http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news/mainstaycomputing.rss This RSS feed was generated out of the newsdatabase of Mainstay Computing website. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php In our continuing effort to provide top notch service and to reduce our impact on the environment, Mainstay Computing is pleased to announce that it is now able to accept payments while on-site. This means we can securely accept payment and issue a receipt electronically, on-site, at the time service is rendered. This dramatically reduces the amount of resources used to send invoices and receive payments via cheque. We will continue to provide the same excellent level of clear and concise documentation on what services were rendered. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give us a call (604 885 2410). http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php To all those that arrived at Capilano University for today's Picasa class and found the doors closed and the campus quiet, I would like to extend an apology. It would appear that a scheduling error occurred resulting in class participants to be informed the class was scheduled for March 3rd, online users to be informed the class was scheduled for March 5th, and the instructor (me) to be informed the class was scheduled for March 10th. I know that you each adjusted your schedules and your work shifts to attend and must be disappointed in the outcome. No more so than myself who spent last night preparing for a class that I believed was a week away. I will work with Capilano University to try and address this issue and seek a resolution that is agreeable to all parties. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we look into this situation. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php As we head into 2012, Mainstay Computing is making a rate adjustment to reflect the increased cost of doing business, including increased fuel prices, increased shipping fees, increased electricity costs, and increased disposal fees. Mainstay Computing has maintained the same price for the last three years and we feel that in order to remain competitive and provide the same level of excellence in IT support and service, we must increase our rate. Effective January 1st, 2012, our new hourly rate is $75 / hr. Despite this increase, Mainstay Computing continues to offer the best on-site service and support at the most affordable price on the Sunshine Coast. We also invite you to review our updated Warranty & Policies. We understand that increases in prices may impact your business but we hope that we can continue our excellent relationship with our clients. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at 604 885 2410. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php So the strange part about these news items is that the busier you are, the less time you have to even think about them. Mainstay Computing has started 2012 off with a tremendous bang! "Busier than ever" doesn't even come close. And the positive feedback just keeps rolling in: Customer Comments We have a ton of projects on the go... most of them not yet ready for public release. Fresh for 2012, we've partnered with some really exciting companies that have expanded the level of service that Mainstay can provide for its clients. We now offer a pretty darn good small business solution for those companies that are big enough to need frequent technical support, but not big enough to have an in-house IT staff member. And we continue to be the best in price AND best in class. Here's looking forward to a wonderful and prosperous 2012! Cheers, --Matthew & Elizabeth http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php This has been one of the most interesting and rewarding web sites we've ever had the privilege to work on. At the Shore B&B has undergone a transformation from a clunky, busy, website that was hard to navigate into a clean, modern website that highlights the luxury suites available on the Sunshine Coast's Sechelt Inlet http://attheshore.ca. This allows for: a professional online presence integrated Google Adwords and Google Analytics tracking Owner / Operator Peter and Norma Bond can now update their own site, resulting in lowered site overhead costs automatic Search Engine Optimization resulting in SIGNIFICANT reduction in costs Visit At The Shore B&B. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php The culmination of our revamp of the Holywell Properties and 90 Day Realty websites has just been completed. We now have the ability to generate CraigsList ads directly from within the respective websites: http://holywell.ca. This allows for: a professional presence on CraigsList custom designed software allows modifications down the road quick ad generation from existing content (ad is generated from listings posted to the holywell.ca and 90dayrealty.ca websites) Visit Holywell Properties. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php BEL Builders gets a quick face lift. BEL Builders and it's sister site Maycon (coming soon) now has a fresh makeover http://belbuilders.ca Smooth and simple layout Sleek administration allows staff to update the site themselves Simple but powerful Visit BEL Builders. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Holywell Properties has continued it's re-branding and has deployed a new Website. This is the third major overhaul of the Holywell Properties website and it now partners perfectly with their sister site http://90dayrealty.ca Smooth and classy layout with a focus on properties All back-end coding and styling was created to match the 90dayrealty website but still be unique to Holywell Sleek administration allows staff to update the site from anywhere in the world As new listings are added all content is parsed for search engine optimization and pushed out to the major engines Simple but powerful Visit Holywell Properties. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Coast Martial Arts in Gibsons, B.C., offers comprehensive training in the martial arts. This was a collaborative project with great results! Site layout designed by Brett Carlyle and converted from illustrator to a Wordpress platform All back-end coding and styling was created to spec. Sleek administration allows staff to update the site from anywhere in the world Simple but powerful Visit Coast Martial Arts http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Mainstay Computing was pleased to participate in the Royal LePage National Garage Sale for Shelter.Together, $2000 was raised to help two local women's transition houses on the Sunshine Coast. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Mainstay Computing has team up with local businesses to raise funds to help kids get to summer camp.Together, $10,329 was raised to ensure children in need from the Sunshine Coast are able to have active and positive summer camp experiences at YMCA Camp Elphinestone. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Malaspina Realty & Property Management gets a complete overhaul! Their old site hailed from the digital stone age and was in desperate need of an update in both style and useability. The site was migrated from a clapped out server to a modern facility, allowing for much more powerful features. Built on a user-friendly Wordpress platform, users can now quickly (and easily) make site changes and additions Previously, aesthetics had been sorely neglected, so great care was taken in creating a visually appealing and modern design. Visit Malaspina Realty & Property Management. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Holywell 90 DAY Realty is a new Realty company on the Sunshine Coast, offering great rates on selling real estate. There new site boasts some of the best properties on the Coast at amazing commission rates. The design offers amazing power in a simple, intuitive interface This project showcases the power and versatility of the WordPress framework Sleek administration allows staff and realtors to update the site from anywhere in the world using ALL modern devices (including iPads and mobile phones) Designed, Built, and Tested in only 2 weeks (!) Visit 90 DAY Realty http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php As part of Holywell Properties new venture in offering AFFORDABLE real estate services on the Sunshine Coast, we've refreshed their splash page to offer visitors a choice between Property Management and Property Sales. The design reflects a clean, clear landing page for visitors Design is consistent with the new 90dayrealty.ca website Simple redirects Visit Holywell.ca http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php It has been a very busy spring! Although we haven't been doing a lot of updates to the site, we've been hard at work on many client sites. With the latest updates to the WordPress platform we have been revisiting our sites and patching security holes, improving speed and performance, optimizing search engine compatibility, and generally giving them some TLC. ANCA: Naturally Autistic, originally built 2 years ago, is one such site that benefited from such a review and overhaul. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php The Sechelt Fire Department(http://www.secheltfiredepartment.ca/) website gets a reno. Well, a bit more than a reno. The site was completely overhauled to provide new and powerful features for the Fire Department: converted all existing data to a clean WordPress platform New features allow personnel to make important news releases right from the field a powerful image gallery allows for QUICK and EASY photo uploads A very adaptive framework allows for big changes to be made with a simple and intuitive interface Visit http://www.secheltfiredepartment.ca/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Carbonsync(http://carbonsync.ca/) is now back online in fighting form. Although not a Mainstay design, we recently revamped some core code to make this site ready for the 2010 Holiday Season: updated base wordpress engine updated and corrected custom CSS and java plugins repaired iPhone compatibility custom artwork created and added Visit http://carbonsync.ca/ today! Don't forget to order your tree for this holiday season! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Direct Disposal Corporation(http://directdisposal.ca/) is now online! This site features: a design that compliments the clean and green DDC values an embedded WordPress engine for easy owner updates and changes the ability for staff to quickly add photos and news items to the website a notice board for DDC to alert the public to safety concerns, service updates, and information on responsible waste management Visit http://directdisposal.ca/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Raven's Cry Theatre (http://www.ravenscrytheatre.com/) is now online! This site features: clean design and layout an embedded WordPress engine to deliver all of the latest shows and events to site visitors the ability for staff to quickly add photos and news items to the website quick integration with IMDB RSS feeds to deliver news on a specific topic integration with FaceBook email subscription engine calendar of events Visit http://www.ravenscrytheatre.com/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Sechelt Plumbing (www.secheltplumbing.com) is now online! This site features: clean, friendly design and layout an embedded WordPress engine to deliver a powerful (but simple to use) content management system the ability for staff to quickly add photos and news items to the website customer testimonials randomly displayed throughout the site a powerful job scheduler that instantly relays job requests to staff blackberries and iPhones a showroom photo gallery that is quickly and easily updated Visit http://www.secheltplumbing.com/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php As most of you know, we have been slowly withdrawing many of the courses that we offer through Capilano University and have been passing our notes on to others. This year we've decided to simply release all of our course notes and handouts directly to the internet and spread the joy. These notes are copyrighted Matthew Lehmann of Mainstay Computing, 2010, however you are free to use them in a home, non-profit, environment. Course Notes http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php C&H Woodcraft Ltd.(www.chwoodcraft.com) is now online! This site features: clean, friendly design and layout an embedded WordPress engine to deliver a powerful (but simple to use) content management system the ability for staff to quickly add photos and news items to the website Visit http://www.chwoodcraft.com/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Dave Hutt Contracting (www.davehutt.com) is now online! This site features: clean, friendly design and layout an embedded WordPress engine to deliver a powerful (but simple to use) content management system the ability for staff to quickly add products to the website one of the fastest development turn-around times ever (1 week) Visit http://www.davehutt.com/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Coast Storage & Containers (www.coaststorage.ca) is now online! This site features: clean, friendly design and layout an embedded WordPress engine to deliver a powerful (but simple to use) content management system the ability for staff to quickly add products to the website Visit http://www.coaststorage.ca/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php The latest installment in our Fall Backup Blitz is a terrific off-site service called Back Blaze.Back Blaze allows unlimited storage of your personal files that are accessible to your 24/7. Have automatic backups of your entire office for just $5 a month (!)Buy Back Blaze http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php As we gear up for Fall it is time to start thinking about backups. Acronis True Image Home 2009 is the most powerful (an inexpensive) options you have for ensuring that you survive a hard drive crash with both your files and your sanity intact. Acronis True Image Home 2009 complete PC protection: back up your entire PC, including the OS plus your data, applications, pictures, video, financial documents, settings and everything!Buy Acronis True Image and enter coupon code SATIH2009OFF15 to save an instant 15%! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php As many of you know, we recently had a wonderful new addition to our family: Morgan Lily Grace makes her triumphant entrance onto the scene. We are very pleased to announce that Morgan has now arrived on the Coast! We thank everyone for their tremendous support and understanding. Visit http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/morgan for the latest news and updates! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Burtnick Enterprises Ltd. gets a new website. Clean and simple CSS-based website Easy to update interface Existing site code has been re-used in this port to a new platform Secure, restricted access for employees and affiliates, allows for easy file sharing and distribution Visit http://belhomes.ca/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Cool Moose Caboose, your source for hunting and fishing refrigeration, is pleased to announce the release of their new website Clean and simple CSS-based website Easy to update interface Google Web Album for simple addition of new images Visit http://coolmoosecaboose.com/ today! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Mainstay Computing took home the honors for best Home-Based Business on the Sunshine Coast at last nights gala event held at the Augusta Grill. We would like to thank the Sunshine Coast Business Retention and Expansion Society, M. Magas and Associates Inc., Grieg Seafood, Chasters Restaurant, and to Wheatberries for sponsoring this wonderful event. We would also like to thank our terrific customers who have helped make Mainstay a success! Congratulations to the other finalists and winners. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Wine & Roses get's a new website! This site combines the classic feel of an old-school winery with the fresh, fun feel of Wine & Roses. Wine & Roses is a long-time local company who has never had a web presence. Enjoy great tasting wines at a fraction of the price! Say with a Flower at Wine & Roses visit www.wine-roses.ca http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php On January 23rd, Mainstay Computing was short-listed as a finalist in the Sunshine Coast 2009 Business Awards of Distinction in Two Categories! Diversity Leadership Award Home-Based Business Award Read more about these awards at the: Sunshine Coast Business Association website. Thank you to the sponsors and to our loyal customer-base who has nominated (and voted for!) us for these awards! http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php carbonsync.ca goes live! Brad Major, an innovative and environmentally conscientious business owner has launched a new venture to help raise awareness of our carbon footprint and to bring an effective solution for those interested in doing their part. You may remember Brad's past ventures (and Mainstay's "classic" site designs) of SHC Fire & Safe Home Consulting. This site exemplifies the best of Mainstay Computing web design: simple, light-weight CSS and PHP design that is cross-browser friendly and extremely customizeable. With each site we design, our coding gets refined to better meet the demands of both our customers and the web community (W3C authority). Visit http://www.carbonsync.ca http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Register early to reserve your seat in this semester's computer classes at Capilano University! Take a look at our upcoming courses offered at Capilano University. Call 604 885 9310 for more information. Visit our Services Section. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php BEL Homes (Burtnick Enterprises Ltd.) gets and update to the style and content of their site. New photos and new writeups are now online. Some "behind-the-scenes" administrative code has also been added. Visit http://www.belhomes.ca/home.php http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php A new site is unveiled for Betty Pehme: Mixed Media Artist A clean, streamlined site that showcases Betty's art is now online. The focus for 2009 is on reducing the digital footprint that our sites consume... no more heavy, slow loading sites that are cumbersome to update. Visit http://bettypehme.com/ http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php A new site is unveiled for Eco Energy Solutions. Eco Energy Solutions, a sister company of Sechelt Plumbing is now offering geo-thermal heating solutions for the Sunshine Coast! Clean and simple design - a breath of fresh air! Visit http://sunshinecoastecoenergysolutions.com/ http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Sechelt Plumbing gets a new logo and a site update. New logo and site layout for Sechelt Plumbing. New embedded flash video and coding for GreenScreened affiliates New customer comments feedback w/ easy updates from Excel. Visit http://secheltplumbing.com/ http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Cozy Homes Fireplaces gets a site update. New products and suppliers are now available. New backgrounds and a few code changes to make this CSS site compatible with IE7 Visit http://cozyhomesfireplaces.com http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering at The University of British Columbia gets a new logo. This Logo: This new corporate savvy design updates the look of the NBK image, while still paying homage to their historical roots. The challenge in this design was to incorporate the traditional feel of mining with it's new, updated image... (and also to include the enormous amount of text that is required in the NBK TM). The top red geometrics represent a mountain while the bottom one represents a mine... and for those that are looking for the alternative interpretation, the entire logo can be seen as a stylized pick-axe. Visit http://www.mining.ubc.ca http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Carol Whittaker and her amazing works of art are now online. This site: "Carol Whittaker: artist" is a new site for one of the Coast's talented artists. The site focuses on clean, clear navigation with a an intuitive gallery featuring Carol's work. Visit http://www.carolwhittaker.com/ http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Wit Works Ltd. is a small, agile workspace consulting firm located on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Wit Works Ltd. has a practice that is regional, provincial, national and international (UK). April Struthers and Wit Works Ltd. are Management Consultants working in health, education, social services and local government/ public service. This site: is relatively simple... but it's straight-forward, sophisticated, and clean approach reflects the WitWorks approach. Bold, Clean Lines Simple Design = Simple to Maintain Visit the WitWorks Ltd. website http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Back by popular demand, our Wedding Website is back on line with updated pictures in the Gallery. http://www.mainstaycomputing.com/news.php Mainstay Computing is pleased to announce that their new website is online. Fresh for 2009, Mainstay Computing has a new web presence. This site has: Refreshing Design Bold, Clean Lines Intuitive Navigation Easy Updates (easier on me) PHPNews Engine Very Small Digital Footprint We'll be working hard to port our old help files, news items, and tutorials from our old site to this new one... so we thank you in advance for your patience.