Articles for Technology / Data Management Experts

Training Gossip Doesn’t Work: Implement a Method of Training that Does Work

Friday, April 04, 2008
Jeff Smelley - The average individual experiences a 10 percent to 15 percent retention rate of new information presented during a typical training session. Therefore, multiple training sessions are required to reach the 80 to 90 percent knowledge level for above average performance.

Get More Out of Your Computer

Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Jeff Smelley - There are some important computing jobs that get put off, or just do not get done, because they take a long time to run or slow your computer to a crawl. You no longer have to put off such tasks because you don’t have time during the work day. Schedule these jobs to be run automatically when you aren’t there.

Protecting Your Money The Low-Tech Way

Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jeff Smelley - In what’s transitioning to a cashless banking environment, you must carefully inspect credit card authorizations, electronic funds transfers and payment authorizations.

The Backup Server

Thursday, December 13, 2007
Jeff Smelley - The first solution for a backup server is to buy a system exactly like your production server, providing a simple and quick solution in the event your production server experiences problems.

Keep Your Computer In Shape

Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Many of us find out computers slowing down and/or having aggravating little problems that conspire to rob our time, patience and productivity. Here are a few common problems and what you can do to fix them, as well as prevent them.

New Wireless Options On The Horizon

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Early next year the FCC is scheduled to auction additional airwave space to wireless providers. In so doing, Kevin Martin, chairman of the FCC, proposes to remove the restraints which cell phone providers have enjoyed for years.

The Cost Of Data Vulnerability

Thursday, August 23, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Data access is a matter of providing each employee with availability of the information and resources required to perform their jobs optimally while blocking unfettered access to other information which may be sensitive in nature.

Avoiding Serious Down Time: Backing up your Computer System

Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Jeff Smelley - How much time would be required to get back to an operational level? Are you sure you have all of your important data copied onto a secure, reliable media for recovery? How often are your backups done?

Windows Vista: To Adopt Or Not

Monday, July 02, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Microsoft’s new Windows product has a “new” look and feel, new features, and improved this and more of that. Microsoft’s literature promises greater productivity, enhanced entertainment, easier use and a plethora of other feel good ...

End Antivirus Overkill

Saturday, June 02, 2007
Jeff Smelley - A successful Internet security policy, when practiced, will provide the highest degree of protection while not adversely impacting your computer’s performance or encroaching on your work day.

Upgrade Or Replace
When Your Computers Need Help

Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Simply put, upgrading can produce marginal results for a marginal period of time. Replacement is safer than upgrading, requires less knowledge and may ultimately be cheaper.

Turn off Automatic Updates

Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Microsoft claims the easiest way to keep your computer system current is to schedule these updates, TRUST Microsoft and just let everything happen automatically. To this Microsoft recommendation I say, “When pigs fly”!

Test Your Courage With Internet Explorer 7.0

Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Jeff Smelley - During the last few weeks, clients have called with some very interesting problems with many of their applications which ultimately seem to have been caused by IE 7.0.

Heat Destroys Your Assets
How To Protect Your Computing Equipment

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Jeff Smelley - Heat adversely affects most equipment and is the most often overlooked threat to your equipment. Today’s faster computers draw more electrical power than ever and therefore generate more heat internally. Internal heat is far more likely to compromise your equipment life than external heat.

Extend The Life Of Your PC

Thursday, December 21, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Over time, your computer has taken on many more tasks than you may realize. With long-term repeated use, your PC must work harder to produce the same results that it did fresh out of the box.

Welcome FIOS, Yet Another Internet Choice.

Friday, October 06, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Broadband choices have expanded yet again. Verizon has introduced FIOS, Fiber Optic Service, boasting speeds up to 50 mbps to compete with existing cable Internet services. This new product is well worth looking at if you are shopping for Internet service.

Dispelling DMS Myths

Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Jeff Smelley - F&I software by itself does not constitute a Dealership Management System (DMS), despite many claims to the contrary.

Computer & Technology Buying Guide

Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Buying a new computer is a challenge. There is an abundance of information, advertisements and promotions. So, let’s determine what has value and what does not by identifying where your money is best spent.

The Shortcomings Of Wireless Networking

Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Before you invest in wireless computer access, you should know a few things.

Understanding High Speed Communications

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - One of the most confusing decisions a dealership can make is choosing an Internet broadband service. Let’s simplify the decision by looking at price, speed, availability and reliability with respect to your needs.

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