Continue reading »]]> Not that we push/advertise a lot  – but we can professionally install PV systems.

One of our last professional installs was for the Mutdapilly Rural Fire Brigade – we’ve assisted them in purchasing a 5 kw inverter with 6 kw of panels (called overpowering – maximizing the inverters capacity ). Paul has been actively involved with the MRFB for a few years now and we like to help out any way possible.

If possible, get involved in your local brigade/SES as it is a very rewarding experience!

We only use German brand SMA inverters and have access to several brands of panels (German and others).

After testing for over 12 months with our own PV system we are confident to provide a Solar solution that will save you money for years to come.

So call us for a quote – or to see if the quote you have already is an honest one!

Continue reading »]]> First of all – Seasons Greetings!!

Its a busy time for all of us – but don’t let your guard down when it comes to IT security – the HACKERS are COUNTING on it!

In the last week I have witnessed a massive increase in spam/hacking emails with infected attachments and dodgy links! From the ATO to Banks etc.

Also in light of recent cases where small businesses have had all of their data encrypted and received a ransom email offering to “undo” the encryption – be very suspicious before clicking on any links – as this is one method that hackers can gain access to your network.!!

If you have any concerns, contact us and we can organise a free security audit.

As usual we are available throughout the entire holiday season to help out in any way.

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our clients and friends!

Continue reading »]]> Sneakware -Software Transmitted Deception or STD’s for short, are those poorly displayed tick boxes (which are always ticked by default) when you go to install (usually) free programs that install ‘Extras’

Mainly search bars – which installed, remove all of your custom home pages and add their own website as your only home page and change your default search engine as well.

These immoral programs can also track your browsing/searching habits as well as other dastardly evil doings .

One insidious sneakware – although having its own uninstaller – failed to uninstall and even when using its dedicated tool to remove botched uninstalls – Firefox still came up with its website on incorrect websites (instead of its default search engine).   The fix needed was to dive down into the depths of the config file and edit the keyword.url file within Firefox

I will not name these STD’s here – if you would like to know just ASK.

One way around this deception is to use ninite.com – they have a lot of useful freeware programs – just tick (yes – you have to tick) the ones you want and it creates one installer – that removes any STD’s that come with them.  I know of one program that requested Ninite.com to remove it’s installer – I do wonder why?

So when installing new programs ALWAYS read carefully the install instructions to avoid these unwanted programs – and untick those boxes.

Continue reading »]]> There is another phishing email scam doing the rounds yet again with the subject “Update your information” Threatening to suspend your account if you do not update your settings.

Clicking on the links does not go to the Pay Pal site but goes to  http://kranenburgsbelang(dot)nl/update.php

I couldn’t help in noticing this email came just after buying something on ebay that is coming from Hong Kong.

Update

Now there are emails which the subject says “Refund” asking you to open the attached file to update your records – which is obviously a virus!!

Continue reading »]]>  

In relation to Microsoft’s decision to discontinue Small Business Server Standard – Businesses now only have the option of spending a lot more on hardware and licensing or using Server 2012 essentials and use 365  (their “Cloud” product) for the likes of email.  This can cost between $7.90 and $12.75 per mailbox PER MONTH! OR if you include Office Pro Plus $33.30 per month!

For some of my larger customers this works out to be $1530 to $6885 to  per year! (>$18000 if you include Office Pro Plus for 45 users)

Most of my clients are in areas that have not got fast reliable internet AND will not benefit from the NBN!

This is a very short sighted decision from Microsoft – which can only be seen as a money grab by jumping on the cloud bandwagon.

Microsoft needs to get off their backside in Redmond and just take a look at the real world – and to actually understand what this poor pathetic decision will do to small businesses.

The fact is – they wont use a Microsoft solution for their needs – simple as that.

One major client who DOES have fast reliable internet (and will get the NBN- eventually) is DEAD SET against using these types of cloud based services anyway!

When I can’t supply SBS 2011 Standard anymore – I will be providing a NON Microsoft product! (either as an on premise OR cloud solution)

A You tube response to Microsoft discontinues Small Business Server

Cloud -  acronym for Complete Loss Of User Data

Continue reading »]]> The mentality of some of our city cousins when it comes to the NBN is just mind boggling!  I used to think (20 years ago) that the statement that some city folk didn’t know where milk came from was a furphy – but Im not so convinced now.

Just read the first comment posted Here (Scroll down to read the comments) – This is what rural and remote Australians are up against when convincing some of their City cousins that the NEED for reasonable and reliable internet is GREATER than their WANT for extremely fast speeds!

As posted Here - I hope more people stand up and post realistic and accurate comments of how bad the internet service can be in rural areas!

As that age old question goes  “What about the (Rural) children”!!!

Continue reading »]]> http://www.itnews.com.au/News/312068,half-a-million-credit-cards-stolen-from-aussie-business.aspx

We take security very seriously here at Waldon Computing – As the above article states – it is very easy for hackers to infiltrate business networks.

For example – I used my Credit Card ONCE overseas last month – to pay the hotel bill – and within the week I started to see fraudulent transactions appearing on my bank account – and this was before I was alerted by my bank – I rang up and canceled the card straight away and also rang the business that received my bogus payment (They were very helpful in returning my money!).  It was three days after cancelling my card that VISA rang alerting me of further fraudulent attempts. It pays (pardon the pun) to check your account frequently especially if you use your credit card overseas OR on the internet!

Every business should have regular  security audits and change passwords on a regular basis.  Professional businesses should just not accept the normal run of the mill modem/router will protect them from hackers – at least setup VPN (Virtual Private Network) for any remote access – this creates a protective “Bubble” or “pipe” around your connection over the internet – adding another layer of protection from hackers.  I see this as just not “Must have” for the likes of accountants, lawyers etc, but ANY business that handles sensitive client data.

The expense of setting up such security is MUCH LESS that trying to claim back you reputation! – As they say prevention is better than a cure!

Contact us for a quick and free security audit today!

We are not just a computer repair shop – We deliver professional solutions for business professionals – Waldon Computing – a (R)evolution in IT Solutions!

Continue reading »]]> This article albeit posted a week or so ago – highlights the blatant disregard for the remote and rural Australians when it comes to internet access in this country.

“Informed” sums up the posted comments regarding this article,

“Hard evidence/experiences are quite negative of the current proposed NBN for the last 3-7% of the population.

What needs to be conveyed to the rest of the population and the GOVT – That the digital divide (and therefore services that use it eg Healthcare, education etc) will only increase – probably at an accelerated rate – to an extent that it will start having a great effect on everyone, socially as well as economically.

Fix what is broken/substandard/nonexistent FIRST.
Governments, no matter what flavor – need to focus on the inequalities that are present – and not on vote gathering.”

Reading some of the posts – all that defended the NBN had nothing constructive to add;

“You work in IT from a home office and you CHOSE to locate that office in an area with little or no decent broadband services? How bloody amazing!

And this outstanding choice of yours is costing you $15,000 pa and you want ME to subsidize YOUR business?

Get stuffed.”

Some other comments go on the lines of – if you don’t like it just move!

I’m of the opinion that the government should attack it from the other end – find a solution for most of those 3-7% first and let private business take care of Jimmy in his city townhouse – downloading the latest episode of  {insert reality TV drivel here} in 30 seconds flat! or better still – so they can play online games without lag!