Nov 10, 2010

Join Central Solutions in Mt. Pleasant November 19th!

Central Solutions, a fully-serviceable technology consulting company in Mason, will be on hand at the 2010 Michigan Association of Chiropractors Convention at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant November 19 – 20.
Central Solutions will be on hand to discuss all things technology, including their newest campaign, The IT Police, which is a remote monitoring program for your technology 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Cyber-criminals never sleep and neither do The IT Police. Managing and protecting your investments
Central Solutions is a technology consulting company specializing in personal computer support and repair; development of technology plans; wireless Internet service; Internet Protocol telephone solutions; surveillance; data backup and recovery, as well as, network support, monitoring and T1 replacement. Central Solutions' goal is to provide quality, effective and complete technology solutions with the consumer in mind.
Central Solutions is located at: 207 Kipp Rd. Suite A Mason, Mi 48854, adjacent to Meijer, and next door to JP Signs. Central Solutions is open from Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Central Solutions can be reached by calling (517) 676-4787 or visit our website at: www.centralsolutionsinc.org.

Nov 8, 2010

Are Remote Managed Technology Services Right For Your Business?

Some questions to ask before you decide whether or not your business needs remote technology managed solutions.

What are your organizations primary lines of business?

What is the budget allocated to IT services? Might it change depending on unmet needs?

What areas of your business are dependent on IT resources? To what degree?

How sensitive are areas of your business to downtime or reduced availability of of IT resources?

Have you experienced any painful issues with your current IT support
model that have cost your business time or money or exposed it to risks?

What centralized IT assets do you have? (i.e. servers, applications, etc.)

What critical data do you depend on for operations or needs to be protected?

How sensitive is your business to security issues or compromises?

Does your organization face any compliance issues or standards?

Nov 4, 2010

We have a new salesman!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: wardellc@centralsolutionsinc.org

Central Solutions Announces Addition to Staff; Personnel Realignment

MASON - - Central Solutions is pleased to announce the addition of Brandon Murrell to their staff as the chief salesperson.

Previous to joining Central Solutions, Murrell spent time as the Utility Broker for Revolutionary Wireless and More in Jackson. Murrell also held roles as the Account Specialist for American 1 Financial Credit Union, and was also in charge of outside sales for Seal Rite Door Company where he oversaw sales in Southeast Michigan, Northeast Indiana, as well as the Toledo, Ohio area.

Murrell attended both Eastern Kentucky University and Washtenaw Community College where he majored in business, and he is a graduate of Chelsea High School.
Central Solutions also announced that Mark Daoust will now be in charge of customer relations and front office support.

Central Solutions will soon be introducing their new campaign, “The IT Police.” Cyber-criminals never sleep and neither do The IT Police. Managing and protecting your investments. Stop in to find out how the IT Police can help protect you from cybercrime.

Central Solutions is a technology consulting company specializing in personal computer support and repair; development of technology plans; wireless Internet service; Internet Protocol telephone solutions; surveillance; data backup and recovery, as well as, network support and monitoring. Central Solutions' goal is to provide quality, effective and complete technology solutions with the consumer in mind. Central Solutions is located at: 207 - A Kipp Rd. Mason, adjacent to Meijer, and next door to JP Signs. Central Solutions is open from Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Central Solutions can be reached by calling (517) 676-4787 or visit our website at: www.centralsolutionsinc.org.


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Oct 7, 2010

Did you know?

65% of people have had the information on their computers compromised by cyber-criminals?

Oct 4, 2010

Is someone stealing your Wi-Fi?

If your favorite website is taking forever to load, outsiders may be the source to blame for using your Wi-Fi. While chances are it's just a neighbor mooching off of your signal, cyber-criminals could be using your internet to spread viruses which could eventually get you into trouble. You MUST protect yourself! You can, however, protect your signal.

1.) Open up a Web-browser window.

2.) Type the router's internet address in the URL box. It may look like something like http://192.188.1.1. Look in the device's manual to find yours. You might be able to type in a Google search - "Linksys wireless router IP address" - should work. If you're prompted for a user name or password, check your manual. More than likely, the password will be "password," or "admin."

3.) You should now be on the router's configuration page. Set up a wireless protected access (wpa). You should be able to find this under the "Security" tab. Enter a password that is close to you, and easy to remember. Make sure you save it somewhere safe, and you can now rest easy knowing your router is safe from outside intruders.

Oct 1, 2010

The IT Police are coming.

The IT Police are coming, and they are your 9-1-1 when cyber crime attacks your technology. Don't wait for your PC to crash. Bring it to the IT Police for further investigation. We'll get you back up and running, and we will protect you from future attacks.

Cyber criminals never sleep, nor does the IT Police. 24-hour protection for your technology.

Sep 28, 2010

Settled in...

To our new office! We're loving the extra space, and we're ready to serve your technological needs at our new location: 207 - A Kipp Rd. Mason, Mi 48854.

Stop in and say 'hi!'

Sep 20, 2010

We're Moving!!

Central Solutions is in the process of growing and expanding! The expansion comes out of a need for more space, so we will soon be moving to a new location out on Kipp Rd, adjacent to Meijer, and right next door to JP Signs. Our new address will be: 207 A, Kipp Rd. Mason, Mi 48854. We will remain open during normal business hours during the move. Hope to see you soon!

Aug 31, 2010

Still time left for back-to-school computers!

It's not too late to pick up that last minute PC or laptop for that special student in your life!

We have a great selection of laptops and netbooks, with some netbooks starting around $200 - $300!

Let us order one for you today!

Aug 24, 2010

Testimonials!

"Central Solutions not only helped me to find the perfect mini-notebook for my business, but they did it in record time and made it a smooth transition from my old laptop to the new computer."

– Kendra LaPointe, Independent Senior Sales Director with Mary-Kay Cosmetics.

“Great workmanship, prompt service and an all around sweet experience - thanks Central Solutions!!”

– Tricia Grimes-Kachinsky.

Aug 17, 2010

Radio Commercials

Make sure you check Central Solutions' commercial out this week on WJZL 92.9, Lansing's "Smooth Jazz" station.

8/16/10 - - 2:17, 4:17 and 6:15 p.m.
8/17/10 - - 9:16, 10:17, 11:49 a.m. as well as 3:17, 5:16, and 6:50 p.m.
8/18/10 - - 9:48, 11:17 a.m. and in the afternoon at 12:15, 4:31, and 5:15 p.m.

Aug 10, 2010

Back to school time!

Let Central Solutions help you get what you need to start off the new school year on the right foot.

Let us order your laptop today, with Netbooks starting around $200-$300!

Data back-up. With so many classes and papers, you don't want to take the risk of losing any of it. Keep your information secure and have a back-up.

High Speed Internet. Affordable wireless solutions for you so you don't pay a fortune for your research!

Contact us today.

Central Solutions
119 E. Maple St.
Mason, Mi 48854

(517) 676-4787
info@centralsolutionsinc.org

Aug 4, 2010

Check out Brian's column in the latest issue of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly

Has Your Business Upgraded to Windows 7 Yet?

It would be safe to say Windows 7 came in like a lamb, rather than like a lion. Since its delivery October 22 of last year, and after much anticipation, Windows 7 came wrapped in a tiny proverbial package, where the focus was on functionality, rather than the pomp and circumstance Windows Vista offered.

Fixing what’s broken

When Microsoft released their controversial Vista operating system, some people refused to leave Windows XP, as Vista had its pitfalls—incompatibility, poor performance and an interface that was too flashy for some.

Many companies were tied to applications that would not work in the Vista world, and due to economy of scale, did not want to make the investment.

Windows 7 makes an attempt to fix all of this with a quieter, performance-driven approach. The highlights of Windows 7 are plenty, such as a new taskbar, which is less cluttered and has increased speediness to search. As far as taskbar previews, you can now look at your application’s windows, all at once, without the hassle of multiple clicks.

Compatibility

Of all the new features, compatibility might be the most important. Some have even called Windows 7 the safest operating system yet. Protecting your bottom line and assets is crucial for your business in this current economy, so Windows 7 has come out with authentication for login.

Popular features were expanded, while other familiar features were given a proper makeover. DirectAccess allows you to connect to your PC from your mobile device anytime Internet is available. This will allow you to stay in constant contact with your coworkers as new documents or policies become available. Alongside DirectAccess, there are group policy settings which distribute software updates whenever the mobile computer has Internet connectivity.

User friendly

Windows 7 also allows you to manage and resize windows as you’re opening or closing them. You’ll be able to search seamlessly with Windows Search, which allows you to find files and e-mails in just a matter of seconds.

Windows 7 also allows you to manage and resize windows as you’re opening or closing them. This is an awesome feature for when you need to compare two documents. You can drag one window to the left-hand side of the screen and it will fill the left half of the screen. You can then drag the second window to the right side of the screen, and it will fill the right half of the screen. You are now looking at two documents at once without the need for dual monitors.

You’ll be able to search seamlessly with Windows Search, which allows you to find files and e-mails in just a matter of seconds. If you open an Explorer window, you get a search box in the top right-hand corner, and once you start typing, it will instantly search all your drives for any files that match what you are searching for, making it easier to find files.

Another new feature is the alt-tab push button, which has been around for many versions of Windows and has now only gotten better.

New improvements allow users to speed up the sleep and resume time, while accelerating responsiveness, cutting down on priceless minutes when it comes down to crunch time.

Windows Media Center

Entertainment is, as always, an important feature to any operating system, and Windows 7 is no exception with the Windows Media Center. The Windows Media Center allows you to listen to music, watch live TV, which you can record or pause, and the WMC is compatible with most popular audio and video formats from your PC or laptop.

There are three different formats and price levels to buy Windows 7. There’s the Windows 7 Home Premium ($94.99 and up), Windows 7 Professional Upgrade ($99.59 and up), or the Windows 7 ($137.99 and up). Talk with your IT professional for more information.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the features within Windows 7, but rather a high-level look at a few of the improvements that make the move to Windows 7 a logical and safe choice. Talk to your IT professional or visit the Windows 7 website (Microsoft.com) to find the right version for you. Be sure to use the version comparison feature chart; it will help find what features and functions are right for you and your business.


Brian T. Tort is the president and owner of Central Solutions, Inc., a local IT consulting firm located in Mason. Find out more at www.centralsolutionsinc.org.

Aug 3, 2010

Central Solutions at the Ingham County Fair

Bring 'em to Ingham!

The Ingham County Fair, that is.

Brian Tort, president and owner of Central Solutions, will be at the Mason Chamber of Commerce booth tomorrow (August 4) from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Stop by and say "hi," and talk to Brian about how we might be able to help you with your technology. Or, inquire about purchasing a new laptop or PC for that special student heading back to school this Fall.

Located in downtown Mason, Central Solutions is your one-stop-IT-shop with many services available including: data back-up; web hosting; surveillance for both home and business; network design; desktop support; disaster recovery' wireless service; and voice over IP services.

Jun 3, 2010

Emergency Communications Tower Set To Be Unveiled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christopher Wardell
wardellc@centralsolutionsinc.org


Emergency Communications Tower Set To Be Unveiled

MASON – Central Solutions is set to unveil a new, 150 foot Emergency Communications Tower within the next month.
Construction for the new tower began in March and will replace the existing tower, which was damaged during construction of Mason’s new City Hall.
Used for all communication needs, the new tower will be utilized by local police and fire departments, as well as the Mason Public School District. The tower sits seven feet into the ground, along with all communication wiring—making for a more aesthetically pleasing structure.
With the new tower, the opportunity for future growth is available and the structure is capable of housing two cellular providers, providing for up-to-date technology for the next 20 to 30 years.
The new tower is located adjacent to the Mason Fire Department and behind the new City Hall.
Central Solutions is a fully-integrated IT consulting company located in downtown Mason on the courthouse square, and features a number of services including: desktop support; web hosting; video surveillance systems; network design, support and repair; as well as printer installation and troubleshooting. For more information, visit www.centralsolutionsinc.org.
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May 4, 2010

One-year celebration a success!

Thank-you to everyone who came out May 1st during Mason's Spring Fling, to help make our one-year celebration a success! We would like to thank the Masonic Lodge of Mason #70; Monica Murray with Core Massage; and the Ingham County Animal Shelter for all their hard work, and for making our day even more special.

A big thanks should also be given to Mellissa Tort, who worked hard to put together the food and beverages, which included an awesome taco bar that had people lined up to the door.

Technology, taco's, puppies, and massages - does it get any better?

Apr 13, 2010

Our one-year celebration is coming

On May 1, Central Solutions will be celebrating one-year at their downtown Mason locations! In conjunction with Mason's "Spring Fling," Central Solutions will be throwing a party that will be full of surprises. Core Massage will be here to provide FREE massages; we will have finger printing for the kids, and the Ingham County Animal Shelter will be here for a mini adopt-a-thon.

We will have food and beverages, as well as other various surprises! Please make plans to come out and join us for this special occasion!

Feb 9, 2010

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Central Solutions' own Rebecca Hosler for taking first place in the Digital Media Production category at the Region 9 Business Professionals of America (BPA) student competition Jan. 15 at Baker College in Owosso. 

Like her parents I'm sure, we're all so proud of our little high school student.  You can check out the story here:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100205/INGHAM08/2070398/1215/INGHAM

Central Solutions in the news!

Hey folks, make sure to check this out. Brian was quoted in a recent Lansing State Journal article. You can find it here:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100205/INGHAM01/2070388/1215/INGHAM     


Have a great day!

Jan 6, 2010

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all you bloggers and tweeters! As you can see, we have a new logo which we think is pretty neat. What do you think?  This new logo is perfect for what Central Solutions is all about, and the fresh approach we are taking into 2010.

We have a lot of exciting projects forthcoming. Brian, our President, is leaving for Hollywood and Minneapolis tomorrow for a couple of projects. Talk about going from one extreme to the other!

Our staff has a wealth of knowledge from many years of working with technology. Whether you need surveillance cameras installed, or you just need our help to troubleshoot your laptop, we can help.

Stop by our office in downtown Mason and let us help you find a solution.

Quality. Effective. Complete. That's what Central Solutions is all about.