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Seven Reasons Why SyncraTec Recommends the SonicWall TZ 210 Firewall

Security and data protection are two facets of our “Starter Server” and “Growth Server” computer network solution offerings where compromise is not an option.  Most of our clients are price-sensitive to a degree, but not so much that they’d be willing to cut corners when it comes to security.

 
After researching many of the available firewall devices on the market today, we have concluded that the SonicWall TZ 210 comprehensive firewall device offers the most bang for the buck.  It has many of the capabilities that sophisticated small businesses need and is suitable even if e-commerce or locally-published web applications are primary concerns. 

1. Wired and Wireless.  The TZ 210 has both wired and wireless capabilities
2. Active/Passive Failover.  Active/passive failover in case of hardware or software failure.
3. VPN.  Can deliver a VPN solution to meet all of the needs of a business of ten users or more and can scale to thousands of end points.  While securing your traffic through the VPN connection it also decontaminates the traffic running over it because it is checked in real-time. 
4. Multiple ports for WAN and LAN networks.  The TZ 210 can easily handle traffic for the LAN, WAN and if needed a DMZ all in one appliance.  It can also deliver a wireless signal using 802.11 N on any subnet needed.  We regularly deploy this device on a network with a Windows Small Business Server delivering DNS to the network while the SonicWall TZ 210 delivers a separate wireless signal on a different subnet for guests on the network. The guests are able to take advantage of a fast wireless Internet access while the business network remains private.  The addresses for the wireless network are given to the client by the DHCP capabilities of the firewall.
5. Services.  Along with traditional firewall functionality, Sonicwall offers a wide range of security services provided through the TZ 210 such as Anti-Malware, Content Filtering, Intrusion Prevention, Anti-Spam, and Application Intelligence.   The services are available on an annual subscription basis either separately or bundled.
6. Gigabit Speed.  Did I mention that the SonicWall TZ 210 does all of this using Gigabit connectivity?
7. Reasonable Price.  The whole package including the first year’s subscription to the bundled services costs under a thousand dollars.  

That's why we believe this device is truly the answer for small business network security.

SyncraTec Solutions, Yardley, PA

Our tagline is: Software, Servers, and Systems…with a whole new level of service.  And while we always strive to provide outstanding service in the traditional sense, and continue to offer physical servers and systems, we’re really talking about a whole different way of delivering computing services that wasn’t available a few short years ago.  Our offerings include enterprise-class e-mail, SharePoint, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) without the need for capital investment in servers and software licenses.  These services enable small businesses to leverage technologies designed for large corporations.  For any questions on cloud computing, call your local source for business technology services.

215-310-1750

Six Videos (30 minutes total) on Optimizing your LinkedIn Profile

http://www.booleanblackbelt.com/2010/11/free-linkedin-profile-optimization-and-job-seeker-advice/

Virus, Spyware & Malware Protection

Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0

Free for Home PC's and Business with Less than Ten PC's.

Yes, free.  But don't run it along-side another Anti-Virus program.  (Un-install the other one first.)  Speaking of the other products out there, compare Microsoft Security Essentials to Norton AntiVirus 2011 ($39.99), Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2011 ($59.95 direct for three licenses), and Panda Antivirus Pro 2011 ($50.95).

We would recommend this product for computers running Windows 7.  (Actually, we don't recommend computers still be running Windows XP at all anymore, but that's a story for a different day.)  And you'll have to be certain you have a genuine copy of Windows, because the software installation will check on this.

Learn more / download.

If you're confused about technology choices for your small business in Pennsylvania or New Jersery, contact SyncraTec Solutions for a complementary Business Technology Assessment: http://www.syncratec.com

Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 -- Launched...

We are thrilled to bring you the exciting news that as of April 1st 2011, Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 has been released! 

Here are two great ways you can familiarize yourself with Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 and you can always click to chat with someone from SyncraTec for more information.

1. Check out the videos

2. View the Introducing Microsoft Dynamics
   SL 2011 on-demand webcast

Every now and then a new software release feels more significant than others.  Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 is one of those releases.  The SL R&D and Product Management teams set out to break new ground by enhancing the development process to significantly improve the customer, product value, and overall end-user enthusiasm.  This is the first release in which members of our customer and partner Advisory Board not only contributed to detailed feature requirements, but also participated in prototype reviews and spec reviews from Milestone 0 through Milestone 4.  Thirteen Advisory Board committees applied their in-depth knowledge of use case scenarios, pain points and vertical requirements, and then influenced designs and implementation throughout the life-cycle.  It amounts to a huge, uncompensated contribution on their part which will greatly benefit the entire SL Community.  As a result of this unprecedented collaboration, SL 2011 will launch with more Customer and Partner excitement and anticipation than any of us can remember.

Why the excitement over SL 2011?  It delivers significant, tangible value for new and existing customers.  From a whole new user experience using MBS common controls to a new, game-changing Quick Query solution, to document/image attachments at the record level, and a new web services framework based on WCF.  From delivering everything a Project Manager needs to perform his/her work at the job site to a dramatically improved and time-saving multi-company experience, as well as key improvements in managing project inventory and Sales Orders.  From a new integration with Microsoft® Project Server 2010 to new tools that enable accounting personnel to quickly and confidently reverse or copy GL transactions.  Every one of these features was prioritized and shaped by the Dynamics SL Advisory Board and SL User Group.  They feel like it’s their release.

Customers are not shy about sharing their feedback on SL 2011.  A couple examples:

“We are fired up about the release of SL 2011. This version to us represents a whole new level of commitment from Microsoft towards the Dynamics SL product line. We are excited because SL is now built on a firm foundation for the future and this 2011 version is by far the most feature rich version we have ever seen!" Bob Hauck, Cisco-Eagle “I absolutely love the new modernized look, new features and functionality and to top it all, everything just works! It is a revolution to be able to work in two companies at the same time. Export to excel by just clicking one button, really? Fantastic! I am so impressed and cannot wait to share this “new and improved” product with all my users. Microsoft you got it right this time!” DorothyZ, Genica Corp./Geeks.com

We will officially launch Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 during the SL General Session at Convergence 2011 on Monday, April 11th 2011.

Windows 7 Backup with an Image to Boot

Go the Start / Search menu; type “Backup.”

 

Click Set up backup

 

Click Save on a network.

 

Enter your Network credentials

 

 
Select “Let Windows choose”

If you let Windows choose what is backed up, the following items are included in your backup:

• Data files that are saved in libraries, on the desktop, and in default Windows folders for all people with a user account on the computer.

Notes

• Only local files in libraries are included in the backup. If you have files in a library that are saved on a drive located on a different computer on a network, on the Internet, on the same drive that you are saving the backup on, or on a drive that is not formatted using the NTFS file system, they aren't included in the backup.
• Default Windows folders include AppData, Contacts, Desktop, Downloads, Favorites, Links, Saved Games, and Searches.
• If the drive you are saving your backup on is formatted using the NTFS file system and has enough disk space, a system image of your programs, Windows, and all drivers and registry settings are also included in the backup. This image can be used to restore the contents of your computer if your hard drive or computer stops working.

What is a system image?

A system image is an exact copy of a drive. By default, a system image includes the drives required for Windows to run. It also includes Windows and your system settings, programs, and files. You can use a system image to restore the contents of your computer if your hard disk or computer ever stops working. When you restore your computer from a system image, it's a complete restoration—you can't choose individual items to restore, and all of your current programs, system settings, and files are replaced with the contents of the system image.

Although this type of backup includes your personal files, we recommend that you back up your files regularly using Windows Backup so that you can restore individual files and folders as needed. When you set up Windows Backup, you can let Windows choose what to back up, which will include a system image, or you can select the items that you want to back up and whether you want to include a system image.

 

 
 

Completion of Backup

 
Some files were skipped because they are stored on the server.

Backup skipped backing up \\SYNCServer\RedirectedFolders\User#1\My Documents as it is not on local machine.

Backup skipped backing up \\SYNCServer\RedirectedFolders\ User#1\My Documents\My Music as it is not on local machine.

Backup skipped backing up \\SYNCServer\RedirectedFolders\ User#1\My Documents\My Pictures as it is not on local machine.

Backup skipped backing up \\SYNCServer\RedirectedFolders\ User#1\My Documents\My Videos as it is not on local machine.

Backup skipped backing up \\SYNCServer\RedirectedFolders\ User#1\Desktop as it is not on local machine.

  
Create a system repair disc

System recovery options can help you repair Windows if a serious error occurs. To use system recovery options, you'll need a Windows installation disc or access to the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer. If you don't have either of those choices, you can create a system repair disc to access system recovery options.

Note – Make sure all your open files are saved as the creation of the System Repair Disc might unexpectedly reboot your computer.

To create a system repair disc

1. Click to open Backup and Restore.
2. In the left pane, click Create a system repair disc, and then follow the steps.   If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Select your DVD R/W drive (hopefully you have one).

Make sure a Writeable DVD disk is inserted.

 

 
 Click Start Backup

 
 Note

• If you're prompted to insert a Windows installation disc, it means that the files needed to create the system repair disc can't be found on your computer. Insert a Windows 7 installation disc.

To use the system repair disc

1. Insert the system repair disc into your CD or DVD drive.
2. Restart your computer using the computer's power button.
3. If prompted, press any key to start the computer from the system repair disc.

• If your computer isn't configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer. You might need to change your computer's BIOS settings.

1. Choose your language settings, and then click Next.
2. Select a recovery option, and then click Next.

What’s on the system repair disc

 

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Online Users -- Bring Your Data Home!

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Online is a Tour de Force.  But one thing that's always been lacking from this and other cloud-based application software is that you can't actually get direct access to your database.  So therefore, you can't perform some basic operations that remain some of the very reasons people still like to have their applications on-premise, where the database is readily accessible for:

• Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups - so that if you or your users inadvertently hack-up some data, you'll be able to restore to a point-in-time (like, say, right before they pressed the button that updated the customer's unique Account ID with a cell phone number!)  Note that with CRM Online, the backups are not your own.  They're Microsoft's backups and they're not there at your convenience if your users' screw up.  There would be a charge to restore your database to the last full backup they have, which -- again -- might not be that "point-in-time" restore that you're in need of.   
• Custom Reports -- besides having on-site back-ups, custom reports are by far the most popular reason to bring your data on site.  SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a powerful report-writing tool; but you need direct access to the database to write reports in with this tool.  There is an end-user reporting-writing tool in CRM Online, but it is a weak little sister to the brawney SSRS, which can do it all in regard to custom reports.
• Dashboards, dashboards, dashboards -- everybody loves dashboards.  With direct access to your CRM Online database, you'll be able to put your data to work on your intranet home page in the form of pie charts and other graphical performance indicators.  Again CRM Online has a built-in dashboard view, and it is very cool and easy to use -- just not as powerful / flexible as you could do with direct access to the database.
• Integrations -- if you want to trigger changes to other systems based on changes in your CRM data, you'll want to have this data local so your integration software can access it directly.
• Data Warehousing -- similar to reporting, dashboarding, and integrating, you'll want a local copy of the database if you running data warehouse operations.
• Compliance - archive CRM data for governance needs.

So there you have a slew of reasons as to why to bring your data home.  The question is how?  The answer is either access the web service and pull the data down yourself (Web Service SDK programming skills required), or sign up for the Replication Service (Scribe RS) from Scribe Software.

With the Scribe RS tool, you'll be able to:

• Easily make a local copy offline for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.
• Optimize access for websites, portals, and dashboards without impacting CRM Online performance.
• Quickly generate cubes with object level data.
• Use any reporting tool.  Merge CRM data with other sources.
• Archive customer data for governance needs.
• Use your own BI vendors, or use BI from Scribe recommended partners GoodData and iAnalytics.

Call SyncraTec today at 215-310-1750, for information on how to get Scribe RS for free for all of 2011! 

McAfee Security Scan Plus Piggy-Backing on Adobe Reader Installation

I am just loading up a new Windows 7 workstation PC, and I'm installing the software applications I need, one-at-a-time. I needed Adobe Reader -- a free download from Adobe. I installed it, and -- to my surprise -- found out that I had also inadvertently installed McAfee Security Scan Plus. Now, first-of-all, I already have an anti-virus solution. Second-of-all, isn't a program like McAfee Anti-Virus supposed to help you prevent loading stuff on your computer that you don't want?

When we help clients with their computer network environments, we notice that sometimes they have multiple (unnecessary / redundant) pieces of software on their machines.  If you have two species of anti-virus software running, they can conflict with each other and cause problems.  If you have so many toolbars on your Internet Explorer Browser that you can hardley see the working area of your screen -- do you think that might slow down your machine a little bit?

As a first-line-of-defense, just be careful when you install new software, that some other piece is not piggy-backing along with the install.  Secondly, if you realize you installed something you don't need, go to add remove programs, and uninstall it.

Auto Log-In with Windows 7

One of the greatest things about Windows 7 is that it can remember your Usernames and Passwords to a variety of different systems.  For example, if you log on to a network at work, a network a home, etc.  If you have access to another clients' SharePoint site as a trusted partner, Windows 7 can remember that Username and Password.  It also works for Shared Network Drives on different networks, etc.  All you have to do is type in the path or URL, and -- bang -- you're in. 

This works with systems that accept Windows credentials, Certificate-based credentials, or generic credentials.

But sometimes, you might wonder which systems you're able to connect to automatically.  If you want to know, just go to Start and Run; then type: control keymgr.dll and it will show you all the connections where you're hooked in to log-in automatically with the wonderous Windows 7.

How To Move Documents from One SharePoint Document Library to Another

You've been using SharePoint for a little while, and you're getting pretty good at realizing the benefits of savings documents to Shared Documents folders on the Sites you've created for Clients, Projects, Internal Operating Procedures, Employee Benefits, and the like.  One day, you realize that all of these Document Libraries' Names are "Shared Documents."  Hmm, now when I go to browse for the appropriate location to save, I have to really look at the whole SharePoint URL to determine which Library is which.

How about we create new SharePoint Document Libraries with better, more easily-recognizable names: good idea.  One problem, how do you move all the documents from one place to the other?  A couple ways; and it depends how many documents you have. 

1. Open both Documents Libraries in Windows Explorer View; put them side-by-side (easy in Windows 7, you've seen the commercials right?); and then drag-and-drop the files.
2. Go to the target Document Library and create a Custom Send To Destination as follows:
3. • Got Document Library Settings
   • Advanced Settings
   • Create Custom Send To Destination
   • Add the Name of the Destination - something short and simple
   • Add the URL of the Destination - minus the Forms/AllItems.aspx
   • Click OK
   • Go back to the source Document Library, right-click on the document, and select "Send To" and then hover to and click on the new Custom Send To Location you just created.