"bringing tomorrows technology to the home today"

Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Why and How You Should Recycle Your Old Computers"

We've decided to focus this month's Home Computing Tip-of-the-Month to an important global effort to curb electronic waste. Below, you will find free computer recycling options for you to safely dispose of your electronics in a way that will not harm the environment.

Did you know that up to 43 million metric tons of electronic waste are not recycled each year? Instead, they are dumped into landfills and end up in third-world countries where children and parents strip the toxic material down for cash. Many of our clients that we speak to about this don't realize that computers can contain chromium, nickel and zinc. Even worse, LCD monitors can contain mercury.

The following graph shows the dire state of recycling in 2007 of TVs, Computer Products, and Cell Phones.

How to Recycle:
If you have a local Staples store near your home, you can take any old Dell products to the customer service desk, and Staples will recycle them for free. Staples will recycle non-Dell products for $10. Each item is bagged, sealed, and then recycled by Eco International. Staples also will give you $2 in Staples Rewards for any ink cartridges you drop off.

There are many Staples alternatives to recycling your computers, such as EcoSquid, Earth 911, My Green Electronics, TechSoup, RBRC, and many more. For a comprehensive list of local recycling resources, kindly visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency's page.

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Business Computing Tip-of-the-Month:

"Which Windows Server is Ideal for Your Small Business"

Which Microsoft server option is the best fit for your business? The following are some key points to consider.

Before we begin, let's first discuss Linux. Yes, there are a few Linux options on the market; however, many of our clients prefer Microsoft, and so that is our focus as well.

Please note that this article is designed to be a starting point for your Server considerations. Ultimately, it is best for you to consult with us so we can further guide you in your decision-making process. When evaluating the various server options, it is important for us to understand how your business operates -- from your line of products to your company culture to your financial systems to your communication efforts.

Microsoft now offers a complete and well-rounded product line that meets the demands of all businesses today. Below, we highlight recommendations on Microsoft server offerings based on how we believe they may fit your business needs:

Windows Home Server -- This option is ideal for any home. WHS provides a centralized framework, which safeguards emails, letters, spreadsheets, home videos, family photos, and software databases (e.g. Quicken). This solution will easily allow your family and friends to share these files over the Internet, while safely backing up your cherished memories for future protection. This is also a great choice for micro-businesses who are looking for a very basic backup/storage solution.

Windows Foundation Server -- This option offers a centralized security database, which controls access to your files, server resources, and remote access using AD (Active Directory). This product also allows you to leverage Terminal Services for remote access capabilities. If you have basic server needs, or if you are looking to combine local storage and business applications with online services like Hosted Exchange or SharePoint Services, than Windows Foundation Server is an ideal choice.

Windows Small Business Server -- Perfect for small businesses looking for an enterprise solution that provides shared calendaring, data storage, company intranet, remote access, etc. Small Business Server offers Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server, Remote Web Workplace plus many core products to increase the productivity of your team and drive growth.

Windows Essential Business Server -- Ideal for companies of 75+ employees. When your business reaches a point of growth where the computing power of SBS is simply not enough, then it is time to upgrade to Essential Business Server. EBS supports up to four different Microsoft Server solutions for the larger small business or small mid-market corporation. Some of the many features include management capabilities, security solutions leveraging Microsoft ForeFront, messaging through Microsoft Exchange and data storage with Microsoft SQL Server.

If you are considering any one of these servers, or have questions/concerns about your particular company's needs, we'd be happy to have a conversation with you to discuss this further. Many times, our small business clients don't realize the amount of money they could save or productivity they could add to their business by re-evaluating their current solutions.

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Our Clients Speak Out

“We have been Platinum Proactive Care clients for 2+yrs. We are very pleased with the efficiency, proficiency, and professionalism of PI’s techs. We recently upgraded to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 and the process was seamless. We appreciate that PI cares enough about its clients to provide a 24/7 proactive care service and it gives me piece of mind knowing that when I am ready to use my investments, they are reliable, consistent, and available for use. Further having their online PRO backup service also gives us piece of mind knowing that our important investments (pictures, music, and documents) are also being backed up as well. We highly recommend Progressive Integrations, Inc., and its information technology services.”

   Gregory J. Keating, Chairman                                     The Keating Group of Companies

“What we like most about Progressive Integrations, Inc is the prompt, courteous and proficient expertise of their employees. Recently we purchased a new computer and printer and they were installed and information migrated to our new system from an old system. We were struck by the speed of computer and knowing everything is set up properly. We highly recommend Progressive Integrations, Inc.”

  Sharon & Ken McCarty                                                       S & K Services of the Lowcountry LLC  

“What I like most about Progressive Integrations, Inc., is that they are very fast and professional. The biggest benefits we have received from Progressive Integrations, Inc., Break/Fix support is that they are courteous, efficient, and provide professional service. We highly recommend them.”

   Pastor Ladson F. Mills - Charleston, SC

About Company Name

Progressive Integrations 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.

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

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