Most of us agree that summertime is a great time of the year.  With the hotter temperatures, however, we do need to pay extra attention to our computer systems to make sure they do not overheat.

The rule of thumb is that if a person is too warm in any room where a computer is running, it is likely that the systems are over-heating and will likely fail.

Some heat related items to keep in mind include:

• Keep all systems well ventilated.
   
• Try to keep the equipment at a room temperature of 75 degrees or lower.
   
• If you have multiple systems in the same room or area – expect more heat generation. Therefore, you may have to take extra precautions to cool the area.
   
• Try to avoid placing systems side-by-side with little or no air flow between the units. Likewise, avoid stacking systems on top of each other.
   
• Consider using a wire rack to store servers. This gives you both horizontal and vertical space, and allows for good airflow between systems.
   
• If you store systems in a small room (a server room, for example) and you have poor ventilation, you may want to keep the door of the room open even if having the door open results in a little more noise.

Common sense prevails when dealing with heat and its affect on systems. If you want to discuss your situation more fully, please do not hesitate to drop us a note.

Apple’s iPhone was released last year as "something new and unique." It certainly was new and unique, but lacked important functionality for business users. A pokey web experience on the phone and the lack of any enterprise connectivity to Exchange Server via Direct Push technology left unhappy business users wanting more.

That is changing with the release of iPhone 3G, the latest release of Apple's flagship phone product. The iPhone 3G now includes high-speed access to the Web and Email from AT&T's wireless network as well as direct Exchange Server support via Direct Push.

The iPhone 3G is only available through AT&T and will retail for $199. Additional charges apply to use their high-speed wireless Internet services. For more information on the latest iPhone, please visit www.apple.com/iphone/.

With so many businesses utilizing electronic connectivity, security has been on the forefront of concerns in the IT industry. Credit and debit cards are now used more than ever and this information must be protected against unauthorized use and identity theft.

PCI (Payment Card Industry) Compliance is a set of standards that guide businesses to proper data security standards. You can find out more about PCI Compliance at
www.pcicomplianceguide.org.

A portion of the compliance dictates that credit card numbers should not be stored on a system without being encrypted. With that in mind, CDS has developed CDS-CRYPT, a code base that plugs into our business systems that encrypts and decrypts critical data on the fly. This solution can be integrated directly into a CQCS business system and provides for 128-bit AES security.

Dell, the computer provider for many businesses, has been working with Microsoft on a solution that fits the current business model – most businesses do not want to manage Microsoft Vista at the desktop in its current state.

Dell has therefore come up with the following:

• As of June 18, 2008, Windows XP Home is no longer available on any Dell offering.
  
  
• After June 18, 2008, Windows XP Pro is available as an add-on called "Vista Business Bonus" to all PCs and notebooks.  Dell will preinstall XP Pro and you can migrate to Vista Business when ready.

A word or two about Vista Business Bonus: This option is available with the purchase of Genuine Windows Vista Business BONUS or Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate BONUS. With either of the BONUS options, customers will be taking part in the Microsoft Windows Vista Downgrade Rights Service. The Downgrade Rights Service is a Dell provided bonus, available by ordering Dell laptops and desktops.

Dell will support both operating systems on your PC throughout the limited warranty period. Customers who are currently using and wish to continue using Windows XP do not have to take any action. Dell will continue to service PCs currently running Windows XP.

Up until July 7, you may purchase a Dell PC with Windows Vista Business Bonus for the same price as Windows Vista Business. Likewise, you may purchase Windows Vista Ultimate Bonus for the same price as or Windows Vista Ultimate.

We at CDS are a Dell Business Alliance Partner and offer Dell solutions to all of our customers. If you would like to discuss any desktop or server needs you may have please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Verizon has been working at bringing some choices to Western New York pertaining to Internet connectivity and TV service. Verizon’s new high speed network, called "FIOS," will deliver high speed Internet to both residential and business customers. Starting with Orchard Park and Hamburg, FIOS availability will move north, one locality at a time. Sources suggest the Tonawandas are next on the list.

Between building the new physical fiber optic infrastructure and working through the legalities of television broadcast rights and agreements, some delay will be seen before FIOS is available in more northern suburbs. There will be availability; we will just need to give it some time.

The new FIOS options will certainly level the playing field by creating more competition and will be good for the consumer. FIOS is ideal for businesses as well, as Verizon will be able to provide Internet speeds that are only available in higher priced business connections.

You can find out more about FIOS at www22.verizon.com/content/ConsumerFiOS/.

• pension plan design and administration
• mutual funds
• stocks
• bonds
• annuities
• investment portfolio management
• many forms of group and individual life insurance products

Mollot & Hardy, Inc. utilizes Copeland Data Systems as their IT staff, providing Networking and Web support on an "as-needed" basis.

Alan Mollot

"Many years ago I learned that in order for a business to be successful it had to search out NO-COST CONSULTANTS. For our organization, a No Cost Consultant is a consulting resource whose recommendations, service and advice greatly exceed the costs of the consultation. Copeland Data Systems has been that kind of service for Mollot & Hardy, Inc. Our payments to you have resulted in profits for us. Thank you for the advice and services which have truly helped us succeed."

Mollot & Hardy, Inch as also guided Copeland Data Systems with their financial services – allowing us to add value to our associates with a 401K plan and other services. If you would like to know more about Mollot & Hardy, Inc, you can find them on the web at www.mollot.com.