Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Google's Biggest Break in Enterprise, Yet
Google Apps is going to the spotlight as the Los Angeles, CA city commission has decided to move their email system to the cloud-based collaboration software. Microsoft and Google were battling to provide services to the 30,000 city employees. You can read more.
I have compared both services and chosen Google for many users. I even attended a workshop by Microsoft where they pitched the product. The problems were that Microsoft was selling vaporware. Vaporware means that the products did not even exist, yet. The other problem was that Microsoft only offered 1 gigabyte of storage for $10 to $12 per month. Google Apps offered 25 gigabytes of storage for just under $5 per month. It has been an easy decision so far.
I have compared both services and chosen Google for many users. I even attended a workshop by Microsoft where they pitched the product. The problems were that Microsoft was selling vaporware. Vaporware means that the products did not even exist, yet. The other problem was that Microsoft only offered 1 gigabyte of storage for $10 to $12 per month. Google Apps offered 25 gigabytes of storage for just under $5 per month. It has been an easy decision so far.
Labels: Cloud Computing, Google Apps, Microsoft
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Windows 7 Day
Today October 22, 2009 is being called Windows 7 day as Microsoft releases their latest version of their venerable operating system to the public. The tech and to some extent mainstream press have covered the subject to death, so I will offer just a couple of comments.
I have been testing the OS and even used it day-to-day for a period. I worked my way up through the beta releases as they flowed from Microsoft. The most nagging problem that I had was getting it to join a domain hosted by a Linux server. I hope they smoothed that problem out in the finished product. I have a copy on order so we will find out soon.
My overall impression of the product is that it is a finished version of Windows Vista. Enough said.
I have been testing the OS and even used it day-to-day for a period. I worked my way up through the beta releases as they flowed from Microsoft. The most nagging problem that I had was getting it to join a domain hosted by a Linux server. I hope they smoothed that problem out in the finished product. I have a copy on order so we will find out soon.
My overall impression of the product is that it is a finished version of Windows Vista. Enough said.
Labels: Microsoft, Vista, Windows
Monday, September 21, 2009
Do We Need Microsoft Office
I took the challenge of leaving behind Microsoft Office a couple of years ago. I switched to Google Docs, Gmail, Google Calendar, and Remember the Milk. The initial transfer took many days, but I quickly reaped the benefits of improved productivity.
I have met many people that have had a difficult time with the potential or even attempted change. Christopher Dawson ponders the idea of leaving Microsoft Office behind on ZDNet Education.
I have met many people that have had a difficult time with the potential or even attempted change. Christopher Dawson ponders the idea of leaving Microsoft Office behind on ZDNet Education.
Labels: Google Docs, Microsoft, Office, OpenOffice
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 2009 Microsoft Security Patches
Microsoft has released their list of security patches for July 2009. Fortunately the list is far smaller than June's record-setting list.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP are the most affected with three critical problems. Two of those are subject to exploits that are in the wild on the Internet. These would need to be patched quickly. Windows Vista is affected by one critical update and there is an exploit in the wild for that one.
The only Office component affected this month is Publisher. The remaining patches are for Microsoft Server and Virtualization Software.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP are the most affected with three critical problems. Two of those are subject to exploits that are in the wild on the Internet. These would need to be patched quickly. Windows Vista is affected by one critical update and there is an exploit in the wild for that one.
The only Office component affected this month is Publisher. The remaining patches are for Microsoft Server and Virtualization Software.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Microsoft Offers a Deep Discount on Office
Microsoft might have a little fear about losing the next generation of technology workers to Google Docs or OpenOffice. They are offering Microsoft Office 2007 Ultimate for just $59.99. The catch is that you must declare that you are taking a credit-worthy class, and you also must have an email available that ends in .edu.
This is a very good price for a full-featured Office suite that includes Outlook and Access unlike the Student version that is currently available.
Find our more.
This is a very good price for a full-featured Office suite that includes Outlook and Access unlike the Student version that is currently available.
Find our more.
Labels: Google Docs, Microsoft, Office, OpenOffice
Sunday, March 22, 2009
IE 8.0 Sneaks Up
You now how the holidays sneak up on you every year? Well the release of Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 has snuck up on me. If you have concerns about it automatically being installed on your computer workstations Microsoft does offer a method for blocking the automatic install via Windows Update. You should be concerned if you have the following situation:
- You have not tested IE 8. IE 8 does handle web sites very differently, and it is possible that a mission-critical site does not function correctly.
- You are using Automatic Windows Update on workstations.
Labels: IE, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, Windows Update
Monday, September 1, 2008
Interview with Zoho's Raju Vegesna
As I have posted before, I am becoming more of a fan of Zoho and their suite of business applications.
Robert Scoble of Fast Company has an in-depth interview with Raju Vegesna who is referred to as a Zoho Evangelist. Robert Scoble, a former Microsoft employee, asks many questions comparing MS Office to the Zoho applications. They also broach the subject of storing your data on some unknown server with an relatively unknow company.
Robert Scoble of Fast Company has an in-depth interview with Raju Vegesna who is referred to as a Zoho Evangelist. Robert Scoble, a former Microsoft employee, asks many questions comparing MS Office to the Zoho applications. They also broach the subject of storing your data on some unknown server with an relatively unknow company.
Labels: Microsoft, Office, Scoble, zoho
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Why Buy When You Can Rent - Office
Microsoft has began renting their application suite - Office. The cost is $70 per year for three computers in your home. You can currently rent a copy at Circuit City who is the current distribution partner for Microsoft. The name is a bit odd - Equipt.
From the Microsoft press release
Do not get excited if you are a business owner, though. The only version available is Office Home and Student. You could run into trouble with support as a business owner using this version. Also note that this version does not include Outlook - the popular application for reading email.
This is a good deal for those that love Microsoft Office. A person should consider alternatives such as Open Office or even Google Docs or Zoho, though. All of these alternatives are free, and some as capable as Microsoft Office.
From the Microsoft press release
...latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote for their personal and school projects; Windows Live OneCare, the all-in-one security and PC management service; Windows Live tools, such as Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Photo Gallery so they can connect and share with people they care about most; and Office Live Workspace, a new service from Microsoft that makes it easy to save documents to a dedicated online Workspace and share them with friends and classmates. Anytime a new version of Office or Windows Live OneCare is released, Microsoft Equipt customers will get the version upgrades as part of their subscriptions.If you like to have the latest version of Office around the house for yourself and the kids, this is a good deal. A copy of Office Home and Student 2007 currently costs $129 with Windows Live OneCare costing near $30 per year. Since Microsoft releases a new version of Office every couple of years, then you would be ahead with the rental plan.
Do not get excited if you are a business owner, though. The only version available is Office Home and Student. You could run into trouble with support as a business owner using this version. Also note that this version does not include Outlook - the popular application for reading email.
This is a good deal for those that love Microsoft Office. A person should consider alternatives such as Open Office or even Google Docs or Zoho, though. All of these alternatives are free, and some as capable as Microsoft Office.
Labels: Equipt, Microsoft, Office
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Free Tech Support from Microsoft
Microsoft is growing concerned about the reception that Vista is getting with businesses. Needless to say, businesses are not jumping onto the Vista band wagon. Matter of fact, I do not personally know any business with more than one employee which has begun implementing Vista.
To get the ball rolling, Microsoft is offering free telephone technical support for small businesses that purchase a new computer with Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate installed. The purchase must be made between July 1st and September 30th of this year. The Windows Vista "Small Business Assurance" technical support program will offer support through October 31st.
What is a small business. For the sake of this program, Microsoft considers you small if you have 50 or fewer employees or 25 or less computers. It is unsure how Microsoft will validate those figures.
I am unsure if this alone will help Microsoft. The last thing that small business people want to do is wait on hold for a Microsoft tech support person. They want the machine fixed so that they can get on with business. I think that just the stoppage of selling Windows XP back on June 30th will give Vista a push. There are far fewer options for those that want to stick with XP. The only three options for obtaining Windows XP at this point are buying an ultra-mobile notebook, purchasing a system builder version, or buying a computer with an XP rollback.
To get the ball rolling, Microsoft is offering free telephone technical support for small businesses that purchase a new computer with Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate installed. The purchase must be made between July 1st and September 30th of this year. The Windows Vista "Small Business Assurance" technical support program will offer support through October 31st.
What is a small business. For the sake of this program, Microsoft considers you small if you have 50 or fewer employees or 25 or less computers. It is unsure how Microsoft will validate those figures.
I am unsure if this alone will help Microsoft. The last thing that small business people want to do is wait on hold for a Microsoft tech support person. They want the machine fixed so that they can get on with business. I think that just the stoppage of selling Windows XP back on June 30th will give Vista a push. There are far fewer options for those that want to stick with XP. The only three options for obtaining Windows XP at this point are buying an ultra-mobile notebook, purchasing a system builder version, or buying a computer with an XP rollback.
Labels: Microsoft, Vista, Windows, Windows XP
Friday, May 23, 2008
Bug In Microsoft Home Server
We have covered home servers in this space, because they can be a low-cost alternative for small businesses versus a more expensive full-scale server. There appears to be a problem with a bug in Microsoft Home Server that can corrupt data. Microsoft apparently is aware of the problem and they are possibly going to issue a fix in June.
Engadget has more information.
Engadget has more information.
Labels: home server, Microsoft, Patches
Friday, April 25, 2008
Windows Vista - As The OS Turns
I attempt to be a guiding light on technology that affects your small business. As you can see by two references to soap operas - I do not know where this Windows saga will lead. There are many differing opinions and news stories about the future of Windows. Even Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said this about extending the life of Windows XP, ""If customer feedback varies, we can always wake up smarter."
As it currently stands, Microsoft will stop selling retail versions of Windows XP on June 30th of this year. Microsoft has indicated that they will extend sales of XP for small, low-powered notebook computers to a later unspecified date. It is entirely possible that it will extend sales to PC builders for longer as indicted by a recent admission by Dell.
Windows 7 is the next version of the operating system. Bill Gates of Microsoft has hinted that it could be available in 2009. If they can turn around a good product that quickly it will be an absolute miracle. Some have predicted that Microsoft will leap-frog Vista much like they did Windows ME. (Count your blessings if you leap-frogged Windows ME. Holy Cow)
Your decision should be based on your current situation:
You have a mix of Windows 2000 and Windows XP workstations - I would recommend upgrading the Windows 2000 computers to Windows XP before the June 30th cut-off. Even if you are unable to upgrade all of the Windows 2000 computers at least have copies of XP in hand. One word of warning about the upgrade is memory. Be sure that each computer has at least 512 Megabytes of memory or plan to add memory before you apply Windows XP. This will protect you against upcoming software upgrades that could leave Windows 2000 out of the requirements list.
Everything is Windows XP - This is the common scenario. If you are happy then I do not see any reason to not just sit tight for the next year or two. If it appears that Windows 7 will not become available in 2009 then you can begin transitioning to Windows Vista. With a couple of possible exceptions, I see software companies including Windows XP on the requirements lists for some time.
Adding new workstations - I would still tend to lean towards Windows XP unless you are spending a lot of money on very powerful workstations. If you are making an investment of more than $1500 workstations, then their longevity could pay-off in taking the plunge to Windows Vista. They also will be powerful enough to take advantage of the Vista eye-candy.
Buying new low-cost notebook computers for salespeople - Definitely try to purchase these with Windows XP. I have recently worked on a couple of low-end ($500) notebook computers with Vista. It was a nightmare. To allow a boot-up in less than five minutes or any reasonable operating speed it required shutting off any Vista eye-candy features. When we were done it actually looked a lot like Windows 2000.
Ultimately you usually cannot go wrong in technology with a wait-and-see attitude. Holding back a bit usually gains you a better product at a lower price. This has even held true in the past year for Vista. Microsoft is nearly ready to release the Service Pack 1 upgrade, and they have recently lowered the price for off-the-shelf Vista. I like the mindset of staying one version behind the market. You will usually have a product that has been vetted and is more supported.
As it currently stands, Microsoft will stop selling retail versions of Windows XP on June 30th of this year. Microsoft has indicated that they will extend sales of XP for small, low-powered notebook computers to a later unspecified date. It is entirely possible that it will extend sales to PC builders for longer as indicted by a recent admission by Dell.
Windows 7 is the next version of the operating system. Bill Gates of Microsoft has hinted that it could be available in 2009. If they can turn around a good product that quickly it will be an absolute miracle. Some have predicted that Microsoft will leap-frog Vista much like they did Windows ME. (Count your blessings if you leap-frogged Windows ME. Holy Cow)
Your decision should be based on your current situation:
You have a mix of Windows 2000 and Windows XP workstations - I would recommend upgrading the Windows 2000 computers to Windows XP before the June 30th cut-off. Even if you are unable to upgrade all of the Windows 2000 computers at least have copies of XP in hand. One word of warning about the upgrade is memory. Be sure that each computer has at least 512 Megabytes of memory or plan to add memory before you apply Windows XP. This will protect you against upcoming software upgrades that could leave Windows 2000 out of the requirements list.
Everything is Windows XP - This is the common scenario. If you are happy then I do not see any reason to not just sit tight for the next year or two. If it appears that Windows 7 will not become available in 2009 then you can begin transitioning to Windows Vista. With a couple of possible exceptions, I see software companies including Windows XP on the requirements lists for some time.
Adding new workstations - I would still tend to lean towards Windows XP unless you are spending a lot of money on very powerful workstations. If you are making an investment of more than $1500 workstations, then their longevity could pay-off in taking the plunge to Windows Vista. They also will be powerful enough to take advantage of the Vista eye-candy.
Buying new low-cost notebook computers for salespeople - Definitely try to purchase these with Windows XP. I have recently worked on a couple of low-end ($500) notebook computers with Vista. It was a nightmare. To allow a boot-up in less than five minutes or any reasonable operating speed it required shutting off any Vista eye-candy features. When we were done it actually looked a lot like Windows 2000.
Ultimately you usually cannot go wrong in technology with a wait-and-see attitude. Holding back a bit usually gains you a better product at a lower price. This has even held true in the past year for Vista. Microsoft is nearly ready to release the Service Pack 1 upgrade, and they have recently lowered the price for off-the-shelf Vista. I like the mindset of staying one version behind the market. You will usually have a product that has been vetted and is more supported.
Labels: Bill Gates, Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, Vista, Windows, XP
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 Announced
Microsoft has announced that their venerable Small Business Server line-up will be released later this year. According to a press release, Microsoft will be including one-year trial subscriptions to Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition and the new Windows Live OneCare for Server. It also promises to integrate with Microsoft Office Live Small Business to setup and manage web sites and private online work spaces. They also promise an improved Remote Web Workplace and support for Windows Mobile devices.
They will be offering SBS 2008 in both standard and premium versions. They did not elaborate on the limitations for each version, but I have heard that it will be about the same as today's versions of SBS.
A new addition to the family is going to be Windows Essential Business Server 2008. This product is intended for mid-size companies with 25 to 250 computers.
For those not familiar with Small Business Server, it is a stripped down version of Microsoft's current version of server software with a light version of Exchange incorporated. When the last version was released in 2003 it was I think a good choice for small businesses. In 2008 it might not be such a good choice.
Do not rule out Small Business Server, but know that there are alternatives to explore. Other server software vendors have built more powerful, lighter weight, and easier to use server software for businesses of all sizes.
In April, I will have an opportunity to see Small Business Server 2008 at a Microsoft event. I will report my first impressions.
They will be offering SBS 2008 in both standard and premium versions. They did not elaborate on the limitations for each version, but I have heard that it will be about the same as today's versions of SBS.
A new addition to the family is going to be Windows Essential Business Server 2008. This product is intended for mid-size companies with 25 to 250 computers.
For those not familiar with Small Business Server, it is a stripped down version of Microsoft's current version of server software with a light version of Exchange incorporated. When the last version was released in 2003 it was I think a good choice for small businesses. In 2008 it might not be such a good choice.
Bloat
It requires a serious amount of hardware power to run Small Business Server with more than a handful of users. Linux alternatives requires far less processing power.
Cost
The initial cost for Small Business Server is very high at about $550.00 for the server and 5 user licenses. Additional licenses run about $76 per user.
Watered-Down
I mean simplified. Management of Small Business Server is supposed to be simplified for non-IT users. The problem is that the interface is so simplified that you cannot effectively manage the server.
Incompatibility
Conceivably any software designed to run on Server 2003 should also run on Small Business Server. The problem is that software developers generally do not take the time to test software on SBS, so there is usually the scary warning that they do not support installation on SBS. Many times a call to the vendor will result in a, "Well, you will probably be okay," you will still be warned that they may be unable to assist with issues before the call ends.
Do not rule out Small Business Server, but know that there are alternatives to explore. Other server software vendors have built more powerful, lighter weight, and easier to use server software for businesses of all sizes.
In April, I will have an opportunity to see Small Business Server 2008 at a Microsoft event. I will report my first impressions.
Labels: Microsoft, Server 2008, Small Business Server
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Road Warriors Celebrate
There could be soon even more reasons for road warriors to celebrate. Road warriors in white collar jobs have been liberated by notebook computers, cell phones, GPS, and mobile Internet access.
Many of these tools do not translate well for blue collar service workers. Blue collar service workers have been in need for industry specific tools that they can use in a harsh environment. Ford is changing that in their upcoming F-series trucks...
Hat tip to Winding Road.
Many of these tools do not translate well for blue collar service workers. Blue collar service workers have been in need for industry specific tools that they can use in a harsh environment. Ford is changing that in their upcoming F-series trucks...
Hat tip to Winding Road.
Labels: automobile, Ford, Microsoft
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Home Server Site by Microsoft
Someone at Microsoft or their advertising agency has a good sense of humor.
Stay At Home Server
Coincidently, I am swapping out my dead Windows 2003 home server. I am going to try a recycled Gateway computer with some add-ons and Ubuntu Linux. My Father has provided some insight into loading Ubuntu without the graphical interface. I will update as the project moves forward this week.
Stay At Home Server
Coincidently, I am swapping out my dead Windows 2003 home server. I am going to try a recycled Gateway computer with some add-ons and Ubuntu Linux. My Father has provided some insight into loading Ubuntu without the graphical interface. I will update as the project moves forward this week.
Labels: home server, Linux, Microsoft, Ubuntu, Windows
Thursday, January 10, 2008
2008 - Year of the Home Server?
I have seen the handwriting on the wall for the past year that this could be the year of the home server. At least many companies hope that it will be the year of the home server. Companies such as Microsoft have developed software and computer vendors such as HP have developed platforms. There are also many new Network Area Storage servers popping up from Galaxy, Netgear, Western Digital, HP, and Maxtor. I think that this trend is in sync with the wave of small computers coming along as well.
A home server and home NAS (Network Area Storage) server are nearly interchangeable terms. Unlike business, these devices will mainly just serve-up files. Business servers frequently serve files, but they may also handle email, web pages, and database hosting.
So do you need a home server? Over the years I have had a few different home servers that mainly served music and video files. I have used everything from Novell Suse Linux to Microsoft Windows Server 2003. At the moment we are between home servers, and the kids do complain about it missing. Even my Dad wanted to know why he could not find our NAS on the network at Christmas. You probably do not know that you need one until you have had one that is no longer available.
Another announcement that will propel this phenomenon is that HP will now offer network and Internet access on all of their high definition television sets as standard. This means you will be able to stream video and audio from your home server. Those that purchase another brand of television or already have a new television set you will be able to purchase a small add-on box from HP that works with nearly any type of television.
Fortunately and also unfortunately like all things tech - there are a wide range of choices in home servers. They run from $129 for plug-and-go boxes from Galaxy to the $745 HP MediaSmart. Like everything else. You get what you pay for in convenience and abilities.
A home server and home NAS (Network Area Storage) server are nearly interchangeable terms. Unlike business, these devices will mainly just serve-up files. Business servers frequently serve files, but they may also handle email, web pages, and database hosting.
So do you need a home server? Over the years I have had a few different home servers that mainly served music and video files. I have used everything from Novell Suse Linux to Microsoft Windows Server 2003. At the moment we are between home servers, and the kids do complain about it missing. Even my Dad wanted to know why he could not find our NAS on the network at Christmas. You probably do not know that you need one until you have had one that is no longer available.
Another announcement that will propel this phenomenon is that HP will now offer network and Internet access on all of their high definition television sets as standard. This means you will be able to stream video and audio from your home server. Those that purchase another brand of television or already have a new television set you will be able to purchase a small add-on box from HP that works with nearly any type of television.
Fortunately and also unfortunately like all things tech - there are a wide range of choices in home servers. They run from $129 for plug-and-go boxes from Galaxy to the $745 HP MediaSmart. Like everything else. You get what you pay for in convenience and abilities.
Labels: home server, Microsoft, network, notebook computer
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Microsoft Office 2003, Service Pack 3
Beware of service pack 3 for Microsoft Office 2003. Microsoft programmers have decided that documents created in competitor's software and older versions of their own can be a risk. If you install this update it does not allow you to open older documents that might be tucked away on your hard drive or in your business.
Fortunately Microsoft has seen the possible problems with this stance and they have created a fix as well as issued an apology. You can read more via John Dvorak's blog.
Fortunately Microsoft has seen the possible problems with this stance and they have created a fix as well as issued an apology. You can read more via John Dvorak's blog.
Labels: Microsoft, Office, Patches
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