Hundreds of thousands of people may lose Internet in July

For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections this summer.

The problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual response, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system is to be shut down.

The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner, http://www.dcwg.org, that will inform them whether they’re infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won’t be able to connect to the Internet.

If you have any questions or think you might need helping checking out your system please contact one of our agents at amshot solutions.

 

Is your company working off of the “Break-Fix” Philosophy?

New alternatives to the “break-fix” scenario began to emerge

The break-fix IT scenario continues to be the way the majority of small to medium sized businesses manage their computer networks. They go about their business every day waiting for something to happen, and when it does, they call in their “computer experts” to save the day…or at the bare minimum, fix the problem.

Today, no business can really afford the risk and uncertainty of relying on a “Break-fix maintenance service” because your business is too dependent on having a reliable IT system. Furthermore, having separate suppliers responsible for different parts of the system puts you in the difficult position of trying to decide who should be delivering the service you require. You simply do not have time for this

The truth is, there is a much better and cost-effective way to manage your network. Technology solutions for your company have drastically changed over the past 5-10 years. Can you remember a time when there wasn’t a computer on everyone’s desk? When the only thing available was a tape backup, or when all employees didn’t have access to the internet?

The times change, and technology usually changes with it…not always for the better, but in most cases the solutions that stick around – stick around for a reason. And of course the first companies that benefited from these changes were the ones with money – the Fortune 500 companies…

Managed Services: A break through for fortune 500 companies

At the same time, the hardware and software vendors were adding new and better ways for the systems to signal problems as early as possible. Simple Network Management Protocol had been developing since the early 90’s and was being applied to PC’s. The first systems that could watch these tools and turn all the data into usable information were complex to manage, were geared only to large networks, and were prohibitively expensive for small business.

In 2005, systems started to mature that allowed smaller companies to take advantage of the same features and benefits as the large companies. This technology started the “Managed Services” movement. Once all of the large Fortune 500 companies incorporated “managed services” into their IT worlds, it was only a matter of time before the service would be available and affordable to small to mid-sized businesses.

Exactly what is managed services

Every day more and more businesses are turning to a Managed Services Company to service their computer and technology needs. But what does managed services actually mean and how can you tell if an IT Support company is not just using the word as a marketing tool, but is in fact only offering “flat rate” services packaged as “managed services’?

As a definition, managed services allow a business to offload IT operations to a company known as a Managed Services Provider. The managed service provider assumes an ongoing responsibility

for 24-hour monitoring, managing and/or problem resolutions for the IT systems within a business.

Just like larger companies, small businesses need technology to operate efficiently and to compete effectively. But as reliance on IT grows, the resources needed to support this increasingly complex IT environment may not. In many small businesses, IT resources are limited and can be quickly overwhelmed.

If you fall behind in keeping up with things such as backups, patches and security, the odds greatly increase that you’ll face an IT outage or another problem down the road that will negatively impact your business. For instance, if your Email server, customer relationship management system, financial application or network goes down, you will likely face substantial productivity and revenue losses as a result.

Want to learn more about managed services please contact us at Amshot Solutions

Apple’s all in one messaging solution iMessages from OS X Mountain Lion

Between AIM, Gchat, Yahoo and FaceTime there are many different ways to communicate, but how do you know which one to choose from. Now available in Beta Apple has introduced the all new iMessages from OS X Mountain Lion. While this is only helpful to those of us working off of a Apple computer it is a huge step into the future. The new iMessage was created to consolidate conversations into one centralized location regardless of where it was originally created. Meaning, if you were to start a text in your car, once you got back to the office you could pick up from where you left off on either your computer, iPad or even your iPod. iMessage not only gathers all of your interaction into one spot, but it also communicates with other services like AIM and Gchat and many more. Virtually replacing SMS texting so you can eventually eliminate part of your cellular bill.

READ MORE

Want to be some of the first to start using the all new iMessage click HERE 

Apple’s new operating system is almost here.

Apple’s newest software OS X is about to hit the app store soon! Between the new Messages App and the Twitter integration we are pumped!!! The new OS X is taking on a new look a lot like your ipad or iphone with IOS 5 so there should not be a huge learning curve. Unfortunately, for some of you working off the older Macs, you are going to be left behind. Refer here for a list of the Apple’s that are not compatible.

New Facebook Timeline

 

Looking to update your Facebook to the exciting new Timeline. Refer to the link below to initiate your download. Keep in mind once you get timeline, you will have 7 days before anyone else can see it. This gives you a chance to get your timeline looking the way you want it.

Click here to update to your new Facebook Timeline

 

Refurbished apple products the way to go?

I will start this out by saying that if available I always buy apple refurbished products. If you are a student you can buy new for about the same price as refurbished just remember to go to the student section.

There is a special little area in the apple store in the left hand of the page, the button looks like this. It is towards the bottom on the left side of the page, and that little blue symbol is where I always go when I am shopping for iMacs, MacBooks and iDevices. I have never had a client and I personally have never been let down by shopping here. 

 

If you have the time and what you want is available you can save a substantial amount on apple products. From iPads to iMacs your savings can be as much as $450.00 . These products come with new batteries and cases so they appear brand new and most importantly these products come with an identical warranty as new apple products, the only major difference is that you will get a generic box (this may be a deal breaker to some “unboxing geeks”).

Check out CNET for more info

 

Premier Real Estate Developer Charlie Givens Debuts New Website

Charles S. Givens Interests, a premier real estate developer, proudly announces the debut of the new website at http://www.csgivens.com. Charlie Givens is a native to Oklahoma and a commendable member of his local community.
Givens recognized his passion for real estate development at a young age, and he purchased, remodeled and completed his first apartment project at twenty-one years old. As President of Charles S. Givens Interests, business has grown exponentially over the past few decades. His knowledge and passion delivers an exceptional level of design, construction, management and marketing for multi-purpose projects including residential condominiums, shopping centers and offices.

Read More on prweb.com

Or Visit Charles Givens Oklahoma City