Archive for May, 2008

Does My Company Need Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting offers many benefits to a business wishing to expand their operations or make themselves accessible to their customers online. By having an online presence, a business can increase their exposure to a local, national, or worldwide audience.

Nevertheless, a business that has a website is a business that can accomplish a lot more because they are allowing customers to learn more about them and gain wider access to what it is they have to offer.

There are several definitions that describe what managed hosting is. The service that is provided really depends on the needs of the business and how they handle their managed hosting. These definitions are:
A single website hosted on a web server that is supported by a managed hosting provider.

A service in which the dedicated server is managed for the business by a managed service provider.

Managed hosting manages and maintains the dedicated server.

Managed hosting is performed by a web host in addition to providing many services for the dedicated servers that they provide.

The business doesn’t have their own dedicated server, but they are using the servers that belong to the host, which means the host is maintaining shared-servers. However, the business still maintains the privacy of its website although the servers are shared and receives all of the benefits they would have and possibly more than if they had their own dedicated server.

It is easy to see that there are many different forms of managed hosting. Depending on the needs of the business the MSP provides services to, different services can be provided. Not every business has the money to hire IT professionals and train them or train existing employees to take care of their web hosting. That is why it is feasible to outsource the jobs to managed hosting. It is actually cheaper to outsource because there is a fixed monthly rate in which the company pays that usually does not add up to the monthly salary of a single employee.

What this does is maximize profit and allows the business to focus on their customers satisfaction rather than having to spend time managing the website. If a business only had time to manage their website, they would not have time to serve their customers. In the end, there would be little impact on person-to-person sales. The idea is for the website to enhance both person-to-person sales and Internet sales, if applicable.

Other benefits

There are many more benefits of managed hosting such as security and up-time. It is very important that the website stay secure so that people with malicious intentions are unable to disrupt business on your website. Malicious activity can result in many hours of trying to bring the website back up and this also results in down-time. There is nothing more aggravating than going to a website with poor up-time either because of security breaches or issues with the server.

Managed hosting performs continuous security scans and also continually checks for issues that may interfere with the sites up-time. That is why many websites that are managed by managed hosting have 100% up-time.

So if you are not sure whether or not you need managed hosting, ask yourself these 5 questions:

How would my business benefit from a website?
Does my business have the money to operate and maintain a website?
Do I have the manpower to continually monitor a website?
Do I have the money to hire and train additional employees?
How much would managed hosting cost me compared to doing it on our own?

Asking yourself these questions will put you on the road to finding the best solution for your business.

Fully Managed Hosting with complete end-to-end management of your mission-critical data will help your business achieve more up time culminating in greater revenues and success. http://www.fusepoint.com


Removal of Trojan Viruses in Four Quick Steps

If the removal of Trojan viruses has become a must for you, this article can help. Trojans are among the trickiest viruses to rid of because they disguise themselves, usually through the form of spyware or adware. The fact that they are hidden makes them both invisible (or unreachable) to most general virus scan programs and forces you to seek a more extensive anti spyware software to do the job.

If you have decided to do the job yourself or you are considering a free product, take the time to understand the consequences. If you are well-versed in the art of executable files, you may be fine for do it yourself removal, but then again, who has the time?

If you are looking at free products, be sure to carefully analyze the EULA (End User License Agreement) as you are often accepting terms that allow more spyware and adware to be fed to your computer (including pop-up generators). This means that free is not really free if you are a walking ad target.

Some of the symptoms indicating the need for the removal of Trojan viruses include:

1. Files opening randomly
2. Slow, crashing, or freezing computer problems are commonplace
3. You are sent to websites not requested
4. Your default homepage is replaced by an off-color site (sometimes adult sites)
5. Autoload Toolbars are placed on your PC and pop-ups are evident
6. Mouse cursor leaves a trail or the right and left buttons are reversed
7. Navigation buttons start to disappear on your computer
8. Your computer powers down by itself and sometimes reboots
9. Alt + Control + Delete is not operational
10. Your internet went on vacation

Whether or not you think you have the need for the removal of Trojan viruses, it is a smart plan to keep a quality spyware, adware and malware removal plan throughout the year. This article will cover the steps necessary to get you fixed and running great again.

Step One: Form a List of Problems you Have Noticed on Your PC

This creates a pre-measure of problems so that you can compare results once fully repaired. Keep in mind that one software is not a miracle cure for all computer problems, but one quality repair utility can fix many of the threats that are creating problems for you.

Write down anything that seems suspect to you. If you have a slow computer, write down detail about when it is the slowest, what changes you have made to the site recently, and the time it takes to navigate around places on the computer. You can then test it against the results from the repair.

Step Two: Make Use of a Free Scanning Option in a Solid Anti Spyware Software

Do not get too overwhelmed about what to look for in a quality product to do this step. Some tips will be offered momentarily. There are a dozen really great products that are similar in repair functionality and features that can be used. The goal is effectiveness and for the removal of Trojan viruses you just need a product that can perform decently in a couple key feature areas.

So, What Features are Vital?

As you are making the decision of which spyware utility to use, find one that is extremely easy to understand (so you can jump right on using it), one that offers extensive help files (either local or online), one with a large definitions (solutions) database, and research Google or other search engines by name and make sure you find almost all positive and very little negative about the product.

Step Three: If Errors are Detected Purchase the Full Edition of the Same Software

Once you come up with the software you will use for the free scan, that same software will offer a full version option once errors are detected. The repair portion of the process is quick (seconds). A results page will be yielded that will show the threat type, severity level, and will offer details about the threat if a quality product.

Again, you could probably use the software as part of your maintenance plan even if tons of errors are not located this time around. You can make the choice if the time is right for you. The same software that can perform the removal of Trojan viruses can also remove others forms of spyware, adware, malware, keyloggers, worms, pop-ups, and other infections and threats that lodge into your computer. It is a good practice to run a repair utility at least once a week to keep problems at a minimum.

Do not be too concerned about getting real time protection. The problem with many products that contain real time is that they load your system down with the memory and involuntary function times. In other words, they slow your computer on their schedule and not yours which might be a bad time for you to experience slowdowns. They also have a tendency to not play well with other programs on your PC.

Your focus should be on finding software with an extensive definitions database of at least 250,000 files which can find and eliminate issues for you from the first repair.

After finishing the removal of Trojan viruses, adware, spwyare, malware and other problems, take the time to restart your PC to allow the changes to take place. You can then test you new results against your initial list. Remember that it is not common for one software program to eliminate all of the problems, especially with the very first repair. Threats are going problem and persistence is vital to maintaining your system. Still, you should see a noticeable difference of both speed and performance.

If problems continue, it may be wise to download the power suite of software types to your arsenal of protection. This includes a solid registry repair product, a well-versed general virus scan, all in addition to the anti spyware as mentioned above. If one software product makes a notable difference, imagine what three levels of protection and repair will do?

The removal of Trojan viruses is easy with the proper product and process.

For reviews of products to complete the removal of Trojans, see http://www.trojan-remover-tips.com/best-trojan-removal-software.htm to see reviews of three top products. For product information or for a free scan of our top pick of 19 products that we tested, visit http://www.xoftspyse-facts.com


Computer Problem Tips – Should You Install and Use a Firewall Program?

Hmmm…That would a be a “YEAH”. Let me tell you a story…

I got the call late Friday afternoon. I’ll call them “Momma Fran” and “Poppa Fred”, a retired couple. I had built a computer for them and installed it the past Wednesday. Gosh, I hoped everything was okay with it.

The computer was fine. But it seemed the “Cable Guy” had come to hook-up their Internet service and some thingy called a “firewall?” kept popping up and prevented him from completing the setup.

I told them all the guy had to do was to “ok” the alerts or turn the firewall off all together. They said he had already left and told them they didn’t really need a firewall.

I drove out to their house that evening and tried setting the firewall so it would let the cable company’s software pass thru unmolested. But since it was half-way installed it wouldn’t work. I told them I had done all I could at the time.

The “cable guy” came back on Monday and still couldn’t finish the job because of the “firewall” thingy. I went back out. They wanted to know what was a firewall? And why did they need one when the “cable guy” said their Internet service included anti-virus protection?

What is a firewall, anyway?

A firewall can be either a hardware or software defense device. It acts as a “protective barrier” between the sensitive information on your computer and the professional data thieves out on the Internet.

A firewall that is a hardware device is the most secure. The most common hardware firewalls are inside routers for high speed Internet connections (DSL phone lines or Broadband cable lines).

Think of routers as “baby” computers that can redirect or manipulate harmful Internet traffic away from your machine. Routers can also “hide” your computer or home network away from the prying eyes of robotic programs which is constantly roaming the Net looking for open or weak systems to break into.

A software firewall application is slightly less secure than a router because with any software program it can be compromised. But for most home or small office users, it is strong enough to keep the bad guys out of your PC. My favorite is Zonealarm.

Why do you need a firewall?

Like I mentioned, the world now has international “teams” or “crews” of organized professional data thieves and hackers. They make their living writing programs that hack (break and enter) unsuspecting people’s computers to steal passwords, financial information, pictures and other personal stuff to either use themselves for spam or identify theft or to sell on the black market.

A firewall also can prevent the download of malware (malicious software) like “porn pop-ups”, Trojan Horses, viruses, and spyware from infected websites.

Who needs a firewall?

Okay, here is the unvarnished truth…If you have a DSL or Broadband connection, then you should using some type of firewall. You are using high speed hook-up, unless your computer is turned off, it is ALWAYS open to attack from someone or something from on the Net.

Especially if you routinely visit the “3 Gs”: Gaming, Gambling, and Girlie sites (porn sites of either sex).These websites are in my experience have infected some of my clients with the worst kinds of viruses and spyware.

What can you do to protect yourself?

- Get a good quality firewall; either hardware or software.
- Turn on your firewall and keep it on and updated (if software)
- Stay away from the “3 Gs”: websites for gamers, gamblers and girlie peek-shows. In order to make a fast buck, more than a goodly number of these websites serve up all manner of malware to their customers.

Oh, yeah what happened to Momma Fran and Poppa Fred? In the end, I removed the firewall from their machine so the “cable guy” could finish their setup. They asked that it be left off because it was too confusing for them.

I told them without a firewall; it would be like them running naked through the bramble bushes, they would eventually get “caught” on something if they weren’t careful!

Got computer problems? Want to reduce your technology headaches? To find more helpful computer tips, visit http://www.fixcomputerproblemsguide.com From Chancer Reese – The Small Office Tech Diva.


Have Computer Video Games Any Educational Properties?

If we look at the video games with a view to find out if any of the games have any educational benefits, we find that amidst all the fancy graphics, the loud music and the outrageous plots are some interesting educational opportunities.

Due to the fact that some video games take a long time to complete, the endurance of the game players mental ability is tested. Patience, resilience and dedication are attributes needed in great amounts, especially to play the large role playing games. A programmers job is to devise a video game where whenever there is an action there is also a corresponding reaction. This activity in a game learns the player about the consequences of an action.

The gameplay terrain can be very large in size and although maps are sometimes provided the game player ideally must memorize a large part of the map in order to navigate around the game quickly. This activity is a great memory exercise. The player must also memorize certain tasks to help in accessing certain areas of the game.

Many video games encourage the player to explore new and unknown lands, some of which may seem quite scary and therefore a level of confidence and courage is needed to proceed. Also the players character usually has to interact with the other virtual or real life characters to find out critical game information. Sometimes the player needs to find another player online to complete a certain mission. This interaction teaches social and co-operational skills.

Strategic decisions constantly have to be made during gameplay, with the player always looking ahead to see what consequences the decisions will make. Strategic thinking in gameplay can be directly applied to real world situations. Along with decision making, and the ability to make smart and quick decisions, the gamer may also have to solve a variety of maths and English problems. Games can be purchased with an emphasis on problem solving tasks.

In todays modern games the amount of controls that need to be known in order to play the games is staggering. Sometimes many buttons of the controller may have to be pressed in an exact order to facilitate an action. This can greatly increase the players memory and hand eye coordination.

For younger children there are lots of video games that focus on these educational attributes of the games, with a selection of games designed to enhance schoolwork and support the curriculum.

Bryan Pilkington regularly teaches children and has an interest in how video games affect their daily lives. For more information go to http://www.eztips.info


The Are Many Options For File Recovery

Unfortunately, computers and hard drives are not infallible. There may come a time when you will need a file recovery system to help you to recover lost data.

The optimum time to think about how to recover files would be before they are lost, so you will be prepared. However, the thought does not normally come to mind until there is a need for data recovery services. It is possible, in a number of circumstances, to retrieve lost data.

In the case of file recovery, there are two common methods to retrieve your lost data. The first method consists of utilizing a data recovery software program. If you have lost data and are in the process of recovering it with this type of software, then the first step is to not go any further with the use of your computer.

This means to not surf the internet or even open an email. The reason to stop the computer usage is so you do not copy anything else to the disk space that had been used by the now deleted information. Use the recovery software as soon as possible, so it can hopefully find the deleted data.

The second option to recover files is easier to put in place. Backing up your data files and restoring deleted files is less risky in the long run. There is always the possibility of file corruption, if you’ve recovered a lost data file using software.

There is software on the market that will allow you to back up your files with ease on an ongoing basis. You can opt to backup your data hourly, daily or even weekly depending on the sensitivity of your files.

A backup usually takes only three minutes or so, and a single click afterwards is all you’ll need to backup data, time and time again. With the right software, you can also schedule automatic backups.

Real time synchronization is also within your grasp and will ensure that the files in your source folders are synchronized with the destination folder, and vice versa. This allows the latest version of any file to be restored immediately when a file is accidentally deleted.

Your software should be optimized with the very latest features on the market. This will include the ability to copy open and locked files, will have enhanced security, the highest FTP performance, the latest version of compression technology and dependable technical support.

Remember, we’re all human, and we’re going to delete the wrong file from time to time. When it comes to file recovery, you simply need to make sure that you have the mental awareness and recovery tools that can help you to reclaim your data quickly and efficiently.

The sooner you jump on the task of recovering the file, the more successful you’re likely to be. The best results happen when you stay abreast of the latest knowledge and techniques concerning your computer and its efficient operation.

Mike Selvon’s portal at http://datarecovery.jdkrecommends.org/ will expand your knowledge on file recovery. Visit us and leave a comment at our blog at http://www.mynicheportal.com/computer-electronics/ where a free gift awaits you.


Removing Computer Trojans in Three Quick and Effective Steps

Removing computer Trojans is not usually achieved easily through a standard anti virus program due to the sneaky way they attach themselves onto your computer. For this reason they are referred to as Trojans (like Trojan Horse). Once these parasites install on your PC, they can be incredibly difficult to remove without a quality repair utility.

Two of the most common ways which Trojans install on computers are through spyware and adware. Some of the virus programs can detect the files but most have a miserable time removing them.

Trojans can be noticed through a variety of symptoms. Below are some of the common ones:

1. Files opening on their own
2. Slow computer problems exist
3. You are directed to websites that you did not ask for
4. Your default homepage gets hijacked and is replaced with off-color sites
5. Pop-ups and autoload toolbars are automatically placed on your PC
6. Cursor leaves a trail
7. Buttons such as the Windows start button are invisible
8. Your computer shuts down on its own, or reboots at will
9. Alt + Control + Delete is not responding
10. Your web surfing is incredibly slow

Doing your own computer Trojan removals through the use of articles posted on the web (without software) is not advised if you are not confident about working with executable files. Trojan removal can be completed through the following steps without causing additional problems on your computer.

The Three Steps for the Removal of Computer Trojans:

Step One: Document All of the Problems that You Are Currently Experiencing

It is said that 95 percent of the cure is through knowing what the true problems are. By writing down all of the issues that you are currently experiencing, you will give yourself a baseline measure of how well your repair (later steps) addressed the problems you were experiencing.

If your computer is dragging, write down when slow computer problems are the worst for you. For example, if your computer is slowest while using the internet, write that down on your list. Get it all down on paper. You can start with the above symptom list.

Step Two: Complete a Free Scan with a Best Trojan Remover Software

There are a variety of great tools to remove computer Trojans effectively for you. The difference is only slight between the top quality products. The top products can perform well across many major categories.

When you are making a decision about software to complete the free scan through, choose products that are simple to comprehend, one that offers complete help files, software that provides a huge definitions (solutions) database, and look for solid reviews without a bunch of negative coverage on the internet.

Removal of Trojans, spyware, adware and malware begins with understand the current threats and levels of severity of those threats on your computer. You will then know if a repair is needed immediately.

Step Three: If Severe Threats are Found Invest in the Repair Function of the Software

The same software that scanned your computer can be utilized for repair of the system. The download and the scan take the longest in the process, which makes the cleaning of the computer Trojans the most uneventful but important part of the process.

Year round maintenance is recommended including a good anti spyware software, Windows registry software, and a good general virus scan. Between these three products, you will greatly reduce performance and security issues on your PC. It is a good practice to scan and repair your system at steady intervals (at least weekly). To remove spyware, adware, malware, and computer Trojans, look for a product with an extensive definitions database (as mentioned prior).

After the repair is complete, restart your computer to ensure that changes have taken place. After rebooting, review your initial list of problems against the changes that you notice on your computer after the repair. If errors still exist, do not hesitate to run the scan and repair again. It also could be good to look into a registry cleaner or general virus scan as added weapons (as mentioned prior). Your computer should be performing like new again after one or two repair rounds.

Daryl Moore specializes in reviews on anti spyware and adware software and writes straight forward reviews of top products at http://www.trojan-remover-tips.com/best-trojan-removal-software.htm Complete details on the top product reviewed, Xoftspyse, can be found at http://www.xoftspyse-facts.com


Four Important Features in the Best XP Spyware Remover Products

Are you looking for a good XP spyware remover but do not know where to start? By the end of this article you will know what features are important to have and why.

Spyware is nothing short of a pain because of the problems it causes. Whether you have slow computer problems, your PC is crashing or freezing, you have annoying pop-ups that will not go away, or you are being directed to websites that are not exactly tasteful, these are all symptoms showing that a good XP spyware remover may help.

It is always difficult as a consumer because it is hard to know which products to trust. The good news is that there are plenty of good software programs that can do the job for you. As long as you get a couple key features in the software, you can relax and let the software do its job.

What are the Four Key Features in the Best XP Spyware Remover Products?

Feature One: Easy to Download and Use

You can purchase the best software in the world but if you need to take a college course to use it, the product is worthless. Luckily many of the best products are extremely easy to use and have a logical flow to the interface.

Make sure that the user interface has option buttons that have an explanation of what they do and why. Sometimes you have to click on that option button and it will take you to another screen that will explain the feature in detail.

Feature Two: The Features Themselves

Some features to look for are automatic or manual file backup, scheduler options for scan frequency, an ignore list for files that you do not want touched, and tons of scan options. Some scan options should include spyware, adware, malware, keyloggers, worms, pop-up generators, Trojans, and general infections. Many also do a base scan of dangerous registry files.

Feature Three: Solid Help Files and Customer Support

This could be a non-issue for you since the best XP spyware remover software programs are simple and straight-forward. Still, it is good to have at least some solid and easy to understand help files attached to the software. Most will take you to an online url to get the help needed (which is common).

If you are a stickler for solid customer support, one thing you can do is send an email to the company and see how long it takes them to get back to you. Evaluate the speed of a return message and how professional and helpful they are. I do this for high end products all the time. I am not as concerned with software as long as the help files will answer my questions, unless if I am rating the company for a review.

Feature Four: Software Effectiveness

Simply put, if the XP spyware remover does not remove spyware and other threats, the product is a complete waste. Some products out there (highly publicized) create False Positives. In other words, the products detect problems on your PC that do not exist. Be sure to do your research before committing to such a product.

The most important concern is ridding of severe level threats and not just harmless cookies. A good XP spyware remover will find and remove such threats on the first scan and repair round. It starts with the software having a large definitions database which matches threats to solutions files in the database to detect and remove spyware and other threats.

Be sure to use the free scan feature before just purchasing software. If some severe level threats are detected it may be a good idea to purchase the repair function (full version) to remove the problems. It is always good to keep good spyware, Windows registry software, and a general virus scan on your computer year round. Just like putting oil in a car, computers need maintenance too.

The best XP spyware remover tools should only take 10-15 minutes for the entire download, scan, and repair process.

Daryl Moore specializes in reviews on anti spyware and adware software and writes straight forward reviews of top products at http://www.solutions-to-remove-spyware.com/best_anti_spyware.htm. Complete details on the top product reviewed, Xoftspyse, can be found at http://www.xoftspyse-facts.com.



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