Blackberry Enterprise Server Express 5.0

I recently upgraded our domain controller/File & Print everything else server from a pseudo server to an actual Dell PE 2850. Aside from the real server being much quieter, another upgrade was from Blackberry Enterprise Server or BES 4.1 to Blackberry Enterprise Server Express BES 5.0.

 

Suffice to say; I'm utterly thrilled!

 

The installation process was simply put…EASY; especially when compared to installing BES 4.1.

 

Since I already had the ports forwarded from the previous version I didn’t need to recreate those. I also did not need the defacto besadmin account. I simply installed the software and with the new web interface was up and running in approximately 15 minutes.

 

While I don’t intend to go in depth and get into the nitty gritty technical details I will say the following:

1. Windows Server 2003 or higher
2. 2GB RAM or more [on servers this just makes plain ol sense]
3. Adjust the Default IT Policy to ensure Web Browsing will work
4. Use your Providers Internet for web browsing versus BB as I’ve noticed increased speed and functionality.
5. The upgrade dramatically improves the email look and feel and displays like Outlook. 

I did experience an issue with my contacts sync’ing but with one tweak they appeared.

Have a wonderful June!

 

"Adware, Malware, Spyware o My!"

PC running slow. Pop ups. Lots of Pop Ups. You've potentially been infected. Click here to remove. Please activate our Antivirus software.

Sound familiar?

In the past two to three weeks alone; I've seen a spike in the need for my spyware/malware removal services.  While great for business; it's annoying and potentially downright dangerous to your PC privacy. 
 
So what's a person or business to do?  Glad you asked and I'll cut to the chase.
 
1.  Surfing habits can lead to an increase in Spyware/Malware infection. 
 
Download lots of music?  Prefer not to pay for it?  What assurance do you have that the site you are downloading from is legitimate?  Nuff said.
 
2.  Free versus Paid. 
 
As a reseller for almost every major brand of Antivirus Software; many of the "Residential/Free" versions are so scaled back they are ineffective against today's malware/spyware.  If you are running a business; legally you shouldn't have a "Free" version of Antivirus software on your PC.  Not to mention that in many instances; the free version is a scaled down example of the paid version for obvious reasons.  Besides, paying for the software will ensure that your business information remains yours and not someone elses.
 
3.  Updates?  What you talking about Big G!
 
Err, uhh when was the last time you updated Norton 2005?  What do you mean AVG 8.5 Free was discontinued in December 2009 and it's no longer being supported? 
 
4.  My kids....
 
Yep; computer savvy as they may be; when you write the check to Big G for cleaning up the PC; you'll be ready to amuptate a finger or two.  OpenDNS is a powerful web based tool [and comes with a free version that is highly effective I might add] that allows a parent to control many things on a home network that will give great peace of mind without having to type a password every five seconds and save your pocket book also.
 
5.  It's a legitimate website and my buddy sent me an email with a link too!!!!!
 
As much of a shock as it can be; sometimes well known and established websites can be infected with malicious code that infects your pc.  Besides; you're buddies PC could be infected as well.  One rule of thumb I've used over the years is simply this:  "If you question it, then it's questionable."  Also; refer to #2 and #4.
 
Hopefully these five general items will cause greater awareness regarding how Spyware/Malware gets on your pc and begin bringing you down the path to proactively preventing such infections.  Contact Big G Tech Support to help assist in this venture.

PS - Mac's get infected as well; despite the hype.  Had another IT company contact me recently regarding how to fix it.  Check this tool out for the Mac:  http://www.clamxav.com/.  You can also use Macscan as well.
 
Happy Surfing!

Are you moving and more importantly are you ready?

Your company is growing and it's time to get office space. You've checked the lease and reviewed your monthly payments and are all set!

Or are you?

There are many hidden costs to moving from say a home office into commercial office or from one office to another that a business owner must be aware of. While definitely not an all in composing guide I will cover some of the bigger ticket items that will save you major headaches later on. Let's roll!

Internet Capable versus Internet Ready; is there really a difference?

Just because an office has internet or you have an ISP doesn't mean its internet ready. Often times the impression is simply I will move my equipment from location A to B and everything should work. In majority of cases; the office is not internet ready regardless of your monthly payment arrangement. What do I mean?

The previous tenant in most cases owns any and all equipment that allows them to connect to the internet from their internal network or LAN back. This can include 66 blocks [long orange rectangle block used for phone connections]; Routers, Switches, etc. Often times what a new tenant is greeted with is a bunch of wires that "may" extend down from the ceiling only.

Your ISP or Internet Service Provider DOES NOT provide internal wiring services.

Regardless of your ISP; they ensure you have the equipment to connect; such as a Cable Modem or DSL device. If your ISP provides T1 service; they will typically wire the line to what is called the Demarc and potentially provide a router. There are two definitions of "demarc" which are truly applicable regardless of office type [home or commercial]:

"Demarcation point is the point at which the telephone company network ends and connects with the wiring at the customer premises or it is the terminating point on a customer premise where the LEC's or ISP's responsibility for service ends and the customer's begins."

It is crucial to understand that your ISP is responsible for providing access through their network; not the internal LAN equipment you will need to connect.

So let's break these down even further into bottom-line costs and who pays for what. And it's truly rather simple on who pays for what.

The business pays for it all.

1. If you move; you pay to have the ISP services moved from one location to another.
2. If the new location needs wiring [90% or more always do]; that is another cost.
3. If you are switching ISP's; you will incur disconnect and setup costs unless otherwise previously negotiated.
4. If you are not setting up your systems [router, switch, server, computers, printers, faxes, etc] in the new location; an IT person needs to. 

These are just SOME of the potential expenses one can occur when moving. The cost of expenses will vary based on many variables. When considering office space I advise the following BEFORE signing a lease:

1. Bring an IT Consultant along [call Big G @ 763-390-1317]. A word of caution; just because someone knows how to "fix" a PC doesn't make them an IT Consultant any more then someone changing car oil doesn't make them an "Auto Mechanic".
2. Understand and clearly define with the Landlord what the status of the wiring is and who is responsible for what. In Executive Suite type situations these offices are typically Internet Ready BUT clarify how phones work.
3. Understand what your ISP will and will not do and what you are paying for. Remember the salesperson's job is to close the deal; not verify that you understand you need to pay for any internal wiring.

Hopefully these few tips will allow your next move to go a lot more smoothly and reduce the potential for sticker shock.

Feel free to refer those who are moving to me as I can assist and ensure their move goes smoothly. One of the services I provide is, not only ISP selection based upon your business needs but also serve as Project Manager for the move; coordinating all aspects of the IT side of things; so you the business owner can focus on running your business.

  

Quick Big G Buying Tip

Just did this for a client and wanted to share:

Which is the better deal? [All are the same brand, etc.]

500 GB External HDD for $99.99
640 GB External HDD for $109.00 [$40 Savings normally priced at $159]






The correct answer is…….NEITHER. Why?

The next model up was a 1TB or 1000GB External HDD for $129.99. When you divide the space by price you get the following:

500 GB External HDD for $99 = 19.9 cents/GB
640 GB External HDD for $109 = 17.1 cents/GB
1000GB or 1TB HDD for $129 = 12.9 cents/GB

The customer purchased the 1TB drive.

Windows 7 Review

Below is a link to an in depth review of Windows 7.

This was written on 10/19/09 and while valuable, it's the many additional user comments that are invaluable in making a choice regarding Windows 7.

My personal opinion regarding Windows 7 based on my interactions to date are:

1.  It's what Vista should have been; such that I see it in one sense as Windows Vista Part II.
2.  If you are familiar with Vista the transition to Windows 7 will be easier than from XP to Windows 7.
3.  Windows 7 SP1 is being released to Beta Testers only with a general release in Spring of this year.
4.  It's more stable than Windows Vista and runs well on a wide berth of PC's.
5.  Windows 7 includes features that come with Mac's.

Big G's current view of Windows 7 is to WAIT; especially in Commercial/Home Based Business environments versus a Residential setting where the impact isn't as severe or an issue.  If purchasing equipment; obtain the Windows 7 Professional license with the XP Professional downgrade.  This will allow you to upgrade to Windows 7 when ready to do so.

Click HERE to read this review and the additional comments.

Quick Pull!

Have you ever noticed that over time you’re Blackberry; herein referred to as BB's performance gradually gets worse? That the battery doesn't hold the charge like it should?

Well the answer is rather simple and it's called "Quick Pull" and it’s a must have for the BB user.

Quick Pull Lite or the Free Version can be downloaded from Blackberry App World via Sprint or Verizon's equivalent. This cool little App simulates pulling the battery from your BB which resets the device [no loss of data]; frees up memory, etc. A very cool feature is that if you turn off your BB each night [highly recommended to improve battery life and maintaining a full charge]; and schedule your Quick Pull to perform a battery reset at say 5:30am each morning; this process will cause your BB to reset and be rebooted [i.e. ON] upon your arrival.

The installation and configuration process is rather straight-forward which makes this App a MUST HAVE for BB Users.

To learn more about Quick Pull visit: http://steelthorn.com/

Enjoy and Happy New Year!