Super Fast Internet!

iinet have just released new super fast internet plans - Bonded DSL. This connects 2 ADSL lines into one session, allowing you to have double the upload and download speeds (theoretically anyway). In the real world you will experience speeds far greater than ADSL or ADSL2, as your cabling will provide more bandwidth. This setup is ideal for workplaces with 15 or more computers, or where your location prohibits you from having faster ADSL speeds. If you would like more info on how we can speed up your business's internet, please contact us.

A Laptop for Gaming or Work

Its hard to come accross a laptop that is value for money, and a decent setup. The Toshiba Satellite L550 has a Core2 Duo 2.13GHz processor, 17.3" screen and built in 512MB ATI Graphics, perfect for CAD or games! For more info, see the specs on this graphics laptop here.

iPad Review: Is it good for Work?

The iPad has been out for a while now, and millions of these units have been sold. You can browse the web, instant message, send emails and play games. But how about using your iPad to replace your work laptop? This article from Toms Guide reviews the iPad on a short holiday, and its quite interesting to see their opinion of the latest tech craze. A cheap Netbook might be a better option (see our range here)

Microsoft Office 2010 is Available Now!

Microsoft's latest version of Office is now available. As the 2007 version is not going to be made anymore, Office 2010 will be available on all new computer purchases after our supply of 2007 is gone.

Office 2010 offers new and improved features, such as an easy to navigate menu, picture editing functions, and improved security. For more info, please have a look at our eStore listings for OEM Microsoft Office 2010.

What is Hosting Anyway?

We have been asked this question several times by our customers, so here is a simple answer. Hosting is needed by websites to keep tham accessable at all times. Web sites are hosted on servers, which are kept running 24 hours a day. When you type in a web site address or send an email, a Domain Name Server is contacted (normally managed by your internet provider) and it is then routed to the correct server, which is hosting the required content. Hosting can do more than just emails and web site storage though. Databases, and even your company server can be "co-located", so that your company files can be accessed quickly from Wangara, Joondalup, or Tokyo!

Simple Ways to get Your Web Site Found on Google!

The Internet is the most sought after advertising medium today. To get good results requires a hefty upfront cost and several hundred dollars a month in maintenance. Many small and medium sized businesses shy away from such advertising due to the costs, but there is a free way to advertise: Social Networks! The aim of the game is to get news articles or RSS feeds on sites such as Facebook, Blogger/Blogspot, Twitter etc. The more articles you do, the more potential there is for customers to find your web site! We have done this ourselves:

RSS Feed - our news article feed
Blogger - Our news article Blog
Twitter - Get quick updates of our articles
Facebook - A copy of our blog, links in to our website's blog
Linkedin - Profile of me, links in with twitter

We also have our blog on our website at dcnsolutions.net/blog/

To improve your listing in Google:

1. Add a news article everyday
2. Put your articles on as many bloging/social networking sites as possible!
3. Always link your article to your web site
4. Use key words that relate to the Google searches you want to optimise!
5. Link up to other blogs/tweets to increase your reputation

There are many tricks and tools that can be used, so for more info, please contact us!

Speed up your Office!

Is your MYOB access time getting slow? Do you have multiple database programs running on each of your computers? Do you need people to access work files from off site locations? If any of those are true, then a Terminal Server Computer may be the ultimate solution for you. A terminal server is a single computer running a software package that allows multiple, simultaneous remote connections. All information is processed on that single computer and the speed is much greater than VPN as the only information that is sent over the internet/network is, not that actual datafile, but just a virtual screen shot as if you were physically on that computer. This makes MYOB, Retail Manager or other database programs so much faster. Best of all, a terminal server can be setup on just about any computer (must have professional/ultimate/server version of Windows, and 2GB+ RAM), for under $400. For more information on setting up a Terminal Server, please contact us.

Which Invoicing Package?

There are many different invoicing and accounting packages available today, each with their own set of features. Which one is best for your business? We have found that each package has its own unique benefits, and incorporated them into our own web based Business Manager. Our program allows you to keep a database of contacts, create financial reports for each quarter, the entire financial year, or any time period, email invoices and outstanding statements and much more! And like any other DCN Solutions program, it can be customised to fit your business setup (such as integrating an eStore and stock management all in one!) For more information, please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.

How eCommerce Can Help You

Many businesses these days are selling products online. Doing so is cheaper than having a physical shopfront and can augment their current sales by targeting people who wish to buy online. An eCommerce site (known as an online shop or eStore) can help your business target a larger audience. We are currently working on a couple of eCommerce sites that should be up and running next year, including our own eStore where you can browse some of the products that we sell! Keep your eyes peeled on our Web Design page.

Get Remote Help!

We have just created a new service by which you can get real time support ANYWHERE that has an internet connection. It is the DCN Virtual Helpdesk. Simply call us to arrange a time, then go to our support web page at dcnsolutions.net/support/. Just follow the steps and you are under way! Once the program has been started, you can initiate the connection to the DCN Solutions Server to begin the troubelshooting session.

Your Local Business Directory!

DCN Solutions is proud to announce a new sister site catering for small businesses: localline.com.au. This web site will be the one-stop site for all business searches and online trading, with a business forum and much more! Customers will be able to search for local businesses online, and businesses can sell products directly using an eStore. There are plenty of opportunities for advertising and business owners can chat and get support online. We have around 200 businesses signed up at the moment, and the forums are under construction as we speak. It is free to signup, including a free listing for your business. Please let us know of your interest. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Secure and Centralize Your Data!

Do you have files shared on multiple computers in your office? Do you have a backup of your data done every week? It is essential for smooth operations and multiple redundancy that you centralize your data and do regular backups. A simple server doesn't need to cost you a fortune either, as we can supply and install server computers with backup drives for under $1500!

Fast Touchscreen PC!

The latest in technology is all bundled up in a All in One PC - the Asus EeeTop ET2203T MultiTouch. It has an Intel Dual Core CPU, plenty of memory, Blue Ray drive, wireless networking and a 21.5" LCD touchscreen! Just use your fingers to browse the web, access your music or play games!

For more info, visit the ET2203T Touchscreen at our eStore!

Online Backup Hosting

A backup solution is required for all businesses, in case of a virus attack or simply deleting files accidentally. However, if there is a fire or theft, the backup drive is normally compromised unless it is taken off site at the end of the day. The other solution is Online Backup Hositng, which can backup your files automatically to a secure server, from as little as $55 per month. For more information, please contact us.

Unwanted Web Sites?

With the prevalence of unsavoury content on the internet these days, a way to monitor and block these web sites is in high demand, whether it be to keep employees from recreating during work hours, or protecting your children. K9 web protection is your answer, as it can limit web access based on categories, keywords, URLs or even the time of day! For more information, please contact us.

Cheap Home Theatre Computer!

Ever wanted a complete entertainment system? Something that you could use to browse the internet, play 3D games, watch DVD's, record digital TV, or listen to MP3s while in the comfort of your lounge chair? Becase screen prices have dropped, you can pick up a 42" LCD screens for under $900. Just add surround sound speakers and a dual core computer with Windows 7 Home Premium, you can have you own home entertainment system for under $3000!

Beware of Fake Anti-Virus!

We came across a new fake anti virus yesterday that was accessed by clicking on a link that looked like a twitter feed subscription. The web page that was opened loaded the virus in the background, and didn't take the user to twitter, but to an online pharmacy. This fake alert bug is based on one that has been around for a while - Anti-Virus XP. This one goes by many aliases such as Anti-Virus 2010, Win 7 Antivirus Pro, Total security, plus many more. Once installed, it modifies the system registry so that when you open any program, the fake anti-virus is run first. Once it is open, a fake scan takes place, and an alert is given saying that your system is infected, and that you need to purchase the program to fix your system. This is a scam, and we have found that some anti-virus programs have trouble detecting and removing it. It is a bit tricky to remove aswell, as there are registry settings that need to be edited aswell as removing the actual file. If you believe that you have been infected, please contact us, and we'll get it sorted for you!

Windows 7 is here to Stay!

Now that Windows 7 has got a foothold in the market, Windows Vista is no longer available and Windows XP is available at only a handful of stores. If you are thinking of getting a new PC, which version of Windows 7 would you need to get? You can see a table summarising the features here. Windows 7 is a fair bit faster than Vista, and most of the bugs that were in Vista have been ironed out. For more information please contact us.

Upgrades for Older PC's

Is your PC more than 5 years old? Thinking of chucking it out and getting a new one? Depending on your configuration, you can get an upgrade for a fraction of the cost! The motherboard, CPU and RAM are upgraded to current spec Intel or AMD setups, with the option to upgrade the hard drive to faster speeds and greater capacities, all while keeping your existing copies of Windows and Office and even your current data (no extra software to buy!). For more info on parts, have a look at our eStore at dcnsolutions.localline.com.au, or give us a call for a free quote.

Office Maintenance

Your office computer network is probably the backbone of your business. It stands to reason then to make sure things are configured and running smoothly. Imagine what would happen if a fire breaks out, or thieves break in, and you lose your computer with critical data? A backup solution is imperative, including a list of all CD keys and software that you have running, so that you don't have to try to hunt down older software versions when reinstalling on a replacement PC. Also, keep in mind that dust build up inside the PC case can overheat components, and cause major failures, and a regular maintenance schedule is recommended.

Mini Laptops for People on the Move!

Many businesses are opting for laptops as their workstations now, so that the machines can be taken home to finish off work etc. These laptops are tiny (around the size of an A5 piece of paper), and can be connected to any VGA screen, so for business use, or even for presentations, it is the perfect machine, especially for under $500!

Specifications

Intel® Atom™ Pineview-M N450 1.66GHz
1GB DDR2 SO-DIMM
160GB HDD
0.3M Pixel Webcam
WLAN 802.11b/g @2.4GHz
Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
Stereo Speakers
Digital Microphone
1 x VGA Connector
3 x USB 2.0
1 x LAN RJ-45
2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in)
Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)
11hrs average usage (6cell battery, 48W/h)
10.1" LED Backlight WSVGA Screen (1024x600) with Color-Shine
Microsoft Windows® XP Home

Sell Online!

Do you want to sell items online? If you are just starting off, we recommend a localline.com.au eStore. localline.com.au offers an eStore rental service, which allows you to sell anything you want for a fixed annual fee. You can customise your store front colours, logo etc. in real time! Check it out at localline.com.au/estore.
For those that wish to have their own store, we have designed custom shopping cart programs that include stock control, electronic payments, photo galleries, search functions... we can do anything you can think of! Have a look at some of our web sites at dcnsolutions.net.

Accounts Handled the Easy Way!

Do you rely on customers paying by credit card, or would it be more conveneint for your business? We have developed a Web Application that integrates into your web site, so that customers can securely pay online, with the transaction recorded directly into your MYOB datafile! All you have to do is send the invoice, the rest is automated upon payment! The customer signs in, pays the invoice, and your MYOB data file is updated! The same system can be easily integrated into the DCN Business Manager aswell.

Getting in Touch with SMS

Many businesses these days use bulk SMS sending to get in touch with their clients and to send messages to their employees directly. We have been asked about setting up this facility by some businesses, and now we have the answer. Aussie SMS is a company based in NSW that offers an SMS gateway. Simply buy credits, and when you send an SMS message, it will automatically deduct the required credits. They make it simple to use their system with PHP coding, so we can create a custom program for you to let your employees know of special announcements, or to get in touch with customers. Just ask us how!