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 The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Business's IT Department
October, 2009 - Vol 1, Issue 6
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| Upcoming Area Events |
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10/24- CTSI Tech Tailgate -
Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M - Join us before the game in lot C-4 for food, football, and fun! Brought to you by Cisco.
10/31- Texas Tech vs. Kansas Football
11/6 - Lubbock Wine Festival
11/7 - Old Mill Trade Day
11/9 - Lady Raider vs. LCU Basketball
11/13 - Texas Tech Basketball Tournament
11/14 - Lady Raiders vs. Sam Houston State Basketball
11/20 - Southwest Symphony, Hobbs, NM 7pm
11/21 - Holiday Happening Breakfast with Santa
11/21- Kids 4 Kids Gift Drive
11/21 - Texas Tech vs. Lamar Cardinals Basketball
11/21 - Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma Football
11/22 - Lady Raider basketball vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
11/22 - Holiday Happening
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/28 - Texas Tech vs. Samford Bulldogs Basketball
11/28 - Lady Raider Basketball vs. Texas Arlington
11/29 - Lady Raider Basketball vs. Prairie View A&M
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| Milestones |
|
Donna Beavers (formerly Mize) was married on October 3rd. Congratulations to Donna and Larry on their new life together.
Pam Sumrall celebrated her 17th year with CTSI on October 2nd.
John King passed the seven year mark with the company on October 7th.
Joshua Whitley completed four years of service on October 3rd.
Jeremy Howard celebrated his fourth year of service on October 6th.
As of October 17th, Nancy Clark has been with CTSI for two years.
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| From David's Desk... |
|
"New and improved" is a label that is attached to almost every product being released these days. It's not always true but with Windows 7, the label fits. Microsoft's goal with Windows 7 was to make your PC faster, simpler, and more reliable. Windows 7 will be coming out October 22nd and I want you to be aware of some of the new features:
 
Productivity
Windows 7 enables end users to be productive no matter where they are or where their needed data resides. Users can work faster and with fewer interruptions because Windows 7 improves performance and reliability. Additionally, they do not have to look in multiple places to find information, because a single Windows Search can examine a SharePoint site on a company intranet as well as files on their computers. Windows Search is essentially a powerful search engine that is specific to your workstation and its peripherals. Click in the start menu search box and start typing and you'll see appropriate documents, pictures, music, and e-mail on your workstation. Results are now grouped by category and contain highlighted keywords and text snippets to make them easier to scan. Since few people store all their files in one place these days, Windows 7 is also designed to search external hard drives, networked PCs, and libraries.
Security
Windows 7 builds on the security foundation of previous versions of Windows, enhancing flexibility in securing computers and data. In addition to protecting internal computer hard disk drives, BitLocker™ Drive Encryption can encrypt external USB drives and hard disks--and provide recovery keys so that the data is accessible when it is needed. IT administrators can also use new application-blocking tools to dictate which applications are allowed to run on end user computers, providing another way to limit the risk of malicious software.
Management
In addition to the new security and control features, Windows 7 also allows businesses to streamline desktop management with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. The optimization pack is updated at least once a year and completes the enterprise experience. By using Windows 7 and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack together, enterprises can optimize their desktop infrastructure and gain the flexibility to address individual business needs. Companies can quickly prepare to deploy Windows 7 by immediately deploying Windows Vista and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. Customers who are already running Windows Vista will find that Windows 7 delivers strong compatibility with Windows Vista software and devices, and that Windows 7 can be managed with many of the same tools that they use to manage Windows Vista. Companies that are using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack will have an even greater advantage when moving to Windows 7 because they can more easily migrate settings and applications.
Overall, the initial feedback for Windows 7 from industry insiders has been extremely positive. Like any new program, users will face a certain amount of adjustment to the new features and layout but it seems like Microsoft has hit a home run with this release. As always, CTSI will be available for issues and questions that you might run into. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
Until next time,
David D. Baucum
President, CTSI
|
| Tech Tailgate presented by CTSI and Cisco |
Date: October 24, 2009 
Time: 4:00pm
CTSI and Cisco invite you to come help us cheer for the Red Raiders!
CTSI is teaming up with Cisco to host a Tech Tailgate prior to the Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M game on October 24th. Our tailgate will begin 2 hours prior to kickoff. We will have Chick-fil-A sandwiches and soft drinks for your enjoyment. Come visit us to learn about CTSI, Cisco's latest innovations, and of course, to get fired up before another epic battle between Texas Tech and Texas A&M!
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| Tax Primer: Section 179 and How it Can Help Your Business |
|
Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. It's an incentive created by the US Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves.
If you are a small or medium-sized business owner who has purchased or leased equipment in 2009 and placed it into service during the calendar year, then you need to elect to take the Section 179 Deduction to ensure that your business captures the available tax savings (it is not automatic - you must elect to take it.)
Successful businesses take advantage of legal tax incentives to help lower their operating costs. The Section 179 Deduction is a tax incentive that is easy to use, and gives businesses an incentive to invest in themselves. In short, taking advantage of the Section 179 Deduction will help your business keep more capital, while also getting needed equipment.
We at CTSI recommend that our clients take advantage of this offering by the IRS. The ever-evolving nature of technology consistently helps today's business environment, but it's a major investment for any corporation to purchase and maintain a solid office network. Therefore, it makes sense to use this depreciation to evaluate business technology needs within your company. Replacing aging equipment can dramatically improve performance and efficiency within an office.
Please keep in mind that to qualify for the Section 179 Deduction, the below equipment must be purchased and put into use between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
- Equipment (machines, etc) purchased for business use
- Tangible personal property used in business
- Business Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 6,000 lbs
- Computers
- Computer Software (off the shelf)
- Office Furniture
- Office Equipment
- Property attached to your building that is not a structural component of the building (i.e.: a printing press, large manufacturing tools and equipment)
- Partial Business Use (equipment that is purchased for business use and personal use - generally, your deduction will be based on the percentage of time you use the equipment for business purposes.)
However, Section 179 can change yearly without notice, so it benefits you to take advantage of this generous tax code while it's available. Section 179 offers small businesses a great opportunity to maximize their purchasing power. In addition, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and Recovery Act of 2009 has provided the small business owner with generous new (and higher) deduction limits. Most of the equipment your business will purchase or lease qualifies for the deduction, so do your homework and verify that your company is leveraging the Section 179 Deduction this year.
|
| Tips of the Month |
Some handy time-saving shortcuts for both beginners and experts:
-
When working with Excel, Word, or PowerPoint, you can save the current document with a new name, or in a different directory, or on another device, by tapping the F12 key. The "Save As" dialog box appears. Then you can enter your filename and press Enter.
- Not every laptop uses this keystroke, but most seem to. If you're on a plane or in a hospital, you should disable your wireless receiver. Or suppose you're riding in a train or car and you know there's no wireless signal, you'll increase your battery performance if you disable the wireless receiver. Hit Fn+F2 and it'll toggle wireless on and off. (Practice it a few times so you can recognize how the icons in the system tray appear, so you'll know to switch it back on if you ever disable it by accident.)
|
| Staff Spotlight |
Meet Donna Beavers
Donna began her career at CTSI as the receptionist; from there she transitioned from data entry to internal accounting. As CTSI has grown over the years, Donna has been a vital part of the team. We enjoy having Donna and wanted you to get to know a little more about her.
What is your title, and what do you do at CTSI?
-
My title is Internal Accountant. I am responisble for CTSI's payables, receivables, general ledger, cash flow tracking, and much more.
How long have you been at CTSI?
- This November I will have been with CTSI for 19 years.
Tell us about your family
- I am recently married to Larry Beavers. Larry and I met in high school in Colorado City. We lost touch over the years and recently became reacquainted. I have two children, Naomi and Clay. I also have three grandchildren.
If you weren't in the business technology sector, what would you be doing?
- If I was not with CTSI, I would probably be teaching. I recieved my business degree with a teaching certificate.
What do you do in your free time? (hobbies, places you like to visit)
- I love to go dancing, it is my original hobby. Recently, I have been learning to golf with Larry. It's a challenge, but lots of fun to learn.
In the next couple of weeks, I will be going on my honeymoon in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We plan to go horseback riding, fishing, and golfing. I really like the outdoors.
Tell us your favorite things about Lubbock
- I love how Lubbock has all of the amenities of a large city, with that small town feel. Everyone here is so personable. I enjoy living here.
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| Helen's Recipe of the Month |
Helen Burns, CTSI's Purchasing Manager, has been with the company for almost nine 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, here's a recipe--enjoy!
Prime Rib-Mushroom Soup
4 cups very hot water
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 lb roasted prime rib (or substitute barbequed brisket) cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish if desired
Dissolve bouillon cubes in the hot water and add all the remaining ingredients in a large soup pan and bring almost to a boil (but do not boil!) Simmer over low heat 1 ½ - 2 hours. Delicious served with warm, crusty bread. Serves 4 - 5
|
|
See You Next Month!
Miss a prior newsletter? See our newsletter archive.
Thank you for giving us the privilege of serving you! If there are any topics that you would like us to cover in future newsletters, please drop us a line.
Sincerely,
|
3223 S. Loop 289, Suite 556
Lubbock, TX 79423
Voice: 806.793.8961
Fax: 806.793.8968
www.ctsinet.com
|
|
The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Business's IT Department
October, 2009 - Vol 1, Issue 6
|
|
| |
| Upcoming Area Events |
|
10/24- CTSI Tech Tailgate -
Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M - Join us before the game in lot C-4 for food, football, and fun! Brought to you by Cisco.
10/31- Texas Tech vs. Kansas Football
11/6 - Lubbock Wine Festival
11/7 - Old Mill Trade Day
11/9 - Lady Raider vs. LCU Basketball
11/13 - Texas Tech Basketball Tournament
11/14 - Lady Raiders vs. Sam Houston State Basketball
11/20 - Southwest Symphony, Hobbs, NM 7pm
11/21 - Holiday Happening Breakfast with Santa
11/21- Kids 4 Kids Gift Drive
11/21 - Texas Tech vs. Lamar Cardinals Basketball
11/21 - Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma Football
11/22 - Lady Raider basketball vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
11/22 - Holiday Happening
11/26 - Thanksgiving
11/28 - Texas Tech vs. Samford Bulldogs Basketball
11/28 - Lady Raider Basketball vs. Texas Arlington
11/29 - Lady Raider Basketball vs. Prairie View A&M
|
| Milestones |
|
Donna Beavers (formerly Mize) was married on October 3rd. Congratulations to Donna and Larry on their new life together.
Pam Sumrall celebrated her 17th year with CTSI on October 2nd.
John King passed the seven year mark with the company on October 7th.
Joshua Whitley completed four years of service on October 3rd.
Jeremy Howard celebrated his fourth year of service on October 6th.
As of October 17th, Nancy Clark has been with CTSI for two years.
|
|
|
| From David's Desk... |
|
"New and improved" is a label that is attached to almost every product being released these days. It's not always true but with Windows 7, the label fits. Microsoft's goal with Windows 7 was to make your PC faster, simpler, and more reliable. Windows 7 will be coming out October 22nd and I want you to be aware of some of the new features:
Productivity
Windows 7 enables end users to be productive no matter where they are or where their needed data resides. Users can work faster and with fewer interruptions because Windows 7 improves performance and reliability. Additionally, they do not have to look in multiple places to find information, because a single Windows Search can examine a SharePoint site on a company intranet as well as files on their computers. Windows Search is essentially a powerful search engine that is specific to your workstation and its peripherals. Click in the start menu search box and start typing and you'll see appropriate documents, pictures, music, and e-mail on your workstation. Results are now grouped by category and contain highlighted keywords and text snippets to make them easier to scan. Since few people store all their files in one place these days, Windows 7 is also designed to search external hard drives, networked PCs, and libraries.
Security
Windows 7 builds on the security foundation of previous versions of Windows, enhancing flexibility in securing computers and data. In addition to protecting internal computer hard disk drives, BitLocker™ Drive Encryption can encrypt external USB drives and hard disks--and provide recovery keys so that the data is accessible when it is needed. IT administrators can also use new application-blocking tools to dictate which applications are allowed to run on end user computers, providing another way to limit the risk of malicious software.
Management
In addition to the new security and control features, Windows 7 also allows businesses to streamline desktop management with the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. The optimization pack is updated at least once a year and completes the enterprise experience. By using Windows 7 and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack together, enterprises can optimize their desktop infrastructure and gain the flexibility to address individual business needs. Companies can quickly prepare to deploy Windows 7 by immediately deploying Windows Vista and the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack. Customers who are already running Windows Vista will find that Windows 7 delivers strong compatibility with Windows Vista software and devices, and that Windows 7 can be managed with many of the same tools that they use to manage Windows Vista. Companies that are using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack will have an even greater advantage when moving to Windows 7 because they can more easily migrate settings and applications.
Overall, the initial feedback for Windows 7 from industry insiders has been extremely positive. Like any new program, users will face a certain amount of adjustment to the new features and layout but it seems like Microsoft has hit a home run with this release. As always, CTSI will be available for issues and questions that you might run into. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.
Until next time,
David D. Baucum
President, CTSI
|
| Tech Tailgate presented by CTSI and Cisco |
| Date: October 24, 2009
Time: 4:00pm
CTSI and Cisco invite you to come help us cheer for the Red Raiders!
CTSI is teaming up with Cisco to host a Tech Tailgate prior to the Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M game on October 24th. Our tailgate will begin 2 hours prior to kickoff. We will have Chick-fil-A sandwiches and soft drinks for your enjoyment. Come visit us to learn about CTSI, Cisco's latest innovations, and of course, to get fired up before another epic battle between Texas Tech and Texas A&M!
|
|
|
| |
| Tax Primer: Section 179 and How it Can Help Your Business |
|
Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the tax year. That means that if you buy (or lease) a piece of qualifying equipment, you can deduct the FULL PURCHASE PRICE from your gross income. It's an incentive created by the US Government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves.
If you are a small or medium-sized business owner who has purchased or leased equipment in 2009 and placed it into service during the calendar year, then you need to elect to take the Section 179 Deduction to ensure that your business captures the available tax savings (it is not automatic - you must elect to take it.)
Successful businesses take advantage of legal tax incentives to help lower their operating costs. The Section 179 Deduction is a tax incentive that is easy to use, and gives businesses an incentive to invest in themselves. In short, taking advantage of the Section 179 Deduction will help your business keep more capital, while also getting needed equipment.
We at CTSI recommend that our clients take advantage of this offering by the IRS. The ever-evolving nature of technology consistently helps today's business environment, but it's a major investment for any corporation to purchase and maintain a solid office network. Therefore, it makes sense to use this depreciation to evaluate business technology needs within your company. Replacing aging equipment can dramatically improve performance and efficiency within an office.
Please keep in mind that to qualify for the Section 179 Deduction, the below equipment must be purchased and put into use between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
- Equipment (machines, etc) purchased for business use
- Tangible personal property used in business
- Business Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 6,000 lbs
- Computers
- Computer Software (off the shelf)
- Office Furniture
- Office Equipment
- Property attached to your building that is not a structural component of the building (i.e.: a printing press, large manufacturing tools and equipment)
- Partial Business Use (equipment that is purchased for business use and personal use - generally, your deduction will be based on the percentage of time you use the equipment for business purposes.)
However, Section 179 can change yearly without notice, so it benefits you to take advantage of this generous tax code while it's available. Section 179 offers small businesses a great opportunity to maximize their purchasing power. In addition, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 and Recovery Act of 2009 has provided the small business owner with generous new (and higher) deduction limits. Most of the equipment your business will purchase or lease qualifies for the deduction, so do your homework and verify that your company is leveraging the Section 179 Deduction this year.
|
| Tips of the Month |
| Some handy time-saving shortcuts for both beginners and experts:
-
When working with Excel, Word, or PowerPoint, you can save the current document with a new name, or in a different directory, or on another device, by tapping the F12 key. The "Save As" dialog box appears. Then you can enter your filename and press Enter.
- Not every laptop uses this keystroke, but most seem to. If you're on a plane or in a hospital, you should disable your wireless receiver. Or suppose you're riding in a train or car and you know there's no wireless signal, you'll increase your battery performance if you disable the wireless receiver. Hit Fn+F2 and it'll toggle wireless on and off. (Practice it a few times so you can recognize how the icons in the system tray appear, so you'll know to switch it back on if you ever disable it by accident.)
|
| Staff Spotlight |
Meet Donna Beavers
Donna began her career at CTSI as the receptionist; from there she transitioned from data entry to internal accounting. As CTSI has grown over the years, Donna has been a vital part of the team. We enjoy having Donna and wanted you to get to know a little more about her.
What is your title, and what do you do at CTSI?
-
My title is Internal Accountant. I am responisble for CTSI's payables, receivables, general ledger, cash flow tracking, and much more.
How long have you been at CTSI?
- This November I will have been with CTSI for 19 years.
Tell us about your family
- I am recently married to Larry Beavers. Larry and I met in high school in Colorado City. We lost touch over the years and recently became reacquainted. I have two children, Naomi and Clay. I also have three grandchildren.
If you weren't in the business technology sector, what would you be doing?
- If I was not with CTSI, I would probably be teaching. I recieved my business degree with a teaching certificate.
What do you do in your free time? (hobbies, places you like to visit)
- I love to go dancing, it is my original hobby. Recently, I have been learning to golf with Larry. It's a challenge, but lots of fun to learn.
In the next couple of weeks, I will be going on my honeymoon in Ruidoso, New Mexico. We plan to go horseback riding, fishing, and golfing. I really like the outdoors.
Tell us your favorite things about Lubbock
- I love how Lubbock has all of the amenities of a large city, with that small town feel. Everyone here is so personable. I enjoy living here.
|
|
| |
| |
| Helen's Recipe of the Month |
|
Helen Burns, CTSI's Purchasing Manager, has been with the company for almost nine 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, here's a recipe--enjoy!
Prime Rib-Mushroom Soup
4 cups very hot water
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 lb roasted prime rib (or substitute barbequed brisket) cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish if desired
Dissolve bouillon cubes in the hot water and add all the remaining ingredients in a large soup pan and bring almost to a boil (but do not boil!) Simmer over low heat 1 ½ - 2 hours. Delicious served with warm, crusty bread. Serves 4 - 5
|
|
See You Next Month!
Miss a prior newsletter? See our newsletter archive.
Thank you for giving us the privilege of serving you! If there are any topics that you would like us to cover in future newsletters, please drop us a line.
Sincerely,
|
3223 S. Loop 289, Suite 556
Lubbock, TX 79423
Voice: 806.793.8961
Fax: 806.793.8968
www.ctsinet.com
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