A2Z Computer Services Inc

Corporate I.T. Solutions, Computer Repair and Web Design in Henderson, KY

WordPress 3.3 Has Arrived!

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WordPress 3.3We’re excited to announce that the latest release of WordPress has finally arrived and is available for immediate download. If you run your website or blog on WordPress you can update to version 3.3 inside of your Dashboard.

When you log in to your WordPress powered site you will see a notification that says “WordPress 3.3 is available! Please update now.” Simply click “Update Now” and you will be taken to the update page where you will then click the blue button that says “Update Now” to instantly install your WordPress update.

On the same update page, make sure to check for any plugin updates that are available. If they are available please install those updates as well. Please remember that it’s always a good idea to back up your website before installing updates. If you are a client of ours’ we will take care of updating your WordPress software.

What’s New in 3.3?

WordPress 3.3 brings a handful of new features for users. The Dashboard’s left-hand navigation menu now has hover fly-out menus to save extra steps when navigating. This new menu layout also keeps your Dashboard cleaner while you are making changes to your site.

The admin bar and Dashboard header have been combined to save space. The latest version also brings improved c0-editing support as well as a Tumblr importer. To make uploading media such as images simpler and faster, WordPress has added a drag and drop media uploader.

For new users, WordPress has added improved pointer tips and a friendly welcome message. The WordPress Dashboard is now more responsive. This means that the Dashboard resizes well according to browser width as well as on the iPad and other tablets.

All in all this a great update for WordPress users. We recommend that you go ahead and update to version 3.3 to begin taking advantage of these new features.

Laptop Christmas Special

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During the month of December we are running a Christmas laptop special while supplies last. If you are interested in ordering please contact us here or call us at (270) 830-9590. Below are the specs on the laptop that we currently have on special.

ACER Apsire with 17″ LCD Screen and Windows 7 Home Premiumacer aspire laptop special

Price: $625

  • Intel Pentium 2.13 GHz (P6200 Dual-Core)
  • RAM 4 GB
  • HDD 500 GB
  • DVD±RW / DVD-RAM
  • HD Graphics
  • WLAN : 802.11b/g/n
  • Sound
  • Fax / Modem
  • Card Reader
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • 17.3″ Widescreen LED backlight CineCrystal TFT 1600 x 900 ( WSXGA )
  • Web Cam
  • Mesh Back
  • 7.3 lbs
  • 1 Year Warranty

 

Our Core Services

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At A2Z Computer Services, we don’t just work on computers. Since 1996, we’ve been specializing in a variety of technology-based solutions to businesses and residents in the Tri-State area. Below is a breakdown of our core services.

Corporate Services

If you were to have a cyber-security related incident, how would you respond?

When it comes to information security, this is an ever important question facing organizations.

In today’s IT environment, organizations must deal with a variety of security incidents such as security breaches from both external and internal sources, notifications when the protection of customer data has been compromised, forensic investigation of fraudulent activities, and sabotage by personnel in sensitive positions.

Having a plan of action before security incidents occur and having the right security partner to help when they do occur is critical. And now we have a complete line of Computerized Video Surveillance Equipment to help with physical security. Be assured that we have the experience and training to know how to help you through any security breach you may experience.

Computer Networking

Even the smallest of businesses need a network of some sort. Whether it’s just a single computer and a router, or a complex network including multiple servers, workstations, wireless equipment, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, A2Z Computer Services can create a network design that is both efficient and secure.

A2Z Computer Services can help make your network work for your business. A2Z’s trained and experienced technicians can assist with both adding new elements to an already existing network, or we can design and build a network for you from scratch

Ongoing Maintenance

The best way to cut down on computer repair is by frequent preventive maintenance. Electromagnetic energy inside a computer acts like a magnet, actually attracting dust, dirt, nicotine and other contaminants. The build-up of contaminants on critical components prevents heat from escaping. This increases the internal temperature and the potential for breakdowns. We have developed an ongoing maintenance program that will allow us to become aware of potential challenges that may arise within each of your computer systems. With it, we take a proactive stance towards the day to day operations of your computer systems.

Web Services

Website development is a service that most businesses today are need of in some form or another. Whether your business is a one person show or a large team effort you can have many needs met by beginning an online presence with a website. All of our websites are custom built in order to meet your functional, design and budgetary needs. If you already have a website but may need updates to it, we can help you there as well.

Social Media Development

A2Z Computer Services is proud to offer Social Media Marketing Solutions in our lineup. This solution consists of services related solely to social media marketing and its various aspects. Click here for a partial list of clients we’ve already helped.

We use tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, You Tube, blogging and other related applications to maximize your online presence. As consumers and social media addicts ourselves we know and understand what individuals want from their social media experiences and we want to help guide you in the right direction. Here is a basic breakdown of our Social Media Service:

  • Consulting
  • Development
  • Graphic Design
  • Social Media Strategy Classes
  • Advertising Campaign Management
  • Website Integration

Service and Repair Center

We understand that computers can be a bit irritating at times. This is exactly why we have a full service and repair center to serve all of your corporate or personal computer needs. Our service is simple; first we analyze your particular issue and call you with a diagnosis, a plan of attack and a cost of repair. No repairs are facilitated prior to your consent. Any unforeseen charges are approved by you before they are completed. And now, you can get real-time updates via Twitter.

Sales

One of the most common things we hear from people is “I didn’t know you sold computers”. Kenny Garrett started building computers for the US Navy and the general public in 1986 and has been doing so every since. Component for component, A2Z Computer Services builds and sells the highest quality systems and replacement parts available in the market. This guarantees your success when the reliability of your computer(s) is a must.

Continuing Education Center

Coming soon… we will be opening an education center and offering classes, seminars and lunch meetings on various topics. Stay tuned.

For more information, don’t hesitate to call us at (270) 830-9590 or find us online at www.welovecomputers.net, www.facebook.com/a2zcs, or www.twitter.com/a2zcs.

 

Why Your Website is the Hub of Your Internet Marketing

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With the rise of social media marketing through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and all of the others, many businesses have forced their websites to take a back seat when it comes to their internet marketing. There are even businesses that opt out of setting up a website because it seems easier and cheaper to just have a Facebook page. While Facebook is a very important tool for companies to embrace, it cannot replace your website. Rather, it should be used to pull more customers and leads to your website where the real sale can take place. Below are 4 basic reasons why your website is the hub of your internet marketing.

1. You own your website.

It’s important to remember that you do not own Facebook, or any other social networking site for that matter. Facebook has strict rules that many business owners either don’t know or simply ignore altogether, especially when it comes to contests, sweepstakes and giveaways. If you break these rules your page is subject to being removed. Facebook is also known to make big changes and updates without warning. Your website only changes when you want to change it. You dictate how your website functions and when changes are made, this is very important.

2. Your website can display all of your information.

Your website can be as large and complex as you need. To give a full presentation of your services and products you need space and organization. A website meets this need by allowing you to have as many pages as you can fill with content. You’re also able to easily make changes and updates as your products evolve. Facebook only allows for so much, which is why sites like Facebook and Twitter are perfect for giving your potential clients a teaser, or sample, and then pulling them back to your website where the real sales presentation can take place.

3. Search Engine Optimization

SEO is king. Being involved in social media does help your SEO, but your website does more. As I mentioned above, you can fill your website with as much content as you want. The more pages of content that you have, the more that search engines such as Google and Bing have to look at. Search Engine Land recently blogged that a new industry report says SEO Beats PPC & Social Media For Generating Leads. Search engine optimization cannot be ignored and the organic SEO on your website is the foundation for it all.

4. Mobile Optimization

More individuals are accessing the internet from their smart phones. Social media is perfect for mobile interaction, but not so much for sales presentations. Keep in mind that making more sales is what drives you to market and promote your business in the first place. Facebook allows you to have custom tabs and applications on your page, but those tabs and applications are not viewable in the mobile version of Facebook or in the native Facebook application. However, your website can be optimized for mobile browsing and allows for consumers to conveniently view your content on the go, which is very important.

These are very basic points, but my purpose in presenting them is to simply remind you of the importance of your website. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and all of the other social networking sites are very important as well and should not be ignored. All businesses and organizations can benefit from using social media in some form. Just make sure that you don’t forget your website, which is the hub of your internet marketing.

 

First Thoughts on Google Plus

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google plus iconLast week, all of us at A2Z finally received our invites for Google Plus (Google+). In this post, I’m going to share a few of my initial thoughts, reactions and expectations after a few days of exploring Google’s brand new social networking site.

The Design

Upon entering Google+ for the first time there were a few things that instantly caught my attention. The first of these being the minimalist design and layout. Everywhere you go on the site, you see a lot of white space and the content is given center stage. A clean and minimal design is not only easy on the eyes, but it also makes navigation simple and quick and lets you focus on the content and interaction. Another great feature to the design and integration of Google Plus is the gray toolbar that we recently saw show up at the of the page when you’re logged into your Google account. This not only allows the user to switch from Google Plus to Gmail to your Calendar and more, but it also sports a notification box for your Google Plus, allowing you to receive notifications regardless of which tool you’re using in your Google account.

Your Profile

As with the rest of the social networking site, your profile sticks with the same minimalist look. You have your information page that displays all of the information about yourself that you choose to put out there. With each piece of information that you place on your About page, you also choose the type of people that you want that to be available to (i.e. Friends, Family, Everyone, etc.). Your Posts tab simply shows all of your posts that you’ve sent out. Your profile does not have a wall for people to write on. All interaction is done from the stream, which essentially makes sharing and interacting a hybrid between Facebook and Twitter.

Circles

Circles have been of the most talked about feature in Google Plus. Rather than sending friend requests like on Facebook, Google Plus allows you to add people to various Circles that you have created. Just because you add them to your Circle, doesn’t mean they have to add you. It’s the equivalent to following people on Twitter and adding them to a list. Another plus (no pun intended) to this feature is that allows you to be selective with who you share posts with. Let’s say that your Circles are titled Family, Friends, Co-Workers and Clients. If you’re sharing an update about your vacation, you may not want that seen by clients, but only friends and family. Likewise, not everything you share with clients may be relevant to your cousins. Circles makes online sharing and interaction a little more similar to interacting with your different circles of friends in real life.

Hangouts

Hangouts allows you to do group video chat with your Google Plus connections. This may not be something that everyone will have need of, but I can see this really being used for online business meetings, study groups, etc.

Closing Thoughts

It seems that after a few failed attempts at social networking, Google has finally struck gold. Google Plus is estimated to hit 20 Million users this weekend and admission to the site is still by invitation only. Admission to Google Plus will be available to the public on July 31st. This makes Google Plus the fastest growing social network ever. There’s a lot of talk about how Google Plus could take down Facebook or even knock out Twitter and to be honest, it’s hard to fully agree with that. Will some people leave those sites altogether to put more focus on this new site? Maybe. Most people, though, will not completely leave Facebook, even the ones who have been feeling “Facebook fatigue” lately. I see great success in Google’s social networking future and look forward to seeing more updates and refinements to the site.