Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
More Pictures from Around Chester - Graves Island
Partially ice filled bay
Some stumps with an ice patch in the middle.
The sun is setting at the end of the island
Symmetrical sunset with Fence
Reflections at Night
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
What is NerdCare?
You buy insurance for your car, you buy insurance for your house. Your computer has valuable information on it - your email, address book, favorites, databases, invoices, accounting, documents, digital photos, music, videos - the list goes on and on.
What value does the content on your computer have to you or your business?
NerdCare Assurance plans give you the peace of mind to know that your vital data is safe and your software and hardware technology are in good operating condition.
Most of the time, people are reactive when it comes to computer and technology maintenance. NerdCare Assurance saves you money and let's you accurately forecast your technology costs by providing monthly or bi-monthly services on a proactive, contractual basis.
NerdCare Assurance plans start from as low as $45.00/month/computer (under 5 computers), and as low as $35.00/month/computer (more than 5 computers).
Basic NerdCare Assurance includes:
a) Antivirus/antispyware scans and updates
b) Windows Updates
c) Quarterly physical integrity check of hard drive and RAM
d) Free consultation and recommendations
e) 20% off regular prices for services not covered under terms of agreement
Additional Services are virtually endless - however, the following are recommended additions (additional costs involved):
f) Scheduled backups
g) bi-monthly/quarterly physical cleaning of computer (inside and out)
h) Performance optimizations (remove unneeded start-up programs, change Windows settings)
g) Security Assessment, optimization and maintenance (for networks)
h) Remote Maintenance
i) 10% discount on hardware purchases
j) Additional 10% discount on regularly priced services not covered under terms of agreement.
k) Removal of virus/spyware if found
Let's take the example of a small office with 4 computers and 1 server. The client goes for the full package and pays $55/computer x 4 computers, and $100/server for a total of $310/month.
If we compare that against the cost of having a full-time IT person on staff, even at minimum wage:
Minimum Wage IT employee: $7.15 x 180 hours/month = $1287.00.
Compare that with $310/month and it's easy to see how NerdCare Assurance can give you peace of mind at a very reasonable price.
If you think NerdCare might be something for you or your business, give me a call at 902-980-0989 or email ben.wiper@nerdsonsite.com to set an appointment for your Free, No Obligation, Consultation.
Regards,
Ben
What value does the content on your computer have to you or your business?
NerdCare Assurance plans give you the peace of mind to know that your vital data is safe and your software and hardware technology are in good operating condition.
Most of the time, people are reactive when it comes to computer and technology maintenance. NerdCare Assurance saves you money and let's you accurately forecast your technology costs by providing monthly or bi-monthly services on a proactive, contractual basis.
NerdCare Assurance plans start from as low as $45.00/month/computer (under 5 computers), and as low as $35.00/month/computer (more than 5 computers).
Basic NerdCare Assurance includes:
a) Antivirus/antispyware scans and updates
b) Windows Updates
c) Quarterly physical integrity check of hard drive and RAM
d) Free consultation and recommendations
e) 20% off regular prices for services not covered under terms of agreement
Additional Services are virtually endless - however, the following are recommended additions (additional costs involved):
f) Scheduled backups
g) bi-monthly/quarterly physical cleaning of computer (inside and out)
h) Performance optimizations (remove unneeded start-up programs, change Windows settings)
g) Security Assessment, optimization and maintenance (for networks)
h) Remote Maintenance
i) 10% discount on hardware purchases
j) Additional 10% discount on regularly priced services not covered under terms of agreement.
k) Removal of virus/spyware if found
Let's take the example of a small office with 4 computers and 1 server. The client goes for the full package and pays $55/computer x 4 computers, and $100/server for a total of $310/month.
If we compare that against the cost of having a full-time IT person on staff, even at minimum wage:
Minimum Wage IT employee: $7.15 x 180 hours/month = $1287.00.
Compare that with $310/month and it's easy to see how NerdCare Assurance can give you peace of mind at a very reasonable price.
If you think NerdCare might be something for you or your business, give me a call at 902-980-0989 or email ben.wiper@nerdsonsite.com to set an appointment for your Free, No Obligation, Consultation.
Regards,
Ben
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Weekly Tip #9: Windows Shortcut Keys
Hello there,
Sorry for skipping out on the weekly tip last week - it was a very busy week here in NerdLand.
This week I'm going to go over a few of the most useful windows shortcut keys. It is possible to navigate through Windows using only your keybard if you know how to!
Tab Key
Most users know that hitting the tab key will move your cursor to the next available area/line/field. But did you know that SHIFT-TAB allows you to do the same thing, except backwards? So if you're filling out a form that has
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
You type your name, tab to Address, tab to Phone Number, but whoops, you made a mistake with the address. Don't touch your mouse! Just hit shift-tab to make the cursor jump back to the Address field automatically!
Also, ALT-TAB brings up a window showing you all the open programs on your system. Once you press alt-tab, keep holding alt, then tap the TAB key to highlight the program you want to bring to the front (in focus). Release the TAB key and that windows pops to the front!
CTRL
The CTRL is very useful. The most commonly used CTRL shortcuts are:
CTRL-C (copy highlighted selection)
CTRL-V (paste)
CTRL-X (cut highlighted selection (deletes it but stores it in memory to be pasted lateR)
But did you know that:
CTRL-ESC opens the Start Menu?
CTRL-Z undoes your last action (let's say you accidentally erased a paragraph in Microsoft Word - just hit ctrl-z and it magically reappears as it was!)
CTRL-B turns on/off bold text
CTRL-I turns on/off italics
CTRL-U turns on/off underlining
Windows Key
Most new keyboards have a Windows Logo key on them. This button has shortcuts associated with it as well.
WIN+M minimizes all open windows to show the desktop
WIN+D minimizes/restores all open windows
WIN+R shows the "Run" line
WIN+Pause/Break shows "System Properties" window (same as if you right click "My Computer, and click "Properties".
WIN+E opens Windows Explorer in Folder View
There are plenty more, just do a search on "Windows Shortcut Keys" in Google. These are some of the most useful, in my opinion.
Until next time!
Ben
Sorry for skipping out on the weekly tip last week - it was a very busy week here in NerdLand.
This week I'm going to go over a few of the most useful windows shortcut keys. It is possible to navigate through Windows using only your keybard if you know how to!
Tab Key
Most users know that hitting the tab key will move your cursor to the next available area/line/field. But did you know that SHIFT-TAB allows you to do the same thing, except backwards? So if you're filling out a form that has
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
You type your name, tab to Address, tab to Phone Number, but whoops, you made a mistake with the address. Don't touch your mouse! Just hit shift-tab to make the cursor jump back to the Address field automatically!
Also, ALT-TAB brings up a window showing you all the open programs on your system. Once you press alt-tab, keep holding alt, then tap the TAB key to highlight the program you want to bring to the front (in focus). Release the TAB key and that windows pops to the front!
CTRL
The CTRL is very useful. The most commonly used CTRL shortcuts are:
CTRL-C (copy highlighted selection)
CTRL-V (paste)
CTRL-X (cut highlighted selection (deletes it but stores it in memory to be pasted lateR)
But did you know that:
CTRL-ESC opens the Start Menu?
CTRL-Z undoes your last action (let's say you accidentally erased a paragraph in Microsoft Word - just hit ctrl-z and it magically reappears as it was!)
CTRL-B turns on/off bold text
CTRL-I turns on/off italics
CTRL-U turns on/off underlining
Windows Key
Most new keyboards have a Windows Logo key on them. This button has shortcuts associated with it as well.
WIN+M minimizes all open windows to show the desktop
WIN+D minimizes/restores all open windows
WIN+R shows the "Run" line
WIN+Pause/Break shows "System Properties" window (same as if you right click "My Computer, and click "Properties".
WIN+E opens Windows Explorer in Folder View
There are plenty more, just do a search on "Windows Shortcut Keys" in Google. These are some of the most useful, in my opinion.
Until next time!
Ben
Monday, January 15, 2007
Pictures around Chester
Main waterfall area at East River
Rapids on East River
Rapids on East River
Charlie posing in front of the main waterfall on East River
Ice Lily Pads on the East River
My favourite view driving from Hubbards to Chester
Personal dock at Graves Island
The main pond on Graves Island
Sunday, January 14, 2007
New Camera
Finally - I broke down and got a new camera. Be on the look-out for a crazy number of photo postings over the next little while as I reconnect with my love of picture taking and sharing.
For those who are interested, I replaced our stolen Fuji FinePix F810 with the Fuji E900 (9 megapixel, RAW support, xD Card, 4x optical, 7.6x digital zoom). I went against the advice of my friend Lorne on this one, but I'm overly partial to Fuji's after having that last one and all of the good shots I took with it.
Cheers,
Ben
For those who are interested, I replaced our stolen Fuji FinePix F810 with the Fuji E900 (9 megapixel, RAW support, xD Card, 4x optical, 7.6x digital zoom). I went against the advice of my friend Lorne on this one, but I'm overly partial to Fuji's after having that last one and all of the good shots I took with it.
Cheers,
Ben
Monday, January 08, 2007
Weekly Tip #8: Anti-virus/spyware
Hello All,
For those of you who have had me in for service, you know how much I detest all programs Norton and McAfee. They come pre-installed on computers with free trials and then people continue to renew/upgrade their subscriptions with these inferior products.
In this weeks tip I'm going to talk about some of the best free and pay anti-virus/spyware programs on the market.
1. Why should I ditch Norton/McAfee?
a) These programs are designed to control every aspect of security in your system, so they sink their teeth into every operation your computer performs, thereby slowing everything down.
b) They load anywhere from 6 to 12 different programs EVERY TIME you turn on your computer that just sit there, hogging resources.
c) They scan slowly - a Norton and McAfee Scan on a 20GB hard drive can take almost 2 hours! The alternatives I'm about to talk about can do the same 20GB hard drive in about 25 minutes while taking up about 1/3 of the memory/resources!
d) They are expensive relative to superior products
What free alternatives are there?
For anti-virus alternatives, the best programs in my opinion are:
1. AVG Free
2. AOL Active Virus Shield (based on Kaspersky labs product)
3. ClamAV
Each of these products is free, can do automatic updates and automatic virus scans (on schedules). In my experience each one of these performs faster, finds and cleans problems faster and more successfully, and uses less system resources than Norton or McAfee. The main problem with them is that they are free and therefore don't have the proprietary technologies and continuous degree of updating as pay products. Please don't take that as too much of a negative - with proper security configuration (hosts file, firewall) these products provide an excellent line of defense.
For Anti-Spyware alternatives, the best programs in my opinion are:
1. Spyware Terminator
2. AVG Anti-Spyware (formerly EWIDO)
3. JavaCool SpywareGuard
These programs all offer free updates and perform REAL-TIME anti-spyware scans as well as scheduled system scans. Spyware Terminator is the best in my opinion because it captures a wider range of threats and has more configuration options. It also comes with the option to install ClamAV during its installation. However, for novice or beginner users SpywareGuard is an excellent, easy to install and configure product. AVG Anti-spyware used to be my favorite, until I realized that it's REAL-TIME scanning function expires after 30 days.
What if I want the extra protection and security of pay programs?
1. ESET NOD32
Features:
I highly, highly, highly recommend Eset's NOD32 anti-virus/spyware product. It is simply an amazing product that catches known and unknown viruses with nearly 100% accuracy. It has built in anti-spyware protection, unsafe program protection and harmful website protection all in one interface. NOD32 does NOT have built-in anti-spam or firewall like other suites. However, there are a number of top notch free anti-spam and firewall applications available (see next week's tip!)
Price:
At $46.80 for the 1st year, and $37.00/year afterward, it comes in well below Norton and McAfee. They also provide users with FREE upgrades to their software - please don't confuse this with free anti-virus updates. This means if they upgrade the actual PROGRAM that uses the updates, you get that update for free as well with your subscription.
Performance:
NOD32 only loads 2 programs into memory, taking up about 25MB of RAM on most systems, whereas McAfee and Norton use anywhere from 60MB-100MB. Talk about resource savings! You'll notice the speed improvement immediately (unless you're running a blazing fast machine to begin with).
2. Computer Associates eTrust Security Suite
This is the other anti-virus product that gets the Nerd Thumbs-Up. At $59.99 it comes in under Norton and McAfee Suites and again, uses less resources overall. Like Norton and McAfee the Suite includes firewall and anti-spam products in addition to the spyware and virus protection. Renewal comes in around $49.99 after the 1st year, and upgrades to the software are included as part of the yearly renewal process.
You'll want a fairly new computer to run this application. It does provide excellent protection and is a great product, but it uses resources in amounts between NOD32 and Norton. If you've got an older computer with Norton or McAfee you won't notice AS BIG OF a difference than if you went with NOD32.
If your security software is expiring soon, give Nerds On Site a call, 902-980-0989 and I'd be happy to discuss the options with you.
Prices quoted in this weekly tip are valid until March 2007. Prices do not include installation and setup of the software, however you can order the software and perform installation on your own if that is preferred.
Installation/Configuration of anti-virus software purchased from Nerds On Site: $30.00 + tax
Complete security package (using free products): Firewall (Kerio), anti-spam (POPFile), anti-spyware (Spyware Terminator), anti-virus (AVG Free) $119.00 + taxes.
Until next time,
Ben
For those of you who have had me in for service, you know how much I detest all programs Norton and McAfee. They come pre-installed on computers with free trials and then people continue to renew/upgrade their subscriptions with these inferior products.
In this weeks tip I'm going to talk about some of the best free and pay anti-virus/spyware programs on the market.
1. Why should I ditch Norton/McAfee?
a) These programs are designed to control every aspect of security in your system, so they sink their teeth into every operation your computer performs, thereby slowing everything down.
b) They load anywhere from 6 to 12 different programs EVERY TIME you turn on your computer that just sit there, hogging resources.
c) They scan slowly - a Norton and McAfee Scan on a 20GB hard drive can take almost 2 hours! The alternatives I'm about to talk about can do the same 20GB hard drive in about 25 minutes while taking up about 1/3 of the memory/resources!
d) They are expensive relative to superior products
What free alternatives are there?
For anti-virus alternatives, the best programs in my opinion are:
1. AVG Free
2. AOL Active Virus Shield (based on Kaspersky labs product)
3. ClamAV
Each of these products is free, can do automatic updates and automatic virus scans (on schedules). In my experience each one of these performs faster, finds and cleans problems faster and more successfully, and uses less system resources than Norton or McAfee. The main problem with them is that they are free and therefore don't have the proprietary technologies and continuous degree of updating as pay products. Please don't take that as too much of a negative - with proper security configuration (hosts file, firewall) these products provide an excellent line of defense.
For Anti-Spyware alternatives, the best programs in my opinion are:
1. Spyware Terminator
2. AVG Anti-Spyware (formerly EWIDO)
3. JavaCool SpywareGuard
These programs all offer free updates and perform REAL-TIME anti-spyware scans as well as scheduled system scans. Spyware Terminator is the best in my opinion because it captures a wider range of threats and has more configuration options. It also comes with the option to install ClamAV during its installation. However, for novice or beginner users SpywareGuard is an excellent, easy to install and configure product. AVG Anti-spyware used to be my favorite, until I realized that it's REAL-TIME scanning function expires after 30 days.
What if I want the extra protection and security of pay programs?
1. ESET NOD32
Features:
I highly, highly, highly recommend Eset's NOD32 anti-virus/spyware product. It is simply an amazing product that catches known and unknown viruses with nearly 100% accuracy. It has built in anti-spyware protection, unsafe program protection and harmful website protection all in one interface. NOD32 does NOT have built-in anti-spam or firewall like other suites. However, there are a number of top notch free anti-spam and firewall applications available (see next week's tip!)
Price:
At $46.80 for the 1st year, and $37.00/year afterward, it comes in well below Norton and McAfee. They also provide users with FREE upgrades to their software - please don't confuse this with free anti-virus updates. This means if they upgrade the actual PROGRAM that uses the updates, you get that update for free as well with your subscription.
Performance:
NOD32 only loads 2 programs into memory, taking up about 25MB of RAM on most systems, whereas McAfee and Norton use anywhere from 60MB-100MB. Talk about resource savings! You'll notice the speed improvement immediately (unless you're running a blazing fast machine to begin with).
2. Computer Associates eTrust Security Suite
This is the other anti-virus product that gets the Nerd Thumbs-Up. At $59.99 it comes in under Norton and McAfee Suites and again, uses less resources overall. Like Norton and McAfee the Suite includes firewall and anti-spam products in addition to the spyware and virus protection. Renewal comes in around $49.99 after the 1st year, and upgrades to the software are included as part of the yearly renewal process.
You'll want a fairly new computer to run this application. It does provide excellent protection and is a great product, but it uses resources in amounts between NOD32 and Norton. If you've got an older computer with Norton or McAfee you won't notice AS BIG OF a difference than if you went with NOD32.
If your security software is expiring soon, give Nerds On Site a call, 902-980-0989 and I'd be happy to discuss the options with you.
Prices quoted in this weekly tip are valid until March 2007. Prices do not include installation and setup of the software, however you can order the software and perform installation on your own if that is preferred.
Installation/Configuration of anti-virus software purchased from Nerds On Site: $30.00 + tax
Complete security package (using free products): Firewall (Kerio), anti-spam (POPFile), anti-spyware (Spyware Terminator), anti-virus (AVG Free) $119.00 + taxes.
Until next time,
Ben
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