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Saturday, October 04, 2008 - RB Balch - PC Tips Newsletter - OCT08 - Plan Before You Move

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, OCTOBER 08 – PLAN BEFORE YOU MOVE ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ==================================================================== OCTOBER SPECIAL. Is spam driving you nuts?  Are you - and others in your office “clicking” on links in emails because they look real?  Don’t click!  And...consider installing spam filtering software on each PC or on your server.  The initial investment will save you $100’s - if not $1,000s later if you get infected.  $50 your next appointment when we setup additional spam filtering for you.  We take protecting you seriously - and want to help you keep your costs down.  FOR SPAM, preventative measures work. WIN XP PRO. REMINDER.  WINDOWS XP PRO is still available on new business model computers from Dell.  We are a registered Dell business partner; let us help you order your new/replacement PCs.  Consider replacement starting at 4 years +. Our equipment pricing is same as you see from Dell; we do not mark up computers/servers.  Our business is providing on-site IT Service. MOVING?  Let us help you plan your move.  Moving can be nightmare...Let us help you plan your move so you can have a smooth transition. Ask for one of our Technical Move Specialists. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: Plan Before You Move By: ROCHELLE BALCH, RB BALCH (updated from last years’ popular move article) We’re in the busy season for moving offices.  Business owners are scrutinizing expenses, reviewing lease agreements, considering expansion (in some cases reducing space), and getting new offices for the first time.  Even with all the talk of the state of the economy, there are many people moving forward and expanding. The most important thing with a move is the pre-planning.  When you move your home, if there are “glitches” you deal with it - no big deal.  But, for an office move, when there are “glitches” if affects your entire office - and your ability to run the office - and thus, your ability to generate income. Plan, plan, plan.   TIPS FOR PLANNING AN OFFICE MOVE   The new location - physically check out the new space: - Is there network cabling? -- Are there enough network jacks? -- Are the network jacks in the right places? -- Is there a spot for the internet connection equipment (patch panel, router, switch)? - Is there a server involved? -- Is there a secure server room? -- Is there a patch panel? -- Is there adequate air flow (air conditioning) in the server area? -- Is there electrical in each room? -- Are there adequate (and then some) electrical outlets? - Has there been an internet connection prior to this suite? --Who did they use? --What are your options? --What is the lead time for internet activation? --What is your backup plan if internet is not in as expected? - Is there a phone system -- Cabling for phone?   Your current location - Identify what will be moved -- How will you box and identify equipment? - Identify what will stay - Identify what will be replaced - When will services be turned off? - Identify movers Prior to move - contact and confirm with all vendors.  Re-confirm with all vendors.  Repeat this step a few times. If possible, request the phone and internet to be on a few days before your move; you can then test the lines and be ready to setup and work when you move in. Day of your move - Re-confirm with vendors - Confirm internet and phones are working - Confirm electrical is working - Setup desks - Setup computers *** OK...SEVERAL STEPS involved day of move Many times – many, many, many times – we’ve gone to move a client into an office only to discover that the connections are not live, there are no electrical outlets in the offices, or that the equipment from the vendor is not there.  Stay on top of vendors to ensure on time installation. And then have a backup plan. AND OF COURSE, we can assist you with your entire move plan.  Let us reduce your moving day stress.  Contact us and setup an appointment with one of our experienced Technical Move Specialists.  A planned moved, a smooth move will cost you less money - and get you up and running much faster. Let us help. Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert   MONTH:  OCTOBER Birthstone: Opal, Tourmaline, Pink Sapphire  Meaning:  Hope October has two birthstones - OPAL and Pink TOURMALINE. The name opal is derived from the Sanskrit word "upala," as well as the Latin "opalus," meaning "precious stone” and the Greek word opallios - "to see a change of color.".  The opal is a soft stone, easily altered in appearance by changes in heat and pressure.  Opals are formed in near-surface volcanic rocks, within cavities and cracks.  Opals are famous for their play of colors - Yellows and reds betray the presence of iron oxides. The spectacular black opals that sometimes flash green, blue and red get their color from magnesium oxides and organic carbon within the stone. The principal source of opals is Australia, Mexico, and the United States. Other sources of opal are Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Japan and Ireland. The alternate birthstone for October is the TOURMALINE, a gemstone that exhibits the broadest spectrum of gemstone colors. Gem-quality forms of this mineral have in the past been misidentified as rubies, emeralds and sapphires.  A famous tourmaline - the size of a pigeon's egg - belonging to the Russian Empress Catherine the Great was long thought to be a ruby. The name of this gemstone is believed to derive from the Singhalese (Sri Lankan) word "toramalli," a term applied to yellow, green or brown stones, that means "something little out of the earth."  A valued bi-colored variety of tourmaline, found in Brazil, is called the "watermelon." The outer edges of the gem are green, transitioning to a transparent white zone that gives way to a pink or light red interior.   Tourmaline is found in many localities including Brazil, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the USA. Flower:  Calendula, Cosmos Astrological Sign(s):   Libra - The Scales - Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Scorpio The Scorpion Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 Moon Phases: Oct 7 1st Qtr – Oct 14 Full – Hunters Moon – Oct 21 Last Qtr – Oct 28 New Friday, Oct 3 Techies Day (no kidding…Techies Day) Wednesday, Oct 8 Yom Kippur begins at sundown Monday, Oct 13 Columbus Day observed second Monday in October Monday, Oct 13 Thanksgiving Day in Canada, 2nd Monday Monday, Oct 13 Navy Day * Friday, Oct 24 United Nations Day Friday, Oct 31 Halloween  (BOO!!) Monday, Oct 27 Navy Day Oktoberfest – September 20 to October 5 Andy’s “Image That”  Why should you know this?  The Bermuda Triangle is also known as the Devil's Triangle, It’s a region off the northwestern Atlantic Ocean in which a number of aircraft and surface vessels have disappeared. Some people have claimed that these disappearances fall beyond the boundaries of human error or acts of nature. Popular culture has attributed some of these disappearances to the paranormal, a suspension of the laws of physics, or activity by extraterrestrial beings.  Though a substantial documentation exists showing numerous incidents to have been inaccurately reported or embellished by later authors, and numerous official agencies have gone on record as stating the number and nature of disappearances to be similar to any other area of ocean, many have remained unexplained despite considerable investigation. The boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle somewhat vary depending on where you read about it.  The Triangle is one of the most heavily-sailed shipping lanes in the world and commercial and private aircraft regularly go back and forth between Florida and the various islands and towards South America from points north.  Most of the accidents seem to be concentrated along the southern boundary around the Bahamas and the Florida Straits.  The Gulf Stream Ocean current flows through the Triangle after leaving the Gulf of Mexico; its current of 5 to 6 knots may have played a part in a number of disappearances. Sudden storms can and do appear including hurricanes.  The combination of heavy maritime traffic and various weather patterns makes it a strong possibility that vessels could be lost in the storms without a trace.  Especially in the past before improved telecommunications, radar and satellite technology.  I am telling you this because I am headed the end of this month to that area.  If you don’t see a November newsletter then I am somewhere lost in the Bermuda Triangle!!!  .....”image that” “Just like Andy.. October 14th is A Full Hunter's Moon.  This was the time to hunt in preparation for winter.  This full Moon is also called the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.  October 13th or October 27th - Navy Day.  Many nations around the world celebrate their navies.  Each country selects a date relevant to their navy, often the birth date of the navy. In the US, Navy Day is commonly celebrated on October 27th.  This date was selected as it was the birth date of President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid supporter of the US Navy.  In the 1970's, research determined that the birthday of the US Continental Navy was really October 13, 1775. At the time, efforts were made to move Navy Day to this date. However, in the US it’s still largely recognized as October 27.  Either day salute the Navy!!..AND now you have the facts! Andy’s “I didn’t know that”……Oktoberfest is a two week festival (dates vary), held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany and Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.  Each year, the Oktoberfest is opened, as the mayor of Munich taps a keg a of beer.  There is even a special brew made, called Oktoberfest beer.  (CHECK WITH YOUR BOSS maybe they will tap a keg!!).  Oktoberfest is not just a celebration of beer. It is a huge festival with lots of food, music, dancing, rides, and carnival booths. Oktoberfest celebrations and festivals are held around the world during this time. These festivals also celebrate the rich heritage of the German people.  The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12, 1810. It was held to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (King Ludwig 1) to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen.  The wedding took place on October 12th, and a great horse race (in celebration of the marriage) was held a few days later on October 17th.  The marriage was celebrated annually, and came to be known as Oktoberfest.  Early Oktoberfest celebrations were held in October. The festival was eventually moved to September, as the weather was better earlier in the Fall.  Oktoberfest has been held annually since 1810. Throughout this time, it has been canceled only a few times, due to wars, and once due to a major Cholera outbreak (1854) in the area. Millions of people annually flock to Oktoberfest in Munich to help celebrate…….I didn’t know that” YET MORE important useless information Money isn't made out of paper; it's made out of cotton. The paper used for U.S. Currency is composed of 75% Cotton and 25% Linen. The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp (marijuana) paper. The dot over the letter “I” is called a 'tittle'. Some lipsticks contain fish scales to provide the glossy or shiny look. Ketchup was sold in the United States as a patented medicine in the 1830's. It was known as "Dr. Miles' Compound Extract of Tomato." There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with: orange, purple, and silver! If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19.  You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar (good to know - I think?) Can I Stop crying while peeling onions?  Chilling an onion keeps in the juice and prevents it from evaporating/vaporizing as quickly.  Freezing the onion actually holds it in place completely.  Chewing gum is kind of gimmick; it keeps your mouth open and breathing more than usual. This means that the onion fumes aren't all entering you nasal cavity in as much thus reduces the crying effect (now that’s some good information!!) Quotes:  “Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble”……William Shakespeare "I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale".........Thomas Jefferson ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). RB Balch is a Dell register partner. - Andy is teaching Art Marketing and Self-Promotion - ART255AA at Glendale Community College. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like.   ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch & Associates, Inc – IT Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - RB Balch - PC Tips Newsletter - SEP08 - FILE RECOVERY

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, SEPTEMBER 08 – FILE RECOVERY ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ==================================================================== SEPTEMBER – BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL. Are you setup to have the ability to recover a file, if needed?  Can you go back 5 days, to recover a file you wrote over 4 times?  Contact us for Backup Review.  We’ll assist you with a backup methodology that will fit your needs – and your budget.  $40 off your next visit if we conduct the Backup Review for you. WIN XP PRO. UPDATE: as of now, we will be able to purchase WINDOWS XP PRO computers - which will come with a VISTA BUSINESS license - until the end of 2010!  This can change - as it’s an arrangement between Dell and Microsoft.  It is only valid for some computers (right now Optiplex 330, 755; Latitude D630, D830).  This can change at any time. ** NEW ** HELPDESK.  We started our new Helpdesk SEP 1st. This will provide very prompt response.  Our SILVER & GOLD clients have priority – with almost instance response most of the time. Our Helpdesk is staffed by our own highly experienced staff (we’re rotating each tech staff member).  Contact us for details. MOVING?  Let us help you plan your move.  Moving can be nightmare...Let us help you plan your move so you can have a smooth transition. Ask for Move Planning Specialist. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: PASSWORDS – File Recovery By: ROCHELLE BALCH, RB BALCH Three days after creating a file, and modifying it several times, you discover you needed the original version of the document.  But, you’ve written over it 6 times in the past 3 days.  You really want that 3 day old version – but it now longer exists. What can you do to prevent – or to reduce – situations like this? Yes backup. But just doing “a” backup is not enough.  It’s the methodology in place to use, and then following the procedures.  Here are some examples and tips. Having a tape backup unit with 10 tapes in rotation does no good at all if the tapes are not rotated.  That is, rotated with a different tape each day, over a two week period, prior to “re-using” the tape and starting the 10 day rotation process again.  At least 2 tapes should also be “rotated” off site also for safekeeping during that process.  In this instance, the 3 day old, written over file would be available. With a 10 day rotation, tapes should be replaced about every 10 to 12 months.  On a 5 day rotation, replace tapes sooner (as they would be used more frequently).  Old tapes stretch and could be a problem when/if needed.  Use the cleaning tape when required (most tape drives will have a “cleaning” light that lights up when this is due; do not over-run the cleaning tape process). USB external hard drives are OK for some instances, but depending on the size of the drive and the amount of critical data to be “backed up”, you may only be able hold one or 2 days of data.  This scenario would not allow for recovery of a 3 day old file that has been updated a few times.  And, the USB drive itself could be damaged....so now there would be no backup at all.  If you are using USB drives, rotate a minimum of 2 drives, preferably 3.  And get one large enough to hold multiple days (or weeks) of backup. Network attached storage devices (NAS units) are also an option.  Again, depending on the size, multiple backups (days or weeks) may be possible.  Since the NAS unit is attached to the network (and generally used for large amounts of data), running a backup can be very slow.  Many times a NAS unit is used as an extra precaution and is run weekly (sometimes monthly), and many times over weekend – due to the time involved and the drag on the internal office network.  If file recovery is needed, it may or may not be on the NAS device, depending on when the backup was performed.  NAS units are mainly for additional storage, but are many times used as backup devices. On-line backups can be a good secondary backup too. ISP (internet service provider) speed and reliability play an important role.  Also, cost can be a huge factor; carefully check out how exactly you will be charged for off-site/on-line backups.  Some bill per number of bytes of data, plus a fee based on the number of computers involved in the backup process.  There are some free online backups available, but generally they do not allow for redundancy; that is, only one copy of your data is copied (and then written over with each backup).  This would not allow for recovery of file created several days prior – and updated a few times. Don’t overlook the condition of your server also.  Servers reaching 5 years in age (and older) can become a huge potential disaster.  Replace your server on your terms, don’t wait for a disaster to strike.  Budget and plan for a server replacement prior to 5 years. How much is safety worth to you?  Protecting your data costs money.  In addition to the backup method, other security should also be in place. Some security features and measures you may not like. Whatever backup method – or combination of methods – you use, just make sure to follow it. Contact us at RB Balch to conduct a security audit; in about an hour we can offer you some real advice and suggestions to secure and protect your company’s electronic assets. Any questions on options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert MONTH:  SEPTEMBER Birthstone: Sapphire   Meaning:  Clear Thinking The word "Sapphire" has its roots in several ancient languages: the Arabic "safir," the Latin "sapphirus" (meaning "blue"), and the Greek word "sappheiros" for the island of Sappherine in the Arabian Sea where sapphires were found in ancient times. Color variations:  Sapphires are available in every color but red. Sapphires in colors other than blue is often referred to as fancy sapphire.  The most valuable sapphires have a medium intense, vivid blue color.  The best sapphires hold the brightness of their color under all different types of lighting. Any black, gray, or green overtones mixed in with the blue will reduce a stone's value.  In general, a more pastel blue would be less preferred than a vivid blue but would be priced higher than an overdark blackish blue color.  As with all gemstones, sapphires which are "clean" and have few visible inclusions or tiny flaws are the most valuable. However some very fine sapphires, in particular those from Kashmir, have a velvety mist-like texture which enhances the richness of the blue. Flower:  Aster, Morning Glory  Astrological Sign(s):   Virgo - The Virgin - Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Libra - The Scales - Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Moon Phases: Sept 1 1st Qtr – Sept 15 Full – Sep 22 Last –  Sept 29 New Monday, Sept 1 Labor Day Tuesday, Sept 2 VJ Day (1945) Tuesday, Sept 2 Ramadan begins Sunday, Sept 7 Grandparents Day the first Sunday after Labor Day Tuesday, Sept 9 California became the 31st state (1850) Thursday, Sept 11 Patriots Day Thursday, Sept 11 A day to remember The attacks on World Trade Center in NYC, the western wall of The Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and crash a passenger airliner in Shanksville, PA. Total, 2,974 are killed. Saturday, Sept 13 New York City becomes the capitol of the US. (1788) Tuesday, Sept 16 Independence Day – Mexico Wednesday, Sept 17 Constitution Day Monday, Sept 22 Autumn Begins - Autumnal Equinox Friday, Sept 26 Native American Day Sunday, Sept 28 Gold Star Mother's Day Monday, Sept 29 Rosh Hashanah Day begins at sundown Tuesday, Sept 30 Rosh Hashanah Andy’s “Image That”  Gold Star Mothers Club the last Sunday in September. Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military.  Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. Gold Star Mothers are often politically and socially active. Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States.  It was requested by the President to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag and hold appropriate meetings at homes, churches, or other suitable places, on Gold Star Mother’s Day as a public expression of the love, sorrow, and reverence of the people for Gold Star Mothers. ....”image that”…. Andy’s “I didn’t know that” Some September Important Holidays. September 2 is Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day, also known as Victory in the Pacific Day, or V-P Day).  This is the day the Japanese envoy signed the documents of surrender of Japan on board the USS Missouri in Tokyo bay.  The term has been applied to both the day on which the initial announcement of Japan's surrender was made on August 15, 1945, as well as the date the formal surrender ceremony was performed in Tokyo on September 2, 1945. September 11 is Patriot Day and designated in memory of the nearly three thousand who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. Yet most Americans refer to the day as "Nine-Eleven (9/11) U.S. House Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001.  It requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day.  The President signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (as Public Law 107-89).  It is a discretionary day of remembrance. Initially, the day was called the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for teh Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. September 17 is Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Consitution, and also recognizes all who have become citizens due to either coming of age or naturalization. It is observed on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787. September 26 (the fourth Friday of the month) is Native American Day.  This day is set aside to honor and celebrate Native Americans, the first Americans to live in the U.S. Still commonly referred to as American Indians, the term "Native Americans" has been used in recent years as a sign of respect and recognition that they were indeed the first people to populate our nation. By the time the first explorers and settlers arrived from Europe, Native Americans had populated the entire North American Continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the northern reaches of Canada.  I didn’t know that” ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). RB Balch is a Dell register partner. - Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology – How to save money by troubleshooting. - Andy will be teaching Art Marketing and Self-Promotion - ART255AA at Glendale Community College, beginning in August. - Congratulations to RB Balch & Associates for being selected as a Finalist for the 2008 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch Awards.  Final results will be announced in September. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like. ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch & Associates, Inc – IT Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Thursday, August 21, 2008 - RB Balch - Alert - FAKE EMAILS

RB BALCH – ALERT – FAKE EMAILS (we normally don't send out frequent alerts, but many, many people are affected by this) We have been inundated with calls and emails – especially this week – regarding the many, many fake infected emails being distributed throughout the internet and email systems. If you receive any emails that include content as listed below, and are in doubt or not expecting it, please DO NOT click on them.  They will most likely infect your computer with some nasty virus or with a malicious program.  DO NOT CLICK  UPS email  (you have a package)  CNN alert email (news alert, with some title)  MSNBC email (news alert, with some title)  "journalists shot in Georgia" email  (the “from” is different each time)  You have a greeting card email (this one has been around a while, but is making a comeback)  NOTE: This list is not all-inclusive.  As a general rule, do not click on ANY links or files within an email  that you aren't expecting or are from people you don't know.  And again, if you get a pop-up telling you to click and buy “Anti-virus XP 2008 (or 2009)”, DO NOT CLICK. (previous alert sent on this one).  Any questions at all, contact us or your IT Support.  rb  (you have received this email as you are subscribed to our free monthly electronic PC Tips newsletter; to be removed simply reply to me to REMOVE.  Rochelle Balch  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. - IT Consultants rb@rbbalch.com   www.rbbalch.com 623-561-9366 Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues" tm Visit our website - Schedule appointments on-line and receive $5 off each appointment.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - RB Balch IT - ALERT - FALSE Virus notifications

ALERT - Antivirus XP 2008/2009 VIRUS There has been a recent surge in “Rogue Antivirus” programs.  These programs identify fake antivirus infections and then trick the user into purchasing an “upgrade” to remove the infections. The most predominate infection at this time is Antivirus XP 2008 or 2009. This program will continually notify the user that their system is at risk or under attack.  There will be an icon in the lower right hand corner of the task bar, and it may periodically display a scan result with numerous security issues the software has claimed to of found on your system.  This is false. The main infection method of this program is through spam emails that entice the user to click a link.  The recent fake CNN News Alerts and MSNBC Alerts are responsible for the drastic rise in infections.  Once a system is infected, the program CANNOT be removed through normal methods. The following precautions will greatly reduce your chance for infection: ·         --  Read all mail in plain text (Contact your IT Support for procedures on how to do this) ·         -- DO NOT click on links in unsolicited emails ·        -- Keep your Antivirus Software Current ·         -- Consider stronger spam filtering methods ·         -- Ensure all latest security updates are applied to your machine.   If you have already been tricked into “Upgrading”, contact your IT support personnel immediately.  You should also contact your bank or credit card company immediately to cancel/dispute any charges and consider cancelling the account or having the number changed.

Friday, August 01, 2008 - RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter - AUG08 - PASSWORDS - Make them Strong

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, AUGUST 08 – PASSWORDS - Make them strong ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== AUGUST – SUMMER SAVER.  Is your system secure?  Are you keeping hackers out?  Reducing spam and viruses, to prevent intrusions and too much non-productive time?  Contact us for a “quick security audit”.  It only takes about .5 hr - and we’ll give you $25 off your next visit if we conduct the audit. FOR OUR GOLD clients, we are in the process of providing this security audit now - the entire process FOR FREE. Now may be a good time to consider regular maintenance and let us treat you like GOLD. Did you know....we offer remote support service?  We can do many, many tasks remotely - for example: apply updates, perform backups, clean up your desktop, setup email, change permissions, and more.  AND..REMOTE SERVICE is a .5 hour (1/2 hr) minimum (vs. 1 hour minimum when onsite). WIN XP PRO. UPDATE: as of now, we will be able to purchase WINDOWS XP PRO computers - which will come with a VISTA BUSINESS license - until the end of 2010!  This can change - as it’s an arrangement between Dell and Microsoft.  It is only valid for some computers (right now Optiplex 330, 755; Latitude D630, D830).  This can change at any time. ** NEW ** GOLD HELPDESK.  We will be starting a GOLD Helpdesk SEP 1st. This will provide almost instant response for our GOLD clients. Watch for details. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: PASSWORDS - Make them strong By: ROCHELLE BALCH, RB BALCH In light of the overall global increase of infiltration (hacker) attempts, malicious spam, spyware, and viruses, we strongly suggest that you review security at your office. While we don’t want to make it too difficult on the users with their passwords (well, yes, maybe we do....), our first thought is always towards the security of your network and your data. Passwords should be longer than 16 characters or use a pass-phrases for ALL user logins. Examples of passwords and pass-phrases are below: Password:  mE=afA5aP*FUjUvE Pass-phrase:  The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Pass-phrase: My cats like Marbles! Pass-phrases are normally easier to remember because they can be a favorite movie title or line, a song quote, a book title or famous quote.  Change phrase slightly by mixing in capital letters, punctuation, spaces, numbers. Contact us at help@rbbalch.com for assistance in selection of passwords. If many instances you can also set it up to then prevent individual users from changing passwords/pass-phrases once approved and set. Weak passwords provide easier access for hacking attempts into your network & computer; weak passwords can allow hackers access to any and all data on your network for the purpose of theft and/or destruction. Any questions on options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert   MONTH:  AUGUST Birthstone:  Peridot, Sardonyx   Meaning:  Married Happiness Color:  Peridot - bright yellow-green.  Some of the finest Peridot stones are called "evening emeralds" because they appear greener under artificial light.  Sardonyx stones vary in color, too. They may be white or gray, ranging to many colorful varieties. There are two birthstones for August; Peridot and Sardonyx.  Peridot is said to host magical powers and healing properties to protect against nightmares and to bring the wearer power, influence, and a wonderful year.  As peridot is a gemstone that forms deep inside the Earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes, in Hawaii, peridot symbolizes the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Peridot can be found in Arizona, Burma, Norway, Brazil, China, Kenya, Australia, Mexico and Pakistan.  This gemstone comes in several color variations ranging from yellowish green to brown, but most consumers are attracted to the bright lime greens and olive greens. Sardonyx is a form of onyx and is recognized by its layers of reddish brown and white banding.  The word Sardonyx is from the Greek, Sard meaning "reddish brown," and onyx meaning "veined gem."  It was popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who carried into battle talismans of sardonyx engraved with images of heroes such as Mars or Hercules, believing that this would bring courage and victory.  Because of its attractive banding, sardonyx has long been used to fashion cameos (carved raised figures) and intaglios (the reverse of cameos).  This gemstone is found throughout the world.  The most attractive stones are found in India, but material also is mined in Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Uruguay, Germany, and in the United States. Flower:     Gladiolas, Poppy Astrological Sign(s):   Leo - The Lion - July 23 - Aug. 22 Virgo - The Virgin - Aug. 23 - Sept.  22 Moon Phases: Aug 1 New – Aug 8 1st Qtr – Aug 16 Full – Aug 23 Last –  Aug 30 New  LOOOK!!  Aug 1 – Solar Eclipse - Aug 16 Partial Lunar Eclipse Friday, Aug 1 Solar Eclipse Thursday, Aug 7 The "Order of the Purple Heart" is created by President       George Washington (1782) Friday, Aug 8 Opening Day Ceremony 2008 Summer Olympics Games Thursday, Aug 14 VJ Day  Japan surrenders, ending World War II. (1945) Friday, Aug 15 VJ DAY news of the surrender was announced Ending of WWII. Friday, Aug 15 The Panama Canal is opened. (1914) Saturday, Aug 16 Partial Lunar Eclipse Wednesday, Aug 20 Civil War is formally declared over by President Andrew Johnson. (1866) Thursday, Aug 21 Hawaii becomes the 50th state. (1959) Sunday, Aug 24 Closing Day Ceremony Summer Olympics Games (FYI:  the next       summer Olympics are in London England in 2012) Monday, Aug 25  Amelia Earhart completes her trans-continental flight. (1932) Sunday, Aug 31 Heavy weight champion Rocky Marciano dies in a plane       crash near Newton, Iowa. (1964) Tuesday, Sept 2, Formal WWII surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay on USS Missouri. At the time, President Truman declared September 2 to be VJ Day. (“Victory In Japan Day” or "Victory Over Japan Day".) Andy’s “Image That”  Friday, August 1 there will be a Total Solar Eclipse.  No need to rush to see it.  It’s visible from within a narrow corridor.  The path of the Moon's shadow begins in Canada and extends across northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia, Mongolia, and China.  A partial eclipse is seen within the much broader path of the Moon's shadow, which includes northeastern North America, most of Europe and Asia.  It belongs to the so-called midnight Sun eclipses, as it will be visible from regions experiencing Midnight sun.  Some good viewing areas will be in Siberia.  ANDY’S HELPFUL TIP: If your going to be in this area for the Eclipse I’d say bring a jacket, average temperature 13 to 23 degrees. And on Saturday Aug 16 there will be a lunar eclipse.  This occurs whenever the Moon passes through some portion of the Earth's shadow.  This can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the Earth in the middle.  There is always a full moon the night of a lunar eclipse.  The type and length of an eclipse depend upon the Moon's location relative to its orbital nodes. Most of Europe and Africa will see the entire eclipse.  All of South America and Australia will be able to see part of it.  Although only a partial eclipse, this eclipse should be quite significant, as most of the Moon will pass inside the Earth's shadow.  At its maximum 81 percent of the moon's diameter will become immersed in the Earth's dark umbral shadow.  The partial eclipse will begin at 19:35:45 UT and end about 22:44:38 UT, with the moment of greatest eclipse at 21:10:08 UT. If you miss this one the next partial eclipse will be on February 9, 2009 while the next total lunar eclipse occurs on December 21, 2010.  ....”image that”…. Andy’s “I didn’t know that”  Don’t miss the Full Sturgeon Moon!!  On August 16, there will a Full Sturgeon Moon.  The fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month.  This is the same day as the lunar eclipse.  A few tribes knew it as the Full Red Moon because the moon rises looking reddish through sultry haze, or the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.………“I didn’t know that” “Just like Andy”  TURN up the AC… In 1902, only a year after graduating from Cornell University with a Masters in Engineering, Willis H. Carrier created the first air (temperature and humidity) conditioning as a new employee at the Buffalo Forge Company.  Carrier started here for a salary of about $10.00 per week. (what a deal!!) The 'Apparatus for Treating Air' (U.S. Pat# 808897) given in 1906, was the first of several patents awarded to Carrier.  He is recognized as the "father of air conditioning", but the term 'air conditioning' actually originated with textile engineer, Stuart H. Cramer.  Cramer used the phrase “air conditioning” in a 1906 patent claim filed for a device that added water vapor to the air in textile plants - to condition the yarn.  Carrier did not invent the very first system to cool an interior structure, however, his system was the first truly successful and safe one that started the science of modern air conditioning. In 1915 Willis Carrier and six other engineers formed the Carrier Engineering Corporation.  And in 1928, Carrier developed the first residential air conditioner for private home use. With WWII and the Great Depression it slowed the non-industrial use of air conditioning.  But after the war, sales started to grow again, and the rest is cool history. ..AND now you have the facts! YET MORE important useless information Just in case you ever get Prisons and Work mixed up, this should make things a little bit clearer. P = PRISON – W= WORK P.  You spend the majority of your time in a 10X10 cell     W.  You spend the majority of your time in an 8X8 cubicle P.  You get three meals a day fully paid for W.  You get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it P.  You get time off for good behavior W:  You get more work for good behavior P.  You get your own toilet W.  You have to share the toilet. P.  Your family and friends allowed to visit W.  You aren't even supposed to speak to your family or friends. P.  You spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out    W. You spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars P.  The guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you W.  You often carry a security card and open the doors for yourself P.  You can watch TV and play games       W.  You could get fired for watching TV and playing games P.  You must deal with warden W.  …..And they are called managers Quotes: “Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant” …..Robert Louis Stevenson   “Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools” ……Unknown “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too, can become great” …..Mark Twain "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have"……. Thomas Jefferson ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). RB Balch is a Dell register partner. - Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. - Andy will be teaching Art Marketing and Self-Promotion - ART255AA at Glendale Community College, beginning in August. - Congratulations to RB Balch & Associates for being selected as a Finalist for the 2008 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch Awards.  Final results will be announced in September. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like.   ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - RB Balch PC Tips - JULY 08 - Vacation? Will your office survive?

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, JULY 08 – VACATION ? Will your office survive? ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== JULY – GAS SAVER.  How high will gas prices go?  We’re still holding – no gas charges, no fuel charges, no extra fees for on-site visits.  BUT....here’s your opportunity to save money.  Did you know....we offer remote support service?  We can do many, many tasks remotely - for example: apply updates, perform backups, clean up your desktop, setup email, change permissions, and more.  AND..REMOTE SERVICE is a .5 hour (1/2 hr) minimum (vs. 1 hour minimum when onsite). SO, if you’ve a few little, annoying issues to address, contact us for remote service.  FIRST .25 hr (1/4 hr) FREE!  So contact us and mention the JULY newsletter special for fast results. GIFTS. Ask your computer technician – at your next appointment – for your FREE gift....RB Balch red staplers! (while they last). DELL.  We are a registered Dell Partner and can assist you with “building” your new computer online – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell directly.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you). COMPUTER DONATIONS. Our computer donation drive was such a success that we’ve decided to keep it going.  If you have computers (Windows XP please) that you’d like to donate...please contact us.  Yes, they need to be running (bootable) and we need the CDs.  We’ll clear off the data prior to donating.  If you have monitors, keyboards and mice, even better. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: VACATION – Will your office survive without you? By: ROCHEllE BALCH, RB BALCH More important, can you survive being away from your office? Planning a vacation?  All set to have a great time to relax?  But can you?  Or will you be on the phone with the office all day – or wondering, worrying, about what is going on at the office. Many times it seems that “not knowing” is what makes it stressful to be gone.  If this is you (this is definitely me), let’s reduce the stress. First, consider a laptop and/or a PDA with email capability.  Of course, a cell phone is a must (or a PDA with cell phone features). TIPS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED ® Setup remote access to your desktop at your office.  With remote desktop (RDP), a feature built into Windows XP Pro, once connected it would be as if you are sitting in front of your own computer.  You can use your laptop (that you take with you), or another computer to gain access. ® Consider an air card for your laptop.  It will allow you to have internet access from just about from any location that has cell phone coverage. And, most importantly, you won’t have to be changing the settings on your laptop (based on the ISP at that location). ® Email, of course, is just about a must.  If you can get email (on your laptop, PDA, Blackberry, phone, etc.) you’ll be in touch. Being “in touch” is one of the best stress reducers for some.  (for me, as long as I know “I’m reachable”, I’m good; not reachable, I’m nuts). There are many options available to receive and to check your email. ® Phone logs. Consider a system where you can see, or receive a copy of, a phone log of client related verbal correspondence. ® Invoices – client activity.  Consider a system (or methodology) to see invoices generated. ® Bank activity.  If you’re not doing on-line banking, consider it.  Many on-line bank services are free (check with your bank). You can get “Alerts” for deposits or withdrawals to your bank account.  Setup bills to pay, in advance.  Setup bank tax deposits, in advance.  Then monitor the activity via email. ® Payroll. If you run payroll, and it’s due while you’re gone, set it up, in advance – if you have that facility.  With direct deposit you can generally tell the processor the dates to process your payroll, in advance. ® Office functions.  Make sure your backups are being checked regularly while you’re gone; it you have an IT company, see if they can check for you (if no one in your office can take on that responsibility). If you can go on vacation and not worry about the office, then that is great.  But if you like many and need to be “in touch”...let technology work for you – and then relax and enjoy yourself. Any questions on options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert MONTH:  JULY Birthstone: Ruby   Meaning:  Contentment Color:      Red to deep red Rubies arouse the senses, stir the imagination, and are said to guarantee health, wisdom, wealth and success in love.  The word ruby is derived from the Latin 'ruber', meaning red.  This name was once used to describe all red stones, including red spinel, red tourmaline and red garnet. A ruby is durable enough for everyday wear.  Fine-quality ruby is extremely rare, and the color of the gem is most important to its value.  The most prized color is a medium or medium dark vivid red or slightly purplish red.  If the gem is too light or has too much purple or orange, it will be called a fancy-color sapphire. Large rubies are harder to find than large diamonds, emeralds and sapphires.  As a result, rubies value increases with size more than any other gemstone.  In the Orient, rubies were once believed to contain the spark of life – According to legends "a deep drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth"   Some believed the ruby was self-luminous and called it the lamp or glowing stone.  As its close relative, the sapphire, the ruby is a form of the mineral corundum, which is normally drab and gray in color.  Red gemstone corundum is called ruby.  All other gemstone corundum colors; orange, yellow, brown, green, blue, purple, violet, black, and colorless are called sapphires. Upper Burma is a good source for the finest and rarest rubies of all, know as "pigeon's blood" for the stones' intense red color.  Another source of rubies is Thailand. Flower:     Larkspur, Water Lily Astrological Sign(s):  Cancer - The Crab  June 22 - July 22      Leo - The Lion  July 23 - Aug. 22 Moon Phases: July 2 New – July 9 1st Qtr – July 18 Full – July 25 Last Tuesday, July 1 Canada Day (Dominion Day) Tuesday, July 1 NY City bus fare rises to 10 cents equal to subway fare, combo fare at 15 cents  (1950) Friday, July 4 Independence Day Monday, July 7 US annexes California (1846) Monday, July 7 US annexes Hawaii. (1898) Tuesday, July 8  US State Department issues the first passport. (1796) Thursday, July 10 Rolling Stones score their 1st #1, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction"  (1965) Friday, July 11 Former VP Aaron Burr kills Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in a duel. (1804) Thursday, July 17 Walt Disney's Disneyland opens in Anaheim, Ca. (1955) Sunday, July 20 "One small step for man, one giant step for mankind" Neil Armstrong becomes the 1st person to walk on the moon. (1969) Sunday, July 27 North Korea and United Nations sign armistice ending Korean War (1953) Sunday, July 27  North Korean War Veterans Armistice day (1999) Saturday, July 26 Ben Franklin is the first Postmaster General. (1775) Monday, July 28 World War I began. (1914) Andy’s “Image That”  Actual Korean war battles not just movies!!!  The Battle of Pork Chop Hill comprises a pair of related Korean War infantry fights during the spring and summer of 1953.  These were fought while the U.S. and the Communist Chinese and Koreans negotiated an armistice.  This battle is shown in the film “Pork Chop Hill”. The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge was a month-long battle in between September 13 and October 15, 1951.  The Battle of Heartbreak Ridge was one of several major engagements in an area known as "The Punchbowl", which served as an important Communist staging area.  The battle site is located in the hills of North Korea a few miles north of the 38th parallel north (the prewar boundary between North and South Korea).  Heartbreak Ridge is also a movie. ....”image that”…. Andy’s “I didn’t know that” Proclamation 7213 - National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 1999.  Pres Bill Clinton officially declared Jul 27, 1999 as the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day and enjoined the citizenry to conduct the appropriate activities and ceremonies to honor and give thanks to all Korean War veterans.  He noted that more than 54,000 American soldiers died during that war for the cause of freedom between 1950 and 1953.  Although it became for a time the “forgotten war”………“I didn’t know that” “Just like Andy”  Independence Day, isn’t that a movie??  July 4th Independence Day (commonly known as the Fourth of July) commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.  In 1777, thirteen guns were fired, once at morning and again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary with an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks.  Ships were decked with red, white, and blue.  Then in 1791 it was first recorded as using the name "Independence Day". In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. But don’t worry in 1941, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.  Oh yeah in 1996 there was a movie with the same name Independence Day  ..AND now you have the facts! YET MORE important useless information Looks like someone either has too much spare time or is deadly at Scrabble. When you rearrange the letters here is what you get DORMITORY:  DIRTY ROOM ASTRONOMER:  MOON STARER THE EYES:  THEY SEE THE MORSE CODE:  HERE COME DOTS SLOT MACHINES:  CASH LOST IN ME ELECTION RESULTS:  LIES - LET'S RECOUNT SNOOZE ALARMS:  ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S A DECIMAL POINT:  IM A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES:  THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO:  TWELVE PLUS ONE Quotes “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one”……….Benjamin Franklin “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” ……The Declaration of Independence “America will never be destroyed from the outside.  If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves”…..Abraham Lincoln ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). RB Balch is a Dell register partner. Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like. ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - RB Balch PC Newsletter - JUN08 - Migrating to VISTA

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, JUNE 08 – MIGRATING TO VISTA ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== JUNE – eSAVER REMOTE.  With gas prices rising, technology can help us all save a little money.  Did you know....we offer remote support service?  We can do many, many tasks remotely - for example: check for spyware, updates, clean up your desktop, install software (you put in the CD on your computer). You could plug in a printer, and we can download and setup printer for you and share it with other networked computers, check backups, etc.  REMOTE service is a .5 hour (1/2 hr) minimum (vs. 1 hour minimum when onsite). SO, if you’ve thought about a regular onsite visit, but wasn’t sure if you had enough to do...try eSAVER remote. REMINDER:  We are a registered Dell Partner and can assist you with “building” your new computer online – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell directly.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you).  Terrific offers now through mid to late June on Dell computers. DONATIONS: THANK-YOU to all of you who donated computers for the Perryville Women’s prison complex (in Goodyear).  They will now be able to use Windows XP computers...instead of some older Windows 95.  These donated computers will be used by many women would like to study for their GED and other courses, but the software only runs on Windows XP. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. FREE GIFT: at your next appointment, ask your technology consultant for one our new handy memo pads and pens. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: MIGRATING TO VISTA BY ANDREW SHELDAHL, RB Balch staff Are you ready for VISTA? The time is drawing near.  Microsoft has announced it will no longer offer WINDOWS XP on computers sold after June 30th.  There is some discussion that computer vendors may be able to offer VISTA, with “downgrade” rights to WINDOWS XP - but this is not confirmed. What does VISTA really mean to you?  Some issues & concerns to be consider and to start planning for include: Software vendors: Confirm with your critical software vendors whether or not their software will run under the new operation system.  More and more software is being converted - but there is some that you will be required to BUY/UPGRADE for VISTA. Peripherals: Items such as printers, plotters, scanners, copiers, phones/PDAs, and others may requires some upgrades or, at least, new “drivers” to be installed. Crisis mode: Don’t wait until the last minute.  Check the above items now.  In the event a critical PC crashes, as you are required to purchase a PC with the new operating system, don’t be caught having to also upgrade your critical software at the same time.  Plan in advance. If in doubt, test. Service pack: In the beginning....there were operational issues with VISTA causing problems.  Many of the issues surrounding compatibility and speed have been address with “SP1” - service pack 1. While some features may be annoying, they are meant as additional security features and actually are better. Transition: Plan for transition to the new operating system.  There will be a learning curve....and it may not be too fun.  Staff who travel may have a more difficult time if they run up against an issue and no one in the office can assist.  Plan for this change. REMINDER:  Plan for expenditures, install time, test time, learning curves. EXCERPT from our MARCH08 newsletter: Microsoft has announced that Windows XP will go end of life on June 30th of this year.  This means that on July 1, 2008, only Windows Vista will be available as an operating system on a new desktop or notebook. What does this mean to you?  If you are running older software or hardware (printers, plotters, more) that are not Vista compatible, you'll need to upgrade. If you’re thinking you can take the copy of Windows XP that came with your old computer and move it..think again.  It was most likely an “OEM” version – meaning it stays with the old computer and cannot be moved to another computer. Any questions on options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert MONTH:  JUNE Birthstone: Pearl, Moonstone, Alexandrite  Meaning: Health and Longevity Color:            White, Green There are 3 gems as birthstones this month.  Historically, pearls have been one of the favorite gems for centuries.  Since the 1920s, cultured pearls have almost completely replaced natural pearls in the market.  According to Indian mythology, they were dewdrops from heaven that fell into the sea.  They were caught by shellfish under the first rays of the rising sun, during a period of full moon. Black pearls can be found in the Gulf of Mexico and waters off some islands in the Pacific Ocean.  The Persian Gulf and Sri Lanka are well-known for exquisite cream-colored pearls called Orientals. Other localities for natural seawater pearls include the waters off Celebes in Indonesia, the Gulf of California and the Pacific coast of Mexico. The Mississippi River, and forest streams of Bavaria in Central Europe contain pearl-producing freshwater mussels.  Alexandrite a relatively modern gem, and first discovered in Russia in 1831.  Its color is a green in both daylight and fluorescent light; it changes color to a purplish red in incandescent light.  Due to its rarity, some jewelers keep synthetic versions of this gemstone.  The third birthstone is the Moonstone. It was given its name by the Roman natural historian, who wrote that moonstone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon — a belief that held until well after the sixteenth century.  Moonstones show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show either a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in India, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred color) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune. It comes in a variety of colors such as green, blue, peach, and champagne.  The most prized moonstones are from Sri Lanka; India, Australia, the United States, Mayanmar, and Madagascar are also sources. Flower:  Rose, Honeysuckle Astrological Sign(s):  Gemini (The Twins) May 21 - June 21 Cancer (The Crab) June 22 - July 22 Moon Phases: June 3 New – June 10 1st Qtr – June 18 Full – June 26 Last Qtr Sunday, June 1 "Don't give up the ship!' Capt Lawrence, US Chesapeake. (1813) Thursday , June 5 Bobby Kennedy is assassinated. (1968) Friday, June 6 D Day, (1944 WWII) Saturday, June 7 The United Colonies name change to The United States. (1775) Tuesday, June 10 Ben Franklin flies a kite in a lightening storm (1752) Saturday, June 14 Flag Day Sunday, June 15 Father's Day Tuesday, June 17 The Statute of Liberty arrives in New York City. (1885) Saturday, June 21 Summer Solstice (The longest day of the year!) Saturday, June 28 Treaty of Versailles is signed, ending WW I (1919) Andy’s “Image That”  Well I'm still waiting.  I did what all those emails told me to do;  I sent the email to 10 people like it said.  I'm still waiting for that miracle to happen.  I also added my name to the ones that said to add my name.  And still nothing.  So to all my friends who in the past years who sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel' letters do this or do that letters or other promises of good luck and fortune if I forwarded something or did whatever, WELL NONE OF THAT CRAP WORKED! For 2008, could you please just send money, chocolate, movie or airline tickets or more importantly gasoline vouchers instead.  Save those other miracle deals to your other friends.  Thank you!  ....”image that”…. Andy’s “I didn’t know that”  Pearls are created within certain species of oysters and clams.  Some pearls are found naturally in mollusks that inhabit the sea or fresh water settings such as rivers.  However, many pearls today are cultured - raised in oyster farms.  A pearl is created when a very small fragment of rock, sand grain or parasite enters the oyster or clam.  It irritates the mollusk, who responds by coating the foreign material with layer upon layer of shell material. Pearls formed on the inside of the shell are usually irregular in shape and have little commercial value.  However, those formed within the tissue of the mollusk are either spherical or pear-shaped, and are highly sought out for jewelry.  The color of the pearl depends very much on the species of mollusk that produced it, and its environment.  White is perhaps the best-known and most common color.  However, some pearls also come in delicate shades of black, cream, gray, blue, yellow, lavender, green and mauve.  Japan is famous for its cultured pearls.  Some cultured pearls are bred in large oyster beds in Japanese waters.  An "irritant", such as a tiny fragment of mother-of-pearl, is introduced into the fleshy part of two to three year-old oysters. The oysters are then grown in mesh bags submerged beneath the water and regularly fed for as long as seven to nine years before being harvested to remove their pearls. Cultured pearl industries are also carried out in Australia and equatorial islands of the Pacific.  Pearls were also widely used as medicine in Europe until the 17th century.  Believed it was a cure for various kinds of diseases, as well as insanity.  Pearls have also been used as medicine as early as 2000 BC in China, where it was believed to represent wealth, power and longevity. Even to this day, lowest-grade pearls are ground for use as medicine in the Orient.  .…“I didn’t know that” “Just like Andy”  When do I display my American Flag?  National Flag Day is always the 14th day of June. National Flag Week is the week of June 14th.   Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916.  While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.  And under US Code Title 36, Subtitle I, Part A, Chapter 1, President calls on government officials and/or American citizens to display the flag on the following holidays: National Flag Day/Week       Week of June 14th Thomas Jefferson's Birthday   April 13th Loyalty Day                   May 1st Law Day                       May 1st Mother's Day                  May - 2nd Sunday National Maritime Day         May 22nd Peace Officers Memorial Week  May - Week of the 15th (Display at Half-Staff) Father's Day                  June - 3rd Sunday Nat. Korean War Veterans Armistice Day          July 27th National Aviation Day         August 19th Citizenship Day               September 17th Gold Star Mother's Day        Sept. - Last Sunday Patriot Day                   September 11th (Display Flag at Half-Staff) Columbus Day                  October - 2nd Monday National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day           December 7th And additionally, US Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 6 states that the flag should be displayed on all days, weather permitting, and especially on: New Year's Day          January 1st Inauguration Day        January 20th Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday    January - 3rd Monday Lincoln's Birthday      February 12th Washington's Birthday   February - 3rd Monday Easter Sunday           varies year to year Mother's Day            May - 2nd Sunday Armed Forces Day        May - 3rd Saturday Memorial Day            May - Last Monday (Display Flag Half-Staff til noon) Flag Day                June 14th Independence Day        July 4th Labor Day               September - 1st Monday Constitution Day        September 17th Columbus Day            October - 2nd Monday Navy Day                October 27th Veterans Day            November 11th Thanksgiving Day        November - 4th Thursday Christmas Day           December 25th WOW I sure didn’t know this…..AND now you have the facts! YET MORE important useless information My mind works like lightning, one brilliant flash and it is gone. Definition of a husband is someone who, after taking the trash out, gives the impression that he just cleaned the whole house. My next house will have no kitchen, but will have vending machines and a large trash can. I was worried that my mechanic might try to rip me off.  I was relieved when he told me all I needed was turn signal fluid. As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.  Quotes “If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag.”……Anonymous  “The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself.” ……Ben Franklin “A person is only as big as the dream they dare to live.”……Unknown  ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). RB Balch is a Dell register partner. Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like. ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter - MAY08 - EMAIL, keep your inbox clean

===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== MAY - SPECIAL THIS MONTH.  MAYbe you should consider a new computer?  MAYbe you should consider some spring cleaning.  MAYbe you should consider cleaning up that computer of yours. MAYbe you should consider contacting RB Balch for PC Support this month.  First time callers - MAYbe  you’ll just get a discount.  Try us out - you’ll like us!  Contact us for new service and receive $50 off your first appointment.  REMEMBER GOLD clients enjoy reduced rates, priority scheduling, phone support, your own primary tech assigned, and more. REMINDER:  we can help you “build” a new computer online with Dell – we do not markup – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you). DONATIONS: Have an old computer to donate?  Perryville Women’s prison complex (in Goodyear) is in desperate need of computers.  They have Windows 95 machines!  Many women would like to study for their GED and other courses, but the software only runs on Windows XP...and they only have ONE XP computer.  IF YOU ARE REPLACING an older Windows XP computer and would like to donate it, let us know.  We’ll pick it up, clean it up and deliver to the prison for you. GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum). As simple as going to a web site. Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. FREE GIFT: at your next appointment, ask your technology consultant for one our new handy memo pads and pens. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: EMAIL - Keep your inbox clean Too many emails can stop emails all together BY JOSEF WELLS, RB Balch staff   Do you have zillions of emails in your inbox? And in sub-folders?  Have you noticed that Outlook is running slower - taking longer to open? Have you cleaned and deleted your email lately? As your email builds up, Outlook becomes slower.  You many notice the “slowness” when your email file reaches about one gigabyte (1GB) in total size. As you email gets closer to two gigabytes - - - bad things can start to happen.  For example, the entire email file can become corrupt, possibly causing you to lose all your email.  Another result is that Outlook could stop sending and receiving all email. When your email file reaches two gigabytes (2GB), Outlook can stop working completely. As your email file approaches two gigabytes, Outlook will warn you that your email file is getting to large.  Take this warning seriously.  See tips below to reduce size. If you’re in an office running Microsoft Exchange and your email box it too big, you also will most likely be the cause of destroying everyone else’s email in the office too.  TIPS CLEAN OUT DELETED ITEMS folder.  To do this, open Outlook.  Right click on the deleted items folder and select Empty “Deleted Items” folder. CLEAN OUT JUNK EMAIL folder.  To do this, open Outlook.  Right click on the Junk Email folder and select Empty “Junk Email” folder. ARCHIVE OLD EMAILS.  Another method to prevent you Outlook email file from becoming to large is to archive your old email. To archive your old email, open Outlook. Click on “FILE” and select “ARCHIVE…”.  A popup window will appear called “ARCHIVE”. In the “ARCHIVE” window click “ARCHIVE THIS FOLDER AND ALL SUBFOLDERS:”. Then click on the folder you wish to archive, this is usually the “Inbox”. In the “ARCHIVE ITEMS OLDER THEN:” window, select the date you wish to archive anything older then.   For example, archive all emails prior to 01/01/07.  Select the check box next to INCLUDE ITEM with “Do not AutoArchive” checked. Click on the “OK” button. This will archive everything older then the date you selected. NOTE: Archived email can still be accessed if you need them. They will be located in the Archive folder below the Personal Folders. NOTE: due to some changes in legislation, you may be required to maintain email correspondence, so archiving becomes very important. Any questions on software options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert MONTH:  MAY Birthstone:       Emerald  Meaning:  Love, Success Color:            Green The birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to give you good fortune, and youth.  It is derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek.  They vary in color from light to deep green.  The emerald belongs to the beryl family of minerals that includes aquamarine (the March birthstone), heliodor and morganite.  Emeralds are most frequently found inside a form of shale - a fine grained sedimentary rock.  Emerald-bearing shale has undergone recrystallization due to changes in the physical environment such as pressure and temperature. Colombia produces the largest and highest quality emeralds.  But they are also found in Brazil, Zambia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Norway, Austria, Malagasy and Australia. Emeralds can be found in North Carolina. The history of emeralds can be traced back to Babylon and Egypt and dating back to 1300 B.C.  There are many myths associated with the emerald.  Once believed to prevent epilepsy, stop bleeding, cure dysentery and fever, and protect the wearer from panic.  Its magnificent green color was said to rest and relieve the eye.  In the Middle Ages, emeralds were believed to hold the power to foretell the future.  Flower:  Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn Astrological Sign(s):  Taurus  (The Bull)  April 20 - May 20                        Gemini  (The Twins) May 21 - June 21 Moon Phases: May 5 New -May 11 1st Qtr -May 19 Full - May 27 Last Qtr Thursday, May  1 May Day Monday, May 2  Lou Gehrig plays in game no. 2130, a baseball record that lasted for 57 years until Cal Ripken come along. (1939) Tues, May 3 Christopher Columbus discovers "St Iago". renamed Jamaica. (1494) Tuesday, May 6  National Nurses (Week) and National Teacher's Day Monday, May 5  Cinco de Mayo Wed, May 7  Germany signs an unconditional surrender ends WWII Europe. (1945) Thursday, May 8  VE Day, WW II Sunday, May 11  Mother's Day Monday, May 12  Toilet that flushes itself at regular intervals is patented       (1792) Please see important information below regarding this day** Saturday, May 17  Armed Forces Day Monday, May 23  Victoria Day (Canada) Sunday, May 25  Ford ceases production of the Model "T". (1927) Monday, May 26  Memorial Day Thursday, May 29  Abraham Lincoln quote: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, & of people some of time, but you can't fool all of the people all of time". (1849) Andy’s “Image That”  YES Important!! Holidays are in May May 6-12: National Nurse's Week and May 12 is International Nurse's Day National Nurses Week provides recognition to nurses for their contributions and commitment to quality health care.  The roots of International Nurses Day goes back to 1953, when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurse Day" in October of the following year. The proclamation was not officially made but the following year National Nurses Week was observed from October 11 – 16, marking the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea.  In 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a "National Nurse Week."  In 1981, a resolution was initiated by nurses in New Mexico to have May 6 declared "National Recognition Day for Nurses."  This proposal was promoted by the ANA Board of Directors and in 1982, with a joint resolution, the United States Congress designated May 6 to be "National Recognition Day for Nurses." The proposal was signed by President Reagan, making May 6 the official "National Recognition Day for Nurses."  It was later expanded by the ANA Board of Directors in 1990 to a week-long celebration (May 6-12) known as "National Nurses Week."  Beginning in 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, and as of 2003, the it was declared that National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week. International Nurse Day is celebrated on May 12, because this it's the birthday of Florence Nightingale. May 6, National Teacher's Day On Tuesday of the first full week of May May 8 V-E Day - Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) commemorates the end of fighting in Europe during World War II.  The German Army ceased fighting on May 2 and, and formally surrendered unconditionally on May 7th.  The surrender of all German forces was arranged for May 8.  The original planned date for the celebration of V-E Day, was May 9th, 1945.  But, journalists caught wind of the plans. So, the U.S. and Britain moved the date up by a day to May 8th. Russia kept to the original planned date for May 9th. Russia still celebrates V-E Day on May 9th. May 15 Police Officer's Memorial Day.  Honors and remembers police officers who gave their lives while on duty.  This Day was created and established as May 15th by an Act of Congress.  Public Law 87-726, signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, was amended by the 103rd Congress as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.  President Bill Clinton signed Public Law 103-322 which directs that the flag of the United States on all Government buildings be displayed at half-staff on May 15, National Peace Officers' Memorial Day. May 17 Armed Forces Day.  This is a day to salute all of the men and women in all branches of the service.  Each branch of the military had their own day of celebration. But, on August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day.  President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. All branches of the military were asked to celebrate on this day and they complied on the first Armed Forces Day which was held the following year on May 20, 1950. May 26 Memorial Day. Officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May.  Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives.  Memorial Day goes back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War.  Memorial Day was traditionally held on the 30th of May.  But in 1971, Congress changed it to the last Monday in order to make it a three day holiday weekend.   Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was changed to Memorial Day in 1882.   Yes there are important Holidays in May… ....”image that” Andy’s “I didn’t know that”   Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Pueblo.  This single military battle signified defeat of a European colonial power and a victory for the Mexican people. This battle was the roots of Cinco de Mayo.  What Cinco de Mayo has come to be is much more than one battle in the colonial history of Mexico.  Rather, it has come to signify Hispanic and Mexican pride and a time to celebrate the rich culture and in general a time to be proud to be of Hispanic descent. Please note that this is not the celebration of Mexican Independence which is celebrated on September 16th.  .…“I didn’t know that” “Just like Andy”  And the big news for the month of May:  Thomas Crapper was a plumber who founded Thomas Crapper & Co. Ltd. in London.  But despite the urban legend, Crapper did not invent the flush toilet as so may think.  The good news is however, Crapper did much to increase its popularity and came up with some related inventions.  Crapper actually invented the automatic shut-off mechanism used in the modern toilet.  He was noted for the quality of his products and received several awards.  An important invention used by all (hopefully) was the flush toilet invented, by Sir John Harington. Harington, a British nobleman, who invented a valve that when pulled would release water from a water closet. Crapper's Valveless Waste Preventer did hold nine patents, three of them for water closet improvements such as the floating ballcock, but none were for the flush toilet itself.  Thomas Crapper's advertisements implied the syphonic flush was his invention — one having the text "Crapper's Valveless Water Waste Preventer (Patent #4,990)  One moveable part only" — but patent 4990 (for a minor improvement to the water waste preventer) was not his, but that of Albert Giblin in 1898. You should also be aware the word crap has nothing to do with Crapper's name.  It was used long before he was born.  It is just a coincidence that a man who manufactured toilets was called Crapper  And rumor has it that, during the days of Robin Hood, King Arthur - angry with how his brother ruled the country while the King was gone, named “fair toilette”, 'the john' - aka as 'the jon'.  For those interested Thomas Crapper was born in September 1836 and died January 27, 1910.  AND now you have the facts!  And not just a bit of crap!! YET MORE important useless information – Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the item while you chop. A mouse trap placed on the snooze button of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you have hit the snooze button Bad cough? Take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough If you cant fix it with a hammer, you have got an electrical problem. Remember - everyone seems normal until you get to know them. It's not whether you win or lose, but how you place the blame. We have enough youth.  How about a fountain of "smart"? Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch. We are born naked, wet and hungry.  Then things get worse. The latest survey shows that three out of four people make up 75% of the population Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity You only need 2 tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape.  IF it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40.  If it shouldn’t move and it does use the duct tape Quotes "Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit."  -R.E.Shay “If your dreams turn to dust....vacuum.” --Unknown “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty” ……..John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address January 20, 1961 ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like.   ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Friday, April 11, 2008 - RB Balch IT Consultants - ALERT - QuickBooks 2008 users

You have been sent this email because you are on our RB Balch PC Tips monthly newsletter database.   This is an important ALERT for Quickbooks 2008 users.  IF you are a QuickBooks 2008 user....turn off your Microsoft automatic updates now.  A recent critical update is apparently causing major corruption with the Quickbooks 2008 version only.  We highly recommend that you do not apply SP1 for Microsoft's .NET 2.0 at this time.  We have had some of our clients affected with this today - Quickbooks will start to load and then closes after the initial splash screen. If you need assistance with turning off Microsoft automatic updates, contact our office. If  you  have experienced this issue, contact us at RB Balch if you need assistance. Rochelle Balch RB Balch & Associates, Inc. - IT Consultants rb@rbbalch.com   www.rbbalch.com 623-561-9366

Thursday, April 03, 2008 - RB Balch PC Tips - APR08 - Spoofing, Phishing - Beware

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, APRIL 08 – Spoofing - Phishing Beware ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? bb===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== APRIL - SPECIAL THIS MONTH.  Did you know...GOLD clients enjoy reduced rates?  Priority scheduling?  Phone support?  A Primary tech assigned...and backup staff?  AND a better running office.  And NO CONTRACTS to sign.  Sign up during APRIL and receive $25 off your first GOLD appointment. REMINDER:  we can help you “build” a new computer online with Dell – we do not markup – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you). GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum) Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. FREE GIFT: at your next appointment, ask your technology consultant for one our new handy memo pads and pens. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: Spoofing - Phishing - Beware Can you spot fake emails? BY MICHAEL SCHROCK, RB Balch staff   Recently there has been a large influx of Spoofing and Phishing emails flying around the internet.  Phishing?  Spoofing?  What is this? “...(fish´ing) (n.) The act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The e-mail directs the user to visit a web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The Web site, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user’s information...*    *FROM http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/p/phishing.htm “...Spoofing:  Forging an email header to make it appear as if it came from somewhere or someone other than the actual source. The main protocol  that is used when sending e-mail -- SMTP -- does not include a way to authenticate. There is an SMTP service extension that allows an SMTP client to negotiate a security level with a mail server.  But if this precaution is not taken anyone with the know-how can connect to the server and  use it to send spoofed messages by altering the header information. In some jurisdictions, e-mail spoofing anyone other than yourself is illegal....” **    ** FROM http://webopedia.com/TERM/E/e_mail_spoofing.html So the question is ‘How do I tell a good email from a Spoofed or Phished one?’ First and foremost all legitimate internet based companies, including banks, will never ask for password verification or identity verification via email; emails from banks are the most common types of Spoofing and Phishing Emails. There are several ways to Spoof and Phish for information.  One popular way is to URL Spoof. URL Spoofing is caused by the ‘thieves’ exploiting the security of whatever Internet Browser you are using to change the locations of whatever websites that they choose.  This is a good reason why it is very important to perform Security Updates on whatever operating system you are currently using. With Phishing (an email that looks like it legitimately from a trusted source but is not) the thieves may have a key logger to log the information you type into their website(s) or, after clicking the link to verify that you are an active customer, a key logger gets downloaded onto your machine and then logs EVERYTHING that gets typed in. Then, after a few days, the key logger programs sends the information to the thieves. According to the FBI, in an FBI press release, Assistant Director of the agency's Cyber Division, Jana Monroe says, "Bogus e-mails that try to trick customers into giving out personal information are the hottest, and most troubling, new scam on the Internet. The FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) has seen a steady increase in complaints that involve some form of unsolicited e-mail directing consumers to a phony "Customer Service" type of web site. Assistant Director Monroe said that the scam is contributing to a rise in identity theft, credit card fraud, and other Internet frauds. "Spoofing," or "phishing," frauds attempt to make Internet users believe that they are receiving e-mail from a specific, trusted source, or that they are securely connected to a trusted web site, when that is not the case. In "E-mail spoofing" the header of an e-mail appears to have originated from someone or somewhere other than the actual source. Spam distributors and criminals often use spoofing in an attempt to get recipients to open and possibly even respond to their solicitations.    FROM http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/consumer/a/aaspoofing.htm Once again companies will not ask for information through emails, if a change is needed the company will generally ask for it after your next successful login. If you have ANY questions on emails you receive, you can always forward them to help@rbbalch.com for review.  Remember always perform security updates on your computer(s) and if emails ask you to verify information they are most likely false and will be “phishing” for your information.   Any questions on software options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert MONTH:  APRIL Birthstone:       Diamond - Meaning: Innocence Color:            Clear Diamonds are natural, rare and truly exotic gem of the earth.  Diamonds in hues of yellow, red, pink, blue, and green range in intensity from faint to vivid and generally the more saturated the color, the higher the value. Diamonds sparkling with intense color are rare and may be priced higher than a colorless diamond of equal size.  Because fancy-color diamonds are very desirable, color is sometimes introduced in a laboratory.  These are called “color-treated diamonds”. When purchasing a fancy-color diamond, you should ask if any enhancements or treatments were used to improve its color and/or clarity.  Ancient Hindus, finding diamonds washed out of the ground after thunderstorms, believed they were created by bolts of lightning.  There are many kinds of diamonds: transparent, translucent or opaque; ranging from colorless to black, with lots of colors in between.  Transparent diamonds, colorless or tinted, seem to be used as jewelry items.  The color of a diamond depends on the kind of impurities embedded inside it. Yellow diamonds, for example, might have very small quantities of nitrogen, while boron might give a bluish hue to the diamond.  Any color any size any shape – Diamonds are nice!!   Flower:                 Daisy, Sweet Pea  Astrological Sign(s):  Aries  (The Ram)  March 21 - April 19 Taurus  The Bull  April 20 - May 20 Moon Phases: April 5 New -April 12 1st Qtr -April 20 Full - April 28 Last Qtr Tuesday, April 1 April Fool's Day Tuesday, April 1 U.S. troops land on Okinawa  (1945) Friday, April 4 Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated.  (1968) Thursday, April 10 The Titanic leaves on maiden voyage from England (1912) Monday, April 14 President Lincoln shot by John Wilkes Booth (1865) Tuesday, April 15 Income tax Day (remember The IRS = “THEIRS”) Tuesday, April 15 The Titanic hits an iceberg sinks. (1912) Friday, April 18 Paul Reveres famous ride "the Red Coats are coming"  (1775) Saturday, April 19 Passover begins at sundown, lasts 8 days Monday, April 21  Patriot's Day  A Legal holiday in MA Wed, April 23 Administrative Professionals Day (was "Secretaries Day") Friday, April 25 Arbor Day (always the last Friday in April) Sunday, April 27 Babe Ruth Day (1947) Sunday, April 27 The 1st SS checks were distributed on this day in 1937 Wed, April 30 The Vietnam War ends with the fall of Saigon (1975) Andy’s “Image That”  Last months newsletter (March 2008)  I pointed out that Daylight Saving Time was not observed in Arizona - and by the slip of my fingers ("image that") in typing and with the close eye of one of our faithful readers I forget to mention that the exception in Arizona is the Navajo Nation.  So it should have read  "AND REMEMBER just in case you're in one of these areas Daylight Saving Time is NOT observed:  Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Arizona(with the exception of the Navajo Nation).  Can you believe Andy made an error??? ....”image that”........ohh and thanks Jim A for pointing that out.(……maybe nobody else noticed) Andy’s “I didn’t know that”  Patriots Day for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, state of Maine and a public school observance day in Wisconsin  Patriot's Day is a special Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775.  Observed on April 19, in honor of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought on that date in 1775. Since 1969, however, the holiday has been observed on the third Monday in April, providing a three-day long weekend. (Arizona should grab this 3 weekend holiday). Observances and re-enactments of these first battles of the American Revolution occur annually at Lexington Green in Lexington, MA, and The Old North Bridge in Concord, MA.  The Boston Marathon is run on this day every year.  Also, the Boston Red Sox have traditionally played a home game at Fenway Park on this date every year since 1960, and organized the starting time of the game to coincide with the marathon, so that people leaving the game would be able to head into Kenmore Square and cheer on the runners heading through the area. …“I didn’t know that” Babe Ruth Day April 27th - Babe Ruth Day honors one of Baseball's greatest players ever. On April 27, 1947, The Babe attended Yankee Stadium for Babe Ruth Day.  It was to be the 2nd to last time he was at the stadium.  In 1946, Babe Ruth was diagnosed with Throat Cancer.  On this day in 1947, "The Bambino" returned to "The House that Ruth Built" to be honored. ”I sure didn’t know that” “Just like Andy”  April 1st is April Fools' Day, sometimes called All Fools' Day.  Its annual tradition is playing practical jokes on each other.  Celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery.  Some speculate that April Fools' Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563.  People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March. April 1 became the day of jokes and hoaxes.  Some people began to make fun of them by sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false.  These included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as "poisson d'avril" (April fish), said to symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.  There are at least two difficulties with this explanation.  The 1st is that it doesn't fully account for the spread of April Fools' Day to other European countries.  The Gregorian calendar was not adopted by England until 1752, but April Fools' Day was already well established there by that point.  And the 2nd is that we have no direct historical evidence for this explanation, it’s only a theory.  Some historians have also linked April Fools' Day to ancient festivals such as Hilaria, which was celebrated in Rome at the end of March and involved people dressing up in disguises. There's also speculation that April Fools' Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or first day of spring , changing of the seasons, in the Northern Hemisphere, when Mother Nature “fooled people” with changing, unpredictable weather….AND now you have the facts!  OR are you just fooled!. YET MORE important useless information – Interesting way to advertise with signs!! In a Podiatrist's office:     "Time wounds all heels." On a Septic Tank Truck:       "We're #1 in the #2 business" At a Proctologist's door:     "To expedite your visit, please back in." On a Plumber's truck:         "We repair what your husband fixed." At a Towing company:          "We don't charge an arm & a leg. We want tows." At an Optometrist's Office:   "If you don't see what you're looking for,                               you've come to the right place." At a Car Dealership:          "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment." Outside a Muffler Shop:       "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming." In a Vets waiting room:       "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!" At the Electric Company:      "We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be." In a Nonsmoking Area:         "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action." Quotes "The customer never knows what he wants until he has received what he asked for."  “Unknown” “A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun.       Enjoy the trip”......Unknown “Birthdays are good for you.  The more you have, the longer you       live”…..Unknown “You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of       the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.”… Abraham       Lincoln. “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you       must see the world”…….George Bernard Shaw ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like.   ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Monday, March 03, 2008 - RB Ballch PC Tips - MAR08 - End of life near for WIN XP

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, MARCH 08 – End of life for WIN XP is coming ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== MARCH - SPECIAL THIS MONTH.  Did you know...GOLD clients enjoy reduced rates?  Priority scheduling?  Phone support?  A Primary tech assigned...and backup staff?  AND a better running office.  And NO CONTRACTS to sign.  Sign up during March and receive $25 off your first GOLD appointment. REMINDER:  we can help you “build” a new computer online with Dell – we do not markup – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you). GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum) Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com. FREE GIFT: at your next appointment, ask your technology consultant for one our new handy memo pads and pens. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: End of life for Windows XP Are you ready for VISTA?   Microsoft has announced that Windows XP will go end of life on June 30th of this year.  This means that on July 1, 2008, only Windows Vista will be available as an operating system on a new desktop or notebook.  Windows Vista Business SP1 will be released soon and this should address a number of issues that some people have encountered. Microsoft will support Windows XP for a while with updates, but it will not be available on a new PC. What does this mean to you?  If you are running older software or hardware (printers, plotters, more) that are not Vista compatible, you'll need to either upgrade everything......or purchase any new computers you were thinking about within the next few months (with Windows XP Pro). If you’re thinking you can take the copy of Windows XP that came with your old computer and move it..think again.  It was most likely an “OEM” version – meaning it stays with the old computer and cannot be moved to another computer. IMPORTANT:  The bottom line is this:  If you are running older or non-Vista compatible software – or any hardware that is non-Vista compatible – AND you don’t upgrade – AND you need to add or replace equipment after 06/30/08 – you’ll be stuck.  There is an excellent chance that your software will not run on the new computer and you will not be able to function adequately in your office.  You definitely need to consider upgrading now – on your time schedule.  Don’t wait until it’s too late (and you’re in a critical situation). It appears the inevitable is drawing near....you can buy a little time . . . but the time is coming. If you are using software and other equipment that is VISTA compatible, nothing to worry about. VISTA itself does have some nice features - your main concern should be whether or not your business critical software will run.  For an office, purchase VISTA Ultimate (NOT a home version). Any questions on software options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert   MONTH:  MARCH Birthstone:  Aquamarine, Bloodstone - Meaning: Courage Color:      Pale Blue to Pale Green The two birthstones for March are aquamarine and bloodstone.  The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.  This gemstone was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage.  Aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded.  Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green and the color usually is more intense in larger stones. Found mainly in Brazil, but also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.  The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper with vivid red spots of iron oxide.  This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers — especially for blood disorders.  It is sometimes called “the martyr's stone.”  Legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.  Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this stone are India, Brazil, and Australia. Flower:      Daffodil, Jonquil      Astrological Sign(s):  Pisces  (The Fish) Feb. 19 - Mar. 20                         Aries  (The Ram)  March 21 - April 19 Moon Phases: March 7 New -March 14 1st Qtr March 21 Full - March 29 Last Qtr   Monday, March 3 Star Spangled Banner became the National Anthem (1931) Thursday, March 6 Dentists Day (for all you Anti-Dentites) Sunday, March 9 DST (But don’t touch that clock in AZ and see below**) Wednesday, March 12 Happy Birthday SL in Oregon, a faithful reader Wednesday, March 12 Girl Scout Day (watch for those cookies!!!) Saturday, March 15 Ides of March Sunday, March 16 Palm Sunday Monday, March 17 St. Patrick's Day Thursday, March 20 Spring (Vernal) Equinox - (First Day of Spring) Friday, March 21 Good Friday Friday, March 21 Purim Sunday, March 23 Easter Sunday, March 23 Patrick Henry "Give me liberty, or give me death!"(1775) Sunday, March 30 National Doctor's Day (Yep they have a day also) Andy’s “Image That”  March 9th is that time of the year - The official spelling is Daylight Saving Time, and NOT Daylight SavingS Time.  Saving is used here as a verbal adjective (a participle).  It modifies time and tells us more about its nature; namely, that it is characterized by the activity of saving daylight (WOW!). Many people feel the word savings (with an 's') sounds better.  Daylight Savings Time is also in common usage, and can be found in dictionaries.  Adding to the confusion is that the phrase Daylight Saving Time is inaccurate, since no daylight is actually saved. Daylight Shifting Time would be better, but it is not as politically desirable.  AND REMEMBER just in case you're in one of these areas Daylight Saving Time is NOT observed:  Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Arizona.  Well you never know from what area someone reads this important useless information....”image that”. Andy’s “I didn’t know that”  A few March holidays you might not know about. March 15 - The Ides of March. The first day of the Roman New Year. It also marks the first day of spring in the Roman calendar.  On this day in history, Julius Caesar was warned by soothsayers to "beware of the Ides of March". Apparently, he did not heed the warning strongly enough as he was stabbed by Marcus Brutus on the Ides of March in 44 BC. March 21 - Purim  A two day event.  Purim is the most festive of the Jewish Holidays.  The festive holiday centers around Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus (or Achashverosh), Mordechai and Haman.  The event took place in the Persian Empire in the fifth century, B.C. It is a celebration of a major victory against oppression of the Jews at that time. “Just like Andy”  March 3rd - “The Star-Spangled Banner” was officially made the national anthem by Congress in 1931.  On Sept. 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key visited the British fleet in Chesapeake Bay to secure the release of Dr. William Beanes, (a friend of Keys) who had been captured after the burning of Washington, DC.  The release was secured, but Key was detained on ship overnight during the shelling of Fort McHenry, one of the forts defending Baltimore. In the morning, he was so delighted to see the American flag still flying over the fort that he began a poem to commemorate the occasion. First published under the title “Defense of Fort McHenry,” the poem soon attained wide popularity as sung to the tune “To Anacreon in Heaven.” The origin of this tune is obscure, but it may have been written by John Stafford Smith, a British composer born in 1750.  The lyrics were published in a Baltimore newspaper on September 20, 1814. Throughout the 19th century, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was regarded as the national anthem by most branches of the U.S. armed forces and other groups, but it was not until 1916, and the signing of an executive order by President Woodrow Wilson, that it was formally designated as such . Then in March 1931, Congress passed an act confirming Wilson's presidential order, and on March 3 President Hoover signed it into law…..AND now you have the facts. YET MORE important useless information – Why isn't the number 11 pronounced onety-one? Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don't they just put their pictures       on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail? Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive? As income tax time approaches, remember when you put the two words "The" and "IRS" together, it spells "THEIRS" Quotes “If a man can beat you, walk him”……Leroy (Satchel) Paige “I never thought home runs were all that exciting.  I still think the triple is the most exciting thing in baseball. To me, a triple is like a guy taking the ball on his 1-yard line and running 99 yards for a touchdown”. Hank Aaron "Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is." ….Bob Feller “Trying to sneak a fastball past Hank Aaron is like trying to sneak the sunrise past a rooster”…….Joe Adcock Helpful note:  Incase you don’t know these quotes have to do with baseball since it’s almost spring training ===================================================================== 4  Community Update ===================================================================== RB Balch is proud member of: Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) - Chamber of Commerce - National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Better Business Bureau (BBB). Andy will be teaching Art Marketing and Self-Promotion - ART255AA at Glendale Community College, beginning Feb 04 for 8 Weeks. Rochelle will be speaking for at a two day financial conference in Denver, in September - on Technology and Boosting Your Business. ===================================================================== 5  RB Balch.  WHY do we issue this and WHO are we? ===================================================================== WHY:  Purpose of this newsletter?     To help you learn more about technology and computers     To be informal and informative     To answer specific questions asked by readers ....To continue our commitment of keeping you informed Reflections of Better Business (published since 1994) is for employees, clients, friends and associates of RB Balch. WHO ARE WE:  RB Balch.  IT Computer Consulting firm.  Established 02/93.  Experienced. Reliable. Ethical. Good.  Revenues since 1993 are over $23 million.  Our mission is to be your one source solution for all of your computer needs.  Consider us your “computer guy”, your IT department.  We’re only an email or phone call away.  SERVICES: PC Field Support - IT Consulting, Software Development Projects, Business/Marketing Consulting, Seminars & Keynotes. PC Field Support – IT Consulting: PC troubleshooting, network installation and maintenance, server and workstation setup/support, hardware and software upgrades, virus and spyware detection & repair, data recovery, backup/restore, programming, web design, web and email hosting, more.  Troubleshooting is our specialty.  Contact us as needed, or set-up recurring GOLD maintenance appointments (discounted, no contracts, no pre-paid bundle of hours required). We come to you. Software Development Projects: PC development, no job too small. We specialize in projects 1 to 500 hours (longer projects also accepted).  New or maintenance.  Simple changes or complex systems. Programming, Databases, Web design, Contingency plans/strategy plans, etc.  Available nationally. Business Consulting: Utilize technology to help you grow your business - we’re here to help. IT strategies, Disaster/recovery planning, IT security audits. Marketing and promotional plans. Seminars, Keynotes: Technology and Motivational workshops, keynotes and lunch programs for your staff or association.  As a successful entrepreneur and award winning business owner, Rochelle Balch, president RB Balch and international professional speaker (member of the National Speakers Association), is available for programs for technology, team building, marketing and business, and personal development. Get everyone on the same page to understand technology in your company.  Mention this newsletter for discount off speaking fees.  For sample topics see http://www.rochellebalch.com Appointments:  We offer, and highly recommend, regularly scheduled GOLD maintenance appointments.  We offer on call/as needed service and emergency service.  We are available weekends/evenings/holidays, and on special retainer, if required.  No pre-pays, change frequency or cancel maintenance appointments at any time.  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com, at 623-561-9366, or visit our web site at www.rbbalch.com for on-line scheduling.  Contact Rochelle Balch directly at rb@rbbalch.com or contact Andy Karpel directly at andy@rbbalch.com if you like.   ===================================================================== MAINTENANCE ===================================================================== To be added or removed from our newsletter, go to: http://www.rbbalch.com and click on the Newsletter box on the right.  OR call us OR simply reply to this email and write remove in the message or subject. Your email address is absolutely only used by us at RB Balch. =====================================================================                      RB Balch Computer Consultants                              PO BOX 10007                           Glendale, AZ 85318                         mailto:help@rbbalch.com                       623-561-9366              1-800-922-5249 (1-800-9-BALCH-9)   Copyright (c) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 RB Balch & Associates, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Friday, February 01, 2008 - RB Balch PC Tips - FEB08 - 15th YR! Tips for Hazardous Free Computing

RB Balch PC Tips Newsletter, FEB08 – 15 yrs! – Tips for Hazardous Free Computing ===================================================================== Reflections of Better Business Your guide to technology and an error-free computer environment ===================================================================== By:  RB Balch & Associates, Inc. Full service, award winning computer consulting firm.  Serving AZ since 93. "Providing easy technology answers to confusing technology issues". tm ===================================================================== CONTENTS ===================================================================== 1  Specials this month 2  Technology / Computer Tip 3  Andy’s Did You Know? 4  Community Update 5  RB Balch.  Who are we? ===================================================================== SPECIALS THIS MONTH - Celebrating 15 years! ===================================================================== FEBRUARY - SUPER SAVINGS MONTH SPECIAL.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to US!  RB Balch celebrates it’s 15th year serving the greater Phoenix area Feb 1st!  Super Bowl month. Anniversary month.  Valentine’s Day.  Even RB’s birthday this month.  SO, very special savings.  Mention Happy Anniversary to your RB Balch tech at your visit this month and receive $20 OFF your bill!  Pretty easy.  We appreciate your continued loyalty and support.  PLUS – GOLD clients receive an extra $15 off each appointment during our Anniversary month.  REMINDER:  we can help you “build” a new computer online with Dell – we do not markup – same pricing ordering with us or from Dell.  We can order for you (no fee to order when we bring and setup for you). GENERAL INFORMATION Contact us at 623-561-9366  OR  at help@rbbalch.com  OR online from our website www.rbbalch.com to schedule online. If you schedule online, you’ll save an additional $5 off your next appointment. REMOTE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Contact us for remote technical support - it’s easy, fast, less interruptions at the offices and less expensive for you! (1/2 hour minimum) Our motto: “you don’t have a problem until you have a problem”.  Think about it.  Contact Rochelle at rb@rbbalch.com.   FREE GIFT: at your next appointment, ask your technology consultant for one our new handy memo pads and pens. ===================================================================== 2  TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER TIP ===================================================================== THIS MONTH: 7 Tips for Hazard Free Computing By Matt Montel, RB Balch staff member   Over the years we have run across many disastrous situations that easily could have been avoided.  See some simple tips below to avoid a critical situation - like data loss or hacking into your computer. 1.  File Storage How do you store your email or documents? Storing email or documents in you Recycle Bin is a guaranteed way to lose them (yes, people actually do this).  Save documents and emails in an organized folder system - with sub folders listed logically. 2.  Passwords Where are your passwords? Are they taped to you monitor? Passwords should be in a secure place like a locked drawer or cabinet. Your password should consist of numbers, upper and lower case letters and special characters (i.e. !@#*); it should be at least 15 characters.  Don’t use common names or words. 3.  Attachments How big of an attachment are you trying to send with your email? A good rule of thumb is that you should NOT attempt to send an attachment of more than 5MG at a time. We have seen people try to send 40MG email then wonder why their email quit working!  Big email attachments will stop and clog your outgoing email. 4.  Anti-Virus and Windows updates With all of the new viruses and security holes being found every day, it is really important to stay current on antivirus and Windows updates.  Without keeping current, you risk the loss of your documents - and the loss of your time and your money getting it fixed. 5.  Rebooting your PC After you run a Windows update or an Antivirus update and are asked if you want to reboot now or later, just bite the bullet, close down any open documents or programs and do it. Waiting could expose you to errors or viruses. 6.  Closing Windows Improperly Are you just “flipping the switch” on your power strip or abruptly turning off your PC? You are risking data corruption and possibly corrupting your system. Close down Windows properly; go to the START button, and "shut down". 7.  Unsafe use of USB drives USB drives are great tools for transferring files from computer to computer but they are also great for transferring viruses or other spyware. Practice good habits by scanning your USB drives for viruses before plugging into another PC. DO you have some helpful tips on what to do or not to do? Send them in to help@rbbalch.com   Any questions on software options?  Contact us at help@rbbalch.com   623-561-9366  or Rochelle directly at rb@rbbalch.com  OR schedule on-line at www.rbbalch.com  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have an idea for a topic?  Just let us know – or send in your questions to help@rbbalch.com. Was this article helpful? Please let us know. ==================================================================== 3  Andy’s Did You Know? ===================================================================== By Andy Karpel, the “A lot about nothing” expert   MONTH:  FEBRUARY Birthstone: Amethyst    Meaning:  Sincerity  Color: Purple The word amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not drunk", and was believed to prevent its wearers from intoxication.  Amethyst, the gemstone believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus, also is said to keep the wearer clear-headed and quick-witted.  Throughout history, the gemstone has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures.  English regalia were even decorated with amethysts during the Middle Ages to symbolize royalty.  It has been associated with many myths, legends, religions, and numerous cultures. Amethyst is purple quartz, a beautiful blend of violet and red that can found in every corner of the earth. Historically, the finest amethyst were found in Russia and were featured in much royal European jewelry.  Today, while Brazil is the primary source of this gemstone, fine material can be found elsewhere, especially in Zambia.  The early Egyptians believed that the amethyst possessed good powers, and placed the stones in the tombs of pharaohs. During the Middle Ages, it was used as medication, believed to dispel sleep, sharpen intellect, and protect the wearer from sorcery.  It was also believed to bring victory in battle.  In Arabian mythology, the amethyst was supposed to protect the wearer from bad dreams and gout.  The amethyst was also the stone of royalty.  It is the stone of Saint Valentine, who wore an amethyst engraved with the figure of his assistant, Cupid. (HINT…HINT…Saint Valentine's Day) Flower:     Violet, Primrose Astrological Sign(s):   Aquarius  (The Water Carrier) Jan. 20 - Feb. 18                         Pisces  (The Fish)  Feb. 19 - Mar. 20 Moon Phases: Feb 6 New – Feb 13 1st Qtr – Feb 20 Full – Feb 28 Last Qtr Saturday, Feb 2  Groundhog's Day Sunday, Feb 3  Super Bowl Sunday - SuperBowl XLII in Glendale, AZ!!! Tuesday, Feb 5  Mardi Gras(Fat Tuesday) Wednesday, Feb 6  Ash Wednesday