MarketSmart TEK Blog by Craig Kassing

2010-11-30T14:30:00.001-06:00

Still have two tickets for the UCLA KU Basketball Program - Face Value of the tickets is around $90 ..Shoot me an offer!

Need Internet 3G maybe 4G

2010-08-17T20:44:00.002-05:00

In Kansas City, metro internet coverage is spotty and sometimes downright frustrating. It is 2010 and the major phone and internet companies are still trying to get things right.

I will have to give kudos to Sprint as they are doing the best with their new 4G cards and their coverage here in town just works. God I wish the I-Phone was on this network. ATT did not have the network to work with all that the I-Phone had to offer and very quickly the service took a hit.

So here in the midwest, we now have a option. Sprint has a 3g/4g data card for free with a new Sprint account. UMLIMITED 4GB Data and 5GB 3G usage for $60.00 a month. Here is link that we use for ordering. HERE

Happy Surfing!

Summer Heat

2010-07-21T16:37:00.002-05:00

Check where your computers are sitting this Hot Summer. The cooler the equipment the better it will behave ... Make sure there is plenty of breathing space !!!

Stay Cool

2010-07-06T09:26:00.003-05:00

Back to work Tuesday! When was the last time you updated your website or profile? Keep it new and fresh! Craiig

2010-07-06T09:26:00.001-05:00

Back to work Tuesday! When was the last time you updated your website or profile? Keep it new and fresh! Craiig

2010-06-17T12:06:00.001-05:00

Question: How far can you drive a Toyota Camry onto a beach .... Answer: Not very damn far ....

2010-06-17T09:02:00.001-05:00

In galvaston tx ... hot hot hot ... anyone got a favorite restaurant in the houston galvaston area I should try out ...

2010-06-15T15:19:00.001-05:00

How do you save all those passwords! Looking for some help to find that perfect program that tracks all the windows Passwords. Any Ideas?

2010-06-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

Great Weekend! Girls softball won three more games but lost their first game of the year. Girls will make it though it .... Dad is glad he is over 21

2010-06-02T15:52:00.001-05:00

Check out our Fan Page for MarketSmart TEK
http://tinyurl.com/mktsmart ... Get those questions answered!

2010-05-20T14:13:00.001-05:00

Tired of keeping your emails backed up and using the latest software? We are offering a hosted email solution that gives you Outlook for FREE. $15 a month and all of your emails are backed up and you have access to them from anywhere in the world .... and yes that includes the latest version of Outlook! Craig

2010-05-14T08:50:00.001-05:00

virus / spam alert ... someone is using mktsmart name to shoot off a alert to click on a file to protect your PC. IT IS A VIRUS!

2010-05-13T22:26:00.001-05:00

Last Day at age 43-I could not find my keys! I was madder then a deaf-mute playing Bingo, getting Bingo, and trying to holler out Bingo! (thx cable guy)

2010-05-12T08:06:00.001-05:00

Took my Girl Softballers to the Royals last night. Really impressed with the royals staff as they had a great time. Game not as pretty ...

2010-05-07T12:53:00.001-05:00

Thanks Moms: My Mother taught me HUMOR...
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

2010-05-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

Thanks Moms .. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until your father gets home."

2010-05-04T23:51:00.001-05:00

Security - Took a Conceal and Carry class with a good friend. Instructor just setup a New Blog http://ping.fm/0mEmL Great info!

2010-05-03T20:25:00.001-05:00

Reminder - ACA's Ignite is this Friday. acaignite.org to register! Topics - Bring your Laptop to get cleaned up for free! What happens when you can not do your job anymore ... how do the bills get paid! What are steps I can do now to cut those taxes, so next year the IRS pays me!

2010-04-28T17:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Gay San Francisco wants us to boycott Arizona. I am ready for California to leave the union and become North Mexico. Arizona Rocks!

2010-04-26T15:51:00.001-05:00

Need some help ... Have a Samsung Color Laser Printer that needs some help! Anyone run accross a place that repairs printers? The place we used to use is no more!

2010-04-23T11:23:00.001-05:00

A blonde just texted me and asked "What does idk stand for?" I texted back "I Don't Know?" She said "omg! nobody does!"

2010-04-19T22:08:00.001-05:00

Confucius said, “A journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step.” The most important single quality in starting and building your own successful business is courage. Like the starship Enterprise, you have to have the courage to go where you’ve never gone before. No matter how many other people have started and built businesses, when you embark on this journey, you are going to feel like you are the first person who has ever done it. And, in your terms, you are.

Brian Tracy

2010-04-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

Truly Enjoy Reading the positive in todays economy.
Success Magazine is my Favorite. http:successmagazine.com

Making Good Decisions Better
John C. Maxwell April 6, 2010
Noted philosopher William James said that once a decision is made, you should stop worrying and start working. It’s not always what we know that makes it a good decision. It is what we do to implement and execute it that makes it a good decision… maybe even a great one!

2010-04-13T23:08:00.001-05:00

Malwarebytes Paid Version - We have been testing this against the facebook bugs and spyware. Works Great. Lots of spware infections lately!

2010-04-11T15:31:00.001-05:00

Beautifull Day to you all! Another Marketing Opportunity! .. Christianbizdir.org $30 a year for your company. FREE for those looking for work and non-profits.

2010-04-07T18:55:00.001-05:00

How about some baseball! Cardinals will rock again this year ... who are you going to follow?

2010-03-24T13:09:00.001-05:00

Need your advice - If a Special Ed Teacher has a student come in late, do they call him/her TARDY?

2010-03-24T11:17:00.001-05:00

Looking to get a phone .. Have been playing with the Sprint Samsung Moment - Google's New Phone and the New Blackberry. Our Blog will have more information ... We have some pretty good pricing!

Ok -- Now the Samsung Phone ... An absolute ton of cool apps to run your business, life and family. upfront, they do not sync out of the box with Outlook. We have a third party app that will do it, but darn-it Google, give me a break. Wifi capable phone with great speed. When we connect by wifi, the phone is faster and the calls are better. Great job Sprint!

NEW Blackberry 8530 - Slimmer, Faster and WIFI! Currently testing the phone. Great battery life and I can get 2 of these for $50 .... NICE!

2010-03-20T23:08:00.003-05:00

April. Snow

2010-03-20T23:08:00.001-05:00

Now does this make better sence.... yes snow

2010-03-20T23:05:00.001-05:00

12 inches and counting

2010-03-19T22:48:00.001-05:00

Got the NEW Samsung Moment - Google new phone for Sprint .... wow wow wow ... Now if it would just sync to outlook .... Super Google Brainfart ... why do a phone that does not sync to the number one email app in the World?

2010-03-13T19:33:00.001-06:00

KU Big12 Champs ROCK CHALK

2010-03-12T17:57:00.001-06:00

ok big12 tickets 200 dollars a piece. instead Buffalo wild wings with the family and a lady saying "sir another beer". uhhhh I'll take buffalo wild wings.

2010-03-12T14:36:00.001-06:00

Headed to big 12. Anyone got a ticket?

2010-03-12T14:13:00.001-06:00

Type your ping here ...

2010-03-12T14:10:00.001-06:00

Type your ping here ...

2010-03-10T16:03:00.001-06:00

I want to let you know about the following FREE to the First 50, ACA event - Thursday, March, 18, 2010 - ACA Kansas City Monthly Social - St Patty Day Special. Raglan Road Irish Bar in the Power and Light District .. Whiskey Tasting, Dancers, Networking etc ...

For all the details, see:
http://tinyurl.com/acasocial

2010-03-09T09:46:00.001-06:00

LAPTOP SPECIAL FROM MKTSMART - $565
Call Craig - 816-228-2726
Small Business / Student / Home
Display - 15.4 inch
Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile
Graphics Controller - Intel GMA4500
RAM - 3GB
Hard Drive - 160GB SATA 5400rpm
Camera - 0.3-megapixel
OS - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

2010-02-28T09:30:00.001-06:00

Type your ping here ...

2010-02-28T09:17:00.001-06:00

Type your ping here ...

2010-02-28T08:59:00.001-06:00

Type your ping here ...

2010-02-26T11:49:00.001-06:00

I have a job opening I am passing along ... Great Company - Retail Grocers Associations - They are looking for one or two Business, Political Science, or Accounting students to work a combined total of 20 hours a week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $12 per hour - Responsibilities: Customer Service / Administrative Work - Please email your qualifications to dearmore@rgakc.com

2010-02-26T10:34:00.001-06:00

Another Day in BBQ Paradise! Headed to Oklahoma Joes - Best Gas Station BBQ Joint ... Yes it is in a Gas Station ... but Damn it's good.

2010-02-22T21:12:00.001-06:00

I want to let you know about the following ACA event - Friday, March, 5, 2010 - Ignite Your Business Relationships with ex Chief Neil Smith -
http://ping.fm/Xlvim

2010-02-17T10:39:00.001-06:00

Google Toolbar - Still our favorite ... http://ping.fm/1Nzgb is the link. You only need 1 - 2 depending on your taste .... What is your favorite?

2010-02-16T12:03:00.001-06:00

Another week in Paradise! Going the gaming route. My kids and myself have had a absolute joy playing with World of Warcraft. Shoot me a call if you want to learn ... 7 day trial online .... Enjoy

2010-02-09T10:04:00.001-06:00

TEK Tip - backup backup backup unless you do not want those pictures, financials etc we can help

2010-02-04T07:44:00.001-06:00

Just got this notice .... Those needing Quickbooks 2010 - Best price I have seen ... Costco - $144 - ($60 off regular price)

2010-02-01T15:07:00.001-06:00

Great Monday to you all! PING.FM great website that lets you send out updates to facebook, linked-in, your blog etc... give it a try! CK

2010-01-29T10:11:00.001-06:00

Cold and Snow in KC ..... Another tech tip for you all. MalwareBytes ... Get it off our website for free .. mktsmart.com click on technology! This is the best spyware / virus removal tool I have seen. Run the program and see what is infecting your pc and then it will CLEAN it off. CK

2010-01-28T10:19:00.001-06:00

Technology Tip - CCLEANER.COM CCleaner is my favorite utility for cleaning up your PC. Think of it as a shop-vac for your PC. There is also a Registry Cleaner attatched.

2010-01-27T18:46:00.001-06:00

Groupon.com - Looking for a great deal every day ... Check this site out. Pizza, oil Changes all if enough people say they want the deal!
Check it out --

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T13:12:00.003-06:00

This is sort of a bitter holiday as a small business I am watching what is happening in Washington and getting steamed! As a small business and family, I am tired of being told what to do by the government and I will NOT be forced into doing something that I can not afford.

It is time for us to stand up and remind your fellow citizens it is THEIR responsibility to go to school, get a education and make something out of their lives. Not the Government.

There is always the ones who have a hardship, and you know what, our church is fantastic at working with those and we do it on our own.

So this holiday season, speak up and in a civil way let them know how you feel.

if you agree with the legisltation and want the government to control your life, then you are in my prayers as you have know idea what you are asking for.

Craig

Our New offsite computer backup solution

2009-09-07T23:53:00.002-05:00

Free Trial - Start your 30 day 100GB free trial by downloading and installing the client software. After installing the software a dialog will prompt you for a username, email and password to setup your free trial account. Note: Trial accounts with invalid email addresses will be deleted without warning.

Click on the Logo above to try our new services. Be sure to use MarketSmart in the referral code for our special pricing and support!

Internet Explorer 8 - Not Ready for PrimeTime

2009-04-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

Internet Explorer 8 - Definately Not Ready for Prime Time

Microsoft released it's new verison of Internet Explorer and we are running into Lockup, Lockup, Lockup. For some reason they play the game where we become the testers.

Yahoo and ATT have to be really enjoying this as we are trying to setup new users into their system and the website flat out does not work with IE8. (Adding sub accounts, email settings etc... refuse to work)

Memberize is working with us on a issue where JPG images have a blue tint. Anybody heard of the smurfs. IE8 turns everone in the memberize directory to the beautil blue ...

Happy Surfing!

Democrats and Small Business

2009-04-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

I know this is not a political forum, but heck our government is rewriting the rules, why can't I!

I live in Missouri -- the heartland of America ... and it pains me that so many foolish people voted for Socialism ... It is killing the small business as everyone is told it is ok not to pay your mortgage, your car payment, oh.... you need health care ... we will take care of that also.

Today a representative from Missouri, U.S. Rep. William Clay says he'll ask the Obama administration to suspend immigration raids over the next year, so illegal immigrants don't worry that sharing accurate information with Census workers could somehow expose them to punishment. ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL ... hell, I might as well go rob a bank ... maybe the census wants to count Bank Robbers too!

Those who voted for Clay, should be absolutly ashamed of themselves and yank his ass out of there .... oh -- that's right it probably WAS the illegals.

Spyware

2009-02-05T20:12:00.000-06:00

Spyware Removal

We are starting to use two new programs that will name some of these crazy virus's and spyware. Feel free to test them and let us know .... we are testing them right now ..

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
CounterSpy Free Trial

2009 Antivirus and 2008 Antivirus Spyware

2009-01-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

When will someone go after these companies .... Thank god for superantispyware.com spyware removal .. the free version works just fine and removes that sucker everytime.

For whatever reason most, antivirus programs just ignore it ..... then your system goes to pot.

Anyone else have a program they like?

WOW -- Here we go again

2008-12-18T22:41:00.000-06:00

My son and I have played wow (World of Warcraft) ... we have had a good time and then after a year called it quits. We tried different games from cryis, fallout3, heroes ....etc but the weird fact is we kept going back to wow and the ability to play it on your own time and meet new friends from all over the world.

so ... you guessed it, we got the new expansion LichKing ...

My son is giving me the look .. I will update this later as away we go ...

BitDefender

2008-12-04T15:48:00.000-06:00

Maybe it is Old School or just maybe I am tired of those huge system hogs that call themselves a security suite, but BitDefender is our new Antivirus friend that will handel our virus and spam concearns. The cost is affordable and the products just works and it does not slow down your system.

Features:

- Bit Defender Scans all web, e-mail and instant messaging traffic for viruses and spyware, in real-time

- Proactively protects your PC against brand new virus outbreaks using advanced heuristics

- Blocks attempted identity theft (phishing)

- Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, web or instant messaging.

- Instant Messaging Encryption

If you have children or would like ceartain websites blocked, then the Security 2009 is for you.

We welcome your thoughts or any ideas you have or would like to see in a antivirus product.

Craig

Upgrade that old pc!!!

2008-10-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

Just updated a custom PC I put together over 4 years ago.

I had a good Case - Power Supply that was at least 350 watts and my hard drive was relatively new.

My Friends as ASI set me up with a new ASUS M3N78-VM Motherboard that will fit almost all cases. The Feature set is fantastic coupled with 2GIG of Ram and Vista Packs a hell of a punch to a old PC.

The coolest feature is that if I want to browse the web, look at print some pictures or make a call on Skype, I can do that within 10 seconds of starting the PC. The system can load up a quick feature called express gate. Great way to put a rugrat in a internet based game and if he downloads spyware or a virus ... well just reboot and you can flush all settings and it will start up a fresh screen! .... Nice.. Craig

2008-10-26T21:34:00.000-05:00

Currently Testing the Sprint Touch .... It was not a planned test as I awaiting the the New Diamond Touch. This is a snzy little phone that creates a easy way to connect to my email and contacts with out the Blackberry Charge.

Web surfing is fast on the new sprint network with Sprint TV a nice add-on.

The only negative is the batterly life does not a full day as I am on it all the time. Small phone size and ideal for a business user to a college student.

Craig

Sprints New Phone

2008-09-12T22:41:00.001-05:00

The extremely popular Samsung Instinct from Sprint is now available off my cell phone site and at an amazingly low price. Sprint is currently selling this phone for $129.99 after mail in rebate and you can have the Instinct for only $59.99 after mail in rebate. That’s saving you $70.00 on the most popular phone that Sprint has ever had. This phone is packed with GPS, a beautiful 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, visual voicemail, and speakerphone. The Instinct also gives you access to Sprint TV, NFL Mobile Live, lightening fast internet, email, web browsing, text messaging and much more. It’s not a surprise why the Instinct won 5 awards at the CTIA WIRELESS 2008 Conference including Best of Show.

Click HERE to enter the site.

Enjiy the new Phone!!!

Talk to you Soon, Craig Kassing

MARKETING NEWS - GreenBackStreet

2008-08-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

MARKETING NEWS - GreenBackStreet ---
Getting paid to shop and free advertising ... I could not think of a better combination for my business or even my family. The site is a portal for nationwide shopping at stores you use anyway. Click on the logo below or HERE and sign up for the free login so you can earn money back while shopping. (Just bought a Panasonic Phone System from Target and got 7% cash back ... it is like buying wholesale)

1- Signup for your free website login to see the benefits of buying supplies, gifts etc..

2- Look at signing up your business to advertise on the site for Local Buyers. Billboard advertising on the site as well as a coupon generator, email notifier to your customers and provide a immediate income stream for your business to PAY for the advertising. ..... Let me say this again ... It PAYS you to advertise ... that I like a lot ..

3- Share your business or personal site with your friends ... From your site they sign up a customer ... the customer gets cash rebates ... and guess what -- Green Back street pays you 40-80% of your customer or friends rebate as a thank you for passing their name to others. So customers earns $1000 in rebates and you earn at least $400 for passing along the site. WOW

Please feel free to talk to me about this as we are truly excited about this new program.

Virus Email Alert Fed Ex - UPS

2008-08-22T11:04:00.000-05:00

My Friend Gary Jones passed this on to me last week and we have been following up with customers and are being told that a new virus is on the prowl.

If a user get a email from Fed Ex or UPS with a file attatched that you need to click on to get some information, DO NOT CLICK ON IT!

The File creates all sorts of errors as well as may need to do a system reload!

As Always, major banks and other large companies will never send you a file. They may ask you to go to a link for updates, but even then I would call or email the sender to confirm.

Hang in there

Craig

Shields UP

2008-08-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

First of all Hello From Bourbon Street -- Just sat through a security mtg with SecurityMetrics. Great information and very impressed with their company.

Have not talked about this in awhile, but if you have not run some basic security tests at your office it is time to do a simple test. The link https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 will take you to a wonderful free test that checks your pc for open dorrs for hackers. Click on the Proceed button and then "ALL PORTS" in the menu to test all the ports in your system. As always I would be glad to help! If you get a failed grade please let meknow so we can fix it!

Craig

ABC News and the Flag Lapel Pin

2008-07-02T22:09:00.000-05:00

It only took a year and I have to bring politics into this Blog. I heard that ABC has banned their TV people from wearing patriotic clothes and pins. I checked the web and sure as heck I can not find anything denying it.

So .... ABC which owns ESPN and has ownership with Disney is now afraid to be patriotic. This makes me sick that people are not proud of the greatest country in the world. I received a Flag lapel pin at a meeting today and will where it proud every chance I get.

ABC - You have lost a customer .... --- Hey Management move to Canada ...

Craig Kassing

Buying on Amazon

2008-07-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

Buying on Amazon ... Well, you know those pools that have a inflatable ring yet hold 3,000 gallons of water. Well they come with a pump, that if it goes bad you need to hit the web to replace. The only place we found one is on the web and we purchased one from one of it's vendors, CMS WorldWide Sales.

The order was placed and only then did I notice it was a $75 shipping charge .... almost as much as the pump.

I tried to cancel immediately and received a email 30 minutes later that said they could not cancel it because it was already processed and heading my way. They are either the fastest shipper known to man, or another example of a company that never wants me to buy from them again. I think it was the latter.

Craig Kassing

PC pricing

2008-06-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

Here is some information on the PC's we are currently placing for our customers. We use Windows XP as the default operating system and warrantee all parts for three years!!

"Monitor is not included $200 - 19" Flat Screen"

Home System $656
Motherboard ASUS P5GC-MX/1333
Processor INTEL E2200 2.2GHZ CPU
Memory 1GB DDR2
Floppy
Hard Drive SEAGATE 320GB SATA
Controller and Video Card ON MB
Keyboard LOGITECH DELUXE 250 KB & MOUSE COMBO
Mouse OPTICAL MOUSE INCLUDED WITH ABOVE
Operating System WINDOWS XP PRO
CD-Rom SONY 20X DVDRW SATA W/ROXIO
Sound Card ON MB
Speakers LOGITECH R-20 3PC SPEAKERS
Network Card ON MB
NSPIRE 3YR DEPOT WARRANTY INCLUDED WITH O/S

Business System $875
Dual Drive Backup

Motherboard INTEL DG33TLM
Processor INTEL E2200 2.2GHZ CPU
Memory 2GB DDR2
Floppy OPTI-UPS CARD READER
Hard Drive 2X SEAGATE 320GB SATA
Controller SATA RAID ON MB
Video Card ON MB INTERNET 350 USB KB & MOUSE COMBO
Mouse OPTICAL INCLUDED WITH ABOVE
Operating System WINDOWS XP PRO
Modem
CD-Rom SONY 20XDVDRW W/LIGHTSCRIBE & ROXIO
Sound Card ON MB
Speakers LOGITECH R-20 3PC SPEAKERS
Network Card ON MB
Other NSPIRE 450W P.S.
NSPIRE 3YR DEPOT WARRANTY INCLUDED WITH O/S

Linked-In

2008-04-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Being in technology, I have long searched for a personal network tool that would help me network with professionals and friends. if you have not tried it, and it is free --NICE --, try http://www.linkedin.com

This program creates a tool that lets you link in with professionals you currently work with and those that you are looking for. Have been using it for a few months and it is now time to spread the word!!

Virus Crazy -- Thank god for Superantispyware

2008-04-15T20:42:00.001-05:00

In the last few days we have been working with various customers on Virus Issues. The Bug Trojan.net-qgx/nmc has been dropping little gems on the PC's and Trend Micro 14 (From Dell) Just ignores them ... Have been using Superantispyware and will put a link on our server as it was able to at least let me know it is there ...

Superantispyware is free with a pro version that is not that much ... I got it for $20.

Craig

Cutting Costs - Sending and Paying Invoices

2008-03-30T16:32:00.000-05:00

March Madness is upon us and we have been working with our vendors to cut costs and stay lean and mean. One of our expenses that we have been working to remove is postage for sending out invoices and the cost of you sending us the invoice back.

We have been working with Pay Pal, Local Banks and Quickbooks and to my surprise Quickbooks stepped up to the plate and have provided us those features. Their fees were the cheapest in the area and cut our costs for receiving payments by credit card or debit card.

If you own quickbooks it is a very simple add-on to set things up. When we go to print the invoice, we instead send it via email. Then Quickbooks adds a link to pay online if the customer wishes.

We are always looking for ways to save money and look forward to future technology advances to share with our customers.

Craig Kassing

Independence Chamber of Commerce EXPO 2008

2008-03-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Spring 2008!! I wanted to get this update out ...

This Thursday is one of the largest expo’s in the Kansas City area. Our company has attended this event for the last 5 years and has been a great success. Below is some more information for you …

Independence Chamber of Commerce EXPO 2008
When:

Event Starts: 3/13/2008 11:00 AM CST Event Ends: 3/13/2008 04:00 PM CST
Where: Hilton Garden Inn - Independence19677 E. Jackson Dr . Independence, MO 64057 Map

Phone: 252-4745

This event will have over 1,000 people of all demographics walk though the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center. It will go from 11-4 on Thursday.

We would like to invite you to stop by one of our Business Partners Booths. We will have our New Flagship PC at this Event. It will be located at the Phoenix Specialties Booth. This pc is flat out the fastest computer we have put together and we will be selling this very shortly. This version is perfect for Gamers to Graphic Artists.

Talk to you Soon
Craig Kassing

So are you looking to switch or get Satellite TV

2008-02-04T21:04:00.000-06:00

This last weekend we ended our 10 year run with Direct TV. Satellite TV, along with our friends at the cell phone companies, have this marketing program that gives the best hardware and products to NEW customers. So, being a 10 year customer and wanting a new HD DVR(Record and Pause TV at a push of a button) I called Direct TV. $400 to upgrade 2 older DVR’s and ONE HD Dvr if I stay with them for another 2 years. I Told the lady I will stay with you for 5 years if you do it for free … they said no. I reminded them that Dish Network would do it all and wire a new location for free. She said nothing …

As every smart American would do … Out goes Direct TV and in comes Dish Network. I was a little nervous as Dish is the smaller of the two, but I have been very surprised and pleased. Two technicians arrived on time and spent the morning wiring my house. They utilized existing cable where necessary and were extremely professional.

Positives:
· The Satellite is HALF the size … nice
· They looked at our setup and offered to put it on a pole due to the fact that our house has some large trees that will be blocking the satellite in the coming years. Again, no charge to do that.
· They use receivers that control 2 TV’s at once. Less Hardware – that I like
· I had four cables coming from my old Direct TV and now I have one. I was able to remove half the cables from my house. Wife is pleased!
· Very responsive menu and easy to use … easily twice as fast as my 2 year old tivos

One of these days current customers will be treated like new customers. Until that day , A switching I will go.

Craig

Disaster training: Are Your Employees in Danger?

2008-01-31T00:44:00.000-06:00

Disaster training: Are Your Employees in Danger?
Success is measured in many ways. For business, some look at success as a line on the profit and loss statement, while others measure success as the amount of time spent on the golf course, away from the office. No matter what your view of success is, one undeniable fact is that saving money on the training of your employees is not the way to increase your bottom line or profitability. In fact, studies show companies who have an excellent track record in providing training to their employees often have the highest productivity and the lowest turnover.
So, with this said, why don’t many companies provide the most basic of disaster or safety training? For months, articles were published which touted the praises of those companies in the twin towers who trained their employees to evacuate well in advance of the attack. Today, with the use of technology, it is easier to provide employees with on-line training aids in a varied array of topics. Such topics range from workplace violence, suspicious person or packages to business continuity or disaster recovery training. One method gaining popularity is the use of web training where the employees simply log on and participate in a 30 minute or 1 hour presentation for a nominal fee.
From a legal aspect, providing training a minimum of once a year helps the company to address negligence concerns for failure to provide employees with such training.

Marc Jacobs CBCP is a Certified Business Continuity Professional who is published and a well known speaker on the topic of Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery planning, exercising and training. For more information: marcj@contingencyconsulting.net

Year End Technology Note

2007-12-31T00:08:00.000-06:00

2007 was a wild year in the art of technology. What we found is that the users are frustrated that what they buy does not work and to make it works costs almost as much. The solution .... well that is a tough one, our answer is INFORMATION. We will be working with our current and new customers to get that information in their hands through this blog and our newsletter.

Please feel free to shout questions and or frustrations our way. Getting some free advice from us can help the stress of our daily technology life!!

Craig Kassing
ckassing@mktsmart.com

TrendMicro 2008 and WoW (World of Warcraft)

2007-12-11T09:36:00.000-06:00

We noticed a few posts on this, but I have gotten calls from some of my friends on how good the new Trend Micro 2008 Pro Version is. The program is working really good, but with one good kicker if you are a gamer .... World of Warcraft hates it ... Multiple freeze ups and then it errors out and you are left back at your desktop. We even tried disableing it and it had the same effect. We went back to AVG on the gaming rig and all is well ... So Give it a shot .. but keep the reciept if you do online gaming ..

Craig

Buying Computer Software

2007-12-05T10:33:00.000-06:00

Buy the right thing first!
Before you buy that perfect piece of software, whether it is a new game, new picture editor or the new Windows Vista, be sure to read the side of the box to see what is required. The side should talk about required software and recommended software. Recommended is what you truly need. Look for the recommended hardware; make sure the program is compatible with the computer you are buying. A good rule of thumb –if the program is under two years old it will work. Double checking always helps and avoids the question, “Daddy, how come Santa brought a program that does not work?” Please call; our technicians are always available to help you choose the right program and computer.

Regarding Windows Vista –Buy new! Do not try to upgrade your PC. . .problems all over the place when you do this.

Spotmau Power Suite

2007-11-25T22:41:00.000-06:00

Just purchsed this little gem ... If you do tech work for a living ... You need this suite of tools.

Take a look at http://www.spotmau.com/ to view the Suite and what it does completely. But file and password recovery is a great start.

Craig

Threatfire 3 (Free / New)

2007-11-25T22:39:00.000-06:00

Wow ... a new challenger to Spybot is in the race for spyware. Threatfire 3 from threatfire.com is a new free spyware program that has gotten sopme pretty good reviews ... Testing it now!

Craig

Vista -- Starting to get it right

2007-11-09T22:58:00.000-06:00

It getting close for our company on this system. Our laptops have been good now for three months. The systems come back from sleep mode much faster and have extended the battery life.

Desktops are now being tried out as we have canned Server 2003 and installed Vista Business. Much cheaper and easier to support for a small workgroup. If security were a larger issue between users we would stick with the server, but for our model ... Vista Business is a go!

AVG Pro

2007-10-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

AVG Pro is the paid version of the popular free product. We have been testing the Pro version and have been very happy and surprised with the full version. It works much better than the free and as of now we are also going to recommend it as a Virus Solution.

Craig

ATI-AMD New graphics driver break the Game FEAR

2007-10-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

We have been working with a client who can not get the Game FEAR to work on his new PC. The latest graphics drivers will NOT work with the game. Go back to version 1.8 of the catalyst drivers to fix the error when you try to start the game FEAR

Kickoff into Fall

2007-10-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

Kickoff into fall!! Welcome to our new blog. News/Tips/Tricks we will be updating this regulary with input from our customers.

Guys, I am trying PC tools Registery Cleaner and Spy Sweeper. Both are working well and were given Great feed back from the technology rags out in the market. This replaces spybot our old favorite.