Rick, Author at The Force Field Podcast

iYogi Identifies Top Ten Trends for Microsoft Windows 7 Launch

October 21, 2009 by Rick

Online Conversations Tracking Across Forums, Review and Social Media Websites: Application Compatibility, Migration and New Features Top the List of Topic Areas Discussed Around the Upcoming Windows 7 Launch.

New York, NY (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 21, 2009 — iYogi, the fastest growing on-demand tech services company, announced today the results of tracking tens of thousands of online conversations around the subject of http://windowsWindows 7 [Microsoft. In a look at online discussions over the last week in ten widely used forums, 25 review sites, and four of the largest social networks, iYogi found that application compatibility and migration by far topped the list, followed by discussions around features and performance.

iYogiWindows 7 Migration

Top ten issues, along with examples of actual quotes from each conversation topic include:
1. Application compatibility, portability and migration
“Do I need to re-install Microsoft Office when I upgrade to Windows 7?”

2. New Features
“Does Windows 7 have the functionality of XP and appearance of Vista?” and “What’s new with the Windows 7 task bar?”

3. Performance
“Is Windows 7 faster that XP or Vista?”

4. Getting ready for windows 7
“Is my computer ready for Windows 7 and is it good for running games?”

5. User interface
“Does Windows 7 look and feel like Mac?”

6. Windows 7 Networking
“Can I connect with my second computer that runs XP and also share my printer?”

7. Windows 7 hardware compatibility
“Will I need to re-install software again for my camera and phone?”

8. Windows 7 Installation, setup and deployment
“How much time will it take me to install Windows 7?”

9. Price
“Will the price for Windows 7 drop in the future?”

10. Media center
“Can I make videos and does 7 have movie maker like XP?”

iYogi’s tracking of online topics reviewed discussions in:

Forums such as MSDN, TechNet, Yahoo Answers, Yahoo Groups, Google Groups, Google blog search, laptop forum, and notebook forums
Review sites like Amazon, Best Buy, buzzilions, CNET reviews, epinions, laptop community, newegg, notebook review, and product wiki
Social networks including facebook, Linkedin, Myspace & Twitter

Polls conducted by iYogi have indicated that nearly 70 percent of users are not entirely comfortable that they will be able to easily move their favorite applications over to the new Windows 7 platform, and nearly half expect to need more tech support help in order to do so.

In order to address these questions and concerns, iYogi has built a comprehensive website at http://windows7.iyogi.net with details on Windows 7 features, migration utilities and support options, along with a step-by-step guide to application migration. iYogi has more than 90,000 annual subscribers and provides thousands of support sessions every day on a 24/7 basis. Its Global Delivery Platform delivers on the highest customer satisfaction benchmarks in the industry.

For more information on Windows 7 migration services, visit http://windows7.iyogi.net/migration/

About iYogi:
iYogi is a global on-demand services company that provides personalized computer support for consumers and small businesses in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. iYogi’s unique model, including proprietary technology iMantra and highly qualified technicians, is designed to eliminate computer-related stress and keep millions of digitally dependent consumers and small businesses always protected and productive. Only iYogi — with its proven global expertise delivery model, intelligent customer insight systems, easy-to-use self-help tools and automated PC optimization and computer support services – offers users a simple yet comprehensive path to digital serenity. iYogi has perfected the remote technical support model to overcome the current limitations of in-store, on-site, or call center services to become the fastest growing provider of support in the industry. Major resellers and technology companies are increasingly turning to iYogi to improve customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and deliver a compelling new-value added offering to customers. For more information on iYogi and a detailed list of technologies supported, visit: http://www.iyogi.net.

Top Ten Ways to Kill Your Company with Internet Marketing

October 18, 2009 by Rick

Michael Newman Consulting specializes in internet and social media marketing. Newman's recently launched blog attempts to provide insightful information for companies needing to expand their internet marketing strategies – or in this case how NOT to expand their strategies.

San Marcos, CA (PRWEB) October 18, 2009 — Michael Newman, a product management veteran of the electronics and audio industries has a top ten list for those companies wanting to accelerate their slide toward bankruptcy.

"Social media marketing is about creating and fueling engaging content," says Newman. "What better way to get people's attention than to take something serious like our messed up economy and turn it around."

Newman brings a fun spin to the topic by mentioning how to gain more time watching CSI Miami by killing your business. However the bulk of the blog post has very sound advice – as long as you do the opposite of what is recommended.

Topics include tying internet goals to company business objectives, communication with customers, knowing exactly who your customers are and using very defined strategies with social media marketing. Other blog topics include using forums for unfiltered consumer feedback.

To check out Newman's blog and post a comment, please visit: http://michaelnewmanconsulting.com/blog/.

For more company information visit the web site. Contact information is below.

Contact:
Michael Newman
Michael Newman Consulting
www.michaelnewmanconsulting.com

Apple and Windows Computers Living Together Under One Roof, According to New NPD Report

October 6, 2009 by Rick

Nearly 85 Percent of All Apple Households Also Own a Windows PC

Port Washington, New York (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 6, 2009 — According to leading market research company The NPD Group's 2009 Household Penetration Study, approximately 12 percent of all U.S. computer owning households own an Apple computer, up from 9 percent in 2008. While Apple ownership is growing, those households are decidedly in favor of mixed system environments. Of those 12 percent, nearly 85 percent also own a Windows-based PC.

News Image

Multiple computer ownership is a common thread in Apple computer households, with 66 percent of households owning three or more computers, compared to just 29 percent of Windows PC households. Apple owning households are decidedly more mobile as well, with 72 percent of them owning a notebook, whereas only 50 percent of households that have a Windows PC own a notebook.

Not only do Apple computer owners own more computers (and more mobile computers) than the norm they also tend to own more types of electronics, and more of them, than typical computer owning households. For example, while 36 percent of total computer owning households have an iPod, 63 percent of Apple households have one. And while almost 50 percent of Apple owners own some type of navigation system, only about 30 percent of all computer households own one.

"While Apple owners tend to own more computers and more electronics devices, there is also a high correlation among Apple owners and more affluent consumer households," said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis. "Thirty-six percent of Apple computer owners reported household incomes greater than $100,000, compared to 21 percent of all consumers. "With a higher household income, though, it's not a surprise that those consumers are making more electronics purchases," Baker said. "The average Apple household owns 48 CE devices whereas the average computer household owns about 24. Apple household owners' actions and purchases can be used by the industry as leading indicators for hot new products and adoption."

Methodology
A total of more than 2,300 of NPD's online panelists completed this survey.

About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,700 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/ and http://www.npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdtech and @npdgroup.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Sarah Bogaty
+1 516 625 2357

Episode 36 – Profit From the Service Platform

September 30, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to talk with a representative of an online service platform and ask him how service technicians can best use them to earn more revenue.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:18
Billboard 2:43

News and Comment segment 4:31
OnForce officially surpassed one million completed work orders through its online platform.

Newegg filed for a $175 million dollar initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission September 27th. Newegg IPO Form S-1

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

Belkin released a surge protector that automatically switches off devices to conserve power. http://www.belkin.com/conserve/.

Microsoft released a new Microsoft Security Essentials security suite September 29th.
Microsoft Security Essentials can be downloaded free at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 2:03
today we will talk with Eric Castro, Director of Channel Management for ServiceLive and ask him how service technicians can best use service platforms to earn more for their businesses.
Join ServiceLive FREE!.

Interview with Eric Castro 29:36

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net !

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Episode 36 – Profit From the Service Platform

September 30, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to talk with a representative of an online service platform and ask him how service technicians can best use them to earn more revenue.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:18
Billboard 2:43

News and Comment segment 4:31
OnForce officially surpassed one million completed work orders through its online platform.

Newegg filed for a $175 million dollar initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission September 27th. Newegg IPO Form S-1

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

Belkin released a surge protector that automatically switches off devices to conserve power. http://www.belkin.com/conserve/.

Microsoft released a new Microsoft Security Essentials security suite September 29th. Microsoft Security Essentials can be downloaded free at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Interview with Eric Castro 29:36

Wrap up and Close :46

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_36.mp3

Research: Consumers Receive False Sense of Security

September 29, 2009 by Rick

n a recent research experiment conducted by a team of security engineers, found that most leading security software failed to detect 70% of survelliance software on a test machine.

Ottawa, Ontario (PRWEB) September 23, 2009 — The research labs at SpyReveal recently conducted an experiment and downloaded 10 of the most popular surveillance software from download directories and tested it against major anti-spyware applications.

The results were astonishing! McAfee AntiVirus and Norton Internet Security detected 30% of the surveillance software. This was followed by Spyware Doctor, SpySweeper and AVG detecting only 20%. While some anti-spyware applications failed to detect any surveillance software at all. SpyReveal successfully detected 100% of the surveillance software that was installed on the test machine and is the premiere solution dedicated to this specific threat with over 8 years experience.

Computer users are receiving a false sense of security when deploying anti-spyware applications. With the explosion in online banking and transactions, the proliferation of identity theft is greater than ever. Many users install an anti-spyware solution with the expectation to be safe from identity theft. Unfortunately, they are still at an extremely high risk for identity theft and data logging.

Surveillance software is designed to silently record computer activity and stealthily send it back to the intruder. These programs include chat loggers, email recorders, commercial keyloggers, password recorders, and screenshot recorders. Surveillance software can be obtained by anyone with a web browser, and can be placed into anyone's computer via greeting cards, email attachments, or physical access to the PC.

"In the past year the available amount of surveillance software on the market has risen 115%. More and more stories are being published of hackers who have obtained credit card records by using surveillance software", said Mr. Hankinson, SpyReveal's co-founder. "Yet, we still see major players in the security industry continue to fail at detecting this specific type of problem."

It is important for users to purchase security solutions that are designed for a dedicated purpose to receive the highest degree of protection, but without being too narrow. Anti-Spyware, anti-malware and anti-virus products do not detect most commercial surveillance software.

"Consumers should not rely on a single solution for security. Each has a specific purpose," said Mr. Hankinson. "We want consumers to realize that even though their anti-spyware software says 'Nothing Found', that any surveillance software could still be present, recording their credit cards or business intellectual property," he added.

The Computer Forensics Show

September 1, 2009 by Rick

Imagine the ability to view anything that ever appeared on almost any computer. The computer forensics show is the "don't miss" event of the year for all Llitigation, Accounting and IT Professionals.

(PRWEB) August 31, 2009 — Imagine the ability to view anything that ever appeared on almost any computer.

The computer forensics show is the "don't miss" event of the year for all Llitigation, Accounting and IT Professionals.

"Like it or not, every computer is a potential crime scene," says Frank Manley, Show Director of The Computer Forensics Show, which will take over the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA on October 5 & 6, 2009. The special two-day event will include exhibits of the latest developments in the IT security marketplace, as well as a full conference schedule of top-flight guest speakers, discussion groups and training sessions. "Computer forensics is definitely one of the fastest growing segments of the industry," says Manley.

Computer forensics pertains to the legal evidence found on computers and digital storage media (it was a computer forensics expert who discovered that Bernie Madoff never made a trade). Increasingly, computers are being used as evidence in a wide spectrum of cases, from the millions of instances of identity and credit theft to employee and intra-company disputes. Computer forensics has become vitally important to IT security professionals, lawyers and accountants, and even the average consumer surfing the Internet — in short, to anyone who depends on the safe and efficient storage and retrieval of data.

Today's business environment is undeniably complex, due to strict regulatory and compliance requirements, closer scrutiny and the pervasive threat of litigation. IT security is vital to any individual, company or law practice dealing with sensitive information created and stored digitally. For some companies, it is not a question if one of their computers will be used as evidence in a legal matter; it is a question of when. A sophisticated computer forensics strategy can literally save a company millions in litigations costs and, in some instances, their hard-earned reputation.

Every day brings changes to the IT security marketplace, and the Computer Forensics Show is specifically geared to showcasing the latest technological advances and trends. The show will feature exhibits as well as a comprehensive and engaging conference program with the involvement of leading edge companies: Kroll Ontrack Inc., McAfee Corporation, SanDisk Corporation, Symantec Corporation, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Clearwell Systems Inc., HB Gary Inc., Guidance Software Inc. and EMC Corporation.

Conference events will focus in-depth on topics of interest to legal, risk management, and accounting professionals, as well as the IT sector, and feature five conference tracks including two legal tracks (emerging technologies in litigation and practice issues, records management, reporting and privacy, etc.); forensic accounting, which is the number one growth field in accounting; and two IT security tracks, which will provide practical advice for companies just beginning to encounter security issues to those with more advanced concerns.

For more information regarding this exciting and important event, contact (203) 661-4312 or info@computerforensicshow.com or visit www.computerforensicshow.com When registering, please enter discount code VIP50 for a 50% discount on either a full conference or one-day pass. The conference pass includes an exhibit hall pass; you can also register for a free exhibit hall pass at www.computerforensicshow.com by October 1, 2009.

Comparison of remote desktop software

August 19, 2009 by Rick

Wikipedia Comparison chart of Remote Support tools. There are several popular tools not listed but overall the chart is a fairly comprehensive list remote support programs and their features but does not include a comparison of cost.

Thanks to Dan Hand of ACRBO for the link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_remote_desktop_software

Red Hat Partner Program

August 19, 2009 by Rick

Red Hat recently revamped their PartnerProgram. There are now three tiers; Red Hat Ready Partner, Red Hat Advanced Partner and Red Hat Premier Partner. The program offers:

Up-sale and Cross-sale opportunities
Sales and Technical Training Courses and Certifications
Access to Red Hat Solutions and Support
Access to Global Sales Team

Red Hat Partner Program Overview and FAQs

Red Hat Partner Center

CompTIA Builds on Breakaway Success

August 11, 2009 by Rick

New resources for members, new programs for workforce development

Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., August 10, 2009 – Building on the success of its recent Breakaway conference, CompTIA, the leading trade association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry, said today in the coming weeks it will roll out new member services, workforce development programs and public policy initiatives.

More than 1,000 executives from technology vendors, distributors, resellers, and solution providers attended Breakaway, held Aug. 3-6 in Las Vegas.

“Breakaway served as a rallying point for our industry,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. “New products and services were introduced and great ideas were exchanged.

“Our educational program was strongly focused on delivering advice that attendees can use immediately in their day-to-day operations,” Thibodeaux continued. “This was true of our keynote presentations, industry panel discussions and peer-to-peer meetings. Most importantly Breakaway attendees left Las Vegas with a greater sense of the IT channel as a community, working together for the benefit of our customers.”

To deliver added member value, CompTIA has launched a new Member Resource Center. Members can find companies providing services in finance, logistics, HR, channel consulting, training, public relations, marketing, research, and more. CompTIA members are eligible to receive significant discounts from top quality providers. The CompTIA Member Resource Center also features access to industry mentors, research and business tools all aimed at helping businesses become more efficient, effective and profitable.

Within the next 90 days two new robust online communities for the IT channel are scheduled to launch. The CompTIA Channel Community (C3) is intended to be the world’s premier channel-neutral online community, containing rich content on business solutions and trends, discussion forums, webinars, whitepapers, and other valuable business intelligence. The CompTIA IT Pro Community will provide a place for those who want to enter or advance an IT career to solicit expert advice, network with peers and find critical tools and resources. One of these resources is the CompTIA Career Center, which will match certified job seekers with employers trying to fill IT jobs.

To provide members with more opportunities for face-to-face, peer-to-peer networking, CompTIA will hold four additional events this year beginning with the Managed IT Services Summit, presented in partnership with MSP Partners. Three regional events also are planned for this fall where attendees will participate in business simulations that provide great insights into improving their business.

New workforce development initiatives from CompTIA include the launch of CompTIA Strata, a new credential that offers individuals a broad introduction to computing technology. CompTIA Strata is intended for students pursuing an IT education; individuals considering CompTIA A+ certification; and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of technology. Exams will introduce individuals to fundamental technology concepts, beginning with an introduction to basic hardware components and operating system technologies.

Also at Breakaway, leading workforce training, testing and IT skills certification curriculum providers met with technology vendors and resellers regarding training talent and lowering the cost of IT skills development.

In the public policy arena, CompTIA has created a new political action committee, CompTIA PAC, to focus on the interests of the people and businesses in the IT sector.

The CompTIA Educational Foundation raised more than $97,000 at Breakaway for its Creating Futures program. The donations, raised through the Third Annual Creating Futures Charity Golf Classic, raffles and other activities, will be matched dollar-for-dollar by CompTIA. This will allow more than 400 individuals to receive free training and certification to enable to embark on careers in IT.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, please visit www.comptia.org.