Binary Math... musings about 10-10-10

As clients get to know me during the second or third visit, the question usually comes up "... so when did you get started working with computers?"  That always makes me chuckle, as I reminisce back to the days of 3rd grade (in 1964) - while my fellow students were working on multiplication and division, I was already converting between Binary, Hex, and Decimal number systems while doing the calculations.  You see, my older brother (thank you, Bob!) gave me a unique gift for my 9th birthday - a Digi-Comp1 - billed as  the "...first real operating digital computer in plastic."

While the Binary Readout was only 3 digits, the mechanical marvel opened my mind to digital logic; complete with an understanding of accumulators and gates, etc. that has served me well over the past 46 years.  You can read more about this set of plastic tabs and metal rods at the following blog site: www.oldcomputermuseum.com/digicomp_1.html.  That little thing cost my brother about $5.95, but I've seen them selling on eBay for over $100!

And now I've just learned that there are sufficient other "fans" of this little device that they have actually started producing it again.  If you'd like to make a gift of something wondrous for a child in your family, you can order the Digi-Comp1 v2.0 at the following site: www.mindsontoys.com/dc1_main.htm

And when it arrives, if you need some help assembling it - give me a call - I'll be over in a jiffy!

Should I Upgrade My Computer Hardware?

Business Computing Tip
Computer consulting firms, such as MAX Communications, dedicate our careers to advising business owners on when to upgrade their hardware. As with all business decisions, the answer boils down to a comparison of cost vs. benefit. While this may be true, quantifying the costs and benefits of hardware is not always an easy task.

There are 3 factors you should consider when deciding if upgrading your hardware is the smartest choice:

1. The Secret Cost of Upgrading
   In addition to the price tag you are looking at with a new system, you must also consider the time, energy and money it takes to migrate your information to your new equipment. You must plan on worst case scenarios. Can you put a price tag on your company's data if migration goes wrong? In this instance, you will want to rely on a professional to protect your coveted information.
   
   You never want to upgrade unless you have a solid business case to do so. If you are just looking for the "latest and greatest," you should stop now and look to invest your money in other areas.
   
   
2. Compromise Solutions
   If it's "bells and whistles" you are after, your system may not need to be replaced entirely. It's quite possible that an upgrade in your RAM will have a significant impact on your system's performance. If you are inexperienced with installing RAM, consider hiring a professional to perform the work for you.
   
   
3. The Right Time to Upgrade
   Here's the most important advice we can give you on upgrading: Always upgrade when the cost of NOT upgrading exceeds the cost of upgrading. Consider the benefits of new hardware--it helps you work faster and more efficiently. Also, consider the software you are running. Does it require more robust hardware to run itself? If this is the case, than upgrading is the smartest choice.
   
   Other situations that require upgrading are broken PCs and system crashes. Clearly, in each of these cases, the consequences of NOT upgrading will cost you more in the long run. In business, it's always better to be proactive.

When you are ready to upgrade your system, take a look, not only at your current computing needs, but also at what your future requirements might be.

• Will you need a full-featured database program in the future?
• Will you run memory-hogging graphics programs or other special applications?
• Will your new machine integrate with your current network?

Doing your due diligence before you take action will save you in the end.

Call 847-348-3489 to schedule a free evaluation

Virus Removal Prevention TIps

Getting a computer virus is frustrating to say the least, and can be dangerous to the health of your PC. Malicious software can erase your precious data and even wreck havoc to your hard-earned credit rating with identity theft.

You can fight back with the free prevention tips listed below. These tips will help you get rid of viruses and keep them from coming back.

In the event that you'd prefer a professional to handle your virus woes, consider hiring a consultant (such as MAX Communications) who specialize in these types of threats.
Call 847-348-3489 if you have questions.

Free Virus Prevention Tips
(courtesy of About.com):

• How to Repair a Boot Sector Virus - Though boot sector viruses are rare in the U.S. and most European countries, they are still prevalent in other parts of the world.
• Eight Ways to Stop Virus Infection - Prevention. Prevention. Prevention. These are the essential steps.
• How to Make Sure Your Antivirus is Working - Viruses, worms, and trojans often disable your antivirus software when they infect your system. Here's how to check to ensure it's working.
• How to Avoid Macro Viruses - From the SANS Institute, tips on avoiding macro viruses.
• How To Prevent Email Worms - Security configuration changes you need to make to your favorite email client software.