December 2008

Dear Customer/ Friend/ Supporter:

 

We want to thank you for your support and trust in 2008. As we enter our 10th year of business, we wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season, and the best of Health, Wealth and Happiness in 2009.

These are tough times economically here in the US and all over the world. Let's hope these times too shall pass, but quickly!


Microsoft Releases Critical Security Update

Recently, Microsoft released a critical security update to address a vulnerability in Internet Exploder er. Explorer. This vulnerability allowes a hacker to get control of your PC. It was made public and that means it is only a matter of a couple of days before some hacker writes malicious code to take advantage of this.

Most Windows PCs have automatic update enabled- causing this update to be downloaded automatically. For PCs covered under Biz Tech Managed Services (BTMS) we actively update the PC and are able to tell if the update was not applied successfully.

Microsoft Bulletin


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Santa Goes Tech- Bargains Galore!
Technology gifts are hot this Holiday Season even as the economy is in the doldrums. New PCs and Laptops are priced historically low as HP, Dell and others try to keep you the consumer buying.

If you are in the market for a new PC, try to avoid the bargain bin- the lowest advertised priced PC. Usually, they are lacking in some feature and won't last as long as you think.

Microsoft's Vista has gotten a bad rap in the press! However, most PCs are coming with Vista preloaded. For a home user, Vista offers a lot, but demands more from your hardware. Make sure you have plenty of RAM (> 2 GB) and hard disk space (> 160 GB) and pay the premium to get a faster processor (CPU).

As a business user, Windows XP still rules, especially if you want to play it safe if compatibility with your line-of-business software is a concern. One attractive option for business customers is to purchase a Vista Business licensed PC with Windows XP preloaded. So you are covered if you wish to migrate to Vista later. Most major manufacturers are offering these for business uses.

If you decide to get a new PC, and have not upgraded to a new PC in a few years, there are a lot of gotchas to be wary of. Consider professional help in selecting and migrating to make the project go smoothly.

By the way, did you know that Biz Tech Helpers is an authorized Value-Added-Reseller for Dell, HP and Toshiba PCs? We have access to their new and refurbished lines of computers.
click here

 

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Buying Used Computers

 

Given the economy, many people ask us about used or refurbished PCs. Buying these can save you quite a bit of money. However, buy only from trusted parties.

HP and Dell have outlets for refurb items. These are mostly new/returned/cosmetic blemished items. They carry a one-year warranty in most cases. You can also buy dealer refurbished items. BizTech can help you pick a good refurbished item, and sometimes we even have used items that we refurbish for sale. Call to find out how we can help you save money by buying refurbished.

Insist on a valid software license for the operating system and application software.

click here


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Thinking of a Mac

 

Apple has done a super job of marketing and hyping the Mac. The Mac is a good choice for those wanting to do email, surf the web and dabble in multi-media- pictures and sound. Ideal for students and home users, but usually not for business. Remember, you will pay 10-30% more than a PC for the hardware and software.

If you have to use a PC at work, buying a Mac for home does not make sense- switching between a PC and Mac is bothersome at best.

Apple still hobbles the user with a single mouse button. The Windows user interface has evolved and is much more productive in general. Still, if you are a computer novice and your needs are basic, the Mac offers a compelling choice.

IMHO

 


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Coming Soon! Online Backup Service from Biz Tech Helpers

 

We have been writing about the importance of backing up your precious data- the documents, pictures, music collection etc. from your PC. If you are backing up to a local hard drive, good. Make sure you can recover files by testing your backup.

If you want to protect your data from risks such as theft or fire, then consider an online solution. A popular option now is to use your high-speed Internet connection to backup automatically to a remote location.

Look for an announcement soon regarding automated remote backup services from Biz Tech. They are a great add-on to our BTMS managed services.

click here

 

Once again, wishing you Peace and Joy in the Holiday Season and in the New Year beyond!

Sincerely,
-- Shri Chaudhary and The Team at Biz Tech & HomePC Helpers

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