a SmallBiz Blog - Small Biz News, Tech Tips, Digital Internet Marketing

Apple's Safari for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC!

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-11-29T16:09:15Z

What is Safari?

"It renders web pages at lightning speed. It shows you your favorite sites at a glance and it's so smart, it even checks you grammar and spelling. Safari is a browser unlike any you have ever seen!"
I downloaded Safari on my PC and I love it!! It's almost like a control panel that displays 12 of your favorite web sites. With just a click or tap on the screen, the web site pops up instantly.

My favorite highlight is:

Your personal Reading List.
When you come across an article, a website, or something else you find interesting, save the link to your Reading List. It’s a handy place to keep everything you want to read, watch, or browse whenever you have the time. Reading List shows you the name of the web page, the website it appeared on, and a preview of the first few lines. And it’s easy to add web pages as you browse.

Safari Reader banishes those blinking and flashing ads that distract you from your online articles.

Holiday Gift Guide

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-11-14T17:15:47Z

Holiday Gift Guide #1

Sony NWZ-W260 Walkman in-ears

PMP? Who needs one? Not anyone rocking this set of in-ears from Sony. These Walkman-branded 'buds come with a choice of two or four gigs of storage for your tunes, leaving behind any worries about pocket space. Better yet, the water-resistant design should hold up to a fair amount of sweat, appeasing fitness buffs and marathon runners alike -- you'll have eight hours between charges to put that durability to the test.

Key specs: 2 or 4GB of built-in storage, water-resistant, eight-hour battery.

Price: $60 - $80

Contributing author Joe Pollicino

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Motorola Corvair 6-inch Android 2.3 tablet outed, destined for the home automation set?

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-11-06T16:13:39Z

There are plenty of WiFi-connected remote control apps for tablets, dongles for IR control and even an IR blaster built into Vizio's tablet, but here's a Motorola slab purpose-built for the coffee table. The Verge has received several pics of the Motorola Corvair (and its packaging), a "dedicated controller for the connected" ...something, which is apparently in testing with unnamed cable companies right now. It's a 6-inch tablet running Android 2.3, that the box shows working as a remote control and apparently mirroring its display on the TV screen. Other notes indicate it's optimized for low cost, packs a healthy 4,000mAh battery, and can communicate with other devices via IR or Zigbee's RF4CE spec (where's Android@Home?). That would line it up perfectly to tie in with home automation systems like the one Motorola and Verizon just launched, as well as potentially provide a sweet platform for content discovery. The only downside? Unless Moto goes against type, this will probably never see retail and we'll have to wait on our cable company to figure out a way to charge extra for one and slap their own ugly software on it -- here's hoping that's not the case.

Source: The Verge

Call us or use our form and let us work with you to develop a strategy. 828-553-3989

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Digital Strategies

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-10-18T18:03:13Z

Western North Carolina IT Support - Digital Strategies

In the fields of strategic management...

marketing strategy and operational strategy, a digital strategy is the process of specifying your vision, goals, opportunities and initiatives in order to maximize the benefits of digital investments.

Your digital investments in a marketing and customer-focused strategy include such items as web sites, mobile sites, eCommerce, social sites, search engine optimization, and integrated off line advertising.

Digital Strategy vs. Being OnLine

This is not to be confused with ‘being online”. Simply having a website or blog is not adequate. A digital strategy encompasses all the online assets to be sure, but it includes off line processes as well – local computer resources, data storage, image libraries, marketing databases, etc.

The digital strategy must also include your print efforts too. Bottom Line: Your Digital Strategy is an all encompassing program that maximizes your digital assets in order to maximize your ROI.

Call us or use our form and let us work with you to develop a strategy. 828-553-3989

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Facebook For iPad: Key Screens, First Impressions

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-10-11T20:20:13Z

Facebook For iPad: Key Screens, First Impressions

For anyone suffering from the visual overload of Facebook’s web iteration—rife with font chaos and real-time Ticker updates that transform our “friends” into agents of distraction—the new Facebook app for iPad offers immediate relief. Our gut first impression? We like it. This despite the fact that it did crash on us (once) during a status update maneuver, and other sources are reporting bugs.

A beta build of the app was leaked inside an iPhone update, so this final live version isn’t necessarily a surprising build. Nonetheless, it offers a much tighter, more Facebook-familiar information design than apps like Friendly, which, until yesterday, was one of your only options for navigating through a native, 1024x768 Facebook experience on the iPad.

In total, Facebook for iPad reminds us why so many browser-based services really begin to sing when iterated in app form: They right-size fonts, subjugate or fully strip away seldom used product features, and hook into Apple’s standardized user interface elements for more pleasing navigation.

Of course this initial version of Facebook for iPad doesn’t include the upcoming Timeline feature, which is currently in beta, but could eventually muck up a currently pleasing user interface. For now, we’re happy to enjoy the winning app features, which we showcase here.

The main interface (screenshot above) is split into two panes, with features on the left and sliding active windows on the right (for example, swiping left on the news feed reveals all your chat buddies). We appreciate the clean, orderly layout of the left-hand navigation bar.

Amazon Launches Kindle Fire Tablet

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-09-29T19:44:34Z

Kindle Fire Tablet

The Kindle Fire could be the first truly successful Android tablet. It touts a very reasonable $200 price tag, a well-curated app store, easy access to Amazon’s cloud-based services, brand trust and recognition. It’s Amazon’s most ambitious foray into hardware since the original Kindle’s debut.

Click for video

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Great App for iPad!!

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-09-28T20:29:01Z

Great app for iPad...recently downloaded and love it!! If you’re looking for an application that really is like Google Chrome for iPad, consider downloading Diigo Browser.

"First of all...about the sharing. From the share button on the top Diigo Browser toolbar, you can instantly send a link to your Diigo bookmarks (of course), but also to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Evernote, Instapaper, and Read It Later—in short, to just about any social network you want. Try doing that with the current version of the Safari iPad browser (you can, actually, but it requires Javascript bookmarklets, which are a pain to set up)."

For more click here

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Why Verizon just launched a $99 LTE phone??

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-09-19T16:34:32Z

I just read the article below, which I found very interesting, especially since I recently purchased the pricier HTC Thunderbolt...which I love!! Might have gone with this $99 LTE phone had it been available at the time though!

Why Verizon just launched a $99 LTE phone?

By Kevin C. Tofel

Verizon introduced a new Android smartphone on Monday. The Pantech Breakout runs on Verizon’s fast 4G network but will only cost $99 after rebate when it appears in stores on Thursday. The low purchase price requires a two-year contract with a minimum 2 GB data plan and is far less than the initial price of Verizon’s other LTE phones, which have typically cost $249 or more at launch. Pantech’s Breakout is more of a mid-tier handset when compared to prior LTE phones, but phones like this will help push consumers on Verizon’s new network.

The Breakout uses a 1 GHz single-core processor to drive Android 2.3, can record 720p high-definition video, and provides a 4-inch touchscreen with 800×480 resolution. Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and GPS round out the wireless connections and the phone can share its LTE connection with up to 10 devices using Wi-Fi. A front-facing camera supports video chat and the handset comes preloaded with Swype’s software keyboard for fast text entry. And of course, the phone has access to the many software applications found in the Android Market.

Managed Internet Marketing

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-09-12T19:31:16Z

Managed Internet Marketing

Twitter, a Blog, Website Updates, YouTube! To be really effective at getting your message out and to capture that customer, you need to cast a broad net!.

According to several recent studies, about 10 percent of small and medium-sized businesses currently use Twitter to market their businesses.

In addition, about 35 percent of SMBs indicated they plan to include social media in their marketing mix in the next 12 months by using a page on a social site such as Facebook, LinkedIn or MySpace. Click for more info

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Free Movies on the Internet, Mobile Device and Tablet

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-08-29T15:48:58Z

Have you heard of Crackle?? "Crackle is the place to experience pure entertainment: full-length movies, TV shows, and original series from genres that embody cool -- all uncut, uncensored, and unbelievably free. We've had enough of “disposable entertainment” that is as relevant as a laughing/dancing baby -- we are here to watch and talk about the videos that really matter.

Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations today, featuring only the genres you love -- comedy, action, drama, sci-fi, horror -- anywhere you are. We know the Internet is a big place, so Crackle’s vast distribution network ensures that you have access to Crackle everywhere: on your favorite video site, your television and your mobile device."

I watched Reign Over Me last night on my iPad...Love it!! The movie choices are good, not recent, but a very wide selection, such as The Patriot, Men in Black, Stand by Me, etc. There are very brief commercials, but didn't bother me at all.

Crackle also offers some of your favorite old TV Episodes....Seinfeld, The Dana Carvey Show, Bewitched and more! This is a great place to go for free entertainment!! I definitely recommend this app for iPad, but you can watch via the internet as well!!

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The Internet Made Simple...

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-08-22T20:16:21Z

The Internet Made Simple...

...with SmartSpace, includes

• Website and Blog

• Email

• Photo Albums

• Social Page

SmartSpace is a package of services, all together, that provides your company exposure to more of the Internet!

And now with NEW MySmartSpace, you get a personal control panel that brings together everything you do online, no matter where you are!

Fill it with the news and info you need to run your business and provide your customers with more information and links into your web site, Blog and Photos

For more info click here

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Android This Week: Acer’s 7-inch tablet....

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-08-13T19:14:25Z

Acer’s 7-inch tablet; New Samsung Galaxy; Free task app

Acer is the latest company to try the 7-inch tablet market, this week launching its A100 Iconia Tab, the first 7-inch tablet to ship with Google Android Honeycomb. The slate starts at $330 for an 8 GB model, while $350 buys an A100 with 16 GB of storage capacity. Both models are Wi-Fi only and have a microSD card for up to 32 GB of additional storage.

The A100′s internals and components are similar to most other Android tablets: a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, 5 megapixel rear camera with 720p video recording and 2 megapixel front camera for video chat. Due to the smaller screen, the display resolution is 1024×600; many larger Honeycomb tablets currently use a higher resolution screen.

That difference isn’t an issue for applications on the A100, however. Since the A100 runs Android 3.2, it has the new stretch and zoom display features that help applications look better; even if they were developed for smaller smartphones screens or larger tablet screens. While that’s a positive feature, a key negative is the battery capacity. Acer’s A100 uses a 1520 mAh battery, which is better suited for a smartphone than a tablet. As a result, battery life is expected to top out at five hours; less if the A100 is used extensively for video playback.

Branding and Your Small Business

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-06-01T19:48:00Z

A simple, yet very effect logo is the first investment you should make in your business. It will set the foundation for all your future communications with the public.
You can try it yourself at locations like VistaPrint.com. Look around your own neighborhood for local business that provides artwork, logos that also understand branding!

Verizone's Htc Android Thunderbolt...What a smart phone!!!

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-05-18T20:17:00Z

I got my Thunderbolt several weeks ago and absolutely love it!! So many great apps, screen display is crisp and clean, speed is great.. nothing negative from me. Find out all about it below!!

With this much power, speed and Android™ awesomeness, it's not your dream phone. It's the one after that.

Infinite entertainment. Download movies, e-books, games, music and more in seconds. Pop out the kickstand, turn up the surround sound and enjoy hours of entertainment on the hi-res 4.3" screen.

Infinite possibilities. With an 8MP camera, LED flash, in-camera effects and a 720p HD camcorder, you can capture every moment in picture-perfect resolution. And with 4G uploads, you can unleash it instantly, for all your friends to see.

Phone screen, meet flatscreen.

Moving to the Cloud for Small Businesses

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-05-02T21:06:00Z

Speed, Ease of Use, and Rapid Adoption...

of new services is the key to cloud computing. Cloud-computing services require no software to purchase and install. This doesn't include a Java plug-in or some other kind of lightweight applet required to use the service.

Need Help understanding and using the Cloud? Call us our use our Contact Form to request assistance.

SmallBiz Sweet Spot

For small businesses, cloud computing hits the sweet spot. Small businesses reap the benefits of not having to deploy computers and other hardware like file and e-mail servers, network storage devices or off-the-shelf software. In addition, the "anywhere, anytime" model of cloud computing means hassle-free collaboration between business partners, customers and employees by simply using a browser. We see the following happening quickly: aside from your own PC or laptop, or iPad and browser, your small business technology needs can be fulfilled almost completely with cloud-based offerings.

Find out more... http://www.townelaketech.com/cloud_townelake_techsupport.html

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Nook Color Update Sends E-Reader Wars into Overdrive

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-04-27T17:41:00Z

Barnes & Noble NookAn update to Barnes & Noble's Nook Color adds Android 2.2, an app store and Adobe Flash, giving people the cheap Android tablet they've always wanted.

Amazon, your move.

The e-reader wars have been quiet ever since Amazon's Kindle won the pricing battle against the Nook e-reader last summer. Neither company has introduced new hardware since then, nor have they dropped prices. (Amazon will soon release Kindle with Special Offers, an ad-subsidized version of the e-reader, for $114.)

But maybe these companies aren't so interested in fighting for dedicated e-reader supremacy anymore. Maybe the color touch screen, reading-oriented tablet is the new battleground for companies like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, who sell cheap hardware in hopes of ensnaring readers in the companies' respective ecosystems.

That's certainly the case with the Nook Color, which sells for a modest $249. The latest software update adds e-mail; Adobe Flash support; and hit apps like Angry Birds, Flight Control, Pulse News, and Quickoffice. Barnes & NoblAmazon Kindlee is building its own app store, with roughly 125 apps now, and more to come.

Now, all eyes are on Amazon to launch a tablet of its own. The company hasn't announced anything, but the signs are all there.

Finally, a website builder that’s easy to use!!

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-04-25T18:16:00Z

With webKudzu and website tonight, everything works just like you’d expect. Need to move a section? Just drag and drop it. Want to add some text? Just click and type. Need help getting started? Choose from over 3,000 design and color combinations in our template library, including 120 pre-built websites customized to fit your business or style — just replace the text and images and you’re ready to go!

Click here for more info

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Desktop Virtualization (Save Money!)

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-04-11T13:48:00Z

Desktop Virtualization for Small & Medium Business

Today's PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of applications only use a small fraction of a PC's capacity. Wouldn’t it be great to tap the unused capacity and share it among other users? With Office in a Box, you can. The NComputing desktop virtualization solution provides an excellent alternative to the traditional “one PC per user” model enabling any business to design an IT infrastructure at significant cost savings while still meeting the computer performance demands of a growing business. (Source:NComputing)

SmallBizWebServices and TowneLakeTech have been installing and supporting NComputing services since 2005.

When you combine the power of the virtual desktop with more Cloud Services such as Google Apps, the TCO model bends way down!

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3 Rules of Using Twitter for Business

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-03-29T19:23:00Z

A lot has been made of Twitter as its popularity grows (significantly, I might add), so have the reasons for having a solid Twitter marketing strategy. In this post you’ll learn the three rules every online and small business entrepreneur should know when using Twitter for business, and why. Without these in place, your experience with Twitter will be of minimal value, and can even hurt your business altogether.
3 Rules of Using Twitter for Business

Ok, so you have heard of Twitter by now, but many questions remain. Why should I use this service? How can it help my business? Let me encourage you to watch how others are successfully using it and follow their lead. Here are three things I’ve observed others doing successfully, and am patterning my own profile after as well. These are general and open ended rules, feel free to comment at the end of the post and add to the conversation.

1.) Have a Strategy

It doesn’t have to be rocket science, but after you get familiar with how the service works, with a few “tweets” of your own, it’s time to think about how to best use it for business. Here are some strategy points to consider:
* Give them a Reason: Are your Twitter updates (tweets) useful to your target market? Do they give followers insight into you as a person, as well as useful information?
* Show them you care: I’m not a fan of a lot of updates in a day, unless it is for good reason (event, or otherwise), many forget to update their status, and as a result become forgotten, unengaged, and unfollowed.

Internet Explorer 9 - Have You Tried It?

SmallBizWebServices — 2011-03-25T13:05:22Z

Notes from the Road: For IE 9, some of the features Microsoft has added are
basically playing catch-up with other browsers. Tear-off tabs, where you
create a new browser window by dragging a tab out of its current window, is
a great addition and standard in most other browsers. You can also
consolidate regular browser tabs by dragging them back into one window. Just
remember this feature does not work with sites pinned to your taskbar.

IE9 also has a new downloads manager as mentioned earlier that lets you
pause, restart and cancel downloads.

Overall, IE9 is a great start for Microsoft's next-generation browser, and
is well worth trying out if you're a *Windows 7 or Vista user.*

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