The world has changed; the former number-one cell-phone-for-business vendor was Research In Motion (RIM), makers of Blackberry. However, RIM has stumbled hard and has lost significant market share to Apple’s iPhones and Google’s Droid.

Current status by vendor:

RIM’s Blackberry has been struggling; they recently had a significant software glitch and their technology has not kept up with industry leaders Apple and Google.  Feedback:

• Still a huge installed base, but it is an older interface that has not kept up with changes.
• Requires separate, Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) to integrate with Microsoft Exchange.

Apple recently released the iPhone4s, which sold out promptly.  Feedback:

• iPhone is designed for usability.
• iPhone has a huge store of applications.
• iPhones are relatively more expensive.
• iPhone integrates into Microsoft Exchange via ActiveSync.

Google released a newer phone versions of its Motorola-based, 4G phone, the Droid Bionic and the Droid Razr, which have also been extremely popular.  Google has multiple manufacturers using the Droid operating system in their phones and it is probably number 2 in worldwide cellphone sales behind Apple.  Feedback:

• Droid phones are less expensive than the iPhone.
• Droid also has a large store of applications; since it is a newer phone, these applications might not be as polished as iPhone applications.
• Droid doesn’t have the same level of integration as iPhone and is considered by many to be less user-friendly than the iPhone.
• Droid integrates into Microsoft Exchange via ActiveSync.

Visit http://reviews.cnet.com/2722-6452_7-1302.html for a recent review of the Droid Bionic versus the Apple iPhone4s is at.  In this review, the editors rated the iPhone4s slightly higher than the Droid Bionic by a combined score of 4.5 (out of 5) for the iPhone4s versus 4.4 (out of 5) for the Droid Bionic.

Windows 7 Magnifier – I can see clearly now

Windows 7 has introduced a handy feature that quickly dispenses with the need to run and grab your reading glasses. Called “magnifier”, this utility allows you to instantly zoom in on any part of your screen for a closer view of text or any other hard to see content. It can be easily configured to zoom in a variety of formats, encompassing the entire screen or just the location of your cursor movement. Toggling in and out of magnifier is as simple as using a shortcut on the keyboard. Microsoft offers this tutorial of magnifier, but for an easier how-to checkout the tutorial at Windows7Hacker.

Windows 7 Snipping Tool

Windows 7 has come up with a great new tool called the snipping tool.  It captures screen shots and portions of screenshots to save and send.  To learn how to use it visit Windows 7 Snipping Tool.

How to add photos with hyperlinks in Outlook signature.

Ok, let’s talk about adding photos with links to your auto-signaure in Outlook.  Seems simple, and it is… mostly.  However, if not done carefully the photos could link to a source that could get you blocked as spam.  Here’s the quick and easy way to make sure your images and links are safe.  You cannot just cut and paste images in.  Here’s how to safely add images:

Let’s start by finding the images you want in your signature.  For example, let’s say you want a Facebook icon to link to your company page.  Find the icon online:

Read more:  http://www.smallbusinesstechtips.com/small-business-computer-tips/how-to-add-photos-with-hyperlinks-in-outlook-signature/ 

Booting Your Computer Faster

Server virtualization is one of the most popular tech trends going today, and it seems as though everybody is jumping on the small business virtualization bandwagon. But does virtualization make sense for your small business? In this small business guide to virtualization, we'll explain what virtualization is, the associated benefits and drawbacks, whether it makes financial sense, and which small businesses should go for it (or give it a pass). Finally, we'll look at how to go about implementing it.

for more info: http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/buyersguide/article.php/3939556

Tips for Creating a Strong Password

Passwords provide the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computer. The stronger your password, the more protected your computer will be from hackers and malicious software. You should make sure you have strong passwords for all accounts on your computer.  If you're using a corporate network, your network administrator might require you to use a strong password.  For tips on how to create a strong password... http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Tips-for-creating-a-strong-password    

Recall or replace a message after it is sent! 

Have you ever sent an email message and realized immediately upon sending it that something important was missing such as an attached document, updated information, or sent to the wrong person?  Not a problem because Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange offer features such as “Message Recall” and “Message Resend”.  To find out how these features work select the link of your Microsoft Outlook version. 

Microsoft Outlook 2010

Microsoft Outlook 2007

Microsoft Outlook 2003

The Bryley Team attended Ingram Micro’s "Night of Solutions" event, which included live product demonstrations and emerging technology displays, presenting an ideal setting for in-depth business discussions and knowledge-sharing. Throughout the evening Ingram Micro's partners and manufacturers were treated to great samplings of food and beverages, as well as live entertainment and interactive activities such as casino tables and raffles.

From left to right: Gail Corey (Microsoft-Northeast Partner Territory Manager) and Gavin Livingstone (Bryley Systems-President) 

From left to right: Beverley Denio (Bryley Systems-Client Services Manager) and Fernand Lavoie (Ingram-Business Development Manager)

According to Microsoft, cybercriminals are now turning to phone calls as a new method of attack.  They call victims pretending to be computer security personnel from legitimate companies (including Microsoft), warn you of a security threat that could potentially be on your computer and then ask if you want a free security scan.  If you say yes, they direct you to a website that allows them to remotely access your PC.  Again, this is a scam!  If you receive a call of this nature do not give the caller any valuable information or access to your PC!

People who have previously fallen for this scam have either had their computer tainted and their valuable information stolen - usernames, passwords and/or financial information - or have given away their credit card details as they were under the impression that they were paying for a legitimate service.       

To comprehend the ubiquity of this new method of attack, Microsoft polled 7,000 PC users from North America and the U.K (the two locales currently exposed to the scam).  15 percent of those polled had received such a phone call and of that subset 22 percent fell for the scam.  79 percent of the time, the scam resulted in financial loss. Among those victims that incurred a monetary loss, 17 percent had money taken from their financial accounts, 19 percent had their passwords stolen, 17 percent were the victims of identity fraud and over 50 percent suffered from subsequent pricey computer problems. The amount of money stolen per victim spanned from $82 to $1,560 while the amount of money it took to fix each damaged PC ranged from $1,730 to $4,800.    

Although this phone scam has only been traced to the United States, Canada, England and Ireland, it was affecting Australians back in 2010 and has the likelihood of expanding its reach in 2011.

How do you protect yourself? Use common sense, and when in doubt follow this advice:

1.      Exercise caution and maintain suspicion when you receive an unsolicited calls for anything but especially for a security problem

2.      Never give any of your personal information – full name, date of birth, credit card number, social security number, bank account information – to an unsolicited caller

3.      Never go to a website or install software when an unsolicited caller tells you to

4.      If you happen to receive such a call, take down the caller’s information so as to pass it on to the police

5.      Keep all of your software updated, especially all security software

6.      Maximize password strength and mandate frequent changes

If you have any questions, concerns or problems regarding phone scams please contact Bryley today at 978.562.6077 or email Sales@Bryley.com.