Last Newsletter of 2010 - Happy Holidays from our family to yours!    Why not make it better with piece of mind ONLINE BACKUP - see below

These tips are brought to you by:
Progressive Integrations, Inc.,

"bringing tomorrows technology to the home today"

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"10 Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping"

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's important to implement safe buying practices when you are shopping online. Today's technology creates an environment for ultra-safe shopping; however, there are a few scams to be aware of that could cost you in the end. We've put together our list of the top 10 tips for safe online shopping.

1. Arm your computer — Make sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, virus software, and malware removal programs.
   
   
2. Shop on trusted websites — The first place to start is to check the seller's reputation. Look for the BBB seal and other signs of credibility, such as ratings online, SSL encryption, and a money-back guarantee.
   
   
3. Protect your personal information — The BBB recommends that you take the time to read the website's privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested from you. If there is no privacy policy found, that should be a red flag to you.
   
   
4. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true — If an offer on a website or through an email sent to you sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Beware of false advertisements and deals that no other website seems to be even close to offering. In the end, consumers who fall victim to these scams end up paying the price in identity theft.
   
   
5. Beware of "phishing" schemes — Legitimate businesses will not send you an email asking you to confirm your contact or payment information once your order is placed. PayPal is a big target for these types of scams. We recommend that you call the contact number on the website you ordered from in the event that you receive an email like this.
   
   
6. Look for SSL Encryption — Always check the bottom right corner of your web browser when you are on a page that is asking for any sensitive information. If you do not see a picture of a "lock" then that page is not SSL encrypted and we do not recommend you proceed.
   
   
7. Use your credit card— Federal law has very strict policies in place to protect consumers when they use a credit card to make a purchase. You should never wire money to any business.
   
   
8. Keep a copy of your order documentation — We recommend that you always print the confirmation page that is shown to you after you place your order. You will need this information as proof of your order in the event that the item does not arrive, arrives damaged, or not as described. Your credit card company will request a copy of this receipt to fight on your behalf.
   
   
9. Make it a habit to check your credit card statements often— Log into your credit card and bank accounts each week to check each transaction that posts to your account. This is especially important after you make a purchase online to verify that no un-authorized transactions are posting.
   
   
10. Understand your rights — There is a Federal law in place that requires orders placed by mail, phone or online to be shipped within 30 days of the date of purchase. If the goods are not shipped in time, you are entitled to a full refund. You also have the right to reject merchandise when it arrives. If you accept the merchandise then you are bound by the company's policies that govern the accepted transaction.
    

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"What Exactly is Cloud Computing and How Can it Benefit My Business?"

One of the most hyped technology trends this year is cloud computing, and it is for good reason. Cloud computing services can save businesses tens of thousands of dollars a year and make them more efficient. With cloud computing, small businesses reap the benefits of not having to deploy costly physical infrastructures like file and e-mail servers, storage systems or shrink-wrapped software. Plus, employees and business partners can now enjoy hassle-free collaboration with cloud computing's "anywhere, anytime" availability.

So what exactly is cloud computing?

Let's take a quick snapshot look of what constitutes a true cloud-computing solution.

1. Cloud-computing services require no software to purchase or install. This does not include lightweight applets or a Java plug-in required to use the service.
   
   
2. Cloud-computing fees are typically subscription-based. You can often choose between month-to-month and year-to-year.
   
   
3. Another popular feature of cloud computing is that it is easily scalable. Many solutions can work for companies with 5 employees or 5,000. Cloud services are nimble because they generally grow as your business grows.

If you are interested in exploring cloud-based solutions for your business, we can provide you with an un-biased look at the options that are available to you. Kindly give us a call and we will set-up a time to sit down with you to go over these solutions.

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Our Clients Speak Out

“ I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend the services of Progressive Integrations, Inc. for home and business computer network solutions. In particular, I was very impressed with the fairness and thorough approach of our service coordinator. He logically identified issues that could be remedied, and systematically dealt with each issue through conclusion. What was most impressive, was his desire to satisfy the customer first and foremost, and not up charge after the contracted time had been reached. It is very refreshing to see that customer satisfaction both during and follow up after is so very important to this organization. I will continue to use them for all of my computer and networking issues.”

   Richard Dabruzzi - Carolina WineRaxs, Inc.,

“ What I like most about Progressive Integrations, Inc. was the professional performance of all tasks on time and doing exactly as promised. Their techs are outstanding in their expertise and communication to me. I have learned a great deal on IT and know now to leave things I don’t understand to the professionals. Progressive Integrations, Inc. has outstanding customer service!”

   Tony Morelli - Morelli Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

“ Your very fast and enthusiastic responses to my calls and the speed of getting an appointment to fix my problems were commendable! Recently, I was struck by your capability to remotely access and install my wireless printer. Amazing! Knowing that I can pick up the phone when I have any issues and feel that I will truly get help quickly and that your staff is professional and have great people skills means a lot! ”

   Wayne & Linda Juchatz - Kiawah Island, SC

About Progressive Integrations, Inc.,

Progressive Integrations, Inc., is a full service computer consulting firm specializing in home user and small businesses. Our services range from virus removal, network support, data systems backup, hardware and software upgrades, as well as managed services.

Progressive Integrations will take the confusion out of designing the system of your dreams. Our audio video integration specialists and designers will work closely with your builder, interior designer, architect, and electrician to ensure your system will integrate properly into your home.

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Progressive Integrations, Inc., 3424 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC  29455
T: 843.559.2958
E: info@progressiveintions.com

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