Computers

If you�re thinking about starting a business (congratulations!!), then technology might be the very last consideration on your mind.� With a long list of tasks in front of you (like getting a logo and stationery designed, finding an office, and working out your marketing plan), you may just requisition your home computer to start running your new business.��Let�s�look at some of your very first technology decisions.

New computer or your home PC?�� For a while, your home computer may be adequate to handle the necessities of your business.� However, if your computer time is conflicting with the children�s need to surf the internet for their homework, it may be time to consider a dedicated business computer.� Study any system specifications carefully and check the manufacturer�s websites.� Many �cheap� retail deals are superseded models, cannot be upgraded easily or may not connect to a bigger computer network, which will all be important as you grow.� Also, talk to your accountant about any tax benefits that may be gained from leasing instead of purchasing your IT assets.

If someone else is responsible for the technology in your business, it can feel fantastic that you don�t have to worry about that part of your business operation.� But whether that person is an employee, a freelance computer guy or a larger I.T. support company, the responsibility for this part of your�business still ultimately lies with you.� Here�s�a list of�what all business owners should know about their own computers:1. Administrator passwords�� Local administrator accounts� have full access to make changes to your computers.� If you have a server, there may also be a �domain administrator� account.� Make sure you have a record of these account passwords in a safe place.� If your business provides laptops and mobile phones to your staff, also keep a record of any passwords or PIN numbers that are used to secure these mobile devices (e.g. are prompted for when the device is turned on).� This may seem a bit over the top, but it only takes a disgruntled employee or an issue with your support provider and you can find yourself locked out of your own systems, at the mercy of someone else who knows the passwords when you don�t.� I�ve actually seen I.T. companies refuse to release administrator passwords.� Remember, your information is your property, not theirs.

Recently my hotmail account junk e-mail filter has been catching some rather �Australian-targeted� spam.

Often with a sender of �Thanks for participating!�,��Much Thanks!�, the subject lines claim to have a voucher pending for me from an Australian store like Myer, Wollworths or JB-Hi Fi (though I�ve also seen an iPhone one too).� The company is MyGiftRewards, and they ask me to click on a very suspicious link to confirm my email address and claim my $500 voucher.

There�s a new phrase slowly rumbling through the computer support industry in Australia � managed services.� It�s being helped along by companies like Kaseya, who are trying to convince every one-man-band computer guy that they can earn truckloads by using the Kaseya product.� Problem is, your technology tool of choice is only one small piece of the puzzle to make you a successful managed service provider (MSP).� So, we now have another �book & webinar� spawning industry, trying to each people the secrets of being an MSP, structuring contracts, pitching to customers etc etc.

How long do you put up with a problem before you fix it? Especially if it�s one of those �slightly annoying but I can work around it� type computer problems?� Do you wait for a quiet moment at work (yeah, right), or for a time when you are feeling particularly unproductive or are avoiding another task that would be more unpleasant?� Or do you wait until another one .. or two .. or many other little problems join in the party and gang up on you?

I�m afraid I�m starting this blog with a technology drama, involving my shiny new iPod Shuffle (2nd generation) and Windows Vista.� �Ah yes, Vista� you say knowingly.� But at Microsoft�s defence leaps the voice of my dear friend who pointed out that the vendors had the Vista code for�2 years prior to the release, so surely they could have sorted out their device drivers by now and what more does Microsoft have to do?

Computers

Technology considerations for your new startup business

The 5 things YOU must know about your business�s computers

Australian shops in spam subject

Managed services?

A rebuild is a beautiful thing

And I work in I.T.!!!