What's a Netbook ... And Why Would You Need One?

In the hardware world, there’s a pretty lively discussion going on about the difference between laptops, notebooks, and netbooks.

Opinion seems to be converging around the idea that laptops and notebooks are virtually the same: small, portable, but powerful computers that can function as a more travel-worthy substitute for a stationary desktop model.

Netbooks, on the other hand, are a relatively new innovation – just a couple of years old, which might make them ancient in some technology circles, but it means that some folks are still figuring out what the term means.

Way back in the beginning of netbooks, these ultra-small, ultra-light computers offered pared-down capabilities that could satisfy most of the needs of a user on the go. You could access a Web browser and email, and if you used cloud-based applications like Google Docs you could even do some word processing and basic spreadsheet operations. But your average netbook, lacking an optical drive and equipped with a slower processer, wasn’t going to be terribly fast or powerful or great at running really resource-intensive applications. And the tiny keyboard made prolonged use a bit of a pain.

But then a funny thing happened: the year 2008. And as the economy took a dive, more and more users started looking at netbooks and deciding they made a very good, affordable alternative to regular laptops. By Q1 of 2009, netbook sales were seven times larger than they were in the first quarter of 2008. (http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/tech/0EF7F828A4FAC9A9CC2575AB007165B4)

Not surprisingly, manufacturers noticed a huge new market that was growing like gangbusters in the middle of a downturn. New entrants joined the game, and in order to differentiate themselves, started adding features and enhancements to the stripped-down netbook. Screen sizes and keyboards are now getting larger. Graphics are getting better. Some folks argue that, at least among certain brands, there’s virtually no difference at all between a netbook and an ultralight laptop. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312430-1.html)

Still, as a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking for a very cheap and light machine that you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or see destroyed – in other words, if you’re a student who needs a note-taking device, or a frequent traveler who has robust offsite storage and just needs an on-the-road Internet access device – a netbook could be the perfect thing.

Disaster Mirage: You Think You're Safe. But You're Not

SmallBizTechnology.com - October 4th, 2009

Disaster Mirage: You Think You're Safe. But You're Not. | Smallbiztechnology.com

Ramon Ray writes about Small Businesses and their disaster recovery preparedness. It's not just about backing up your data. It's about how you recover (the data, the applications, the user profiles, the desktops, laptops and servers, email access, internet access, etc.) when disaster strikes.

Three Free Webinars from The Software Revitalist

Ellen DePasquale, the Software Revitalist, has announced three free webinars which she is hsoting next week. The topics are:

• Controlling Your Inbox With Microsoft Outlook
• Getting the Information You Need in Quickbooks
• Prospecting in the Digital Age: Internet Search Tips

The webinars are November 2, 3 and 4thand you can register here.

With these, you get access to a bonus webinar: B2B Relationship Building Strategies.

All the webinars are one hour and packed with advice. Learn more at www.eocomputing.com

Excitement is in the Air with Windows 7 Launch

Reposting the following article from CMIT Solutions of Denver. Visit their website at http://www.cmitsolutions.com/denver

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October 22nd is fast approaching and with it comes the launch of Microsoft's newest - and perhaps best yet - operating system (OS) - Windows 7!

I have not been talking it up with my clients or prospects to the extent it deserves. For months I have received news and information from my colleagues at Microsoft about Windows 7 and have heard from my team of techs at the Denver office that it is great.

Well, another confirmation came last week (10/8/09) from a source that is usually not so "high" on Microsoft's operating systems. The Wall Street Journal and the author of the article, Walter S. Mossberg, gave this new OS a stellar review. Below are some excerpts and paraphrased thoughts from Mr. Mossberg.

"While XP works well for many people, it is relatively weak in areas such as security, networking and other features..."

".., I believe it is the best version of Windows Microsoft has produced. It's a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use."

"Windows 7 introduces real advances in organizing your programs and files,... It removes a lot of clultter. And it mostly banishes Vista's main flaws -..."

"In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple's Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That's no longer true."

Without going into detail on each new or enhanced feature, here is a quick list of some of Windows 7's new features:

New Taskbar
File Organization
Networking
Speed
Compatibility with 3rd party software
System Requirements

You too have probably read or heard similar reviews from the media of recent and the next week and into 2010, you will undoubtedly learn more (first or second-hand) about Windows 7. When new hardware is being considered or how to enhance your existing hardware to increase productivity and user-friendliness, give us a jingle at 303-756-2648 or send me an email and we will answer your questions.

CMIT Solutions of Denver doesn't normally adopt a new OS version so quickly; however, with months of beta testing on our machines and conferring with our nationwide network of CMIT technicians and our partners at Microsoft (and even our competitors), we will recommend Windows 7 where it makes sense and ONLY with sound planning.

September 17th Event - Getting Social Media Buzz

Join us on Thursday, September 17th for the first ever Pre-BizTechDay Event in New York City!
For details and to register: http://www.biztechday.com/social-buzz-in-new-york/


You'll learn powerful tips on getting social media buzz, but this NOT just another workshop on social media. You will have the opportunity to interact with our expert panel of speakers, network with your peers, and walk away with real, practical tips for getting attention, growing your community and building buzz.

Here are just a few things you will learn:

* How to Get Media Attention for Your Business
* How to Use Social Media to Build some Buzz
* How to Use Twitter for Business and Quickly Build and Keep a Database
* How to Build a Community for Your Business

Our gurus for the evening include Ramon Ray, Editor of Smallbiztechnology.com, Angela Jia Kim, Co-Founder of SavortheSuccess.com, Nelly Yusupova, CTO, Webgrrls International/Cybergrrl Inc. and Founder of DigitalWoman.com, and Edith Yeung, Founder & Executive Producer of BizTechDay.

When:
Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 6pm

Where:
Samsung Experience, 10 Columbus Circle 3fl
New York, NY 10019

Friends of Smallbiztechnology.com can get a $15 discount off the regular $25 registration fee by using code smallbiztechnology when registering.

For details and to register: http://www.biztechday.com/social-buzz-in-new-york/

How to Access Files at the Office - Even When You're Away

Remote office access lets you log on to a computer or server from a separate location and use it as if you were actually on-site. Many businesses now rely on the ability to give employees remote office access, whether it’s for mobile workers, as a response to the increased price of commuting or the need for flexible work schedules.

There are two main categories of remote access: remote desktop connection and virtual private networks (VPN). Each one of these types of remote access has its own merits and even some challenges.

Remote Desktop Connection

In simple terms, “remote desktop” refers to the ability to access your computer from another remote computer. You can either do this using Microsoft’s Remote Desktop (a standard feature of Windows XP Professional that can connect you to another XP Professional machine), or through Web-based services such as GoToMyPC and LogMeIn, or you can use one of the most popular features of Microsoft Small Business Server, Remote Web Workplace, which provides free remote access to all designated employees via a secure web site.

Remote desktop offers quick, easy and inexpensive access that, if set up correctly, requires nothing more than Internet service no matter where you are. The downside to using remote desktop is that only one person at a time can access the remote machine, and it requires someone who is tech savvy to complete the initial set up.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN emulates a direct, secure point-to-point connection, allowing data to be securely transmitted across unsecured public or private networks. Because a VPN is secure, it eliminates the need for pricey point-to-point options such as leased lines and dial-up connections. The remote office or computer naturally becomes part of the network. Additionally, a VPN allows for the sharing of network resources such as printers, servers, files and databases.

On the minus side, a VPN can be difficult to set up and requires a high degree of technical skills in the area of public network security. Additional software for the VPN client must be installed on remote computers. Finally, the performance of some applications, such as QuickBooks, suffers over a VPN connection.

Tech Support Cheat Sheet

LifeHacker, the blog devotes to software, the Internet and all around "life hacks" gives away all of our Tech Support troubleshooting secrets in this one post. Could it be time to throw in the towel?

http://lifehacker.com/5344702/tech-support-cheat-sheet-reveals-the-secrets-of-troubleshooting