As you may have noticed, even the fastest computers tend to get slower as they age. These performance issues could be because either the hardware is no longer sufficient for the programs now running on it, or because it needs a little maintenance. Here are a few steps you can take to help speed up your system. Continue reading
Tag: Microsoft
Easy Steps to Increase your Computer’s Performance
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/04/windows/easy-steps-to-increase-your-computers-performance/
Tech Update 2012 – FREE Event on Wednesday May 2, 2012
IT Pro Tech Update 2012
On Wednesday May 2nd 2012, the IT-Pro User Group is hosting Tech Update 2012 an all day FREE event. Come join us for this FREE event and discover the next phase of Information Technology as we discuss Windows 8 in the business environment, Virtualization, Security, Interoperability, and Systems Management. Here is your chance to learn what the impact of Windows 8 server and desktop will have and how you can leverage them to your advantage. We all know that Virtualization is huge but are you sure your virtual machines are secure enough? Will Windows 8 make a difference in the Virtual world? How does virtualization in the cloud work? Come learn the answers to these questions and more from some of the top experts in these fields.
This is a multi-session, multi-track event so it will draw a crowd of the right people. These are primarily IT Professionals in southern New England that are interested in advancing their knowledge and use of system management, virtualization, and cloud computing in an effort to know how to move their companies forward.
Open Wi-Fi and power will be available at seats.
Register for this event online:
http://www.IT-Pro.org/event2012
Event Type: Tech Fest
Location:
1408 Division Rd.
East Greenwich, RI, 02818
Best for: Developer and IT Pro and Public Sector and Student.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/04/uncategorized/tech-update-2012-free-event-on-wednesday-may-2-2012/
Learning Tools & Resources from Microsoft
On many occasions I have had people ask me “Where can I learn about Microsoft’s product X”, or “Is there anywhere I can go to get free training”. Well, here is a list of just a few of the resources Microsoft provides to us all so we can get educated and try out many software titles before making an investment.
Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/04/learning-resources/learning-tools-resources-from-microsoft-2/
IT Security is Like an Onion – IT Security Basics – Part 3: End-User Security
In Parts 1 and 2 I discussed securing your network perimeter and server environment. But as I said in the beginning, IT security is like an onion. Let’s take a look at the 3rd layer of that onion… securing your end-user environment. Again, this is not meant to be a complete list, but instead a starting point to help you think through your own IT security strategy. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/04/it-security/it-security-is-like-an-onion-it-security-basics-part-3-end-user-security/
IT Security is Like an Onion – IT Security Basics – Part 2: Server Security
In Part 1 I discussed securing your network perimeter. But as I said in the beginning, IT security is like an onion. Let’s take a look at the next layer of that onion… securing your server environment. Again, this is not meant to be a complete list, but instead a starting point to help you think through your own IT security strategy. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/03/it-security/it-security-is-like-an-onion-it-security-basics-part-2-server-security/
IT Security is Like an Onion – IT Security Basics – Part 1: Perimeter Security
In this day and age, every organization should have a good firewall at the perimeter of their network. There are firewalls all over the spectrum and many good options for businesses small and large. For small businesses there are great firewall units designed for the SMB market from companies like Cisco, Sonicwall, and Astaro. For medium to enterprise size organizations, or if you just want that extra capacity, there are some really fantastic devices from Cisco, Fortinet, and Astaro that should give you the functionality and flexibility you need. Regardless of the manufacturer, there are key components which are critical to your network’s security. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/03/it-security/it-security-is-like-an-onion-it-security-basics-part-1-perimeter-security/
Cloud Computing: Why Go to the Cloud?
What is Cloud Computing?
There are many definitions as to what constitutes “Cloud Computing”. Some organizations say that server failover clustering is a requirement. Others say that metered services are required. At its core, cloud computing simply means that these products/services are hosted on the web and you pay for what you use (to varying degrees). Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/03/cloud-computing/cloud-computing-why-go-to-the-cloud/
When is a computer too old? The Cloud may be changing how we think about this.
When is a computer too old? This question is getting harder and harder to answer. Traditional PC lifecycle thinking says that a PC is efficient to use up to 4 years old, and no longer cost effective to use beyond 5 years old. This is because the cost of maintaining the system is greater than the value of this old PC or laptop. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/02/cloud-computing/when-is-a-computer-too-old-the-cloud-may-be-changing-how-we-think-about-this/
Video: Microsoft’s Updated SkyDrive will be Integrated into Windows 8
Microsoft has announced an update to their popular cloud storage system SkyDrive (part of the Microsoft Live.com family of free cloud services). With this update SkyDrive will essentially be part of the Windows 8 metro style interface. There will also be integration to allow access to your SkyDrive from the Windows Explorer window in Windows 8. This will make it as easy to access your SkyDrive as is your My Documents folder. Continue reading
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/02/cloud-computing/video-microsofts-updated-skydrive-will-be-integrated-into-windows-8/
Closing a Crashed or Hung Application using the Windows Task Manager
Regardless of how much time and money software companies put into writing their programs, we still have application crashes. An application crash is when a program or part of the operating system ceases to function properly. Preventing application crashes is usually difficult since the only way to permanently ensure you never get a crash again is to fix the bug in the software. We may not be able to prevent these crashes from happening but dealing with a crashed application, in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008, is easier to deal with than many realize.Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/02/windows/windows-7/closing-a-crashed-or-hung-application-with-windows-task-manager/
How to Combat the Feared Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
Sometimes called the Windows Bluescreen, the Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can really be quite scary. If you are getting a BSOD as soon as Windows loads, or just after you login, then there may be a startup program or service that is causing the problem. This is an issue that haunts us all from time to time. Hopefully after reading this, it will be a little less scary. This post will show you a few methods for combatting a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This process will work with either Windows XP, Windows Vista, or in Windows 7.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2012/02/windows/how-to-combat-the-feared-blue-screen-of-death-bsod/
Will Cloud Computing Be Getting More Affordable?
If you haven’t read it yet, check out Microsoft’s recent white paper on the economics of cloud computing. How do you reduce your IT infrastructure costs by 80%? Well Microsoft thinks that one day cloud could be that cost effective! Microsoft released a new white paper in November called The Economics of the Cloud which describes in detail how the cloud could become so inexpensive (compared to traditional infrastructure) that may not consider anything else. Microsoft looks at a vast array of factors from cost saving per server as larger datacenters get larger, to making physical host servers more efficient by analyzing the time of day each client virtual machine is most highly utilized. View Microsoft’s white paper at: Technet Blogs
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2011/12/cloud-computing/will-cloud-computing-be-getting-more-affordable/
Microsoft’s Replacement for BPOS: Microsoft Office 365
What Is Office365?
Office365 is an integrated cloud solution for hosted Exchange email, hosted SharePoint, and hosted Lync. It is not, however, the next version of Microsoft Office. This service is an upgrade to Microsoft’s existing BPOS (Business Productivity Online Suite) cloud offering. In addition, this service offers several new packages which should be attractive to both very small businesses and large enterprises alike.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.robertborges.us/2011/04/cloud-computing/microsofts-replacement-for-bpos-microsoft-office-365/