Microsoft released Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) almost 2 years ago, and it’s still seems to be a well-kept secret.

Not only is MSE free for home use, it’s very highly-rated.

For corporate use, we still recommend a fully-managed enterprise-grade product such as what we include in our ServiceWorks Package, but for home use you can’t beat a well-respected FREE option!

MSE can be downloaded direct from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx

A 2010 comparative third-party report can be downloaded from AV-Comparatives at http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/summary/summary2010.pdf

Originally developed as entertainment devices, the iPod Touch and now the iPad have included enterprise-level functionality for several years, without the need for additional complex software running on your small business communication server.

Most of us need to check our e-mail and calendar on a regular basis, and having an instant-on device instead of having to boot up a PC or Laptop is a huge productivity improvement.

Both the iPod Touch and iPad are able to integrate directly with a corporate Exchange server, as well as Gmail and other communication servers for full access to e-mail, calendar, and contacts.  They offer a quick, easy, and very reliable way to stay up-to-date while at home or on the road as long as you have wireless internet access.

If cellphone functionality is required, the iPhone offers the exact same corporate connectivity!

Synchronize Google Chrome bookmarks and settings across all PCs.

If you use multiple PC’s or laptops, maintaining consistent browser settings and bookmarks across all of them is almost impossible.

Google Chrome has added a feature that allows your bookmarks and settings to be stored as part of your Google Account, and synchronized across all of your Google Chrome browsers on all PC’s!

-          Google Chrome installed on all your PC’s.

-          A Google Account

-          Enable sync

 

-          Click on the “Settings” menu (the wrench at the top-left corner of Chrome)

-          Click on “Personal Stuff” in the left-hand menu.

-          Click on the “Set up sync…” button in Personal Stuff

-          Enter your Google Account information

 

Now you’re done!  All synced browsers will automatically maintain their sync across all your PC’s!

This can also be used as backup or in the event of a catastrophic failure.  You simply have to sync Chrome on the new PC to restore your Chrome bookmarks and settings.

Get familiar with your 'Print Screen' key on your keyboard. Very useful for capturing the lengthy error messages on screen that are needed when reporting a problem.