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September 2010 Newsletter
 The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
September, 2010 - Vol 2, Issue 9 |
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| Upcoming Area Events |
9/2/10 - American State Bank Catfish Fry benefiting the Texas Nurses Association; 7pm, public event
9/6/10 - Labor Day - CTSI offices closed
9/12/10 - Cowboy Symposium; 9am-6:30pm, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
9/13/10 - Lubbock Area United Way Golf Tournament; Hillcrest Country Club
9/17/10 - Ragtime; 7pm, The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
9/17/10 - Kalf Fry; 5pm, Lonestar Events Center
9/30/10 - Los Lonely Boys; 7:30pm, South Plains Fair Grounds
9/18/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. UT football game
9/24/10 - Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Concert; 8pm, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
9/25/10 - United Way Chili Fest; Hobbs, NM
10/16/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State football game
11/6/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. Missouri football game
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| Milestones |
9/4/10 - Melanie Granzow marks 1 year with CTSI.
9/8/10 - Sarah Knowles celebrates 1 year with CTSI.
9/27/10 - Brian Alley has been part of the CTSI team for 8 years.
|
| Symantec Best Practices |
To avoid malicious applications, Symantec recommends these Best Practices:
* Only click through to trusted sources when searching on popular news items
* Never update "media player", "codec", or "Flash" when promoted by site hosting videos or not affiliated with that application
* Do not use Peer to Peer (P2P) on business machines, and be cautious on home machines
* Do not click on links or attachments in email unless it's from a trusted source and you expect to receive it.
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| From David's Desk... |
Announcing the CTSINet Management Assurance Program!
In today's unpredictable economy, almost everyone is being much more cautious with their money than at any time in the past 20 years. To that end, CTSI's newest managed services offering--the Assurance Program--is an excellent way to ensure that your company is receiving top-of-the-line technology support while also saving you money. Managed services are the newest customer service platform in IT, and CTSI has put together several packages to help area businesses use their technology assets more wisely. Many of you are members of our Watch or Protect Programs; however, the Assurance Program provides a higher level of support, at a fixed monthly price.
The goal of the Assurance Program is to increase our service to you, the client, while simplifying your budget-planning process. Whether it's diagnosing a server problem remotely, addressing an issue via an on-site visit from one of our technical services employees, or monitoring your workstations for imminent failures, CTSI can quickly and courteously address your technology needs through this program. The Assurance Program is a robust service package that essentially provides your business with its own IT department--for a fraction of the cost of staffing an in-house IT group.
Our system monitoring capabilities enable us to catch many problems before they occur, keeping all your covered devices operational, and giving you peace of mind. If a problem does occur (during business hours); CTSI will either resolve the issue remotely or send a technician to your site if needed. Either way, it's part of the fixed monthly fee! Our update procedures ensure that your machines are safely running the latest software patches. The preventive maintenance program that comes with the Assurance Program ensures that your IT investment remains in tip-top shape. Throw in anti-spam services, anti-virus, license management, regular reports, and so much more, and the CTSI Assurance Program quickly becomes your clear fixed-price technology solution. How's that for budget-friendly?
I look forward to sharing future technology resources from the CTSI team. If you have any questions regarding managed services for your business, feel free to contact me or a member of our Technology Consulting Group, and we will be glad to help you as part of our continuing effort to be your Trusted Technology Partner.
Until next time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
|
| Pocket Video Cameras |
What is a Flip? The Flip is a video camera that is small enough to be carried in one's pocket. Pocket video cameras mostly resemble mobile phones in shape and size, as opposed to traditional cameras. A typical pocket video camera will have an LCD screen of at least 1.5", the ability to capture HD video and standard video (or just standard video), internal memory, and a USB connector built-in. These handy gadgets can help you develop more content for your website, such as client testimonials and behind-the-scenes observations.
The increased use of video across the Internet leads to a massive amount of business implementation ideas. Small, pocket-sized video cameras, along with expectations about online video quality, are changing the ability of small businesses to compete with far larger companies. This development changes the game significantly. You no longer need a huge media budget to execute a semi-professional video. Today, all it takes is some inexpensive hardware and innovation.
Here are a few ideas for your pocket video camera:
1. Use video to raise your profile. Use a Flip to create simple instructional videos or to establish your expertise in your field. Video also raises your website's SEO profile.
2. Create authentic testimonials. A testimonial is more effective when one can see the person's face and body language.
3. Provide quick feedback. Video can offer you feedback on how a client is using a product or a problem a client has in the field. It also allows you a way to demonstrate a point to a client.
4. Go behind the scenes. Create more interest in your business by telling your story. Show how a product is made or document the progress of a project.
5. Enhance news releases. It's better to show than tell when it comes to new products, events or developments.
6. Client Interviews - Great for lawyers, accountants, etc. The camera is so small it just disappears while you're carrying on a conversation.
7. Virtual Tours - Give your client a tour at their convenience, from the comfort of their own home. It would be fantastic for carpenters, closet organizers, real estate, etc.
8. Inventory - Use one to record an inventory of your business' assets in the event of a fire or other loss.
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Tips of the Month
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| Some handy time-saving shortcuts for both beginners and experts:
In a few applications, you can press Ctrl+Y to repeat the last command. Very handy in Excel, for example.
Sometimes you want to reload a page in your browser. You can hit the F5 function key, or you can press Ctrl+R.
In most Microsoft Office apps (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), tap F7 to begin the spellcheck process.
|
| Staff Spotlight - Scott Addison |
 Scott Addison, a part-time Inside Technician, provides assistance to the Technical Services team at CTSI.
Scott grew up in Plains, Texas, which is about 70 miles southwest of Lubbock. He attended Plains High School and graduated in 2007. After graduation, Scott attended South Plains College for two years. Currently, he attends Texas Tech University and is studying to receive a general business degree. This Fall he is being inducted into Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization.
Scott is an avid sports fan. He enjoys rooting for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In his free time, Scott rides ATVs and hangs out with friends. He travels to Ruidoso regularly to visit family, go golfing, and relax. Scott also likes to visit Orlando, Florida fairly often to see friends.
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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!
 6 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped fine (more or less, to taste)
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
3 tblsp lime juice (fresh, not bottled)
ΒΌ cup minced fresh onion
1 tsp salt (more or less, to taste)
Combine all the above in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until well chilled. Then add 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, if desired. Salsa is best when refrigerated overnight.
Then add any or all of the following right before serving, if desired:
1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 large peach, peeled pitted, and diced
1 small can chopped green chilies
Serve with chips or over beef, chicken, or fish.
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The CTSI Tech Times
Monthly Updates from Your Trusted Technology Partner
September, 2010 - Vol 2, Issue 9 |
|
|
| Upcoming Area Events |
9/2/10 - American State Bank Catfish Fry benefiting the Texas Nurses Association; 7pm, public event
9/6/10 - Labor Day - CTSI offices closed
9/12/10 - Cowboy Symposium; 9am-6:30pm, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
9/13/10 - Lubbock Area United Way Golf Tournament; Hillcrest Country Club
9/17/10 - Ragtime; 7pm, The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
9/17/10 - Kalf Fry; 5pm, Lonestar Events Center
9/30/10 - Los Lonely Boys; 7:30pm, South Plains Fair Grounds
9/18/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. UT football game
9/24/10 - Lubbock Symphony Orchestra Concert; 8pm, Lubbock Memorial Civic Center
9/25/10 - United Way Chili Fest; Hobbs, NM
10/16/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State football game
11/6/10 - CTSI Tailgate at the Texas Tech vs. Missouri football game
|
| Milestones |
9/4/10 - Melanie Granzow marks 1 year with CTSI.
9/8/10 - Sarah Knowles celebrates 1 year with CTSI.
9/27/10 - Brian Alley has been part of the CTSI team for 8 years.
|
| Symantec Best Practices |
To avoid malicious applications, Symantec recommends these Best Practices:
* Only click through to trusted sources when searching on popular news items
* Never update "media player", "codec", or "Flash" when promoted by site hosting videos or not affiliated with that application
* Do not use Peer to Peer (P2P) on business machines, and be cautious on home machines
* Do not click on links or attachments in email unless it's from a trusted source and you expect to receive it.
|
|
|
| From David's Desk... |
Announcing the CTSINet Management Assurance Program!
In today's unpredictable economy, almost everyone is being much more cautious with their money than at any time in the past 20 years. To that end, CTSI's newest managed services offering--the Assurance Program--is an excellent way to ensure that your company is receiving top-of-the-line technology support while also saving you money. Managed services are the newest customer service platform in IT, and CTSI has put together several packages to help area businesses use their technology assets more wisely. Many of you are members of our Watch or Protect Programs; however, the Assurance Program provides a higher level of support, at a fixed monthly price.
The goal of the Assurance Program is to increase our service to you, the client, while simplifying your budget-planning process. Whether it's diagnosing a server problem remotely, addressing an issue via an on-site visit from one of our technical services employees, or monitoring your workstations for imminent failures, CTSI can quickly and courteously address your technology needs through this program. The Assurance Program is a robust service package that essentially provides your business with its own IT department--for a fraction of the cost of staffing an in-house IT group.
Our system monitoring capabilities enable us to catch many problems before they occur, keeping all your covered devices operational, and giving you peace of mind. If a problem does occur (during business hours); CTSI will either resolve the issue remotely or send a technician to your site if needed. Either way, it's part of the fixed monthly fee! Our update procedures ensure that your machines are safely running the latest software patches. The preventive maintenance program that comes with the Assurance Program ensures that your IT investment remains in tip-top shape. Throw in anti-spam services, anti-virus, license management, regular reports, and so much more, and the CTSI Assurance Program quickly becomes your clear fixed-price technology solution. How's that for budget-friendly?
I look forward to sharing future technology resources from the CTSI team. If you have any questions regarding managed services for your business, feel free to contact me or a member of our Technology Consulting Group, and we will be glad to help you as part of our continuing effort to be your Trusted Technology Partner.
Until next time,
David D. Baucum
President & CEO, CTSI
|
| Pocket Video Cameras |
What is a Flip? The Flip is a video camera that is small enough to be carried in one's pocket. Pocket video cameras mostly resemble mobile phones in shape and size, as opposed to traditional cameras. A typical pocket video camera will have an LCD screen of at least 1.5", the ability to capture HD video and standard video (or just standard video), internal memory, and a USB connector built-in. These handy gadgets can help you develop more content for your website, such as client testimonials and behind-the-scenes observations.
The increased use of video across the Internet leads to a massive amount of business implementation ideas. Small, pocket-sized video cameras, along with expectations about online video quality, are changing the ability of small businesses to compete with far larger companies. This development changes the game significantly. You no longer need a huge media budget to execute a semi-professional video. Today, all it takes is some inexpensive hardware and innovation.
Here are a few ideas for your pocket video camera:
1. Use video to raise your profile. Use a Flip to create simple instructional videos or to establish your expertise in your field. Video also raises your website's SEO profile.
2. Create authentic testimonials. A testimonial is more effective when one can see the person's face and body language.
3. Provide quick feedback. Video can offer you feedback on how a client is using a product or a problem a client has in the field. It also allows you a way to demonstrate a point to a client.
4. Go behind the scenes. Create more interest in your business by telling your story. Show how a product is made or document the progress of a project.
5. Enhance news releases. It's better to show than tell when it comes to new products, events or developments.
6. Client Interviews - Great for lawyers, accountants, etc. The camera is so small it just disappears while you're carrying on a conversation.
7. Virtual Tours - Give your client a tour at their convenience, from the comfort of their own home. It would be fantastic for carpenters, closet organizers, real estate, etc.
8. Inventory - Use one to record an inventory of your business' assets in the event of a fire or other loss.
|
|
|
|
|
Tips of the Month
|
| Some handy time-saving shortcuts for both beginners and experts:
In a few applications, you can press Ctrl+Y to repeat the last command. Very handy in Excel, for example.
Sometimes you want to reload a page in your browser. You can hit the F5 function key, or you can press Ctrl+R.
In most Microsoft Office apps (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), tap F7 to begin the spellcheck process.
|
| Staff Spotlight - Scott Addison |
Scott Addison, a part-time Inside Technician, provides assistance to the Technical Services team at CTSI.
Scott grew up in Plains, Texas, which is about 70 miles southwest of Lubbock. He attended Plains High School and graduated in 2007. After graduation, Scott attended South Plains College for two years. Currently, he attends Texas Tech University and is studying to receive a general business degree. This Fall he is being inducted into Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization.
Scott is an avid sports fan. He enjoys rooting for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In his free time, Scott rides ATVs and hangs out with friends. He travels to Ruidoso regularly to visit family, go golfing, and relax. Scott also likes to visit Orlando, Florida fairly often to see friends.
|
| 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!
6 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped fine (more or less, to taste)
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
3 tblsp lime juice (fresh, not bottled)
ΒΌ cup minced fresh onion
1 tsp salt (more or less, to taste)
Combine all the above in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and refrigerate until well chilled. Then add 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, if desired. Salsa is best when refrigerated overnight.
Then add any or all of the following right before serving, if desired:
1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 large peach, peeled pitted, and diced
1 small can chopped green chilies
Serve with chips or over beef, chicken, or fish.
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