CCP Blog

Cloud Computing - Issues 2011

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:27:00 -1000

Cloud computing offers great promise and is the current buzz in the IT world but it doesn't work for everyone. Do your research before you invest!

Many of the applications that our clients use will not work with the cloud computing structure due to bandwidth. If your servers are located in your office, you have at least 100 Mgit/s of connectivity. Often your server has at least 1,000 Mbit/s of bandwidth to share between users on your network. If you switch to cloud computing you have significantly less. This is fine for most applications but you will still get some complaints from users that are editing video or opening large CAD files.

When files are stored in the public cloud on virtual servers, you are limited to the speed of your Internet connection. A single T1 connection only has 1.4 Mbit/s of connectivity that everyone shares. This is fine for web sites, web based applications and things like email that can download in the back ground but it will not work for CAD files, and applications such as QuickBooks. Users will be unhappy opening large spreadsheets or graphics files. For these types of applications to work you will need a very high speed fiber connection or you will need to move to virtual desktops that are hosted in the same network as the virtual servers or services. Once we can all get 1,000 Mbit/s connections I think the majority of IT services will be delivered from the cloud but that will not be for several years to come.

Sam Lucas
Carolina Computer Partners
704-549-0125
843-414-5868
www.ccpteam.com

Window PC, MAC or iPAD?

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 08:58:00 -1000

Windows PC, iPad, or MAC? Never before has the consumer had so many excellent technology offerings. But what’s the smart, budget conscious option? Answer – Unless you live and work with extreme autonomy buy the most common device in your human circle. And by that I mean the people that you communicate with, share data with, transfer documents to, or share entertainment with on a daily basis? Compatibility should be your number one priority. If your parent, boss, work group, and kids all have PCs and you buy a MAC good luck transferring even a simple word document.

But aren’t there some of these devices that are simply technologically better than the others. NO! Really, that’s marketing crap. They all are so unbelievably sophisticated and intelligent I am still surprised when I wake up every day and they haven’t reproduced and taken over the world.

But the MAC has less security issues and never breaks down, isn’t it a better choice? NO! That’s another marketing myth. Why would you believe MAC developers are somehow that much more intelligent than PC developers? Spammers, Hackers and the rest of the evil doers attack where they can affect the most number of people. The PC still dominates the market share globally so it is targeted by more viruses and malware thus giving the impression that it has weaker security. As the MAC grows in market share, it will undoubtedly receive more attention from the “dark side”.

The MAC and the iPad are so easy and unencumbered to use. They never need patches, security installments, and downloads that only computer nerds can understand. They are expensive to buy initially but then you rarely have to call your dreaded computer guy. True enough. They work so well because they only use proprietary software and peripherals. That’s one of the great things about belonging to the “Apple” world. If you don’t venture out of your world, your life will be technologically breezy and carefree. But try sharing an excel document that you made on your iPad over the weekend with your PC friends at work on Monday morning. OMG! I would love to have a nickel for every minute spent huddled over two computers trying to get the same document open on both! Inevitably, there’s some smarty pants in the group that will cite the documentation that ensures full compatibility.

So here’s the truth. You wouldn’t expect the manufacturers of the Lexus to design their electronic software so that it would work with a GMC Truck right? So why do we expect software developers to be that generous. The giants that make hardware and software do so for a profit not to make the world a more shared experience for us all. I will say it again; compatibility should be your number one consideration.

Mark Spoonauer of Laptop Magazine just released an excellent article on the new Windows 8 possibilities. Since Microsoft has not released Windows 8 yet, there is still a lot of speculation as to the software features and hardware but you can bet it won’t plug into the AC adapter for your iPad!

Bottom line, you can’t make a wrong decision technically because they are all superior products. Sharing your ideas and work should be the focus of your decision process.

What Does Managed Services Do for a Small Business

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:44:00 -1000

Sam Lucas of Carolina Computer Partners talks about the value of Managed IT Services in this video.

SPAMMERS, HACKERS, & WORMS Are are Coming Your Way Small Business!

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:53:00 -1000

Have you noticed an increase in Spam lately? If so, that's not the only gremlin in the closet. Beware small business owners, hackers and spammers are expanding their business in the US. Our clients have reported a dramatic increase in spam over the last three months and The Wall Street Journal reported an increase in small business hackers.

Cyber thieves embed software programs on cash registers, credit card processors, and login screens. They are mainly looking for credit card information and bank accounts but other personal information such as Social Security numbers and Drivers License numbers are of use to these crooks.

There are many measures that you can take to protect your system but here are our top three recommendations.

1. Protect your passwords. Don't give out network passwords to anyone in your office or any tech support personnel visiting your system.

2. DON'T CLICK ON IT! Stop guessing at your email. When in doubt don't open it!

3. Don't visit internet sites that are known for viruses. Guys you know what we are talking about here. Save those sites for home usage only.

Facebook Ads Are Getting Attention

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:26:00 -1000

The Wall Street Journal reported today that Facebook Inc. is catching up to rivals Yahoo and Bing in selling display ads.

In the first quarter, Facebook pulled ahead of Yahoo for the first time and delivered more banner ads to its U.S. users than any other Web publisher, according to market-research firm comScore Inc.

I wouldn't divert any of my Google Adwords budget to Facebook just yet but in my opinion if you are buying on Yahoo or Bing its time to reallocate the budget!

Read the Wall Street Journal Article

llucas@ccpteam.com

www.ccpwebdesign.com

What's this Facebook stuff supposed to do for my business?

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:39:00 -1000

If Facebook were a country, it would now be the third largest in the world based on population (behind China and India but ahead of the United States).

I stole this little factoid off of Mitch Joel's Blog (Thanks Mitch!). Facebook is such a powerful tool. If you don't have page, get one today. Start to learn the process. If you think you are too old or just don't understand how this whole social media thing is supposed to help you call me. No really. Call me and I will explain it to you for free! Have a great day!

Libby Lucas
704-549-0125 X104

Cross-Platform Mobile Websites -- What you should know before you buy!

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:10:00 -1000

The largest mobile phone operators, including Sprint, issued a statement yesterday that they would promote cross-platform compatibility by offering a single open platform that delivers applications to all mobile phone users.

Why should you care? MONEY! Your money if you are in an industry that requires a mobile application that sells or promotes your business. Say for example you sell real estate and you want your customers to be able to search for houses while driving around. Unless your web development company writes a version of the application that works with the GPS systems for the Blackberry, Google Droid, iPhone and Nokia, some of your customers will not be able to use the website. So instead of paying for one application, you will quadruple your cost!

Adobe Air may be part of the answer. They are working on a mobile version of Adobe Air that would allow web developers to deliver mobile applications that work across multiple operating systems. Hardware manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony Ericsson are supporting the community effort as well. With more than 3 billion application downloaded from Apple stores in the last 18 months, they can't afford not to support initiative.

Libby Lucas llucas@ccpteam.com

www.webdesigncharlotte.org

Fall forward. It’s right in front of you.

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:23:00 -1000

Fall forward. It’s right in front of you. That’s what I told my son this morning when he asked, “Mom! Where are the band aids?” The band aids have been in the same place in our kitchen cabinet for over a year and he was standing in front of them looking at the box. He’s 14 years old and very active. This was not his first trip to the first aid supplies. All the moms reading this blog already know that the real message here was probably more like this. “Mom, get a band aid for me and put it on my cut.”

Our mornings are chaotic so the complete lack of cognitive engagement by my son was really irritating me when I realized this is what most of us do every day. The answers and solutions are right in front of us. If we just move forward a tiny bit, take even the smallest amount of responsibility, life would be so much easier. Success! Small little band aid sized successes all day long instead of expecting someone or something to provide our solutions.

So for all of you struggling small business people that read my blogs looking for SEO tips, here’s your solution today. Blog. Make a connection with your customer or your prospect. Fall forward just a tiny bit. Write something. Begin today. You cannot change the economy today. You cannot take out an expensive bill board ad today. You probably will not win the lottery, so do something about what is staring you right in the face. Blog.

Happy Blogging!
Libby Lucas
www.webdesigncharlotte.org

Verizon Droid Vs. Google Nexus. It’s a Geek Fight!

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:06:00 -1000

Poor Harry McCracken of PC World wrote an article comparing the Verizon Droid to the Google Nexus in an attempt to “alert” the rest of the technical junkies on the new Google product. I didn’t think it was all that bad but the comments that followed the article were priceless!

Numerous anonymous “experts” showed off their Geek-like technology prowess by one upping Harry with their lists of facts and insider info! One nameless writer even claimed to be a journalist and a computer technician. After touting his credentials, he went a step further to offer his services should PC World want to fire Harry.

What happened to constructive criticism? This kind of drive-by sniping at each other really doesn’t raise the bar for good journalism.

Anyway, if you are trying to decide which phone to buy, my advice is to wait about six months. Yes, a whole six months! Because the true difference in the two phones is really more about the carriers. The Droid runs on Verizon and the Nexus runs on T-Mobile. The trick to finding a phone that will serve you well is to find the carrier with the best reputation for support.

And by support I don’t just mean coverage and reception; I mean a good 1-800 customer service system that can help you with the features your phone offers. I wish I had another nickel for every nickel my company has made on teaching Blackberry users and IPhone users on how to get their email. These new products have the cool factor but are meaningless if you can’t make a phone call or get your email!

If you absolutely have to have the latest bit of technology, stop obsessing on the features, go down to the phone stores and test drive each model. My advice – select the phone that “feels” right, is easy to use and looks good with your everyday black purse!

Libby Lucas
www.webdesigncharlotte.org
llucas@ccpteam.com

Having Social Networking Spam with your coffee this morning?

llucas.nospam@nospam.ccpteam.com (Libby) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:29:00 -1000

Whether it was Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or just an opportunistic break from work, chances are you are back at your desk this morning opening up the internet world we all live and work in each day. So if you are like me, you are sorting through the post-holiday platefuls of spam! From my email to my Facebook and Linkedin accounts my new friends are trying to interest me in Viagra, weight loss, computer equipment, business advice and various other unmentionables. It’s like a bad wreck on the interstate; you know you shouldn’t look but you just can’t help it. It always amazes me to see the number of different methods they use to get through.

So can you be saved from this attack of random advertisements? Not completely, but you can eliminate a fair number before they reach your email by using a good spam detector (Pineapp is my personal favorite). If you cannot afford a spam device, at the very least use a good antivirus/spam product like Trend Micro.

My engineering counterparts at CCP are also fond of blocking spam at the point of the router and suggest using a professional firewall.

As for your social networking sites my recommendation is that you correspond frequently with the vendor to voice your complaints. Facebook recently changed their privacy policies and upgraded protection for their users due to a grass roots proactive campaign by its’ members.

If you tweet then you are all too familiar with the offensive invitations to “follow” someone who is obviously not using the outlet appropriately. Twitter is now addressing this issue due to membership complaints. Keep them coming and hopefully they will upgrade the system.

Even using the latest equipment, software and business practices, some clever marketers will still get their message through the gauntlet. I believe the most sage advice to keep your blood pressure from rising is to sort through the message with some levity. Delete, enjoy your coffee and move on with your day!