Computer Support Network

Earlier this year in August IT Computer Support of New York ran an article in our newsletter on the pros and cons of Disruptive Technology. The overall consensus was that while it is important to research a new technology before jumping into a major change it is vital to adapt when the time is right. For the last couple months ITCSNY has been building a greater working partnership with Dell and we believe that it is now that time.

iSCSI SAN technology promises to revolutionize the way network hardware is handled. The Dell EqualLogic virtualized iSCSI SAN is an automated platform that combines easy to use administrative controls with a rapid setup time. Traditional server environments have always been held back by the hardware limitations on the size and versatility of components. If your network server exhausted all of its free space there was little alternative to buying a new piece of hardware and hope to limit downtime.

iSCSI SAN servers offer a liberating alternative to the problems posed by old technology. Whereas traditional servers were stand alone units, iSCSI SAN hardware is modular and easily upgraded. When a company has grown large enough to require a new fileserver upgrading is as simple as purchasing a new iSCSI box and plugging it into your preexisting system. Best of all iSCSI servers are backwards compatible with your current network file servers. The benefit of this is you will be able to keep your network systems up and running while your files are being migrated over to new server environment.

iSCSI SAN technology is poised to disrupt the current hardware hierarchy by offering cheaper more flexible solutions to data storage. All businesses regardless of size can benefit from this disruptive technology. With cheaper hardware, more versatility, and drastically reduced downtime there is no reason NOT to consider an iSCSI solution. If you would to learn more about iSCSI SAN visit our webpage or contact us.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

Today Microsoft released a Critical patch for its Server Service Applications. The Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-067 update resolves a vulnerability in the MS server service. The vulnerability makes it possible for a worm or Trojan to freely gain access to your systems. Microsoft has released this patch today “out of band” (not on the regular Patch Tuesday) which speaks volumes of the threat this vulnerability poses.

It is absolutely crucial that your network administrator or IT department installs the necessary patch as quickly as possible. Un-patched your system will be completely at the mercy of a custom built worm which could take down server, steal private information, or worse. It is also highly advisable that you patch your system from a reputable source, namely Microsoft. There have been isolated reports of people becoming infected by websites promising quick fixes. If in doubt contact your IT department and let them make the necessary updates.

The systems at the highest risk are Windows Server 2000, Windows XP and Windows 2003. Windows Vista requires authorization by default and thus is less vulnerable to a possible attack but should still be checked. If your business runs on any of these operating systems take the steps to patch your systems immediately.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

The last month has been an interesting time here at IT Computer Support of New York. As many of you have probably noticed last month we started revitalizing our web presence with a new look and new functionality. As part of this we have been working to bring all of aspects of our company in line with our new Blue 2.0 Design. The goal of all of this has always been to find new and more efficient ways to serve our customers. Bringing this full circle starting this week we will be introducing two new services for new and existing customers.

ITCSNY has worked closely with Dell over the last couple month to become certified iSCSI SAN providers for the state of New York. iSCSI Server Architecture is unique to traditional server technology in the way that it handles expansion and migration. Traditionally, when it came time for a business to upgrade its servers it meant purchasing a whole new larger filer server. The result of this upgrade was a period of downtime that could last hours or even days as all the necessary files were transferred over to the new hardware. For a large and prosperous company this could mean the loss of thousands of dollars in downtime.

iSCSI SAN servers offer a speedy alternative to this problem. Real world tests conducted by ITCSNY has found that in most cases iSCSI SAN server solutions can be fully set up in 15 minutes. Best of all iSCSI SAN technology is backwards compatible with your current server environment meaning your systems can be upgraded without any downtime. Through shortened downtime, plug and play upgradability, and less expensive hardware; upgrading to an iSCSI server solution can easily save your business 40-70% of your tech bill over the course of 5-7 years. With that kind of savings upgrading to an iSCSI server is a true asset to any business. You can expect a more in-depth analysis of iSCSI Server Architecture in the coming weeks.

The second service IT Computer Support of New York is adding will be directly beneficial to our preexisting customers. ITCSNY has always offered live telephone and onsite support but sometimes a situation arises that is not easily solved over the phone but not dire enough to warrant an onsite visit. As an answer to this ITCSNY has developed the Remote Technical Assistance Web Portal. Through this application our clients can share control of their computer work environments with an ITCSNY Technician who will be able to solve their problems fast and efficiently. Live Remote Support is available to all preexisting clients who have an On-Demand Support contract so there is no additional cost to worry about. If you are interested but do not already have an On-Demand Support contract please contact us here.

These are just the first of many improvements lined up for the coming weeks so check back soon. And as always tell us what you think. We love to learn from your feedback on how to improve our services.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

Not so many years ago the bulk of cybercriminal activity was conducted through email. Would be hackers could target huge percentages of the population with little effort and cause mayhem with very little effort. But as businesses and private users became aware of the danger of email exploits these Cybercriminals were forced to relocate their activity elsewhere. Sadly, a world of possibilities was still available to them in the form web based malware.

Web based vulnerabilities can end in disastrous results for businesses. At the start of 2008 it was reported that on average 4 legitimate websites were being tainted with malicious code ever minute. So bad has the problem become that malware creation packages have been found available on many disreputable websites. Because these vulnerabilities can pop up at any number of sources prevention is better than looking for a cure.

Very simple steps can be taken to make sure that your web experience is secure. The easiest way for attackers to compromise your web experience is by finding holes in your web browser platform. It might seem simple but many people still don’t install regular patches for their web browsers. Upgrading your web browser should be your first line of defense against cybercriminals. Second, just like your browser make your antiviral and security software is up to date; many Virus and Trajan families are updated weekly to bypass new security. Next, be aware of what you download and be sure that it is coming from a reputable source. Phantom down loaders are small bits of code placed on a website that once downloaded will give hackers a back door to download other harmful materials and can often be masked to look like other types of files.

Additional concerns extend over to the network side of things. It’s been reported that 2/3rds of security breaches happen internally as opposed to from someone outside the company. Some months ago I was analyzing a client’s website and happened across a file in their base directory that contained all the passwords needed to access their web server. I quickly notified them and the problem was corrected but had an attacker found this information they could have taken down their entire web presence. Other problems can arise from improperly assigned shared folder permissions that allow access to secure files anywhere on the network. All it takes is one disgruntled user to find these files and it could cost your business thousands.

Knowledge and diligence are your best defense against attackers. Keep up to date and keep track of your network settings and you can ensure that your web and network activity remain secure.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

The growth of technology and widespread availability of broadband connectivity has allowed for an emergent new sector in the American workforce. Web Commuters. The relatively recent development has grown greatly over the last few years and recent studies now reveal that they make up as much as 23% of the American workforce.

Web Commuters are defined as employees who regularly conduct at least a few hours of work a week from home. In the 1980’s and early 90’s commuters were greatly limited in the type of work they could conduct from home but innovations in technology have allowed for this to change. Technologies such as GoToMeetings and Virtual PC applications allow for employees tens or even hundreds of miles away to share information and visual data as easily as if they were sitting in the same room with each other.

Participants of a survey conducted by Citrix Online revealed that 25% of workers travel more than an hour a few times a month to attend a meeting or conference. The numbers grow even higher for employees who travel those distances or further a few times a year. With availability of web conference capabilities these are often wasted expenses and an unnecessary tax on productivity.

Nowhere is this as apparent as in Tech Support industry. A high percentage of Tech problems can be solved quickly and efficiently through virtual connectivity. It is when travel expenses and miscommunication are taken into consideration that prices become bloated and a burden; virtual conferences and alive many of these problems. Additionally, the time these measures can save will free up technicians to help in those cases that require a physical presence. Recently ITCSNY has taken steps to implement systems that will address many of these issues; increasing productivity and service for costumers.

Most businesses have something to gain from Virtual Commuting of some degree but knowing just how much is something for consideration. Choosing the right solution can make all the difference for the productivity of your company. Flexibility, ease of use, and cost efficiency are the keys to finding a system that will work for you. Take steps to educate yourself in the pros and cons of a virtual office and you will experience an increase in productivity and possibly even employee morale. Whether you personally embrace the movement or not Web commuting is growing and will reshape the business environment in America forever.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department