Want to see how computer literate you are (or aren’t!)… Take our very first version of our InfoStream knowledge test.

InfoStream’s “Network Expert on Random Data” (I-NERD) Test version 0.94.01a is below. Why version 0.94.01a? No logical reason what so ever… it just proves our nerd prowess!

1. What does Ctrl-B do in many Windows programs? (1 point)

2. What do the following abbreviations stand for? (1 point for each of the following) RAM, IBM, LCD (2 points for each of the following) USB, CPU (3 points for each of the following) SCSI, LAN

3. Name TWO famous computer people (1 point each)

4. Get two points if you have ever done ANY of the following things: Used a floppy disk, owned a Commodore or TRS-80 computer, own a tablet computer, have used a DOS program, have internet access on your TV, or have used voice recognition on your cell phone.

5. Can you name 5 computer programs in 1 minute? (1 point each)

6. Where would you find a pixel? (1 point)

7. If you know how to delete your cookies add 1 point

8. Have you ever solved a computer issue for someone else (if yes, take 2 points)

9. Have you ever found the answer to a computer problem on Google? (2 points if you have)

10. What is an IP address? (1 point if even close)

Scoring:

More then 20: Oh yeah… you know you’re a NERD!
13 – 20: Almost there… run out and go buy a pocket protector… quick!
6 – 20: This likely means you have hit a computer before or at least cursed at one!
Under 6: These new fangled computer things %*(!~#(%&*!!!

Thanks for taking the test!

Answers: 1. It bolds what is highlighted, 2. Random Access Memory, International Business Machines, Liquid Chrystal Display, Universal Serial Bus, Central Processing Unit, Small Computer System Interface, Local Area Network, 3. Just some examples: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Scott McNeally, Charles Babbage, Michael Dell, Alan Crowetz (ok, not really, just checking if you are awake) 5. Just look under your start menu 6. On your monitor, its an individual dot of light 10. It’s a number that identifies your computers “address” like a phone number on a network on the internet.

We’re not just having a contest… we are having TWO contests!  You have two ways to win a Flip High Definition Video Camera: (1) Be one of the first two people to refer us a new client or (2) whoever can get the most people to sign up for our Free newsletter.  See details below.

Only one camera per winner… we want to give as many people a chance to win as possible.  Honestly, this may not be as hard to win as you might think.  We are famously selective in our clientele (if you’re reading this, we mean you!) and I’m betting not a lot of people will enter so you really have a great shot to win!

First of all, these HD Video Cameras are SWEET!  They are made by Cisco which means they are the Rolls Royce of technology.  They are so TINY and yet holds 2 hours of stunning HD video.  Awesome case… anti-glare color display… $229 MSRP… very cool!

Here are the details:  The contest runs from now until December 31, 2010.  For the referrals contest, ask friends and colleagues to sign up for our free newsletter at InfoStream.cc.  Subscribers need to be from the Palm Beach County area and anyone trying to be sneaky and sign up a bunch of random people will, of course, be disqualified.  You have to ask them to sign up and not sign up for them.  Most importantly, you will need to send us their name and e-mail so that we can give you credit when they subscribe!  The top referrer gets a Flip HD!

As for the new client referral, they are officially considered a “new client” after two paid visits.  The deadline for referring is December 31 however, we may allow up until January 31 for them to officially become a new client.  The client will need to call us and you will need to e-mail, or call us, so we can give you proper credit!  The first two people to refer us a new client will get a Flip HD!

Keep in mind that even if you don’t win… we ALWAYS are very appreciative for new clients that are vouched for by people we know and trust and we ALWAYS give some kind of reward or gift, not just during this contest.
So… your odds are fantastic… the prize is awesome… if you have any questions, give me a call!

Alan

Dell has announced that they will no longer be taking orders for any computers with Windows XP after October 1! Further, any orders that can’t be shipped out by October 22 will be canceled.

If you will be needing any computers, at any time in the next year, with Windows XP on them, please contact me ASAP. I can assist on a first come first serve basis.

Some things to consider:

- Your testing of all of your firms programs on Windows 7 – 64bit should just about be complete now. If you haven’t made sure everything works on Windows 7, I would strongly recommend making it a priority at this point.

- Be sure to always keep at least 1 “hot spare” computer around to be ready should any computer in your office fail. It is far better to order an inexpensive and ideal computer then it is to panic and have to rush to get something more expensive and that is a bad fit in a broken computer scenario.

- We generally recommend 1 spare computer per every 20 computers in your office.

- Be sure you won’t need any XP computers because if you suddenly need one in a couple of months, it won’t be an option.

- It is also becoming much more problematic (not just expensive) to downgrade a Windows 7 computer to XP as the new computer hardware doesn’t always have XP drivers and thus won’t work even if you have an extra copy of XP.

Hopefully you have already prepared for Windows 7 – 64bit and this isn’t an issue for you.

As always, should you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to call!

Alan