Dan Phillips' Computer Support Services

   As president of Mission Assist, I want to explain Dan Phillips’ work for Jesus. Dan has operated in his gift of helps for over 8 years at MA. He has special gifting in Information Technology (IT). He has helped churches and missionaries on the field solve the many difficulties that arise--viruses, hardware and software issues--as well as networking. He understands IT issues that most of us are not even aware of.
   We have agreed to make his gift available to all serving Jesus in missions and church work. On a time available basis, Dan will help you and your group or church use computers more effectively.
   Below is a note from him. Please pray for him. Contact him with your issues and, with God’s help, you will be able to better use your computers to proclaim the Gospel and win many for Christ!
   Jim Manning

I want to thank all who have prayed for and supported Mission Assist over the years enabling our team to serve Christ and making Him known to many.
When we step out and serve our King He can open many areas of opportunity that we have never imagined. "Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).
A great example was our mission in France this past summer (2006). The Lord clearly showed me that he wanted me to use my IT skills that He has been developing for over 20 years, for His glory! How could I refuse to serve a King! God is now guiding me to serve you in the area of computers and other areas of technology.
I would be honored to serve you who are associated with Mission Assist. Feel free to email dan@massist.org . I will do my best to serve you in a timely manner, giving God all the glory.
Below are tools that may help you operate your computer more efficiently.
      1. Back-up your important information (just in case)
      2. Information on security
      3. The new Windows operating system - Vista

1. The all important Backup ( do you do it? )

How to decide what to backup:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/backup.mspx

Windows XP backup:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320820

Other helpful information on backup:

http://free-backup.info/using-windows-backup-software.html





2. Security

Start with ensuring that your computer is set to:
Automatic Updates turned on.
Windows Firewall turned on.
Be sure that you have Anti-Virus Software.
I recommend AVG. Free for 30 days
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

3. Microsoft's NEW "Vista"



"Vista" is Microsoft's newest PC operating system. 
Microsoft has been working on this system for 5 years
to replace Windows XP. Vista is being sold as a more secure 
operating system. It already has had a security patch. 
It has been noted that most PC 
software will NOT run on Vista except in compatibility mode,
and file compatibility can cause headaches when trying 
to share with a user who has older software. 
Software is not the only issue.  Vista requires hardware that only
the most expensive computers in today's households 
and some business have. 
Bottom line on Vista as of this writing 2/17/07 is: 
Unless you are willing  to spend more than you thought on a 
computer and then buy many new software titles, you may 
want to wait until you NEED to buy a new computer.
I try to keep up on as much of technology as time will 
allow. Please feel free to call or email with questions.
More in coming months.