If you read my “Boy What a Week” and the updated version, you already know that I’ve spent the past oh two weeks now transitioning multiple wordpress blogs (with and without websites) to a new hosting service. This move has been a real eye opener in many ways. And, in all honesty, I can say that it was worth every long night and the sleep deprivation

The reason I’m bringing this up again is, of course, to let you know the answer to that burning question… “Am I happy I made the move?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” I’d also like to make a few suggestions that just might help you make the right selection when you go looking to change hosting or find hosting for the first time.

When you are selecting a place to host your domain there is much more to consider than just checking out the price.

You MUST make sure that: (more…)

Update Time! You might want to glance at the post below to know what I mean

I’ve spent the past week plus getting a cram course from my brother who (thank god!) understands coding, hosting, windows (which I’m not using), and Plesk and Linux (though he hates the latter).

I (using the term losely) am moving the entire Whole Hog Blogs network of massive wordpress blogs to new servers – bigger, faster, just all in all great to make the move AND save some cash in the process. Of course in the beginning, it was me doing the data gathering and him sewing it all back together.

But the learning curve has been brutual with 16-20 hour days for what seems like my life. I’m sure my brother is thinking the same thing.

I actually interrupted him while he puts together a HUGE website/blog (that I will write all about in the very near future since he’s looking of course for not only readers but WRITERS).

I am pleased to say that with only short/quick phone calls now (and not every single time LOL), I believe I have come close to mastering the art of moving small, medium, and large (well organized) wordpress blogs. There was an instance, or two, where he patiently put back together anywhere from 30,000 to 90,000 lines of code! Thank you Bob!

So the move is almost accomplished! I loved where I was hosting everyone at Rackforce, it’s just that it was impossible to pass up the bargain of a brand new server built from the ground up with over six times the storage and 10 times the backbone (for much less).

I’ve been a cpanel person all my online life, but you know even when you want to give up and run back to what’s “safe” it’s worth it to stick to your guns and learn something new! Now I’m comfortable with another way to do business using Plesk! TaDa!

I’ll be honest, I have not, nor wanted to, upgrade to Windows Vista. The idea of becoming re-oriented to a system no matter how great and wonderful some reviews have been has not brought me any closer to “switching up” and over to Vista.

However, several individuals I know are using Vista. Some love it, others hates it. I do know from the emails and talks I’ve had that its got its drawbacks, big time. Apparently, add Windows Vista to a wireless connection and bring on the grief. It can be extremely slow, very cumbersome, and downright nasty to work with (Scott uses it that way and is living proof).

However, with new computer systems you may not have a choice – Vista comes loaded on most new computers, so what’s a person to do?

Well the friendly folks over at SpeedForWindows just might have your solution. It’s bad enough when any system crashes (I’ve had at least three major ones over the course of being online, and it is your worse nightmare come true when it happens). Usually, I try the traditional route of contacting tech support (Microsoft is costly if you don’t have or know the “backdoor” into getting their help for nothing). Or I reformat the hard drive and start from scratch rebuilding all my missing software, etc., one by one. Occasionally, I’ve had to break down and just buy a brand new computer.

But, forget my woebegone stories, this is a post about the possibility for all you Window’s Vista owners out there to NOT spend tons of money for computer tech repair. The SpeedForWindows web site offers you the ability to follow simple instructions and “in 30 seconds your power and productivity will increase by 500%.” They are talking about Windows Vista.

Wow! Now that’s a big claim. They also state that once you follow their simple instructions, you’ll now be able to use Vista quickly and easily, including:

o Opening multiple windows with ease and without fear
o Uploading and downloading 20 times faster
o Upping your browsing speed by 10 times its current pace, and
o Ending those dreaded freeze ups.

Hmm… For all you Vista users, the price is right at just $12.95. Oh, and SpeedForWindows promises a 100% money back guarantee.

Since you moved into the 21st century with your new Vista system, why not see if you can’t bring it itself into the present, too

I found the most extraordinary site this evening, totally legitimate, that actually trains you how to be a hacker but more “in reverse.” In fact, it’s all about IT Security.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of the show NCIS. Computer forensics is fascinating to me, I just wish it had been around in my day (though it’s never too late in life to pursue your dream).

The website I discovered is EC-Council University, and it is absolutely amazing!

I’ve spent about an hour or more looking around with my focus on our son about to graduate from high school. He has a huge interest in all things computer, and this is one field that is not going down the tubes with the current economy. Unfortunately (for now) for us, you need to have a minimum bachelors degree to enroll (or at least that’s what I believe I am reading) to start taking their training and get accredited.

Your ultimate goal appears to be to fulfill the requirements to get a master’s degree (levels) in IT Security and Information Technology. You can accomplish this in under two years! Online – meaning you learn at your own pace, worldwide, anytime, anywhere. Yes, in the process, you literally become an “ethical hacker.”

Now more than ever, there is a call for computer specialists. But, until I explored their website I never contemplated the term “ethical hacker” before. Let’s face it, most of us think of hackers as the nefarious individuals out to cause wreck and ruin.

To be honest, I had to go put the search phrase “ethical hacking” into Google to get a clear definition. Wikipedia states:

White hat hackers, also known as “ethical hackers,” are computer security experts, who specialize in penetration testing, and other testing methodologies, to ensure that a company’s information systems are secure.

So yeah, I was right… in fact my reference above to NCIS was a good one. If you’ve watched the show (yes I know they are actors), they do amazing things with computers to track down the bad guys.

Training through the programs at EC-Council University can set you up to be that guy or gal in shining armor… the one that saves the day for corporate and government and even smaller businesses. Best of all, your skills (your role in IT security) would be in high demand!

Yes, a field still wide open for those willing to take the time and get the proper training! A paying field in high demand even in these tough times.

Honestly, to fully translate everything on their website would be impossible (and most likely illegal), so I’d like to give you one direct quote about getting training in IT security:

You will be able to access courses and resources using the Internet, anytime, anywhere. Download assignments, read and contribute to class discussions, review faculty feedback, and more at your convenience.

EC-Council University will provide you with an easy-to-navigate and rich volume of digital libraries and services. As a part of the Online learning system, you will be able to interact with other students enrolled in your courses so that you may share ideas, debate issues, and access messages left by your faculty. You will constantly be provided feedback on your progress by your faculty.

If you’ve been reading our blog for any length of time, or newly arrived, you’ll know we are always trying to find you the right “get paid to” programs, and what better way to get paid then to earn a respectable, useful, paying degree in a field that is never going away. The dinosaurs would have to return before IT is no longer needed.

So stop and rethink your priorities. Training is available to you, right now, online in:

o Security fundamentals
o Ethical hacking
o Penetration testing
o Computer forensics
o Disaster recovery
o Secure programming.

My ONLY regret is that my son could not start immediately (again he’s just graduating high school), but if you have struggling “kids back at home” or looking for retraining or a new job that has endless possibilities, be sure to visit their website for more information soon!

IT Security

EC-Council

If you are in a position where you’re not sure how much longer your company will last without starting (or continuing) layoffs, why not take the bull by the horns and approach management with this idea.

Telecommuting! Now bear with… this post includes evidence and surefire suggestions you can make to your company’s management team. This just might keep you employed!

Here are a few snippets from a recent article written by the “online guy,” Al Gibes.

“Staying home could make you a better worker and save your company money at the same time.

Although more people are working away from the office, only 40 percent of businesses have a formal policy on telecommuting, a recent Microsoft Corp. survey shows. Saving gasoline, avoiding long commutes and working in a less stressful environment are the top reasons workers log in away from the office.”

If you’re worried about how to present this idea, and thus hang onto your job or a co-worker’s position, here’s more:

“Businesses that give employees the support to work remotely could save 10 percent to 20 percent on office expenses,” said Michael Clark, Microsofts’ Western regional manager of midmarket customers.

“I’ve walked (into offices) and there are cubicles for people there only one day a week or one day a month,” he said. “Businesses could cut back on office space, cut back on travel expenses and the cost of provisioning phone lines.”

Security factors might be your stumbling block when presenting this idea to keep your job. However, you can be ready with the answer… encryption programs!

Evolving technology is easing concerns about security. Clark cites significant improvements in encryption programs that protect data and network access protection that provides safe access for employees while away from the office.

Some suggestions for encryption include BitLocker Drive, a Microsoft product, provide protection from hackers and thieves. (And honestly, shouldn’t your company already be protecting its valuable data – this might not even be an issue. Investigate!)

Another bit of information to have ready in your arsenal of reasons to keep you employed can be the use of voice over internet protocols. Your reason for bringing this up is that by working your job from home you ensure the safety of company data by connecting via telephone (on your computer/laptop), along with your ability to use live messenger programs to “chat with co-workers and clients while working remotely.”

Per the rest of Mr. Gibes article, San Diego tops the list when it comes to keeping employees on the payroll using telecommuting to offset cost. Other cities making the most of this exceptional way to keep a company in business, offset costs, and still pay its employees include: West Palm Beach, Florida; Buffalo, New York; and Salt Lake City, Utah.

So if you’re wondering or worried that the axe is about to fall, cut ‘em off at the pass and offer solutions to keep you on! Telecommuting just might mean the difference between paychecks or unemployment!

We Love Comments! Please do!