Aaron Weiss

The world seems to be shrinking around us — the world of high tech, at least. Every new gadget is yet smaller than the last. This race toward miniaturization gives us powerful computers that are also light and portable and worthy of our love. But our micro-sized gadgets also intensify risk. Potentially thousands of dollars […]

When it comes to buying a new desktop computer for your small business, the good news is that, as always, PC prices continue to fall and performance continues to rise. But the evolving desktop also comes with new technologies, specifications, assorted gizmos and confusing marketing lingo — which explains why shopping for a new small-business […]

This is an exciting time for both the desktop and server markets, after several years of what felt like the same old thing. While you won’t hear it on the evening news, the effects of dual-core processors — CPUs that contain two or more processing units inside — are trickling down to benefit every segment […]

When it comes to computer networking, small businesses and homes look a lot alike these days. It makes sense. After all, both environments share increasingly similar technology needs — especially when it comes to storage. You can never have enough. The days of needing to crack open your computer case to add storage are behind […]

In Part 2 of “Creating a Wireless Network” we set up and configured your network, beaming data across your home or office. But sometimes, things go awry. What if your network seems too slow or is unreliable? In the conclusion to our three-part series, we look at some common factors that can undermine your wireless […]

When it comes to servers, small businesses can find themselves in a squeeze. Many vendor-based server platforms are oriented toward mid- and large- sized businesses, with complexity, hardware requirements, and price tags to match. In-house, or “homebrew” servers solutions are always an option, but they can require advanced technology skills, and the costs of retaining […]

In Part 1 of “Creating a Wireless Network” we considered which equipment you’d need to meet your goals for speed, range and security. Gear in hand, let’s set up the hardware and walk through a few simple configuration steps to bring your wireless network to life. For the purpose of this guide, let’s assume you […]

It’s no secret by now that wireless networking is quickly replacing the tangled mess of cables in many homes and small businesses. No more fishing wires through walls, no more tripping over wires laid across doorways, and no more yelling at Fido or Fluffy for treating Ethernet cables like chew toys. What people love most […]

The glut of PC-based computers on the market, including workstations and servers, is mixed news for consumers. On the one hand, the competition continues to drive prices downward. On the other, there are that many more models to choose from, sometimes creating a thick fog of indecision. How does IBM’s new entry into their eSeries […]

The modern networked office requires a certain degree of vigilance, and not just from midnight burglars. Thanks to increasing network safety consciousness, you probably already have a router firewall on your broadband connection and anti-virus software on all of your PCs. The D-Link NetDefend DFL-CPG310 bundles these, wireless security, VPN, and many other network safety […]

We live in an increasingly do-it-yourself world. We can check out our own groceries, pump our own gas and diagnose our own — OK, maybe not that last one. But for the do-it-yourself type, making your network cables is no problem. These days, ready-made Cat 5 cables — the standard kind used for most Ethernet […]