I.T. Sucks Podcast

Tamara chats with Network Engineer Micah Simmler about his time with Burgess, tech-related hobbies, and what he'd like to see for the future of technology. Micah celebrates 10 Years with Team BTS in November of this year. Find additional episodes at IT Sucks Podcast.com. Learn more about Burgess Technology Services at BTSMaine.com.       

Mike and Matt share insights with regard to tools and discounts available to non-profits, (Microsoft, HP, Lenovo, Dell, Tech Soup, Quickbooks and others) and a few of our favorite non-profits share their tech wish lists and how our listeners can help!  For more information, visit: www.btsmaine.com www.bathymca.org www.bathfoodbank.org www.bbbsbathbrunswick.org www.midcoastyouth.org  

Matt and Tamara talk about Hunting Technology. Technology changes: https://community.legendarywhitetails.com/blog/3-technological-advances-that-changed-hunting-forever/ SpyPoint Cell Adapter: https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/spypoint-cell-link-universal-cellular-adapter Outdoor Hub – Deer Hunting Tech: https://www.outdoorhub.com/deer-hunting-technology/ Quiver App: https://www.quiverapp.co/ GhostStop: https://www.ghoststop.com/rem-pod-with-temp/ ANT scope: https://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight Hunt Stamp App: https://huntstand.com/ Trail Cams: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-trail-cameras Hunting GPS: https://outdoorwilds.com/best-hunting-gps-under-200/ Deer on the trail cam. (referenced by Matt)  For more information on Burgess Technology Services and Maine Business IT Support, visit www.btsmaine.com or email podcast@btsmaine.com

Dr. Frank Appunn, Professor of Information Technology Management speaks to BTS about the evolution of Cybersecurity, relevant degree programs at Thomas College in Waterville, and the vast career opportunities in the field.  For more information on topics referenced:  www.thomas.edu www.btsmaine.com Security Awareness Training: https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/business-it-support-services/security-awareness-training FireEye Breach: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fireeye-cyber-idUSKBN28I31E Huawei: https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgecalhoun/2021/09/27/the-huawei-hostage-crisis-is-not-over-it-has-escalated/?sh=537cd2af3e9f  

To mark Cyber Security Awarness Month, Mike and Matt explain the tools of Burgess Technology Services IT Security Suite, how they work in practical terms, and how they benefit our clients' network security.  This includes not only standard network security, but specific protections and monitoring reports required in highly regulated industries, such as financial, medical and municipal.  For more information on how these tools can help your secure your business, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/business-it-support-services/bts-it-security-suite/ For previous episodes, visit www.itsuckspodcast.com 

Tamara chats with BTS engineer Ben Weston, who shares about a day in the life of a tech, experiences from his 25 years in IT, how remote support tools have changed the industry, and what some geeks do in their downtime.  Ben and his Tech Desk co-pilot Gir.   

Tamara chats with Steve Marson of Central Maine Pyrotechnics about how fireworks technology has evolved over his 50 years in the business.  For more information: www.centralmainepyrotechnics.com www.btsmaine.com Find previous episodes of the IT Sucks Podcast at www.itsuckspodcast.com 

Mike, Matt and Tamara chat about fun and practical tech apps and products to enhance your summer outdoor adventures. Settle in for a listen, and enjoy exploring the links below! (you might want to pack a lunch and a compass app before falling down that rabbithole) https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/campstove-2-plus https://www.amazon.com/Minipresso-Portable-Espresso-Compatible-Manually/dp/B00VTA9F6U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lifUhfpZqQg https://downeast.com/travel-outdoors/greatmainescavengerhunt/ https://www.basemap.com/ https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-satellite-internet-explained/ https://www.spypoint.com/en/products/cellular-trail-camera/product-link-micro-lte.html https://gotennamesh.com/products/mesh?gclid=CjwKCAjwqcKFBhAhEiwAfEr7zTRQ8cfSO8lKAyxMPDFZIPv_rGCc7_lmVXPS28Lac_5_V7UujduzwhoCDF4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds https://www.heimplanet.com/categories/shelters/tents https://www.heimplanet.com/products/mavericks-white www.bioliteenergy.com https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19993263/outdoor-camping-gear/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=arb_ga_whm_d_bm_a19993263&gclid=CjwKCAjwtJ2FBhAuEiwAIKu19mT-hMtd1AFdMgg_Zt0Z4jO3YOtHtTbxasCVpEAcdnR7X0vrsqfxnRoCiGUQAvD_BwE https://www.jackery.com/pages/solar-generator https://hiconsumption.com/best-camping-gadgets/ https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails https://www.alltrails.com/ https://www.discoverboating.com/resources/best-fishing-apps https://www.onwater.app/?gclid=CjwKCAjwtJ2FBhAuEiwAIKu19h3TCWDWmDevAoLeJtB5uyNZts2RWkueEQKnsEbvONNxnp9aXde1ZhoCr0oQAvD_BwE https://flyfisherpro.com/blog/best-fishing-apps/ https://www.pinterest.com/wildernesstoday/outdoor-gadgets/ https://www.crn.com/slide-shows/mobility/10-fun-tech-gadgets-for-a-hot-summer/7?itc=refresh https://hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/ https://www.beach.com/tips/15-beach-gadgets-to-revolutionize-your-next-vacation/   http://www.strikealert.com/   https://www.tapsmart.com/apps/5-great-apps-to-install-before-going-on-a-camping-or-hiking-trip/   https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/a651778/best-apple-watch-apps-compass/   https://www.inspiredcamping.com/best-camping-and-outdoor-apps/    

Mike and Tamara of Burgess Technology Services chat with Brenton Dinsmore of Duratherm Window about how they use technology in design, fabrication and conferencing as they go about their business. Duratherm is a Maine Business with a great reputation in the industry.  For more information on Duratherm, visit www.durathermwindow.com  Questions? Email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit www.btsmaine.com. 

Tamara chats with Dr. Jessilin Quint from Smart Eye Care in Maine, about eye health technology and keeping your eyes healthy while using technology on the job! Dry eyes, blue light, eye strain, new products and more! Dr. Quint performs IPL on a dry eye client.   Visit Burgess Technology Services at www.btsmaine.com   On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BurgessTechnologyServices On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btsmaine/ Listen to all IT Sucks Podcast episodes at www.itsuckspodcast.com   Visit Smart Eye Care (in Augusta, Bangor and Farmindale), online at www.smarteyecare.com On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/smarteyecarecenter On Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/smarteyecarecenter/ Dr. Quint: https://www.instagram.com/smarteyecarecenter/    

Matt and Tamara chat about the features and benefits of Microsoft Teams, included in the Microsoft 365 suite of apps and how all sizes of businesses can benefit from it.  For more information, visit www.BTSMaine.com or email podcast@btsmaine.com  For more episodes, visit www.itsuckspodcast.com  Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/BurgessTechnologyServices  

Mike and Tamara chat with Mark Anderson of Gowen Power systems about power industry technology and how the technology of generators has evolved over the years. For more information, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit Gowen at www.gowenpower.com    

Matt, Mike and Tamara of Burgess Technology Services chat about geeky gifts and what's on their own wishlists for 2020. For more information, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit www.btsmaine.com Links to products referenced in the episode are below. But first - for those local to us in Midcoast Maine, check out www.visitbath.com for a list of local retailers which we encourage you to support this gift-giving season!  Star Wars Video Game Cabinet Dungeon Master Screen   Banana Phone   Kinetic Gears Kit   LED lights Magnetic Levitating Bluetooth Speakers Sanitizing Wand  Fitbit   Roomba   Remarkable https://youtu.be/SWY_bwFMxro   Jabra Headphones   Light Box    Best Dog Ball Launchers    Chicken Door   Reolink Motion Sensor   BTS Staff recommendations:    Jess - Wicked Bone   Logan - EVGA Fancy Gaming Fans   Anthony - Starlink Internet                   Raspberry Pi   Micah - Google Chromecast with Google TV               Oculus Quest 2 Cindy - www.meater.com

Tamara interviews Burgess Support Specialist Anthony Terrano about his experiences in the tech field, his blog, hobbies and more! Check out his blog at www.terratechblog.com !  For more information email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit Burgess Technology Services online at www.btsmaine.com   

Mike, Matt and Tamara discuss a few annual "chores" related to the well-being of your computers and business network. Topics include battery backup testing, generators, data backup, disaster recovery, physical cleaning and security.  Burgess Technology Services is a Maine business.  For more information, visit www.btsmaine.com 

Mike and Matt chat with Chris Martin from give IT. get IT. about computer recycling, certification and their mission to build computers for those who would not otherwise have access. Digital Inclusion. Their organization is one of only a handful in the country, and it's right here in Maine.  For the estimated 70,000 Maine households that don’t have a computer, this is a time of unprecedented isolation. At give IT. get IT., their mission to provide “digital inclusion” in the form of low or no-cost computers, training and support to people in need is more urgent than ever.  Visit www.giveITgetIT.org to find out how you can help! For more information on the podcast and Burgess Technology Services, visit BTSMaine.com or email podcast@btsmaine.com.  

Mike, Matt and Tamara reflect on the 35th anniversary of the business. The discussion includes evolution of technology, business technology, tech support, dial-up, backups, long-term clients, managed services, IT recycling, our fabulous BTS staff and more! 

Matt, Mike and Tamara talk about how business (BTS as well as clients') has been changed by the pandemic and remote working.  For more information email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit www.btsmaine.com   

Tamara chats with Bath Middle School Science Teacher Monica Wright about STEM curriculum in classroom and beyond.  Bath Middle School: https://mhs.rsu1.org/o/bath-middle-school Chewonki: https://chewonki.org Ecology School: https://theecologyschool.org KELT: https://www.kennebecestuary.org Maine Career and Education: https://www.educatemaine.org/ IntWork: https://www.intwork.co Monica Wright Award Article by Nathan Strout BMS students during crab data collection on the coast of Maine.  

Tamara and Maggie Cano, network engineer at BTS, chat about Maggie's history with technology, coding at 5 years old, women in STEM and recognizing biases.  Links to articles referenced:  https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2019/04/mixed-messages-about-women-s-representation-science-and-missing-piece-picture - https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2019/02/more-than-40-percent-of-women-leave-stem-jobs.html?page=all - https://www.aauw.org/resources/research/the-stem-gap/ - https://hbr.org/2018/06/what-managers-can-do-to-keep-women-in-engineering- https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/information-technology/resources-women-computer-technology/  

Tamara chats with Elijah Slocum, rising Sophomore at the University of Maine at Orono, about his involvement with STEM programming in high school, Sea Perch competition, college and everyday life.  This is Episode I of a 3-part series.  The aquatics robotics entry of Elijah's team.  Elijah's High School Sea Perch team. 

Tamara interviews four career law enforcement professionals from the state of Maine regarding the use of technology in police work, and how it has evolved over the last 30 years.  Chief Mike Field of the Bath, Maine PD.  Sheriff Joel Merry of Sagadahoc County.  Chief Troy Cline of the Town of Buxton Karen Hamiton, Computer Administrator for Lincoln County.  The discussion includes the following topics: Technology related to the filing of paperwork, typewriters, micro-fiche, copy paper, radar, radio, cellular, wifi, communications, drug-testing, opioid hotspots, AVL, TruNarc, IMC, Spillman, body cams, car cams, facial recognition, drones, license plate recognition, Covid19, online training, Power DMS, Drug Taskforce, iPod, Toughbook, RhinoTab, ODMAP, ERG... and more!  Links to some of the products and organizations referenced in the podcast will be updated here 5/18/20.   

Matt shares his knowledge about rural internet options. Pertinent during the time of COVID-19 when so many are working and learning from remote locations.  Links to resources referenced:  Connect ME @ Maine.gov Connect ME Executive Summary Mobile Must Have  Where Matt got his Data Plan and lots of information on the topic. https://5gstore.com/  Where Matt purchased equipment.  Please feel free to email podcast@btsmaine.com with questions.  Visit us online and find all previous podcast episodes at BTSMaine.com   

We've passed one year with the I.T. Sucks Podcast! This episode is a highlight reel of sorts, touching on many of the topics we covered over the past year and sharing some of the laughs as well!  For more information or to suggest podcast topics, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit www.btsmaine.com 

This month we share the love with our BTS family. Staff members answered some poll questions and we're sharing some of the answers, and for some, in their own voice! It's a great way to get to know our stellar team!  To learn more about us, visit www.btsmaine.com  Questions? Email podcast@btsmaine.com Below are the full poll answers for most of the staff!   In celebration of our 30th year in business, we circulated a poll amongst the staff to get a little insight into their history, experience and interests. Now in our 35th year, we thought we’d pass it around again. The results are below. (also – find a link below to our most recent podcast episode, where you can hear many of the BTS family answer in their own voice!     Cindy G:   How long have you worked at Burgess? 22 years  How long have you worked in Technology? 22 years  What is something you enjoy about working at Burgess? I love the people, both customers and employees  What is something you enjoy about working in technology? Convenience and it makes me feel smart

Mike, Matt and Tamara talk tech resolutions. Actions you can take annually to maintain a healthy network, tasks you should get IT professionals help to accomplish, and a few tidbits more on the fun side.   As promised... Here's a link to a Waterproof Keyboard Here's a link to the fun "IT shaming" resolution post: Tech Resolutions For more information or to share your thoughts, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit www.btsmaine.com.  Listen, subscribe, share! Thanks! 

Matt and Tamara sit down for a brief chat about a current newsworthy topic, the very real potential for Iranian hackers to increase malicious activity on United States financial, municipal, personal and business cyber targets in response to recent events. (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/airstrike-kills-top-iran-general-qassim-suleimani-baghdad-airport-iraqi-n1109821) For more information, read pertinent content via the links below from Homeland Security, Washington Post and CNBC.  Alert from Homeland Security CISA: Potential for Iranian Cyber Response to U.S. Military Strike in Baghdad              https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-006a CNBC Article: Cyberattacks are an ‘immediate’ challenge for businesses following Iran strike https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2020/01/07/cyberattacks-are-an-immediate-challenge-for-business-after-iran-strike.html   Washington Post Article: The Cybersecurity 202: U.S. should brace for Iran to cross red lines in cyberspace, experts warn https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-cybersecurity-202/2020/01/06/the-cybersecurity-202-u-s-should-brace-for-iran-to-cross-red-lines-in-cyberspace-experts-warn/5e123521602ff125ce5bbf7b  

Mike, Matt and Tam talking geeky gifts! Here are links with more information on many of them!    Smart Home Tools:  Leviton Decora Smart Switch: https://www.leviton.com/en/products/brands/decora Video: https://youtu.be/yV2vj_TDdhw Vera: https://getvera.com/pages/apps Ring Doorbell: https://ring.com Sonos Wireless Speakers: https://www.sonos.com Auto Diagnostic tool/app: https://www.obdsoftware.net/software/obdfusion Tech Touch Gloves: shorturl.at/kuvFT Star Trek Door Chime: https://www.amazon.com/ThinkGeek-Star-Trek-Electronic-Chime/dp/B007QSYPE6 Enterprise Pizza Cutter: https://www.amazon.com/ThinkGeek-Star-Enterprise-Pizza-Cutter/dp/B004FQDWP0 Shocktato Video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_17WUNIz-E 3D Printers:  FDM printers produce very tough, large, and dimensionally accurate parts, but can in no way approach the fine detail of an SLA printer. https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=35435&gclid=CjwKCAiAlO7uBRANEiwA_vXQ-59y-olqXKE-VzBpscZAMHOymBGBRoBpp9TCRXeS_kTSp38KL6_h4hoC4MgQAvD_BwE&fbclid=IwAR1HOmNHmJTloLWZmdexwrEjyRehtxT_cyeT5msaFjFarr7SMSnH3Cbx1vI SLA printer: https://www.matterhackers.com/store/l/peopoly-moai-laser-sla-3d-printer-kit/sk/MP86LX2U Re-chargeable heated clothing/shoes: https://amzn.to/2sL1LZS Rainbow Toilet Night-light: https://amzn.to/2EAhTAe Elastic fishing folding umbrella hat: https://www.amazon.com/Luwint-Diameter-Gardening-Umbrella-Headwear/dp/B013QV0MYS Occulus Quest VR:  https://bit.ly/2Z78Lwc Gameboy Refrigerator Magnets: https://bit.ly/35G7Lll Anti-fatigue gaming glasses: https://gunnar.com/ Yoda bookends:   Adjustable Laptop stand: https://amzn.to/34yPAwt Deathstar Waffle Maker: https://bit.ly/2EBRPEI Deathstar Air Popper: https://bit.ly/2tuLB7j Tesla truck: https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck Millenium Falcon Owners Workshop Manuel: https://amzn.to/2tuxAGM Baby Groot Flower Pot:   Star Wars X-wing Knife Block: Here’s a link to a search page with that, cookie molds and other Star Wars kitchen items! shorturl.at/rwIT0 Stars Wars Droid Builder Kit: shorturl.at/fNPQ7 Fi Dog: (GPS) TryFi.com Matt’s favorite dashcam: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GRV85NP/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_HNu3DbS9MQP7S Phone sanitizer: https://www.phonesoap.com A couple other great sites for finding geeky ideas:  https://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/index.shtml/ https://boardgamegeek.com

Rachel Frost of JPMA Online Training is our first guest on the I.T. Sucks Podcast! Mike, Matt and Tamara ask Rachel questions about  her history in the industry, the history of JPMA and how changes in technology over the last two decades have effected online training/elearning.  For more information, visit www.jpmaweb.com and www.btsmaine.com  If you have any questions or are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email podcast@btsmaine.com   

Mike and Tamara chat about scary tech horror stories for Halloween month! Lost data, Black Mirror, Scary Basement scenarios and more! Don't let these things happen to you! Contact podcast@btsmaine.com for more information!  www.btsmaine.com 

Matt, Mike and Tamara chat about mobile apps for business productivity and security, as well as personal favorites for home and fun.  For more information on this and business technology support, visit www.btsmaine.com  Questions? Interested in being on the podcast? Email podcast@btsmaine.com   

Because there's a lot more to say about Disaster Recovery preparedness, Mike, Matt and Tamara continue the discussion. Are you and your business ready for a crisis? Listen and find out!  For more information visit www.btsmaine.com   

The folks from Burgess Technology Services chat about Data Loss, Encryption and Disaster Recovery as it relates to your business.  For more information, visit www.btsmaine.com    *********************************** Burgess Technology Services is a comprehensive technology company providing Managed IT Services, Network Design & Analysis, Help Desk Support, Cloud Services including Managed Backup, as well as Security Awareness Training, Disaster Recovery Solutions, Vulnerability Testing, and PCI Compliance. Our clients range from small businesses to large organizations in many sectors: financial, medical, commercial, non-profit, municipal, military, education, and industrial/manufacturing. We provide excellent long-term value and exceptional personal service throughout New England.

BTS owners Matt Rice and Mike Dorr discuss how technology support for the Medical industry differs (and is the same) as for other industries.  HIPAA, medical, business technology, tech support, tech security.  For more information, visit www.btsmaine.com  or email podcast@btsmaine.com 

Owner Mike Dorr chat with Tamara about how supporting Credit Unions with Technology Services is different (and the same) as other industries. Discussions of technology security, regulations and tools. For more information on Burgess Technology Services, visit www.btsmaine.com or email podcast@btsmaine.com 

Tamara and Matt discuss what is different about supporting Municipal and Government clients with their technology needs. TRIO, Voter Registration, Vehicle Registration, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities as well as Local, County and State Government. Managed Services, Technology Security.  BTS Managed Services

Tamara Lilly and BTS owner Mike Dorr discuss security awareness when it comes to business technology. What types of training and testing are available to keep employees and your business network safe from viruses, malware, ransomware and more.   For more information, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit Burgess Technology Services at www.btsmaine.com  Related: https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/business-it-support-services/security-awareness-training/  

Tamara and BTS owner Matt Rice discuss vulnerability to email attacks, scams, phishing and spearphishing and how to avoid getting caught. Clear tips as to how to avoid compromising your computer and business network. Suggestions for technology security awareness.  For more information, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit Burgess Technology Services at www.btsmaine.com  Related blog posts: https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/burgess-technology-blog/phishing-attempts-continue-to-rise/ https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/burgess-technology-blog/social-engineering-phishing-email-affects-woolwich-family/  

Tamara and BTS owner Mike Dorr discuss the expiration of Windows 7,  Server 2008 and other softwares. How this affects business technology and how one can plan to meet these milestones effectively. Also some discussion on end of life for hardware.  For more information, email podcast@btsmaine.com or visit Burgess Technology Services at www.btsmaine.com  Related blog posts: https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/burgess-technology-blog/windows-7-extended-support-expiring/ https://www.burgesstechnologyservices.com/burgess-technology-blog/maine-technology-news/technology-end-life-guide/    

Mike, Matt and Tamara from Burgess Technology Services introduce themselves, the company and the IT Sucks podcast. The podcast will shed some light on business technology for non-techies.  Experts for nearly 35 years in business technology, BTS offers network administration, managed service, programming, installation, consulting, security awareness training and more. For more information, visit www.btsmaine.com