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7 Easy Ways to Speed Up Your Business Computers

April 30th, 2012
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Few activities are more frustrating than staring at your old computer, helplessly willing it to move faster. In business, and especially when it comes to small businesses, a slow computer will not help your bottom line. Equally draining are the costs of constant visits from IT consultants and technicians.

While age is a commonly cited cause of slow PC performance, there are usually additional reasons. Many users have no idea that their computers are bogged down with unneeded applications, adware, cookies, and massive amounts of background processes. Left unaddressed, these issues hinder PC performance, decrease productivity, and increase the amount of time spent dealing with IT problems. So what can be done? Here are seven things.

1. Speed Up Boot Time

On average, more than 15% of programs that start automatically on computers are optional, which increases boot time. In addition, because these optional programs continue running in the background, they interfere with the ongoing performance of a computer. Lab testing showed that removing three resource-intensive startups decreased boot time by 41%. That’s equal to a 117 second improvement. By using a built-in utility called msconfig (in Windows, type “msconfig” in the search box located in the “Start” menu) you can sort through these startups and decide which ones are necessary, and which can be removed. If you are not sure which of these items are safe to remove, there are free tools available that can identify them for you.
2. Stay on Top of Your Updates

Software makers are constantly releasing new versions of a software you’ve already paid for. These updates can include enhanced features, and more importantly, patches against vulnerabilities. Microsoft, Adobe, Java, and others put out regular updates that contain bug fixes and help improve PC performance. In fact, vulnerabilities from using out-of-date software are one of the most common ways that malware infects a system. Software updates and patches often pop up automatically. Don’t put them off, and when possible, remember to manually check for updates.
3. Keep Your PC Clean of Junk

A computer can become cluttered with junk files, temp files, logs, and browser bloat very quickly. Junk like this can affect PC performance tremendously over time. This is especially true for computers using traditional hard drives (non-SSD). By committing to regular maintenance of your drives, you can save yourself from the hassle of a bogged-down system and the sluggish performance that accompanies it. Microsoft provides a free utility in Windows called “disk cleanup” that can perform some of the Windows-related cleaning. However, there are free tools that offer more options, like scheduling.
4. Get Rid of Extra Programs

Programs take up space, and if they don’t serve a specific purpose, they are essentially dead weight. This is also true of browser toolbars, plugins, and extensions. Here too, having a clear sense of what is not necessary, and then removing those items, is a big step in improving PC performance.
5. Defrag

Unless you have already upgraded to a solid-state hard drive, defrag your disk regularly. On hard drives, as you save and delete files, the data gets placed in ”sectors” on the hard drive. This causes ‘fragmentation’ and can increase the time it takes for the computer to find the specific item you are looking for; defragmenting files on the disk will save your computer a great deal of time seeking what it needs.
6. Keep Your Computer Safe

Antivirus software is a critical component of any efficient computer system. AV software often comes pre-installed on new PCs, but it’s up to the user to purchase or replace the pre-installed antivirus software. Great free alternatives such as AVG, Avast, and especially Microsoft Security Essentials are powerful substitutes if you are on a budget. Just be sure not to have two antivirus applications installed at the same time — a common cause of computer performance issues and crashes.
7. Accept That Less is More

When it comes to computer performance, one basic principle to follow is “less is more.” The less time your computer wastes sorting through unused programs, unnecessary start-ups, empty space, and malware, the more efficiently it will run. If manually maintaining your PC seems like an overwhelming task, there is a range of PC optimization software that you can download, often free, that will automate all of these tasks.
While the above steps will help improve PC performance, all computers eventually become obsolete. When buying a new model, follow these steps to address the same overload issues.

Check what’s already loaded. Although we assume that a new computer comes clean and ready to go, there are a great deal of items that are just unnecessary. Check to see what’s been pre-installed. Where possible, remove anything you know you won’t use.
Check the antivirus software. Most PCs come some version. Make sure you are comfortable with the product that’s on your machine. If not, or you don’t plan on paying for it, get a product you feel good about. Some good examples include, Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, or Avast.
Check your drivers. Every new model will have a series of updates that are necessary to help sync your new computer with your pre-existing hardware — printer, scanner etc. Make sure that these connect smoothly and you will save yourself headaches and money.

Backup. After you finish cleaning your computer of items you don’t need and installing all of the applications you do want, take a snapshot using imaging software and store it externally, so that if the unexpected happens (think hard drive failure) and you need to start over, you have a fresh image with everything ready to go.

Source:http://mashable.com/2012/04/29/improving-tech-budget/

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Small businesses should proceed with caution on ultrabooks

March 9th, 2012
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Put aside, for a moment, all the sturm und drang being generated (and to be generated) this week and month about the Apple iPad 3, including plenty of digital inches here on the ZDNet commentary site. March will also be an important month for the emerging ultrabook category, with the release of the Dell XP 13 notebook, which the company calls its most mobile Ultrabook laptop yet.

I am still extremely skeptical about the state of the ultrabook category, mainly because right now it is very difficult to make apples-to-apples comparisons about the various products being hawked under this name. Most consider the Apple MacBook Air to be the prototypical example of what the ultrabooks want to beat, but the notebook’s pricetag and that Apple logo on the outside of its case have made it a tough sell among some small and midsize businesses.

The Dell XPS 13 notebook is a well-built introduction to the ultrabook category, although some reviews have criticized its battery life. The computer boasts a 13.3-inch screen, and it weighs 2.99 pounds. The computer is designed to be less than one-quarter-inch thick at its thinnest point, and the price for the system starts at $999 depending on the innards you decide to specify, according to the Dell product specifications and information.

Dell’s entry into this category is by no means a surprise, since pretty much any vendor with a notebook or netbook offering has been falling all over itself to define its ultrabook offering.

Intel has staked a lot on the category, by creating what it believes to be guidelines around which the next generation of non-Apple ultrabooks should be based. But the problem with the category, for me, has been that there are many interpretations of what should be in a base package as well as many, many choices that aren’t quite ultrabooks but might be a really good choice of light notebook. Don’t get me wrong, innovation and variety are exactly what are needed in a nascent category like this one. But it means SMBs are pretty much on their own when it comes to figuring out whether or not ultrabooks are a worthwhile addition to their computer hardware mix.

Personally, I think that confusion should convince small businesses to proceed with caution when making an ultrabook investment, because the form factor is bound to change a great deal throughout the course of the next 12 months to 18 months.

Some recent data from a Zoomerang survey for Microsoft of 261 SMBs with less than 500 employees found that only 7 percent were using an ultrabook while 87 percent didn’t know how to to define the category. So, you are in good company if you feel confused.

Still, some analysts are pretty optimistic about the ultrabook category. A report released in late January by Juniper Research suggests that shipments of ultrabook computers will grow at three times the rate of tablet computers between now and 2017. During that timeframe, approximately 178 million ultrabooks will be shipped, according to the Juniper Research projections.

If you are in the market for a new notebook this year and really can’t afford to wait around for the ultrabook category to become better defined, then here are are 6 factors you should examine really closely to decide if you should opt for what is officially designated as an ultrabook or whether a really thin notebook would do for your business needs. Intel points to these systems as current examples of the category, if you want a starting point of systems to consider. But here is what you should think about long and hard.

Power efficiency: One big hallmarks of Intel’s official ultrabook designation is the promise of “all day” battery life (about 10 hours). The reviews I’ve been reading about the Dell entry into the category peg its life at closer to five hours. The Lenovo IdeaPad U300s apparently gets about seven hours. I’d be thrilled with the latter, but the all day thing just isn’t there yet. To be fair, Intel offers a pretty big range “officially” of between five and eight hours.

Performance: The specification for the ultrabook form factor is the Intel Core i5 or i7 processor line, which is the same architecture that the Apple MacBook Air uses. You should actually be pretty well served in this regard.

The thinness factor: According to Intel, ultrabooks should be no more than 0.8 inches thick, so get out your ruler or you’ll just be buying a really thin and efficient notebook. Maybe this really doesn’t matter.

Weight: Ultrabooks are supposed to come in at less than 3.1 pounds, partly because they do away with optical drives and use solid state drives for all data storage needs. This weight might mean you have to sacrifice screen size, though.

Price: The magic number for Intel’s definition is $1,000, but the sort of high-end features you need for a small-business notebook computer won’t necessarily be available in that price range. Be prepared to spend closer to $1,300 (which is about the price of an Apple MacBook Air, ironically).

Integrated broadband wireless: You know and I know that this is a big deal. Wi-Fi support is pretty much a given and the extent to which your next notebook is a good potential wireless broadband citizen — with 3G or 4G capabilities — could be the make-or-break thing in the small-business decision making process. That is especially true not just because many small businesses are distributed and on-the-go but because they might not always have the wherewithal to invest in wireless network infrastructure. Definitely study the wireless connectivity options for your next notebook carefully.

Source:http://www.zdnet.com/blog/small-business-matters/small-businesses-should-proceed-with-caution-on-ultrabooks/1301

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How to Build Multiple Layers of Security for Your Small Business

February 27th, 2012
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Most of us have heard about the concept of building a defense in depth in order to protect computer resources from black hat hackers. The idea revolves around the use of multiple defenses to thwart, or at least limit, the damage arising from a potential security breach.

Given the rapid pace of change in the security sector, some executives may have difficulty naming the specific safeguards that their companies deploy. This guide aims to shed some light on some of the more common aspects of computer security, and also serve as a checklist to identify potential areas upon which to improve.

1. Network firewall

The first line of defense against unwelcomed visitors would surely be the firewall. At one point, the use of dual firewalls from different vendors was all the rage, though the creation of a DMZ (Demilitarized zone) appears to be more popular these days. Internet-facing servers are typically placed within the DMZ, where they are encumbered by fewer restrictions and lesser monitoring than the internal corporate network.

There are actually a few different types of firewall implementations. For example, consumer-grade routers typically make use of Network Address Translation (NAT), which was originally created to address the problem of limited IPv4 routable addresses. Because the identity of hosts is obfuscated, NAT is often said to offer firewall capabilities.

At a minimum, a proper firewall typically offers packet filter technology, which allows or denies data packets based on established rules relating to the type of data packet and its source and destination address. Stateful packet filter firewalls conduct what is known as stateful packet inspection (SPI), which tracks active connections to sieve out spoofed packets, a superior approach to the stateless packet filtering firewall. Finally, a firewall operating on the application layer understands application-level protocols to identify sophisticated intrusion attempts.

A heightened security awareness and an increase in ecommerce have led more users than ever to use encryption to protect against third-party snooping. Paradoxically, this has resulted in lower visibility of network traffic at a time when more sophisticated malware varieties are resorting to encryption in order to conceal themselves from a casual inspection.

2. Virtual Private Network

Employees who need to access company resources from unsecured locations such as public Wi-Fi hotspots are a particularly vulnerable group. Such workers will be well served by a virtual private network (VPN) connection in order to protect the confidentiality of their network access. A VPN channels all network traffic through an encrypted tunnel back to the trusted corporate network.

As a downside, a VPN can be complex for a small business to deploy, and is costly to support due to the overheads of authentication, processing and bandwidth. Moreover, it is also vulnerable to the theft of physical authentication tokens — or authentication technology, as was the case with the compromise of RSA’s SecurID technology last year. Finally, stolen and lost company laptops with preconfigured VPN settings can become potential gateways for unauthorized access.

3. IDS and IPS

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a network-centric strategy that involves monitoring traffic for suspicious activities that may indicate that the corporate network has been compromised. On its simplest level, this may entail the detection of port scans originating from within the network or excessive attempts to log into a server. The former could be indicative of a compromised host being used to perform initial reconnaissance, while the latter could well be a brute-force attempt in progress. On more advanced network switches, IDS monitoring of network traffic may be enabled by port mirroring, or via the use of passive network taps.

Then an intrusion prevention system (IPS) is usually deployed in-line in order to actively prevent or block intrusions as they are detected. A specific IP address could be automatically blocked off, with an alarm sent to an administrator.

4. Malware Detection

The cat-and-mouse game of malware detection is very much a linchpin of the $22.9 billion enterprise security software market projected for 2012. Malware scanning performed on client devices relies on the processing capabilities of individual devices to check for threats. Business-centric versions typically include some form of central management used to push out new definition updates and implement simple security policies. Malware products specifically optimized for servers are also available, though they are not particularly popular, as businesses are understandably loathe to deploy anything that saps the processing cycles of expensive server hardware.

Given that most malware infestations are a direct result of a user action, the typical anti-malware package has also evolved into comprehensive suites that attempt to offer protection against multiple threat vectors. This may include a component to scrutinize a URL link prior to launching it, or email and browser plug-ins that do the same to file attachments. In addition, anti-malware suites are increasingly bundled with a software-based firewall, spyware detection and even spam filtering.

5. Whitelisting

Whitelisting is an anti-malware defense implemented on client devices much like traditional antivirus software. Instead of attempting to identify known malware, however, whitelisting only allows known files to be executed. This necessitates an initial baseline scan to construct a database of whitelisted applications, to which new applications can be added over time as they are installed.

Though promising, whitelisting has been plagued by various practical problems that have hindered its adoption in businesses. Situations may arise, for example, in which critical file dependencies were not properly identified, resulting in application crashes or an improper installation, as they were prevented from loading. Also, whitelisting may be less useful against exploits that leverage the use of specially created documents or other non-executable files. Finally, employees who are in a hurry may simply disregard warnings and opt to add everything, including malware, into their whitelist.

To be fair, whitelisting software has seen tremendous improvements over the years. Today, most whitelisting software applications will recognize commonly used applications upon installation and are hence capable of building an initial whitelist very quickly and with minimum interaction from users. It is important to ask question whether whitelisting software can coexist with traditional antivirus software. The answer varies, though some whitelisting products do advertise their compatibility with antivirus applications.

6. Spam Filtering

Though spam is not traditionally considered within the domain of computer security, the lines are getting blurred given the increasing number of spear phishing attacks used by hackers to sneak Trojan or zero-day malware into corporate workstations. In addition, there is also evidence to suggest that users who deal with a high volume of emails are more susceptible to being taken in by a phishing attempt. It is clearly in the interest of the IT department to filter out as many bogus email messages as possible.

There are many ways to deal with spam, which may entail channeling all incoming email messages through a specialized cloud service provider, a server-based spam filtering software, or dedicated anti-spam appliances deployed within the DMZ.

7. Keeping Software up to Date

Ensuring that software updates and security patches are kept up to date is widely acknowledged to be an important defense against security breaches. The reason is simple. Though vendors do not typically release the full details of new security flaws, the proffered guidelines and the release of the security patches are often sufficient for black hats to reverse engineer a particular vulnerability. Depending on the nature of the security flaw that is identified, an exploit could potentially be written in days.

This becomes a problem in larger SMBs, which may make use of wide range of software applications or in-house tools that depend on various third-party tools or codebases. It is hence not uncommon for new software updates or security patches to be overlooked, thus opening up a window of vulnerability. The increasing variety of software that is capable of updating itself over the Internet may somewhat alleviate this problem. However, it should be noted that automatic updating may not be a desirable behavior in mission-critical production environments. To that end, businesses need to implement appropriate processes to identify and test new updates in a timely manner. 8. Physical security

Physical security is a crucial factor that cannot be overstated. After all, given physical access, practically every security or network appliance can be reset to its factory default. In addition, unsecured Ethernet ports may also offer a direct line past the firewall and other perimeter defenses, though that access can be mitigated to an extent with managed switches configured to deny access to unrecognized MAC addresses. Another concern within server rooms is the theft of hard disk drives from hot-swappable bays of storage appliances or servers. Given how passwords files can be deciphered relatively easily from stolen storage devices, server closets or server rooms should be kept locked at all times, and access granted only to authorized staffers.

We have only touched on some of the most common aspects of security deployments. There are obviously many others, such as the importance of user education, independent security audits and the value of a good IT policy. The presence of comprehensive logging and auditing will also help greatly in identifying sources of a breach.

The important point here is that security is a multi-faceted topic that is constantly evolving. Small and mid-sized businesses need to ensure that they do not rely on a single mechanism to stay secure, and that they stay up to date on the latest security offerings available.

Source:http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/network-wifi/3339736/how-build-multiple-layers-of-security-for-your-small-business/

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Dell readies Rs 5,000 crore war chest for India buyout to boost IT business

January 31st, 2012
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Dell is on the prowl for an India acquisition worth up to $1 billion (Rs 5,000 crore), part of a strategy to bolster its information technology services business and compete better against the likes of IBM and Accenture.

The world’s third-largest computer maker wants to buy a mid-sized Indian tech firm with “several thousands of staff” and revenues of $500 million to $1 billion or even more, Suresh Vaswani, chairman of the company’s Indian operations and executive vicepresident of the Dell’s global application and BPO business, told ET.

He declined to say which companies Dell, which has cash of about $16 billion, is interested in, but bankers identified Hexaware Technologies and NIIT Technologies, each with revenues of around $300 million, as potential targets. Both companies have been denying plans to sell. Vaswani, a Wipro veteran who joined Dell last year to help the company grow its services business, said mid-sized firms with a majority of staff in India and with expertise in areas such as banking or healthcare will make good targets.

“The services acquisition can be Perot Systems-like but with more India leverage and in the tier-II space. They may be $700 million or $800 million (by revenue) in one vertical and may even be ahead of tier-I companies in that space. We don’t have to look at one; we could look at two,” he said.

Dell acquired Perot Systems for $3.9 billion in 2009, marking its entry into the services space. The acquisitions also gave it significant offshore delivery capabilities and strength in the healthcare services business.

Experts familiar with Dell’s strategy said the company plans to leverage acquisitions to more than double, or even treble, its current IT services revenues of $8 billion in 3-4 years. Dell has said it wants to increase revenues from IT services to $11 billion in three years, but this does not account for business from any potential acquisitions. IT services contribute less than 15% to Dell’s total income.

From around 28,000 staff in India, Dell plans to ramp up to a level where it can compete more effectively against IBM, which has over 1,00,000 employees in the country. This can only be achieved through an acquisition; competing with traditional campus recruiters such as TCS, Infosys and Wipro to hire hundreds of software engineers will be difficult.

Once the world’s largest PC maker, Dell has lost more than a quarter of its share in the commoditised computer market to aggressive Asian rivals such as Lenovo. Now, the company wants a bigger share of the high-margin IT services pie to improve profitability by bundling computer hardware with outsourcing contracts.

IBM had a head start in IT services when in 2005 it sold its PC business to Lenovo to focus on the rapidly-growing areas of software and services. IBM now gets over half of its $100 billion revenues from services.

“These companies are looking at a trillion-dollar market which is only growing. Dell has been an acquisitive company especially in the services space. A mid-sized acquisition will definitely add value for them and help them respond to clients faster,” said Viral Thakker, a partner at KPMG.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/dell-readies-rs-5000-crore-war-chest-for-india-buyout-to-boost-it-business/articleshow/11691859.cms

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How to Choose an ISP for Your Small Business

December 21st, 2011
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It may seem as if all Internet connections are the same, but some differences–beyond price–exist between Internet service providers, and between types of connections that a single ISP offers. This guide is designed to help you choose the ISP and the connection that best suit your small or midsize business or organization.

When shopping for Internet access, you’ll probably encounter several marketing terms frequently. Broadband and high-speed are used to describe pretty much any type of Internet connection that provides bandwidth speeds faster than traditional dial-up access–and nearly all connections offered today qualify as faster than dial-up. Wideband, a relatively new term, refers to connection types that provide throughput at levels approaching or exceeding 50 mbps.

Here are the three most common connection types you’re likely to see when shopping for an ISP.

DSL: This is generally the cheapest connection type, with business-class prices ranging from $30 to $90 per month. Though DSL uses traditional telephone lines, you can carry on voice calls and transfer data simultaneously. DSL performance depends on how far your location is from the ISP’s exchange, but speeds may reach 15 mbps for downloads and 1 mbps for uploads, which can support a dozen typical users simultaneously or a point-of-sale system.

Cable: This is one of the most popular connection types. Monthly prices for cable range from $60 to over $300. The technology works over standard television cable lines, but it permits concurrent TV viewing and even digital phone use. ISPs may offer cable speeds of 50 to 100 mbps for downloads and 2 to 10 mbps for uploads–enough for a few dozen simultaneous users. Cable connections share bandwidth among other users in the vicinity, so speeds may be slower during peak (work) hours.

Fiber: This newer connection type offers superior performance. Telecommunication companies have been using fiber-optic lines in their backbone infrastructure for some time now, and in the past few years they have extended the fiber connections closer to end-users. Some companies run fiber-optic cabling to a neighborhood distribution point, as is the case with AT&T U-verse, and then make the connection to individual buildings via existing copper lines. Others, like Verizon FiOS, are installing fiber connections all the way to their customers. Fiber-optic connections permit download speeds of 15 to 150 mbps and upload speeds of 5 to 35 mbps. Monthly pricing ranges from $70 to $200. Since fiber provides such high bandwidth, it can easily provide TV, phone, and Internet service for 24 simultaneous users.

Bandwidth Speed

ISPs offer a couple of service levels or plans for each connection type. The main point of distinction between levels is the bandwidth speed. Choosing a suitable speed is one of the key decisions you must make.

Generally, the greater the number of people who’ll be using the connection, the more bandwidth you’ll need. In addition, the more performance-intensive the users’ needs are–for example, watching or streaming video, downloading large files, or using Internet-connected VoIP phones–the more the bandwidth you’ll need. On the other hand, users who want to use their connection for email and browsing the Web won’t need as much bandwidth.

Some ISPs have begun to cap data usage. Under a data cap, if you exceed the data transfer limit during a billing cycle, the ISP may automatically throttle back your speeds for the remainder of the cycle, or it apply a surcharge to your bill. But unless you stream an extensive amount of video or download a great many large files, you probably won’t run afoul of a data cap.

The Fine Print

Make sure to read the fine print of SLAs and other service contract documents.
It’s important to read and analyze the fine print of a service provider’s contract before signing up. The prices that most companies post online are conditional: Many require contracts, ranging from one to three years in order to get the advertised monthly service rate. In addition, some prices include a discount for a set amount of time or are locked in for a limited period. You may even see prices listed that apply only when you arrange to subscribe to a bundle of Internet, phone, and TV service.

Most ISPs offer a service level agreement (SLA) that spells out the service’s performance and support terms, including up-time guarantees, support availability, and guaranteed response-time for support or fixes; they usually also state your compensation if the ISP fails to meet its obligations under the agreement. Compare the SLAs of any providers you’re looking at before you sign a contract.

Other policies of note are the ISP’s subscriber agreement, its terms of service (ToS), and its acceptable use policy. These documents state the rules governing how you may use the service, including any bandwidth or data usage limits that may be in force. You can browse the ISP’s site for these documents or run a Google search for the company name and the word “policies.”

Equipment and Installation Fees

Consider the hardware each ISP provides. Some services provide nothing more than a basic modem, while others may give you a gateway that includes a router with ethernet ports, firewall protection, or even a built-in Wi-Fi router. ISPs rarely post this type of information on their website, so you’ll probably have to call the service’s sales line for details.

Installation or activation fees are another variable. Some companies provide free installation and activation, but most make waiving the associated fees (typically $100 to $150) contingent on your accepting a one-, two-, or three-year contract.

Since ISPs usually install the basic Internet modem or gateway and verify access on a single computer, you’ll likely be responsible for setting up the service on your other computers. DSL providers normally provide kits for the user to install, in lieu of offering professional installation; fortunately, most such kits are easy to set up.

Dynamic vs. Static IP Addresses

Business-class Internet access is usually available through dynamic (changing) or static (permanent) Internet Protocol addresses.

Every Internet connection in the world has at least one assigned public IP address to help identify it uniquely to the millions of other connections and computers on the Internet. An IP address functions similarly to a phone number, except that computers use the numbers in the background to communicate with each other.

Some ISPs offer static IP addresses by default on their higher-service plans, but most offer dynamic IP addresses by default on all of their plans, with static IP addresses available as an add-on, usually priced at about $10 to $15 extra per month.

ISPs prefer to assign dynamic IP addresses rather static ones to avoid having to manage and configure select addresses to specific customers. ISPs use a protocol like DHCP to assign dynamic IP addresses to customers automatically from the services’ range of IP addresses. Dynamic addresses are useful for businesses because they don’t require IP configuration on the router, and because they make it somewhat harder for hackers to find and track a particular business’s IP address. Unless you plan to run servers or remote connections via the Internet, a dynamic IP should be adequate for your business.

This Comcast page helpfully explains the difference between dynamic and static IP addresses.
Static IP addresses make it easier to host servers–for email, website, and VPN, say–over the Internet, or offer remote connections to users (via a program such as Microsoft or VNC Remote Desktop). Most servers require that the client applications on the end-users’ computers be configured with the primary user’s IP address, which calls for a static IP that doesn’t change. Though you mighty be able to get away with using dynamic IP addresses for servers, you’d have to set up a dynamic DNS service, such as from DYN.com or No-IP.com, to provide a domain name that would always point to your current IP address.

ISPs offer single and multiple static IP addresses. You can run multiple servers from a single IP address–and use it for general Internet usage–but to do so you must configure port forwarding on your router. Multiple IP addresses don’t increase your Internet bandwidth or speeds, but they do let you assign a unique IP to each server, as well as assign a unique IP for general Internet usage by visitors; you can even assign a unique IP to provide your guests with wireless Internet access. But you should treat each unique IP address as a direct Internet connection, and make sure that each server or router you assign an IP address to has a firewall.

Email Services

If you don’t have an email service set up and you don’t plan to host your own email servers, compare the email offerings of competing ISPs. Most ISPs offer a set number (usually about 10) of email accounts for the base price, with the option to pay for more if you need them. Some services offer email addresses that list their domain (such as yourname@att.net), while others let you customize addresses with your own domain (such as yourname@yourcompany.com), if you have one.

ISPs may offer only Web-based email that you must access via the Web browser, or they may also let you set up email clients, such as Microsoft Outlook, using the POP3 or IMAP protocols. One useful feature to check for either way is secure encrypted email access. Also compare the spam filtering features that each ISP offers. Different ISPs may provide a traditional filter that scans messages, or a confirmation service that automatically asks for verifications from people who email you for the first time.

ISP websites usually reveal only how many email addresses or mailboxes the service offers. For other email details, you’ll have to consult the ISP’s the sales department.

Tech Support

Comparing different ISPs’ tech support offerings is crucial. Nearly all of the big companies say that they offer around-the-clock, 24/7/365 support–but you need to check whether that assistance is live or automated. Another worthwhlie question to ask is what the service’s on-site support times and days are, in case you run into problems that phone reps can’t resolve.

Website Hosting

If you have a website or are planning to create one and you don’t want to run it on your own server, compare the Web-hosting features of the candidate ISPs. Some services include free website space and tools; others offer it as an add-on; and some don’t provide it at all. The most important factors to consider in this area are how much space the ISP offers and whether that amount is enough to accommodate all of your content.

If you need help with site design, compare any site builders that the ISP may have on hand. If your site uses scripts or content other than traditional HTML (for example, PHP or CGI ASP) or if you use specialized databases (such as MySQL), check to see whether the ISP supports the tools you use.

If you plan to sell products or services or to accept sensitive information via your website, make certain that the ISP offers Secure Socket Layers (SSL) support. Also, look into other e-commerce options that the service may have available, such as shopping carts and payment processing.

Other Services

Many ISPs bundle Internet service with security software for your PCs or online data backup–either at no additional charge or as an extra-cost add-on. Also, they may provide anywhere from 1 to 25 licenses as part of the setup. ISPs like AT&T and Verizon offer Wi-Fi hotspot access, so you can stay connected when you’re on the go.

Some ISPs even provide hosted servers, such as Microsoft Exchange or Microsoft SharePoint, for email and collaboration. Most services do charge for this, but Comcast Cable offers it free with all business-class service–a great deal.

And as noted earlier, some companies that sell combinations of Internet, phone, and TV at a significant discount.

Your Local ISPs

If you haven’t already, start making a list of the ISPs in your area, beginning with your local cable and telephone companies. Then check major national telecommunication companies, such as AT&T and Verizon, to see whether they offer Internet service at your location. Also consult online directories such as ISPcompared.com, run some Google searches, and check the phone book.

Most ISPs offer separate business-class and residential-class services. Business-class service is often significantly more expensive, but it usually offers extra features and higher-priority service, too. If you run an office from your home and don’t need the extra features of business-class service, consider using residential service. But check with the ISP first, as its Acceptable Use Policy may prohibit any business or commerical use under residential service.

Source:http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/246479/how_to_choose_an_isp_for_your_small_business.html

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HP Integrates Box Services With Some Business PCs

December 6th, 2011
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Integrating a bit of cloud storage with a given product is nothing new, but HP is taking it a step further by offering some interesting deals from cloud service provider Box with some of its business desktops.

Box offers some fine cloud services, including online storage, the ability to share large files, and online collaboration capabilities. Those who buy PCs in the HP Compaq 6200 Pro, 6005 Pro, or 8200 Elite series (through the HP Smart Buy program) get access to some Box services for free.

With the HP Compaq 6200 Pro and 6005 Pro PCs, users get a free 10GB Box account for a year and then deals on upgrade options after that. The sweeter deal is for buyers of the HP Compaq 8200 Elite PCs; those folks get a year of unlimited storage and syncing for free.

No, those aren’t earth-shattering deals, but saving some money up front on a service you can potentially add to your company’s roster is nice. Box offers services that are easy to use and require little in-house administration, so it’s ideal for SMBs looking to test out some cloud options.

Additionally, this is a good promotional tool for Box, which as we’ve noted recently is a company that is developing some interesting services.

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/HP-Integrates-Box-Services-With-Some-Business-PCs/

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HP Reveals Its First Business Ultrabook

November 17th, 2011
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HP announced its first business Ultrabook known as the HP Folio13. This ultrabook features a thin and light design that measure 18 millimeters thick and weighs 3.3 pounds. The HP Folio13 is powered by the latest Intel Core processors and features Intel Rapid Start Technology. Other key features include a 128GB SSD, a slim 13.3-inch diagonal high-definition BrightView display, a backlit keyboard, HP ImagePad with multitouch gesture support, and HP TrueVision HD Webcam. For security-conscious users, a model will be available that includes a TPM Embedded Security Chip. The HP Folio13 is expected to be available on Dec. 7 with a starting price of $899.99.

HP today introduced its first business Ultrabook™, which features a thin and light design, strong security options and a responsive solid-state hard drive for the ultimate mobile experience.

The HP Folio13 also delivers up to 9 hours(1) of battery life, the highest performance available among Ultrabook devices currently on the market.

With the battery life to get them through the workday, users are no longer saddled with carrying power adapters to charge their notebook PCs. Plus, a wide array of ports, including Ethernet, eliminates the need to carry dongles. Mobile professionals can now stay productive and get through their entire business day – from home to business and back home – with only the HP Folio13.

“This category of product breaks new ground and will be a likely choice for businesses to offer to employees looking for a more consumer-centric experience,” said Crawford Del Prete, executive vice president, Worldwide Research Products, and chief research officer, IDC. “We expect Ultrabooks will re-ignite interest in the small form factor PC category, and by 2015 expect 95 million Ultrabooks will be shipping worldwide annually.”

Measuring less than 18 millimeters thin and using an ultraslim 13.3-inch diagonal high-definition (HD)(2) BrightView display, the HP Folio13 weighs just 3.3 pounds.(3) It combines the cool industrial design found on consumer products with the security and usability business users demand.

Powered by the latest Intel® Core™ processors,(4) the HP Folio13 also includes Intel Rapid Start Technology, which helps save time by getting users systems up and running fast.

The HP Folio13 includes a backlit keyboard for mobile users who work in low-light conditions. A full array of ports, including RJ-45 and USB 3.0, allows users greater flexibility to connect to the information they need. The HP Folio13 also includes a solid-state drive (SSD) with 128 gigabytes (GB)(5) of storage for fast response times and increased reliability.

One model will include a TPM Embedded Security Chip that protects data in email as well as information on the hard drive for security-conscious users.(6)

The HP Folio13 features HP CoolSense technology, which uses advanced hardware and intelligent software for a noticeably cooler notebook. The notebook also includes an HP ImagePad for highly accurate, advanced multitouch gesture support.

Additional features include an HP TrueVision HD Webcam(2) for brighter, cleaner HD images, and Dolby Advanced Audio.

The HP Folio13 also can be configured with a range of Microsoft Windows® 7 operating systems, including Windows 7 Professional. A three-year limited warranty is available through an optional HP Care Pack.

Users who need a desktop-like environment or additional audio, video, network and USB connectivity can connect the HP Folio13 to the optional HP USB 2.0 dock.

Pricing and availability

The HP Folio13 is expected to be available on Dec. 7 with a starting price of $899.99.(7)

Source:http://hothardware.com/News/HP-Reveals-Its-First-Business-Ultrabook/

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