IntelliPro Talk

A little known fact about our Sales/Marketing Team

2007-02-20T16:31:00.000-06:00

Here's a little trivia question for you...

How were the members of the Intelliprotech sales and marketing team related before working together at the company?

No, they weren't brothers, but that was a good guess with the multiple Stones we've got working for us.

Actually, Tim and Justin played in several bands together prior to working at the company. They've recorded a couple albums and gigged all over Texas...ok how about Houston, College Station, Waco, Brenham, and Kemah?

Now here's the real question I'll leave you with: how many bands can Justin and Tim's names both be associated with?

I should give out a prize if anyone can actually name them all...

Communication is Key

2007-02-16T14:39:00.000-06:00

Trying to stay connected in this fast paced, digital culture can seem overwhelming at times. You have to check the email, upload that TPS report, watch some youtube... all in a day's surf.

How can you make sure you don't lose touch with the physical, human side of relationships? Step away from the computer, drive down to Starbucks, and catch up. But seriously, if you can't seem to pry your fingers off that magnetic keyboard, try this.

A Philips digital camera and headset.

While not as warm as a chat in a coffee house, this web cam does allow you to see the person and actually talk to them, instead of sending messages they may not get for days or ever respond to. Just clip on your monitor, call your clients or friends over the Internet with Skype, and you're set.

It's estimated that over 300,000 entrepreneurs will use Skype as their primary means of communication in 2007 according to Entrepreneur magazine. Using this web-cam with Skype will allow you to have more meaningful conversations with your friends when you can't get away or if you're separated by long distances.

Visit IPT-Direct.com to start personalized communication again.

A new face...

2007-02-14T16:28:00.000-06:00

First off, Happy Valentine's Day!

Second, we'd like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Intelliprotech team, Tim Stone.

Tim will be our new Sales Associate, raising awareness and interest about Intelliprotech's products and services among our many clients and prospects.

Welcome aboard, Tim!

Valentine's Gift Ideas

2007-02-12T23:10:00.000-06:00

Love Day is almost upon us and some of you may still be scrambling to get a last minute gift for that special someone. IPT-Direct.com has lots of gadgets for that tech-lover in your life...it's not too late to order...

Do powerstrips protect your PC?

2007-02-09T09:53:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning to a flashing alarm clock and no AC and was reminded of a conversation I had with Jeremiah and Charles about a month ago.

We were talking about different ways of protecting your computer, and Charles had just purchased a powerstrip through our online store. I had recently read that even if your PC is turned off, if it's still plugged in there's still a little juice running through it. I asked Jeremiah if it was true and he said, "Oh, yeah."

He said they're fine for light flickers but nothing would stop a close lighting strike from potentially frying everything electronic in your house.

I thought that was interesting because I thought that was the whole point of having surge protectors, but apparently the only safe thing to do is to physically unplug everything during a storm.

Protect your PC: pull the plug...

The First Intelliprotech Newsletter

2007-02-05T16:08:00.000-06:00

...is coming soon! I've been working on the odds and ends of it for awhile now, kicking around ideas. I'm currently working on some design issues right now and just about have everything settled and ready for our first publication.

Make sure you get on the list now...

Email us your contact info at info@intelliprotech.com or subscribe using the FormLogix box with your name and email address on the right panel of this blog.

Icon Wars

2007-02-01T16:08:00.000-06:00

Ever wander why your computer runs slow when you log on in the morning? Or why when you click that one icon, you suddenly get the "blue screen of doom"? I came across this by chance today on MSN. Here's why!

Intelliprotech's First Virtual Customer

2007-01-31T15:18:00.000-06:00

Thank you to our anonymous guest for sending us the code for this fun avatar of yourself.

See, that was fun and easy... Get your "3D I.D." at Meez.com and send it to us, post in on your own blog or myspace page...

Did you know...

2007-01-31T14:54:00.000-06:00

Intelliprotech can work on your computer remotely? For many problems, you don't even need us to come out to your house.

As a matter of fact, Charles is servicing a computer remotely from the office as I type this.

To find out more about this service or to answer any other questions about the company, visit Intelliprotech.com or leave us a comment.

A bit of virtual fun

2007-01-29T12:43:00.000-06:00

According to the tech-pundits, Avatars are making an impact on the web, especially with the under 30 crowd. In order to test this theory, I've created a virtual rendering of myself for your scrutiny. I have to say, it does closely resemble me. The hair is a bit over the top, but you get the idea.

If you've ever seen me playing bass, I do have a tendency to tap my foot, much like this Avatar generated at meez.com. Ironic.

Try making your own and post it in a comment back on the blog, in emails to your friends, and on your myspace page. You know you want to...

Dear meeboguest833290,

2007-01-24T15:25:00.000-06:00

We received your message on our chat feature this morning:

meeboguest833290: Could you ask the guy who suggested AVG if it is safe to leave all my viruses in the virus vault. I don't know what to do with them and I don't want them on my computer.

I'm sorry to say that you caught us at one of the few moments we are away from our computer. So, I'll post a response right here, for everyone to benefit.

The short answer is: Yes, it is safe to leave your found viruses in the virus vault.
A virus creates infected files, which can only be removed by deleting the file. The "Virus Vault" is a feature built into AVG Anti-Virus that moves the infected file and prevents it from spreading. Once in the virus vault, you computer is no longer infected with the virus. For more information on this, you can visit their FAQ at http://grisoft.com/doc/7/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

-Charles-

Out on a limb for Apples

2007-01-24T15:15:00.000-06:00

I'm going to do something I haven't done before: taking a stab at the future of the computer industry.

I believe Apple will narrow the gap on PC makers substantially in 2007 and beyond. There are several reasons why I've come to this conclusion and here are the Top 10:

10.Innovation. Apple raises the bar for tech standards and then raises it again when the next generation products come out.

9. The Cool Factor. Apple has the image of an exclusive, high-end computing product great for graphic design, music production, film editing, and pulls it off pretty well.

8. The iPod. Synonymous with MP3 player to many, they have the undisputed 1st place ranking among MP3 device sales.

7. The iPhone. Name aside, the iPhone is positioned to revolutionize the way people use the phone. By incorporating their success with the iPod with their user-friendly software, it will be many people's first try at using a Mac.

6. The Ads. Not only funny, but true. For those of us who own both a PC and a Mac, one can see that the ads do point out several perceived weaknesses that Apple has capitalized on and turned into major selling points.

5. Justin Long. Having a young actor (who doesn't smoke weed, dude) and whose career is going up (Dodgeball, Herbie, The Breakup, Accepted and the upcoming Live Free or Die Hard with Bruce Willis), the positive association is only getting stronger.

4. Apple TV. A complete media center (combining movies, music, pictures) is the new trend. With Apple TV, people can watch all their media from the computer on the TV.

3. Pixar. Jobs' other company (also a hot, money-maker) has been cranking out hit cartoons (Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars, etc.)and was recently acquired by Disney.

2. Disney. As the new board member of Disney (and its largest shareholder), Jobs will undoubtedly start wielding his new power to leverage Pixar and Apple's success through Disney's distribution channels, marketing prowess, and movie industry connections. When Disney switches over to all Apple computers, other major companies will observe and potentially follow their lead.

1. The Numbers. Sales for Macs are trending up (28% increase since last year's 4th quarter) and iPods are still holding up. Apple stores and selling points are springing up (more than 7500) inviting people to come in and try the new products.

So there it is, the Top 10 reasons why Apple will start becoming a major player in the computer industry again.

This is just my opinion, not that of Intelliprotech. We still show love for the PC...

I got the numbers from a story on internetnews.com. Check it out.

Did you hear the one about the four engineers?

2007-01-22T15:04:00.000-06:00

One day, a Mechanical Engineer, an Electrical Engineer, a Chemical Engineer and a Computer Engineer were driving down the street in the same car.

The car broke down.

The Mechanical Engineer said, "I think a rod broke."

The Chemical Engineer said, "The way it sputtered at the end, I don't think it's getting gas."

The Electrical Engineer said, "I think there was a spark and something is wrong with the electrical system."

All three turned to the Computer Engineer and said, "What do you think?"

The Computer Engineer said, "I think we should all get out and get back in."

And the Winner is...

2007-01-22T09:10:00.000-06:00

With 47% of the vote in last month's "Favorite Computer Brand" Poll, Apple is the people's choice for favorite computer brand!

Congratulations to Steve Jobs and the Mac-makers out there for making a user-friendly, stable and visually stimulating product.

Thanks to everyone who voted in last month's poll; and be looking for the next one to be posted in the next couple of weeks.

Almost forgot!

2007-01-19T16:17:00.000-06:00

On Monday your favorite computer brand will be announced! You still have 2 days left to cast your vote in the poll on this blog...

We'll have a new blog format rolling out!

And if you can guess what the above picture is, well...you're pretty smart.

Thank you so much...

2007-01-19T16:08:00.000-06:00

for keeping us busy this week. I was sitting here wandering, "Why can I hear myself thinking?" and I realized it's because all our technicians are out there fixing your computers!

So again, thank you very much.

Hurry...only 3 1/2 days left to vote!

2007-01-18T15:52:00.000-06:00

To make sure your vote is counted in our "favorite computer brand" poll, scroll down this blog and answer the question on the right side. Please have your votes submitted no later than Sunday @ midnight. One vote per IP address is allowed. The winner will be crowned on Monday's blog!

Thanks to everyone who has voted so far!

Apple is currently ahead with 61% of the vote...

Anyone for Skype?

2007-01-17T16:03:00.000-06:00

I was thinking about adding a "Skype Me" feature on the blog & website where you could talk to us through your computer, in addition to chatting or leaving pithy posts. If I did, would you find that beneficial for asking questions or getting to know the company a little bit better?

You wouldn't need a special phone or hardware, just download the FREE software from Skype's website and talk for FREE to any other Skype member.

Yea or neigh?

Stranded by icy roads

2007-01-16T14:52:00.000-06:00

This post is coming from you live from my home computer, being that our neighborhood was coned-off by the constables this morning due to the icy roads. Living in Houston is crazy. Anyone else in H-town stuck at home today?

Are you Secure?

2007-01-12T22:55:00.000-06:00

Hi, my name is Charles. I am an IT Consultant (computer fixer) here at Intelliprotech. The past few months I have seen a lot of computers come into the shop and out at clients’ locations with viruses and spyware. To my surprise, most PCs I see with these issues are running a very old version of the anti-virus/anti-spyware software that came with their new PC. New viruses are created every day, and hackers work tirelessly to reach your private information. Check your anti-virus software. Are there any warnings? or is it out of date? When was the last scan? and is it scheduled to run a scan automatically at least every week? If you don’t know, you’re at risk. Send me a message or give us a call, we’ll tell you how to find out the answers to these questions.

Maybe, though, you’re like me, and you can’t stomach throwing down $50 for the software. Personally, I use AVG Anti-virus. Security should be a right, not a privilege, so save your dough and download AVG Free. It’s 100% free and easy to use. I use it on all my personal computers. And, while your at it, download Spybot to search out and destroy other threats such as spyware, adware, and malware. It, too, is free and easy to use. I do enjoy servicing these compromised PCs, but I’d rather see you save your money for that new tech gadget than spend it on removing the latest worm or trojan.

Curious about other free products to secure your PC and boost performance and productivity? Ask me. Free is my specialty.

-Charles-

Is this the Cream of CES 2007?

2007-01-12T16:04:00.000-06:00

Some have said that this product was among the best new gadgets unveiled at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The reasoning behind this is that many companies have been unsure of which new format (Blu-ray or HD-DVD) will become the next tech-killer. Now it seems that it doesn't matter. The first of its kind, the LG Blu-ray HD-DVD Combo DVD Player will allow you to watch either of the new high definition formats.

No matter which new format kills the old DVD, LG has proven once again that they can push the technology envelope to give consumers what they want.

Will you get an iPhone?

2007-01-09T16:14:00.000-06:00

Steve Jobs revealed the highly anticipated iPhone today at Macworld in San Francisco. This cutting edge device will offer no buttons; instead it will be a dedicated touch screen that you can operate smoothly with your fingers.

The iPhone isn't just a sleek looking cellular. It's also an iPod, complete with tilting sensors that can tell if you're watching something in portrait or landscape and flip the content when you rotate the phone.

The iPhone will also function as a portable mini-computer, complete with OS X, Safari web browser, Google maps, etc. So what do you think? A phone, an iPod, and a portable computer all in one... Cool enough for a June delivery @ $499?

Consumer Electronics Show 2007

2007-01-08T12:48:00.000-06:00

Every year, tech-companies and tech-lovers convene in Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). New and futuristic gadgets are displayed and critiqued,hoping to generate some buzz for the upcoming year.

This year, it looks like there are several interesting devices being plugged. One cool product that stands out from the IPTVs, MP3 ready automobiles and Intel's new notebook chip is the new TV from Sharp.

This prototype offers almost 9 million pixels (4x the best TV now) and will eventually be made ready for consumer use. How sharp can TV contrast really get? I guess we'll find out soon. Amazing.

IPT-Direct offers Ferrari monitor?

2007-01-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read correctly. Acer has recently teamed up with the racy sports car manufacturer to bring you a new breed of laptops and monitors brandishing that prancing horse.

This sleek looking monitor makes a statement with its red and black gloss chassis. It also comes with a 20" wide-screen for optimal media viewing on your PC.

So how good can a car-sponsored computer product really be? First off, last time I checked, Ferrari wasn't interested in dragging their prestigious name through the mud, so you know it meets their high standards for quality. Not to mention its being made by Acer, one of the Top 5 PC makers in the world.

But more specifically, the F-20 features an impressive 800:1 contrast ratio and comes with the new CrystalBrite Technology which provides brighter colors, crisper graphics and higher contrast.

The two built in speakers offer greater versatility while you're online working, watching movies, or playing games in high resolution graphic and sound.

For a closer look, check out this new high-end monitor at IPT-Direct.com.

Intelliprotech Chats with You!

2007-01-03T15:35:00.000-06:00

Besides offering better and more efficient ways to communicate with people, the Internet has also afforded the vehicle to get the word out like a wild fire.

Meebo.com has allowed you the luxury to chat with us while we're online via our blog!

Just visit IntelliPro Talk and see if we're online. Then just follow the directions under intellipro chat by clicking the box and sending us your message. Even if we're not online or at the computer, you can still leave us a message! You can even create your own customized name to chat with us under.

Just another way to stay connected with our valued friends and associates.

Protect your computers...

2006-12-29T13:14:00.000-06:00

In a day when hackers and thieves will try anything to snatch up your personal data, what can one do to protect these valuable files?

Get a SonicWALL TZ 150 Wireless Firewall.

This wireless firewall is perfect for individuals and small businesses who want to protect their networks but not break the bank. The TZ 150 provides deep packet protection from viruses, Trojans, worms, malicious codes, and hackers.

It's slim design and wireless capability allow you to set it up, tucked away almost anywhere in your home or office while providing support for multiple computers.

As a matter of fact, Jeremiah and Charles are going to install/configure some in Austin and San Antonio in the next couple of days.

For more technical info or to buy one and start protecting your computers today, visit IPT-Direct.com today.

Christmas Tidings and Stories...

2006-12-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas Holiday; full of warmth and love.

If you have any humorous or noteworthy stories, please post them here so we can spread some Christmas cheer...and maybe a good laugh.

I have an interesting story from the office today that has it's roots from this Christmas weekend. Jeremiah traveled up to Colorado last Friday and quickly came down with something and was consequently sick all weekend through today.

Here's our sadly necessary disclaimer: DON"T TRY THIS AT HOME!

We were trying to figure out what to do to help alleviate the pressure he had in his head. Some employees recounted their mother's methods of alleviating ear-aches and suggested he try "ear candling" to pull the drainage out from his Eustachian tubes. After verifying the technique online, the staff gathered around the patient with some computer paper and a lighter. Rolling the paper into a cone shaped tube, Jessica inserted the tiny end into Jeremiah's bummed ear while Charles lit the wide end to allow the hot air to pull out the drainage.

There was a whoosh then a pop, and Jeremiah felt a little better. However, the computer paper burned pretty fast and Charles had to remove it before it could fully unclog Jeremiah's ear. As Charles was running out of the office with the burning paper, it fully consumed itself and everyone heard Charles take one for the team as he tried in vein to stomp out the glowing ember.

The Results: Most people would agree that ear candling is a controversial folk-medicine technique that offers little if any aid for the patient. We would tend to agree with that sentiment. Jeremiah is getting some ear-drops tonight that will more then likely be much more efficient in removing the drainage.

Get well soon, bud!

The Real Deal...

2006-12-20T16:11:00.000-06:00

A Better Quality Podcast...

What's new this week at Intelliprotech. Find out from Jeremiah, Charles and Justin.

Beat him to the punch!

2006-12-20T10:43:00.002-06:00

Ok. I wish everyone out there could experience Intelliprotech mornings. They are like none other... in a good way (usually). You might be asking, "why the title?" The simple, truthful answer is: No one except Justin has blogged, so Charles and I have raced to post our blog first, and frankly... I think I won.

I Win

2006-12-20T10:43:00.001-06:00

i beat everyone

The NEW Face of Intelliprotech

2006-12-18T15:59:00.000-06:00

Greetings again, my friends. Some good news: the new Intelliprotech website is in its beta-test phase. Please check it out and give us the 4-1-1. Jeremiah spent a lot of time on it this past weekend making it more accessible, clean and user-friendly for everyone. Thanks for your invaluable feedback!

Low-Tech Audio Blogging

2006-12-15T14:46:00.000-06:00

Hello again. Yesterday's audio blog post was a simple sample of what the internt and blogging can allow you to do. For those who don't know and would like to try this out, here are the simple to follow instructions.

For Windows Users

-Go to Start, then Programs, click Accesories, then Entertainment and open up Sound Recorder.
-Press Record and speak into your mic.
-Once you're finished, Save the .wav file.
-Convert the .wav file to .mp3 by using an MP3 Encoder like Musicmatch Jukebox, Audacity or iTunes.
-The following is the important step. You need to upload the MP3 to an File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site. If you don't have one, you can try one for Free at WS FTP, CuteFTP or Filezilla.
-Next, you'll create a blog and insert a link that will access the MP3 file when it's clicked.

Your link should be something like this:

"http://www.intelliprotech.com/justin/Thurs%2012-14-2006.mp3"

Now put the link in the "a href" Html command.

That should do it. Leave audio messages for your friends and co-workers.

If you're not satisfied with the quality of this (it's not that great), you'll probably want to invest in a nice microphone and audio editing software to create these.

One way is to record them in Apple's Garageband using a Marshall MXL V69 Tube Condenser Mic (which is what we'll be using from now on to audio blog/Podcast). This should boost the quality, tone and just about everything else you can do to enhance an audio signal before uploading and linking to the blog.

Enjoy.

Intelliprotech's Innaugural Audio Blog

2006-12-14T15:23:00.000-06:00

Check it out...we have audio blogging! Listen to a quick word from our Marketing Manager:

Listen To Our Audio Post.

The Jeff Bagwell/Intelliprotech Connection?

2006-12-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

A lot of rumors have been circulating lately as to the validity of the claims that Intelliprotech services Jeff Bagwell's computers. Let me dispel the rumors and set the record straight.

The short answer is...no, we have not in the past and are not currently servicing the former Astros' computers. So how did this misunderstanding come about, one might wander?

The confusion probably stemmed from the fact that the company had some nicely made business cards designed a few months ago and have been passing them out to local businesses, family and friends.

The latter is where the story begins.

Charles, our IT Consultant, gave some business cards to a friend. Now, this friend happened to live in close proximity to Mr. Bagwell. One morning the friend was outside his house when he noticed Jeff standing on his front porch.

Curious, he approached his neighbor's yard and asked the former 'Stro what he was doing, to which Jeff replied, "Waiting for a geek to fix my computer."

"That's funny," the young man said. "My friend works for a company that does that." And with that, he brandished a shiny Intelliprotech business card from his wallet, handed it to Jeff Bagwell, and bid him good day.

That is all there is to the story...

Can TimeIPS help your business?

2006-12-11T10:45:00.000-06:00

Last week, Jeremiah held a TimeIPS demo session in which he unveiled the newest model and showed the Intelliprotech employees its many features.

Basically, it's a sophisticated time-clock and benefits-tracking system that allows small to large companies to eliminate certain payroll costs.

By going digital, the need for paper pushers is eliminated. It also reduces the amount of paper consumed, keeping it green at the office.

The TimeIPS systems are easily integrated into QuickBooks and other payroll software for fast, accurate transfer of employee clock-in information.

For more info on how TimeIPS can automate the clock-in process and save your company money, visit the TimeIPS website or visit IPT-Direct to get yours today.

New way to generate traffic

2006-12-11T09:43:00.000-06:00

We were trying to find ways to generate traffic to our blog and found that this site will help get you noticed

Enjoy.

Intelliprotech for President?

2006-12-08T12:43:00.000-06:00

So we were sitting in the office today and saw that Bill Richardson, former Secretary of Energy and current New Mexico Governor, would be running for President in 2008. He joins an ever growing list of presidential hopefuls who include Senator Barack Obama, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Senator John McCain to name the important ones.

It's interesting to speculate on who would win if the election were held today, but even more interesting to think what would happen if Intelliprotech ran for President in 2008!

We always look out for the clients we work for, are fair and balanced to everyone, and listen to the voices of the people we serve.

So how about it, America? Do we have your vote?

Intelliprotech's on eBay...

2006-12-06T16:37:00.000-06:00

That's right...Intelliprotech is on eBay, ready to join the cyber-mall which has become one of the largest marketplaces on earth.

Just another convenient avenue to reach our valued customers.

Myspace my Business?

2006-12-04T15:33:00.000-06:00

Well...almost. MerchantCircle.com is a relatively new website that allows companies to create profiles in order to network with other local companies in the area. They can recommend each other, review each other, advertise to local customers, and add each other as friends.

At Intelliprotech, we're testing out MerchantCircle to see if it can live up to the promise of meeting new clients in an online community, much like myspace. You can visit our page and check it out for yourself.

Food for Thought

2006-12-01T16:09:00.000-06:00

With Christmas around the bend, there's one thing on everyone's mind in the Intelliprotech office: world-class fajitas from our friends at Pappasito's! Why, you might ask? The Intelliprotech Annual Christmas Party, of course. It's been decided, marked on the calendar, and now we must wait, hungry with anticipation for the fire-grilled, caramelized onion laced, butter-bathed goodness that is our coming Christmas Party. So good.

What are you doing for your company's Christmas Party?

Birthday wishes

2006-11-29T14:47:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was your typical day: fixing blocked emails, rerouting routers and adding new products to the Intelliprotech online store. However, there was something exciting that happened at 8:32am. The office door was locked and no one had a key until I arrived on the scene. Thinking I'd be the hero of the day, I whisked out my key and slide it into the lock. Ok, it was more like pushing, hitting, and jamming the key into the hole and wandering when and why someone had changed the lock.

No need to panic. We're Intelliprotech, right? Intelligent, Professional, Technicians. Charles and I watched as our fearless leader grabbed a ladder, climbed through the ceiling from the outside, crawled through to the other side, swung from the beam like a champ, and then lowered himself down on the other side of the door.

After unlocking the door from the outside and ushering us into the office, we decided it was the perfect way to kick off Jeremiah's birthday!

Happy Birthday, Jeremiah! Your quick thinking, death defying, Ethan Hunt like demeanor proved that we don't have to slow down as we get older...

It starts with a dream...

2006-11-27T16:22:00.000-06:00

Handel's Messiah. Ford's Model-T. Jobs' iPod. All great products of great people's great dreams.

In 2000, Jeremiah Stone had a dream: offer the best IT solutions to his Houston clients. Intelliprotech was born out of this desire to help people with their computing needs. Killing viruses, networking, and optimizing system performace became the bread and butter that drove the business forward. Six years later, the clientele has increased to the point that three other employees have been added and the online store IPT-Direct.com. has been created to offer even more products and services.

Thank you for six great years!