Small Business Tech

If you use a Microsoft Windows computer you know it is getting slower and slower each day that you use it. The more you install and update and remove software the registry which is a large of database of computer settings becomes more corrupted and overloaded. Other changes to your computer such as the last size of that browser window also make changes to the registry.

A good preventative measure is to use a program such as Ccleaner, which cleans your Windows registry and much more. The much more includes removing personal and hard drive clogging data from your web browsers. Can Ccleaner bring back a sick computer? It is possible, but far from a guarantee. After a certain amount of time Windows just needs to be reinstalled. More about that in a moment.

Ccleaner can keep your well running computer to continue to run well. The best parts are that the software is free, it does not break things, and it does not contain spyware or adware. It is coded and maintained by a firm called Piriform based in London, England. They seem to solely depend financially on the kindness of strangers. They prominently accept donations on the software distribution web sites.

Using Ccleaner is straightforward and easy. You simply download from the site, install it on your Windows computer, and run it. It does not ask too many advanced questions, but it does give you options as to what you would like to delete or repair.

Back to how long your Windows computer can run. That is up to you and your users. If a computer is locked down to not allow any software installation and you run good virus and malware protection it could last years. I have seen Windows computers that have been used daily for five years that are still running very well. I have also seen computers where the user ran as an administrator and had an affinity for toolbars struggle to boot in 4-minutes after just three days of usage. We will delve into this more in coming posts.

Labels: Ccleaner, registry, Windows

I have had an opportunity to try the new Novatel MiFi 2200 Personal Hotspot this weekend. The device and service are provided by Verizon. The MiFi is a wireless wifi router and cellular data modem built into one very small package. It is less than 1/2-inch thick and it can easily be held in the palm of one's hand. It connects to the cellular data network, and then up to five users can connect via wifi. You can connect notebook computers, wifi phones, or wifi enabled smartphones.

Here are my initial  thoughts...

• The device will work with nearly any wifi enabled device including Mac or Linux computers. The first connection to activate with Verizon does require a Windows computer. You will need to connect with a USB cable, and then install Verizon's connection management software which is stored on the device. Once this is done the software is no longer needed to use the wifi. You can reconnect the device with the USB and use the software to check your usage.
• The speed is not what I had hoped, but I have only checked from two locations. Neither location was much more surburban than urban. My home is well known for being a very poor Verizon reception location. I was attaining download speeds ranging from 130 to 300 kbps. A typical cable modem connection runs at 5000 kbps or so. I am going to try it out at some other locations this week, and update if I find better connectivity speeds.
• The battery is supposed to last for 4 hours online, and 40 hours on standby. I will try that out this week. The battery is pretty large and the wifi range is only 30 feet, so it is a believable estimate.
• It comes with a power supply with folding prongs as well as an USB cable.
• A real printed manual. It came in a svelt box with a very nice printed manual. The manual even describes how to log onto the web-enabled access to change settings. The WAP encryption key which is printed on the back of the device can be changed, and even the encryption can be changed or disabled. I would not suggest disabling. Someone nearby could quickly run up your Verizon bill.

Overall, I am impressed so far. The promise and execution of the device seem to be on the mark.

Labels: MiFi, Verizon

I have long been an advocate of Amazon's S3 online storage for backup and off-site data storage. The one nagging problem with online backup is quickly retrieving a large amount of data if it is needed for a recovery. It could be painful waiting for a large amount of data to download during a crisis. Amazon has a physical import/export data system in beta testing right now. At this point they are only testing the import function.

How it works:

1. Load your data onto an external eSATA or USB equipped hard drive
2. Place an order with Amazon for import
3. Ship your drive to Amazon
4. They will upload your data on the next business day and return your drive

I am anxious to see the pricing model and time expectations for the export function.

Labels: Amazon, Bucket Explorer, Jungle Disk, S3

It is hard to believe, but it is that time of the year to think about lightening. This is a good time to make one last check of your UPS and surge protectors. This an article that we have ran in the past about lightening.

Labels: lightening, surge protectors, UPS