Archive for March, 2010

Don’t Rush Into Using Your New Computer

The excitement of getting a new computer can feel like opening gifts on Christmas morning.  Most of us are in a hurry to open our new tech toys and start them up.  Experts at WingSwept want to remind you to slow down and not rush to use a new computer before taking some preliminary steps that will save you time later on if something happens. 

 

First, make sure the computer will be located in a practical place.  Open the box and save the papers as well as the box itself in case there’s a problem and the computer needs to be returned or exchanged.  Take all those important disks and papers out and put them in a safe place after the computer is set up.  Set up the computer according to the instructions and make certain you plug everything into a surge protector or a UPS.

 

Turn your new computer on, but don’t skip over essential steps such as the setup wizard and registration information.  Don’t skip over these steps as they are essential to making sure your computer is configured properly and its warranty is in place. 

 

The last thing to do before you can start surfing the net is to install an anti-virus program.  The last thing you want to do is get a virus and break your new toy before you really get to use it.

Tags: , , , , ,

Follow these steps and Improve Your PC’s Health

Although there is no definitive answer to the life span of desktop PC, WingSwept wants to provide you with some definite ways to increase your PCs performance and help extends its life.

Emptying Temporary Internet Files periodically will help your PC’s overall health as well. The Temporary Internet Files (or cache) folder contains Web page content that is stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. To delete the files in the Temporary Internet Files folder, follow these steps:

1. Quit Internet Explorer and quit any instances of Windows Explorer.
2. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Internet Options.
3. On the General tab, click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files.

We suggest monthly defragmenting of the hard drive. Do this by going to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Make sure to have at least 15% of your hard drive as free space.

Another way to keep your PC healthy is to protect it from threats. Is your anti-virus software up-to-date? Certain viruses can not only slow down your computer, but can stop it dead in its tracks. Please let us know if WingSwept’s team can assist you with this.

Our technicians can help you with these and other issues to extend the life of your PC equipment, keeping more of your money where it belongs…in your wallet.

Online Computer Safety Tips for Young Children by Norton

Attention, WingSwept would like to encourage readers to follow these online safety tips, which will hopefully reduce the risk of falling victim of cybercrime especially among children and families.  This information was brought to you by Norton.

Hot tip: Teach the youngest children never to share passwords, even with their best friend! We’re seeing account theft (a junior version of identity theft) happen to kindergartners.
Key Recommendations:

  • Limit approved Web sites and hours spent online.
  • Set high security settings with browsers, membership,and social networking sites.
  • Install and maintain Internet security software and parental controls.
  • Use parental controls to limit the Web sites your child can visit.
  • Monitor your child’s computer use and sit with them when they’re online
  • Talk about protecting private information (name, phone number,etc.) and never sharing passwords with friends.
  • Start having “The Talk” as part of your regular “Back to School” preparations

Entire Safety Guide available: http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/home_homeoffice/media/theme/parentresources/14550777_FOSG_final.pdf

Tags: , , , , ,

Most Confusing Tech Buzzwords

View this slideshow on the “Most Confusing Tech Buzzwords” : Click here!

Get rid of your office clutter! Free Drop Off on April 17

Did you know that improperly throwing away technology equipment pollutes landfills? With Earth Day just around the corner, think about what old and unused technology equipment you have laying around your house or office.  Most likely that equipment is getting in your way and taking up space.  As a service to the community, WingSwept and its supporting partners are holding the second annual Technology Spring Clean in a couple of weeks at 951 Heather Park Drive, Garner, NC 27529.  It is a FREE drop-off recycling event occurring on April 17 from 10 am – 4 pm.  It couldn’t get much easier! Get more details here: www.wingswept.com/recycle

Tags: , , , , ,

WingSwept President Wins Triangle Top Entrepreneur Award & Citizen Choice Award

Jay Strickland, WingSwept CEO and a valued asset to the local business community, was newly awarded Triangle Top 50 Entrepreneur Award by Business Leader Media and Citizen Choice Award for Business by The Garner Citizen.  He was chosen for both based on his leadership skills and his overall impact as a citizen and professional.

 

Business Leader Media hosted the event on Friday, February 26, 2010 and gave recognition to 50 Triangle business owners who are successful risk-takers that transform businesses.  Jay is viewed by his staff and peers as a strategic and innovative business leader.  As the founder of the local IT company, many perceive WingSwept’s success as a tribute to Jay, but he does just the opposite.

 

“The people that make up WingSwept deserve praise for their ability to keep the company running smoothly.  It is through the team’s expertise and interactions with the community and customers that promotes what WingSwept truly is about,” says Jay Strickland, award recipient.  “These honors are only possible through their hard work.”  

 

Along with the other Citizen Choice honorees, WingSwept president Jay Strickland was honored at the Garner Citizen breakfast on the morning of March 10.  Citizen Choice Awards recognizes people and entities who exemplify what it means to be a Garner citizen by encouraging community growth and demonstrating a commitment to Garner by fostering community activism and pride through leadership, innovation, vision and citizenship. 

 

Jay possesses leadership positions in multiple professional organizations, including the Garner Rotary Club and Garner Chamber of Commerce.  Interacting with other professionals, whether in community organizations or peer groups, is one way Jay utilizes his time.

 

Without the WingSwept staff, Jay wouldn’t have the capacity to participate in the organizations that fuel his ingenuity.  WingSwept continually delivers top of the line IT services to businesses that are in need minimal downtime and secure data, while also staying active in the community and local events.

Tags: , , , ,

WingSwept Partner News – SonicWall, Inc. Wins Award

“SonicWALL, Inc. , a leading secure network infrastructure company, has been recognized with SC Magazine’s 2010 Reader Trust Award as the company with the Best Policy Management Solution. … SonicWALL was also a finalist in five other categories including: Best Enterprise Firewall, Best Integrated Security Solution, Best Intrusion Detection/Prevention Solution, Best IPsec/SSL VPN, and the Best Enterprise Security Solution.  The annual SC Awards highlight and showcase the best solutions, services and professionals while recognizing achievement and technical excellence in the information security industry.”

SonicWall is just one example of the cutting-edge technology that WingSwept leverages.   View some more of our leading industry partners, here.

Tags: , , , ,

Microsoft Outlook Email Tip – 2 Minute Delay

WingSwept is a local IT consulting company helping small to medium sized businesses leverage technology, minimize downtime, and secure business.  WingSwept has been delivering peace of mind since 1995, and focuses on businesses in Garner, surrounding areas in North Carolina, and provides certain services nationwide.

If you want to be able to hit “send” but have the email stay in your outbox for a time, use the following rule. When it is in your outbox, you are able to re-open it and make changes without using the Recall feature!

 

  1. In Outlook, go to the Tools menu Rules and Alerts
  2. Click on New Rule
  3. Click Start From a Blank Rule
  4. Highlight Check Messages After Sending, then click Next
  5. Do not select any checkboxes showing, then click Next
  6. Answer Yes to dialog box asking if this applies to all messages
  7. Select the last checkbox – Defer delivery by X minutes
  8. Under Step 2 that now shows, click on minutes
  9. Edit number of minutes you would like the delay to last (suggested delay 2 minutes), Click OK and Next
  10. Decide if you want an exception – Some use “Importance” to have emails go immediately  
  11. Name your rule and click Finish! You can now go grab and delete from out Outbox for 2 minutes if you realize you didn’t mean to send a certain email

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,