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Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category

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Beavercreek Computer Service Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

In Business, Jobs, Local News, Politics, Technology, Uncategorized on July 11, 2012 at 7:48 am

By Gery L. Deer

The Jamestown Comet.com

 

Beavercreek – On Tuesday, July 10, Computer Troubleshooters of Beavercreek celebrated its one-year business anniversary with a ribbon cutting at its new location at1255 N. Fairfield Road. Part of an international network of franchises, Computer Troubleshooters provides IT support for residential and commercial clients servicing both Apple and Windows based computer systems.

President and CEO, Cliff Brust spoke briefly after the ceremony. “We’re happy to be here and we hope you don’t have too many computer problems, but if you do, remember we’re here to help you.”

Among the thirty-plus attendees for the event were Beavercreek Mayor Vicki Giambrone, Vice Mayor Jerry Petrak, Council Members Scott Hadley, Debborah Wallace and Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Clete Buddelmeyer. Guests received a tour of the new office and two desktop printers were given away as door prizes. Refreshments were provided by Subway and 4Starters coffee shop.

The celebration continues this weekend. Computer Troubleshooters is holding a public grand opening from 11AM until 3PM on Saturday July 14. Visitors can stop in to meet the staff and register to win a free desktop printer. For more information contact Computer Troubleshooters by calling (937) 458-2000 or visit http://www.ctbeavercreek.com.

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Computer Troubleshooters To Hold Public Grand Opening July 14

In Business, Economy, Jobs, Local News, Media, National News, Science, Senior Lifestyle, Technology, Uncategorized on July 2, 2012 at 10:32 pm

BEAVERCREEK, OH – Computer Troubleshooters of Beavercreek (CTB) is celebrating one year of business with a public grand opening of its new office at 1255 N. Fairfield Rd., Suite 103. From 11 AM until 3 PM on Saturday, July 14, the public is invited to visit the new facility and register to win a desktop printer.

Part of an international network of independently owned franchises, Computer Troubleshooters provides complete information technology (IT) support for residential and commercial clients. In addition to the new location, the company is celebrating one year in business.

CTB President Cliff Brust is excited about the growth of his company. “We’ve been fortunate to find success in the Beavercreek area and we appreciate the support of the business community to allow us to continue to serve them,” he says.

“We have also focused on our managed services and cloud computing for business and medical documentation to provide our clients with the most advanced technology and highest quality support available to them.”

Brust will appear on WRGT TV’s, Fox 45 in the Morning, Monday, July 9th at 8:15AM to talk about common mistakes made by both commercial and personal computer users. For more information contact Cliff or Genevieve Brust by calling (937) 458-2000 or go online to www.ctbeavercreek.com.

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The Key To Identity Theft Prevention Is Preparation

In Business, Economy, Education, Opinion, Senior Lifestyle, sociology, Technology, Uncategorized on June 19, 2012 at 7:35 am

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

Apart from locks and security systems, one of the most basic things we can do to keep our homes and families secure is to take steps to prevent identity theft. When the bad guys get hold of critical private information it is not hard for them to start using your information to their benefit.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft is the act of using personally identifying information, like name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The crime of identity theft may be perpetrated in various ways, from renting an apartment to opening a credit card. The thefts may actually go unnoticed for some time, often until the victim notes some kind of anomaly in his or her bank statement or credit report. Sometimes the victims do not find out until they are contacted by a debt collecting service.

So what can you do to prevent identity theft? Probably the single most effective weapon against this type of crime is knowledge. Knowledge of the methods used by these criminals to steal your information as well as a better awareness of your own records and personal financial information can help you beat many forms of this crime.

One thing you can do is to closely monitor your personal information, such as credit reports and monthly bills, to uncover any problems as soon as possible. Identity thieves depend on the inaction of their victims. Unless the total on a bill is outrageously high, often people just pay it, without scrutinizing the contents.

Another preventative measure against this kind of crime is to be mindful of where your old paperwork goes when it is thrown away. When disposing of any paperwork containing personal information, be sure to shred the documents completely – especially medical files, checks, and credit card statements.

Most people get credit card offers in the mail on a regular basis and just toss them into the trash. This is also something that could lead to an identity theft problem. Criminals will often scour trash for these papers and open credit cards in your name using those documents.

Also, be sure when buying online to use only secured websites and ask them about their security before buying anything if it seems questionable. If you notice anything suspicious on any credit reports, bank statements, or other critical documents, contact the creditor or company as soon as possible.

For those who enjoy making online purchases on a regular basis, create a ‘dummy’ email address at Yahoo or Gmail specifically to be used for these transactions. Retailers often sell email and other contact information to marketing companies which then flood inboxes with junk mail. Some of the incoming messages may come from illegitimate sellers using personal information to obtain passwords and credit card information. Using a different email address allows better control over incoming junk mail and limits the chances of clicking on a link that might inadvertently open the door to an identity thief.

If you have already been plagued by this kind of criminal action, you are not alone. First, contact the authorities. Most police departments now have an identity theft division or someone designated to help with this kind of crime.

Be ready! Keep, readily available, a complete list of all credit cards, online accounts, checking accounts, and so on, including any PIN numbers, passwords and customer service contact information. If something should happen, you can shut down these accounts quickly before more damage is done.

Stay diligent and continue to monitor your private information closely for several months. There is no way to really say how long the effects of identity theft can last.For more information on how to prevent identity theft or what to do if you think you may have been a victim, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov.

 

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Jamestown Variety Group Heads Up Fundraiser at the Murphy Theatre

In Children and Family, Education, Entertainment, Local News, Media, National News, Senior Lifestyle, State News, Technology on June 12, 2012 at 8:29 am

(WILMINGTON, OH) – On Saturday, June 16th, the Murphy Theatre will feature The Brothers & Co. Variety Show at 7:30 p.m. This show is a fantastic tribute to the Grand Ole Opry style variety show with music and fun for the whole family. Tanya Snarr, Director of Development of the Murphy Theatre explains it as “a show that leaves adults reminiscing and children talking for days.”  This Murphy Theatre fundraising event is a product of the collaborative efforts of WYSO 91.3 FM and Brothers & Co. Variety Show. 

Based in Jamestown, Ohio, The Brothers & Co. Entertainers began in 1995 as a fully instrumental Bluegrass group made up of two sets of brothers from the Sutton and Deer families of southwest Ohio. Over the years, the group has changed but the younger generation of brothers remains, Gary Deer Jr. and his younger brother Gery. 

Today The Brothers & Co. Entertainers are far more than the average country band. They are a true entertainment group that draws from the fun of Grand Ole Opry style variety entertainment with original comedy, music and more.

The Brothers & Co. Variety Show is a wonderfully entertaining blend of music, comedy and variety performance which includes amazing four-part harmonies, rich instrumentals and old-fashioned, family-oriented humor all wrapped up in neat, 2-hour package! 

Their four part harmonies are often compared to groups like the Statler Brothers and the Oak Ridge Boys. The “Boys In Black” offer fantastic four-part vocals and outstanding musical performance skills.

Gery, Jim, Ed and Gary Jr. don’t just sing to a soundtrack – they play their own backup music. Gery: Piano and woodwinds, Jim: Bass Guitar and sound effects, Ed: Lead Acoustic and Banjo, and Gary Jr.: Percussion. A full sound or a quiet melody, The Brothers & Co. has everything to offer!

Our talented group of entertainers is well known internationally in many circles and has appeared on national television programs like America’s Got  Talent and The Bonnie Hunt Show!  Whip artistry is a dying art, but pianist/singer Gery L. Deer brings it back in a lively, fun performance during the show. Combined with comic magician Jim Karns, these routines offer an old-fashioned quality with a modern twist!

The Brothers & Co. Variety Show is perfect for any age group. The content of every show is family friendly and features music ranging from classic country to oldies and pop tunes, all performed in the unique The Brothers & Co. style. Details on the show at www.thebrothersvarietyshow.com.

Sponsors of the show are Xenia Shoe & Leather Repair, Gorman’s Specialty Products, GLD Enterprises Commercial Writing, Damon’s Grill and Sports Bar, The Patterry, Main Street Wilmington, and The Crave.

Ticket prices are $17 for Adults and $15 for Seniors and Kids under 12.  A Wilmington-themed gift basket will be given away to a lucky audience member.

They can be purchased online (www.themurphytheatre.org), at the box office at50 W. Main Street,Wilmington, or by calling 937-382-3643. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are also available at Books ‘N’ More,28 W. Main St.,Wilmington.

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Not Enough To LIKE About Facebook’s IPO

In Business, Economy, Entertainment, Media, National News, Opinion, Politics, Science, Technology, Uncategorized on May 21, 2012 at 11:54 pm

Photo Courtesy Associated Press

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

Unless you live in a cave someplace, you probably heard that the Internet social media leviathan Facebook hit Wall Street with their initial public stock offering (IPO) on Friday, hoodies and all. Amidst the rock-concert type excitement over the event, the stock’s dismal performance seemed to leave everyone scratching their heads – except me.

No, I’m not some kind of Wall Street clairvoyant, nor do I consider myself any sort of expert on the subject. I do know tech companies, though, and I suggested a few weeks ago in another article that the Facebook public stock release would be a lot of buildup with no substance. Facebook might be the flavor of the month, but just around the corner there’s always another Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook’s founder, or thief, depending on which story you believe).

Not much happened after Zuckerberg rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Trading of Facebook stock was delayed until just after 11:30 in the morning and then watching the Facebook stock ticker was a bit like looking at the slow motion replay of a horse race. You know they’re supposed to go faster, but they just poke along.

The company issued 421.2 shares of stock at an initial price of $38 and never really got much past that. With an intentional sense of irony, just a few minutes into trading, I used Facebook to publicly record my prediction that the stock would not exceed $45 a share – and it never did.

The second day of trading was actually worse. When the market closed on Monday, Facebook stock had fallen nearly 11 percent finally ending at $34.03. To say it was disappointing to Facebook followers is an understatement.

I’m not a financial expert, but I have done my fair share of day trading and information was always the best tool for choosing a stock. I honestly believe many people don’t understand how Facebook, and other businesses like it, actually earn money, thus giving them value. They bought in to be part of the fad, and now they’re paying the price.

I also think one of the biggest mistakes made by the financial pundits was to constantly compare Facebook to Apple – literally apples to oranges (pun intended). While Apple does offer some web-based services, at its core (another pun intended) the company sells a product, in fact it sells many different products – physical, usable, manufactured products with an understood perceived value – iPhones, iPads, software and computers.

Facebook, on the other hand, is like a free newspaper or magazine in that makes a great deal of its money from selling advertising space. Add to that the fact that Facebook has yet to establish a solid, profit-generating business model for the long term and you get a company that’s far too volatile to be compared to the likes of Apple.

Hype worked for Apple, in fact, for many years, it seems that most of the computer giant’s marketing plan consisted of Steve Jobs, a black turtleneck and a big empty stage. Facebook tries, and fails, to emulate that kind of drama and we saw a great example of that during Friday’s IPO. As of now, everyone who bought in has officially lost money.

Social media sites like Facebook make their money through advertising and licensing of patented or copyrighted applications (custom programming based on the website content). But if too many major advertisers bail, the company loses steam. Just before Zuckerberg rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning, General Motors announced it was pulling all of its advertising from Facebook.

The exodus of the auto giant was bad news for the company’s bottom line, and shook its viability on the stock exchange. Losing GM cost the Internet behemoth much needed credibility and might have had an effect on the early underperformance of the stock.

In my humble opinion, the Facebook IPO was a publicity failure, but not necessarily a business failure. Still, Facebook will always be forced to outdo itself. But where do you go from up? We’ll have to watch and see. Oh yes, and don’t forget to LIKE me on Facebook!
Columnist Gery L. Deer is an independent journalist and business writer based in Jamestown, Ohio. More at http://www.geryldeer.com