November 2006

November 2006

Figuring out what to buy begins with setting a smart evaluation process, and this issue of BizTech offers pointers on how to make sure you buy the technology that's right for your growing business. The issue also includes an introduction to Microsoft Windows Vista, advice on resetting the default settings of new network devices and tips on building an effective budget process. Find out how IT helped an ex-con turn his life around and get an update on businesses in the Gulf region a year after Katrina, too.

Features

The Gathering Storm
Think you have a foolproof disaster recovery plan? These businesses thought so too, but after surviving Hurricane Katrina, they have a few words of advice for IT leaders.
The 'Trash 80' Transformation
How 16 kilobytes of memory, an external hard drive and dogged determination turned an ex-con into a techie.
What's Hot and What's Not?
Business executives and recruiters reveal the top IT skills in demand in today's job market.
5 Steps to Sell Technology to Management
A plan of attack to help you help your boss understand IT's value

Departments

Dashboard: ~Dashboard
Tech Tips: Eliminate the Technology 'Get It' Gap
What is simple to one individual may appear complex and overwhelming to another.
Road Warriors: Laptop LoJack
Don't cry if your mobile users occasionally lose their notebooks or even have them stolen. Instead, use this app to help get them back.
Security: IT Isn't Secure Right Out of the Box
Network devices of any kind are security holes. Reset default settings and put policies to work that will prevent laziness from turning your network's body armor into a sieve.
How To: Remote End-User Support
Sometimes your end users require over-the-shoulder support. Here are a few tips for remotely guiding and troubleshooting client computers in a Windows Server environment.
Out-of-the-Box ROI: Appliance Alliance
Unified threat management packages can simplify your multilayered network security, but these all-in-one appliances aren't for everyone.
Money Matters: Building a Better IT Budget
Technology veterans say it takes a village, alignment and accountability to craft an effective budgeting process.
Tech Watch: The Search Is Over
Reasons to like and love Windows Vista.
Best Practices: Smart from the Start
Whether preparing a complex, companywide application rollout or choosing a workgroup scanner, a formal evaluation process can streamline and justify your decision.
Best Practices: Protect Your Assets from Search Engines
Hackers love to exploit security holes. With Google hacking, they've found a doorway into sensitive information from Web servers, applications, error messages and subdomains.
Best Practices: Get on the SEO Map
Better search engine optimization results start with a utilitarian site map when function trumps form.

Opinions

Letter From the Editor: Should IT Have Its Own Hippocratic Oath?
The Lowdown: Full, Honest and Enthusiastic Participation
Involving all stakeholders is important, but it's not enough to ensure an effective information technology strategy.
Speaking from Experience: Trust, But Verify
Technology is a powerful tool. So is integrity.
Inside I.T.: Getting IT Done
It's our job to sell the ideas <em>behind</em> the strategy.
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