Put Your Business Computer to Work for You!

Harmony Computer's
Ten Computer Tips
Five Computer Upgrades

Ten Tips
1. Backup your data DAILY and keep a copy off site! Do a regular test restoration of files - make sure you can restore your backups before you have to do it in an emergency. For easy backups use our RemoteBackup service to automatically backup your files securely offsite over the Internet.
2. Use an effective, up to date anti-virus program and set it to automatically update and scan your system. If your antivirus software is 2 years old, it is too old. We recommend AVG Internet Security for complete PC Protection.
3. Use "Msconfig" to remove unneeded programs that load at system startup.
4. Run Windows "Disk Cleanup " and "Defrag" weekly.
5. Download critical security updates automatically with the Microsoft Update Service.
6. Purchase a "Spam" blocker program to stop unwanted email, or have your email provider implement a server side spam filter. AVG Internet Security includes spam blocking functionality.
7. Use an e-fax program to send and receive faxes via email. We use maxemail.com.
8. Use Microsoft Outlook to manage contacts, appointments, and tasks. Use folders to organize email and groups of contacts.
9. If you are on a budget, try MS Office 2007 Home and Student Edition, or alternative software such as OpenOffice.
10. If your computer or network breaks down, don't call call a Geek - call a professional at Harmony Computer.

Five Upgrades
1. Increase the RAM memory on your computer.
2. Use a USB flash drive or external hard drive for backups and data sharing.
3. Save your eyes - purchase a large LCD monitor. A typical monitor is now a 22" wide screen LCD, and sizes up to 28" are now quite affordable.
4. Upgrade your operating system to Windows 7 (Available late October 2009).
5. If your computer is more than three years old, consider purchasing a new computer. In any business, lost employee productivity is lost money, and if old computers are slowing your employees down, you are losing money every day.

For additional information or to arrange for a consultation…

please phone Harmony Computer at 815-568-2649 and ask for David.