilla Firefox but Mozilla is also responsible for other useful products besides FF.)

Next, a PDF reader and updating tool.  Adobe is a memory and system hog.  It runs very slow and uses way too many resources.  Most documents and images are currently exchanged much easier using PDFs, though.  I install different readers and also PDF printers so I can also create and edit PDFs not just view them.
CutePDF - A very simple PDF creator tool that installs as a printer.  Anything you can use a print option on you just select this as the printer and it creates a PDF of the output.  No paper.  A PDF you can email, archive or save for reading later.  Even better, add markups to it and pass on your notes about the output.  A note on installing this - make sure you get both the CutePDF driver and the Ghostscript driver included in the instructions.

PDF-XChange viewer - A PDF viewer and editor in one.  This tool becomes your default PDF viewer and it is much faster than the Adobe Reader free version.  It also allows you to add notes, text and even stamps to a PDF.  You make your changes and then print to a PDF using CutePDF above and you have a whole new version with your comments.

Nitro PDF - This one is a brand new product that is currently in Beta testing but it looks really good so far.  It allows you to create, read and update PDFs with one tool.  I have just started using this one but see the potential to be a great solution for all the PDF needs.

There are some other nice ones you may find more suited for your environment such as Foxit Reader,  Primo PDF and PDFill.  I just believe it is important to have at least one alternative reader as your default instead of Adobe.


Finally, I have a few additional tools that are handy to always have available that replace standard Windows functions.
FreeCalc - A different version of the calculator than the one that comes with Windows.  The best part for me is the "tape" it creates so you can see what you have done.  You don't have to just start over anymore!

File Shredder - A tool that permanently deletes files from your computer.  Many people don't understand that just deleting a file from your computer does not actually erase it.  It only removes your ability to get to it easily.  The data is still sitting there on the hard drive until something cleans it up to use it again.  This tool really deletes a file.  It is completely removed from the system with no ability to recover it.

For more advanced users, I also add:
Filezilla - FTP client and server utilities for moving files between computers.  It is a very powerful tool on both ends and allows you to create Site settings for different server connections.

PDF Creator - this tool is similar to CutePDF because it let's you create a PDF by printing to it just like any other printer.  But, this tool has many more advanced tools that let you do things like merge separate PDF files into on largefile, encrypt the files, digitally sign the files and output different formats.

Paint.net - a image and photo editing application that supports layers, special effects, multiple undo and many other powerful editing options.

With these tools in place you are much more capable and productive without spending anything more than your time to install and get to know the applications.  Some of them accept donations instead of license fees.  If you find a tool very useful and use it regularly, think about making a donation.  It cost money just to have the software published and available for you to download.  Even if it is only a few dollars it matters.