May – June 2015

May/June 2015 Syscon, Inc. — Volume XXIX, Syscon, Inc. looks suspiciously similar to a class of files known to be malicious. Bit Defender further checks for Zero-day malware by examining files to see if they behave in potentially malicious ways; this is called Heuristic Detection. Syscon’s Managed AV service includes a dedicated person analyzing weekly scans and threat reports for issues, then working with you to resolve anything that needs attention. Custom reports are emailed each week for your review. We are always available for questions, concerns, or assistance. Call or email CustomerSupport@sysconinc.com for more details and pricing to shore up your network defenses today—LP Anti-Virus Services—What Changed? Updates and Tips from Syscon These days, good antivirus is absolutely mission critical for all business and home computers. Black Hat Hackers and virus/malware writers have been stepping up their game, and have been launching very successful attacks on large and small organizations and home users worldwide. It seems like every time we watch the news we hear about another data breach. No anti-virus is 100% perfect; it is a constant cat-andmouse game between the virus writers and the antivirus companies. When the virus writers come out with a new exploit unknown to anyone, it is called a ‘Zero Day Exploit.’ When this happens, it is open season until the anti-virus companies come up with a ‘fix’ called a Definition, which will recognize the attack signature and stop it before it can infect the machine or server. The Syscon Managed AntiVirus (AV) Service uses the Bit Defender engine which has a very high detection rate when compared to other AV solutions. Bit Defender has been ranked among the top three AV solutions both this year and last year by multiple independent organizations. More important than the ability to detect existing viruses and other threats is the ability to detect Zero-day malware/viruses that have never been seen before, but have attributes that suggest malicious intent. The difference in detection methods between known and brand-new malware is that if the malware is known, Bit Defender has a signature in its file to watch for it. In order to detect Zero-day malware, Bit Defender inspects anything that Upcoming Events Join Larry Wendt from Syscon, long-time member and former Board member for the ASA Chicago as he participates in a Round Table Discussion on Thursday morning, May 21st. This event is open to members and non -members of ASA Chicago. Larry will be one of three participants in a panel discussing Computer Security. Where: Fountain Blue Banquets, 2300 Mannheim Rd, Des Plaines; 847-298-3636 When: Thursday May 21st Time: 7:00am Breakfast & Registration; 7:30-8:30am Panel Discussion, Q&A Cost $45/person Register: online at or call 847-827-8336 —– Syscon, Inc. 15 Spinning Wheel, Suite 218 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 850-9039 VOICE (630) 850-9040 FAX Did You Know? Sage 100 Contractor In any date field, hit the plus sign ( + ) to move forward one day, or minus sign ( - ) to move back. This is handy when entering 3-3 deposits made yesterday, since the date defaults to the current date; hit the minus sign and you’re all set. Other handy screens are 4-2; 5-2-2; 3-2; 11-2. Give it a try—CMW 2014 Year End Wrap up Journal Entries for 2014 all entered? Ready to Archive 2014? We’ve already closed quite a few companies with the new Archive process. If you’re ready and everything is entered and tied out, give us a call to schedule a remote time with Michelle, Larry, or Cathy SysconÆfidence¸ Every business needs it; do you have it? Memorial Day... We will be closed Monday, May 25, 2015 ___________________________ What our Clients have to say about our staff! Take a look at the back page of this Newsletter to read up on your favorite Tech or Business Consultant... -- 1 of 2 - Master Builder to Sage 100 Contractor The journey, 20 years... March 2015 10-year Client Larry, I wanted to take a minute and let you know we are so grateful for your team and Scott’s leadership serving our account. I spent the last week with 40 church Administrators and heard their stories and challenges in I.T. I was grateful for our partnership with Syscon over the years.. Our partnership has been very beneficial to the ministry... Our staff really loves our support team and the office staff who call for scheduling and communicating with us. Please know we are very grateful for everyone’s expertise and commitment to us as your customers. - Russ McCune The Orchard Evangelical Free Church (Thanks Russ!) Syscon has been working with this product for 20 years! This all started when Louis, one of our clients who uses Sage 100 Contractor even today, approached Larry and asked about Constructionspecific software, and since we did his computers, could we help with this ‘Master Builder’ software. This started our investigation into the Construction Account/Project Management software options, our relationship with Omware and Dan Smith (the original co-founder), and an interesting road from there. Here are some interesting highlights: * Larry’s trip to California for training has a story that ended with surgery *The first Windows release was version 6 in 1995/1996 and we were one of the first partners to upgrade our clients to this new release *Syscon begins writing custom integration software to take advantage of the data collection, and provide higher-level analytical tools, and more complex reporting. * The Marconi center in Point Reyes where annual meetings were held was the site of the first TransPacific radio tower; and it’s very cold there in July * Intuit purchased Master Builder and kicked off with a conference in Hawaii * Syscon earns a Sales award at the 2002 Annual Conference * Sage purchases Master Builder and moves the Timberline and Master Builder teams into the same building in Beaverton, Oregon; interesting because these two products were competing for many years. To hear more about the 20-year history and some interesting facts, watch for the upcoming articles and a personal interview with Larry Wendt! - CMW Sage 100 Contractor Client We love Michelle and appreciate that Syscon has our back! - Ed Krushka, Vice President, Reflection Window April 2015 Private Hosting Client Bob from Syscon promptly called back and within about 6 minutes (including the logmein routine) had the envelope printer working again...after doing a test page - John B Syscon, Inc. 15 Spinning Wheel Suite 218 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-850-9039 Voice 630-850-9040 FAX Check out the interview with Cathy and Larry in the May 30th Business Ledger publication. Sage 100 Contractor The final 2015 taxrelated update, version 19.5.27, introduced an issue with the Combined Statement (AR & SR together in one report); release 19.5.34 resolves this issue... Syscon, Inc. — Volume XXIX, Issue 3 Computer Security Panel Member for upcoming ASA Chicago event, May 21st—see website for more details What our Clients have to say about our Staff! -- 2 of 2 -