At Computer Troubleshooters, we’ve once again braved the information-overload of the internet to find current trends, important alerts or general hints and tips from other sources.  Here’s the best technology information of the month, relevant to small businesses.

Enjoy the articles in bite-sized pieces and click on the Read More links to see the full stories.

Developers will get their version of iOS 5 today, with customers receiving the update this fall.
Though not every predicted feature came to pass, the update includes long-rumored additions like a better notifications system and wireless software updates. Some of the new features are cool, and a few were a long time in coming, but the update remains incremental when compared with previous iOS updates. That’s not to say that the additions aren’t useful, but most are relatively small.

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50 Must-Have Small Business iPhone and iPad Apps

Since I listed 10 great small business apps in 2010, the use of iPhones and iPads for SMB’s has exploded in areas from business travel to communication to productivity. The office has become truly mobile. Here are must-have apps for those running and operating businesses in 2011.

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Analysing Microsoft’s Windows 8 Preview

Code-named “Windows 8″ by Microsoft, the next-generation operating system is notable for two features: it’s the first major attempt by the operating system giants to elevate a mobile OS to desktop status, and it’s expected to be touch-friendly and to work seamlessly on tablets, desktops and laptops.

Like Windows Phone, Windows 8 on tablets (and every other platform for that matter) has a screen of “Live Tiles” that provide rich data and launch deeper apps. Users can slide the tiles around on the screen.  This Windows 8 preview video from Jensen Harris, director of program management for Windows, certainly looks impressive. The “app tiles” concept from Windows Phone 7 has been blown up and expanded to suit a larger, horizontal screen. In many ways, this makes sense. Having a persistent, real-time weather or traffic feature on your desktop is something that you can now achieve with a multitude of programs and widgets, but making them look and feel like mobile apps will better position Windows to reach younger consumers whose first computing experience is likely to be a high-powered tablet or phone, not a 186 running DOS.

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Computer Troubleshooters launches new Hosted VoIP solution

First Impressions Count.
Small businesses don’t need small phone systems. The earliest
adopters of new technology are growing businesses with big ideas.
Let your phone system reflect your ambitions.
SOUND BIG
With advanced features like auto attendant, dial-by-name directory and
voicemail to email, your customers will know they are dealing with a company
who’s serious about their business.
EASY TO SET UP & MANAGE
Be up and running in as little as an hour with free remote setup assistance.
No need for an IT staff or training – just manage your system easily from your
web browser. Rest easy with automatic software updates.
FREEDOM TO WORK FROM ANYWHERE
Fonality offers your employees the ability to work from anywhere there is an
Internet connection. Take your office phone home or on the road, or with
advanced call forwarding options forward your office extension to any mobile
or external number. Add a softphone and answer calls directly on your laptop.
LOW UP FRONT & MONTHLY COSTS
Get the advanced functionality of a traditional, premise phone system
without the costly, initial investment. Purchase or rent a variety of phones
with no contract and free calling.

Solution Features
? Unlimited Local & Long Distance Calling Between 10 Countries
? Unlimited Voicemail Storage
? Voicemail-to-Email
? Auto-Attendant/Receptionist
? Dial-by-Name Directory
? Night Mode/Holiday Scheduler
? Music-on-Hold
? Call Hold, Parking, & Transfer

What is included with my phone system?
? Fonality Connect Standard or Team feature suite
? Pre-configured Fonality phone(s)
? Emergency 911
? Dedicated phone numbers
? Free line porting
? Toll-free numbers and virtual lines (Optional)
? Pre-configured router (Optional)
Why choose Fonality Connect?
? All-inclusive solution: features, phones, and service
? Low monthly plans with no contract or commitment, risk free
? No additional hardware or server, plug in phones and go
? Keep your existing phone numbers and Internet service
? Connect your phone wherever your employees are located
? Emergency support 24/7
? Scalable as your company grows

All starting at $30 per month per phone (minimum 2 phones)

Contact us for your quote.

For more information about VoIP, see the following link

http://www.fonality.com/resources/

white-papers-voip-without-hype

Computer Troubleshooters now offers a variety of VoIP phone services! We have specialists for both hosted (cloud-based, no server needed) systems and more powerful digital PBX systems. Here’s a sales video we put together to talk about some of the benefits VoIP can offer:

Computer Troubleshooters is now sharing its computer expertise in another medium for its customers. Online! Computer Troubleshooters now has its own blog, which we hope will become a valuable resource for you as you navigate the sometimes complicated world of understanding computers.

Looking for networking tips, how to solve connectivity problems? Or even some more basic tips on how to use Excel or Powerpoint? We’ll be posting tips, suggestions and valuable resource material for your convenience.

We might even blog a little about what’s happening inside Computer Troubleshooters, so check back often.

And while you’re at it, feel free to contact us with your own tips and suggestions on what you would like to read on our new Computer Troubleshooters Blog.