Technology and a tasty brew of coffee a good fit

Techno-java is the newest brew at Moxie Java coffee shop in Ralston. It’s hot and delicious and on the second Tuesday of each month, it’s served with a heaping side dish of computer knowledge.

Moxie Java caters the coffee and V3 Technology Solutions, Inc. kicks in the inside scoop on PCs.

Henry Vargas, president of V3 TSI, a new technology business in La Vista at 7552 S. 84th Street, said he often stops for coffee at Moxie Java and thought the shop would be an ideal comfortable and informal setting for computer seminars.

He approached owners Jim and Maureen Koehler and together the three decided to give it a try.

“It helps promote both of our businesses,” Maureen said.

Supported by the La Vista Chamber of Commerce, the word got out and intrigued, six people attended the first seminar.

That number doubled at the second session, Vargas said.

During these techo-get-togethers, V3 TSI offers solutions and practical advice that keeps you on top of technical overload and provides a few “aha” moments that might get you unstuck from a tricky techie glitch.

In October and November, Vargas addressed backing up data on the computer, how to protect against viruses and spyware and the benefits and risks of wireless networking. Last week, he discussed routine computer maintenance and how to retrieve deleted files.

“What we’re showing you tonight are things you can do at home,” Vargas said at the December seminar.

Jose, his son, also an employee at V3 TSI, said they present this information so that people can solve basic technology problems on their own without the expense of hiring a pro.

The questions come fast and the details pile up, one topic often leading to another.

Jose sits at a laptop and projects a computer screen onto a wall at Moxie Java while Henry points to the dialog boxes, files, menu bars, buttons and icons – vocabulary and items that are second-nature now to business and our everyday communications.

In January V3 TSI will cover disaster recovery planning and off-site storage of data.

“Your data is your most important asset,” Vargas said. “Don’t back up your data and then store your disks next to your computer. If a disaster occurs, everything goes.”

Bridget Boardman from Padgett Business Services has attended two seminars.

“They provide very useful, very helpful information,” she said. “It’s nice – it’s what everyone needs to know, but we don’t.”

Boardman said the session about wireless networking gave her some idea of what she’s facing if she decides to invest in that option.

Vargas said that while wireless access offers mobility, productivity and easy entry to the Internet from a growing number of access points, the security risks from hackers are a definite downside.

“You need to make sure your firewall is up and you are not accessing valuable financial data when accessing the hot spots that wirelessly let you on the Internet,” he said.

The computer seminars are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Moxie Java, 5352 S 72nd St. The seminars are open to anyone. You can also register with the La Vista Chamber of Commerce at 339-2078.

©Suburban Newpapers 2005