Tips to Make Your Email More Efficient

• Do you depend on email for a majority of your business communication?
• Do you often consider checking your email to be a chore?
• Has email ever interrupted you while on your mobile phone?
• Do you sometimes ignore messages due to the volume that you receive daily?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's in your best interest to check out this weeks QuickTip from CMIT Solutions.

Tips for Maximizing your New Computer

Just got a new computer? Whether you view this as a challenge or a blessing, take advantage of the opportunity for a fresh start. Follow our tips in order to assure that your PC is running efficiently from the beginning.

1. Develop a data backup plan.
Don't underestimate the importance of a backup plan. Do everything necessary to ensure that all of the information that is important to you will never be lost or compromised. If you haven’t considered cloud-based online backups yet, now’s the time to let CMIT help you digitize your data storage plans.

2. Transfer data efficiently.
Try and resist the initial impulse to transfer everything from your old machine to the new one. First, review and organize the data and then decide what’s imperative and what’s not. Next, let CMIT Solutions help you figure out the best method for the transfer. Remember that your "fresh start" should not include any unnecessary clutter.

3. Get to know your operating system (OS).
A new computer purchases might mean upgrading from one older version of Windows to a newer one, or potentially even switching providers (going from Windows to Mac or vice versa). Learning a new OS can be frustrating. Going through the process remembering that it is a positive and educational experience will produce the most productive results. 

4. Install an antivirus software.
Should you pay or select free software? There is still a major debate about the answer. Allow CMIT Solutions to help assess your options so that your business will be fully protected and regularly updated for the life of your machines. Installing antivirus software from the first boot-up of your new machine is crucial to system-wide.

5. Prioritize your programs.
Make sure Microsoft Office is installed first. I say this assuming your company relies on Microsoft Office like so many other small businesses. If you’re a heavy e-mail user, consider a premium service like Microsoft Outlook or Entourage — or even a third-party program like Mozilla Thunderbird or Opera. Then, depending on your field of expertise, assess your needs for extra software like Adobe Creative Suite, Quickbooks, or other popular programs.

Like always, CMIT Solutions can help you get your system running smoothly and working hard for years to come. Call your local CMIT representative today for help purchasing and setting up your new computer.

 

Come Support Merrick Kiwanis with Armando D'Accordo at The Savoy Tavern!

 

 

RSVP Here!

Hurricane and Emergency Preparation Forum with Dave McDonough

As you know, disaster recovery is a passionate subject here at CMIT. Thinking back to both Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy, decide if you're prepared for another disaster. The bottom line is, you never know when your data will be in jeopardy and you need to start planning ASAP.

Join Assemblyman, Dave McDonough, and other state, county, and town emergency representatives to find out more information about how to prepare. They will provide answers to all of the questions you have.

Tuesday, August 13

7:00 pm

Town of Hempstead-Merrick Road Park

2550 Clubhouse Road

Merrick, NY 11566

 

 

As always, let CMIT Solutions help you when you're ready to implement a systematic back-up plan. We'll provide you with options and the support you need so you can at least relax about your data if another natural disaster occurs.

Prepare for the end of Windows XP Support!

Starting April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP. What does this mean? If you continue to use XP, there will not be any security fixes, vulnerability patches, or software updates. It is possible to still use XP, but at a severe risk; users will face threats including cyberattacks, identity theft, data theft, hacking, and network intrusion. Planning for the end of XP support is essential for a small business to continue to operate successfully.

Here are some ways to prepare for the end of XP:

 

1) Determine the number of your devices running on Windows XP. Desktops and laptops will be the first priority, but XP is used in many other machines which include manufacturing and medical devices, alarm systems, lighting and environmental controls, and even ATMs.

 

2) Decide whether you want Windows 7 or Windows 8. If you decide to stick with windows, don't feel obligated to jump to Windows 8 if it's unfamiliar to you. A lot of longtime Windows users are having trouble switching to the updated software; as of May, 96% of people are not using Windows 8. During that time, 45% of users were using Windows 7 and 37% are still on XP, and in danger. If you are interested in Windows 8 but would like more information about the software, click here to read CMIT Solutions' QuickTip about the subject.

 

3) Don’t procrastinate and just update! The deadline is less than 9 months away and it is imperative to lay out a plan and avoid interruptions and system crashes. There are some things to figure out before you update, however:

  -Do your existing PCs meet Windows 7 or 8 requirements?

  -Are the XP equipped machines too old to keep?

  -Does all of the equipment need to be replaced at once? Can they be upgraded one at a time?

CMIT will help you understand the cost benefits to all of these answers.

 4) Determine which version of Microsoft Office business is using. If you are still using 2003 or 2007, you should consider upgrading because similar risks to those associated with the end of XP will arise once Microsoft stops supporting these versions of Office. As more of your clients upgrade and you stick with your older Office versions, compatibility issues can pop up as well. The 2013 version ofOffice was released earlier this year, and the 2010 version is still ok for the near future, according to Microsoft support.

This may seem like a time consuming obstacle, but it is better to look at the situation as an opportunity to take your small business down a new path. If you have ever considered other operating systems like Mac, Google, or Linux, been intrigued by the flexibility and cost-saving potential of tablets or a Bring Your Own Device approach, or looked into trimming IT costs by hiring a managed service provider, then the end of XP is a chance for to make these improvements.

When you are ready to make the transition from Windows XP, contact me or your local CMIT Solutions office and we will help you navigate the technological change.

Tips to Increase Office Efficiency

Looking for ways for your small business to operate more efficiently? Here are 5 tips to help you do so.

1) Implementation of DMS (document management system)- Save time and frustration by creating electronic files, as opposed to paper documents. A system including organized files will also decrease the time employees spend searching for them. Another advantage to an electronic system is the amount of space saved by eliminating paperwork.

2) Create a Master Calendar- Making sure everyone in the office is on the same page is crucial. If everyone can sync their devices to a master calendar, there will be virtually no surprises when meeting and deadlines arise. Almost every major email service and software company has a version of an interactive calendar, and there are apps available to increase office synergy- Kalendi, UpTo, and Skedj.

3) Incorporate Managed Printing- CMIT Solutions can help you and implement a cutting edge managed print service and avoid dealing with a pesky printer.

4) Have a Long Term Technology Plan- When systems require updating or replacement as they become obsolete, time is lost and productivity may cease for a period of time. A small business should plan for small fixes and large overhauls carefully in order to stay ahead in technology and save time and money. A surprising fact from workplace studies is that when equipment is functioning properly, employees are more proactive.

5) Don't Overlook the Small Things- Technological advances aside, the most important things you can to do better your small business are simple and too often forgotten. A welcoming workspace, regularly scheduled break, collaborative opportunity, remote work option and team-building exercise can increase the efficiency of any employee. The aforementioned tips will be able to flourish in a desirable work environment.

Nominations are Open for Best of Long Island 2014

Please remember CMIT Solutions of Long Island while you are placing your nominations for "Best of Long Island" in the Service category! Nominations are open until August 31st

Click Here to Nominate!