Macro Connect News: MC Newsletter October 2008

INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to Macro Connect's e-newsletter. I hope you find it useful and informative. Please feel free to provide us with any feedback. Also, feel free to forward this e-newsletter to anyone who might find it useful.

Regards,

Matt Morin

CEO, Macro Connect

***********************************************************************************************************************

THIS ISSUE:

Macro Connect News: SOCK Party, New office, Microsoft certifications, Gilda's Club Comedy Walk

Tech Tips: Opening Office 2007 files with older software, using Office 2007, How to avoid computer viruses

Cool Stuff: Netbook: Dell Inspiron Mini 9

Client Spotlight: The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings

Company Overview

***********************************************************************************************************************

Macro Connect News

On October 17th, Support Our Capuchin Kitchen (or SOCK) is hosting an After Glow party in the South Cove Lounge in Ford Field. This first-time event takes place from 9:00pm -12:00am (following the annual dinner and auction) and will feature music by "That 80's Band." Matt is on the executive committee for this year's Capuchin Soup Kitchen SOCK dinner and auction and helped plan the After Glow event. The entire Macro team has served food at the Soup Kitchen and we can all attest to the worthiness and pressing nature of this cause. Your $50 ticket or donation will feed a family of four for one week. To purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit: their website.

Macro Connect moved into our new office in August. We are now located at 3434 Russell St., Suite 210 Detroit MI 48207 in the FD Lofts building (in Eastern Market). The building was originally constructed in 1917 as a repair depot for the Detroit Fire Department's emerging fleet of trucks (while horses were being phased out) and is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Renovated by Urban Life Developments, the FD Lofts contains over 30 unique spaces that are a mix of live, live/work, and business tenants. We are very happy to be in the new space in a building steeped in Detroit history. Feel free to stop by and see us anytime. Link to the history of the FD Lofts

Gordon, our Senior Consultant, recently passed another Microsoft certification exam. Gordon is now a Microsoft Certified Professional and a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator with Messaging. At Macro Connect, we are constantly striving to maintain, update, and expand our skill set. We are very proud of Gordon's continued progress.

On September 20th Macro Connect fielded "Team Junto" in the annual Gilda's Club Comedy Walk. Participants raised money through pledges and walked at the Detroit Zoo. Money raised benefited Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit. Gilda's Club provides free support groups, networking, workshops, education, and social activities for cancer patients and their families. Link to the Gilda's Club website: http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/

Link to a YouTube video about the event: http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=rEjCfBveVUw&feature=user

***********************************************************************************************************************

TECH TIPS: Opening Office 2007 files using older MS Office software

Recently, we have been getting some questions asking "how do I open Microsoft Office 2007 files using my existing software?" Fortunately, there is an easy solution to the problem. Simply follow the link provided below and install a small piece of software from Microsoft that will allow you to open the latest Office files: Click on: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en

Using Microsoft Office 2007

For those that have already made the switch to Microsoft Office 2007, below are some links that should help ease the transition.

Here is a link to a video that quickly covers how to use WORD 2007: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100484691033.aspx Click "Play demo". If it asks you to install the Silverlight viewer, go ahead and install it.

Here is a link to a video that quickly covers how to use EXCEL 2007: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA100484501033.aspx Click "Play demo"

If those videos aren't enough, the two links below let you click around in a WORD or EXCEL 2003 interface... and it shows you where that feature is in WORD or EXCEL 2007.

Here is a link that lets you see where items from WORD 2003 have been moved to: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA100744321033.aspx Click "Start the guide".

Here is a link that lets you see where items from EXCEL 2003 have been moved to: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA101491511033.aspx Click "Start the guide"

How to avoid computer viruses

One of the scariest moments as a computer user is having your antivirus software tell you that you have a virus on your machine. Below are some tips to help you avoid contracting a computer virus.

The number one way to avoid a virus on your machine is to abstain from using peer to peer file sharing services. File sharing sites were originally designed to help move large files across the internet and to share media files that are not copyright protected. As we all know, the most popular use of these services is to illegally download copyright protected media. In addition to the legal ramifications, using these services can also expose your computer to viruses. To ensure safe operation of your PC, do not allow any file sharing services to be installed on your machine. These include Kazaa, BitTorrent, Morpheus, Limewire (and just about any product with any variation of the terms "bit or "torrent").

Another way that computer viruses propagate is through bad or misrepresentative links. Be extremely wary of clicking on links in forwarded emails or on websites.

Many viruses masquerade as anti-virus or security software. Only heed warnings from the antivirus software that is currently installed on your computer. Never give out your credit card information to a new antivirus program that has inexplicably appeared on your machine.

If there is any doubt in your mind, don't click on it!

In the event that you do catch a computer virus, disconnect your machine from the internet and contact your Macro Connect representative immediately.

**************************************************************************************************************************

Cool Stuff: Inspiron Mini 9

Recently, a new class of computers has emerged in the market that are known as netbooks (a.k.a. sub-notebooks, ultra-mobile PC's, or budget notebooks). Netbooks are small, lightweight PC's that offer core PC functions in a highly mobile platform. Netbooks are smaller and cheaper than traditional notebook computers and are meant primarily for web browsing, word processing, and other low demand activities.

This month, Dell added the Inspiron Mini 9 to its lineup of computers. The Mini 9 ranges in cost from $350-$500, weighs about 2 pounds, and has a screen that is 8.9 inches. The new Dell has many of the same features as a traditional notebook computer: three USB ports, built-in wireless card and Ethernet jack, video-out, an SD card reader, and optional webcam. As their name implies, netbooks are well suited for surfing the internet. They can also perform word processing, instant messaging, video chatting and other common tasks with no problem.

However, the Inspiron Mini 9 has a number of limitations (as do all PC's in this class). The Mini 9 does not have an optical drive, so it cannot play DVD's or CD's (an optional external drive is available). Another limitation is the lack of on-board storage space. The Mini 9 comes with a 4, 8, or 16 gigabyte solid state hard drive. Solid state hard drives are more reliable, energy efficient, and run cooler than their traditional counterparts, but the lack of storage can be a limiting factor. There is also a maximum of 1GB of RAM that can be pre-installed, limiting the amount of multi-tasking that can be accomplished. Also, their small form factor translates into a very small keyboard that requires some adaptation and can be frustrating to use for extended periods.

Despite their limitations, netbooks can be very useful. While not a replacement for a traditional PC or notebook computer, they can effectively fill a niche role. A netbook could be especially useful as a second computer or for travel. Netbooks are also well suited for students or a first computer for children (most netbooks use a processor originally developed for the One Laptop per Child initiative).

Please contact your Macro Connect representative if you are interested in hearing more or purchasing a Dell Mini 9.

Link to the Dell Mini 9: http://www.dell.com/mini

**************************************************************************************************************************

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings

Founded in 1982, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is an ensemble committed to bringing to life the large and wonderful body of repertoire that utilizes between six and 20 musicians. Many of these works go largely unheard in professional concert halls due to their unusual instrumentation. Originally focusing on music for wind and brass players, the organization has recently expanded to encompass an outstanding component of string instrumentalists.

Macro Connect has been serving the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings' technology needs since 2005. We are proud to be part of the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings' proven strategy of contracting out key services, a tactic that was recognized when DCWS was honored as runner up in Crain's Detroit Business' list of best run non-profits in 2007. Matt has served on the Chamber's Board of Trustees since 2006 and Macro co-sponsors a concert in the spring every year.

The Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is hosting an upcoming concert on Friday, October 17th titled "All in the Family: the Gamar Duo." The concert will be at Hagopian World of Rugs in Birmingham (850 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009). A reception will begin at 8:00, followed by an 8:30 performance. Violinist Adrienne Rönmark, the newest member of the DSO, will share the Nightnotes spotlight with her mother, the treasured DCWS cellist Debra Fayroian.

Ticket Prices: Advanced - $25 Regular, $22 Senior, $10 Student / At Door: $30, $27, $15

For more information or to purchase tickets call (248) 559-2095 or visit www.detroitchamberwinds.org

***************************************************************************************************************************