Major Ideas Consulting & Design

02/23/2013

Efficiencies and morale building by engaging employees how and when they work best.

The Upside Delivers Big Business Gains

02/20/2013

What does Google really do? More than just searching ! Cloud files saving & backup; office documents; video; mail; calendars; maps; translate; wallet. Wow! Find out more at this week's Compute Club of Erie presentation. http://www.cuerie.com

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS SERVING NW PENNSYLVANIA SINCE 1982

01/31/2013

Current project: cross platform troubleshooting course for Windows 7, 8, MacOS X, iOS & Android. I get to build the curriculum, then deliver it over three days. Very excited! Should take about 3 weeks, and will let me jump into all the cool stuff I've been learning about Windows 8 and Android.

01/04/2013

Coming up next week.... Lots of awesome new toys for your digital life.

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world. This event is where brands get business done and where the industry’s sharpest minds take the stage to unveil their latest groundbreaking innovation. Produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®.

11/01/2012

Good news for smart-phone users: http://pulse.infoneer.net/post/34744938620/stolen-cellphone-databases-switched-on-in-us

U.S. cellphone carriers took a major step on Wednesday toward curbing the rising number of smartphone thefts with the introduction of databases that will block stolen phones from being used on domestic networks. The initiative got its start earlier this year when the U.S. Federal Communications C...

11/01/2012

On my mind lately has been what to do in the event of an emergency. (Obvious reasons...Thanks 'Sandy') What would you be able to do at home, or at work if you didn't have internet connectivity and/or power. Would your cell phones work? How long? Can you keep in touch with your family, friends, clients?

My cousin is in Hoboken and her cell died within 24 hours, but there was no signal anyway. My other family there just got service today, but none have power yet.

My thoughts:
1 - invest in a solar powered USB charger for at least your cell phone (most can be charged this way) to provide unlimited power. ($50-150).
2 - a UPS backup for your modem and/or wifi connection at home and for your server and router(s) at the office. (Home versions run $60-200 and commercial use would be $200-1000 or more, depending. A small business can get away with a nominal investment. This can also be used for a while to charge cell phones or recharge some batteries.
3 - a small generator
4 - gas appliances or at least a camp stove for cooking if needed
5 - finally - a plan. Passwords & processes for changing your office voicemail and accessing your company systems (VPN?) if offsite. You may be able to work at home even if the office is shut down. You should also prepare a short email or document that can be shared or forwarded with important contact info, chain of command, emergency contacts, etc.

(This list doesn't include water, food, candles, etc... but that's important. If you get stuck at the office... say during a snow storm... you should have at least a day's worth of food for a few people there. Canned spaghettios may not cut it for daily dinner, but in a storm they can taste like Olive Garden!)

Just some thoughts as I thank God we in Erie didn't get hit harder, and pray for the safe return of services for friends and family a little farther eastward who are still working through it.

The time to prepare is not when the storm is upon you, but when the skies are clear.

10/26/2012

Looking into the next 12-18 months, some strategic ideas of where we, as consultants, trainers and IT professionals, can be focusing our efforts.

Another day, another top 10 list from Gartner, which this week is playing host to 10,000 IT pro at the Gartner Symposium IT Expo in Orlando. Yesterday, the research firm laid out "10 critical tech trends for the next five years." Today, Gartner took a look at a little closer in, providing a [...]

10/25/2012

If anyone is using Parallels (on the Mac, to use Windows) and thinking of jumping to Windows 8... here's an update: WAIT!

Critical and Urgent Windows 8 Service AdvisoryExcited about Windows 8? So are we! Below is critically important information to help you successfully enjoy Windows 8 on your Mac.Please read this entire notice, as it may affect your computer's performance.

10/25/2012

For those in the Healthcare industry - an interesting update discussion on the developments in IT to support electronic records, HIPAA & the cloud.

A good indication that a certain technology is being accepted into any vertical is the presence of articles written on the topic by vertical specific associations or publications. Such is the case ...

10/22/2012

Hey friends in the Erie area - please let me know how I can help you with your computers and tech devices. I have been training novice users for over 20 years, helping you understand the gizmos and gadgets with easy and fun, personalized sessions. I'm available for one-on-one, small group, in-home or in-office support and consulting, and even phone support if needed. Got a new smartphone? I can help get you synchronized. Got a camera built into that laptop and your kids want to see you but they are the ones who moved away, let's show you how to Skype with them. Call or email me to discuss matching your needs to my skills and reasonable rates.

10/05/2012

Pretty interesting views... good things to think about.

 1.       Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and move out of their way.If you feel like you know everything, you’re wrong. I know what I

10/05/2012

As a computer specialist and trainer, I have been working with new users since 1990. I'm available for consulting and training in the Erie area, and elsewhere as needed.