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 The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
May, 2011 - Vol 3, Issue 5
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Upcoming Area Events
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5/20/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., Dan Law Field, 6:30pm.
5/21/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., DLF, 5:00pm.
5/22/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., DLF, 1:00pm.
5/26/11 - Sugarland in Concert, United Spirit Arena, 8:00pm.
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From David's Desk...
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On Aprl 21st, we held a Client Appreciation event at The Fox and Hound in Lubbock. It was great seeing so many of you there, and getting to chance to visit a bit without "talking shop." Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to come spend time with us, and thank you for allowing us to be a partner in your business's success. Without you--our valued clients--there would be no CTSI, and we love to take the opportunity to show just how much you mean to us.
 |
| CTSI Client Appreciation Event - 4/21/11 |
Fortunately our good friends at HP, Microsoft, Cisco, Symantec, and Ingram Micro help make it possible for us to hold such events from time to time. If you haven't made it to one before, I encourage you to make an effort to attend in the future. Not only does it give us a chance to interact with you and spend some quality time with our valued clients, but it also allows you to meet those working "behind the scenes" day-in and day-out to keep your IT infrastructure humming. At the very least, it gives you a chance to enjoy some tasty finger foods and beverages of your choice in a fun environment.
Speaking of fun, congratulations to Scott McLaughlin and Bill Varner, who were the big winners in our X-Box 360 Kinect bundle giveaway!
Finally, I would like to encourage you to become a fan of "Computer Transition Services, Inc." on Facebook. Our good friend Dr. Kathleen Nichols, DDS, has issued a challenge to us. She claims that she can reach 500 fans faster than we can. So, when you get a chance, go out there to CTSI's Facebook page and click on that "Like" button! We'll keep you posted on the outcome.
Thank you again for trusting us to be your technology partner. I look forward to seeing you and your co-workers at any future events.
Until Next Time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
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| 7 Things New Features in Windows 8 |
Although Windows 7 is still a fairly new operating system, we are already hearing a good amount of buzz regarding some of the improvements in the works for Windows 8. Below is a list of the 7 biggest upgrades:
ARM-ament
It's no secret that Microsoft wants Windows on tablets. To get there, Windows 8 will include support for ARM processors, as Steve Ballmer demonstrated at CES in January. That means it could compete with Android and iOS on slim, low-power devices-if Microsoft keeps bloat under control.
Touch Optimization
The inefficiency of Windows touch-screen interfaces has been, well, a touchstone of tech reality for more than a decade. But design elements from the login screen, task manager, and browser all point to tight integration of touch controls throughout the operating system. A touch-friendly login screen buried in the leaked code lets you unlock the device using a pattern rather than a password, in the same way Android does. Some short-lived YouTube videos (DMCA'd by Microsoft's legal team) also demonstrated gesture support.
Ribbons Galore
All Windows Explorer menus will feature a ribbon interface similar to that of Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010. It does appear that Windows 8 will provide an option to revert back to the style of menu bars that has been existent in previous operating systems.
Revamped Task Manager
Managing running applications-and being able to quickly kill resource-hogging tasks-is even more critical on mobile devices than it is on gaming rigs. The reconfigured tool, renamed Modern Windows Task Manager, will give you a single window from which to spot and kill the processes that are slowing down your system by combining the Resource Monitor and the Task Manager together. It also includes tap-friendly kill buttons for tablet users.
Immersive Browser
Some leaked screenshots from the Windows 8 alpha show a simple, full-screen browser that looks identical to the Metro browser included in Windows Phone 7, complete with a mosaic of little blocks for favorites and such. Once again, strong evidence that Microsoft is betting big on tablets as the future home of Windows.
Cloud Integration
It also looks like Windows will get integrated cloud storage synching with Win8. In addition to Windows Live SkyDrive, which you'd expect the next Windows to support by default, it appears you'll be able to add third-party cloud storage services as mapped drives.
Portable Workspaces
The demise of U3 in 2009 left a void in the portable apps market that Microsoft helped to fill by co-founding StartKey in partnership with SanDisk. It now appears that Microsoft is integrating this technology directly into Windows 8 with a feature called Portable Workspace. Leaked screenshots show that USB drives of 16GB or larger will be formatted with a portable image of the user's Windows 8 system. Essentially turning that USB drive into a pocketable clone of your PC.
Article Adapted From: Gizmodo.com
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Former Texas Tech Track & Field standout Johnathan Johnson competed in the Olympics for the US. Can you name the event in which he competed?
Look for the answer at the end of the newsletter. |
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Tip of the Month
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Usually in this section of the newsletter we discuss a tip that might help you be more proficient with technology you are currently using. This month however, we will be taking a quick look at a website that can help you find inspiration when attempting to create a domain name for your new website or even if you are considering changing your current domain name.
 Panabee is a simple, useful tool for finding great domain names. In an increasingly crowded Internet - and a crowded general marketplace where one's company name and URL are often one and the same - this seemingly simple task poses more problems for entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses than one might imagine.
Some registrars such as GoDaddy will suggest new domain names if the one you want isn't available, but you have to admit, a .biz or .info top-level domain (TLD) isn't the best choice for any business or personal URL.
Panabee, on the other hand, will show you quite a few interesting variations around your preferred URL or keyword. Better still, it can show you the URLs of your competitors for that keyword.
Panabee does a great job of quickly and succinctly showing us the Internet landscape of keyword-relevant URLs with both the traditional .com TLD and a wide range of trendy or at least plausible alternate TLDs.
Panabee can also show users related terms, web search results and social media postings containing the given keyword or keywords, just to give you a little extra inspiration.
Elements Adapted from Mashable.com
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Staff Spotlight - Jeff Baucum
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Jeff Baucum joined CTSI in June of 2003 as a marketing intern. Since that time, he has worked in a variety of roles and has learned much about the technology industry and what it takes to succeed in today's business climate. Jeff was promoted to Technology Consultant this past January, and he looks forward to meeting new clients and providing technology solutions to fit their needs.
Jeff grew up in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, he worked at the Office of Annual Giving, soliciting gifts from alumni. In his time there, Jeff raised over $25,000 for the university before accepting a management role and overseeing the training of new employees. His outstanding work at Texas Tech formed the foundation for his original employment at CTSI.
When he is not working, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is an avid hunter and fisherman, thanks to many trips to ranches across Texas and annual trips to Colorado for trout fishing. Jeff and his fiancee, April, are currently planning a wedding to be held in early 2012.
Jeff truly enjoys working at CTSI and is excited about the opportunities provided by his new role within the company.
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Helen's Recipe of the Month
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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!
Country Club Pies
(Makes 2 Pies)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup coconut
1 stick butter
2 - 8 oz tubs Extra Creamy Cool Whip
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
2 - 9 inch ready-made graham cracker crusts
1 squeeze bottle caramel syrup
In a heavy skillet, combine pecans, coconut, and butter and toast on medium heat until deep golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, cream cheese, and Eagle Brand milk and blend thoroughly. In each pie crust spread 1/4 of the Cool Whip mixture, cover with 1/4 of the pecan mixture, drizzle with the caramel syrup, and repeat layers, ending with the caramel syrup drizzled on top of each pie. Place pies in the freezer and serve frozen. It is a very rich dessert, and each pie serves 8-10. Pies may be stored 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Tech Trivia Answer:
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He raced in the 800 meters in Athens, Greece in 2004. He was the only American to qualify for the event.
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The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
May, 2011 - Vol 3, Issue 5
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Area Events
|
5/20/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., Dan Law Field, 6:30pm.
5/21/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., DLF, 5:00pm.
5/22/11 - Baseball v. Oklahoma St., DLF, 1:00pm.
5/26/11 - Sugarland in Concert, United Spirit Arena, 8:00pm.
|
|
|
|
From David's Desk...
|
On Aprl 21st, we held a Client Appreciation event at The Fox and Hound in Lubbock. It was great seeing so many of you there, and getting to chance to visit a bit without "talking shop." Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to come spend time with us, and thank you for allowing us to be a partner in your business's success. Without you--our valued clients--there would be no CTSI, and we love to take the opportunity to show just how much you mean to us.
|
| CTSI Client Appreciation Event - 4/21/11 |
Fortunately our good friends at HP, Microsoft, Cisco, Symantec, and Ingram Micro help make it possible for us to hold such events from time to time. If you haven't made it to one before, I encourage you to make an effort to attend in the future. Not only does it give us a chance to interact with you and spend some quality time with our valued clients, but it also allows you to meet those working "behind the scenes" day-in and day-out to keep your IT infrastructure humming. At the very least, it gives you a chance to enjoy some tasty finger foods and beverages of your choice in a fun environment.
Speaking of fun, congratulations to Scott McLaughlin and Bill Varner, who were the big winners in our X-Box 360 Kinect bundle giveaway!
Finally, I would like to encourage you to become a fan of "Computer Transition Services, Inc." on Facebook. Our good friend Dr. Kathleen Nichols, DDS, has issued a challenge to us. She claims that she can reach 500 fans faster than we can. So, when you get a chance, go out there to CTSI's Facebook page and click on that "Like" button! We'll keep you posted on the outcome.
Thank you again for trusting us to be your technology partner. I look forward to seeing you and your co-workers at any future events.
Until Next Time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
|
| 7 Things New Features in Windows 8 |
Although Windows 7 is still a fairly new operating system, we are already hearing a good amount of buzz regarding some of the improvements in the works for Windows 8. Below is a list of the 7 biggest upgrades:
ARM-ament
It's no secret that Microsoft wants Windows on tablets. To get there, Windows 8 will include support for ARM processors, as Steve Ballmer demonstrated at CES in January. That means it could compete with Android and iOS on slim, low-power devices-if Microsoft keeps bloat under control.
Touch Optimization
The inefficiency of Windows touch-screen interfaces has been, well, a touchstone of tech reality for more than a decade. But design elements from the login screen, task manager, and browser all point to tight integration of touch controls throughout the operating system. A touch-friendly login screen buried in the leaked code lets you unlock the device using a pattern rather than a password, in the same way Android does. Some short-lived YouTube videos (DMCA'd by Microsoft's legal team) also demonstrated gesture support.
Ribbons Galore
All Windows Explorer menus will feature a ribbon interface similar to that of Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010. It does appear that Windows 8 will provide an option to revert back to the style of menu bars that has been existent in previous operating systems.
Revamped Task Manager
Managing running applications-and being able to quickly kill resource-hogging tasks-is even more critical on mobile devices than it is on gaming rigs. The reconfigured tool, renamed Modern Windows Task Manager, will give you a single window from which to spot and kill the processes that are slowing down your system by combining the Resource Monitor and the Task Manager together. It also includes tap-friendly kill buttons for tablet users.
Immersive Browser
Some leaked screenshots from the Windows 8 alpha show a simple, full-screen browser that looks identical to the Metro browser included in Windows Phone 7, complete with a mosaic of little blocks for favorites and such. Once again, strong evidence that Microsoft is betting big on tablets as the future home of Windows.
Cloud Integration
It also looks like Windows will get integrated cloud storage synching with Win8. In addition to Windows Live SkyDrive, which you'd expect the next Windows to support by default, it appears you'll be able to add third-party cloud storage services as mapped drives.
Portable Workspaces
The demise of U3 in 2009 left a void in the portable apps market that Microsoft helped to fill by co-founding StartKey in partnership with SanDisk. It now appears that Microsoft is integrating this technology directly into Windows 8 with a feature called Portable Workspace. Leaked screenshots show that USB drives of 16GB or larger will be formatted with a portable image of the user's Windows 8 system. Essentially turning that USB drive into a pocketable clone of your PC.
Article Adapted From: Gizmodo.com
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Texas Tech Track & Field standout Johnathan Johnson competed in the Olympics for the US. Can you name the event in which he competed?
Look for the answer at the end of the newsletter. |
|
Tip of the Month
|
|
Usually in this section of the newsletter we discuss a tip that might help you be more proficient with technology you are currently using. This month however, we will be taking a quick look at a website that can help you find inspiration when attempting to create a domain name for your new website or even if you are considering changing your current domain name.
Panabee is a simple, useful tool for finding great domain names. In an increasingly crowded Internet - and a crowded general marketplace where one's company name and URL are often one and the same - this seemingly simple task poses more problems for entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses than one might imagine.
Some registrars such as GoDaddy will suggest new domain names if the one you want isn't available, but you have to admit, a .biz or .info top-level domain (TLD) isn't the best choice for any business or personal URL.
Panabee, on the other hand, will show you quite a few interesting variations around your preferred URL or keyword. Better still, it can show you the URLs of your competitors for that keyword.
Panabee does a great job of quickly and succinctly showing us the Internet landscape of keyword-relevant URLs with both the traditional .com TLD and a wide range of trendy or at least plausible alternate TLDs.
Panabee can also show users related terms, web search results and social media postings containing the given keyword or keywords, just to give you a little extra inspiration.
Elements Adapted from Mashable.com
|
|
Staff Spotlight - Jeff Baucum
|
|
Jeff Baucum joined CTSI in June of 2003 as a marketing intern. Since that time, he has worked in a variety of roles and has learned much about the technology industry and what it takes to succeed in today's business climate. Jeff was promoted to Technology Consultant this past January, and he looks forward to meeting new clients and providing technology solutions to fit their needs.
Jeff grew up in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, he worked at the Office of Annual Giving, soliciting gifts from alumni. In his time there, Jeff raised over $25,000 for the university before accepting a management role and overseeing the training of new employees. His outstanding work at Texas Tech formed the foundation for his original employment at CTSI.
When he is not working, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is an avid hunter and fisherman, thanks to many trips to ranches across Texas and annual trips to Colorado for trout fishing. Jeff and his fiancee, April, are currently planning a wedding to be held in early 2012.
Jeff truly enjoys working at CTSI and is excited about the opportunities provided by his new role within the company.
|
|
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!
Country Club Pies
(Makes 2 Pies)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup coconut
1 stick butter
2 - 8 oz tubs Extra Creamy Cool Whip
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
2 - 9 inch ready-made graham cracker crusts
1 squeeze bottle caramel syrup
In a heavy skillet, combine pecans, coconut, and butter and toast on medium heat until deep golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, cream cheese, and Eagle Brand milk and blend thoroughly. In each pie crust spread 1/4 of the Cool Whip mixture, cover with 1/4 of the pecan mixture, drizzle with the caramel syrup, and repeat layers, ending with the caramel syrup drizzled on top of each pie. Place pies in the freezer and serve frozen. It is a very rich dessert, and each pie serves 8-10. Pies may be stored 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Tech Trivia Answer:
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He raced in the 800 meters in Athens, Greece in 2004. He was the only American to qualify for the event.
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