New Millennium Technology Services Earns Prestigious CompTIA Trustmark for Customer Satisfaction and Security Excellence

CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark signifies commitment to high industry code of conduct, high level of customer support.

Ronkonkoma, NY / March 16, 2012 –
New Millennium Technology Services, an outsourced IT services firm, announced today it has received the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark for its use of industry-accepted best practices for service delivery and customer interaction, they are the first to have done so on Long Island.

“This credential identifies New Millennium Technology Services as an IT service provider that’s demonstrated a high level of competency through their use of prescribed industry best practices and processes.” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA. The CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark developed by the leading non-profit association for the information technology industry, signifies that New Millennium Technology Services is committed to serving its customers in a manner that’s based on the industry’s best practices.

To attain the CompTIA MSP Partners Trustmark, New Millennium Technology Services was evaluated on a number of aspects of their business operations, including organizational structure, technology tools and systems they utilize; standard operating procedures; and IT service specific activities they’re engaged in, for network, server or end-user devices. New Millennium Technology Services also agreed to abide by an industry code of conduct that requires a commitment to conducting advertising, service delivery and overall business practices in an ethical manner.

“My staff and I are excited for the recognition.” said Frank Bravata, technology consultant and partner at New Millennium Technology Services. “We’ve been working really hard and continue to work hard for our clients and the business we’ve created. This credential demonstrates our level of commitment to serving our clients with the highest level of care and support.” Bravata continued.

About New Millennium Technology Services
New Millennium Technology Services offers computer, network, and security support for businesses. We typically work with law offices, health care providers manufacturers, accounting firms, and non-for-profits with 5-100 employees that typically do not have a dedicated technology staff. Our vision is to help your company become more capable, more efficient, and more profitable by implementing great technology. Our goal is to offer the next generation of computer support with friendly, knowledgeable staff at the most affordable price. For more information, please visit www.longislandcomputercare.com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nmtechs.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA’s vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.

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Contacts:

Frank Bravata
Technology Consultant and President | New Millennium Technology Services
631-648-8647
frank@longislandccomputercare.com

Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications | CompTIA
630-678-8468 sostrowski@comptia.org

Statistics are showing that small and medium-sized businesses are being targeted by hackers on an escalating scale. The reason for this is smaller businesses tend to have lax and weak security, making them much easier and quicker to steal from.

In physics, there’s a concept called ‘the path of least resistance’. The meaning is plain enough – objects that move in a system take the path where they will encounter the least challenges and hurdles in order to quickly move to wherever they are going.

Apparently, the same principle applies to hackers nowadays. Instead of targeting larger firms for that big ‘score’, hackers are now considering it more feasible and much easier to victimize smaller firms and companies, even for a much smaller amount of money.

Why is that? First, smaller companies generally have much more vulnerable IT systems. Security is minimal or average at best, and the hackers don’t get as much heat or attention when compared to trying to breach the much more complicated, state-of-the-art security systems of bigger firms and businesses. Take a small newsstand business in Chicago: cyberthieves were able to install a Trojan in the cash registers which sent swiped credit card numbers to Russia. When the scam was discovered, Mastercard subsequently demanded an investigation – at the expense of the business owner – and the proprietor had to shell out a hefty $22,000.

A survey in the United States reveals that more than half of small or medium-sized businesses believed that they ran no risk of being victimized by hackers, and less than half of the respondents had security systems in place.   That looks like a path of least resistance, as far as hackers are concerned.

The loss of a few thousand bucks may not be much for a big business, but it can make a significant dent on the profits and sustainability of smaller organizations. And in the case of implanted viruses that steal credit card information, your reputation can also take a big hit. So if you want your business to stay truly safe before it’s too late, please contact us so we can discuss options and blueprints to make your business secure.

Preparing for Hurricane Irene

Dear Clients, Friends and Neighbors:

It appears likely that Hurricane Irene may make a direct hit on Long Island over the upcoming weekend. The latest reports late Sunday night into Monday morning. We want you to know that New Millennium is actively monitoring the forecasts and taking several steps to assist our clients in the event of any impact.

Please review the following list of 8 recommendations and share it with the appropriate members of your team. We obviously hope that none of us will suffer any impact, personally or professionally, from this storm. One of my favorite sayings is “Better to have a plan and not need it than need a plan and not have it”, so hopefully the simple step of reading this e-mail and taking these recommendations seriously, will help you weather the storm (yes, the pun is intended) without issue.

1. Prepare For a Power Outage:

It is highly likely that you will lose power during this storm. As a result, we are strongly recommending that all non-essential equipment be powered down. All personal computers, printers, copiers, phone systems, scanners, etc. should be powered off and unplugged from the wall outlets for the weekend. If your servers are protected by battery backup power (UPS), however, it is highly likely that you may endure a power outage that will outlast the ability of your battery backups to keep your systems up and running. Due to this fact, we also recommend you consider shutting down your servers as well, to ensure maximum safety. Obviously if you power down your servers, you may lose the ability to send and receive e-mail during this time, so you want to evaluate what the impact of not having e-mail during this time may be. For those of our clients that subscribe to our E-mail Hosting & Archiving service, you will always have the ability to send and receive throughout the storm using the Cloud hosted web portal. All your users will need is their Email Security username and password. Anyone who does not know this information may request it be re-sent to them. All New Millennium clients will have email protection throughout the storm as all mail will be held for delivery to any server that may drop offline during the storm, either planned or unplanned.

2. Remove Backups Off-Site:

If you are not presently using an automated off-site backup, to ensure that your backups are safely outside of your office, you will want to be certain that you have a complete copy of your most recent backup taken off-site Friday evening.

3. Find Out What Your Building Management Office Plans Are:

The loss of power is expected when a hurricane hits. Some building management groups have turned off power on the complete building before the storm hits. If these are their plans, please shut down your equipment in order to avoid abrupt shutdowns. This includes computers, servers, phone systems, fax machines, copiers, UPS’s, etc.

4. Remove Equipment from Floor & Move All Equipment Away from Windows:

If your office has a risk of flooding, this can obviously create significant issues with the computer equipment. Please make sure that all equipment is at least 12″ off the ground. Make sure to move all equipment at least 6 feet away from windows.

5. Document ALL Emergency & Support Numbers:

It is important to document all emergency and technical support numbers and take them with you off-site. As an example, your Internet Service Provider and telephone line provider. If you do not have access to your office, you will need to contact these providers quickly to make other arrangements. Please make sure you have this documentation on paper since computers may not be accessible.

6. Take Pictures of Your Offices and Equipment:

Digital pictures can be stored on multiple pieces of equipment and backed up on your server as well. These pictures will be very handy if your office were to be effected by the hurricane.

7. Make Arrangements to Use Other Vehicles of Communication:

If your server and/or ISP are not up and running, you should be able to communicate through a different vehicle. Please remember that cell phone service should remain up, but may be interrupted. Texting or free e-mail services like Gmail may provide a short term way to communicate should your office lose power for an extended period of time. Again, New Millennium clients using our Hosted Email and Hosted Cloud services will have these capabilities throughout the storm.

8. Business Continuity Plan (BCP):

While today is not the time, you should periodically dust off your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) plan and see how well it still applies. If possible, go through a test and make sure all of the required personnel and systems are still available and aware of their roles. Your BCP should include how to contact fellow employees and clients in case the office is unavailable, where to meet and what you will need to function as a company. Distribute cellular numbers as well as home numbers to key team members. Assign an out of area contact to be available to receive information from your employees in case of emergency. If you don’t have a BCP, you should. Once we get through this Hurricane, please feel free to contact me to discuss getting a BCP in place for your company so you will always have that plan that we all hope you will never need.

To access our emergency support during the storm, please call the main office number at 631-648-8647. A live operator will ask you for some specifics related to your emergency and then page our team who will call you right back. Should our office phone system be impacted, our lines will auto forward directly to our answering service (which is located outside of Long Island for redundancy).

All of us at New Millennium hope you will weather this storm without issue and that your family, friends and co-workers will all remain safe and sound. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for this weekend, please feel free to call our office at (631) 648-8647 and talk with a member of our team. We will be here throughout, with all hands monitoring the storm and any potential impact on you, our valued clients.

Stay Safe,
Frank
New Millennium Technology Services 

Should You Leave Your Computer
On At Night Or Turn It Off?

   I’ve been asked by customers whether or not they should leave their computer on all the time or turn it off when they are not using it.

Several years ago I would have told my clients to turn their machines off to save power. But with the proliferation of viruses and threats over the last few years, I have changed my mind.

Today, anti-virus programs and anti-spyware applications need regular updating. These updates are often scheduled to run in the wee hours of the morning when you are not using your computer.

Windows also needs to be updated whenever a new security patch is released. This is usually not daily, but it may happen several times a month. It’s important to update your operating system as soon as a patch becomes available because hackers move very quickly to reverse engineer Windows updates. As soon as an update is released, they create a virus specific to that vulnerability and start looking for unprotected machines to infect and invade.

In addition to the above, you should be backing up your data every day, and the best time to do this is at night when you are not using it.

So bottom line, leave your computer on all night and restart it two or three times a week to clear the memory.

A New Headache for BP – Oil Giant Loses Laptop Containing Personal Information of Over 13,000 People

Just when you thought things can’t get worse for the oil giant, CNN has reported on a laptop security mess involving BP (the global oil and gas company), where a laptop computer was lost that contained the information of over 13,000 people. The were of people who had filed claims against the oil giant related to last year’s environmental disaster in the gulf of Mexico- the Deepwater Horizon Spill.

Included on the laptop hard drive were the names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of all claimants. While a BP spokesman said that “There is no evidence that the laptop or data was targeted or that anyone’s personal data has in fact been compromised or accessed in any way”, it will cause a lot of concern to internet users who could have their email security compromised, and also there is a risk of these persons social security numbers being accessed and used for fraud. A mobile security solution comes in handy at a time like this. BP had installed laptop security on the device, which means they were able to remotely lock it to prevent any misconduct with the stolen information.

Mobile and laptop security have saved the day for BP in this situation- now all is left is the clean up operation. BP have said that “We have sent written notice to individuals impacted by this event to inform them about the loss of their personal data and to offer them free credit monitoring services to help protect their personal information.” Sometimes we can’t prevent equipment loss but with the right kind of laptop security involved, your data will be protected from getting into the wrong hands.

Laptop security is a must for any business which communicates sensitive data.  A mobile security solution should include remote locking, tracking, data shredding, and even a device siren to help protect your data. Our TotalSecure Laptop Security Plan is the answer you have been seeking. For more information, call our office today at (631) 648-8647 to speak with one of our certified technicians.

How To Think Like A Geek (And Add An Extra Hour
Of Free Time To Your Day)

Who wants to find an extra hour of free time in their day, every day? Considering we’re all stressed out because there’s never enough time to get everything done, this is what I would call a “leading” question.

So how can you do it? By looking at the seemingly innocent, time-sucking activities you are spending time on ever day and either automating them or speeding them to completion using technology. Can it really be that simple? It can, but you need to understand one critical factor first…

The “Latte” Factor
Best-selling author David Bach coined this phrase in his book “The Automatic Millionaire.” The latte factor is based on the simple idea that all you need to do to become wealthy is take a hard look at the small things you spend your money on every day and see whether you could redirect that spending into savings.

For example, a little $2 purchase made every day on common things like Starbucks (a latte), bottled water, fast food snacks, etc. REDIRECTED into an investment account earning 6% will become $10,199.30 in 10 years. If that’s true, why don’t MORE people do it? Because saving $2 a day seems so insignificant that people spend ALL their money on these things and then have nothing left over to invest.

5 Time-Saving Techie Tips
That Will Add An Hour Or MORE To Your Day

So the question is, what are some small, time-saving technologies we can use to automate or speed up what we get done to save us that precious hour? Here are our 6 favorites:

Use an aggressive spam filter. Over 80% of the e-mails being sent daily are not-so-delicious spam. And if you’re like me, you’re getting dozens of these every day, which can easily add up to 5-10 minutes per day sifting, sorting through and deleting the spam from the e-mails you want. Plus, eliminating spam temptations from your STAFF will not only cut down on the time they waste on it, but will also drastically reduce your chances of getting viruses and spyware on your network.

Replace Old PCs. While it’s hard to truly estimate how much total time is wasted waiting on an old, slow computer to process tasks, start up, etc., I can tell ya, it adds up. Let’s say your old PC takes 10 seconds longer to process a task than a fresh, new one. Might not seem like a lot, but with users averaging 100-150 tasks a day conservatively are wasting 16-25 minutes a day. Add in the crashes and other problems old PCs cause and you’re probably closer to 30-35 minutes a day.

Maintain Your Network. Another tip that will save you a lot of time is patching, updating and optimizing your server and workstations. You’d be surprised how much slower even a new machine will start to run if not maintained properly.

Document management. This is a HUGE time-saver if you are a paper-heavy office (like attorneys, doctors, contractors, etc.). But even if you aren’t, scanning and storing paper documents so they can be searched on and located in seconds rather than minutes or hours is a HUGE time saver. Plus, it’s a greener solution, improves document security, enables users to access critical documents remotely AND (if that’s not enough) prevents important paper from loss or damage.

Implement SharePoint or Other Business Collaboration Software. Be honest: how much time is wasted in your office because people are duplicating efforts, can’t find information and documents they need or backtracking to FIX mistakes made? This, like time wasted on old PCs and downtime, may be hard to calculate, but I would conservatively guess that folks are wasting at least 30 minutes a day or MORE because of disorganization. That’s why we recommend growing companies implement some type of collaboration software that will help organize projects and information, making it easier for everyone to get on the same page.

Want To Implement Any Of These In Your Office?
Give us a call at (631) 648-8647 and we can show you how these technologies (and dozens of
others we offer) can streamline your operations, saving you LOT of time!

The 23 Most Important Rules Of  E-mail Etiquette

More than 80 years have passed since Emily Post wrote her first book on etiquette. Back then, the rules had more to do with how to properly introduce someone and which fork to use at a dinner party. But with the introduction of new communication tools comes new rules of engagement. Here are 23 quick tips and rules for what is—and isn’t—acceptable behavior when using e-mail.

1. Be concise and to the point. Read your e-mail to make sure it makes sense before sending to avoid e-mail “ping-pong.”

2. Don’t reply just to say “got it” unless the recipient has asked you to.

3. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation. This is still a communication and a representation of YOU. Sloppy spelling and punctuation looks unprofessional.

4. Don’t use e-mail to deliver bad or personal news. If you need to discuss a serious matter with someone, only use e-mail to request a face to face meeting or phone call, not to deliver the news.

5. Do not attach unnecessary files, especially large ones. Sending big files can cause someone’s e-mail system to clog, shut down or crash. Instead, use www.yousendit.com for large documents.

6. Do not overuse the high priority option. Use it only when something is truly critical and time sensitive.

7. Do not write in CAPITALS—it’s the equivalent of shouting.

8. Don’t leave out the message thread.

9. Give your recipients an easy way to opt-out or remove themselves from your list.

10. Do not overuse “Reply to All.” If you have a message for the sender that is not relevant to everyone else, make sure you only send it to that person.

11. Do not cc everyone when sending a broadcast to multiple people. Instead, use the bcc (blind carbon copy) to keep everyone’s e-mail private.

12. Don’t overuse abbreviations and emoticons.

13. Don’t use neon colors, hard to read fancy fonts and background images. They make it difficult—if not impossible— to read your message.

14. Only use rich text and HTML messages when you are certain the recipient can receive that type of message. Many people can only open text messages, and most rich text and HTML messages don’t convert well.

15. Do not forward chain letters, ever.

16. Do not request delivery and read receipts.

17. Do not recall messages.

18. Do not forward a message that was sent to you without permission from the original sender.

19. Do not use email to discuss confidential information. A good rule of thumb is this: if you don’t want the entire world to see it, then don’t put it in an e-mail.

20. Use a meaningful subject line to help the recipient sort through their inbox.

21. Don’t send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks. They aren’t funny and if sent using company e-mail, they could get you sued or fired.

22. Keep your anti-virus up-to-date to make sure you don’t spread viruses to your friends.

23. Don’t reply to spam; it only signifies that your address is active to the spammer and will invite more of the same.

What Is “Cloud Computing?”

Cloud computing refers to the “next evolution” of the Internet and how users (you and me) access, store and work with applications, files, e-mail, data and more. Instead of having all your files and applications stored on a PC or laptop, cloud computing puts this workload onto a high-speed, high security server that you access via any Internet connection or device.  Why do this? Several reasons:

1. You can connect to your files and applications from anywhere on (practically) any device.
2. You’ll save a lot of money on IT support, maintenance and software since those responsibilities are assumed by your cloud provider.
3. You only pay for the applications, storage and software you use. A good comparison for this system is the way you access the electricity that runs into your home or office. To use it, you just plug the appliance of choice into any outlet. Like electricity, which is metered, with cloud computing you just pay for the services you use.
4. Most cloud solutions offer instant backup and the ability to be back up and running again fast. Since your files and applications are hosted online, a failed server or PC won’t put you out of business, and the chances of a data center going down (the place where your files and apps are stored) is very, very slim.

Chances are you’re already using cloud computing without even knowing it. If you bank online, access an e-mail service like Yahoo! Mail or Gmail, or use an e-mail broadcasting service like ConstantContact, you’re using cloud-based apps (also called SaaS or “software as a service”).

Many businesses are moving to cloud computing because it frees them from having to install, maintain and upgrade expensive, overblown PCs that cost a lot to maintain. It also makes adding and removing users (or employees) quick and easy since you simply pay for what you use each month and nothing more. Other advantages include unlimited storage, automatic backups, higher-level security and the ability to access your information from any device anywhere. Plus, cloud-based networks don’t require the ongoing maintenance that traditional server-workstation networks require.

However, not every application or situation is suited for the cloud. While many line-of-business applications still can’t be hosted in the cloud and require a commercial-grade Internet connection with a backup such as DSL or cable, there’s no doubt that cloud computing is here to stay. Advances are being made rapidly to make it the better solution for most businesses. Of course, we’re here to help you understand your options and the pros and cons.

Here at New Millennium Technology Services, we have been providing cloud services for over two years now. At a time when most tech companies are just starting to adopt a cloud strategy for their clients, we have already developed the software platforms and experience to bring your company to the next level. Contact one of our certified cloud integrators today to find out how we can help you.

Do You Love Your Computer A Little Too Much?

It’s the relationship you spend more time on than any other. It deepens every year. And when things go wrong, you become afraid, tearful, and in some cases so enraged that you lash out by throwing things—but you’re willing to go right back into the relationship no matter what happens.

What are we talking about? The bond you have with your computer. If you work in an office, chances are you spend more time staring into your computer screen than having conversations with real live human beings. And you probably spend more time at your PC than you do with your significant other, best friend, and even your kids.

According to research conducted by SupportSoft Inc., a firm in Redwood City, California, that makes software for computer help desks, people are spending an increasing amount of time at their computer. This survey also revealed how computer problems can unleash powerful—even dangerous emotions. When confronted with a dead computer, 19% admitted to wanting to hurl it out the nearest window, 9% felt stranded and alone, 11% used language normally reserved for special occasions, 7% did so loudly, 3% did so tearfully and another 3% vented their wrath on inanimate objects.

With these results it should come as no surprise that 48% said they would rather help a friend move than deal with a computer problem, and 30% said they felt more frustration with their computer now than in previous years.

So to start this off, there is something I would like to clarify. I have been a loyal BestBuy customer for a long time. Recently though, there have been several small instances where their employees just “don’t get it”. Today was the final straw.

Last night I went onto their website. I had an early morning service call with one of our clients and needed a few products that they wanted (a Wireless Router, Wireless Adapter, and Wireless Printer). I knew this client liked early morning appointments, so I decided to use Best Buy’s Order Online and Pick It Up at the Store Option. I went through, carefully selected my items and checked that they were indeed available at the Best Buy closest to my client’s. I placed the order, used an old gift card I had for a portion of the order, and used my credit card for the remainder of the balance. I received confirmation, thought my order was complete, and went to bed.

This morning, I awoke to an “Item not at this store” email. Gee, that’s funny. I checked each item before I placed the order to make sure that it was in-stock and therefore “at their store”. No big deal I thought, I would just substitute a similar item and use the credit from my order. Boy was I wrong!

The rep at the online orders desk explains to me that I would not receive credit for at least 8 business days. That seems pretty ludicrous, but it gets better. He then explains that I would receive a credit in the form of a gift card even though that portion of my payment was charged to my credit card! So now, instead of using my gift card up (which I wanted to do), I am now stuck with a gift card yet again.

So, I did what any red-blooded American would do, I asked to speak to the manager. I explained to the manager the situation, I made sure to remain calm and courteous (even though this whole debacle had cost me over an hour), and hoped he could help me. He seemed friendly, but the best he could do would be to exchange the gift card for a credit on my credit card once the gift card arrived. That doesn’t sound so bad, but here is the kicker….I have to drive 25 minutes each way back to the store to do so. I am not going to drive almost an hour plus spend up to another hour explaining the whole situation to another customer service rep just to get $30 back, it’s just not worth it.

I just won’t use their online ordering service any longer. This isn’t the first time I had a problem with a web order with them and if I continue to use them, I’m sure it wouldn’t be the last time. If there are no other stores in the neighborhood I am in, I will use them, but I guess I am going to have to just wait and pick out everything once I get there. It’s a shame too; online ordering really is a time saver USUALLY.

I sincerely hope the management team at Best Buy takes a good look at things from their customer’s perspective.