By Angie Kilbourne
Shop Site of the Month
Masters Auto Body - Charlottesville, Va.
www.mastersautobody.com
Earning a customer's trust is top priority for any repair shop, and Masters Auto Body works hard to reinforce the message, "the problem is solved." From the virtual tour - guided by owner Jeff Cotton - to customer testimonials (strategically placed just left of the center on the page to catch the viewer's eye), this clean site layout using professional photography supports the company's motto: "Masters Makes It Easy."
Nominate your shop's site for a Net Worth profile.
E-mail your Web site address to angiek@asashop.org.
Web Wise
Dishwasher Safe Keyboards
It sits innocently atop your desk, counter, or shop worktable. Hundreds of times each day, it is employed to connect you to your business, your employees and your customers - and vice versa. But how often do you actually evaluate the physical condition of your computer's keyboard, or the other keyboards located throughout your facility?
Most people don't think about the cleanliness of their keyboards, and more importantly, the standard keyboard isn't receptive to more than a swipe with a damp cloth. In addition, manufacturers advise to use a "static safe" vacuum to remove the crumbs and dust that collect in the crevices of these standard keyboards. Recent studies, such as one from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, suggest that keyboards are a breeding ground for bacteria and should be disinfected at least daily.
Take a look at your keyboard now. Is it clean and pristine? Can you see the characters on the keys, or are they covered with grime and who knows what else? Do you, upon closer examination, feel comfortable touching those keys? What about the keyboards out in the shop area? Do they look like they need to be run through the dishwasher? Well, perhaps it's time you did just that: run them through the dishwasher.
A number of manufacturers are marketing washable, corrosion-resistant, sealed keyboards for harsh environments. Originally developed for the medical fields to help prevent bacterial and viral contamination, these keyboards include features such as wireless capability, ergonomic designs and Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity, as well as the ability to be immersed under water or run through a dishwasher.
The keyboards are similar in design and are constructed usually with a silicone casing - something to note for employees who are allergic to silicone. But if your keyboard suffers from coffee spills, grimy fingers, metal shavings and a dusty environment, this alternative could be the solution to that sticking space bar or the loss of your beloved shift key.
To find a list of manufacturers offering washable and/or water-resistant keyboards, search "washable keyboards" on Google.
Net Numbers
Total losses from computer crimes decreased for the fourth year in a row in 2006 to an
estimated $52,494,290, compared to $130,104,542 in 2005.
Source: Computer Security Institute/FBI 2006 Crime and Security Survey
ASA Web Ways
Free Ads Available
ASA's online Employment Classifieds page offers all current ASA members free employment classified ads for their collision and mechanical automotive service facilities. In addition, automotive industry professionals can post their resumes free of charge. Visit the "Employment Classifieds" link on the ASA home page (www.ASAshop.org).
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