First XBLUE X16 Phone System Install

I am really impressed with the XBLUE X16 phone system after installing and setting up our first system. We installed the base and six phones in a local office, and fortunately it went flawlessly.

This system has all of the most popular features of other phone systems without complicated programming procedures and without a big price tag.

Some of these features include:

• Daytime and Nighttime auto attendant
• Company directory
• Individual voice mail boxes for every phone
• Call forward an extension to alternate phone number instead of voicemail
• Music on hold
• Record memos and phone conversations
• Do not disturb
• Page all phones
• All phones are the same, and include a speakerphone and headset jack
  
• Intercom to individual extension
• Hold
• Transfer
  
• Supports up to six phone lines
• Supports up to sixteen phones
• Phones are available in four colors: burgundy, blue, silver, and black
• Phones can be wall mounted
• Check voice mail away from the office
• Phones do not require an AC adapter
  

For more info on the XBLUE X16 Phone System, visit our web site or visit XBLUE's web site.

Information Security Video

One of the biggest holes in information security for organizations is the end user. A good example of this is the recent twitter worm. Well, here is a funny and outstanding video created by the Commonwealth of Virgina on the end-user's responsibility for information security:

Tips On How To Protect Your Computer From Malware

Lately, the number one problem that we have been working on is computers loaded with malware. This includes viruses, keyloggers, trojans, rootkits, worms, and spyware. Aside from annoying pop-ups, this stuff effects productivity by slowing down your computer, and it opens you up for data theft.

Tips on how to prevent from getting malware:

* Use a router between your computer(s) and high-speed internet modem. This keeps outsiders out of your network.

* Use firewall software on your computer(s). The built-in firewall for Windows XP or Vista is fine, just make sure they're turned on.

* Set your operating system (XP, Vista, MAC OS, etc.) to auto update - This is VERY important! In Vista, go to Control Panel>Windows Update, or in XP, go to Control Panel>Automatic Updates - Also in XP, if you see the little annoying yellow shield in the notification area, install those updates.

* Also, keep your software up-to-date. Especially programs like JAVA, Acrobat Reader, Flash, Shockwave, etc.

* Use ONE Antivirus program, and make sure that it is current. Also, make sure that it auto updates. Currently, my favorite free AV program is Avira Free - I stressed one AV program because multiple AV programs will make your PC extremely slow.

* Use a couple of Spyware removal programs: I like to have SpyBot Search & Destroy and Malwarebytes installed on my PCs. - These programs take up very little system resources and are extremely effective at removing malware. Note: On Spybot, make sure during the installation wizard that you uncheck "TeaTimer" because if TeaTimer is enabled, it will notify you every time the Windows registry is changed. It's very annoying.

* Use Firefox as your default web browser because there are so many security problems with Internet Explorer.

* McAfee's Site Advisor is a great free program that displays an icon next to all of your search results in the top search engines, and these icons let you know if a site is safe to visit or if the site sends a lot of spam.

* "There are no free lunches" - Be careful about what web sites you visit and what attachments you download from emails. Free games, software, greeting cards, coupons, etc can be awesome, but they can also cost you in the long run by infecting your computer with malware. A great site to go to for free malware-free software is download.com

* Be sure to backup important files, emails, pictures, etc on a regular basis. If you run into major malware problems you can reinstall your operating system and start from scratch.

* Power User Tip: Create an extra log in for Windows that does not have administrator privilages, and use this account for web surfing and reading emails. Limited user accounts are locked down and prevent users from installing most programs thus preventing malware.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email at stephen@stephenscomputerservices.com