Articles for Technology / Data Management Experts

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.

You May Be Happily Ignorant If...

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Accounting controls, financial statements and informed planning are not typically comfortable areas for dealers, but they cannot be ignored.

Is Your Most Valuable Asset Insured?

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Do you have a backup of your Information Technology (IT) system? Oftentimes, this question is asked too late, after a disaster has already occurred.

Internet Services: How To Protect Yourself

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Web-based services and applications can be a real asset to your dealership. Just be aware of that not all services are equal; nor are all license agreements and that there is no such thing as totally secure.

Perception Or Reality: How Much Do You Really Know About Your Dealership?

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Look around, inspect the details and find out if your perception is in fact your reality. If you are uncomfortable doing such a reality check, hire a consultant. An independent party will not overlook items due to assumptions or preconceived notions.

Is It Remotely Possible?

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - High speed Internet access has made many things available today that were not previously possible. This ability to connect brings valuable remote services to your desktop, but not all methods are equal.

Defining Software Support

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Computer system support is a widely varying service ... is your definition the same as your software/hardware provider(s)?

ASP Software Solutions - Right For You?

Friday, August 25, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Let’s look at the pros and cons of outsourcing your application hosting versus an internal local/wide area network.

Is Your DMS An Asset To Your Dealership?

Friday, August 25, 2006
Jeff Smelley - A DMS is an infrastructure investment which, when properly selected, installed and used, will provide the means to manage and grow your business, increase profits, improve employee productivity, provide security and freedom.

What Exactly Is DMS?

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Jeff Smelley - DMS stands for Dealer Management System ... a system yielding quantifiable, reliable and timely information to the dealer

Protect Your Dealership From Electronic Intruders

Monday, August 21, 2006
Jeff Smelley - Viruses, “Trojan horses,” worms and spyware cause immeasurable harm and most often without your knowledge until it’s too late.

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