No Operating System included - Add Win 98SE for only $133.50

No Monitor included - Add a 17" for $204.00 or 19" for $322.50

$909.00

P4 1.8 MHz ADD $85.50
P4 2.0Mhz ADD $325.50

Pricing is good through April 30th, 2002

Please call our sales department if you would like to
place a order, or have any questions.

What are the differences between a network Hub and a network switch? A hub or switch basically connects a lot of Ethernet cables so a group of Ethernet devices can talk to each other. A switch 'filters and forwards' packets between two different LAN devices. That means it passes data only to the receiving device.

While you may no have trouble transferring a single file from one computer to another, the real speed difference comes when you are transferring files between multiple computers at the same time. Now here is why. When a computer on the network is communicating with another machine on the network it sends out information to it's port on the hub or switch. A hub will then send a copy of that information out on every port. Because only one of the computers will accept the information all the others have had their available bandwidth decreased for no reason, also causing data collisions. Some hubs have a data collision light. It should not come on at all. A switch, virtually eliminating data collisions, will only send the information to the computer that is waiting to receive it. Thus leaving bandwidth open on all the other ports. Therefore the more machines there are on a network and the more simultaneous activity present, the greater your performance gain when using a switch vs a hub. In the past, it was very costly to go to a switched environment, however it is now very cost effective.

What Is a Backup & Why Should I Do It?
Making copies of the program and data files on the server is called backup. Backup is the most important thing you can do for your network. You can buy the fastest file server, the slickest workstations, the newest operating system, and the fanciest application software, but without backup, the network could become nothing very easily.

People make mistakes. Users can delete files by accident. It's one thing if the deleted file held a short memo. It's another thing if those were the figures for the shareholders' meeting tomorrow or an entire day's worth of data entry. Hardware make mistakes too. Even though hard disks often have a long time between failure, the hard disk could experience a head crash, rendering your company's vital information unusable. The power does surge and sag, damaging unprotected disks. Backing up your data is vital!

What Is The Best Backup Media?
There is no best for everyone, but for the average business user tapes are the best choice for most. Let's look at the pros and cons of some options.

Tape
Pros: Many major advantages, large capacity being one. It is the cheapest way to store lots of data. It also lasts longer than most methods. One great feature is the ability to automatically run at night unattended, so it doesn't interfere with work flow.
Cons: Initial cost

Floppy Disks
Pros: Easy backup within certain Accounting Packages.
Cons: Capacity is very small, and are very volatile. Also, if you backup to multiple floppies, and you lose one floppy, you lose the entire set. You must manually backup your files.

Hard Drive Backup
Pros: A second hard drive is probably the fastest maybe even the cheapest for some.
Cons: You may find hardware issues. Not good for natural disasters, fire, theft, since the hard drive stays in the same location. You also have to worry about the drive failing unexpectedly. You must manually backup your files.

On The Web
Pros: Your Internet service provider (ISP) may offer free space that can be used for data storage (AOL allows 14 MB).
Cons: You have to trust that your ISP will not lose the data. If you have a dial-up connection data transfer may be slow and inconvenient. There are also security questions. You must manually backup your files.

Proprietary Disks
Pros: Zip Disks, Jaz, EX Drive, etc.They have improved capacity over floppy disks.
Cons: Limited disk space. Must manually backup data.

CD-R/CD-RW
Pros: The media is cheap and almost every new computer can read a CD-R (CD-RW's are something else). Good for making backup copies of program installation disks that you can store in a second location such a safety deposit box. Great for achieving data.
Cons: Can not schedule backups. You must manually backup your files.

Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy received endless advice and criticism from the media concerning how he should run the country. Much of it he took good-naturedly. In fact, he often used a favorite story in response to the media's comments about how they thought he could do a better job.

He told about a legendary baseball player who always played flawlessly. He consistently hit when at bat and was never thrown out at first. When on base he never failed to score. As a fielder, he never dropped a ball and he threw with unerring accuracy. He ran swiftly and played gracefully.

In fact, he would have been one of the all-time greats except for one thing - no one could ever persuade him to put down his beer and hot-dog and come out of the press box to play!

Most of us can empathize, for we all have people in our lives that criticize and second-guess. They are quick to point out flaws and quicker yet to offer advice. When it comes to receiving criticism, I believe it helps to remember first that not all criticism is invalid. Wisdom listens for the kernel of truth and saves it for future growth. But when criticism seems unfair, I believe it helps to remember the hawk. When attacked by crows, it does not counterattack. Instead, the hawk soars higher and higher in ever-widening circles until the pests leave it alone. When there is nothing to learn from criticism, can you rise above it and soar!

Steve Goodier is a professional speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. He has become a global voice of inspiration. Visit his site for more information http://LifeSupportSystem.com

Displaying More File Information in Explorer
You can easily display more information than the file name, size, type and modified date in Explorer.
1. Right click on any one of these headings.
2. This will bring up some of the additional fields you can display.
3. Items such as Attribute, Comment, Created Date, Accessed date are available.
4. You can also click on More for other items as well
5. Selections such as Comment can be useful for Word and Excel documents.
6. You can right click on the file, select Properties / Summary.
7. Select the Comment field and enter in a short description for the file.

Putting Program Shortcuts on Desktop
Would you like all of the programs you use frequently on your desktop for easy access? This tip does it for you. Simply go to "Start" and "Programs". Find the program you would like on your desktop. Place your mouse over the program and right-click. A menu will pop-up. Slide your mouse over "Send to". Another menu will pop-up. Select "Desktop (create shortcut)". You should see a shortcut on your desktop.

Change the size of Icons on your Desktop
To change the size of the Icons on the Desktop:
1. Right-click on the Desktop
2. Choose Properties from the context menu. On the Appearance tab look in the Item list box. Once you find Icon you can choose the size from the Size box
3. To hit the Apply button, once you are satisfied hit OK

 

Management and tax counseling for the small business. A WEALTH OF BUSINESS SERVICES FROM ONE CONVENIENT SOURCE: The Gardiner Group offers more than tax preparation or record-keeping services. Much more. Through our year-round counseling services, we will help you Maximize Tax Savings, Manage Cash Flow, and most importantly, Develop Profits. And our personalized approach involves you in a learning process every step of the way. We will work closely with you to review your business and determine your goals. Then we'll design a comprehensive program custom tailored to help you meet those objectives in the most profitable and practical way. The Gardiner Group will equip you with the proven business techniques and systems essential for success in today's changing economy. So whether you're planning a new business or selling an old one; forming a partnership or incorporating --- whatever your present situation or future goals, we can help. We're experienced small business specialists who can make a difference. Why not call, write or e-mail today for complete information? Telephone 410-647-7777 Postal address 570 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park MD, 21146 E-mail: Group@TheGardinerGroup.com The Gardiner Group has been working closely with My PC Guy for many years, helping us with all of our financial decisions, tailoring a business solution to help us meet our objectives and goals. Part of My PC Guy's success is due to the quick and accurate financial information The Gardiner Group provides along with the personalized and experienced service from all of their specialists.