Recently, I switched my primary email client.  For years I have been using Microsoft Outlook.  I have trudged through the various upgrades and the new versions.  I’ve adapted to the search functions and the cumbersome contacts addressbook.  I’ve struggled through Microsoft’s poor attempt at Business Contact Manager.  Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Beta version of Microsoft Outlook 2010.  I could not be more disappointed in Microsoft (I know…. big surprise).  On the heals of what I consider a huge success with the launch of Windows 7, I had high hopes.  But Outlook 2010 was nothing but trouble for me as it often froze and the only way to bring it back from the dead was to open the task manager and shoot it down.

A few months ago, I decided to give Google Apps a try.  Google Apps is gmail on steroids.  To give you some idea of who is using Google Apps, the University of West Florida recently switched all of its email accounts to Google Apps.  They joined companies all over the world making the switch from Microsoft-based Exchange accounts to Google Apps.  The price point and the features are excellent for my needs.  Google Apps allows you take a domain such as ctpensacola.com and set up as many email accounts on it as you want for just $50 per year per computer (first month trial is free).  For the $50, you receive the anti-spam service Postini (very customizable), shared calendars and 25 GB worth of storage.  The last time I checked against Microsoft Exchange or Hosted Exchange, this was a steal.  Exchange servers can be very difficult and expensive to manage.  Hosted Exchange (where someone else maintains the server) are typically $8-15 per month per computer with much less storage.

Users switching from Outlook or Exchange-based email may have to make a few adjustments, but the Google Apps interface is fairly easy to use.  If you’d like to learn more about this product, contact me at charles@ctpensacola.com or call Charles at 850-375-0051.

Computer Troubleshooters of Pensacola is going through a transition.  We’ve been searching for a name that truly defines what we do for our clients.  The truth is… we are much more than troubleshooters.  Don’t get me wrong.  We like to get to the bottom of trouble.  But we would much rather help you avoid trouble before it happens.  Our new name will be Catalyst Technology.  According to Webster’s Dictionary, a catalyst is “an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.”

Our goal is to minimize problems and maximize the reliability of your technology in your home or office.  Our focus is on small businesses and home offices.  We hope that this shift in our name will better serve our client needs in the future.

At Catalyst Technology, we make technology work for you.

The dawn of a new year is upon us.  Now that things have calmed down after the holidays (well maybe they haven’t in your house), it’s time to get back to work right?  To help you get moving, Computer Troubleshooters wants to start you off right.  We are offering a $30 discount on our comprehensive computer tune up.  Through the end of January, you’ll pay only $69 to tune up your computer(s). 

We also want to make sure that our business friends are on the right track, so we are offering a comprehensive technology audit for only $69 as well (up to 9 computers).  Give us a call today to take advantage of these special deals.

Its an incredible time of year for technology businesses.  With Apple flourishing on the strength of the iPhone and iPod devices and Windows ushering in a much-improved operating system, technology companies are working hard to attract your hard-earned dollars.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday started the ball rolling, but the sales continue as companies try to end the calendar year on a good note.  For this reason, it is a great time to buy technology whether it be for your home or business.

Incentives available in the 4th quarter of the year tend to be better than earlier in the year.  So if you are in the market for technology, you picked a great time.  Just remember, you don’t have to go it alone.  Computer Troubleshooters of Pensacola not only provides technology service, but we also sell hardware and software.  We can also provide consulting and installation services to make sure that you not only choose the right technology but that it is set up to work for you.

Computer Troubleshooters of Pensacola is more than just your average computer shop.  Our goal is not to fix your problem and send you on your way.  We want to become your technology partner who is available for you when and where you need us.  Let’s face it.  Computers are unpredictable.  I can tell you first hand that they don’t always at as expected.  If you think you get frustrated when this occurs, just imagine what a technology guy feels like when this happens. 

Computer Troubleshooters is a global franchise.  In 2007, I purchased the local franchise location in order to be able to build my business and receive all the support that a global network of technology businesses can provide.  As a customer/client you get the benefit of not only my knowledge, but the knowledge of other technicians across the world.  We are constantly communicating and sharing to solve the world’s technology problems and issues.  That’s why “Technology Solved” is part of our logo. 

When considering your technology needs, we encourage you to Hire a Pro, Not a Geek!

Computer Troubleshooters of Pensacola is happy to announce the redesign of its stale and boring web site.  For 2 years, we’ve had the same look and it is time for a change.  Our new site will be designed to better meet the needs of our current and future customers.  In the meantime, if you need immediate information, please contact Charles at cbare@comptroub.com or call him at 850-375-0051.  Please pardon our progress.