Northern Computer and Nidana Networks have Merged

and

News Announcement

As Northern Computer continues to grow, we are excited to announce our merger with Nidana Networks. This merger allows us to expand into new markets, while adding adjacent skills. The companies will operate as one under the name of Northern Computer.

The combined knowledge and experience in unified communications (including VOIP telephone systems), Hosted Services (the “Cloud”) and Network Support will provide a new level of expertise in the Okanagan Valley.

“The transition will be smooth and former clients of Nidana will have immediate access to the business and technical resources that Northern Computer offers,” said Jim Condon, owner of Northern Computer. Condon also said that Nidana’s expertise in Voice over IP phone systems will help them expand into this fast growing market.

Northern Computer is celebrating its 30^th year in business and provides business computer solutions to the Okanagan Valley and beyond.

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More

OMG, My Computer is doing Something Weird

Finding a good antivirus package can be a daunting task for anybody with a computer.  There are a lot of choices and as many opinions.  Once you have chosen a package there are no guarantees you will be problem free.

Antivirus applications today deal with three basic classifications; Spyware, Malware and Viruses.  Spyware monitors internet usage and reports this to companies for marketing purposes. Malware entices users to click on links to ‘fix’ problems for a cost, or buy services. Actual viruses allow remote access to systems and try and look for and infect other computers. It becomes even more complicated in a corporate environment.  Business owners require that their networks run reliably and fast.  A small network of 5 computers can cost hundreds of dollars an hour in lost productivity when they are not functioning. 

There are some criteria that need to be considered when choosing a package;

Installation                                                                            

Some packages are very easy to install, and some are much more complicated.  Existing problems on the system and removal of the existing package can complicate the task.  Often people will attempt to install a package when they believe they have a problem, or a problem becomes evident during the install.

Operation

Antivirus applications often operate silently in the background.  Users can scan their computers, or this process can be automated to run on regular schedules.  The same is true for updates.  When an infection is found, user intervention may be required.

Performance

Performance can be a key selling point.  Obviously customers want the best protection, but some antivirus applications can seriously affect performance.  It’s important to find the right blend.  In addition, some client applications perform better with certain configurations, particularly when running network applications like accounting and pos software. 

Infection

Inevitably systems will become infected.  Some antivirus applications can become as big a problem after an infection as the original infection.  There are a lot of tools available to fix problems and an experienced technician will be aware of the most effective treatment.  It’s important to balance the labour cost of trying to fix the problem, versus just erasing and reloading the entire computer.  Sometimes, after a long and frustrating attempt, a decision needs to be made to simply erase the computer and start from scratch. Unless you are part of our IT Manager program, all costs are your responsibility.

In our work with various clients, we see a number of different solutions and are constantly discussing what is best for our clients.  Many of the ‘free’ antivirus applications available are not licensed for business use and even fewer have any kind of support for network environments.  It’s important to install a solution that supports networks and also allows for centralized management.  Updates need to be monitored, and notification of infections documented.  Some systems will provide automated notification via email which allows us to respond, often before a customer is even aware of a problem. Northern Computer has been using Symantec Corporate Edition on many installs for some time now but we have a number of customers with other systems that are already in place.  The cost of switching from one product to another needs to be balanced against the cost of support.

If you are not paying for monthly monitoring and support it’s important to be aware of some key points. Updates on all your workstations and servers need to be checked as well as running regular scans.  Log files need to be checked since repeated infections can be a sign of other problems.  Sometimes a particular user is blamed for constantly getting infected, but the reality is that older systems, and systems with faults, will be prone to infections.

- Mark S. Network Support Technician, NPA

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca  or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More

Are you Concerned about Security while Remotely Accessing the Office?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) in Windows Server 2008 R2, formerly known as Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and previous versions, is one of the components of Microsoft Windows. RDS allows a user to access applications and data on a remote computer over a network, using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Remote Desktop Services (RDS)  allows remote computers to run desktops and applications on a server as though it was running locally. The keystrokes and mouse action information is sent from the client to the server over the network and visual display information is sent back to the client from the server. The client can be a full-fledged computer running any operating system (as long as the RDS protocols are supported), a tablet, a thin client, or an internet device powerful enough to support the protocol.

RDS is a cost-effective infrastructure platform for any type of organization, most often selected by business with a roaming workforce, structured task workers, and/or knowledge workers with a need for flexible desktop or application access. Businesses utilizing contractors, offshore workers, and office workers or have a need to work from home, also benefit from RDS.

By using Remote Desktop Services, organizations can squeeze more life out of their desktop computers. As all processing occurs at the server end, desktops are essentially acting as dumb terminals. Therefore, using existing desktop hardware remains a viable option for much longer than it would if applications were run locally. Running applications on a Remote Desktop Server can also equate to additional cost savings as organizations can purchase lower-end/less costly desktop hardware.

Remote Programs make system administration easier because there is only one copy of a program to upgrade or to maintain as opposed to multiple copies installed on individual computers. An application-level patch to every desktop is now a redundancy.

The majority of the workforce today is often mobile, working from home, hotels or customer sites.  With Remote Desktop Services, an organization enables an employee’s productivity virtually anywhere and increases effective user collaboration without compromising security features. Remote Desktop Services offers a secure access to desktops and applications from any device and via a low bandwidth connection, as no data is sent over the network. Instead, employees experience a consistent set of applications and can access their own data regardless of location.

Microsoft itself explicitly states that Windows 2008 Remote Desktop Services are only to be used in “low complexity” environments and that 3rd party add on tools (such as Citrix ) should be used for higher complexity environments. In reality “low complexity” in Microsoft’s terms means that all of your servers are the same, all users have access to all applications and you only want to load balance based on session count rather than on actual performance data. 

Citrix provides additional functionality that a Microsoft 2008 Server simply cannot. Citrix  can publish applications rather than install them locally. You can tunnel an application, control what users access what applications and publish apps to a web interface. There is a load balancer available (that utilizes real performance data), as well as automatic redundancy and it can support association of file extensions. It also allows for a single sign-on, has multiple monitor support and handles URL/Mail redirection. Citrix helps you prevent data from leaving the data center without your explicit permission, supporting regulatory compliance and security objectives.

Built-in endpoint scans and policy controls take into account each user's role, device characteristics and network conditions to determine which applications and data they are authorized to access. These dynamic attributes also define where users may store and print sensitive information. Such strong data and application security measures decrease the potential for inadvertent exposure, and enhance your ability to back up and restore information from one place for greater fault tolerance and disaster recovery.

Citrix also improves productivity for end users with extensive new high-definition HDX technology enhancements and simplified self-service access to apps from any device. The HDX technology enhancements allow customers to deliver real-time media applications like voice and CD-quality audio with a rich, high-definition user experience. New HDX enhancements in Citrix also expand support for a broad range of USB devices, including webcams, microphones, digital cameras and scanners.

In addition to supporting PCs, thin clients and laptops, Citrix now makes it easy for users to access Windows apps from Macs and popular smart phones such as Apple iPhone, Google Android and BlackBerry and Windows Mobile. Citrix is also supporting the new tablet mobile devices as well like iPads, and PlayBooks.

Today’s workforce is experiencing a strong trend in which employees are encouraged to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).  Some see this trend of “unregulated” devices as more aptly name as “Build your Own Disaster”.  Regardless, the trend is picking up momentum and it is through technology such as Remote Desktop Services and Citrix that the market demand for immediate, synchronized, and protected data can be satisfied. 

- Lauren G, Account Manager

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More

Time to toss your old computer – What about the data?

Are you thinking about recycling or reselling your old computer? If so, your first step should be to delete the data on it. Having data stolen, lost, or misplaced contributes to the ever growing number of people who are affected by identity theft. It can also cause corporations to lose more than data and money.  

So how do you get rid of that data? Simply deleting your files and emptying your recycle bin only deletes the record of your file, but not the data that it points to. It’s like removing the labels from the folders in your filing cabinet. The folders and information still exist, but retrieving the data now takes more time and effort.

The same is also true if you reformat your hard drive. It is also possible for someone with the right tools to retrieve the data.   

If you are planning on selling or recycling your computer, it is recommend that you use a utility tool that overwrites every sector of the hard drive. Alternatively, we can we look after wiping off all of the data from your hard drive or we can physically destroy your hard drive.

Lastly, don’t forget about your other storage devices such as USB flash drives, iPods and mobile devices that can also contain private information. These should be erased using the manufacturer’s recommendations before selling or recycling.

So where can you bring your computer to be recycled? The following locations will all accept electronics for recycling.

Kelowna	Boucherie Self Storage & Bottle 2711 Kyle Road	250-769-7122
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot (Central) 1988 Kirschner Road	250-763-2500
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot (Rutland) 680 Dease Road	250-765-9115
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot - St. Paul 1314 St. Paul Street	250-763-2554
Kelowna	The Battery Doctors 1972 Windsor Road	250-860-2866
Lake Country	Winfield Return-It-Centre #4, 11852 Highway 97 N At Lakewood Mall	250-766-2973
Westbank	Planet Earth Recycling 2035B Louie Drive	250-768-0878

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More

To BackUp or Not to BackUp... That is the question.

Lately, alot of clients are relying on redundancy as a means to preserve their data. Using multiple drives in a server or workstation and configuring these drive in what is known as a RAID configuration, is by no means is a backup. Servers commonly use a RAID 1 (mirrored drives) or a RAID 5 (striping) configuration. Any corruption to the data has the chance of being permanently lost. Multiple drive failures, could be fatal to any organization in this situation.

Backups are used to restore critical data that is lost or corrupted. Backups are also necessary if the hard drives that the data is on fails, gets damaged, or even stolen! Data off a failed drive can be recovered 85% of the time by a professional data recovery firm, and 40% of the time by IT service providers.

A backup is a critical component to disaster recovery plan. Most businesses do not have a disaster recovery plan, so after a fire, flood or other disasters. All plans are dependant on the company or organization. Some questions to ask when working on a plan are:
Can I work without my data for more than 96 hours? What will it cost if I need to have an employee or hire someone to re enter lost data? What other disruptions to my work flow will this cause?

Offsite backup is a great way to make sure all your critical data is accessable in a timely manner. This can be as simple as taking a tape home every night, and if something happens, restored on new equipment as quickly as possible.

Not all disasters or scenerios can be planned for, but the knowledable staff at Northern Computer can help you develope a plan to deal with the unexpected.

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca/

Read More

Frustrated Business Owner Seeks New Way to Advertise and Save Money - Are You One of Them?

Reach the RIGHT People

At the RIGHT Time

With the RIGHT Message

Northern Computer digital solutions is a powereful marketing tool that delivers low cost, high visibility digital signage solutions. Our digital signage networks have the unique abilitity to reach the right people, at the right time with the right message.

We provide local businesses geographically targeted advertising programs at a cost well below most other traditional forms of media.

Click here to see how a
digital screen looks.

A moving sign is proven to be 95%
more effective than a static sign.

Why Advertise on the NC Digital Network?

• High impact views. Screens are strategically placed at local hot spots such as grocers, coffee shops and many other locations where people congregage. They display engaging content that viewers, advertisers and location host
  alike enjoy including weather and news feeds.
• They are big! 75% of households are exposed to venues with digital video venues such as gas stations, grocery stores and big box retail stores. Tim Horton’s, Walmart…
• Ad changes are easily updated

How Can I Participate?

 

Where is Digital Signage?
Click here to find out.

You can participate in two ways, as an Advertiser on our network and/or as a location host on our network.

An Advertiser will have their message ran strategically on the Location Host network to generate the maximum return on investment.

A Location Host will have the opportunity to use our digital platform to advertise, entertain and inform their own customers about their own products while shopping in their own store …For Free! Additionally, Location Hosts can become advertisers as well by placing their messages on other Location Hosts.

What Does it Cost?

from $35.00 a week

Contact John Gibson or Janet Fitchett at digital@northerncomputer.ca or at 250-762-7753.



Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More

What the Hecks in Your Computer - Part 4: RAM

Memory, also called RAM (random access memory) is another component that deserves some focus since it has evolved in the personal computer over the years. There is fast cache RAM on processors and hard drives but the best known memory is the type configured in sticks and added to slots in the motherboard.  This is the main system RAM. The best analogy I know of for what function RAM provides is as follows: it is like the surface or workspace on the top of your desk – the larger the surface is (the more RAM you have) the more documents you can lay out and access quickly – with too little desk space (or RAM) you begin to need to pile up documents and access to them slows down as you search for them through piles– you work slower and far less efficiently. With extra RAM your computer runs smooth and fast. With too little RAM your computer slows  and reacts in a choppy fashion as you have used up physical RAm and now windows is using your hard drive as virtual RAM. Remember your hard drive is exponentially slower than real RAM. 

In days gone by upgrades to computers were very popular, everything from CPUs to video to hard drives.  Many of those upgrades have fallen out of favor and no longer make sense financially. Currently the best value in upgrades is more RAM. Adding RAM improves many aspects of computer function for relatively not much money.

The increased amounts of RAM in new systems is driving the adoption of 64bit operating systems. To take advantage of more than 4 gigabytes of ram requires a 64bit version of Windows XP or Windows 7. 32 bit versions of windows will simply not use more than 4 gigabytes because it was not designed to. Windows 7 Professional 64 bit will support up to 192 gigabytes of RAM.  Seems like a lot today but in the future will seem common place.

Do you have enough RAM? It really depends how you use your system and if it appears slow in certain programs a ram upgrade is certainly something to consider.  Power users who write software or edit photos and videos or play graphic intensive games will almost always benefit from more RAM. For the rest of us the sweet spot can usually be judged by how much you see your hard drive light flashing.  If it’s on constantly instead of intermittently then more RAM should be of benefit.  If you are RAM shopping it is best to have it professionally installed as there is a very real risk from static discharge that can destroy your new upgrade. Also remember the RAM needs to be matched with the existing RAM in your system for speed and type, all things a  Northern Computer technician can determine for you.

Click here for Part 1: The Motherboard
Click here for Part 2: The CPU
Click here for Part 3: The Hard Drive

-Paul C, Service Bench Supervisor

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca

Read More