Seagate unveils storage appliances for small business

Seagate is strengthening its external storage portfolio for small business today with the announcement of three new BlackArmor product offerings. The first is a network attached storage appliance called the BlackArmor NAS 220, which will be released in 2 and 4TB configurations, and is designed to provide data protection for up to 20 computers.

It can automatically and continuously back up networked computers, features two USB 2.0 ports to connect external drives, printers or an UPS, and sports two hard disk drives that can be configured with RAID 0 and 1 options but are not hot-swappable. The NAS 220 will be available in July, priced at $430 or $700 depending on storage capacity.

Also new are two BlackArmor external hard drives. The WS 110 includes a single 1TB ($159.99) or 2TB ($309.99) external hard drive with backup and encryption software, plus eSATA and USB 2.0 interfaces. The PS 110 is smaller (500GB) and lighter than the WS 110, and goes for $159.99.

Source: techspot

Windows Home Server solves three problems for home networks

So now, here comes Windows Home Server, a work group server for a network of 10 computers or less. I've been beta testing it, reading what others are saying about it, and talking to colleagues who are working with it. The early returns are a lot better than I expected. Windows Home Server is trying to solve three problems:

1. Backups
2. File sharing
3. Remote access to files

Shawn MortonIn order to figure out just how well it accomplishes these tasks, I consulted my colleague Shawn Morton (right), the TechRepublic site manager, because Shawn is the most proficient consumer electronics dude that I know, and he has been testing Windows Home Server with live data. Shawn has a serious home network setup with a variety of PCs, an XP Media Center PC, an Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and a ton of other stuff that I won't mention, otherwise you'll end up drooling like me.

Installation

"It's super easy to set up," Shawn said. He installed it on an unused PC that he equipped with several removable drive bays so that he could add more storage in the future.

He noted that it definitely felt like a beta install since there were odd Windows Server 2003 screens that popped up and the computer restarted itself 4-5 times in the process. It took about an hour to install, with the setup handling all of the partitioning and other basic steps that are part of a normal Windows installation.



File sharing and Backups

"It creates the shares for you," Shawn said, "and it's easy to point non-technical users to them." It is easy because Windows Home Server uses standard names such as "Music" and "Photos" and "Software" for the network file shares, so you don't have to remember any special character strings or drive letters.

Next, Shawn tried out the backups. "The whole automatic backup thing is really cool," he said. "It backs up your whole PC for you. I think most people don't backup, and they worry about the fact that they don't back up."

Shawn ran some backups and the process went smoothly. When I spoke with him, he was still getting ready to test the recovery of one of the backups using his son's PC.

Remote access

One thing that Shawn really liked was the remote access feature, which can be turned on to make the server accessible over the Internet via Microsoft's livenode.com domain.

"Being able to log into your server from anywhere on the Internet is great," Shawn remarked.

Full info here: http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=448

Free Anti-virus Software Testing by Microsoft

Microsoft is testing an early draft of its free antivirus software, codenamed Morro. It says a trial version will be publicly released “soon” but didn’t confirm a date.

The firm first announced the project last November promising “comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and trojans.” It also said the system would be a small download and use minimal system resources – a clear challenge to some memory-hogging commercial rivals.

The package will replace OneCare, Microsoft’s previous paid-for security package which struggled to take market share away from the leading anti-virus software producers. The original timetable was that Morro would be ready sometime in the second half of 2009. It’s possible the release will be time to coincide with Windows 7, allowing enhanced security to be among the system’s selling points.

While the effects of Morro on rival businesses remains to be proven, it’s clearly caused some concern with investors. Stocks in both McAfee and Symantec fell after the announcement, while Microsoft stock rose.

Neither firm seemed concerned about the technical threat, however. Symantec told Reuters that a slimmed-down security system is not adequate for Internet users, while McAfee said it was confident it could compete with any rival given “a level playing field.”

That comment may have been a dig at the possibility of Microsoft bundling Morro with Windows. Although that would seem an obvious business strategy, there’s no indication Microsoft plans to do it. That’s likely because it would almost certainly lead to questions over competition policy...

Source: vista.blorge.com

RecordTS - Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Security Camera

RecordTS records remote desktop session activity when users connect to a server, a workstation, a Terminal Server, or a Citrix Server. All activity is recorded including keystrokes, mouse movements, file downloads, etc

RecordTS can be a powerful tool in your security arsenal and provide a useful way to log backup or migration procedures for future reference.

Key Features:

• Designed specifically for Windows Servers with Terminal Services or Remote Desktop enabled.
• Records all Microsoft RDP or Citrix ICA traffic, VNC & VMware
• Produces compact files for easy storage and playback.
• Video files are digitally signed for security.
• Capable of recording specific users and pre-defined times.
• VCR/DVR playback features (stop, pause, play, fast forward, rewind).
• Intelligent skipping of idle time within a recorded file.
• Configuarble keyboard shortcuts for quick rewind/fast forward playback
• Speed of playback can be adjusted dynamically.
• All properties of a recording (user info, times, addresses, etc) are displayed in special window.
• Export to AVI/SWF
• Powerful programming interface
• Automated storage of recording files
• Automated databasing of recorded info for faster searches
• Central management via a web console
• Centralized licensing

Instant, Affordable Computer Help for Small Businesses

f the browser balks when a small business owner is researching an important proposal, if malware menaces when the bookkeeper is performing the month-end close, one untimely hitch in one computer can do serious damage to the business's bottom line. With Comodo's new LivePCSupport service, business owners can cross, "Become computer expert," off their to-do lists.

Instead of turning her attention away from the proposal or the accounts, the business owner can click the "LivePCSupport" icon on her desktop. LivePCSupport puts computer users in touch with Comodo experts, who can remotely fix many problems over the Internet. The icon opens up a chat window, similar to sending Instant Messages.

The business owner describes the PC problem or question. The Comodo troubleshooter connects to the subscriber's computer via the Internet. In many cases, the support technician can delete a file or change a setting to fix the problem. LivePCSupport subscribers enjoy the benefits of PCs and the Internet without having to be computer experts.

This affordable live computer support service includes many of the operations a business normally has to puzzle through, or to pay for an onsite visit for help with: Virus Diagnosis and Removal, PC Tune-up, Internet Login Protection, Email Account Setup, Software Installation, Printer Setup, Printer Troubleshooting, Green PC, and Computer Troubleshooting.

LivePCSupport differs from other support programs in that it is chat- rather than telephone-based. Telephone-based support services provide instructions over the phone. If the PC user is unaccustomed to computers, the instructions can be hard to follow. With hands-on support, Comodo's experts perform diagnose problems and then repair them via an Internet connection.

For more information about online tech support and Endpoint Security Manager for businesses, visit http://www.livepcsupport.com/business/pricing.php

Technical Support For Small Businesses

Today, businesses are striving to accomplish strong online presence. That is because the Internet has come up as a venue where marketing and advertising is focused in. Corporate are taking up the efforts to build their operations on online platform. Companies that are taking the initiative smoothly and are succeeding in their online goals are always accompanied with effective IT support services. Having online technical support besides your business is more important especially when most of your operations hinge on the network availability. Doing so would ensure that their operations would be sufficiently lucrative.

But the problem that most small businesses face is lack of funds and capital to have a full fledged technical support team. It costs so much to maintain and hire a information technology support for the online move. That is why small businesses are accelerating towards online computer support resources to cater their business to cater their technical support requirements.

Online technical support resources aim at delivering world class support and infrastructure to small businesses especially those who enjoy great reputation.

Basically, online technical support resource aims at assisting clients in adopting next generation networks for their respective necessary business operations. High performance is what online computer support centers ensure so that their consumers can move freely, more comfortably, accurately and more efficiently.

They offer specific IT products and breakthrough technical services that have been proven by the market to really help businesses make most of their computer networks to achieve the highest benefits possible.

On top of all, online computer repair companies help small businesses reduce costs. Thus, small enterprises now have alternative options. They don’t need to worry about prohibitive products and services that are required for running smooth IT operations.
If you are really planning to start your own small business but are worried about the projected costs of having an It department, you must consider availing help from online computer support resources. They will help you cover all your IT needs in the minimum budget. Moreover these resources provide you with 24x7 technical support.

How to Fix Your Small Business Server Errors?

Are you searching for ways to fix your server errors? Why not to get online technical support resources offering server support. They have got a complete task force of certified engineers and highly qualified technicians to manage your server resources, consultation needs, or requirements for the latest software patches and releases.

They provide you 24x7 supports through their centralized console. Everything is managed remotely over the secure Internet connection. It's no less than having a full-fledged IT staff. These certified technicians help you fix technical problems efficiently in form of proactive support. The person owning the computer uses it as himself. The only thing that differs is that it is being controlled over the Web. Small businesses are seeing buying server support as an ideal option than paying heavy amounts to personal system administrators.

Furthermore, small business technical support technicians don't make you go through the complicated process of unplugging all the wires, packing the system up in the car, dropping it off for several days, going back to pick up the PC and then set it all back up again. Online resources make it easy by handling everything directly through the Internet which allows them to handle their computer troubleshooting and repair needs. This makes it convenient for small businesses as well as individual computer users to get their problems fixed quickly.

You can expect rapid resolutions from these online technicians as they hold vast proficiency in handling and troubleshooting technical problems. With online technical support resources, you can avail a complete array of services for different server products to fulfill your server support requirements. Another advantage that is grabbing the attention of most small businesses towards remote server support services is the benefit of lower costs. You get all server support services at one price and availability of all things under one roof.

Moreover, server support solutions and online technical support resources deliver a full range of hardware and software support for advanced server platforms and associated technologies. You can also avail other support services such as computer support, technical support, exchange support, software support, etc. Online technical support resources always try to make it simple for customers to get their technical issues fixed fast.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Fix-Your-Small-Business-Server-Errors?&id=2066034