Windows 7 has some new features for moving and resizing the windows on the desktop.  Some of the upgrades include items such as  Aero Snap, a feature that allows easy access to two applications at one time each taking up half of the viewing screen.  To use this function you simply have to drag the application window to the left or ride side of the screen and the computer takes care of the rest.  Then there is Aero Shake, this feature will minimize open windows easily.  When you click on a title bar in a window and shake it back and forth with the mouse Windows 7 will minimize all open windows except the window you shook.  Repeat this process to return all windows to their original state.  Now lets have a look at Aero Peek, (Aero must be enabled) this feature allows the user to get a look at their desktop without the need to minimize their open screens.  Simply move the mouse to the right end of the taskbar and all the current open screens become transparent allowing the user to peek at their desktop.  To minimize all of the windows simply click the right end of the taskbar.  Finally, there is Aero Task Switching, (Aero must be enabled), pressing Alt + Tab displays thumbnails of open applications.  As you can see, it is the little things that make a difference.  These are just a few of the features that Windows 7 has added or upgraded to make the users experience and work life more efficient.

The taskbar in Windows 7 is taller than in previous versions of Windows.  The height adjustment is to compensate for the default setting to display large icons of running applications without the application names.  In addition, Windows 7 does away with the Quick Launch Toolbar and replaces it with the Pin to Taskbar option on the Start menu.  However, keep in mind when you pin an application to the Taskbar it creates a permanent icon, whether or not the application is running. This gives you easy access to frequently used applications, however, it can be a little confusing if you are accustom to the Taskbar only showing running applications.

If you have Aero enabled on Windows 7 whenever you move the mouse over one of the applications pinned to the Taskbar it will show a thumbnail preview of all open documents related to that application.  When you stop the mouse on one of the thumbnails, it will provide a full screen preview of that document.  However, you must click on the thumbnail to select or open that particular document.

The Icons pinned to the Taskbar and in the Start Menu now have jump lists, this is a context menu that displays all of a particular applications most frequently used functions.  To access jump lists you simply right click on the icon.  For instance, open a new document is displayed in Word when you right click the icon if you use that function frequently.  Note, you can also unpin an application from the Taskbar by right clicking the icon and selecting Unpin this program from Taskbar in the jump list.

Most organizations have approached cyber security by trying to put progressively more complicated defenses around their perimeter.  The harsh reality is that a motivated attacker will likely find a weakness.  For instance, an employee may accidentally create an opportunity for the attacker to gain access to your vital information with email or personal devices used on your network.

Tech savvy corporations are re-adapting security plans from hardware and locations to roles and information.  Ultimately, connecting your laptop, notebook, or Smartphone to the corporate network may enable you to reach more publicly available Web sites.  However, accessing corporate data or software would necessitate validation of your identity. 

Information security is becoming an essential blueprint in underlying technology planning.  If your customers’ credit card information is maintained in a single database a hacker would only need to break security once to engage in counterfeit transactions.  Therefore, maintaining separate databases for credit card numbers and expiration dates immensely complicates the hackers’ objective.  Furthermore, a spiteful system supervisor can be much more dangerous than even the most careless of end users, some IT organizations have initiated a limit to the number of people who can access certain critical information.

Many senior level executives question how to protect their information against cyber attacks.  Corporations need to recognize that it is an ongoing conflict.  New digital assets and methods for accessing information simply means hackers will create more advanced programs to aide in these attacks.  Basically, “where there is a will there is a way”.

Many larger companies are now conducting virtual cyber attacks on their own networks to identify unknown vulnerabilities and to aid in the development of more advanced security features.  In addition, corporations must make cyber security, an integral part of their day-to-day business to facilitate and advance new ways of protecting themselves against attacks. 

• Transfer to Extension
• Go to a Sub Menu
• Transfer to Voicemail
• Play Message (including hours of operation, location, etc.)
• Repeat Choices  
• Timeout (what to do when the caller selects nothing)
• Default or General Mailbox / Voicemail

Along with the selections listed above, most AA's will have options to allow for time of day routing for after hours, weekends and holidays.  There is also a typical greeting and routing steps that take place during normal work days and business hours which can be changed for special occasions and situations.

Auto attendant is a feature many business's take advantage of in order to save time and money.  If this sounds like a program that may be a fit for your company and you would like to learn more, please contact us on the web at www.bcs-ip.com or by phone at 512-257-1433.