ENHANCE YOUR CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCE!

Great service is what sets us apart from our competitors.

Let us show how our Auto Shop Voice solution has helped Seyfer, Pickering and other local auto shops improve their customer service!

• Use automated greetings and menus allowing your customer to access directions to the shop, a live person, after hours emergency towing and much more!
• Include music on hold or a customized message.
• Wireless handsets and secure Wi-Fi for techs or customers while they wait.
• Improve communication between office personnel and service technicians with built-in intercom functionality or paging horn.
• Integrated video surveillance permitting you to watch the shop or allow customers to watch technicians work.

Save the Date!

2 locations available – Limit: Only 20 seats available at each

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~~~~~~~~~~~SPECIAL PRIZES FOR ATTENDEES~~~~~~~~~~~~

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• All attendees will receive: $25 gift card to Rodizio Grill or N.Y. Deli News!
• Grand prize drawing: Flip Video Camera!!
• Free Lunch catered by: N.Y. Deli News
• Event sponsored by: North Star Strategic IT & Cisco Systems

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Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Register for our Cisco Auto Shop Voice Solution Event – Denver

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

Conferencing technology has already achieved immense improvement.  Teleconferencing is a product of the conferencing technology.  With teleconferencing, it is mainly about conference calls where small to very large groups of people can participate to or listen to the phone conversation.  With video conferencing, the presenter can appear on the screens of all the attendees or for small groups, all the attendees can appear on the screen in separate webcam windows.

Web conferencing is often confused with web seminars.  There is just a thin line separating or differentiating each other, it is mainly about the number of the attendees or participants and the amount of interactivity in the meeting or presentation.

Web seminars are usually more than ten people and only the organizer and a small number of panellists would have the control over the discussion.  With web conferencing, it is normally limited to ten people, where the attendees or participants would have the opportunity to present and take control of the flow of the discussion.

Web conferencing programs use internet communication to transfer and share files and applications.  These programs combine HTML, Java scripts, flash animation, instant messaging and even audio and video streaming.

Through the combination of these, web conferencing can offer several features. These features are application and file sharing, desktop sharing, co-browsing the internet, white boards, polling/surveying, text messaging, PowerPoint presentations and even private meeting rooms.

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

There are two options to choose from if a company or any institution is interested in using web conferencing.  There are conferencing software that can be installed in computers and host the meeting themselves.  Another way is by using a hosting service that provides the software and server space to conduct the web-based meetings.

How web conferences run depend on the software, hosting and how the moderator or organizer runs the meeting.  Prior to the meeting the moderator or organizer often compiles the documents and files for the meeting and have them distributed.  The organizer then sends out e-mails or text messages inviting the guests and participants citing the certain day and time the web conference will start.

Attendees may accept or reject the invitation and their calendar program will add the meeting to their schedule.  The invitation sent out includes a link to the conference and a password or access code to join the conference.  The attendee just have to click the URL and enter the password or access code.

Once the attendees have already logged on to the conference, the organizer or presenter controls the meeting.  The presenter has the ability to share the desktop and other documents and applications.  Control of the flow of the discussion can be handed over to other attendees letting them to present.  Participants can communicate to each other by audio or video, voice chat, instant messaging or desktop sharing.

Images from the presenter’s computer are constantly being uploaded to the server and sent to attendees, it is much like video streaming.  Participants can share documents and applications because the files are temporarily available on the server where anyone with the right link and password can access.  To end the conference or to log out of the meeting, participants just simply close their conferencing programs.

Web conferences are easy to set up and can forge strong working relationships among employees.  Collaborations and cooperation made through web conferencing can play a very important role in improving the business and the operations of certain institutions.

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Behind the Scenes: How Web Conferencing Works

There is another dilemma: With so many antivirus products on the market, which one do you choose? There is no right and wrong answers here but some people are concerned about the difference between the free programs offered and the ones that you have to pay a yearly subscription for.

Let’s backtrack a bit and talk about viruses. Unlike the ones that humans deal with, the computer variety can be found and eliminated before they cause trouble. Computer viruses get into your hard drive and wreak havoc. They slow your computer down by taking up your hard drive space. Once there, they can infect your programs and steal personal and financial information. What you are left with is a big mess that is a pain in the neck to fix.

Antivirus software may come pre-installed on your computer. If it does, it is likely a free trial or a paid subscription that you ordered with the system. Either way, its job is to detect viruses within items on your hard drive and remove them according to your specifications. When the paid subscription is up for renewal, you’ll receive pop-up messages warning you that your system is about to be left unprotected.

What many computer owners don’t know is that you have a choice. You don’t have to pay for antivirus, when many companies offer antivirus software for free. We have all heard the adage, “You get what you pay for,” but, just like everything else, it is best to shop wisely before making a choice.

Ideally you want antivirus protection to alert you when a virus is trying to hack your system. Also, spyware falls into this category. The software will let you know if spyware a danger from anything that you have or will download.

A free program can do that is so much the better for you. Free doesn’t mean cheap, just minimal. Some companies offer a program that does what you need, but offers the extra bells and whistles for a fee. Depending on your computer usage, the bells and whistles are not needed. They take up extra hard drive space and almost never get used.

For a person, like yourself, who is careful about where they go on the Internet the basics of free antivirus protection will work. Protecting yourself with some basic surfing and downloading guidelines is half the battle.

Here is some good advice: While you are still within the free 30-day trial that the manufacturer gave you, compare free and paid software. If the free software gives you what you need, go for it. You can always change later.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Free Antivirus Protection versus a Paid Subscription

While shopping for a cheap laptop backpack, keep in mind a few parts of the backpack that provide the actual protection. The material used is an important factor. Make sure you find something that won’t wear thin easily or already looks too thin. In other words, make sure when you hold it up to the light that you can’t see through it! Some nylons are meant to carry your lunch in, not your laptop. Materials that are stiff are easily damaged from temperature changes and usage. Choose a soft and pliable material.

Check out the seams and sewing inside the backpack. Make sure they are tight and the threads haven’t run out of line of the material which will cause holes when you have put a little wear and tear on your backpack. Don’t be afraid to turn it inside out and inspect it right there at the establishment.  The seams are the life of your backpack.

Another factor in choosing an affordable backpack for your laptop is the straps. The straps need to be sewn on tightly. Again, pull on them hard and see if they give any. Look for frayed nylons. Fraying around stitches will eventually cause the strap to loosen and come apart. You don’t want to be riding down the highway on your motorbike and have your laptop go sliding out to be a bump in the road for oncoming traffic!

Padding inside the pack is another protective measure you’ll want to look for in buying an affordable cheap laptop backpack for your laptop.  Make sure you’ll be able to sit down your backpack and not damage anything for lack of a cushioning between it and the surface. Some backpacks are made of thick enough material that the padding may not be necessary, but a little cushioning would be the best choice.

Zippers are a part of a backpack that are important because they, too, can fall apart at the seams. Make sure the sewing on the attaching material of the zipper is tight. Do the pull and tug test. Another feature to look at is that there are two pulls that meet and that can be locked with a zipper padlock and that the zipper moves easily back and forth.

Go online and shop for a deal on an affordable laptop backpack or visit your local electronics dealer.  Remember, the more you shop around, the better deal you are most likely to find. Make sure any purchase you make comes with a guarantee.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Protect Your Laptop With an Affordable Cheap Laptop Backpack

Review the ten top benefits of Bluetooth, and decide if grabbing on to this technological trend is right for you.

1.  Wireless Convenience
There are many benefits of using wireless devices.  The basic plus to going wireless is enjoying the freedom to work or communicated without being tied down.  You can travel freely and stay connected, without the hassle of connection cables.  There is a safety factor to consider as well.  Bluetooth technology eliminates the risk of getting tangled with wires if, for example, you’re wrestling with a wired headset while trying to drive a car.

2.  Instant Gratification
Using Bluetooth devices allows you the freedom to communicate without setting up connections or pushing buttons.  When two or more Bluetooth devices enter a range of 30 feet or less, they will instantly begin to communicate with each other.  There’s nothing more that you need to do.

3.  Budget Friendly
The benefits of Bluetooth also extend to your pocketbook.  Bluetooth technology is inexpensive for companies to implement.  Lower costs lead to lower corporate overhead, and the savings may well be passed on to customers like you.

4.  Sets the Standard
Bluetooth is standardized wireless.  This means that the technology is guaranteed to meet a high level of compatibility with other wireless devices.  Bluetooth technology allows many different devices to connect and communicate, even if they are different models.

5.  Less Interference
Bluetooth devices are almost always able to avoid interference from other wireless devices.  The Bluetooth uses a technology known as frequency hopping, as well as low power wireless signals.

6.  Conserves Energy
Bluetooth uses low power signals, so the technology requires very little energy.  One of the most practical benefits of Bluetooth you’ll find is in using fewer batteries or less electrical power.  Bluetooth won’t drain the batteries on mobile devices.

7.  Shared Data and Voices
The standard for Bluetooth technology allows compatible devices to share data and voice communications.  Of all the benefits of Bluetooth this is most important to drivers who need to talk hands-free on their cellphones.

8.  Instant Personal Area Network
You can form your own PAN (personal area network) by connecting up to seven Bluetooth devices within a range of up to thirty feet.  Multiples PANS, or piconets, can be set up within a single room

9.  Upgrade
Technology is constantly being upgraded, and Bluetooth is ready to comply with whatever changes may come along.  Newer versions of Bluetooth are now being released, offering even more advantages.  Many have backward compatibility with older Bluetooth versions.

10.  Technology For Keeps
Bluetooth technology is used and available worldwide.  It’s a universal standard that will be around for many years to come.  As more and more devices implement Bluetooth technology, more manufacturers will find it necessary to make their products compatible.  The “supply and demand” chain reaction has already set Bluetooth as a standard in cutting-edge wireless.

There are more benefits to Bluetooth; just ask anyone who uses this wireless wonder.  Find out more about Bluetooth, and then decide if the benefits of Bluetooth can help make your life a little easier.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Bluetooth: 10 Benefits

Identity theft is a problem for businesses as well as you, the consumer. These thieves used to be interested in only robbing your bank account. Now, they look to use your personal information to open new accounts and get approved for loans, cars, boats and all sorts of merchandise. To that end, they employ high tech means to deceive you.

1. Sharing your personal financial information with other people. This includes other family members. Many identity thieves are people that you know. They obtain your information by being close to you. It is a good rule of thumb not to leave important documents or mail laying around where anyone who enters your home could get access to it.
2. Giving out financial information over the telephone. This is a ploy used by identity thieves to reach the elderly. They make calls pretending to be a reputable agency or a bank and ask for social security and credit card numbers. Just like that, the criminal has access to your entire life.
3. Someone steals your wallet. This method used to be the most common. Thieves still steal your wallet to use credit cards, get social security cards and driver’s licenses. Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or write down PIN numbers and keep them there. If your wallet is stolen, cancel credit cards immediately and report the theft to police. Keeping all agencies on alert before anything happens will send up red flags when the thief tries to use your information.
4. Forgetting to shred all mail. Even junk mail can be dangerous in the hands of the wrong person. The safest way to keep thieves out of your trash is to shred it before disposing of it.
5. Acting unwisely in public places. When people think they are safe, they may let down their guard. Unfortunately, this is when identity thieves strike. In stores, keep your purse or wallet close at hand so that no one can pick your pockets. When punching in PIN numbers, cover the screen with your hand so no one can see your numbers. Avoid putting driver’s license numbers on your checks and also telephone numbers. People seldom write checks these days unless it is to pay bills. In the grocery store, they often ask for this information on checks but you can write it down for the clerk. If a check is stolen from you, this information can prove valuable to the thief.

Now that people are out to steal your identity, protecting that information is quite important. Know the common ways that people become victims and avoid those actions to help keep your identity safe.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

5 Ways You Can Become a Victim of Identity Theft

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver IT  Support company

Anti-phishing software works by searching for any phishing content that may exist in an email.  It is normally used as a complementary service to your email service in the form of a toolbar.  This toolbar will display the real name of any website you visit and any fake websites phishers tend to use.

This software offers a backup defense for blocking phishing attacks and sites that might have been clever enough to get through your browser’s built in protection.  Here are a few of them:

Earthlink Toolbar Scamblocker

• Earthlink provides a free toolbar for your browser that includes a Scamblocker, which is used to protect you from phishing scams and pop ups.
• It works by warning you if you attempt to connect with a page that is on Earthlinks blacklist of fake sites.
• It analyzes every site you visit and display the security rating of the web page on the toolbar.

Earthlink’s Scamblocker can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.earthlink.net/software/free/toolbar/

Netcraft Anti-phishing Toolbar

• Netcraft is provides a tight knit community where when one person reports a phishing email, the listed URL is blocked for all Netcraft members.
• By displaying the website’s hosting location, it helps expose fraudulent URLs.  For example, if your bank is located in the U.S. and the hosting location is listed as Poland, it is most likely a scam.
• The toolbar will also detect URLs that use certain letters or characters to deceive.

The Netcraft Anti-phishing Toolbar can be downloaded at this link:
http://toolbar.netcraft.com/

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver IT  Support company

TrustWatch Toolbar

• Trust Watch offers a free toolbar designed to protect you from phishing attacks, identity theft, and internet fraud.
• It performs checks in real-time to inform you if the website you are attempting to visit has been verified by a legitimate third-party organization, and whether or not it is safe to send personal information through the site.
• It is equivalent to performing a credit check.

The TrustWatch Toolbar can be downloaded at this link:
http://toolbar.trustwatch.com/

Stopzilla Anti-Spyware 5.0

• Stopzilla is an ant-spyware program that detects and prevents phishing attacks, popup ads, spyware, adware, and any other form of malicious applications, as well as hijack protection.

Stopzilla can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.stopzilla.com/

Spybot – Search and Destroy

• Sybot Search and Destroy is a free to use anti-spyware program.
• The largest benefit of this program is that it will write-protect all of your computer’s host files, which is the main target of phishing spyware.

Spybot can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.safer-networking.org

Webroot’s Phish net

• Phish Net uses a dynamic blacklist that aids in protecting phishing attacks.
• It works by storing personal data (eg. Credit card numbers, bank accounts, etc.), and alerting you as to whether or not it is a trusted site when you attempt to enter personal information.
• It will also alert you to any redirects that may have happened during the transmission of your data, as well as make sure the site has an encrypted connection before transmission.

Webroot’s Phish net can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver IT  Support company

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Denver IT Support: Anti-phishing Software

What is a video card? It is the component responsible for the pictures that you see on the computer screen. The video card is essential for gamers, graphic artists and the everyday website surfer. Before getting just the basic video card or the top of the line one, know how to shop for one.

A video card has four basic criteria for choosing one:

• Price
• Speed
• Resolution
• Card Slot Type

Video Card and Graphics Card

You may hear people talk about video cards and graphics cards. They are similar in what they do. Video cards are more useful to gamers. A gamer wants to have the greatest amount of memory on their video card so that they can play faster. Certain games take up a lot of space and no one wants to have technical difficulties just as they are about to slay the giant beast.

Video games have advanced beyond the huge rectangular blip that was the ball in the Atari table tennis game. Resolution is important but some gaming worlds are so advanced that faster play is more of the essence.

Graphics cards are desired more by graphic artists and those using CAD. Here, attention to detail is essential in your designs so that is what will be the main consideration here. The same goes for the casual user who surfs the Web.

Types of Video Cards

This depends on what type of connection you have for a video card. The video card can already be installed to your preference in a new computer. If you build computers, this information is helpful.

Just so that you know, there are three main connection types for video cards. The ones that you will see used most often these days are AGP and PCI-E. Older connections use a VGA cable.

Price

Video cards range from moderately expensive to quite expensive. A website surfer won’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a video card, but a graphic designer might to suit their job needs. Cheaper doesn’t mean inferior quality, just fewer bells and whistles. That’s okay if you are not into gaming or computer design.
Not sure what all the letters mean? Talking to someone at North Star Strategic IT can help you choose your video card wisely. Give us a call.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

What to Know Before Buying a Video Card for your Computer

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

So, what exactly is web conferencing?

With web conferencing, participants can share audio, video, content or combination of these in real time.  This enables people to attend meetings or presentations when they can’t attend them physically.  Attendees or participants of web conferencing can have a downloaded application on their computer or they can just access a website or URL to join the group having the meeting or presentation.

Web conferencing enables us to share presentations, documents, videos and multimedia applications.  Is also enables us to save money on the costs associated with high bandwidth.  You can meet whenever from wherever, as long as you have a personal computer/ laptop and internet access.

Since web conferencing allows users to have business meetings, trainings and conduct presentations and demonstration, it is a requirement that attendees have high-speed internet connection in all user and web sites.  Presiding over a session can be passed among the users or the attendees, so that another user can act as the presenter or demonstrator.

Some web conferencing systems or providers include several features in their systems like texting, VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and full- motion video.  Audio streaming was also added as an additional feature since web conferencing started in the early 1990s.  With audio streaming, attendees can listen to the audio as they view the presentations.

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

Messaging or sending messages also became more efficient. The leaders can entertain live questions or conduct answer sessions.  Attendees can send private messages to the leader, who can answer trough private messages or may publish the message so the entire team or attendees can view the message.

There are attendance rosters which allow the leader and the attendees to view who is currently involved in the conference.  There is also a tool for recording.  Recording allows for the synching voice and visuals into a permanent record which can be shared with others on a later date.

Whiteboard also allows the leader or the attendees to highlight items in the presentation or can be used to make notes.  There are also tools for polls and surveys, allowing the leader to ask questions with multiple choices addressed to the attendees.

Screen sharing is also another feature of web conferencing.   With screen sharing or desktop sharing participants can view the screen or whatever is on the screen of the leader.  Some screen sharing applications also allow remote desktop control which means participants can take control or manipulate the leader’s desktop or screen. This feature is seldom used.

Of course, there are web conferencing vendors or providers that provide these services of different basis.  Some web conferencing providers charge a nominal monthly fee while others may charge for every time the software was used.

Readying up your computer or your personal stuff to be used with web conferencing is really not that complicated.  New computers normally would have installed software in them that is necessary for web conferencing, if none, the installation process is relatively easy to accomplish.

Web conferencing provides a great way and venue for short and straightforward business related exchanges like meetings, demonstrations, orientation or even product roll-outs.  Web conferencing made it possible for us to have non- physical communication for business meetings and affairs.  Technology certainly makes life easier.

North Star Strategic IT – Your Denver Network  Support company

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

Denver Network Support: What is Web Conferencing?

What is an anti-spam filter?
This refers to a special program used for detecting and blocking dangerous emails. It looks for words and phrases or other things that may indicate an email is spam. It is based on the assumption that email containing certain details is spam.

It also has the capacity to remember which email addresses have previously send spam and block these. Mail from approved sources is delivered without question. These are referred to black lists and white lists. The anti-spam filter updates these lists. If the software perceives an email to be spam, it is added to the black list. If the user checks the email as safe it will be taken off the black list and treated as a trusted address in the future or white listed. The filter catches most email with unwanted adult content or pornography, referred to as “sporm.”

What to Look for in Anti-Spam Filter Software

You need to think about some other features you may find important:

• Make sure the anti-spam filter you purchase will work with your email client. This software will not necessarily work with all email providers.
• Make sure you will be able to use the software after you buy it. Some software programs are difficult to understand and use. If you buy an anti-spam filter you cannot use, you will be wasting your time and money.
• You should be able to set your own preferences in the program for your email filtering. You need to be able to choose options for what you want to block and what to allow in your inbox.
• It is good to get one that allows you to create your own white list. This will ensure you will receive all email you wish to allow without any problems. You would not want an important email to be blocked or even deleted.
• The anti-spam filter software should download and install with no problems. You may need to register the software before use or download additional updates before using it.

It is a good idea to buy a program that has some user reviews or other assurance that it is stable and fully developed. Look on the packaging for the latest release date. You may not want to buy a product that is still in the beta testing stage.

Spam email is a nuisance and time consuming to delete. It can also be very dangerous to your computer. You can protect yourself and your PC by purchasing the anti-spam software that is best for you and your email provider.

Provided by Jim Horton - North Star Strategic IT
Your Denver source for IT computer support, network consulting and planning, voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, and so much more. Cisco Partner - VoIP and Unified Communications Microsoft Partner - Small Business Server Specialists Schedule time with one of our highly qualified network technology specialists

How to Choose Anti-spam Filter Software