› In-flight Internet

This is the first time I use Internet in-flight. Here is my take:
- Speed: 1000 Kbps download and 100 Kbps upload, not bad
- Cost: $12.95 for 24 hours
- What doesn’t work: Skype, it rang once and then it stopped ringing

Posted at 1/28/10 by ewong in Security-Mobility-Accessibility, User Reports Tags: Airplane Internet, Skype, Traveling, WiFi | No Comments »

› Backup for Home

One of the most common computer-related questions I am asked by friends and family is what do you recommend I use to back up my home computer? It seems most people these days know they should be making backup copies of their files, but most still are not. For years, there were few options for home users that failed one of the three critical tests for any good backup method: Reliable, Automated and Cost-Effective. That is no longer the case.

Two online services have been fighting for supremacy in consumer data backup. Each provides unlimited data backup for approximately $50-60/year. The first, www.carbonite.com has a very straightforward aim: make backup simple. Their entire focus has been on making the process intuitive. For the most part, they’ve done a great job and the service works. The second, www.mozy.com offers the user more flexibility and control. Like Carbonite, the interface is very straightforward and their software automatically detects common data files like Word documents, photos and music. Data is automatically uploaded to their data center while your PC and internet connection is idle.

Mozy also has a “Pro” version targeted at small businesses and can do things like backup multiple computers under one account or run on servers. When speaking with clients we’ve found most require something that offers more flexible recovery, archive and retention capabilities than what this can provide.

In the end, either Mozy or Carbonite will meet most people’s home backup needs and you can feel comfortable knowing if your computer crashes or is stolen, at least you will be able to recover your information.

Posted at 10/26/09 by ewong in News & Views, Newsletters, Tech Tips for the Small & Home Office, User Reports Tags: Data Protection, Online Backup, Preventative management | No Comments »

› iPhone

iPhone has became one of the most popular PDA. iPhone now has more commercial apps than Windows Mobile. I have recently acquired an iPhone from one of my associates. It certainly is a great device for viewing email, especially with HTML, Word, Excel or PDF attachment. But it is not a great device to compose an email. The on screen keyboard made it hard to type a long email. The web browser is far better than any other PDA of similar size. The “multi-touch” feature makes zooming in/out of screen a joy to use. Since iPhone can’t replace my Blackberry in composing email, I am carrying both iPhone and Blackberry every day. I can’t wait to see if Apple is going to release a new iPhone in June.

Posted at 7/23/09 by ewong in GGGroup, Industry Trends, Security-Mobility-Accessibility, User Reports Tags: iPhone, mobile device | 6 Comments »

› Why we chose Ruckus as Wi-Fi solution for our clients

Over the last 5 years of looking for a wireless solution, we have tried solutions from  Cisco, Aruba, LinkSys, Dlink & Netgear.  We finally chose to partner with Ruckus Wireless for the following reasons:

• Unique smart antenna technology which provides performance and range that is consistently 2 to 4 times better
• Robust coverage that keeps user connected even with neighbor’s wi-fi interference
• Simple, yet powerful management features that allow small businesses to control wi-fi with minimal training

As an added bonus, I really like that my team can learn a single product line from Ruckus Wireless that will satisfy both home and small business applications.

Posted at 7/5/09 by ewong in Industry Trends, News & Views, Security-Mobility-Accessibility, Tech Tips for the Office, User Reports Tags: Security, Wi-Fi, Wireless | 1 Comment »

› Cool free tools that we use

Yammer:

This is the best tool that you can update your co-workers about your status. All you need is Internet connection on your desktop, Blackberry or iPhone. It’s easy to install and use.
Go to www.yammer.com to activate accounts for your own company. You can pay Yammer to get more features.

Spark:

Want an in-house only Instant Messenger? This is it. It does require software installation on server and desktops.
www.igniterealtime.com

SyncToy:

A free file synchronization tool from Microsoft. This is a simple tool to keep files on your laptop synchronizes with your file server.
Browse to www.microsoft.com/downloadand search for “synctoy”. Download “SyncToy v2.0″.

Posted at 6/13/09 by ewong in GGGroup, Tech Tips for the Office, Tech Tips for the Small & Home Office, Tips, User Reports Tags: Spark, SyncToy, Yammer | No Comments »