Helping Businesses Move Forward

Fortech Solutions, a leader in network support for small to mid-size businesses, proactively manages clients’ computer networks, heading off problems before they occur. Fortech Solutions saves businesses money by giving them hands-on information technology (IT) support in place of an expensive employee.

Fortech focuses on helping businesses with prudent and insightful measures that can prevent costly downtime. Most companies with fewer than 30 computers do not need a full-time IT staff person if their computer network systems are configured properly and maintained correctly.

Founded by Kathryn Fortin, a certified network specialist with over a decade of experience in helping some of the leading firms in the Bay Area, Fortech Solutions works closely with businesses to plan, manage and maintain their computer systems. Fortin personally evaluates each client’s situation and can custom tailor service packages from a few hours per month to several full days every week. Fortech Solutions also offers telephone technical support and can arrange on-site service during most nights and weekends.

How important is technology to a growing business? Today’s businesses must be computerized to communicate in real-time with their vendors and customers and to simply keep up with competitors. Technology provides companies with access to tools such as the Internet, email and databases of information that they can utilize to increase revenues and streamline daily functions.

Fortech has designed computer networks across the country, from Texas television stations to high-powered San Francisco law firms. For a San Francisco-based coffee company, Fortech created and installed a secure and easy-to-use remote access system that allows their traveling sales people to communicate instantly with corporate headquarters. The sales force is now able to access the company’s sophisticated data analysis tools, no matter where they are. In turn, the company is more profitable and agile because it is better able to manage its inventory and distribution networks with just-in-time sales information.

Fortech can assure the highest quality products, from software upgrades to network installations, through its strategic partnerships with 3Com, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and other major vendors. Fortech’s team of experts have the technical insight and experience to help clients, big and small, successfully integrate and maintain new technology and prepare them for the future.

Kathryn Fortin can be reached at (650) 755-6200, via email at kfortin@fortech.net, and on the net at www.fortech.com.

4 Computer Tips to Protect Your System

Prevent Computer Disasters Before It’s Too Late

By Kathryn Fortin
Daly City Chamber
March 2003

1. Check your virus software to make sure it is functioning correctly.

• Many virus software packages require you to pay for a subscription, if you haven’t renewed this subscription, your computer may not be safe. Most subscriptions cost about $3.00 to $10.00 per year.
  
• Check to see if the version of your software is current enough to work properly. New versions do the updating in the background so you don’t have to worry about getting the latest virus data files.

2. Test your Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to make sure the battery is working correctly.

• Batteries don’t last forever and you don’t want to find out you need one at the worst time.
  
• Update your UPS software with the latest version; you can download this from the manufacturer’s website. Then run a test through your UPS software to see if it is functioning correctly.

3. Test your backup system.

• You should be testing this monthly, but if you haven’t been, now is a good time.
• Just because your backups say they are successful, doesn’t always mean they are. You should run a restore job and test to see if you can restore data from the backup tapes.

4. Make sure you have the latest security patches for your Operating System.

• Microsoft makes Service Packs, Security Patches and Hotfixes available free for download.
  
• Service Pack and Security Patches should be installed when made available to protect your computers and/or servers from intruders and viruses. Hotfixes should be applied when applicable to your situation.

With over 17 years of experience in system and network consulting, Fortech offers the kind of IT support usually found from only in-house staff. From hardware challenges to software upgrades to networking and connectivity issues, Fortech provides technical expertise for small to medium-size businesses that will ensure your business has the best technical solutions it needs — no matter what size budget.

For a free one hour consultation or information on services to help stay on top of your computer needs, please contact Kathryn Fortin, Fortech Solutions 650-755-6200. Visit our website at www.fortech.net.

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Keeping Systems Up-and-Running
through the Rolling Black-Outs

No one is exempt from California’s energy crisis.

In recent months, we have all experienced power out-ages and surges that have impacted our businesses.

Power outages are more than a small inconvenience. They have the potential to cause long-term serious damage to systems and data.

If it is critical that your systems (some or all) stay up and operational through a blackout, please call us and we can create a power solution for you. By installing the proper UPS (uninterruptible power supply), you can prevent expensive downtime and loss of productivity during the current power cri-sis. Your computer systems and your business are too valuable to leave unprotected, not to mention your business critical data.

Moreover, if all of your computers are not protected by a UPS or surge protector (not just a power strip), give us a call and we will help resolve this critical problem.

What should I do when the power goes out?

1. First, turn off all office equipment with switches until the power comes back on.

2. If your computer was on when the power went out, run the disk utility before starting it back up. Mac OS 8.6 or 9 and PCs run these utilities automatically on start-up. Let the computer complete the scans, called “Scan Disk” for the PC or “Disk First Aid” for the Mac, before you continue to start-up. If the utilities are unable to fix a problem, call Fortech Solutions immediately.

3. Once you have logged in to your computer, check your network connections and send a test print to your printer. If you cannot log on to your network or print, please call us immediately at 650-755-6200 and we can help you get back up and running.

How can I be alerted that my power is going to go out ?

Currently there is no way of alerting you that your power is going out. However, you can sign up to be notified when California goes to a “Stage 3” power alert at www.incident.com. This will give you a little notice that there may be a blackout in your area.

There are many ways you can contribute to saving energy and saving your data.

To protect your data and equipment:

• Be sure to back-up your files every day.
  
  
• Test your back-up tapes (restore some data) regularly to make sure your backup system is working properly
  
  
• All servers should be protected by a UPS
  
  
• Make sure your computers are protected by a UPS or surge protector (not just power strip)
  
  
• Shut off computers and peripherals that are not being used
  
  
• Shut your desktop computers down at night

To conserve energy:

• Set your computer on low-power mode (see the how-to at end)
  
  
• Shut your system down at night
  
  
• Switch off unneeded peripherals
  
  
• Turn off unnecessary lights
  
  
• Purchase low-energy consumption computers
  and equipment such as monitors, computers, and printers.

ENERGY STAR ® labeled equipment is designed to use less energy and save you money on utility bills.

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