Technology Evolution: I’ll never look at clouds the same way again.
If you’re like many, it may be baffling to think of how quickly technology has evolved in a matter of only a few years. What was once a bulky computer screen with a floppy drive (yes, I said floppy drive) is now thousands of times more powerful, and it fits in the palm of our hands. Smartphone… anyone?
From Atari to the iPad
It’s no surprise that we’re witnessing an evolutionary change in how we use technology in everyday life. My Android Phone has become such an integral part of my everyday life that it’s difficult to imagine how effective I’d be without it. Simple items that once had only one function now have an entire list of new features and uses: IE bluray players, xbox360, PS3, mp3 players, and phones. Atari didn’t exactly allow me to check my Facebook in between Pole Position races, partially because Internet wasn’t around back then, but that’s beside the point. Today’s systems allow for all types of Internet-based functionality including YouTube streaming, Facebook updating, on-demand Netflix movie viewing and the possibilities just keep coming.
Today’s consumers have changed as much as the products we use. With each passing decade, a new chapter is written in the technology-based world we’ve grown accustomed to. When I think back to even the past two years, I can recall a trend change from Laptops to Netbooks to Tablets. When the iPad originally launched a year ago, many were asking if the world was ready for this. As Apple predicted, consumers have found hundreds of ways to use tablets for something their everyday computer couldn’t quite handle as efficiently. Anymore, we require lightning speed Internet connections, quick access to online apps and instant gratification when it comes to finding any sort of information. If a web page doesn’t load in a matter of moments, we move on. It’s hard to believe that less than 15 years ago, the average person was on AOL dial-up Internet and probably had enough time to brew a pot of coffee before many simple webpages would load.
Small Businesses Are Looking For Their Cloud
In the IT industry, it’s always interesting to witness how small businesses translate technology advances into their daily operations. The move to Cloud-based computing is at the core of many 2011 start-up businesses. So many of our existing clients who have been around the block are asking if this if something they should be interested in and why. So let’s start with the first question:
What is Cloud Computing?
In a nutshell, cloud computing is a system of storing information virtually and users can tap into whatever section of that information they have rights to from any computer, mobile phone or Internet connection from anywhere in the world. Specifically for businesses, these are the advantages:
- All data is stored in a secure place virtually.
- Employees are able to access their information from any computer, mobile phone, etc.
- Offices across the world can share the same cloud, and employees can all access the same information company-wide.
- Data does not weigh down each individual computer’s storage space.
- Computer crashes do not lead to lost data.
- Sharing documents across the cloud is easy and trouble free, and allows collaboration to happen instantly and effectively.
Technology in the Near Future
Chrome OS is set to launch in the coming year. This operating system lives in the cloud and stouts its ability that you can do most things “online” that you can do on a normal operating system. Chrome OS will bring about an age of computing that could revolutionize how we use our PCs in everyday life.
As always, whatever technology brings in the future will be fascinating to witness. We can safely say that 5-10 years from now, we’ll probably all be relying on something for our everyday lives that today, most of us can’t even imagine. Can we say Minority Report Style computer interfaces?
Do you know how much Spyware is on your computer?
An Ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of your sensitive data
When you feel your PC is running slower then normal, or have unusual pop ups, it is best to contact a certified technician and get your machine evaluated. Most people simply ignore these problems until they get worse and worse; then the computer no longer connects to the internet and mayhem ensues. Once a problem begins to surface is the time to get it into someone to look at, sometimes this can be as little as 20-30 dollars to run scans and check out, compared to the cost of losing data, or having your PC completely stop working; it’s cheap insurance.
Having a qualified technician take a look at your machine is crucial, someone trained to evaluate how the operating system is performing, who is able to notice any problems, and who can prevent possible intrusion into the system. This can eliminate the risk of stolen data. We’ve all heard the horror stories about Internet usernames, passwords and credit card numbers being stolen.
More and more Spyware/adware and viruses are emerging that are designed specifically to steal this type of sensitive information. Most people are more concerned with getting the oil changed in their car than they are preventing security issues with their computer. At the end of the day, your car isn’t going to expose your personal information to people with bad intentions. Getting your computer an “oil change” is just as important as getting your vehicle one.
Z-Solutions are your techs next door when you need to ensure your transactions and actions on the Internet are going to be safe, secure, and that all your data and PC will remain stable for years to come. We’re located in the Lansing area. We’ll come to your home or business or you can bring your computer to us. How important is all your vital information, pictures, documents and the rest of the information that you install on your PC? Prevent problems now, and avoid issues in the future. We’re here to help.
Getting your computer an “oil change” is just as important as getting your vehicle one.
When you feel your PC is running slower than normal, or have unusual pop-ups, it is best to contact a certified technician and get your machine evaluated.
Most people just ignore computer problems until they get worse, and the computer is no longer connecting to the Internet; mayhem ensues. When a problem begins to surface, it’s time to give your computer a check-up. Sometimes a quick fix can cost as little as 20-30 dollars to run scans and so on. This is much more cost-effective than the restoration of lost data, the stress and time you spend struggling with your computer issues or the agony when you realize you PC completely stop working altoghether.
An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of your Sensitive Data
Having a qualified technician take a look at your machine is crucial. A trained professional can evaluate how the operating system is performing. He/she will also be able to notice any problems or any possible intrusion into the system.
Being proactive and maintaining proper security can prevent stolen data and identity theft.
If you’re currently on an unsecured network, Internet predators are able to tap into your information and steal your name, credit card numbers, user names and passwords. Everyday new Spyware/adware and viruses are emerging that are geared toward recording this type of information in hopes of selling it on the black market.
More than ever, it is important to keep your computer secured and running smoothly. When we feel under the weather, we go to the doctor (some of us are better at that than others), when our cars need an oil change or begin to act sluggish (we seek mechanical help). The general understanding is that in most cases, the longer you wait, the more it costs. One problem leads to another and so on. Getting your computer an “oil change” is just as important as getting your vehicle one.
At Z-Solutions, we’re your “techs next door” when you need to ensure your transactions and actions on the Internet are going to be safe, secure, and that all your data and PC will remain stable for years to come. How important is all your vital information, pictures, documents and the rest of the information that you install on your PC? Prevent problems now, and avoid issues in the future. We’re in the Lansing area, we’ll come to you, call us today!
Twitter Bug: Account Reset… What?
Twitter announced earlier today that some accounts (including Ashton’s) were showing signs of forced followers. Those accounts have been taken back to zero followers until Twitter fixes the issue. Here’s the story:
Microblogging giant Twitter said that it had fixed a bug that allowed users to “force” other users to follow them, although the fix included resetting many victims’ followers back to zero.
“We’re now working to rollback all abuse of the bug that took place. Follower/following numbers are currently at 0; we’re aware and this too should shortly be resolved,” Twitter said in a company blog post Monday.
Twitter said that protected updates were not compromised nor were publicly exposed as a result of the glitch.
Twitter recently became afflicted with a bug that successfully forced some celebrity tweeters such as Ashton Kutcher and Mark Zuckerberg to follow a bogus Twitter account. The security glitch also allowed members to add on as many followers to their own accounts as they wanted by tweeting “accept” and then “@” followed by the Twitter user name of their choosing — including those of high profile celebrities.
Tech blog Gizmodo reported that the auto-follow glitch was only exploitable on the Twitter Website, not on third-party apps, but added instructions outlining how normal Twitter users could achieve celebrity-like followings.
“Follow this dead-simple guide to force any Twitter user—from Oprah to Kutcher—to follow you. No, seriously,” said Gizmodo’s John Herman. “I have no idea how a hole this large could be left in a service as popular as Twitter, nor do I understand why it hasn’t been shut yet. What I do understand, though, is that Oprah is following me right now, and receiving my DMs.”
It’s yet unclear how long the bug has allowed users to create their own Twitter followings. And while Twitter administrators have already fixed the flaw, they now have to deal with a myriad of victims whose Twitter account followings are set back to zero.
“Follow count display is set to 0 and follow/unfollow is temporarily offline while we fix a bug,” Twitter said earlier Monday.
The temporarily reset Twitter followings did raise consternation among some celebrities such as Kutcher and Justin Bieber, who thought their accounts had been hacked when their millions of Twitter fans suddenly disappeared.
Computer Techs are Today’s TV Repairmen
During the early 1950s, televisions (TVs) started to become commonplace in every American home. With popular shows like I Love Lucy, Howdy Doody, Ed Sullivan and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, the country was hooked and TV repairmen were in high demand.
Fast forward to 2010 and TVs are a dime a dozen (almost literally). TV repairmen are a thing of the past as technology has far surpassed the service offerings of your neighborhood specialist. During the past couple decades, computers have become a way of life, work and then some. As of now, the majority of Americans spend much more time staring at a computer screen than they do a TV each day. We rely on computers to simplify our lives and to relieve the stresses of disorganization, snail mail, managing bank accounts, filing and so on. However, a breakdown of these services can be a very stressful situation for work and home.
Today’s Computer Techs are what TV Repairmen once were. With obstacles like viruses, software glitches, hardware failures and security breakdowns, it’s become a necessity to have your preferred computer “geek” on speed dial. The more we integrate our lives with technology, the more reliant we are on technology and flawless computing. We simply don’t have the time or patience to deal with malfunctioning electronics.
As it was always important to have a qualified TV repairman, so is the need for a qualified computer tech. If you’re in the Lansing area, and you’re looking for a provider, please give us a call.
Z-Solutions and Java Social Networking Announce Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Z-Solutions and Java Social Networking (JSN) Announce Partnership
Lansing, Michigan – November 19, 2009 – Java Social Networking and Z-Solutions announce a partnership that enables clients of both companies to benefits related to Corporate IT Management and Social Media Marketing.
Java Social Networking, LLC, a Michigan-based company, is 100% woman-owned and recently received certification through the Institute for Green Business Certification. JSN provides businesses with social media consulting, account setup and online network maintenance.
Z-Solutions has been servicing the Lansing, MI area for the past 8 years. With a variety of services ranging from residential and commercial tech support to VoIP networking and IT consulting, Z-Solutions maintains a high standard of quality. In addition, Z-Solutions holds numerous certifications for PC-based IT services.
During the recent months, an increase in cross-over clientele for both JSN and Z-Solutions has prompted a mutually beneficial partnership. Clients will receive package cost benefits when utilizing services from both companies.
Z-Solutions Press Contact:
Josh Rockey
josh@zsolutiontechs.com
http://www.zsolutiontechs.com
Submitted By:
Angela Denby
Java Social Networking
110 West Grand River
Webberville, MI 48892
517-219-9046
angela.denby@jsncafe.com
http://www.javasocialnetworking.com
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Link to Press Release:
http://www.michiganpr.net/index.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=112009&newsid=660