Got Tech?

Being the IT Director at JM Wilson, I take an interest and awareness in the different aspects of today’s technology that I’d like to share with you.  Here’s my take:

With this on-going Hi-tech world, staying up to date with the latest technology is mandatory for a business to survive against the competition:

• Orthodontists & Oral Surgeons now have instant 3-D X-rays
• Doctors send your prescriptions directly to the Pharmacy of choice
• Amazon sets the bar with get it quick and ship free, all on-line
• New gadgets/devices are being launched daily

This technology is to service you better & quicker.  I want the Doctor with the good stuff.  Don’t you?  People like quick & efficient service.

On a personal level, you should always stay up to date on your home PC, Internet Explorer, antivirus, malware, etc.  If you don’t, older versions of Internet Explorer won’t be compatible with your other software.  Then your other software might not function correctly because it no longer supports your version on Internet Explorer. Things are changing rapidly so stay with the pace. Don’t keep saying “not now” to those upgrade prompts.

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access at home, get it!  The internet can support your “life is good” theory.  Do you know how many times my son or coworker has asked me a question and I said, “Google it”.  Recently, our Goldfish was swimming sideways.  My son heard that if I squeezed the Goldfish it might live.  I found myself squeezing the Goldfish every other week until my son did some internet research.  We saved our Goldfish!  It had a buoyancy problem because we were feeding it the wrong type of food.  “Flash” hasn’t swam sideways since.

Now the scary part. . . . . Cybercrime.   Hackers are on the rampage and we all just need to get along.  Do your due diligence!  Protect your Userids and passwords.  Don’t give out your userids & passwords and don’t feel bad about saying, “I need to log-on for you.  It’s a security risk”.  Keep your anti-virus and malware software on your PC active & up to date.  Mobile malware will be the next biggest thing.  Always put a password on your phone and don’t swipe your phone with another mobile device.  It’s a big security risk.  Would you walk down a dark alley in a big city?  Then, always use caution when you’re surfing the internet.

I can’t end without talking about Social Media.  I educate myself in Social Media for my job however I don’t indulge.  It’s just not my thing.  I’ve tested the waters and had my Facebook stalkers so I keep my Facebook to family and close friends.  I’ve had someone try to hack my Facebook.   I’ve had my Twitter account hacked and I don’t even use it.   Now, I just like to see what my son’s doing on Facebook or Twitter.  Facebook is out & Twitter is in however Instagram and Snapchat are the hottest “kid things”–social photo-sharing.  Bottom-line, Social Media is fun but dangerous.

 About The Author : Tammy Dodd, IT Director

Tammy Dodd joined J.M. Wilson in 1982.  She is responsible for information technology and computer systems that support enterprise goals, formulating and implementing ongoing information system plans, and managing her team.  Outside of the office, Tammy enjoys running and spending time with her son.

Disclaimer :  This article is for informational purposes only.  There is no legal advice being suggested or proffered.  The author assumes no responsibility or liability for the actions taken or not taken by the readers based upon such information.  This article is the opinion of the author and is not supported or endorsed by J.M. Wilson.  It should not be relied upon and may contain inaccuracies or content may have changed over time, contact your underwriter for the most current and accurate information.  Any comments or responses are the opinions of their authors.  Content on this site is believed to be covered under Fair Use. Legal

Copyright 2013 J.M. Wilson Corporation