Track Down Elusive Network Printers
Small Business Computing (04/04/08) ; Moran, Joseph

Connectivity problems with network printers are often caused by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), the technology that oversees the automatic assigning of IP addresses for computers and additional devices on a corporate network. DHCP gives out IP addresses on a temporary basis, so prior to a drive's address expiring, the device asks for an address renewal. As such, the device frequently retains the same address it had earlier. Sometimes though, DHCP presents a new address, and this can cause printers to cease operating. If the malfunctioning printer is a multifunction Hewlett-Packard, its address needs to be updated, which can be done by pushing the setup button, and then perusing through the menu until the Network submenu is located. Choose it and then select View Network Settings, then Print Network Configuration, which will provide a page listing the printer's latest IP address. The next step is to access the Control Panel in Windows XP or Vista and hit Printers twice, right-click the icon for the printer, and choose Properties. Hit the Ports tab, the Configure Port button, and type the new address in the box marked Printer Name or IP address. Hit OK, the General Tab, and the Print Test Page button to make certain the connection to the printer has been reestablished.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/37387
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Video Conferencing for Small Businesses
Small Business Computing (04/03/08) ; Martin, James A.

Small businesses need to keep several things in mind when choosing a video communications solution, including the difference between video chat, video conference, and telepresence. Video chat typically refers to an application that allows two or more people to informally communicate online using an instant messaging service. Although these free services can be used for business, they are primarily meant for consumers. However, businesses that want to test video conferencing before using them may want to consider trying a video chat service. Video conferencing, meanwhile, refers to a real-time video conversation conducted online for business purposes. In addition to talking with one another, participants may also share their desktop screen with each other via a web browser in order to collaborate on a document or PowerPoint presentation. Finally, telepresence refers to video conferencing systems that allow participants in one telepresence room to interact with participants in another. These systems are very expensive and are best suited for large enterprises. Along with knowing the differences in the terminology used to describe the different video communications solutions, small businesses should also have an understanding of the hardware used to communicate via video, including webcams. Webcams can either be built into a computer or purchased separately for $125 or less. Small businesses that want high-quality video should choose webcams that deliver 2-megapixel images and operate at 30 frames per second.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/373850
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Web Site Design Dos and Don'ts
E-Commerce Guide (03/24/08) ; Martin, James A.

In order to be successful, e-commerce sites should be clean, well-organized, and simple, according to Kim Tyburski, the owner/chief designer of Seattle-based skyhand design, which creates web sites for small businesses. That means that e-commerce sites should not automatically include video, despite the fact that online video is very popular. Tyburski noted that small businesses should put video on their e-commerce sites only if doing so helps customers understand the value of their product, and only if their target customers would be inclined to watch the videos. If a business' target customers are younger, it may be worthwhile to add video to an e-commerce site, though it may not be appropriate if the target customers are generally older. Other features, such as blogs and flash animation, should also only be added when necessary, Tyburski said. One enhancement that small businesses should make to their e-commerce sites, no matter what, is search engine optimization, which boosts the site's visibility in unpaid search results. Tyburski also noted that small businesses should also take advantage of site traffic analytics offered by the company that hosts their e-commerce sites. This information can help small businesses understand where visitors to their e-commerce sites come from, which search terms they use to find the site, and which pages are viewed most often.
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/solutions/design/article.php/37361
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Security Tips for the SME
Processor (03/28/08) Vol. 30 , No. 13 ; Millard, Elizabeth

Experts claim there are five leading strategies to think about using to help protect network security at small businesses. Perimeter eSecurity CSO Kevin Prince recommends that businesses invest in a patch-management system that permits complete visibility into the corporate network and encompasses every operating system. Meanwhile, PC Tools Vice President of Product Strategy and Business Development Michael Greene stresses the importance of security-awareness instruction, contending it heightens user knowledge. Prince also says host-based intrusion detection systems are a good bet for replacing or complementing existing systems at numerous small businesses. He advises implementing additional policy management that tracks and reports on every network system. Data-recovery vendors can provide help to small businesses' network security because they are well-versed in the newest research, and can also conduct data-recovery drills, states Ontrack Data Recovery Senior Director Jim Reinert. In addition, experts say it is advantageous for small businesses to establish a security-officer position for an information-technology worker, or for the data-center manager, so that all initiatives will be directed through one individual.
http://www.processor.com/editorial/article.asp?Article=articles/p
3013/20p13/20p13.asp&GUID=

Five Steps to Secure Endpoints
Small Business Computing (04/02/08) ; Simonds, Lauren

There are several things small businesses can do to protect their endpoint devices--including laptops, desktops, servers, and handhelds--and limit their exposure to security threats, according to John Magee, the vice president of product and services marketing at Symantec. For instance, Magee noted that small business owners should keep themselves and their employees up to date on the types of threats that are going around. By staying informed, small business owners can reduce the odds of someone inadvertently launching one of these threats in their network. Magee noted that organizations of all sizes should also use a multi-pronged security strategy, one that includes ensuring desktop and server security and anti-virus definitions are up to date. In addition, this strategy should include adding a personal firewall to each endpoint and having some type of encryption on handhelds and laptops. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control software, which ensures that any device used to log on to the network is configured properly and in compliance with security rules.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/373823
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