April Showers and Web Host Issues

My lack of writing lately comes from being very, very busy - which is a good thing. April turned out to be a crazy month. I have a few really interesting projects, stuff on the web development side, that are very interesting and engaging.

One of the projects uses WordPress extensively and I admit to falling in love with the software. Alice commented a while back and suggested WordPress for my own needs and now I am kicking myself that I did not go that route. To be honest I may go that route - all the way in. I am toying with the idea of transforming the ACE Computer Services page - the start (index, call it what you want) - my main homepage into a blog first and foremost. The services, rates and information would be included as well but the writing and resources would be up front. I am sure others do this already so its not some Earth-shattering idea, but it would be dramatically different from the site layout now.

I need to formulate the plan some more and have only been tossing it around in my head the last few days. It will definitely require greater commitment to writing and resource development - something I have slipped on the last month or so. That time would have to be set aside to keep content flowing to the site.

One of the other web projects I am working on may also go the WordPress route. In preparing for the testing & such I upgraded my current Web Hosting plan with 1and1. This turned out to be a nightmare. My site was actually inactive for almost an entire day also and required a call to technical support to make it visible again. I was so annoyed with the process that I am currently looking for a new Host provider. Anyone have any suggestions?

aMember Software

I've been evaluating some new software - aMember (http://www.amember.com/) for a specific use on a website but potentially for additional needs. Basically aMember is membership software that can restrict access to parts of a website based on login, payment details & user privileges. I've been working with a demo copy that is fully functional. So far setup was a breeze but note that this does require some technical knowledge.

I was able to upload the software to a webhosting site and test both logins and protecting a page. Everything worked great. It has the ability to add shopping cart features (for payment) and plug-ins for WordPress and vBulletin (which relates to the specific need for the software right now) - but I have not tested those features.

If anyone has any suggestions or experience with aMember I would love to hear about it. Thanks!

Minor Updates & Changes

A few minor updates today to the site (http://www.acecomputernj.com/) - the big thing is the creation of an articles page. Its not ready yet but will be soon. I will basically use the main site as the hub for everything - promoting my services but also my writing. The blog will become an additional outlet and will preview articles & writing but will always point back to the main site. I got the idea from a friend and his approach to web/brand/etc. The ultimate goal is to create more content for the site with the hope (as always) to improve the Google rankings and page views.

I also added back on to the site that I provide Web Development. I had pulled this from the site previously because demand was pretty low but I have two big projects in development now, so I figured I would begin promoting that I still do web work as well.

Taxes Done

After much procrastination I finished up my personal & business taxes this weekend. No surprises - which is good. A couple of interesting items emerged from looking at last year (2008) and the year previous (2007). The good news is that costs were down in 2008 compared to 2007 and sales were up but I am still not making much, if anything.

In starting ACE Computer Services I expected a year or two to establish everything and planned to not make much during that time. But here I am starting year three and there is a certain urgency to see if this venture can be profitable. I want to remain true to my initial goals - to make my services affordable but I may need to consider rate changes and/or adjustments.

At the same time I am considering new ventures to generate cash - like selling items or affiliate items online. I dabbled in affiliate links a while ago but I admit to not knowing what I was doing the first time around. I am still looking for something that I believe in and something that matches what I do - that is the biggest hangup right now.

One good note - my Google ranking jumped back up after slipping two months ago. The attention paid to getting new links and improving the site keywords paid off.

Ouch

Add Band-Aids to the list of items I recommend any IT Technician keep on hand. I have pretty big hands and I often cut myself up a bit working within a PC tower - stuff inside there is pretty sharp. Nothing ever serious before, just some nicks and scratches here and there. Well, that all changed as I totally gouged my thumb inside a system case and took a nice chunk out. It was ugly. So now I am tossing Band-Aids in to my bag for the future.

Conficker Tips

The Conficker worm has gotten a lot of media attention in the past week. Today alone I received a bunch of calls with people trying to figure out what to do in advance of this potential virus - many of the people clearly effected by something they saw in the media.

Such notoriety is actually a good thing. If for nothing else it gives people pause and makes them aware of computer security. It also is a great time to enforce some simple tips & tricks to do at home to protect yourself from Conficker or any other nasty malware floating around the internet.

1. Update Antivirus

Take a look around your antivirus program and see if any updates are needed. These updates are in different places depending on the brand but most are easily spotted. Keeping your antivirus updated ensures you have the correct database of known threats to catch problems before they happen. Don't have an antivirus program? Definitely get one, install it and keep it updated to protect against threats. A good free program is AVG Antivirus Free Edition. Get it at: http://free.avg.com/

2. Update Windows

Microsoft regularly sends out updates, fixes and patches for its Windows Operating Systems (XP, Vista, etc.). Keeping Windows updated is just as important as antivirus on your PC. These fixes and updates plug holes and vulnerabilities in the operating system. By falling behind on Windows Updates you run the risk of a computer virus or intrusion. To see if your computer is fully updated visit: http://update.microsoft.com/.

3. Run a Malware Scan

Malware being a term for the bad stuff - ad, spy and virus code that can infect your PC. Having an antivirus program alone is just not enough these days. Thankfully the best malware program available is also free - Malwarebytes Antimalware. Download the program, install and scan your PC regularly to keep it extra clean. Malwarebytes Antimalware is available at: http://www.malwarebytes.org/.

4. Backup Your Data

Backup your data often. An easy solution is to purchase an external hard drive (here is an example at Staples) and set a regular backup using included software (most have this). There are some online, free backup services as well. Keep in mind that free usually means a restricted amount of space but it is a start. Mozy is a useful online site that offers free and paid backup options. Visit them at: http://mozy.com/.

For more information on Conficker, with additional tips & suggestions please see: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464

Great Resource for IT Skills

I've written often about the business side of things in starting ACE Computer Services. I've also written some technical aspects as well but I don't think I have ever gotten into what IT Skills a person may need. I came across a great resource from Technibble that does just that:

http://www.technibble.com/essential-skills-for-basic-residential-computer-repair-work/

Give it a look if you were ever considering what skills it may take to succeed in IT/Computer Repair & Service.