E-Newsletters

E-Newsletter

August '05 - The Internet

Software Tip:

by Alex Savitzky (Software Support Manager)

There are many software elements that can link between your POSitouch system and the Internet. These can include credit card processing, automated backups, remote access, etc… Unfortunately, these Internet-based applications can also leave your systems vulnerable to outside attacks such as viruses and spyware if you’re not careful.

A properly configured firewall, up-to-date virus protection, and a staff trained not to install anything off the Internet are vital to your POSitouch system’s performance.

Above all else though, a current working backup is the most critical thing you should have. The RCS Support Department will test your backup at any time free or charge if you simply mail us one of your backup disks (sorry, these disks won’t be returned - they are destroyed). We will inspect the data to make sure it is current and complete and we will contact you to let you know what we find. Better to find out if there are problems now than when a technician is in your office asking you for the backup!

Finally, if you’d rather not be bothered with backing up your system regularly, please contact your sales representative for information on our automatic off-site backup solution.

Hardware Tip:

by Bill Brown (Hardware Service Manager)

In today’s world of internet based networks, one of the most damaging aspects of the system are the spyware and virus possibilities that come with an improper configuration.

Each time you visit a web site, information about that site is stored on your computer, and in some instances, programs as well, which cause pop up adds, and unauthorized users to access your computer. This doesn’t seem like much, but hundreds of these programs running, will take away system resources, and cause your computer, and POSitouch, to run slowly.

A virus is a program, written by someone with ill intent, to either cause inconvenience to a user, or damage to your computer, and computer information. It is imperative that a system be maintained with UP TO DATE spyware, and Anti-Virus software, with automatic updates, to keep you one step ahead of the danger.

The internet is basically a series of doors that your computer access’s, to get to different arenas on the web. Firewalls are hardware and software devices, which when configured properly, close these doors, or make them only open one way (outgoing not incoming), thus greatly reducing your risks of unwanted attacks on your system, and system resources. RCS suggests letting our professional team secure your network from both of these dangers.

Training Tip:

by Lisa Sullivan (Programming, Installations and Training Manager)

Do you have high speed connection to the internet? If you do, your credit cards could be processing with the same speed and efficiencies that a high speed connection affords you. Your credit card transaction is authorized and printing in about 3 seconds, instead 20-30 seconds through an ordinary phone line. Since POSitouch is a redundant system in many areas your credit card processing will automatically revert to a regular phone in the event that your high speed connection is broken.

Another advantage of having a high speed connection is for phone support. We recommend putting a router into place which acts as a firewall and with that configured we can get access to your computer. This will assist with support calls and your problems will be solved that much quicker. With a simple click of a mouse (and your permission through passwords) we can "dial-in" to your system and fix it immediately.

Last but not least we all know that we forget to do back ups regularly (are you doing your back ups?). From a training perspective the automatic back up service offered by our company is well worth the few dollars it costs.

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