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	<title>Black Knight IT</title>
	<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au</link>
	<description>Expert Computer Support and IT Consulting</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:21:13 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Disabling AutoRun Helps Prevent Malware</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ The AutoRun feature in Windows for thumb and other portable storage devices is a double-edged sword. While making file management and access for portable storage much easier and faster, it also enables certain types of malware to access and install themselves onto your system. One of the most common entry points of malware and viruses into a system is through USB thumb drives. Besides the fact that these little drives, while versatile, get plugged in to numerous CPUs which increases the risk of them picking up some sort of infection, the AutoRun feature on most (if not all) portable drives enables certain malware to automatically install itself into the system the USB is currently plugged into. The AutoRun function is not harmful by itself – it was originally designed for more convenient file management and use of portable drives. However, a number of malware and viruses have harnessed this function to enable easier entry into an otherwise secure system. The most feasible solution, besides running frequent security checks against any portable drive that’s plugged into your system, is to disable AutoRun. This will cost you some convenience in the short run, but will gain you much more system security. There are several system utilities that can disable AutoRun for you, or you can do it through the Windows registry. If you want to know more about disabling AutoRun and making your system more secure from various modes of infiltration or attack, please contact us so we can discuss possible custom solutions that best meet your needs. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/02/disabling-autorun-helps-prevent-malware/</link>
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		<title>Why You Should Use Virtual Desktops</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Desktop Virtualization is starting to gain the attention of more and more businesses with its promise of simplifying IT management, strengthening IT security, and ultimately gaining new efficiencies and cost savings in the business. Read on to find out how. There is growing interest in Desktop Virtualization with its promise of improved manageability, security and efficiency for the business. Simply put, Desktop Virtualization is new technology that separates the system software such as the operating system and applications from the underlying hardware. Desktop virtualization allows the hardware, like a laptop or a server, to run multiple operating systems. Imagine having your Mac running Microsoft Windows and Office, or your Dell running OS X and GarageBand for example. To stretch the concept even further, operating systems and applications can be housed on remote machines – such as a server farm in Texas – which you access via the web. The applications are not resident on your computer at all. Desktop virtualization shifts the burden of managing the system software from you or your in-house IT teams to someone else—people who can do a better job managing and updating your Windows and Office software than you can. If you have a fairly large organization managing a large number of machines, centralizing support allows the organization to gain from economies of scale—ie less people to manage more machines at less cost. Leveraging the computing power of server farms with faster machines also allows employees to get more value out of aging desktops and laptops. Enabling anytime, anywhere access to applications and data, Desktop Virtualization connects your employees to the tools they need no matter where they are. As organizations support more and more remote employees, using desktop virtualization technology gives them access to their Windows desktop anywhere in the world, at any time, on any device. Are you supporting remote workers or is your hardware slowing down your employees? Let’s talk about Desktop Virtualization and how you can try it for your organization today. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/02/why-you-should-use-virtual-desktops/</link>
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		<title>Slice and Dice Your Data with BI</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Simply put, Business Intelligence (BI) tools make the process of slicing and dicing large amounts of data easier and faster, so you can gain insight into data to make better decisions. BI tools allow you to view and manipulate large amounts of data and present it in user-friendly format such as via tabular reports or visual charts and graphs. There has been plenty of coverage about BI for large enterprises, business intelligence is just as important for small businesses. BI is simply using tools to view, manage, and manipulate what are often large sets of data from the past to be able to gain insights into the future. BI is a type of application software that businesses employ to manage their businesses better—often working along or in concert with their data, transaction and customer management systems. Some of the common types of BI tools include data querying and reporting software, online analytical processing systems(OLAP), data mining and data visualization systems, digital dashboards, business process and business performance management systems, geospatial systems, and others. The most widely used BI tool is the common spreadsheet, Microsoft Excel. Most businesses already own and use Excel, so it is easy to understand. If you are using a spreadsheet to help you make sense of your data to make better decisions, you are already using BI. But as your business grows, and the volume of data you need to manage grows along with it, it may be time to consider upgrading to more powerful tools. Is it time for your business to move beyond Excel? Let us show you how easy BI can be. Contact us so we can help you get started. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/slice-and-dice-your-data-with-bi/</link>
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		<title>Turn off Flash in your Browser on Android</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The big difference between Android and the iOS is the fact that, on an Android device, you can play Flash videos. There are times however when this seeming advantage can be a disadvantage as Flash (such as Flash ads) can slow down your browsing experience or even crash your browser. There is a solution. You [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/turn-off-flash-in-your-browser-on-android/</link>
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		<title>Capture a screenshot in an iPad</title>
		<description><![CDATA[There are times when you may want to capture what is currently being shown on your iPad's screen. That’s easy to do on an iPad. Simply press the Home button and then the Sleep/Wake button simultaneously. When you hear a click, the screenshot has been taken. You can then go to the photos gallery to [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/capture-a-screenshot-in-an-ipad/</link>
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		<title>LinkedIn and Your Business</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Many businesses with a social networking marketing strategy include LinkedIn in their plan, but are they getting the most value out? Chances are, you might be barely scratching the surface of what LinkedIn can contribute to the growth of your business. With a still-growing user base of at least 120 million, LinkedIn has become THE professional social networking tool of many businesses. While Facebook is still the major network on the personal side, LinkedIn’s importance in the business-to-business world is growing. With LinkedIn, your social networking strategy doesn’t have to be complex, and smaller companies, in particular, can quickly see results with just a little effort. Here are a few pointers to help you maximize the positive effect of your LinkedIn connections. Be comprehensive. “Short and sweet” may be the rule of thumb in any other kind of forum, but for professional purposes it’s always best to include as many credentials about you and your business as possible. It’s helpful to give potential clients and connections the full story on your strengths – which means listing past employment and work experience, academic backgrounds, pertinent skills, competencies and certifications, and even educational backgrounds. It’s important to understand that many of the people who will enlist your services will only have your online credentials to go on, so give them a complete picture of what you’ve done and can do. Customize your URL. When you create a LinkedIn profile, the site auto-generates a URL for that profile. But did you know that you can customize and change that URL? By changing it to reflect your business, it makes you much easier to remember and find. Be involved. Much like in Facebook, a LinkedIn profile is useless if you simply post and forget. It’s essential to keep your info up to date, and interact with people by posting questions and comments. Proactive, educational input into the groups that serve your potential clients will build a good impression with professionals who are looking for the services or products that your company supplies. We are always ready to help you build your business, so let us help you build your customer connections. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/linkedin-and-your-business/</link>
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		<title>Thrive and Grow with Cloud Computing</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Thanks to cloud technology, businesses can now access their software and services via the internet, instead of managing everything on their own hardware. The cost savings and ability to respond to new opportunities can transform the business. With cloud computing, businesses can tap into software and services as they need them, using an Internet connection and a web browser. Cloud services can help you manage growth and connect with your staff across town or the world. Manage Growth One of the toughest aspects of running a small business is predicting what resources are needed to support future demand. If the company grows quickly, more people and equipment need to be added to fulfill the work. Too much investment for the future is risky. Cloud computing allows companies to quickly access the applications needed to increase capacity, support growth and handle busy periods. If a customer or project demands increase, software in the cloud scales without a big outlay of cash. The flexibility of the organization increases with cloud computing because it is easy to adjust and scale. Improve Collaboration Companies with remote employees can particularly benefit from cloud computing. More and more small and medium-sized businesses support home workers and employees that aren’t in the main office every day. No matter where they’re located, employees can use cloud applications to have meetings, talk to one another, share files, and collaborate on materials in real time. With cloud computing, you can build a team that works together seamlessly, and improved productivity and better communication allows businesses to capitalize on new opportunities quickly. Find out more about the benefits of cloud computing. We’ll help you find the solutions that fit your business and your budget. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/thrive-and-grow-with-cloud-computing/</link>
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		<title>Printer Hacking Now Possible</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Headaches using printers usually don’t have anything to do with hacking, but now they do. Recent research done by experts from Columbia University have discovered a flaw in many printer systems that are connected to the Internet – a flaw that allows easy entry by hackers into the networks printers serve. When it comes to printers, we usually think about ink, paper jams and minor irritations – but certainly NOT getting hacked. But recent research suggests that printers can be used by hackers to infiltrate computer systems. According to researchers at Columbia University, printers that are connected to the are the weakest (and almost always unnoticed) link that can compromise an otherwise secure system. Details are emerging, as the research was done under government and corporate grants. The Federal Bureau of Investigation got the first look at the research results, followed by people from Hewlett-Packard. What is clear is that this new research reveals that printers CAN be used by hackers or online thieves not only to infiltrate networks, but also to steal personal information and even identities. The security flaw involves the printer software used to run “embedded systems” which enables both advanced functions and connects the printer directly the Internet. Alarmingly, researchers were able to hack into a printer, and give it instructions to continuously heat up the part of the device that dried the ink after it’s applied to the paper. The resulting heat caused the paper to turn brown and smoke. The implications of this type of security flaw are concerning, but can be addressed properly and promptly with the right planning. HP is looking into the study for their own line of printers and business owners should also take precautionary steps to protect already installed devices on their networks. If you want to know more about how you can ensure that your systems are secure, give us a call so we can sit down with you and discuss a security blueprint that meets your specific needs. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/printer-hacking-now-possible/</link>
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		<title>A Glimpse into the Future of Work</title>
		<description><![CDATA[ Microsoft recently posted a video on its website that is the latest in a series from Microsoft offering a view into where technology is headed in the future through product development at Microsoft. The video offers a fascinating and impressive glimpse into the future of work and productivity that may occur in less than a decade. The video from Microsoft gives us a glimpse into a day in the life of Ayla, a travelling executive, her daughter Shannon, at home with her Dad, and Qin, Ayla’s colleague. The video is the latest in a series from the Microsoft Office team. You can see past videos here , or view a behind the scenes video from Kurt DelBane, Microsoft Office Business Division President, who explains the technological concepts behind the video, such as collaborative technologies, data visualization tools, mobile technologies, and cloud computing. Interested in finding out more? Check out the actual place where this technology is developed by Microsoft demonstrating some of the video’s concepts in real life. ]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-work/</link>
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		<title>Use Your Android Phone Like a USB Key</title>
		<description><![CDATA[If you own an Android phone, you can use it as a substitute for an external drive or a USB key. You can load files into your phone simply by plugging it in to a PC with a USB cable, then tapping on “Mount” when you are prompted by the system. This mounts the internal [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.blackknight.net.au/2012/01/use-your-android-phone-like-a-usb-key/</link>
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