Category Archives: Cloud Computing

Canadian Anti Spam Legislation

 

Canada is cracking down on spammers with its new ant spam legislation. This new legislation will be federal law and it will go into effect July 1st of this year. On this date, if your organization regularly sends newsletters, such as promotions, new offers, information, to a big majority of people, you must ask for consent. Also, your website or emailing system must employ an unsubscribe function, which the recipient can easily use to unsubscribe from your newsletters.An anti spam logo.

Should the organization continue to send out newsletters, without adhering to the new legislation, there could be serious penalties, up to $10 million dollars.

If you’d like to read more on the Canadian Anti Spam Legislation (CASL), feel free to visit the links below or contact Group 4 Networks.

http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_CA/ca/services/enterprise-risk/6e2d35360fb6c310VgnVCM2000003356f70aRCRD.htm?gclid=CMOYi83Jgb8CFVCAaQodp38Asg

http://www.law-faqs.org/wiki/index.php/Canada_Anti-Spam_CASL/Key_Provisions

http://fightspam.gc.ca/eic/site/030.nsf/eng/home

 

About Group 4 Networks

We provide Toronto and GTA businesses with IT SupportIT Consulting and Managed IT Services at a fraction of the cost that they would pay a low-level full time IT Manager. Our team eliminates the hassle of dealing with the single knowledge and abilities of a lone “computer guy.”  What makes us unique is that we proactively manage our customer’s computer networks to eliminate many of the headaches and hassles of using computers to run a business.

We guarantee our customers a response within 60 minutes or less and are the only IT service provider in the region that offers a 60-Day 100% no hassle money back guarantee on our flat rate all inclusive service plans.

 

Software Firewalls

 

A firewall is one of the most important pieces to a computer network, no matter how big or small. Everyone should have a firewall.

In this post we will be talking about software firewalls, later in the future we will talk about hardware firewalls.

A software firewall is a program, which runs in the background on a client’s computer. Some are very basic and easy to use. Some are complex and more powerful. For home users we absolutely recommend a yearly subscription based Internet security suite. Some names to look out for are Kaspersky, ESET and Avira.

Most software firewall companies also make enterprise editions of their software, which allow IT personnel to manage firewall rules and configurations from one computer, taking the configuration and management responsibility away from the user.

The software firewall operates by inspecting the network data that is incoming to the computer, as well as outgoing from the computer. If the firewall detects the data has been altered or if appears malicious, the software blocks it, effectively preventing any form of an attack.

Firewalls operate from a set of rules. The administrator can make a specific rule in the firewall to block a specific website, a specific application or to prevent two computers on the same network from communicating with each other, for whatever reason. Just as one can block certain actions, one can specifically allow a certain action. Sometimes when connecting to a printer with advanced features, the administrator may need to alter the firewall rules to allow certain data through, to access the printer’s features.

Home user based software firewalls have become very easy to use and to configure over the past few years. Not only can they prevent malicious items and websites from infecting your computer, but they now come bundled with more tools to prevent phishing scam websites from opening, as well as some encryption tools to safe guard your sensitive data.

Should you want more information on software-based firewalls, feel free to contact Group 4 Networks.

 

About Group 4 Networks – IT Consulting

We provide Toronto and GTA businesses with IT SupportIT Consulting and Managed IT Services at a fraction of the cost that they would pay a low-level full time IT Manager. Our team eliminates the hassle of dealing with the single knowledge and abilities of a lone “computer guy.”  What makes us unique is that we proactively manage our customer’s computer networks to eliminate many of the headaches and hassles of using computers to run a business.

We guarantee our customers a response within 60 minutes or less and are the only IT service provider in the region that offers a 60-Day 100% no hassle money back guarantee on our flat rate all inclusive service plans.

Read more: http://virtual-desktop.co#ixzz33Vxc8EUs

Business Contact Manager

BCM or Business Contact Manager is a tool designed by Microsoft which makes it very easy for organization to keep track of contacts, leads, accounts and etc.

BCM can be setup in two methods. The first method is to keep a local database only on one computer. The second method is more complex however it’s beneficial to everyone within the company, as the BCM database would sit on a server. The BCM database can be accessed from within Outlook using a small plugin. At the same time, if the BCM is setup to be accessible from the internet, one could access their records from anywhere.

Business Contact Manager can help you stay on top of the sales cycle. For example, you can configure your own set of rules as to how a lead should be pursued and BCM will prioritize them for you, thus saving time in a busy work day. You can also arrange your customers and products, letting you focus your attention to top customers and top-selling products. Screenshopt of BCM About Group 4 Networks – eBay Compromised, IT Consulting

We provide Toronto and GTA businesses with IT SupportIT Consulting and Managed IT Services at a fraction of the cost that they would pay a low-level full time IT Manager. Our team eliminates the hassle of dealing with the single knowledge and abilities of a lone “computer guy.”  What makes us unique is that we proactively manage our customer’s computer networks to eliminate many of the headaches and hassles of using computers to run a business.

We guarantee our customers a response within 60 minutes or less and are the only IT service provider in the region that offers a 60-Day 100% no hassle money back guarantee on our flat rate all inclusive service plans.

Read more: http://www.g4ns.com/itblog/#ixzz338g2TpAL

Keep Computer Network Safe

How To Keep Your Computer Network Safe From Crippling Pop-ups, Viruses, Spyware, & Spam, While Avoiding Expensive Computer Repair Bills

  • Do you constantly get hammered by pop-up ads that come from nowhere and interfere with using your computer?
  • Does your computer network run slow, act funny, or crash unexpectedly?
  • Are you getting tons of spam from unknown senders?

If so, then the computers on your network are probably infected with malicious programs that could end up destroying your files, stealing your company’s confidential and financial information, and rendering your computer useless.

 Don’t Be A Victim To Online Crime!

Keep Computer Network Safe – Toronto IT Support

Cyber criminals lurk everywhere and are constantly finding new ways to harm you. Even legitimate websites have sophisticated methods of snooping into your private information using cookies and spyware. If you want to make sure you aren’t their next victim, read this guide and discover:

 

  • Computer scams, threats, and rip-offs that you MUST be aware of.
  • Surefire signs that you are infected with spyware, malware, and viruses.
  • Sneaky, underhanded ways cyber criminals access your computer, and how you can stop them dead in their tracks.
  • The absolute worst type of program to install for your network’s health; if you or your employees go to these sites and indulge in these seemingly innocent activities and you’re practically guaranteed to get infected with vicious spyware and destructive viruses.
  • The single biggest cause of expensive computer repairs – and how to avoid it.
  • 6 Simple steps to keep your computer safe from pop-ups, viruses, spyware, malware, and expensive computer repair bills.

Provided as an educational service by:

Group 4 Networks

Surface Pro 3

A Surface Pro Tablet with an attached snap on keyboard.
A Surface Pro Tablet with an attached snap on keyboard.

 

Tablets are fairly popular these days. There are a bunch of different models from different manufacturers of Android tablets, there’s the ever-popular iPad and iPad mini and finally the Surface tablets from Microsoft

Microsoft has created the Surface and Surface Pro tablets and made it available to the public at the same time as Windows 8 launched, in 2012. A year later Microsoft released the Surface 2 tablets, which brought improvements performance, the battery life, and had an updated screen.

Now, another year later, Microsoft has announced the Surface Pro 3. Microsoft labels it as ‘the tablet that can replace your laptop’. The improvements delivered to this year’s Surface tablet include an Intel Core i7 processor – which is Intel’s highest and fastest category. The new Surface is also lighter, and thinner and it comes with a way better and more accurate display this year. One of the issues with the original Surface Pro was the weight.

The new Surface Pro 3 will be available for pre-order on May 21st, for $799. The device will be in stores on June 20th.

Considering all the improvements, it will be interesting to see how the new Surface performs in sales, competing against Android devices and iPads. The more interesting question is, will it be a true laptop killer? Could this tablet, equipped with a snap on keyboard truly replace the conventional laptop? Only time will tell.

Should you want more information about the Surface Pro 3 or about tablets and mobile computing in general, don’t hesitate to contact Group 4 Networks.

About Group 4 Networks

We provide Toronto and GTA businesses with IT SupportIT Consulting and Managed IT Services at a fraction of the cost that they would pay a low-level full time IT Manager. Our team eliminates the hassle of dealing with the single knowledge and abilities of a lone “computer guy.”  What makes us unique is that we proactively manage our customer’s computer networks to eliminate many of the headaches and hassles of using computers to run a business.

We guarantee our customers a response within 60 minutes or less and are the only IT service provider in the region that offers a 60-Day 100% no hassle money back guarantee on our flat rate all inclusive service plans.

 

Read more: http://www.g4ns.com/itblog/#ixzz32HmmSsPn

 

 

eBay Compromised

eBay Compromised - We can help youInternet security attacks seem to be very popular, especially for the past few weeks. This time the victim is a company known for allowing users to buy and sell things online.

eBay has faced an intrusion by hackers. The hackers have stolen confidential information detailing all of eBay users, including their personal information. The personal information stolen contains names, addresses, usernames, and passwords. The passwords cannot be easily read as they are encrypted.

eBay is advising all of its users to change their passwords as soon as possible, to keep the integrity of their account in place.

PayPal has posted a warning on their press site was well, click here to read the posting.

 

Should you want more information about the eBay breach or more information about internet security in general, don’t hesitate to contact Group 4 Networks.

About Group 4 Networks – eBay Compromised, IT Consulting

We provide Toronto and GTA businesses with IT SupportIT Consulting and Managed IT Services at a fraction of the cost that they would pay a low-level full time IT Manager. Our team eliminates the hassle of dealing with the single knowledge and abilities of a lone “computer guy.”  What makes us unique is that we proactively manage our customer’s computer networks to eliminate many of the headaches and hassles of using computers to run a business.

We guarantee our customers a response within 60 minutes or less and are the only IT service provider in the region that offers a 60-Day 100% no hassle money back guarantee on our flat rate all inclusive service plans.

Keep Computer Network Safe

How To Keep Your Computer Network Safe From Crippling Pop-ups, Viruses, Spyware, & Spam, While Avoiding Expensive Computer Repair Bills

  • Do you constantly get hammered by pop-up ads that come from nowhere and interfere with using your computer?
  • Does your computer network run slow, act funny, or crash unexpectedly?
  • Are you getting tons of spam from unknown senders?

If so, then the computers on your network are probably infected with malicious programs that could end up destroying your files, stealing your company’s confidential and financial information, and rendering your computer useless.

 

Don’t Be A Victim To Online Crime!

 

Cyber criminals lurk everywhere and are constantly finding new ways to harm you. Even legitimate websites have sophisticated methods of snooping into your private information using cookies and spyware. If you want to make sure you aren’t their next victim, read this guide and discover:

 

  • Computer scams, threats, and rip-offs that you MUST be aware of.
  • Surefire signs that you are infected with spyware, malware, and viruses.
  • Sneaky, underhanded ways cyber criminals access your computer, and how you can stop them dead in their tracks.
  • The absolute worst type of program to install for your network’s health; if you or your employees go to these sites and indulge in these seemingly innocent activities and you’re practically guaranteed to get infected with vicious spyware and destructive viruses.
  • The single biggest cause of expensive computer repairs – and how to avoid it.
  • 6 Simple steps to keep your computer safe from pop-ups, viruses, spyware, malware, and expensive computer repair bills.

Provided as an educational service by:

Group 4 Networks

Keep Computer Network Safe

How To Keep Your Computer Network Safe From Crippling Pop-ups, Viruses, Spyware, & Spam, While Avoiding Expensive Computer Repair Bills

  • Do you constantly get hammered by pop-up ads that come from nowhere and interfere with using your computer?
  • Does your computer network run slow, act funny, or crash unexpectedly?
  • Are you getting tons of spam from unknown senders?

If so, then the computers on your network are probably infected with malicious programs that could end up destroying your files, stealing your company’s confidential and financial information, and rendering your computer useless.

 

Don’t Be A Victim To Online Crime!

 

Cyber criminals lurk everywhere and are constantly finding new ways to harm you. Even legitimate websites have sophisticated methods of snooping into your private information using cookies and spyware. If you want to make sure you aren’t their next victim, read this guide and discover:

 

  • Computer scams, threats, and rip-offs that you MUST be aware of.
  • Surefire signs that you are infected with spyware, malware, and viruses.
  • Sneaky, underhanded ways cyber criminals access your computer, and how you can stop them dead in their tracks.
  • The absolute worst type of program to install for your network’s health; if you or your employees go to these sites and indulge in these seemingly innocent activities and you’re practically guaranteed to get infected with vicious spyware and destructive viruses.
  • The single biggest cause of expensive computer repairs – and how to avoid it.
  • 6 Simple steps to keep your computer safe from pop-ups, viruses, spyware, malware, and expensive computer repair bills.

Provided as an educational service by:

Group 4 Networks

Keep Computer Network Safe

How To Keep Your Computer Network Safe From Crippling Pop-ups, Viruses, Spyware, & Spam, While Avoiding Expensive Computer Repair Bills

  • Do you constantly get hammered by pop-up ads that come from nowhere and interfere with using your computer?
  • Does your computer network run slow, act funny, or crash unexpectedly?
  • Are you getting tons of spam from unknown senders?

If so, then the computers on your network are probably infected with malicious programs that could end up destroying your files, stealing your company’s confidential and financial information, and rendering your computer useless.

 Don’t Be A Victim To Online Crime!

Cyber criminals lurk everywhere and are constantly finding new ways to harm you. Even legitimate websites have sophisticated methods of snooping into your private information using cookies and spyware. If you want to make sure you aren’t their next victim, read this guide and discover:

 

  • Computer scams, threats, and rip-offs that you MUST be aware of.
  • Surefire signs that you are infected with spyware, malware, and viruses.
  • Sneaky, underhanded ways cyber criminals access your computer, and how you can stop them dead in their tracks.
  • The absolute worst type of program to install for your network’s health; if you or your employees go to these sites and indulge in these seemingly innocent activities and you’re practically guaranteed to get infected with vicious spyware and destructive viruses.
  • The single biggest cause of expensive computer repairs – and how to avoid it.
  • 6 Simple steps to keep your computer safe from pop-ups, viruses, spyware, malware, and expensive computer repair bills.

Provided as an educational service by:

Group 4 Networks