November 5, 2009
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is an all-in-one server solution designed to help you keep your data more secure and your company more productive. It provides many of the features used by larger companies, such as e-mail, Internet connectivity, internal Web sites, remote access, support for mobile devices, file and printer sharing, backup, and restore—all at one affordable price.
Highlights
Connect to your business from anywhere. Boost your productivity and responsiveness whether you are out of the office, at home or on the road. Windows Small Business Server 2008 helps you stay plugged in and connected to your business.
Affordable, Integrated Solution
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is designed for small businesses. It is designed to work with existing technology, build on Microsoft best practices, and deliver a comprehensive network at an affordable price.
- Have virtually anytime, anywhere access to your business desktop, including e-mail, files, business applications, and more.
- Share resources and equipment, such as Internet access, printers, and fax machines, to get the most value from your technology investments.
- Enjoy compatibility and scalability. As your business needs change, Windows Small Business Server 2008 can change with you—easily add users, servers, and applications, or expand into other Microsoft technologies.
- Work more efficiently and add more value to your business with an integrated administrative console.
- Work confidently with a top performing network based on Windows Server 2008 technologies.
Protect Your Business Data
Windows Small Business Server 2008 helps protect your vital business information from loss, by backing up the data on your network and helping enable you to recover accidentally deleted files.
- Use antivirus and anti-spam protection to help protect your information from malicious attacks, viruses, and spam.
- Keep your computers and servers current and your network healthy and up to date with the latest updates.
- Get better control over your business and business information with daily and weekly reports alerting you on the health and security of your technology. A single administrative console gives you or your IT consultant a daily view of PCs and servers and makes it easier to manage common IT tasks.
- Get an at-a-glance snapshot of the security and health of your PCs and servers from a ‘green check’ report.
Grow Your Business Capacity
Windows Small Business Server 2008 gives you highly secure access to business contacts, calendars, e-mail, files, and other important desktop resources from any Internet-connected computer, virtually anywhere at any time, so you can be productive while you’re away from the office or on the road.
- Improve your day-to-day efficiency by using a central repository for storing and sharing information.
- Connect with customers, vendors, and suppliers easily and professionally, with access to contacts, appointments, and files from any Internet-connected computer or a Windows Mobile–powered smartphone, so you can be responsive even when you are away from the office.
- Create a bigger business presence with online marketing tools from Microsoft Office Live Services Small Business*, so you can differentiate your business and present a more professional image to your customers.
October 14, 2009
For those of you not on our ODS Vital or other support plans, you need to make sure you have the right protection on your system. This will avoid expensive repair costs and possible data loss. I’m not going to dwell on that, I think if you’re already a client you’ve probably heard the importance of having it. As you might know we recommend the AVG line of products. I wanted to share with you that through AMRCON we have an offer of 30% off if you purchase directly through AVG. I can’t beat this price if you came into our office, so if you need the security upgrade or know you need to change over from another product, take advantage of this. If you think you would rather have a managed service through AMRCON and not have to worry about your security feel free to contact us. Either way I would rather have you protected and avoid costly repairs.
Click here for the full link: Save 30% on AVG Internet Security 9.0
Manufacturer Product Details:
AVG Internet Security 9.0 now contains an extra layer of security to protect you from identity theft as well as new and unknown malware. Your passwords, account information, credit card numbers, social security numbers and other valuables are safe from identity thieves.
- Includes Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Spam, Firewall and LinkScanner
- Real-time security while you surf and chat online
- Top-quality protection that does not slow your system down
- Free support and service around the clock and across the globe
AVG promises you security products that are tough on threats and easy on you. Here’s how we do it:
- Trusted protection
- Easy to use security software
- Award-winning technology
- Free service and support
And we keep it that way because you, our users, tell us if we get it wrong. Our community of users is active, supportive, and vocal. You’re our greatest asset, and we hope you’ll continue to secure your PC with AVG.
October 5, 2009
Spyware is the means through which hackers gain access to your computer and your private information. Spyware is defined as any software that covertly gathers user information through your Internet connection without your knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. It watches everything you do on the Internet and sends that information, including private e-mail, passwords, and credit card numbers to the hacker invisibly, without your knowledge. No matter how careful you are, regardless of what virus protection you buy, you will always be at risk without the proper anti-spyware tools to protect you. How do you know if you have been infected? If the Start page in your Web browser keeps changing by itself, if your computer starts crashing more often than usual, or if you have tried to uninstall unfamiliar programs only to find they are still there after you restart your computer, then you are infected.
Spyware can be pretty malicious. “Key loggers” watch your very keystroke and mouse click, then records your passwords, log-ons, and account numbers. You might think you don’t need to read this column because you’ve taken steps to protect yourself. Well, if you have all the most current antivirus software, have installed Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, and have a very powerful firewall to protect you, then you would be WRONG! The fact is that all of these items do absolutely nothing to protect your computer from spyware at all, leaving you completely vulnerable to attack. Also, you know all those updates that Microsoft Windows XP installs? None of them protect you from spyware writers, who exploit ways to transparently install spyware through your Internet Explorer browser. These programs can even prevent Service Pack 2 from installing correctly. Once these programs infect you, your computer becomes very slow, because all your computer processing power is eaten up by the spyware itself. Don’t allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security from any one anti-spyware program that claims to provide total protection – it doesn’t exist.
Spam is the most virulent form of abuse that any Internet user must endure. The problem is so common that most people find they are forced to change their e-mail address just to avoid getting junk email. Unfortunately, changing your e-mail is worse than changing your phone number because nobody knows how to contact you. Microsoft Outlook 2003 and Eudora 6 are two of the major programs that have the ability to filter incoming e-mail as messages are received. If a message is believed to be spam, the message is filtered to the spam folder for later review. Many mail servers running on UNIX machines run a program called Spam Assassin (www.spamassassin.org) which separates messages that contain potentially unsafe attachments, match keywords representing spam or rejects messages from known spamming addresses.
Internet phishing (pronounced “fishing”) is when a hacker sends you an e-mail falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise. The idea is to try to scam you into surrendering private information that will be used to steal your identity. This e-mail asks you to visit a Web site where you are asked to update your personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security number, and bank account numbers information that the legitimate organization already has. The scam is that this Web site is bogus and is set up only to steal your confidential information. You must be careful whenever you receive an email from what appears to be a trusted company. Hackers are very good at writing convincing letters that appear to be genuine. You must never ever click on a link in one of these e-mails, because even though it might look authentic, it almost always is not. It is very simple matter for a hyperlink to show one Web site and send you somewhere completely different when you click on it. These links are designed to take you to the hacker’s site. Don’t even cut and paste these links into your browser, because the hidden information in the URL takes you directly to the hacker instead of where you intended to go. When you need to go to a Web site, open a new browser window and type in the address by hand. That’s the only way you can be sure. So, if you somehow find yourself on a Web site and you just aren’t certain if it is from the hacker or not, what can you do? Well, here is a good tip. If the site asks you for personal information, just type in any random set of information. If the site says you have entered invalid information, then at least you have a good clue that it is most likely authentic. However, if the Web site lets you type in any random information and comes back to tell your information has been updated, then the site is almost certainly from a hacker designed to capture anyone’s information (no matter what they type).
Another telltale sign of phishing is when e-mails are not addressed to you specifically by name but instead say, “Dear Customer.” If an email doesn’t take the time to address you by name, something is wrong! When you receive an e-mail, ask yourself, “Why am I receiving this note?” If you are unsure, call the company directly and ask. Never assume an e-mail is authentic just because it looks like it came from a trusted company. Hackers easily spoof the “from” field of an e-mail to make it appear it is a legitimate correspondence. Never click on an attachment contained in an e-mail, because you never know what virus or spyware is lurking beneath the surface waiting to steal your private information and send it to the hacker world.
It is important when you go onto a Web site to make certain the page begins with https:// That “S” means “secure,” and, if it is not there, anything you input can be intercepted by a hacker. One of the nasty tricks hackers use when trying to redirect you to a fraudulent site is to mimic the URL of the trusted site. Hackers are very good at what they do. Sometimes you can take every precaution and still find yourself in trouble, not knowing if you are giving your information to a hacker. The best protection is your own vigilance. Don’t click, don’t open unless you feel confident about the sender.
September 3, 2009
AMRCON is embracing new ways to deliver pertinent information to customers. This post describes RSS and why this delivery method will be beneficial to you.
Hi all! My name is Mariano DiFabio, and Dee asked me to write the first guest post for his new blog newsletter. I was honored to do so.
I’ve been working with Dee now for about a year as part of the web development group, and he’s not only got a great team working with him, he knows how to effectively use his team to solve his customer’s problems. I’m happy I’m able to be a part of that.
What to write?
Today I’m writing to you about how you can subscribe to this new newsletter for AMRCON. It runs on an RSS feed that we’re tracking through Feedburner.
Now, before you go running in the other direction because I’m throwing tech jargon at you, don’t worry; this stuff isn’t hard to understand.
RSS
RSS is simply short for “Really Simple Syndication,” a standardized web feed format that is produced by regularly updated web sites such as blogs, and read by RSS readers, which could be integrated into your own email client. The feeds follow a certain set of rules in the way they’re constructed so that they can be universally interpreted by any feed reader and then displayed in the way you prefer. This site generates a few of these feeds, the most specific of which are the newsletter articles you’re reading today.
Feedburner
Feedburner is a service provided by Google which allows web site owners to track and more easily manage their feeds. It also integrates automated email alerts. Let’s say, for example, you have no idea what a feed reader is but you still want to be alerted whenever the content on the site changes. Feedburner gives us some code that allows us to display the “Subscription” box you see above on the top right side of the screen. Entering your email address there will allow us to send you an email whenever our site is updated.
So what are you waiting for?
I know Dee is really excited to be providing some quality content for his customers, and you should be too! If you are ready to subscribe and you have an RSS reader, click on the “Feed” link from the main navigation menu. If you want a more traditional delivery method, enter your email on the top right of the page and click “subscribe” (a new window will open asking you to verify that you’re sure you want to subscribe). Regardless of what you choose, it’s never been so easy to get all your managed services and technical support information from one source: AMRCON.
Resources
September 3, 2009
Don’t keep it a secret. As a premier partner AMRCON has been using all of the current Dell specials to benefit our clients. It might be a good idea to do now what you would normally put off till tomorrow. We have access to some really good benefits and perks through Dell right now for the month of September. Including the latest line of Dell Servers that were just released. We urge anyone looking, thinking or on the fence with when to upgrade or purchase, to think sooner than later. The current promotions will not last much longer since Dell usually has their big number push the last quarter of the year, that will mean less of a deal.
AMRCON is a certified Microsoft shop and certified for Small Business Server or SBS. We’ve been deploying some pretty rewarding solutions to our clients in the past few months with the new Small Business Server 2008 and the new line of Dell Servers. We’ve been able to reduce the normal cost of the hardware and guarantee a fixed cost for the implementation since we’re very versed with the technical intricacies. This means you receive the latest in technology at a great savings.
What are the benefits besides cost? What are the real benefits of Small Business Server 2008 and AMRCON providing the professional services to implement. First let me start by saying AMRCON has a documented track record of providing leading edge technology solutions across the board. In the last few years we’ve paid specific attention to SBS installations. The benefits are many. Lets start with the global view and provide you with a few additional links for further information.
Key benefits most important to our clients that do not have an SBS server
- Integrated Exchange Server to host your own email internally – Comprehensive all-in-one server solution
- Stay connected to your customers, vendors, and suppliers through PDA access as well as web access
- Store your data centrally, more efficiently
- Stay safe with Anti-spam & antivirus integration
- Integrated technologies such as faxing from your PC
Key Benefits we’ve found most important to our clients that already have an SBS server
- SBS 2008 now allows a 2nd server to act as a Backup Active Directory Replication Server
- Easier migration from older versions of SBS
- More end user capacity, better multi site integration
- Better management console, better integration of remote admin tools
Add this solid solution to your business and see immediate benefits to your bottom line, efficiency, and productivity. Allow AMRCON to provide an ODS solution for on going maintenance/support and keep it running at maximum efficiency. Your end users, clients and vendors will wonder how you’ve made such improvements to your operations so quickly. Give AMRCON a call to find out more or for a free consultation.
Resources
September 3, 2009
As many of our clients may know AMRCON has several ways of initiating a service call or trouble ticket. If you are an ODS client please be sure to use our ticketing system by double clicking the AMRCON logo on the bottom right of your desktop. If you need assistance please let us know and we will be more than happy to show you how to use this feature. Trouble tickets from our system are viewed in real-time by all AMRCON technical staff. If you don’t have access to the ODS system you have 2 options that are checked on the hour. 1) Call our support line and if required you may need to leave a message. At times we may receive more calls than usual, which means a longer response time, but still guaranteed within our stated agreement SLA 2) you can always send an email to support@amrcon.com. Again this method is viewed by all AMRCON technical staff but may still require some time to respond depending on our ticket volume. An emergency call can always be initiated by pressing “9” during our phone announcements. The on-call tech will pickup.
ODS Clients:
Look for this logo in the bottom right hand corner of your screen 
Please note the easiest and most efficient way of requesting support is through our ticketing system. Since even a phone call must begin with a ticket to receive support services, it’s much easier for both parties to double click the ODS icon that looks like the icon above. This will initiate a web browser to open and automatically log into our systems with your desktop credentials. From here it’s quite easy, simply click on the New Ticket button in the left navigation toolbar. In this window you will notice there are many other options depending on your security clearance. Clients can also manage projects, invoices, proposals, additional users and many other features. If you would like to find out more information about becoming an ODS client contact our main office.
Break/Fix & Project Clients:
Fortunately our process for even non-agreement or break/fix and Project clients is very similar. Although we can not offer a guaranteed SLA , we do use the ticketing system for all support related responses. You will need to call our support desk directly at 732-705-5057 and select option 2 for the next available techician. Even these break/fix or project tickets are tracked and reported back to the end use of their status. There will be several options that will not be available unless you are an ODS client, however you will find great benefit over any other service provider by allowing us to introduce you to our advanced systems.
Not an ODS client yet?
Ask us about a free trial and network audit by calling Brenda 732-705-5057 and select option 3 to speak with Brenda, or you can email bpoyssick@amrcon.com.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is an all-in-one server solution designed to help you keep your data more secure and your company more productive. It provides many of the features used by larger companies, such as e-mail, Internet connectivity, internal Web sites, remote access, support for mobile devices, file and printer sharing, backup, and restore—all at one affordable price.
24x7 Monitoring and Self Healing
Vendor management and liaison services.
Helpdesk and Onsite Support.
Security, Back up and Disaster recovery.
