Stay out of the dentist's chair

Brodie Krause,
IT Manager

As I sit here thinking about the past year and try to summarize it in a single word, all that comes to mind is "busy." In fact, I was so busy last year, I forgot to schedule my regular cleanings at the dentist. So, here I find myself at the beginning of a new year in the dentist’s chair listening to the whine of his drill. They say, “dentistry isn't expensive, neglect is,” and I certainly have found that to be true.

It wasn't that I had neglected my teeth entirely, because brushing my teeth is a normal part of my day-to-day routine. I had been so wrapped up in that routine that I’d overlooked the importance of taking that hour out of my schedule twice a year to go in and have a specialist really work them over.

As you think about and look over all that you did or didn't accomplish in 2014, do you spy any areas like this? Little projects that remain functional in the day-to-day, but that you might have forgotten or neglected to pay their due attention? It may have seemed like a small oversight, after all, they stayed up and running, but that neglect can definitely land you in the “dentist’s chair” before too long.

Don’t forget to look up from the day-to-day as you plan your growth for 2015. It is important to properly maintain your systems, paperwork, etc. as well. It will save you in the end.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.

Time to say farewell to Windows XP

Brodie Krause,
IT Manager

What operating system is powering the computers in your office? More than likely a majority of you are still running a version called Windows XP. Did you know, as of last month, Microsoft is no longer offering support for Windows XP? It has been around since 2001, and with the rapid advancements of technology, it is surprising that Microsoft has supported it this long.

If you haven't begun the process of replacing your office computers, it's time to stop holding out. While you may have noticed the world did not end when Microsoft stopped supporting their long time running operating system, don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. With the lack of support by Microsoft, you will start to see issues with your computers as hackers begin to identify weaknesses. The quicker you can get rid of this ancient operating system, the better.

A few things to consider when on the hunt for a new operating system:

• Depending on your hardware, you may be able to keep your current machine and purchase an upgrade to Windows 7, a version of Windows that will be familiar and more stable than XP.
• You can purchase all new machines with Windows 7 pre-loaded.
• You can go with Windows 8, which has a less familiar user interface, but a longer shelf-life.

Whatever you decide to do, I suggest getting a plan in place and starting the process. Because, continuing to cling to Windows XP is only going to hurt you more in the long run.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.