Email Management - Archway Computer https://www.myarchway.com Providing the best proactive IT Support for Insurance Professionals Everywhere Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:29:11 +0000 en hourly 1 https://www.myarchway.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-archway-transp-copy-32x32.png Email Management - Archway Computer https://www.myarchway.com 32 32 HEX-it + Unveil the Dual-Screen Delight https://www.myarchway.com/hex-it-unveil-the-dual-screen-delight/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:28:17 +0000 https://www.myarchway.com/?p=4742 HEX-it Stage Left Tired of trudging through the digital Dark Ages? It’s time to break free from the clutches of the past and journey towards a brighter, more integrated future. In case you missed it, Applied Systems is discontinuing offering and supporting the Applied Microsoft Hosted Exchange email service. Bid adieu to your antiquated email system, which seems stuck in a…

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HEX-it Stage Left

Tired of trudging through the digital Dark Ages? It’s time to break free from the clutches of the past and journey towards a brighter, more integrated future. In case you missed it, Applied Systems is discontinuing offering and supporting the Applied Microsoft Hosted Exchange email service. Bid adieu to your antiquated email system, which seems stuck in a time loop.

 

But fret not, dear readers! Archway Computer specializes in hassle-free and cost-effective email migrations for hundreds of independent insurance agencies like yours. To ensure your transition is smooth and hassle-free, schedule a call with our migration expert, Walter Harry, to learn how Archway can tailor its services to meet your agency’s specific need, and ensure your transition remains smooth and uncomplicated.  

 

Unleash Your Inner Net-Worker!

Gather ’round, tech voyagers! Applied Net 2023 is on the horizon, and we’re gearing up for a digital extravaganza of epic proportions. The stage? The Aria Resort in Las Vegas. The goal? To connect, collaborate, and catapult your insurance tech game to the next level. Are you an HEX exile in search of a new email haven? Swing by our booth for a tech tête-à-tête and discover how Archway Computer can be your trusty sidekick. Let’s unite our bytes and create a symphony of innovation!

 

Screen-Sational

Hold onto your keyboards, because I’ve got a dual-screen delight to unveil! Introducing the Lenovo Dual Screen Yoga 9i – the tech marvel that lets you multitask like a computer-sorcerer. It’s a journey beyond the ordinary, where working, browsing, and entertainment converge in perfect harmony.

 

But beware, fellow travelers, for every adventure has its trade-offs. Is it worth the leap into this brave new world? If you’re like me, someone who thrives on multitasking and finding new ways to optimize their workflow, this dual-screen odyssey might just be your perfect match. One thing’s for sure – your productivity will thank you!

 

The Last Word

As the sun blazes and the circuits sizzle, it’s time to keep your tech game chill. Summer’s in full swing, and while you’re basking in the warm rays, remember to keep your gadgets from overheating. It’s been a blast sharing the latest tech tales with you, my fellow digital explorers. From HEX to Applied Net, and all the bytes in between, we’ve journeyed through the binary universe together. Until our next geeky rendezvous, stay groovy, stay techy, and keep riding the digital wave!

 

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30,000 U.S. Microsoft Exchange Server Email Software Hack https://www.myarchway.com/30000-u-s-microsoft-exchange-server-email-software-hack/ Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:18:51 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=3304 If your agency is using an exchange server or a Hosted Exchange server (not Office 365 or Gmail) - you may need our help. Patch immediately, as it may already be too late.

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If your agency is using an exchange server or a Hosted Exchange server (not Office 365 or Gmail) – you may need our help. Contact us immediately, as it may not be too late.

At least 30,000 organizations across the United States — including a significant number of small businesses, towns, cities and local governments — have over the past few days been hacked by an unusually aggressive Chinese cyber espionage unit that’s focused on stealing email from victim organizations. The espionage group is exploiting four newly-discovered flaws in Microsoft Exchange Server email software, and has seeded hundreds of thousands of victim organizations worldwide with tools that give the attackers total, remote control over affected systems. Learn more in this article.

It’s likely that there are still details to come about this hack — so far, there hasn’t been an official list of organizations that have been compromised, just a vague picture of the large scale and high-severity of the attack.

If you think you need our help, please email us ASAP.

Best,

Brad Ruben
President, Archway Computer

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Mindfully Moving Forward with Steve Anderson https://www.myarchway.com/mindfully-moving-forward-with-steve-anderson/ https://www.myarchway.com/mindfully-moving-forward-with-steve-anderson/#respond Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:06:00 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=1653 Serenity Now Listen, I’m done. I’m done writing about it, I’m done talking about it, I’m done thinking about it.  The timeless Serenity Prayer looks inside to find ¨the serenity to accept the things we cannot change¨…well, at the moment there’s not a lot we can change about this strange new world we share. However, it also asks for ¨the…

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Serenity Now

Listen, I’m done. I’m done writing about it, I’m done talking about it, I’m done thinking about it. 

The timeless Serenity Prayer looks inside to find ¨the serenity to accept the things we cannot change¨…well, at the moment there’s not a lot we can change about this strange new world we share.

However, it also asks for ¨the courage to change the things one can¨…and that’s where we can take positive action in this time of uncertainty.

After some deep reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that the healthiest thing to do given the circumstances is to get back to work, in mind and spirit if not in body…with that in mind, I was lucky enough to secure an interview with someone I really admire. 

Steve Anderson knows I consider him an all-around good guy, but what he may not know until reading it here, is that I also think of him as a mentor. 

Steve’s thought leadership in the space of Insurance and Technology and his steady work-ethic has given me consistent guidance throughout my career. I’ve also learned a lot from his new book, an insightful examination of tech magnate and junior world leader Jeff Bezos.  Steve has a worthy perspective, and so I hope you enjoy the video interview. It’s definitely insightful and worth a watch. And maybe you want to subscribe to my Youtube channel while you are at it.
 

The Right Tools for the Job

There are CRM capabilities built into many agency management systems the same way there may be a pair of scissors built into a Swiss Army knife…only kinda. The fact is that in most cases, the native resources in this area tend to…well, suck. Enter Hubspot. At just 50 bucks monthly to get started, Hubspot will transform your agency sales process and likely pay for itself in no time…another worthy mention, where it will actually integrate with your management system is  Agency Revolution, which you should also give a try.

A Portable Pop-Up Party

…but enough about work, already! One lesson from early 2020 that I will be taking with me into my future endeavours concerns the importance of making the most of our leisure time, and so I´m already looking forward to grilling season. 

That’s right, summer is right around the corner, so I´m already scouting out this year’s addition to my outdoor kitchen. The lead candidate is this sweet collapsible model from Coleman…they named it the ¨Roadtrip X-Cursion,¨ which seems a bit redundant…but hey the thing folds flat for storage, wheels around as easy as a shopping cart, and pops up into a propane powerhouse in seconds so ya know what I can overlook it.
 

HealthWatch

In the meantime I´m going to have to offset all that impending grillmastery with a little extra attention to wellness…I´m not going to cut BBQ out of my life, just not gonna, so it´s probably a good idea to keep an eye on my overall health.

The right apps can go a long way in helping you monitor your habits…I personally use Sleep Watch and HRV Tracker on my Apple Watch daily.

In fact, there are quite a few Watch apps that can help you work around one vice or another–or become the picture of overall health, if you insist–and this piece from TechRadar spotlights a few of the best to come out so far in 2020.
 

The Last Word 

Well, that should just about do it for this week. Thanks as always for making time in your routine for another exciting episode of ¨Brad´s Blog!¨ I´ll be checking in again within a few days, but until then remember: we seldom control our circumstances, but almost always control our responses to them.

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Second City Scenery and the Self-Driving Saga https://www.myarchway.com/second-city-scenery-self-driving-saga/ https://www.myarchway.com/second-city-scenery-self-driving-saga/#respond Fri, 29 Jun 2018 17:11:36 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=535 Windy City Wonders To borrow an insight from the late Frank Sinatra, “this is my kind of town, Chicago is.” I decided to visit since my son is thriving in the IT geek field after graduating college in the area, and I have to say it’s a spectacular city with some of the most stunning architecture I’ve ever laid eyes…

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Windy City Wonders

To borrow an insight from the late Frank Sinatra, “this is my kind of town, Chicago is.”

I decided to visit since my son is thriving in the IT geek field after graduating college in the area, and I have to say it’s a spectacular city with some of the most stunning architecture I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Check out this pic of us taking in the town, or take it in yourself with this feature on some of the local masterpieces of architecture.

Patience, Humans.

I’m a strong proponent of the self-driving car, I believe the day is fast approaching when human drivers will be a nostalgic novelty.

Still, there are a lot of kinks to work out when you’re talking about such a transformative technology, and while we’re refining the systems I would recommend that if you decide to take a ride from a robot in the near future that you maybe watch the road, just as a backup plan.

You see, apparently a tester for one of these smart vehicles did a dumb thing, making time for a Hulu streaming marathon on the open road. It ended badly–the technology is far from perfect at this time–but hey, the first passenger airliners used to suddenly break apart in midair from time to time and we nailed that down, so I have confidence that we Sapes can pull this off as well.

In any event, self-driving vehicles are all but certain to take over our highways in the coming years, and not only will they have an outsized effect on our day-to-day lives, it’s expected to make a huge impact on our industry. Check out this piece speculating on the ways the insurance industry will change forever the day you see your first self-driving car commercial.

The Trusted Traveler

If you’ve ever considered going through the process of being certified with TSA PreCheck, I say go for it. Getting through security takes me about 5 minutes now that I’m in the registry, so it;s saved me untold hours of standing around frustrated. Many credit cards even offer free application, so I’d definitely advise looking in to both the PreCheck and CLEAR programs.

Automation with Appeal

Drip is a concept in email marketing that ensures your campaign can adapt to each prospects engagement and level of interest, increasing conversion through an approach that is as individualized as possible. It’s also a product folks are using to increase their numbers through intelligent outreach automation…it’s a pretty nifty resource, and could be just what you need to take your agency to the next level. You know you’re curious.

The Last Word

All right everyone, that is a complete week of geek from this end…thanks as always for carving out a few minutes in your weekly boot sequence for this educational edition of “Brad’s Blog!” I’ll be back in your inbox next time around–if you’ll have me–but until then be sure to look both ways before crossing the street…the day you save may be your own.

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Share-Worthy – Celebrate life and Dad too in this weeks Brad’s Blog https://www.myarchway.com/share-worthy-celebrate-life-dad-weeks-brads-blog/ https://www.myarchway.com/share-worthy-celebrate-life-dad-weeks-brads-blog/#respond Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:17:33 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=532 Don’t Forget Dad! Speaking as a father, I know you probably haven’t picked out a Father’s Day gift yet even though dad’s big day is exactly a week from now. It’s okay, we understand you’re busy what with work and all. You should really call your mother more though, she worries. Anyway, if you’re still looking for a great gift…

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Don’t Forget Dad!

Speaking as a father, I know you probably haven’t picked out a Father’s Day gift yet even though dad’s big day is exactly a week from now. It’s okay, we understand you’re busy what with work and all. You should really call your mother more though, she worries.

Anyway, if you’re still looking for a great gift for your old man, allow me to assist: these slick wireless earphones incorporate dual microphone technology and customizable equalizer profiles so the classic sounds of The Big Bopper come through like never before.

Also, I know it took most dads I knew forever to make the switch to one of those newfangled electric tooth-brushes, and so another outstanding option for the man who has everything (that he could think of in 1963) is the quip electric toothbrush, designed as the perfect brush with carefully calibrated vibrations and a low profile design built to deliver a perfect clean.

Finally, like many classic patriarchs I take pride in never getting sick. At least if you count common annoyances like the cold or flu…did have a bout with a stomach virus on a trip to South America, but that’s another story.

I attribute my relatively clean bill of health to three things: regular exercise, a reasonably decent diet, and these vitamins, which are formulated to provide the supplementary dietary compounds that can keep men like me vigorous well past the ripe old age of 46.

Ad Astra

The human race lost a couple of very special members to suicide last week…it’s a difficult concept to contend with. I personally know people who have attempted to take their own lives. I also knew a few who have succeeded. It never gets any easier to talk about.

The nature of our existence–the full weight of the human condition–can be a curious thing, and as I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, your results may vary. There are no easy answers on this topic, but this line from Woody Allen often comes to mind: “life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.

Hard to argue, but I like to think there are moments of happiness scattered around in there like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms…finding them can make our slow march to the inevitable much more bearable. Try to enjoy the ride while you can.

YouTube on Your Time

If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated because you can’t watch your favorite YouTube videos when you’re on a long flight with no Internet connection or deep underground in your secret lair, you’ll be happy to know there’s is a way.

This PC Mag article goes into detail about downloading videos for offline viewing…the hours will fly by as you watch your favorite TV show recaps, recipe videos, and dubbed movie scenes anywhere and anytime.

The Last Word

Okay scouts, that’ll just about do it for this week. Thanks for checking your email bright and early for this latest eclectic edition of “Brad’s Blog!”

I’ll be back in your inbox right on schedule next time, but if you want to chat about some geeky greatness (or hear that story about South America) don’t be shy about dropping a line!

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NetVU Atlanta and Google Duplex https://www.myarchway.com/netvu-atlanta-google-duplex/ https://www.myarchway.com/netvu-atlanta-google-duplex/#respond Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:58:07 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=524 NetVU Accelerate Giveaway! I hope you woke up feeling lucky this morning: it’s that special time of year again! The NetVU conference is upon us once more, and we’re giving away some truly sweet tech toys this time around: Apple Airbuds and Amazon Alexa Show! You don’t even have to attend to win!! …but just in case you do plan…

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NetVU Accelerate Giveaway!

I hope you woke up feeling lucky this morning: it’s that special time of year again! The NetVU conference is upon us once more, and we’re giving away some truly sweet tech toys this time around: Apple Airbuds and Amazon Alexa Show! You don’t even have to attend to win!!

…but just in case you do plan on making an appearance at one of the industry’s biggest yearly events, you can enter online AND at our booth to double your chances to win. You might even take home both prizes if the Universe is really smiling on you this week.

NetVU is always an exciting event, especially emanating from a great city like Atlanta but I’m looking forward just as much to meeting some of you in person while I’m in town. If you’d like a little face time with The Maestro, click here to schedule an appointment…he might even buy you a drink.

The Maestro is me, by the way.

This Segment Was Written by a Human

Technology is getting a lot smarter, and doing it in a hurry. The latest innovation from the folks at Google is undeniable proof of this, with Google Assistant Duplex rapidly becoming the personal helper you never knew you needed. Want to book a restaurant reservation, go for a haircut, maybe just order a pizza? Your Google Assistant can make the call and iron out all the details.

Of course, the flip side to this next-level AI advancement is pretty apparent to anyone who has watched Netflix’s “Black Mirror,” spiritual successor to “The Twilight Zone.” The emerging AI age brings with it all sorts of ethical concerns, and this piece from CNET highlights some of the more…compelling aspects of AI proliferation.

Aftermarket Browser Upgrades

I always like to share any new browser extensions that make my life a little easier, and one of the apps I’ve recently come to appreciate is called Clockshark. Clockshark helps me increase the efficiency of my remote helpers by tracking their time and location while on the clock with a convenient online dashboard. Try it for 14 days and see if it’s a good resource for your team.

Building a great company starts with the best talent, and Lever is a useful resource in the hiring process. Lever simplifies the hiring process, allowing our recruiting department to make smarter decisions and keep the most qualified applicants on our radar.

Also, if you’ve committed to a browser–I always suggest Chrome–you might want to get Station. Station combines all those fantastic little extensions you’ve collected over the life of your laptop into one streamlined tool. It’s great for cleaning up all the clutter in that menu.

The Last Word

Thanks for clicking in to another exceptional edition of “Brad’s Blog!” Don’t forget to enter our great giveaway to celebrate NetVU Atlanta, and if you find yourself in the Peach State this week, why don’t y’all come on down to the conference and say hi!

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Changing Cyber Regs and Internet Masterclasses https://www.myarchway.com/changing-cyber-regs-internet-masterclasses/ https://www.myarchway.com/changing-cyber-regs-internet-masterclasses/#respond Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:31:50 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=488 Empire Statement The laws on the books are finally starting to catch up with the realities of the world, and the updated New York cyber reg laws are the most comprehensive suite of consumer protection policies ever put into place. These regulations mean big changes for agencies, banks, and other agencies that ar based in or do business in the…

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Empire Statement

The laws on the books are finally starting to catch up with the realities of the world, and the updated New York cyber reg laws are the most comprehensive suite of consumer protection policies ever put into place.

These regulations mean big changes for agencies, banks, and other agencies that ar based in or do business in the state, and I believe similar programs will be spreading nationwide to help combat the epidemic of cybercrime.

As always, Archway is ahead of the game, and if you need a little guidance for a smooth transition into the newly regulated digital marketplace, we’re only too happy to help.

Get in touch to take a look at the information we’ve compiled, and if you just want a list of cyber reg do’s and dont’s in this new climate, be sure to let us know in the Service Request field.

College in Your PJs (again)

It’s truly staggering the number of things you can learn in a few dozen hours online. You already know that you can become an amateur chef or world-class cup stacker just by watching the right YouTube video, but you can also learn skills that will help you in your professional life.

Udemy is an outstanding resource for education on an array of concepts in the world of tech, from ethical hacking to AI building. The courses are overseen by expert instructors and accessible for life so you can always brush up on your newly acquired sorcery skills.

Even better, until Thursday you can select the course of your choice for just 10.99…it’s worth doing just so you can say that you mastered Photoshop for 11 bucks.

But if you’re too lazy to spend the cash on a 23 hour SEO For Dummies course, (guilty) you can always reach out to my daughter, Hannah, who’s digital marketing agency, Creative House Social, specializes in all things internet.

Silver Linings eBook

Still not sure how the ending of Net Neutrality affects you personally? This piece from The Verge goes into detail about the everyday effects of the policy change, and although unintended consequences always loom in any major development, there are some positive aspects as well.

For example, AT&T is now able to offer “sponsored content,” such as unlimited streaming access to Hulu that won’t count against your data cap even with prepaid plans. At least in the early stages it’s more “different” than “bad” the way I see it, but let me know what you think.

Fully Loaded 

Okay, we’re all geeks here, right? I realize not everyone has the finely tuned sensibilities to fully appreciate the thought that went into preparing this guy’s travel bag, but I figure you folks will.

Just look at how thoroughly equipped he is: a laptop, two smartphones (personal and work, obviously), a high capacity power bank, a portable hotspot, and a full complement of chargers, adaptors, connectors, and other delightful devices.

As someone who frequently goes 12 hours without encountering a single outlet or free WiFi access point, it’s deeply satisfying to see such meticulous preparation for a trade show safari.

The Last Word

All right, that’ll about wrap things up for February! Thanks so much for continuing to make Brad’s Blog one of the leading weekly insurance and technology newsletters in your inbox.

Naturally I’ll be back in a few days with more geeky goodness, but be sure to shoot us an email if you need a little help navigating the new cyber reg atmosphere or even just want to chat. Have an amazing week!

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This Week’s Upgrades for Your Life https://www.myarchway.com/weeks-upgrades-life/ https://www.myarchway.com/weeks-upgrades-life/#respond Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:22:12 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=486 Be Where You Are It’s really amazing to the sum total of human knowledge and a global communication device fit into your pocket, isn’t it? If we’re being honest, it’s sort of addictive…we’ve all seen that table of friends enjoying a night out with their smartphones, silently scrolling through their Snapchat. You may have even been part of such a…

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Be Where You Are

It’s really amazing to the sum total of human knowledge and a global communication device fit into your pocket, isn’t it? If we’re being honest, it’s sort of addictive…we’ve all seen that table of friends enjoying a night out with their smartphones, silently scrolling through their Snapchat.

You may have even been part of such a group, in which case you know the whole thing can go a little too far sometimes. Surprisingly, portable electric fun can even make it harder to focus at work, which is why I found this Lifehacker article pretty helpful. Turns out “Do Not Disturb” mode can be used to save you from yourself in a number of situations, if only for a little while.

More Show, Less Dough

If you’re looking to get the most possible value out of your streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, a tablet is definitely the way to go. Just save a few programs using the “Watch Later” feature and your 8 hour flight just became a movie marathon.

I like to have a tablet specifically for streaming so I don’t have to take my office iPad or smart home control panel out into the world, and this piece from PC Mag spotlights the models on the market that offer the most bang for your buck.

At Home With Siri

I was really excited for the release of the Apple HomePod, the manufacturer’s answer to the Amazon Echo, but the early reviews are less than glowing.

Apparently the sound quality is fine–”superb,” according to TechRadar--but if you’re used to dealing with the intuitive Alexa, Siri’s limited functionality in the device leaves something to be desired. Nothing that can’t be patched, I suppose.

Still, if you’re full ensconced in the world of Apple, the HomePod is an essential addition to your arsenal, featuring a streamlined setup and automatic pairing with compatible devices. May be smart to wait a few weeks, in any event.

Your Laser Mouse is Cool, But…

If you’ve managed to make it through the last 5 versions of Windows without becoming one of those Power Users the menus speak of, it’s not too late to unlock your true potential.

This handy guide from Windows Central can help you discover nifty keyboard commands that make interfacing with your PC easier than ever before. It’s like a basic spellbook for computer nerds.

The Last Word

Well, that’s pretty much everything I have for this episode. Thanks as always for allowing me into the inbox that you actually check, and for making time in your week for this little labor of love. Have a great week, and don’t forget to go outside every so often, just to get a little fresh air and existential perspective.

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Super Internet Safe Mode https://www.myarchway.com/super-internet-safe-mode/ https://www.myarchway.com/super-internet-safe-mode/#respond Tue, 20 Jun 2017 06:09:29 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=226 It’s Not Stalking, It’s Market Research! If you’ve ever wondered how those ads on websites get so suspiciously specific, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that it’s based on tracking your web history. It’s somewhere in the chasm between creepy and convenient, and if it falls closer to the former for you, Incognito Mode might be the answer. Incognito…

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It’s Not Stalking, It’s Market Research!

If you’ve ever wondered how those ads on websites get so suspiciously specific, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that it’s based on tracking your web history.

It’s somewhere in the chasm between creepy and convenient, and if it falls closer to the former for you, Incognito Mode might be the answer. Incognito Mode is good for everything from lowering the number of really weird ads you get after googling something for research purposes to bypassing paywalls at sites like the LA Times without a subscription.

I’m sure you can think of other uses for a secret untracked browsing session as well, and all you have to do is hit (Ctrl+Shift+N) to access it..um, not that I have it on speed dial or anything. This article at Gizmodo goes into more detail about covering your tracks online, just in case you’re feeling stealthy today.

Honeymoon’s Over

Does it seem like a while since a new iPhone debuted? I know it does to me, especially since my “old” 7-series doesn’t seem to hold a charge like it did in ancient times over 6 months ago. If you’re like me and are keen for the next generation of iOS devices, here’s a nice bundle of juicy rumors to make you hate your outdated smartphone even more.

Scouting the Surface

I continue to be impressed with the enduring popularity of the MS Surface after the product line’s fairly inauspicious start. They’re everywhere at the various conventions I find myself at, and I even find myself coveting the latest version for my own from time to time.

Microsoft is doing something pretty interesting for lovers of the Surface platform, rolling out a subscription service that allows owners to pay for their device on a monthly basis as well as upgrading to the latest model periodically.

My Surface fever is definitely getting worse, especially with more info coming out about the newest version of the hybrid laptop-tablet. Do I need another computer? Probably not, but half the reason I got into tech was to justify the constant purchase of shiny new gadgets.

An Infinite Attic

Of course, that means that I have a lot of dusty old obsoletes lying around, and lack of storage space is a pretty common issue for those of us who do not own warehouses.

That’s why I think a service like Clutter is a great idea…they’ll come pick up all your junk and store at a facility near you, then when you decide you want it back, they’ll deliver it to your door. Perfect.

The Last Word

Well, that seems like a good place to put a bookmark in things for the week. Thanks again for taking the time on this idle Tuesday for another riveting episode of “Brad’s Blog.” You can expect to hear from me again in six days’ time, but don’t be shy about shooting me an email if you want to chat before then!

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DocuSign of the Times: This Week’s Big Cyberattack https://www.myarchway.com/docusign-times-weeks-big-cyberattack/ https://www.myarchway.com/docusign-times-weeks-big-cyberattack/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2017 05:51:41 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=223 Disastrous Deja Vu *sigh* I had really hoped to lead off with better news this week. Popular digital verification service DocuSign was just the latest victim of the cyberattacks that appear to be ramping up with the recent proliferation of hacker tools. This latest attack centers around phishing emails, or messages that appear to be from a legitimate sender but…

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Disastrous Deja Vu

*sigh* I had really hoped to lead off with better news this week.

Popular digital verification service DocuSign was just the latest victim of the cyberattacks that appear to be ramping up with the recent proliferation of hacker tools. This latest attack centers around phishing emails, or messages that appear to be from a legitimate sender but contain malware.

We’re crossing our fingers that none of our clients were affected, but naturally we’re standing by to put out any fires. In preventative  measures, this informative article talks  about ways to spot phishing emails before you end up on the hook. Probably a good idea not to open any DocuSign emails you weren’t expecting in the meantime.

Flights of Fancy

My secret desire to jaunt around the world on a private jet isn’t much of a secret any more to anyone who has been reading this for a while, and thanks to Jetsmarter I can stop buying those half a billion dollar jackpot Powerball tickets now.

That’s right, apparently the service is offering a free three month membership trial to what they term as “elite fliers.”Just email Jetsmarter with  proof of status (read: gobs of money) and see if you qualify according to their exacting standards of high class aerial passenger.

If your monies are a bit less significant…say, you just have a paltry $2 million or so to spend…a more economic option is the Cirrus Vision jet. The single engine, owner-piloted aircraft is essentially the Beetle of private jetliners, exuding a certain approachable quality that sets you apart as a particularly bohemian plutocrat.

Real World Problems

Of course, I’m stuck flying commercial until one of my fantastic patent pending ideas that I’m not going to tell you about takes off, but I have to say having my laptop along for the ride has always made suffering the indignity of airport security just a bit more tolerable.

I’m going to enjoy that while it lasts, because national security policies are quickly heading in the direction of “no one can bring anything anywhere,” and laptops are the latest target of these measures.

PCMag put  out a helpful little piece detailing strategies for working on a flight without a laptop, because there’s nothing we can really do about it besides complain online or choose other modes of transport.

I’m starting to prefer the teleporter we have at the office, but it’s patent pen—um, I’ve already said too much.

Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen)

I don’t know if you’ve seen the many pictures of me that float around the Archway media presence, but in case you haven’t noticed, I have pretty fair skin.

Okay, that’s understating it…my paleness scorches under light bulbs over 40w.

I don’t “tan” as much as “broil.”

Taking off my shirt on a sunny day has interfered with the performance of satellites orbiting the earth.

I sunburn easily, is the point I’m getting at here.

Still, regardless of your skin color sunburn is a peril just about all of us have to live with in exchange for beautiful summer weather, and if you’d rather not be peeling flakes of pain off your body after a day of fun in the sun, this Lifehacker article is worth a look.

The Last Word

All right everyone, it’s going to be a pretty busy week here at the offices as we work to sort out the potential aftermath of this latest high profile cyberattack, so this seems like a good place to wrap things up.

Thanks as always for making time early in your week for another high quality installment of “Brad’s Blog,” don’t forget to update those virus definitions…no, as in, “right now.”

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I’m Watching You, UPS https://www.myarchway.com/im-watching-ups/ https://www.myarchway.com/im-watching-ups/#respond Tue, 30 May 2017 05:31:15 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=216 Salute the Season Can you feel summer coming? That’s right, Memorial Day is traditionally thought of as the season’s unofficial kickoff, and for good reason most of our minds go to BBQ’s and good times with family and friends on one of the few days of leisure guaranteed virtually the entire American workforce. Still, this national holiday is particularly meaningful…

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Salute the Season

Can you feel summer coming? That’s right, Memorial Day is traditionally thought of as the season’s unofficial kickoff, and for good reason most of our minds go to BBQ’s and good times with family and friends on one of the few days of leisure guaranteed virtually the entire American workforce.

Still, this national holiday is particularly meaningful in our culture because of the deeper meaning behind all the mattress sales and barbecue sauce. The Washington Examiner did an excellent job spotlighting the significance of Memorial Day, putting together this great little collection of videos that show why respect for this day is so integral to the fabric of our nation. Check it out, you know you did nothing productive yesterday.

Restful Recharge

I talk about the importance of a good night’s sleep in this space from time to time, as I’m sure it’s common knowledge that the vast majority of people aren’t getting enough quality rest on a nightly basis.

Unfortunately, having a life can often prevent one from clearing out 8-10 uninterrupted hours  in which to be safely unconscious, and so I try to get the least amount of sleep possible while still remaining well-rested. It’s not a perfect plan, but at least I’m not a zombie in the morning any more.

Home, Away from Home

I installed a Ring video doorbell over the weekend…really, as in with my own two hands. I’ll skip the part where I gush about how it makes me feel like I live in an inaccessible secret lair and tell you that the project was surprisingly simple and the iPhone app works really well. Now I can see packages being delivered to my home when I’m away, which I hope is less…um, um, entertaining…than this.

Picturesque Peru

I go on a lot of trips, so I can always justify some new luggage to myself…Bluetooth-enabled suitcases with internal power supplies and password protection are great and all, but when you’re making an international haul for a week or three, one feature in particular becomes indispensable—packing space.

That’s why I’m getting full use out of one of my latest luggage purchases, the Expandable International Carry-on from  Briggs-Riley. This beast of an upright bag is the ideal solution for folks like me who prefer to travel with one bag, expanding 34 percent to essentially give me one of those old-school steamer trunks from “Titanic,” except it fits in the overhead compartment.

The Last Word

All right everyone, that’s about all for this week. Thanks as always for allowing this weekly fireside chat into your “good” inbox, even if it’s because you keep forgetting to unsubscribe. I’ll be back on schedule next week, but until then I’ll be staring at my phone…have some Amazon deliveries coming in this week, you see.

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This Email May Be Habit-Forming https://www.myarchway.com/email-may-habit-forming/ https://www.myarchway.com/email-may-habit-forming/#respond Tue, 07 Feb 2017 05:50:38 +0000 http://www.myarchway.com/?p=248 Thanks, Tommy Just in case there are any Atlanta Falcons supporters in my readership, don’t take this personally…I even waited a day to say this out of respect. Still, I have to say, seeing the Patriots rally from a 25 point deficit to win their 5th Super Bowl was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen. Now, I…

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Thanks, Tommy

Just in case there are any Atlanta Falcons supporters in my readership, don’t take this personally…I even waited a day to say this out of respect. Still, I have to say, seeing the Patriots rally from a 25 point deficit to win their 5th Super Bowl was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen.

Now, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a Patriots fan…it’s hard not to respect their legacy overall, but pro sports as a whole really don’t do it for me. As Jerry Seinfeld observed, we are just rooting for laundry. I did, however, have money on the game, and that certainly made things interesting.

Imagine my excitement as what I had written off the price of a good time around the time of Lady Gaga’s halftime show slowly became a nice little reward for sitting through 4 hours of commercials. Speaking of which, there weren’t many real gems this year, but if you want a recap of the standouts, check out this video.

So, How’s that Resolution Going?

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit, which means reshaping your behavior is really just about sticking to your commitment. Of course, that’s not as easy as it sounds, as anyone who has been losing that extra 15 pounds for almost as many years can attest. Still, the fact remains that tracking your efforts and progress is a reliable source of motivation, and a habit tracker app can go a long way toward forcing yourself to be a better person.

Fight for Your Right

At Archway, we don’t do hardware…we’re strictly about what goes on inside your computer. Still, we take pride in our comprehensive network services, which means we certainly understand the importance of having the right computer components.

We always encourage our clients to take advantage of any available extended warranties on their parts, because even though HP does offer onsite repair, getting replacement parts in a timely fashion can be a real challenge.

A lot of the reason the whole thing is more complicated than it has to be is because of a concept called “right to repair,” which doesn’t exist in every state. What can I say, short sighted as it was, the founding fathers weren’t really thinking about your laptop fan.

“Right to repair” laws essentially force manufacturers to supply their parts to independent service providers and regular folks like us instead of monopolizing the process, and I have to say it’s a step in the right direction for the industry. I’m really not sure how they managed that deal in the first place.

Rendering Unto Ceasar

Tax season is well upon us, and one of the few things I don’t procrastinate on is getting them done and out of my hair. Of course, I use the services of an accountant—combination of complicated entrepreneurial tax code and all-American laziness—but if you prepare your own  taxes, this article highlights some useful programs that can help.

The Last Word

That’s good for one edition, wouldn’t you say? If I haven’t worn out my weekly welcome in your inbox, feel free to shoot me an email, but in  any event thanks so much for making time early in your week for me. I’ll be back on schedule next week, which is about enough time for you to start picking up a positive new habit, isn’t it?

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