Read an article in the newspaper today that I found interesting. It was from a well known computer computer business in another state. The article was about "Upgrading Your Computer" vice buying a new one. It goes into detail about what you can purchase i.e. memory, hard drive, etc... Then it says about replacing memory. Pretty easy thing for those that have done it especially in a desktop. But, then it says about doing it in a laptop also....This I found interesting. Working on computers daily for a living I typically will upgrade memory on laptops myself.  Some laptops you flip upside down and take a few screws out and you can swap out the memory in them. But, there are other laptops that one piece of memory will go in the bottom and then another will go under the keyboard. No typically in these situations that [+]

The discussion of certifications always comes up. Usually the topic is "does a small business owner really need certifications?" Here are my thoughts..... YES...That is making it simple.... Now here are the reasons behind it. If you already are confident in yourself and your skills in the IT industry then this is another way to put yourself ahead of the competition. I look at it like you have a tool-box and you are just adding to it over the years.  Does the normal residential customer care if you have a certification? Probably not....But, what about the small business that you are trying to get work with? What is going to set you apart from the competition if they ask for proposals?  Anything that can make you different then your competitor is going to give you the edge that is needed in the marketplace.  For [+]

If webdesign is something that your buisness is not offering then it's something you should look into. You don't have to be a web expert in order to get into being able to provide this service you just need to do a bit of research. There are sites out there such as www.forums.digitalpoint.com that have people on there you can outsource to and they can do 90% of the work for you. An example would be you have a potential customer that is interested in a website. All you need to do is find out what kind of information they would like on the site and then find yourself a freelancer on a site and discuss the project with them. I have found quite a few that are very easy to work with, very reasonable prices, and very dependable. If you are [+]

If you have a computer business and are having a difficult time advertising then you should look at doing a community website that not only can you advertise your own business on but you can offer the service to other businesses in the area. An example of such a site is: www.fredericksburgbusinesses.com As you can see from the business I have Computer Medics advertised on the site as well as other local busiensses in the area. You can charge a nominal fee for advertising and there is little upkeep in this type of website. There are actual "portal' companies you can pay and for a set amount each month they provide all the business listings, a layout, etc and you just run the site. If you have you SEO (Search Engine Optimization) done correctly on these types of sites they can benefit you [+]

Have posted once before about "The Force Field" but since then Rick has added a "podcast" to the site. I believe as of this writing there have been 26 podcasts put into production. Very informative information from marketing, malware, and even discucssions with vendors in the IT industry. As Rick explains it is a podcast dedicated to the small, independent IT Service Provider. You owe it to yourself to check out the podcast here Dan www.CmoNova.com [+]

As some of you may of heard the next new kid on the block is going to be windows 7......So it looks like maybe Microsoft realized that Vista is not the wave of the future. Personally I run a few Vista pc's and have no problem at all. I do see how some people could have issues especially if they were just now familiar with Windows XP. For new computers we sell they only come with Windows XP. We do not sell any Vista pc's unless the customer specifically request that operating system. We will keep listening and try to find out the latest on the new OS from Microsoft. Dan www.CmoNova.com [+]

Wrote an article on Remote Services and what options are out there for the small computer business in order to provide this service. Some of the things covered are the Bomgar and also LogMeIn . You can download your copy now from this link here Dan Computer Repair Business Lessons Learned [+]

Ran across a site called Cause A Reaction . Pretty unique way of advertising by utilizing text messaging. Apparently this is pretty popular in Europe. And I would think that anyone here in the U.S. can look when they are outside and you will notice not many people are without their cell phones and most of them are doing some sort of text messaging. Could be the next big thing.... Dan www.CmoNova.com [+]

As you can tell have been rather lax in updating the blog. But, going to put forth an extra effort now and make the blog more productive for everyone to enjoy. Will start posting some tips, some thoughts on the Computer Repair Business, and whatever else we can think of in order to provide readers something to think about. Dan www.CmoNova.com [+]

It is always the way when you buy a piece of software, you try to install it all seems to be going well when suddenly; the computer dies. Everything locks up the computer shouts warning messages at you and put simply, it just does not work. This is where installation support consultancy services can be a useful aid in getting your computer back in the land of the living and your software installed correctly. The IT support business has long depended upon this kind of fault for regular trade. IT consultancy services are forever answering calls to help with installation support from their clients. Often the reasons behind failed installation procedures are simple and with a little know-how the problems can be easily remedied. The issue is however is that the most of us do not have the adequate knowledge. Most IT [+]