From Scott's Desk

Labor Day weekend is almost here and we're excited to announce that as of August, we have gained "Microsoft Certified Partner" status with the largest computer/software company in the world. What does that mean to you? Simple. That means that should you ever have a problem with your computer, we now have access to more resources and more support to allow us to get your computer up and running as quick as possible. I'm proud to say that TimbukTech is one of only a handful of computer companies in the area that have taken the steps needed to become a Microsoft Certified Partner and it's because of our commitment to excellence for our clients and customers that we want to be the best we can be.

On another note... we've reached over 400 Facebook "likes" to our page in just a few short months. Don't forget that we're giving away a new iPod Touch to one lucky fan once we hit 1000 "likes" so make sure you visit facebook.timbuktech.com and like us today!

Thank you for making TimbukTech the most sought after team of technology professionals in Central Illinois. It's because of great customers like you that we are in business.

Wireless Networks

Multiple wires lying around work places is not considered a good sight for many. Wished for a wireless office, didn’t you? Well, at least your Internet can now be based on wireless connections. A WiFi connection, as it is popularly called, will give you the freedom to abandon those wires for internet at your workplace.

It has become so vital for businesses and entrepreneurs to stay connected with their clients and important events happening in the business world, that the loss of internet connection for even a short span of time will affect their business. In today’s world, corresponding with your e-mails, stock markets or any important update is very important. Here is where the role of a wireless connection comes into the picture.

There are certain advantages in using a wireless connection at work.

- The set up is easy-to-install.

- The mobility factor is another key advantage to have a wireless connection in your office. Your laptop can access network connections at any locations within you work area.

- Easier connectivity in areas where laying cable is difficult.

- Installation is fast and easy, and it avoids cable connections through walls and ceilings.

- Wireless networks allow users to access files from all the computers that are in the network range. This ensures two things; firstly, a user can work on different computers where the information is stored. Secondly, a group project can be done by many users as wireless helps in sharing the files.

- And finally, you can eliminate all those unwanted cables that you always thought was a hassle.

Although a wireless connection will give you certain benefits, every coin has two sides to it. So, along with the advantages come the disadvantages too.

- The possibility of someone hacking your information using a similar connection is high. So, taking care of all private information is very important.

- WiFi networks have limited range.

- If there are many computers using the network, the data speed to each computer will decrease.

Other than all the above, the biggest problem is security threat. WiFi networks require high security. Most common users do not even understand the basic methods to safeguard their network. Contact TimbukTech today to learn the advantages and disadvantages to going wireless in your office place and let them help you decide what's best for your company!

Disaster Recovery

It is extremely vital to protect your business data so as to ensure that none of it is at risk. Thus, a well planned disaster management program is indispensable for every organization to safeguard their business because disasters do not knock before entering! Hence, every futuristic organization will have an Emergency Plan for itself, so that companies have an effective remedy to counter disastrous situations.

Emergency Management includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. So to start off with, it’s essential to first understand what the possible risks could be and then plan safety accordingly.

If your email, word-processing documents, and contact databases are lost completely, the time taken to recover them would be indescribable. Allow the professionals at TimbukTech to maintain a back up of your digital data (computer files). About 70% of companies that suffer serious data loss go out of business within a year.

Keep updating your back ups on a consistent basis. However, if the situation is serious a daily update is advisable. Also keep backup options at locations other than your business place. TimbukTech also offers offsite data back up solutions. Your accounting files and database should be safeguarded before and after any use as they are very critical data assets. Amongst your digital data, there are some items that your recovery list should consist of: Servers, Server Software, Data backups. Hardware, programs, and data are the three key computer items you need to protect. The programs are the easiest item to protect. To replace your programs you only require a record of the purchase in order to contact the store to replace them. So safeguarding the purchase record is more important to find an easy replacement to your programs. Hardware protection requires special attention.

Have a written backup plan also to inform you of the data that is protected, the location, the regularity, the person handling it and the one in charge. Besides the desktop computers, remember have data backups on your laptops. Choosing appropriate backup hardware is key to an effective backup strategy. Also, check the back up. 65% of tape backups DO NOT RESTORE properly so verifying the backup integrity is extremely important. TimbukTech can assist you in making sure you're ready to go for any disaster that may strike.

Free Online Video

Online video has gone mainstream in the business world and it's not just used for slacking off at work anymore.  Companies are now using viral video sites like YouTube to get their message across to a new generation of consumers. A good example of this is the Old Spice Guy videos. Old Spice created a character in one of their TV commercials that will answer any question you may have. (The catch is that you submit your question and he creates a custom video response to your question and posts it to YouTube) This is INTERACTIVE advertising at it's best.

Next time you're getting ready to dump money in to marketing your business... consider who your target customer is and if your advertising goals could be met by utilizing online video as a part of your advertising.

And if you're looking to slack off a little bit today... you should check out these:

Old Spice Guy - via YouTube

Break Funny Video Site - Break.com

Will Ferrell owns a comedy video website too - FunnyOrDie.com

• Wireless Networks
• Disaster Recovery
• Free Online Video

Canton Office -
Next to the Medicine Shoppe
486 N. Main Street
Canton, IL 61520
309.647.7269

Macomb Office -
Next to Aurelio's Pizza
219 N. Randolph Street
Macomb, IL 61455
309.836.7268