Two more great technology resources for Nonprofits

As a follow up to the last blog post, I have two further great resources for Nonprofit organizations, 

Community Computer Connection

From their website, 

Community Computer Connection exists to provide quality computer equipment to nonprofits and educational institutions for a reasonable cost so that they have the necessary tools to accomplish their own missions. We collect working computer equipment that might otherwise be discarded or recycled and return them to the community. It is our desire to provide needed equipment to any qualified organization that request it. Our mission is to connect schools and non-profit organizations with computer equipment donated by companies and people in the community.

TechSoup

From their website,

TechSoup is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear focus: connecting your nonprofit, charity, or public library with technology products, plus the learning resources you need to make informed decisions about technology and operate at your full potential. Our free resources, including articles, blogs, webinars, and forums led by expert hosts, are available to all users. Once registered and qualified with TechSoup, nonprofits and libraries can access donated and discounted products and services, including high-quality refurbished hardware, and software from partners.

I apply a lot of the resources available from both of these providers, they compliment my services, such as,

- Nonprofit Customer Relationship Management software assessment, development, and implementation

- Nonprofit Enterprise Resource Planning software assessment, development, and implementation

- Nonprofit Network installation, updating and integration

- Nonprofit Information Technology and Information Systems assessment, planning and project implementation

- Nonprofit Website development, training, integration, and planning

Check them out and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me

What is password protection secure?

Your at the coffee shop, some one calls your name, you turn and spill coffee on your lap.   As your rush up to get some napkins to clean your pants, a person grabs your computer and takes off with it.

Luckily you password locked it and you have a back up.  The question is what could that person do with the data that is on that laptop, because you have client records, financial information, personal documents, and other confidential information on it.

Most people believe that password protection means that their Windows computer is secure and people can not get access to your files and information, this is not necessarly true.  The reality is that easy access to your files and information is disrupted, but there are many, many different ways that people can access your information.  

On many occasions I have unlocked password protected computers, and while it takes a little while to get done, it is fairly straight forward (I always verify ownership prior to unlocking).   The only true way that you can secure your computer is through disk encryption.  

Disk encryption is defined as, 

"Disk encryption is a technology which protects information by converting it into unreadable code that cannot be deciphered easily by unauthorized people. Disk encryption uses disk encryption software or hardware to encrypt every bit of data that goes on a disk or disk volume. Disk encryption prevents unauthorized access to data storage."

Wikipedia

There are multiple ways and software packages that allow you to encrypt your disk, the key is to ensure that you are using it.

Again many people believe that their data is protected, but are not aware of the full risk.  If your unsure of your level of protection I am more than happy to provide a free 15 min assessment of your security and possible risks.    

Did you get a new computer or device?

Just a reminder, if you received a new computer or device, or have an old one that needs some help.  We still have come great deals on set ups and tune ups,

In Shop Tune Up

System Tune Up, we do a basic tune of you computer removing components that reduce performance, optimizing system settings, and install if necessary programs to ensure that your device remains at top performance. We then spend 15 minutes with you to review how you can optimize your computer in future and how you prevent a reduction in performance in future. 1 hour of time.

In Shop New System Set Up / Transfer

New System Set Up / Transfer, Got that new device and all of your information is on your old device, we can help. We can set up your new device transferring files, installing applications, and configuring settings to ensure a smooth transfer. We then spend 15 minutes reviewing your new device to point out options, configuration choices and tips to optimize your experience. 1.5 hours of time

Purchase the deals below, 

Online Ticketing for Collaboration Lab Holiday Deals powered by Eventbrite

Another great computer deal at Costco

Here is another great deal, 

Check out more specs here, 

Costco HP PC

PROS: Ivy Bridge, 8 GB RAM, 9.5 hours of Battery

CONS: Color (White), ?

Available only in store at Costco.   

Great back to school computer deal

It is back to school time. For all of those looking fo a scraming deal on a laptop for their students, check out the following, 

Acer TimelineU M5-481T-6670 14-Inch Ultrabook

Amazon, has  a good price but if you want to shop around, here are the prices effective 08/16/2012,

Though not a Costco deal, this computer is a great value.   Amazon looks like the best choice in this case.