Blog Archive
Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 - posted by Matt on 25th Jun 2010
"So what’s new in the latest version of Exchange" I hear you ask. Well Microsoft have once again produced a fine piece of kit that will have an impact on the performance and capabilities of any current email solution.
Some of its new features include a simplified approach to high availability & DR, self-service capabilities for users, mail to voice, archiving and a variety of safeguards for sensitive information. Microsoft has also homed in on a number of user annoyances current with previous versions. One of which is Outlook Web Access (now Outlook Web App) now works well in non-Microsoft browsers and on non-Microsoft platforms. It is so enriched with features that I can see users using it as their main email client.
The major improvement we see is the limitation in the maximum size of the Exchange database. Microsoft recognises users want to work with very large inboxes & folders. Two important changes help users achieve this – removal of maximum size of the Exchange databases and the vast performance improvements in disk i/o performance. The claims are for 70-90% performance gains which allow the Exchange databases to be held on lower cost SATA drives.
With new advancements comes the need for more power so Microsoft is insisting 64bit and tons of memory. With all this in mind you would expect some form of performance difference. Microsoft are boasting 70-90% over Exchange 2000 and the ability to run on slow SATA drives. This is due to reducing O/I loads write bursts within Exchange.
Over 5 million users are already taking advantage of Exchange 2010, however there is undoubtedly going to be issues as there always are with new advancements. SP1 is due for release this month which and is packed with enhancements and hot fixes. Exchange 2010 is here to stay so my training is booked and my first live installations are scheduled.
Jump Lists in Windows 7 - posted by Albert on 27th May 2010
I really like the new Jump Lists feature in Windows 7.
If you right-click on a button in the task bar you get a menu list pop-up with the recently used documents and application tasks. A left-click on your mouse will take you into the document.
You can increase the number of recently used items that are shown. To do this, go into the Taskbar Properties (right-click in taskbar blank space), choosing the Start Menu tab, and then clicking the Customize button. At the bottom of this window you can choose the amount of items you want to show up in the Jump Lists (Default is 10 Items/programs ) .
For anyone using the same documents regularly this can be a very handy feature.
Working with Multiple Screens - posted by Neil on 20th Apr 2010
Adding an additional monitor could bring a number of advantages to your computing productivity.
Most of us work with two or more programs running at a time and are constantly having to flip back and forth between email, spreadsheets, database applications etc. Various studies have been carried out on the use of multiple monitors which have shown that productivity can increase from between 10 and 40% (depending upon usage) with accuracy rates also increasing significantly.
With the cost of monitors continuing to fall (while screen sizes increase) could this be the right time for you to consider a second monitor?
2 monitor ports are the only requirement for implementing this on a PC as Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 are all designed to support 2 monitors. For PC’s with only one monitor port an additional graphics card is required.
Laptop users can setup a dual screen in the office whilst still allowing the flexibility to disconnect the second monitor and use the laptop on its own when required.
Windows 7 & Windows XP Mode - posted by Michael on 29th Mar 2010
It's the best of both worlds: The new Windows XP Mode lets you run older Windows XP business software right on your Windows 7 desktop.
Designed primarily with small-and-medium-sized businesses in mind, Windows XP Mode comes as a separate download and works only with Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. Windows XP Mode also requires virtualization software such as Windows Virtual PC. Both are available free on the Microsoft website.
If you have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate and if your PC has necessary built-in hardware-based virtualization technology then you can use Windows XP Mode.
Once you have Windows XP Mode up and running, you can install you XP applications in the Windows XP VM (Virtual Machine) just like you normally would. You'll then be able to launch your XP applications right from the Windows 7 start menu.
IT Support on the Move - posted by Colin on 22nd Mar 2010
As a Computer Strategies dedicated engineer we embrace the remote connectivity features available through the iPhone.
With the built in VPN on the iPhone and together with the remote desktop and VNC apps available, engineers can remotely control PC's or servers whilst on the move.
Although this is no replacement for the standard workhorse; the laptop, it is a safe guard tool to use if you do not have your laptop or even worse, WiFi is not available, as it works well over the iPhone 3G connection.
As we understand security to be paramount for all our customers we will ensure that all passwords are stored securely on each iPhone!
The iPad - posted by Neil on 14th Mar 2010
Sized half way between a smart phone and a laptop, Apple tell us this is the portable multimedia device that will do just about everything, from reading books and newspapers to watching movies and surfing the Internet.
The iPad screen will be 9.7" so similar in size to a netbook though at half the width and half the weight of a typical netbook, the iPad will be far more portable. Apple claim that in constant use the battery will last for a full 10 hours.
The user interface will be similar to that of the iPhone requiring swipes, jabs and stretches of the fingers, though when typing is required a QWERTY keyboard is available on screen. An optional dock will also be available (pictured above) which can be employed for more serious typing jobs.
Available in 16GB, 32GB or 64GB versions all models will have WIFI as standard, 3G will be an optional extra.
Released in the UK at this end of March 2010 the relative success of this product will surely rest on just how slick and enjoyable to use it's interface and applications are compared with those of its rivals.
March-April 2010 - Chamber of Commerce Article - posted by Tony on 9th Mar 2010
Technology Tip - Cloud Computing Revisited - A year ago I wrote a column about Cloud Computing. In the article I said that Cloud Computing is here to stay and that with the right advice and guidance businesses will be able to take advantage of this technology and run IT Operations more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Even at Computer Strategies we have been surprised to see how rapidly Cloud Computing has taken off. In the last few months we have released a number of Cloud based products and services that we are really excited about.
Apart from providing our clients with really exciting and innovative products and services these offerings are very cost effective. In many cases big savings can be made when cloud based products replace existing in house products and services, and in other cases they are providing our clients with solutions that were previously unaffordable.
Cloud based products and services can be provided in isolation and they can also operate in parallel with your existing software running on your current servers.
It is currently a very interesting and challenging time for the IT industry embracing the products and services that are available in the Cloud.
For a number of years we have had a Cloud based email anti-spam & anti-virus solution. We have recently introduced a Cloud based mail archiving solution that is affordable to all our clients which is rapidly being taken up by our current client base. This is a service that was previously too expensive to contemplate running in house on our client's servers. This is a glorious example of how Cloud computing is helping companies take up services that were formally "out of their reach".
Computer Strategies are ready to help companies take advantage of this technology and run their IT operations more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Give us a call today to see how your business could benefit from Cloud Computing.
Microsoft Phone 7 Series - posted by Tony on 15th Feb 2010
3 years have passed since the launch of the iPhone and we have not really heard a peep from the largest company in the world. Windows Mobile has been around for ages and has not really improved or evolved much even from an interface point of view. Well "Everything's different now" according to Microsoft and by looking at the preview held in Barcelona recently, they may be right.
Having the backing of all major wireless and hardware manufactureres the "Windows Phone 7" is sure to pack a punch and rival the successful iPhone.
With the dramatic improvement from Windows 7, this phone is set to have a similar impact, housing a brand new operating system. It brings together a variety of Microsoft services like, Zune, Xbox and Bing to name a few, all working seamlessly together.
With the launch date set to be around the summer time 2010, this phone is exactly what a Microsoft phone should be, but is it 3 years too late?
Why Choose a Microsoft Certified Partner? - posted by John on 8th Feb 2010
Each February Computer Strategies submit to Microsoft details of a number of projects we have undertaken during the year. This is to provide evidence of our competency to continue to be registered as a Microsoft Certified Partner. We also undertake that our staff are frequently trained and are highly qualified to install and support Microsoft software.
Our Certified Partnership with Microsoft provides us with backup technical support, assistance, training and access to new Microsoft software. We make certain we know exactly how everything works in-house before we supply anything to our customers.
Added to this we have a hot line into Microsoft technical contact centre providing us with the ultimate backup support. By working with a Certified Partner you can be assured that the partner is qualified to advise, install and support Microsoft products.
It is not easy to become a Microsoft Certified Partner but we will put in the effort to ensure our customers are given the best support and service available.
Remote Connectivity - posted by Albert on 5th Feb 2010
Are you set up to work remotely?
At Computer Strategies we have implemented solutions for our clients, so that they can access outlook, receive emails and connect to their desktops, while working from home or on the road from their laptops.
We have received nothing but positive comments from all clients.
With remote working on the rise, can you allow this to be a continual disruption?
Disaster Recovery - posted by Colin on 2nd Feb 2010
If you are currently backing up your servers to tapes, it is very likely that in a disaster situation, it will take you days to rebuild and recover your files.
We at Computer Strategies are helping clients to restore their servers within hours rather than days.
Can you allow this to affect your business and daily productivity?
Chamber of Commerce Article - posted by Tony on 13th Jul 2009
The following article is appearing in the August Edition of the Chamber of Commerce Magazine.
Windows Seven - posted by Tony on 14th Jun 2009
Windows Seven is the codename for the latest version of Windows that is due out before the end of year.
What are the benefits and should I upgrade? Upgrading to a new operating system on a desktop PC is very expensive and we rarely recommend this unless there is a compelling reason to change. Buying a new machine with Windows Seven is the most likely route. I would seriously consider purchasing new machines with Windows Seven preinstalled for any machines purchased next year.
Windows Seven looks like Vista but runs more like XP or probably even better. The feedback from Beta testers of the product is very positive. The most important aspect is that this operating system is designed to run on today’s computers rather than 8-10 year old computers. Windows Seven takes full advantage of the significant hardware developments in new PCs.
We believe Windows Seven is the product that business users will run with. These are our initial thoughts. The secret with all new products is to try them out and thoroughly test them before bringing many into your business. After Windows Seven has been released consider bringing one into your organisation. Not a mission critical one, and see how it performs running your software. Then and only then consider bringing in more.
Apple iPhone - posted by Tony on 15th Sep 2008
The new iPhone has been under test at Computer Strategies. The latest version integrates with Microsoft Exchange and has proved to work very well. Like all Apple products it has a very user friendly interface. Whilst the iPhone is only currently available from O2 we feel the product will prove very popular with our clients.
New 'Meet the Team' Page - posted by Joel on 8th Aug 2008
A new meet the team page has now been put online, please click the image or click 'team' at the top to view.
August 2008 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 6th Aug 2008
The August 2008 Chamber of Commerce Tech Tips article is now online.
New Website - posted by Tony on 18th Jul 2008
Welcome to our new website. We have revamped our website with this fresher image.
The major changes are to our search page which we hope you will find more useful. We have also added a Blog. Here all members of Computer Strategies will share interesting technical facts with you.
For curiosity I have included an image of our first web page. How things have changed!
Computer Strategies old website
June 2008 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Jun 2008
The June 2008 Chamber of Commerce Tech Tips article is now online.
May 2008 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th May 2008
The May 2008 Chamber of Commerce Tech Tips article is now online.
February 2008 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Feb 2008
The February 2008 Chamber of Commerce Tech Tips article is now online.
December 2007 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Dec 2007
November 2007 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Nov 2007
June 2007 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Jun 2007
March 2007 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Mar 2007
December 2006 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Dec 2006
August 2006 Chamber of Commerce - posted by Tony on 5th Aug 2006
