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 The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
March, 2011 - Vol 3, Issue 3
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Upcoming Area Events
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3/26/11 -
Softball v. Missouri 2:00PM
Baseball v. Nebraska 5:00PM, Dan Law Field (DLF)
George Strait, Reba McEntire & Lee Ann Womack 7:00PM, United Spirit Arena
3/27/11 -
Softball v. Missouri 12:00PM
Men's Tennis v. Baylor 1:00PM
Baseball v. Nebraska 1:00PM, DLF
April
4/1/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Texas 12:00PM
Softball v. Oklahoma 6:30PM
4/2/11 -
Softball v. Oklahoma 11:00AM
4/3/11 -
Men's Tennis v. Oklahoma State, TBA
4/6/11 -
Softball v. Baylor 5:00 & 7:00PM
4/8/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Iowa State 4:00PM
Baseball v. Texas A&M 6:30PM, DLF
4/9/11 -
Baseball v. Texas A&M 5:00PM, DLF
Kevin Fowler 8:00PM, WIld West
4/10/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Nebraska 11:00AM
Baseball v. Texas A&M 1:00PM, DLF
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| From David's Desk... |
We at CTSI would once again like to show you--our valued business partners--how much we appreciate you and the opportunity to be a part of your continued success. We will be hosting a Client Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 21st, 2011, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The event will be hosted at the Fox & Hound Pub and Grille at 4210 82nd Street in Lubbock.
I certainly hope you can join us for some light hors d'oeuvres, refreshing beverages, and entertaining conversation. We always love being able to interact and catch up with you outside of the workplace. Perhaps this could be the opportunity for you to finally put faces with the names of people you've been working with to keep your technology running smoothly.
If you're planning to join us (and we hope you do!), please RSVP online at http://event.pingg.com/CA2011 to help us get a proper headcount.
Once again, we look forward to seeing you, and to your continued success in 2011.
Until Next Time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
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How the iPad is Helping Businesses Cut Costs
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Many businesses today are turning to devices like the iPad to help their businesses cut costs and become more efficient. If you are looking to cut costs, perhaps some of the options outlined below will inspire you with ways technology can help your business to save money.
Mobile apps are constantly being developed for people and businesses to make their lives easier and to run operations more smoothly. Lutron is a top development and manufacturing company for lighting control systems, creating energy saving solutions for homes and businesses.
In a recent article from Mashable.com, Erica Swallow explains: "With the Lutron Home Control+ iPad app ($19.99), home or business users with Lutron's RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS control systems installed can monitor their systems while away from home, control multiple systems, adjust energy-saving preferences, modify time clock functionalities and edit presets." The app is basically a remote control for a user's lights, window shades, temperature thermostats, and appliances.
While the iPad app runs with Lutron's RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS systems, which are specifically designed for home use cases, a Lutron technician explained that the systems (and app) are currently being used by smaller scale businesses to save on utilities, including offices and restaurants.
The Mashable.com article then goes on to explain how an auditing firm uses the smartNotes iPad app to switch to a paperless auditing method, which in turn increases time efficiency by 15-20%, reduces errors, and improves data management.
Lastly, one of the largest problems many paper reliant businesses run into is the cost of printing. A well-known architectural design firm has significantly reduced their dependency on paper by using the iPad. The firm has begun to switch many of their presentations for client presentations and meetings over to the iPad, reducing the need for high quality printing by as much as 80%. They are estimating around $15,000+ in savings by switching over to the iPad as a business tool.
You can find the Mashable.com article here: How The iPad Is Helping Businesses Go Green
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Question:
Tech pitcher Chad Bettis was selected in 2nd round, pick # 76 of the 2010 MLB Draft. Prior to Bettis, what Tech pitcher was also selected in the 2nd round of an MLB Draft?
Look for the answer at the end of the newsletter. |
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Tip of the Month
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How to Erase Your Hard Drive before You Recycle.
Many people these days are recycling their old technology in order to leave less of a footprint in the environment or to give technology away to the less fortunate. However, there is always the concern that files are left on the hard drive that could be used by someone who should not have access to this information.
To work around this there is a free program available that can help you erase your hard drive. DBAN (Derik's Boot and Nuke) is a small program whose primary purpose is to securely clean computer hard drives. In other words, it makes use of special algorithms that go through your hard drive and make sure that no one can recover any of your information.
Just be careful when using a program like DBAN. It will erase your entire hard drive. Not only will it erase your computing documents, it will also erase your entire operating system. This is great when you are giving your computer away!
Using DBAN
Using DBAN is actually quite easy. Nonetheless, here are the steps involved.
- Head over to the DBAN homepage and click on the download tab.
- Click on the item listed under the Preview Releases. As of the time of this writing, DBAN is at version 2.2.6
- Take the .iso file you downloaded and burn it to a CD or a DVD. If you have Windows 7, the ability to burn an .iso file is built right in.
- Restart your computer, while the CD or DVD is in your CD/DVD tray, and enter your Boot Menu (usually hit F8 a number of times as your PC starts).
- Choose to boot from your CD/DVD.
- DBAN should load up and you should see a blue background. First, ensure that you really want to erase your PCs hard drive. If you do, enter the word autonuke and hit enter. DBAN will begin the process of erasing your computer; this may take an hour or more to accomplish.
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| Staff Spotlight - Tim Tucker |
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Tim Tucker is the newest member of the CTSI family. While having just started with CTSI in March as a Customer Technician, he is no stranger to the South Plains. Born and raised in Lubbock, he is used to the 50+ mph winds we have experienced this  month and the interesting weather we experience throughout the year. Tim graduated from Lubbock High School in 2005 and continued his education by attending Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in May 2010. While attending Schreiner he spent a semester abroad studying Humanities at King's College in London.
"I loved living abroad. One of the best parts was that the chemistry lab looked right out over Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames River," Tim said.
Before starting with CTSI he worked at The Home Depot as the delivery coordinator for over a year. In his free time he enjoys running, golfing, and playing with his three year old westie, Lauren.
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| Helen's Recipe of the Month |
Helen Burns, CTSI's Purchasing Manager, has been with the company for the past ten years. In addition to her purchasing duties, Helen serves as our unofficial party coordinator. Helen (with help from our administrative assistant, Nancy Clark) makes sure we celebrate every staff member's birthday as well as various holidays by providing a wide range of delectable treats. Without further ado, from Helen's kitchen to you!
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup milk
1 envelope taco seasoning (any brand)
3 cups cooked white meat chicken, chopped
(May substitute an equal amount of browned ground beef or shredded beef, if desired.)
8 oz chopped green chilies
2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese
16 corn tortillas, quartered
Mix first 4 ingredients together and blend well. Then toss chicken and taco seasoning together and blend well. Cover the bottom of a sprayed 9 X 11 baking pan with a layer of tortillas. Cover with 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture, 1/3 of the chicken, green chilies, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve with chips and picante sauce. Serves 6-8.
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| Tech Trivia Answer: |
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Matt Miller, Round 2- Pick #41 overall, 1996
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The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
March, 2011 - Vol 3, Issue 3
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Area Events
|
3/26/11 -
Softball v. Missouri 2:00PM
Baseball v. Nebraska 5:00PM, Dan Law Field (DLF)
George Strait, Reba McEntire & Lee Ann Womack 7:00PM, United Spirit Arena
3/27/11 -
Softball v. Missouri 12:00PM
Men's Tennis v. Baylor 1:00PM
Baseball v. Nebraska 1:00PM, DLF
April
4/1/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Texas 12:00PM
Softball v. Oklahoma 6:30PM
4/2/11 -
Softball v. Oklahoma 11:00AM
4/3/11 -
Men's Tennis v. Oklahoma State, TBA
4/6/11 -
Softball v. Baylor 5:00 & 7:00PM
4/8/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Iowa State 4:00PM
Baseball v. Texas A&M 6:30PM, DLF
4/9/11 -
Baseball v. Texas A&M 5:00PM, DLF
Kevin Fowler 8:00PM, WIld West
4/10/11 -
Women's Tennis v. Nebraska 11:00AM
Baseball v. Texas A&M 1:00PM, DLF
|
|
|
| From David's Desk... |
We at CTSI would once again like to show you--our valued business partners--how much we appreciate you and the opportunity to be a part of your continued success. We will be hosting a Client Appreciation Event on Thursday, April 21st, 2011, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The event will be hosted at the Fox & Hound Pub and Grille at 4210 82nd Street in Lubbock.
I certainly hope you can join us for some light hors d'oeuvres, refreshing beverages, and entertaining conversation. We always love being able to interact and catch up with you outside of the workplace. Perhaps this could be the opportunity for you to finally put faces with the names of people you've been working with to keep your technology running smoothly.
If you're planning to join us (and we hope you do!), please RSVP online at http://event.pingg.com/CA2011 to help us get a proper headcount.
Once again, we look forward to seeing you, and to your continued success in 2011.
Until Next Time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
|
|
How the iPad is Helping Businesses Cut Costs
|
|
Many businesses today are turning to devices like the iPad to help their businesses cut costs and become more efficient. If you are looking to cut costs, perhaps some of the options outlined below will inspire you with ways technology can help your business to save money.
Mobile apps are constantly being developed for people and businesses to make their lives easier and to run operations more smoothly. Lutron is a top development and manufacturing company for lighting control systems, creating energy saving solutions for homes and businesses.
In a recent article from Mashable.com, Erica Swallow explains: "With the Lutron Home Control+ iPad app ($19.99), home or business users with Lutron's RadioRA 2 or HomeWorks QS control systems installed can monitor their systems while away from home, control multiple systems, adjust energy-saving preferences, modify time clock functionalities and edit presets." The app is basically a remote control for a user's lights, window shades, temperature thermostats, and appliances.
While the iPad app runs with Lutron's RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS systems, which are specifically designed for home use cases, a Lutron technician explained that the systems (and app) are currently being used by smaller scale businesses to save on utilities, including offices and restaurants.
The Mashable.com article then goes on to explain how an auditing firm uses the smartNotes iPad app to switch to a paperless auditing method, which in turn increases time efficiency by 15-20%, reduces errors, and improves data management.
Lastly, one of the largest problems many paper reliant businesses run into is the cost of printing. A well-known architectural design firm has significantly reduced their dependency on paper by using the iPad. The firm has begun to switch many of their presentations for client presentations and meetings over to the iPad, reducing the need for high quality printing by as much as 80%. They are estimating around $15,000+ in savings by switching over to the iPad as a business tool.
You can find the Mashable.com article here: How The iPad Is Helping Businesses Go Green
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|
|
Question:
Tech pitcher Chad Bettis was selected in 2nd round, pick # 76 of the 2010 MLB Draft. Prior to Bettis, what Tech pitcher was also selected in the 2nd round of an MLB Draft?
Look for the answer at the end of the newsletter. |
|
Tip of the Month
|
|
How to Erase Your Hard Drive before You Recycle.
Many people these days are recycling their old technology in order to leave less of a footprint in the environment or to give technology away to the less fortunate. However, there is always the concern that files are left on the hard drive that could be used by someone who should not have access to this information.
To work around this there is a free program available that can help you erase your hard drive. DBAN (Derik's Boot and Nuke) is a small program whose primary purpose is to securely clean computer hard drives. In other words, it makes use of special algorithms that go through your hard drive and make sure that no one can recover any of your information.
Just be careful when using a program like DBAN. It will erase your entire hard drive. Not only will it erase your computing documents, it will also erase your entire operating system. This is great when you are giving your computer away!
Using DBAN
Using DBAN is actually quite easy. Nonetheless, here are the steps involved.
- Head over to the DBAN homepage and click on the download tab.
- Click on the item listed under the Preview Releases. As of the time of this writing, DBAN is at version 2.2.6
- Take the .iso file you downloaded and burn it to a CD or a DVD. If you have Windows 7, the ability to burn an .iso file is built right in.
- Restart your computer, while the CD or DVD is in your CD/DVD tray, and enter your Boot Menu (usually hit F8 a number of times as your PC starts).
- Choose to boot from your CD/DVD.
- DBAN should load up and you should see a blue background. First, ensure that you really want to erase your PCs hard drive. If you do, enter the word autonuke and hit enter. DBAN will begin the process of erasing your computer; this may take an hour or more to accomplish.
|
| Staff Spotlight - Tim Tucker |
|
Tim Tucker is the newest member of the CTSI family. While having just started with CTSI in March as a Customer Technician, he is no stranger to the South Plains. Born and raised in Lubbock, he is used to the 50+ mph winds we have experienced this month and the interesting weather we experience throughout the year. Tim graduated from Lubbock High School in 2005 and continued his education by attending Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in May 2010. While attending Schreiner he spent a semester abroad studying Humanities at King's College in London.
"I loved living abroad. One of the best parts was that the chemistry lab looked right out over Big Ben, Parliament, and the Thames River," Tim said.
Before starting with CTSI he worked at The Home Depot as the delivery coordinator for over a year. In his free time he enjoys running, golfing, and playing with his three year old westie, Lauren.
|
| Helen's Recipe of the Month |
Helen Burns, CTSI's Purchasing Manager, has been with the company for the past ten years. In addition to her purchasing duties, Helen serves as our unofficial party coordinator. Helen (with help from our administrative assistant, Nancy Clark) makes sure we celebrate every staff member's birthday as well as various holidays by providing a wide range of delectable treats. Without further ado, from Helen's kitchen to you!
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup milk
1 envelope taco seasoning (any brand)
3 cups cooked white meat chicken, chopped
(May substitute an equal amount of browned ground beef or shredded beef, if desired.)
8 oz chopped green chilies
2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese
16 corn tortillas, quartered
Mix first 4 ingredients together and blend well. Then toss chicken and taco seasoning together and blend well. Cover the bottom of a sprayed 9 X 11 baking pan with a layer of tortillas. Cover with 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture, 1/3 of the chicken, green chilies, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve with chips and picante sauce. Serves 6-8.
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| Tech Trivia Answer: |
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Matt Miller, Round 2- Pick #41 overall, 1996
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