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SPAM
Spam is an ever-growing concern with our clients (as with the rest of the world). There are tools available that are getting high marks which we feel should be brought to your attention. Keep in mind, however, that any tool built to filter e-mails could result in the loss of legitimate, solicited e-mails. These programs also take time to configure and to maintain. The hope is that over time, it will take less time to maintain the software than it takes to wade through and delete the spam.
We will concentrate, for now, on free software:
1. MailWasher: This is a great program if you are using any POP3 e-mail account (such as your mail hosted by Promethius Consulting). MailWasher allows you to send a bogus “bounce” message to spammers so they’ll think that your e-mail address is invalid. In most cases, this will cause them to remove you from their lists. MailWasher is about 95% effective at stopping
spam.
2. SpamNet: If you use Outlook 2000 or Outlook 2002, this program offers a simple approach to spam blocking. It adds two buttons to your outlook program, “block” and “unblock.” As you receive spam, you simply click the “block” button to move it to the “Spam” folder. Doing so includes the spam into a database which will be used to combat spammers for the rest of us. This program is about 90% effective at stopping spam.
If you have questions about either of these programs or about other options please contact us at 317-733-2388.
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Dancing Snowmen Jars
From the book, 501 Fun-to-Make Family Crafts
There's no man like snowman, especially when he playfully watches over sweet treats.
What You Need:
- Glass jars or candy
jars
- White air-dry clay, such as Crayola Model Magic clay
- Metallic-colored crafting wire
- Wire cutters
- Ice pick
- Metallic-colored beads
- Clear adhesive, such as E6000
- Acrylic enamel paints in black and white
- Toothpicks
- White glass paint
- Pencil with round-tip eraser
- Assorted ribbon
Instructions:
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Wash the jar. Let it dry. Avoid touching the areas to be
decorated.
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Shape two or three small balls from clay for each snowman. Press together. Lay jar on its side. Place snowman in position on jar and press gently against
glass.
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Cut and shape wire arms, nose, and hat, if desired. To make a small cone nose, wrap wire around the end of an ice pick. While the clay is still moist, push wire pieces in place. Turn slightly to secure. Push beads into place for buttons. Let clay dry on
jars.
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Remove clay shapes from jar and glue back in place. Let the glue
dry.
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Use a toothpick dipped in paint to add eyes and a
mouth.
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If desired, add polka dots to the candy-jar lids. Dip the eraser end of a pencil into white glass paint and dot onto the surface. Let the paint
dry.
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Tie ribbon bows around the jar tops. Trim the ribbon ends.
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Why Outsource Your Information Technology Needs
There has long been debate as to when IT should be outsourced and when should an system administrator be brought on staff. To answer this question, let’s first look at the advantages and disadvantages of outsourced IT.
Advantages
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Pay only when needed. Outsourcing allows you to better schedule projects around your budget process or cash flow requirements. If your IT specialist is on staff, he/she will have to be paid even when money is tight
or if the demand for IT support isn’t high at present.
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Broader expertise levels. Outsourcing allows you to utilize the knowledge of several network specialists for the price of one. It is difficult for one or two in-house network administrators to keep up with the full spectrum of emerging technologies. With a larger pool of technicians who are dedicated solely to technology, it is easier for IT consulting firms to attain experience in
a wide range of applications and technologies.
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Allows you to focus on core competencies. If working on computers is not your company’s focus, it is often better to leave it to the experts. It is rare that companies attempt to maintain their own phone systems, or to fix their own company automobiles, but they often attempt to maintain their own computer networks.
Disadvantages
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Direct control over staff member. Hiring in-house network administrators allows you to better prioritize their time and utilize their strengths. It is often difficult to know whether or not the technician working on your computer is the best that your consultant has for your particular project.
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Contract employees are less company-oriented. While it is generally in their best interest to adopt your rules and philosophies, consulting companies will likely have a different set of goals which may or may not be in your best interest.
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Longer response time. This is related to item number 1. Since you don’t have direct control of your consultants, they are bound only by the contractual response times and by their own, often busy, schedules.
As with most business decisions, the answer lies within your budget and with the extent of your technology needs. Sometimes, however, being sure that you could fill a staff person’s time with work is not an answer in itself.
There are many ways to structure outsourcing agreements that will work to your advantage and that will fit within your strategic plan. Please call us a 317-733-2388 to discuss how outsourcing your IT department might work for you.
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