Thursday, December 18, 2008

Tech Gift Guide

Find the perfect tech gift for everyone on your list. For some great ideas, visit


Thursday, November 27, 2008

Tech Tip

Here is a great Tech Tip from the Globe and Mail, follow these simple steps to recieve a performance report from Windows Vista.

Just as a flu shot can help avoid misery later in the season, a little preventive maintenance on the computer can help stop lurking system problems like low disk space or damaged drivers from becoming real headaches. Windows Vista can generate its own diagnostic System Health Report that points out potential problems.

1.To receive the report, type “Performance” (without the quotation marks) in the search bar on the Vista Start menu and click on Performance and Information Tools.

2.Click on the Advanced Tools item and then on Generate a System Health Report.

After about a minute of data gathering, Windows Vista will provide the full report on screen.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Rememberance Day Vigil.

With Remembrance Day fast approaching, we thought you might want to check out the Government of Canada's online WW1 vigil. If you have a few minutes, please take some time to remember the over 68,000 Canadians who lost their lives in The First World War.

http://www.1914-1918.ca/

Also, please note, that WaterPark Place will be holding a building-wide moment of silence at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 11th. If you are aware of any other remembrance day events or memorials you would like us to mention on the blog, please email dnoble@rostiegroup.com.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Your Virtual Butler

This year the OBCAI’s conference was held in the sunny Lake Buena Vista, Florida at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Rostie Group’s Your Virtual Butler team attended the conference. Your Virtual Butler is a web-based application that provides you with the tools that help you manage the day-to-day operations and give your customers access to your services without slowing down their business. It is a Business Services Platform that was developed to help businesses work more efficiently, allowing them to maximize employee productivity and serve the needs of their customers.

To find out more about Your Virtual Butler, please visit our website: www.yourvirtualbutler.com or contact us at our toll free number 1 800 462 7027 or by email at info@yourvirtualbutler.com

Dont Drink and Email

Gmail is now offering “Mail Goggles”, where it tests the sender's sobriety by prompting them with a series of math problems (48-38 =?, 11x2=?, and so on) which must be solved within a time limit. Making sure that you don't send any emails, as google says you might later regret.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Computer Healthy

Now that you’ve enjoyed a great summer and you feel ready to take on new challenges, why not make sure your computer is ready to back you up?

Here’s a quick and easy computer health checklist:

1. Make sure all important files and information are stored securely in more than one place. For example, save to your hard drive and to an external disk or drive.
With proper back-up lost files can always be retrieved.
2. Complete a thorough computer scan. A proper diagnosis can help you detect viruses or spyware that may be lurking, slowing your computer down.
3. To protect your computer on an ongoing basis, install and update virus/spyware protection software.
4. Remove unused software. Most computers come with pre-installed programs, which you will never use. Delete them, so they don’t eat up memory.
5. Perform a file clean-up. Defragment your computer; remove cookies and temporary files. Most systems will walk you through this process.
6. Update your operating system. This will ensure that your system can accommodate new software and perform efficiently to current standards.
7. Maintain your hardware. Make sure everything is running properly, fans are operating, moving parts are clean and components are protected against possible power surges.
8. Add memory to maximize your computer’s processing speed. Running programs “eat” memory. Feed it the same way you would yourself.
9. Make sure you have effective internet security by maintaining firewalls and passwords, especially if you use a wireless connection. There is no such thing as “safe surfing”.
10. Seize the day. File emails into organized folders and delete emails that do not require your attention. Keep your inbox clutter-free.

It takes very little effort to give your computer the attention it needs.
One last tip, though: when working on your computer, click “NO” if you’re unsure. It is better to ask a professional than to be sorry later. For more information or questions go to www.rostietechrescue.com or call Rostie Tech Rescue at (416) 915 - TECH (8324)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

UPS virus

There is a virus circulating under the name of UPS - United Parcel Service.
Read more about the virus at http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/about/news/service_updates/virus_us.html
If you can any tech diffculties, contact us at (416)915-TECH (8324)

Rostie Group Client Testimonials

Our clients reveal their thoughts about The Rostie Group’s services. Check it out!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Events Around the City

Here is a list of some events happening around the city this weekend:

July 18: Beaches International Jazz Festival in the Toronto "Beach" community (until July 27)

July 18: The Unforgettable Tour, a Bollywood theatrical performance, at the Rogers Centre

July 18: Mamma Mia! starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan opens in theatres

July 19: Vans Warped Tour 2008, a traveling international rock festival at Downsview Park, 11:00 am

July 19: Canadian National Dragon Boat Championships at Marilyn Bell Park (until July 20)

July 20: Rock the Bells 2008 Concert, a traveling hip-hop festival, at the International Centre, 11:00 am

Monday, June 30, 2008

Happy Canada Day!

Canada Day provides an opportunity to celebrate Canada! Everyone at Rostie Tech Rescue wishes you a very happy Canada Day! Below is a fun quiz to test your knowledge on Canada, the answers are provided at the bottom. Enjoy!

1.What are Canada’s two national sports?
A. Ice Hockey, Basketball
B. Baseball, Tennis
C. Basketball, Lacrosse
D. Lacrosse, Ice Hockey

2. How many lakes are there in Canada?
A. Unknown
B. 500 thousand
C. 1 million
D. 5 million


3. Who was the first Prime Minister of Canada?
A. Alexander Mackenzie
B. John A. MacDonald
C. Louis Riel
D. Wilfred Laurier


4. Canada has two national symbols. What are they?
A. Beaver & Maple Leaf
B. Maple Leaf & Moose
C. Beaver & Grizzly Bear
D. Moose & Salmon


5 Andrew Bonar Law was the only Canadian ever to do what?
A. Win the Indianapolis 500
B. Serve as Prime Minister of Great Britain
C. Board the MIR space station
D. Win the Tour De France


6 How many National Parks are there in Canada?
A. 84
B. 25
C. 40
D. 59


7.How many time zones are there in Canada?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 4
D. 5


8. What is the highest mountain in Canada?
A. Mount Forbe
B. Mount Logan
C. Mount Kitchener
D. Mount Lefroy


9. What is the longest river in Canada?
A. Fraser River
B. St. Laurence River
C. Mackenzie River
D. Red River


10. When was “Oh Canada” proclaimed as Canada’s national anthem?
A. 1870
B. 1935
C. 1999
D. 1980



Answer key: D,A,B,A,B,C,A,B,C,D

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Why do you need Tech Rescue?

Check out this hilarious video on our love-hate for Technology! Please note there is some coarse language.



Thursday, June 5, 2008

Rostie Tech to the Rescue

Here is a great tid-bit that a happy client wrote on their blog for the Tech Rescue. Enjoy!

So my computer isn’t broken anymore, thanks to Chris Ciavarella from Rostie Tech Rescue. Yay Chris! Rostie Tech Rescue rules!
Their ad in the Yellow Pages reads, “we come to you, on short notice” and it’s totally true! I called and left them a voicemail on Sunday, they called me back Monday mor
ning so I could explain what in the name of god was wrong with my damn computer, and they were totally at my place by 2:30pm the same day … and with replacement parts in tow! At which point, Chris opened up the machine and figured out that my power supply was a 450w but he’d only brought a 430w, so he went to the store, picked up a 500w and brought it back. Then, the gigantor fan I had installed last year was impeding the installation of the new power supply, so Chris thought it best to bring the machine back to the office so he could disassemble it and install everything proper. Which he did, in less than an hour! He promptly returned with my now-properly-functioning machine and plugged it all back in for me! Magic!
It was the smoothest tech support experience I’ve ever had. EVAR! I definitely recommend this company. Top drawer! (And their rates are totally reasonable too.)
Thank u Rostie Tech Rescue heroes! :)

http://daysleeper.joannedillinger.com/?p=96

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Live Video Reception

Rostie Tech Rescue Installs First Real-Time Live Video Reception

In another case of futuristic ideas becoming reality, Live Video Reception has arrived. Rostie Tech Rescue has utilized cutting-edge video conferencing technology to create the first Live Video Reception system for The Rostie Group’s Airport Executive Offices in the Toronto area. The team at Rostie Tech Rescue has created a system to connect reception areas via live video feed. Now companies can maximize the value of reception/support staff more effectively through video technology.

Live Video Reception (LVR) positions the main reception desk to greet and assist visitors in other reception areas, just as if she/he was sitting in front of them. A camera and screen in each reception is set up as a live audio/video interface between the two areas. The main receptionist can see visitors arriving in the second area and can greet them as she/he would someone entering the main reception. Visitors see a video monitor with a live person, who can answer their questions in real time, announce them to the party they are to see, etc. Where appropriate, the visitor is asked if they would like to take a seat and if they would like coffee, water, etc. If they wish to be served, an administrative staff member can bring them a beverage.

Companies can benefit from LVR in a variety of different ways: Financially, the LVR can replace an “extra" receptionist, saving the company the cost of a full salary for a one-time cost that is a fraction of an annual administration wage. For customer service, reception areas are never left unattended and centralized reception means better information on foot traffic, with less hand-off of details. Employees/tenants can more easily check on their visitors, as the system allows them to connect online to view the reception area.

Live Video Reception is a great idea for companies where constantly staffing a reception desk can be an onerous proposition. Corporations with offices on multiple floors, or where there are several entrances (main desk, shipping/receiving, etc.) can more efficiently attend to visitors.

Additionally, many companies are seeing the value of Pandemic Planning. The LVR makes it possible to staff a reception area easily in the event of labour shortages. Connections can be set up between a reception screen and any manned area within the offices, or even offsite. The technology can be adapted to meet the special needs of many staffing scenarios.

Computer Help In Toronto

For computer help in Toronto, the Rostie Tech Rescue team will come to you. Whether you need computer help in Toronto for your home computer, software, internet, peripherals, or chip-based entertainment equipment, our experienced technicians are available to assist you. We provide computer help in Toronto on your schedule and at your convenience. Our mission is to make technology work for you.