Web Browsers

Hello again!

Ask anyone who uses the internet what browser they use and you'll get a multitude of answers, but the four most common ones are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari.

Why, may you ask, are there multiple browsers for the simple act of navigating the internet? The answer to that question is simply this: customization.

Lets start with Google Chrome. Google Chrome is a browser powered and created by Google. This browser claims to be fast, not just with loading pages, but also with the start up time. It's also a simply designed browser with a clean look with ultimate customization on the tabs and the search and navigation boxes. Chrome has upped the ante with a built-in malware and phishing (attempt to gain passwords, usernames and credit card information) protection. Beyond all these nifty features, there are plenty of extensions and themes that allow the user to modify the browser to his or her hearts content. Pretty cool, huh?

Next in line is Mozilla Firefox. This browser contains some the coolest features out there, including Private Browsing, a Password Manager, an Awesome Bar (defined as something that lets you "find the sites you love in seconds, without having to remember any chunky URLs"), Super Speed, Anti-Phishing and Anti-Malware, Session restore, One-Click Bookmarking, Easy Customization, Tabs and Personas. Mozilla offers the greatest variety of Add-ons, over 6,000 of little extras that you can choose to download to manage the browser your way. They also offer Personas, which are themes that allow you to change the look of your browser.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer is probably the most comfortable browser for internet users. The newest version, Internet Explorer 8, is a big departure from the old and stodgy style of previous versions. While Internet Explorer lacks the customization of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, it has been updated with search suggestions, tabs, visual suggestions and a smarter address bar.

Safari is a web browser made popular by in the increase in Apple users. This is the go-to browser for Apple lovers but is also available for Windows-based PCs. The design of Safari is very simple and streamlined, with a small border and a scroll bar only when necessary. It's a fast browser as well. Safari is one of the most well-used browsers for web-developers as well, due to the fact it incorporates a Standard look to all sites on the web. It also contains Private Browsing and stores text from every page you have visited in the past, making it easier to find the sites that you forgot about.

With all these differences, it can be hard to choose just one of these browsers to surf the web and that's OK. From simple to customizable, these browsers offer something different to each user.

Best Regards,
T-Tech Solutions

The Importance of Backing Up Your Data

Hello again readers!

There comes a time in every computer's life in which the hard drive kicks the bucket. It's a natural cycle of life for computers and happens a lot more frequent than we think. When that time comes, the fear of the loss of data is overwhelming, but with a few low cost and low tech tools, data can be saved.

The evolution of virtual data storage devices has been an interesting journey. From the first hard drive created in 1980 for micro computers to a 2 TB (terabyte) hard drive, the devices have been vast and quite interesting. There's quite a fun article about Computer Data Storage here.

When that day inevitably comes, you can take a few simple steps to protect your pictures, documents and music. The two best methods for backing up your data are burning the data to DVDs, which hold 4.7 GB worth of data. If you have a lot of data, you'll eventually have a lot DVDs. The other option is an external hard drive. Majority of these hard drives are powered by USB only and take a few minutes to load on your computer. Ranging now from 250 GB to 2 TB worth of storage, these are the most cost-effective and quickest forms of backup, ranging from $45 to $150.

The external hard drive acts just like a thumb drive. Simply plug it into the USB port on your computer. Once it's recognized by your computer, open up the drive. In another window on your computer, open up the folder that you want to backup. Simply drag and drop the data from the folder on your computer to the folder on the external hard drive. Transfer time may vary from computer to computer.

You can also set your computer do to an automatic backup to the external hard drive. This step takes a little bit more technological knowledge, but works extremely well. There are also backup programs available online that will protect your data and depending on your specifications, these may be a good fit for you and your family.

Remember, backing up is key! There are many options available to protect your data. If the inevitable hard drive failure happens before you can back up your data, we at T-Tech Solutions are here to help! We, for the most part, are able to retrieve "lost" data from hard drives, although the cost varies depending on how badly damaged the hard drive is.

We are always here to help, regardless of the issue that you are having with your computer. If you have questions about backing up your computer or any other issues you are having, feel free to call us at (248)616-9600 or email us at info@ttechsolutions.net.

Best Regards,
T-Tech Solutions

Prevention of Virus Infections and Spyware

Being that the internet is so commonplace, the increase of virus and spyware infections is expected. In this digital age, we often lack a sense of security because we have numerous amounts of security programs available at our fingertips. Just because these programs exist, they can't always guarantee 100% protection.

It is important to update your anti-virus and spyware on a regular basis to prevent infection from new viruses and bugs. There are an infinite number of viruses created everyday, and until we, as people, catch up with technology, exercising a little caution can go a long way.

If you are unsure of a link, don't click it. If you see an email from a friend in your inbox, be careful that is indeed from your friend and scan the attachment before you open it. When using your credit card for an online purchase, be sure the site is legitimate. Exercise caution when downloading new programs, as well. Many viruses can be attached to the most minuscule and seemingly unimportant file.

If your software is out-of-date or you don't have any installed on your computer, there are many excellent free programs. Malwarebytes is an excellent piece of software, along with Spybot-Search & Destroy for spyware. As far as anti-virus programs, we here at T-Tech Solutions strongly recommend Avira AntiVir Personal. Another excellent anti-virus program is Avast!.

There are many other programs available to protect your computer and data from online threats. Cnet is an excellent site that offers reviews and trial versions of many popular programs. With a little research, you can determine which program best fits the needs of you and your family and whether or not to purchase a program.

If you update your software on a regular basis, regularly run scans and are diligent when surfing the net, the chances of your computer becoming infected are greatly reduced. However, there is still the chance that a virus may sneak through cause some serious damage.

If that happens, know that at T-Tech Solutions, we strive to make sure your computer is healthy and working as it should. If you find that your computer is running a little slow or isn't acting as it normally is, a quick visit to our office can be a step in the right direction. We are able to remove stubborn viruses before serious damage occurs in a relatively short time, typically one to two hours, and can save all or most of the data on your computer.

Things happen. We know that. But if something happens that you can't fix, let us help you fix it and get your computer up and running, better than ever.

Best Regards,
T-Tech Solutions.

T-Tech Solutions announces strategic partnership with Core 3 Solutions

T-Tech Solutions LLC is proud to announce that we have formed a strategic partnership with Core 3 Solutions LLC, another local IT powerhouse. A perfect example of Michigan Small Businesses working and growing together.

This relationship allows Core3 to focus on its core business function in IT, which is providing Managed IT Services to small and mid-size organizations, while T-Tech takes on the role which they have become well known for in the area, IT Repair Services.

As Core 3 and T-Tech continue to grow and gain strength amidst a difficult economy, Paul Chambers (CEO of Core3 Solutions) and Tony Haddad (President of T-Tech Solutions) form an alliance that not only creates a win-win for the respective companies, but also for the clients.

"We are very excited to be able to work with Core 3 Solutions and offer our IT Services to their long-time and respected customers. It is our dedication at T-Tech Solutions to provide the customers with the red carpet and excellent service experience they have grown accustom to. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and show you why T-Tech and Core 3 have been long time trusted partners" - Dr. Tony Haddad, President of T-Tech Solutions LLC

A Letter from the President of T-Tech Solutions LLC

Throughout 2009, we have been blessed to have supported and gained the trust of so many of our clients. Even in a difficult economic environment here in Michigan, we continued to remain steady and grow each and every month throughout this year. I want to take a moment and make sure that our customers understand that we appreciate you!

T-Tech Solutions was started in 2008 with a determination to providing a premier service to our clients and we continue to do so pushing into 2010. However, at no point in our growth this past year have we forgotten that our business is driven by our dedicated customers.

Wishing all of our friends, colleagues, and business partners a strong finish to 2009 and a prosperous New Year ahead. I hope that this New Year brings forth a brighter future for all and here at T-Tech Solutions, we will continue to provide the service and support that you have grown to appreciate.

Happy Holidays from our family here at T-Tech Solutions, to your family at home!

Tony Haddad, Ph.D.
President of T-Tech Solutions LLC

T-Tech Solutions presents T-Tech OnCall

With the demand that we put on our computers and laptops, it is often difficult to drop them off or being without them for a few days. For this reason, we have developed a new service offering called T-Tech OnCall.

T-Tech Solutions LLC now provides it's clients with the option to have our technicians connect remotely to machines and clean the annoying virus and spyware issues slowing down systems. In addition to many other remote solutions such as software training, wireless network configurations, software installations, server troubleshooting, and more.

If you are an on-the-go type of person and don't have the time to bring your machine in or have one of our technicians visit on-site, try out our T-Tech OnCall remote support solution.

Please check our T-Tech OnCall support section at http://www.ttechsolutions.net/remotesupport.html

Looking forward to supporting you.

Holiday Specials from T-Tech Solutions

With the economy how it is, end of year approaching, and upcoming holidays, T-Tech Solutions would like to help it's customers save some money on their technology needs.

For the month of November and December, here are some holiday specials from T-Tech Solutions LLC:

- Everyone receives Parter Rates for DC Power Jack Repairs ($70.00 flat fee)
- Discounted on spyware/virus cleanups ($70.00 flat-fee in-house, $80.00 flat-fee remote)

It's just a simple way of us saying thank you for your valued business.