Articles
Email Can Be A Blessing!
Who would have thought a dozen years ago that most of our ministry communication would be electronic! Yet most of us now spend a large part of our day reading, writing, and responding to email— both within our organization and beyond. Does it sometimes feel overwhelming? It does for me! Do you sometimes wonder whether there are etiquette and style guidelines you should be aware of? There are!
Read MoreWhen Is It Time To Change Your System or Software?
Ministries change computer systems and software for a variety of reasons. Some of these are good, and some are wasteful. What are some of the “right” reasons to change?
Read MoreChanging Your System or Software? What Should You Expect?
When churches change computer systems or software, they’re often surprised at the enormity of the task. The time and costs often run over budget, and the transition often leaves a trail of unmet expectations. With a little understanding of the process and some preplanning, however, these unmet expectations can be minimized and even avoided.
Read MoreWho’s In Charge Of Your Website?
The advent of the website and the technology it involves has forced most organizations to react quickly to get something “up and running.” As is true with most new technologies, best practice strategies follow their introduction based on lessons learned. An issue we’re just beginning to put our finger on that can cost or save an organization tens— or even hundreds— of thousands is: Who is in charge of your website?
Read MoreSorry, Charlie!
Charlie the Tuna® is, according to StarKist® (his “sponsor”), America’s favorite tuna. Growing up we saw Charlie left behind in the water time after time only to be told, “Sorry, Charlie!” Too many are hearing that same kind of disappointing line these days because someone has “phished” (pronounced fished) their identity information and taken all their cash and assets before moving on. This has become the number one threat to consumers and financial institutions on the Internet. What exactly is phishing? How can we recognize it? What can we do about it?
Read MoreNew Building Strategies
Growing churches and ministries often find themselves in the building / up-sizing process. While such business essentials as telephones are usually factored into the planning process, computer systems are often forgotten. Yet today’s ministries are dependent on the digital storage and movement of information we affectionately call data. What needs to be considered when designing new buildings?
Read MoreEvaluating Technology’s Costs & Benefits
Bill Gates once said, “Why would anyone want more than 640k of RAM memory?” That was a couple of decades ago, and a lot has changed since then. Today’s PCs process more information faster than anything imagined in the early days of computing. The software is demanding, however, and needs a lot of resources to work well. The question is, “When is it good stewardship to upgrade computers?” At what point does it cost more to work with older computer technology than it costs to upgrade?
Read MoreHow To Avoid a Bad Church Network
Many disagree about the best way to design church computer networks. Someone once said that if you ask three network engineers how to build a network you’ll get four answers! But is there a way to tell if a design strategy makes sense? I think so.
Read MoreThe Ups & Downs of Network Cable
Churches are about program, not administration. During church site development projects we focus on program-related needs— auditorium, classrooms, etc— that’s only natural. We look ahead with vision to meet our growing needs in these areas. What often gets left behind is a balanced look at our growing administrative needs. One of those is setting our campuses up for data communications— our network. Networks run best when their infrastructure is solid. Let’s look at a few network cable issues worth keeping in mind as we plan our new site.
Read MoreQuit Sending Me Viruses!
Are you tired of getting those emails too? Most people don’t realize that modern viruses are able to spoof the From email address. That means you may not have been the source of the virus you’ve just been told you sent.
Read More