1. Your PC* must be purchased between June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010

2. One of the following Windows Vista versions must be factory-installed on your PC*:

• Windows Vista Home Premium
• » Windows Vista Business – opens simulated dialog
• » Windows Vista Ultimate – opens simulated dialog

3. Your PC* must be on the Eligible Models list

Click Here to Learn More!

Through the development of specialized applications for Microsoft Windows networks, Symantec has simplified and automated the process of preparing for and recovering all data and system information from a point in time due to a disaster. Using the Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers Intelligent Disaster Recovery (IDR) Option, network servers and application servers — such as those used for Microsoft Exchange or SQL Server — are quickly and easily recovered to the point of the last backup, complete with the identical configuration of the operating system, user profiles, applications, and data.

Unique to IDR is the ability to recover to the last incremental, differential, or working set backup, not just the last full backup, as is the case with other disaster recovery products.  As a result, local and remote systems and data are recovered to a point in time closer to the actual disaster than what is offered by other products, and the recovery process takes less time.

IDR also provides a simple and flexible way to modify system configuration during recovery for customized configurations of fault-tolerant disk mirroring, disk volumes, and others. This includes Backup Exec software’s unique ability to deal with hardware changes during the disaster recovery procedure. With Backup Exec, restoring exact hardware, such as like hard drives and adapters, is not required in order to complete an IDR operation. Intelligent Disaster Recovery is the only disaster recovery solution that allows users to specify new hard-disk information, RAID configurations, and network configuration cards.

DISADVANTAGES TO THE MANUAL DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS
The manual disaster recovery process has three major disadvantages. First, the manual disaster recovery process is open to human error. Second, without an automated, integrated solution, the unprepared user or system administrator faces a lengthy and laborious course of action to revive a failed system. Moreover, the many hours of valuable time for the user, system administrator, or consultant to first recover and then restore a network server can adversely affect productivity. Third, the manual disaster recovery method is technically complex.

Manual Disaster Recovery is Time Consuming
As we have discussed, the manual disaster recovery process is riddled with complexity and prone to unexpected results. More importantly, during the recovery/restore process, the server is unavailable. When the failed system is a mission-critical server running business applications that the organization depends on daily, this can seriously impact the business and its revenue, not to mention individual productivity of all those who rely on the server. Even if the failure affects only a single workstation, the productivity impact on the user and the business can be significant.

Manual Disaster Recovery is Technically Difficult
The manual disaster recovery process is complex and can take hours to complete because it involves a series of manual steps:
• Repairing or replacing the failed hard disk or equipment
• Collecting critical system configuration information (assuming it is documented) and recovery media
• Manually re-partitioning and formatting the hard disk
• Manually reinstalling the operating system
• Manually reinstalling updates, drivers, profiles, etc.
• Manually reinstalling the backup application
• Identifying and finding the last backup tapes
• Re-cataloging the backup tapes
• Restoring the data and applications on the backup tapes

Mistakes made at any point can prevent the recovery of the system causing the administrator to have to re-start the manual process from the beginning.

INTELLIGENT DISASTER RECOVERY AUTOMATES AND INTEGRATES THE PROCESS
Symantec takes a new approach with Intelligent Disaster Recovery — automating the disaster recovery function and closely integrating it with the backup and restore functions of Backup Exec. Integration with Backup Exec provides a more intelligent solution that enables quick and easy recovery of local and remote Windows servers to the point of the last backup. Failed systems are fully recovered, complete with the identical configuration of the operating system, user profiles, updates, applications, and data.

Since the Intelligent Disaster Recovery Option is highly automated, it minimizes human intervention, and therefore the possibility of human error. Moreover, the Intelligent Disaster Recovery Option integrates recovery and backup and restore to provide an automated solution that:
• Alleviates system administration by integrating two typically separate processes (system and data recovery)
• Minimizes downtime through guided and automated system recovery operations
• Eases the impact a downed server has on personal productivity and business processes
• Reduces the total cost of ownership
• Simplifies the highly complex technical procedure of disaster recovery

And the product is extremely cost effective, with the user realizing a return on investment (ROI) in a single use.

Unlike the manual process described previously, with the Intelligent Disaster Recovery Option, the system administrator does not need to know the details of network configurations, volume partition sizes, user profiles, etc. All configuration data is automatically protected by the backup function and is available to the disaster recovery engine when needed. By eliminating the need for human intervention, the Intelligent Disaster Recovery Option ensures that the system is recovered accurately.

The Intelligent Disaster Recovery Option is a key and strategic complement to routine backup procedures. By automating and integrating the disaster recovery process with backup and restore technology, IDR protects against system disasters and reduces the time required to recover critical network servers. A summary of the benefits of IDR include:
• Minimized recovery with the only point-in-time recovery process of local and remote systems
• Automated step-by-step wizard system that easily walks the user through the recovery process
• Complete recovery of any Windows server or workstation including all partitions, registry, and configuration information
• Integration with Backup Exec updates disaster recovery information as part of each backup
• Flexible recovery that is not limited to the same hardware or configuration

As a world leader in the protection of Windows systems and data, Symantec continues to evolve Intelligent Disaster Recovery solutions in support of customer goals to reduce the administrative burden and total cost of ownership of business networks.

Bennett Office Technologies uses IDR as part of the monthly Proactive IT program.  Contact your technician at Bennett Office Technologies to ensure you are using Intelligent Disaster Recovery on your network today! 

What is Windows XP Mode, and who should use it?
Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 gives small-to medium-sized businesses a way to get the benefits of Windows 7 and still use many older Windows XP productivity programs. It uses virtualization technology, such as Windows Virtual PC, to create a Virtual Windows XP environment. That way, you can run your older programs as if you were using a Windows XP-based PC.

Source: www.microsoft.com

Overview:
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other safety regulatory authorities, on May 14, 2009, HP announced a worldwide voluntary recall and replacement program for some of the battery packs used in certain HP notebooks. HP customers affected by this program will be eligible to receive a replacement battery pack for each verified, recalled battery pack at no cost.

Program details:

• The notebooks themselves are not affected. Only the battery packs are affected.
• Certain batteries that have a specific barcode are included in the program.
• Some batteries that fall within the specific barcode parameters may NOT be included in the program.

It is important that the customers validate battery eligibility by following the steps in the battery replacement Web site. Verified, eligible, batteries will be replaced.

The affected battery packs can be identified by a barcode label attached to the battery. The battery pack is identified through the program Web site at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement as being part of the replacement program. The customer should replace it immediately through the process described on the Web site.
End-user Actions:
Eligible batteries were sold with or for HP notebook PCs in the platforms listed in the chart below, but not every HP notebook PC in the platform has an affected battery pack. HP encourages end-users to validate all battery packs shipped with their notebook PCs or purchased as options or spares at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement. This Web site provides information on determining whether the battery pack is affected and instructions on how to order the new battery pack.

Click Here to Validate Your Battery

Severe weather and disaster can strike at any time.  Thunderstorms, lightening, heavy rains, and tornadoes occur more frequently in the spring than any other time of the year-and all place your computer equipment at greater risk of downtime and data corruption.  If you are prepared for disaster ahead of time you will be in a better position to get back to business fast.  Below are a few important steps to have in place to protect your business.

Data Backup
One of the most important steps in being prepared for a disaster is data backup.  If your business were to become a victim of disaster, would you be able to continue serving your customers?  Not backing up your computer systems opens the door to liabilities and huge losses in revenue and reputation. 

Battery Backup and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Power Protection
Battery backup devices—also known as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)—provide protection from several risks including weather related disasters. When computers are abruptly turned off due to power outages from lightening, thunderstorms or tornados, there is great potential for data loss and corruption.  Quality UPS systems are important and provide small businesses with a cost-efficient method of protecting themselves from the power outages that can trigger data loss.  By properly using a UPS, your network and computer systems can be protected from outages lasting just seconds up to several hours.  It is also important to ensure there is sufficient power.  Remember a UPS with lower volt amps and watts of power may be sufficient for a single basic desktop computer, but a larger UPS is required for servers and power hungry desktops.�
It is equally important to connect all equipment to the UPS properly.  Battery backups are often unboxed and plugged in. Without proper cable connections, software installation and configuration, these devices may provide no additional protection from power failure and data loss and corruption.  When any new back-up system is installed, it must to be tested to make sure it operates correctly. After that, the system should be tested once a quarter for at least an hour.  The life expectancy of battery backups are about three years.  It is important to ensure your battery has been tested and checked around that time period as well.�
Disaster Recovery Plan
Disasters of all kinds can occur at any time without notice.  Companies not prepared for disaster risk consequences ranging from prolonged system down time and revenue loss, to the threat of going out of business completely, yet many small to medium businesses are still not prepared.
A disaster recovery plan, also known as a business continuity plan, is a set plan which describes how a business will recover from a disaster.  Just as a disaster is an event that makes the continuation of normal functions impossible, a disaster recovery plan consists of the precautions taken so that the effects of a disaster will be minimized and the organization will be able to either maintain or quickly resume mission-critical functions. Typically, disaster recovery planning involves an analysis of business processes and continuity needs; it may also include a significant focus on disaster prevention.  Testing, reviewing and updating your disaster recovery plan are imperative to maintaining business continuity and business existence.�
Be Prepared for the Worst
With spring and severe weather approaching, be prepared for the worst and implement or maintain your data loss plan, power protection plan, and disaster recovery plan now.  For more information or assistance in implementing any of these plans, contact Bennett today!

Bennett Office Technologies Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning a Microsoft Competency in Information Worker Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions.

October, 21, 2008 — Bennett Office Technologies, today announced it has attained Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program with competencies in Information Worker Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions, recognizing Bennett Office Technologies’ expertise and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified Partner, Bennett Office Technologies has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft technologies and proven ability to meet customers’ needs. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits, including access, training and support, giving them a competitive advantage in the business channel.

From an office supplies store in 1981 to an Information Technology (IT) leader in 2008, Bennett Office Technologies (formerly Bennett Office Supplies) was the first to bring electronic typewriters, ergonomic furniture, computers and the Internet to West Central Minnesota. Today, Bennett is continuing to drive technology advancement in our area and helping Central Minnesota to streamline business. Some of our service and product offerings include Network Design and Connectivity, Network Security and Management, IP Telephony and Convergence, Document Imaging and Support, Telephone Systems and Support and Office Layout and Design.
 
“Customers are looking for partner companies that can bridge the gap between their business demands and technology capabilities,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “They need to trust in a company that can act as an expert adviser for their long-term strategic technology plans. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, which have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can build a positive customer experience with our technologies. Today, Microsoft recognizes Bennett Office Technologies as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise providing customer satisfaction using Microsoft products and technology.”
As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified Partner status, Bennett Office Technologies had to declare a Microsoft Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.

Information Worker Solutions: Designed to provide additional benefit and support to partners specializing in collaboration, portals and other productivity solutions, the Information Worker Solutions Competency is utilized by Gold Certified Partners that provide their customers with solutions built on familiar programs which enable them to better manage, prioritize and collaborate on increasing volumes of information. Partners that have obtained the Information Worker Solutions Competency can help their customers realize increased service revenues and new market opportunities. Specializations within the competency are Enterprise Project Management, Messaging and Collaboration, Office System Desktop Development, and Portals and Enterprise Content Management.

Networking Infrastructure Solutions: Microsoft Gold Certified Partners enrolled in the
Network Infrastructure Solutions Competency have provided their expertise in implementing
technology solutions based on either the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000
Server operating system, with a particular focus on Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and
Windows Small Business Server 2003. These implementations may include crafting solutions
that connect Windows-based servers, PC locations and the Internet; installing a server farm; or building a small-business Windows Server stand-alone solution that includes file and print
capabilities.

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful.

Bennett Office Technologies is located in Willmar, MN and is a Microsoft Small Business Specialist.  We work with companies to maintain an efficient IT system, improve employee productivity, and cut IT costs.  Our sales & support staff stays highly trained and certified with our industries leading vendors, placing your IT system in safe hands.   

Bennett Office Technologies Deploys High-Performance SonicWALL NSA 240 Network Security Appliance to Support Western Minnesota Business Clients.

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. – February 3, 2009 – SonicWALL, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNWL), a leading secure network infrastructure company, today announced that Bennett Office Technologies has deployed a high-performance SonicWALL Network Security Appliance (NSA 240) to enhance the managed network security services it provides for customers throughout Western Minnesota.  Bennett’s clients include banks, casinos, and healthcare facilities that demand the highest levels of security in order to satisfy their  regulatory compliance obligations. 

“Security is a top concern for us,” said Tim Starkenburg, Network Engineer for Bennett.  “Previously, when we’d run all security services, we’d take a serious hit on bandwidth. Upgrading to the NSA 240, we’re realizing higher profits by getting the full 45 MB throughput we pay for, without sacrificing any security for our customers.”

The SonicWALL® NSA 240 is a next-generation Unified Threat Management platform, utilizing a breakthrough multi-core hardware design with two cores and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, enabling Bennett to provide real-time network protection without compromising performance. 

Bennett previously used competitive firewalls, but found that the prices were too high and the devices just couldn’t do what they needed them to do. 

“We’re very pleasantly surprised with how well SonicWALL works: the performance, the deep packet inspection—things we just weren’t getting from other vendors,” said Starkenburg.

Bennett is sharing the benefits it has received in-house by implementing the NSA 240 at its customer sites. 

“The NSA 240 is the perfect solution for the majority of our clients,” says Starkenburg. “You just can’t find anything to compete with the NSA 240 in terms of affordability, ease of deployment and reliability. With SonicWALL, our clients get security services they never dreamed they’d get without spending thousands more. That in turn means more recurring revenue and increased profits for us as well.”

About SonicWALL, Inc.
SonicWALL is committed to improving the performance and productivity of businesses of all sizes by engineering the cost and complexity out of running a secure network. Over one million SonicWALL appliances have been shipped through its global network of ten thousand channel partners to keep tens of millions of worldwide business computer users safe and in control of their data. SonicWALL’s award-winning solutions include network security, secure remote access, content security, backup and recovery, and policy and management technology. For more information, visit the company web site at http://www.sonicwall.com/.

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the benefits associated with the NSA 240 unified threat management platform.  These forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. In addition, please see the “Risk Factors” described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, for a more detailed description of the risks facing our business. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based upon information available to SonicWALL as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.

NOTE: SonicWALL is a registered trademark of SonicWALL, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.