Prevent Burnout from your Company

There haven't been many posts the last week as I took a week off to get away from it all. It allowed me to detox from the computer world and allow me some clear sight on my personal and business goals. The article linked below gives some great advice that does not only apply to the IT World but the entire business world. If you are someone you work with is at 'burnout', be sure to read the piece.

At Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. we take the burden of the computer world and managing your network off your hands so you don't burn out. You can then concentrate on what is important to you in your life, be it work, family, or other activities. If you feel the added stress of viruses, computer hardware, email and servers is ready to consume you, then call or email us and we can help dial that down for you. After all, can you put a price or an ROI on your own personal health?

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Which Browser is Best?

A new review of the most popular browsers is out and they all get passing marks. Depending on the needs of the user, each has there benefits and drawbacks. 

Which browser, software or operating system is best for your company? At Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. we can sit down and find the best products for your company at a price that works for your budget. Email or call us for a free consultation!

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Certify Business Savvy IT Professionals

An interesting article out of PC World suggests that people should be certified for their ability to utilize multiple IT roles in a business environment. This would be done instead of certifications on specific platforms or products that could isolate a function a person could perform inside a company. Also, certifications in Microsoft or Cisco does not equate to working with people or relating the cost of hardware to a non-technical manager or President of a company. 

For Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. we are the best of both worlds. Our technicians have the technical certifications that matter, college credentials to understand the theory behind computing, attend seminars and read IT-related news feeds to stay ahead the overwhelming wave of technology. However, we also understand the language of business and customer service. We know that the accounting person or CFO may not know RAID from a can of Raid, but we can explain how it can save the company money, bring a return on investment, and even save the business from ruin. We are here to walk your company through the IT quagmire and can explain concepts and train your employees; whether it is the engineer, receptionist or President of the company. Each person, job, and company is different. With our decades of experience in business, we know how to approach each business in its own unique way.

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Best Way to Steal Company Secrets Is By Asking

A conference of hackers in Las Vegas were able to break into some of the most hallowed corporations, not by some programs or techniques, but by using the telephone. Consultants were able to call these companies and by talking to people on the other end, were able to get sensitive information within 20 minutes.

The biggest cause of network security issues at a company is not malware, viruses or attacks from the outside; it is from people you employ. Companies need to learn how to train employees on the threats of giving out passwords, logins, and other sensitive information. Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. recognizes that not all the work we need to do is with a computer. We understand that time needs to be taken to train employees on new functions, and how to avoid falling into these social security traps. If you want to learn more, feel free to call or email us. You can find us at www.renitconsulting.com.

More on the attack;

Shortcut Flaw Patched ASAP by Microsoft

Microsoft released a fix before its monthly patch releases due to the severity of the issue. Hackers can use the Windows Shell to distribute nasty code that exploits Windows desktop shortcuts. The biggest problem? One need not to click the shortcut for the malicious code to activate. With the seriousness of the flaw, it has been patched immediately. If you see the Windows Update beckoning you to run it, do so immediately!

At Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. we stay on top of the latest patches from Microsoft and other vendors to keep your company safe and allow you to do what is best; run your company. If you need to have more time to worry less about your IT issues, email or call us. You can find out more at www.renitconsulting.com

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Beware of that App you might be downloading to your phone!

At a conference in Las Vegas focused on technology's security and vulnerabilities, a report came out that there is an Android application that gathers personal information about your phone and sends it to China. Researchers found that this wallpaper application sends "the phone’s SIM card number, subscriber identification, and even your voicemail password, as long as it is programmed automatically into your phone. " 

If you want to know what apps might be best for your Android or iPhone, or whether a Windows Mobile device or Blackberry phone is better for your environment, Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. can help. We stay on top of the different phones, even utilizing the top of the line in our own company to find out the strengths and weaknesses of cutting edge technology in the mobile market.

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Internet Explorer 8 Bats Way 1 Billion Malware Downloads

Machines around the world are safer, thanks to Internet Explorer 8. Microsoft's latest browser has blocked over 1 billion attempts of malware to download itself on to systems. This is thanks to its Smartscreen filter that continually updates its database with addresses of known malware sites. 

Being plagued with malware and viruses? Not sure why your network has been reduced to a crawl? Is Internet Explorer 8 the BEST at preventing threats that can take down your company? At Renascence IT Consulting, we continually research and update our own knowledge of what is the best of the best so you don't throw away time and money on programs and defenses that simply do not work. Contact us and we will assist you!

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Laptops under $300, Good for Business?

Both Walmart and Best Buy are planning on releasing sub $300 laptops just in time for school. Are these Compaq laptops worth purchasing for business? Reviews have been positive, but also know that these systems are great if you just want to do internet work or some basic Office work. Anything more than that, and you should look at better solutions.

Cheap doesn't always mean bad, and expensive doesn't always mean great. How can you know the difference for your company when it comes to the thousands of desktops, laptops, servers, applications, operating systems, malware/virus applications, mobile devices, cloud services, firewalls, switches out there? At Renascence IT Consulting, there are decades of experience knowing what is good, what is bad, and what should not even be approached. Contact us if technology confusion is overwhelming you!

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How to save your company money on bills

Keeping up to date on many different news outlets (online and television), one occasionally finds an interesting nugget of gold. This website, www.billtiger.com, allows you to save your home AND business money. How? You enter your phone (land and cell), internet, and/or television (cable and satellite) bills and they will work with the provider in lowering your service charges without your intervention at all. They are not a bill collector or debt reduction service. You pay NOTHING unless they can save you over $100 and then they only charge you $50. Many people claim they have saved their home and businesses hundreds of dollars a month. They are posted with the Better Business Bureau and Verisign so your information is safe.

We know that with a small business, every dollar counts. At Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. we try to find out ways you can save money for your business that you can then use in other facets of your organization. We are here to help not only keep your IT services in line, but what ways we can reduce those costs for you.

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Things Microsoft has killed this year

This month marks the last patches available for Windows 2000 and Windows XP Service Pack 2 systems. People and businesses will need to upgrade to XP Service Pack 3 or above to continue to receive patches and avoid any malicious attacks on their systems. Microsoft reports that it will be stopping the Bing Cashback service and other programs and services in its huge realm.

Are you concerned that your hardware or software might be no longer viable or supported? Do you fear that your business might be on the brink of disaster because of outdated programs or unpatched systems? Contact Renascence IT Consulting, Inc. and we will make sure you are the top of the pack and not go the way of the dinosaur (or Windows 2000).