Memorial Day weekend is, to many people, the official start of the summer season.  It is a long weekend to spend grilling out and enjoying time with friends and family.  But Memorial Day is so much more.  Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is about coming together to honor those who gave their all in service to our nation.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868.  On that day flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time Memorial Day, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”

Before you head off to enjoy your long weekend use this time to print some documents to announce your Memorial Day event or sale.  You will find some great ideas in our template library for banners, flyers or coupons to increase business during the long weekend.  You can also offer to print things like greeting cards and invitations for your customers.  There are so many possibilities in our template library.   Please head over to the Xerox Template library and see what creative things you can do.  There are instructions included that will explain the best ways to print the templates. 

There are templates for the sales and marketing, public relations, office administration and health care  fields. These templates can simplify your work processes and help you move past the business of administrating your business to actually doing your real business.  All the templates are free to use and are our way of helping you streamline your processes and get the most out of your Xerox printers and multifunction devices. 

Teachers as the school year comes to an end you will find a special section just for education templates with award certificates, diplomas and bookmarks, just to name a few, that you can personalize and print for your students.  There are also beautiful full color inspirational posters like the one pictured here.  So check out the templates for help with your business.

Click here to view the embedded video.

ConnectKey has a robust user permissions.  This will allow you to control how, when and how much people can print.  The permissions will let you control things like duplex printing saving on paper.  You can also control how and when people can print in color.  For example you can restrict some types of documents like email to printing only in black and white.  While allowing Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint to print in color.  You can also decide when color printing will be available to keep people from printing in color after hours. 

ConnectKey can also help you restrict who accesses the machine.  With a card reader over 85 card types can be read to enable users to log into the device using a proximity card, student ID, or security card.  Using the Card reader provides  a secure method of authentication, tracking usage and billing.

ConnectKey multifunction printers are compatible with Cisco® EnergyWise, an energy management solution that allows IT operations and facilities to measure and fine-tune power usage to realize significant cost savings. For example, with Cisco energy management solutions, you can set power states for the multifunction printer for optimal power savings. You can also set the multifunction printer to go to sleep mode after 10 minutes, get current power consumption information, and set timeout to low power and sleep modes.

Other money saving features include the Earth Smart settings in the print drivers, Accounting capabilities for accurate billing and default settings that can enforce the use of duplex or double sided prints.  To find out more about these specific features you can search on the support page for your machine. 

You can also check out the ConnectKey site and brochure for additional information.

I like watermarks because it is a visual representation to let me know I am working, for instance, with a draft version of a document, this is very helpful for documents that are printed out multiple times for editing and revising.  Watermarks can also be used to put your name on a document you created, that way no one can take credit for your work!!  Watermarks are a simple way to secure your confidential or intellectual property.   The marks can be customized; you can choose the size, orientation, font and even color of the watermark to fit your needs. 

Watermarks can also be added to copies on some of our machines.  Standard watermarks available for copies include the words Draft, Confidential, the Date and Time, a Control Number or a watermark of your creation.  The watermark is a great security feature as well because they cannot be removed or manipulated as you might be able to do with a header or footer. 

To learn more about the watermarks available on your machine please search for “watermark” in Online Support for your model machine.  To get to your machine’s support page click here and enter your machine model number, then type ”watermark” in the search field. 

Below I have added the screenshots of the Watermark Editor on the Windows drivers (watermark editor is also available in the Mac drivers) and a screenshot of what the copy watermark screen might look like on your machine.  The third image is a couple of samples of watermarks.  Click on the images to bring up a larger view.  Remember your screens may vary depending on your model of machine and how your machine is set-up, so these screenshots are only examples.  Example, another good watermark word!!

Xerox has a new key to security for your data and business.  We reviewed the new ConnectKey in an overview article last week.  Today we are going to the explore the security features in more detail.  The new Xerox ConnectKey offers security similar to that for a PC but this security is for your multifunction printer.  This security will help to keep viruses and malware from attacking your multifunction printers.  ConnectKey also controls access to end points on the network making the multifunction printer a fully secured network citizen. 

So how does this work? Well, Xerox, through ConnectKey is the first company to offer McAfee whitelisting technology for multifunction printers.  This insures that only approved and predefined applications, files and code will run on your Xerox multifunction printers.  The multifunction printers will also detect and prevent unauthorized access and send you alerts.  To learn more about how the partnership between Xerox and McAfee works to protect you check out the webpage.

The ConnectKey multifunction printers also include the Cisco TrustSec^®.  Cisco TrustSec^®  is an intelligent access control solution.  With minimal effort Cisco TrustSec^® mitigates security risks by providing comprehensive visibility into who and what devices are connecting across your network.  It also offer control over where those with proper permission can go and what they can access.   

There are also several standard security features that begin working to secure your data as soon as you power on the ConnectKey multifunction printer.  These features include 256 bit HD encryption with overwrite, secure print with timeout deletion and secure external email connectivity that encrypts data transfer.  Check out this short video to find out more about some of these security features. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

As always you can find out more by visiting the ConnectKey site .  As always there are support pages available for many of the features of ConnectKey. You can also find more information about security at the Xerox Security site.  With ConnectKey you can continue to safeguard your data against the “Curious Kelly” and anyone else that would try access your information.

Do you ever get tired of trying to figure out which print driver to use?  Have you ever sent a document to a printer in another zip code because you picked the wrong driver?  Have you ever wondered why you have a list of drivers longer than your screen?  Well if you answered yes to any of these questions then do I have a driver for you - the Xerox® Global Print Driver™ (X-GPD).  The X-GPD is a universal driver that offers simplified use for IT personnel or network administrators that are managing a diverse set of print devices across a network.  The X-GPD will also greatly reduce the time and effort required to install and upgrade print drivers.   

Okay I see those doubting faces but let me tell you about this driver, the Xerox Global Print Driver lets you print to almost any printer or multifunction printer, but wait there’s more.  This Global Print Driver works with not only Xerox products but even those made by other manufactures. It is truly a universal driver supporting Xerox and non-Xerox printers PostScript and PCL.

So what are some of the advantages of the Global Driver?  This X-GPD driver allows IT people to create global print application settings like duplex or black and white printing to save costs. Another Earth smart feature is Print Job ID which prints the job/user information in the margin on the first page which can eliminate costly and wasteful banner pages. The common interface will also cut down on training when a new printing device is added to the network.  Just plug in the new device and give it the same IP address as the old printer (or redirect the port).  The Xerox Global Print Driver automatically discovers the device and updates users’ feature options.  No requalification or reinstallation necessary!  The user interface shows most-used features on the first tab, so users can easily find and select printer options.  The driver is available is 25 languages. 

If you already have the Xerox Global Print Driver please make sure that you check occasionally on the driver page for new or updated releases of the driver and update your driver as appropriate. 

Please take a look at the brochure for more information on this great driver.  Then download your own copy of the X-GPD driver.  Still want to know more?  Check out all the information on the Xerox® Global Print Driver™ webpage.  Need assistance while using the driver?  Check out the Online Support for the X-GPD.

Let’s talk about Xerox MySupport which is actually your support not my support, I know it sounds like that classic and genius Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s on First”, if you haven’t ever seen it, check it out, I have posted it below.   

Back to the topic, have you seen this tool called Xerox MySupport?  Well if you haven’t you are missing out on a tool that will save you time and really impress you if you are into major organization and simplicity.   Seriously this is like the ultimate organizer but for your Xerox printing equipment.  The Xerox MySupport portal will allow you to customize your interface to display information about all your equipment and allow you to receive notifications about new drivers, security updates, and support updates.  If your devices are set up for automated services included with the Smart eSolutions you can also monitor the printer’s status, usage patterns, view your ink/toner levels and meter reads between billings.  You can even export data about your machines to create your own reports and graphs.  The MySupport portal is completely customizable so that you only receive the information about your model of machine(s) and information that is pertinent to your business.   

We have great information about the free Xerox MySupport portal on the MySupport portal web page.  There is also a brochure and a video tour of the portal.  I think you should take a look at these links and see how you can do some spring cleaning and organizing of your Xerox printers.  The MySupport portal, available for those  with Full Service Maintenance Agreements or rental / lease agreements, will make managing your printers so much easier with all the information you need in one place, no searching, no multiple clicking, so it will save you time too!  Check it out and you will see just how helpful this tool can be.  

Click here to view the embedded video.

Please watch this short video to see some of the functions addressed by Xerox ConnectKey. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

ConnectKey is a software system that provides ways to use your multifunction printer to simplify the way your work gets done. ConnectKey has industry leading security from our partnerships with McAfee® and Cisco® to provide additional security. 

ConnectKey Solutions can reduce waste and paper consumption, and save you time by helping you to do your job more effectively.  It is also compatible with energy management solutions like Cisco EnergyWise and contains features that help to reduce power consumption. 

The ConnectKey system provides solutions for your mobile workforce as well, with cloud ready mobile solutions and simplified workflows.  ConnectKey is available on some of Xerox’s new products, but there are also products that can be upgraded to the ConnectKey platform through a firmware upgrade.  The list of compatible machines includes both ColorQube and WorkCentre models, see if your machine is on the list. 

Please check out the links in this article for further information and watch for more articles in the At Your Service blog about the features of the new Xerox® ConnectKey™. 

The edge erase will allow you to erase marks on copies that are made by punched holes, staples, headers, footers and any other stray marks in the margins.   By modifying the edge deletion parameters you can eliminate those unsightly marks so your original will look clean and show no evidence of the holes or staples.   With the edge erase feature you can choose All Edges which will produce a consistent margin erase on all margins from 0 to 2 inches in size.  The Individual Edges independently erases each margin in differing amounts between 0 to 2 inches. The Individual Edges feature gives you more flexibility; you can choose top, bottom, left or right and repeat the setting for 2 sided copies.

Edge Erase Screen Example

The Image Shift feature is a layout adjustment feature that will allow you to auto center the copy or adjust the image shift independently using the margin shift or the preset shift right and shift down features.  The image can be shifted in an amount from 0 to 2 inches.  Copies can also be made with a margin added to the top, bottom, left, or right. When making two-sided prints, the shift position can be set for both side one and side two.

To find the instructions for using these features on your machine access the support page for your machine and then search on edge erase or image shift.  Try incorporating these features next time you have a less than perfect original that you need to copy.  You will be surprised at how much better your copy will look. 

Earlier this week we talked about all the ways Xerox helps Mother Earth on Xerox and the 43rd Annual Earth Day!  Today April 26, is Arbor day.  Arbor  is the Latin word for tree.  Arbor day was first proposed  in Nebraska on January 4, 1872 by the secretary of Nebraska  J. Sterling Morton.  Morton was a journalist, a pioneer that moved from Detroit to the Nebraska territory. Morton had a love of nature and understood the importance of trees as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel, building material and shade from the sun. In Nebraska he and his wife planted trees and gardens at their new home.  Eventually Morton became the secretary of Nebraska and proposed a tree planting holiday to be called Arbor Day. Nebraska, mind you, was a more or less tree-less state at the time.  The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872 and over one million trees were planted.  The idea of observing such a holiday spread to other states later in the 1870s. States today most commonly observe the National Arbor Day holiday on the last Friday in April. The observance of National Arbor Day has even spread to countries outside of the U.S.

So why the history of Arbor Day?  Because trees are important and here at Xerox we understand that.  Xerox has Xerox High Yield Business Paper which uses half as many trees, is manufactured with less water and chemicals, and is produced in a mill that uses hydroelectricity to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent. Plus, because this paper is lighter weight than paper made by the traditional chemical process, it costs less to ship and mail. It is the first and only paper of its kind that performs reliably in digital printers and copiers.

The High Yield paper is made by a mechanical pulping method – the process that makes newsprint and the offset-printing paper that’s used for some directories, catalogs and flyers. Wood chips are fed into large machines that grind the fibers loose to make the pulp. Because wood chemicals are not removed from the paper-making fiber, the process produces twice as much paper per tree – a yield of more than 90 percent.

Another option to save paper and therefore trees is to use the GreenPrint™ software to help you eliminate any unwanted pages before they are ever printed.  GreenPrint is a free software program that works with all our solid ink machines.  So if you have one of our ColorQubes or any of our other solid ink machines please check out the Print Greener website for more information or for your copy of the software. 

Please enjoy your Arbor day and do your part to save a tree or plant a new one.  The earth and your future generations will thank you.

Welcome to the 43rd annual Earth Day!  At Xerox every day  is Earth Day.  Xerox has been committed to sustainability and preserving the planet even before the founding of Earth Day in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin as a teach-in about the environment.  Sustainability is important at home and at the office.  According to the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  To that end we all need to recycle, reuse and reduce the use of all of our natural resources from trees to electricity. 

Let’s look at a few things that Xerox has done to foster sustainability:

• Inventing double-sided copying in 1969
• Introducing the first post-consumer recycled paper products in the early 1970’s
• Introducing products in the 1980’s that automatically powered down or went into a “sleep mode” years before Energy Star programs were conceived.
• In the late 90’s we established a waste-free platform to design waste-free products and to manufacture in waste-free facilities.  Including 3 zero waste to landfill facilities. 
• Xerox initiated a cartridge return program so that cartridges can be remanufactured.   
• In the 2000’s we introduced the solid ink technology that reduced packaging and energy use.

The list goes on but these are some of the highlights.  To find out more about what Xerox is doing to be a responsible global citizen please see the Xerox 2012 Global Citizenship report explains many of the initiatives that have been ongoing projects for Xerox.  You can look specifically at the “Preserving the Planet” tab for the things we do to support, and sustain the world in which we live and work.  On the Preserving the Planet page there are several links to more information about our conservation and environmental efforts. 

There are several features available on many of the Xerox printers and multifunction printers that will help you to make your office a more sustainable work place.  Consider using double sided copying or printing when possible.  Turn off the banner pages and use the sample set feature to make sure your job is correct before printing out multiple copies.  Please look at the support pages for your products for instructions for using these earth-friendly features. 

Some other things you can do to help the environment include:

• Use recycled paper products and recycle all paper when possible.
• Return used supplies to Xerox for recycling. Including  used cartridges for some HP equipment.
• When you are upgrading to a new machine always consider a Multifunction device to cut down on the number of fax machines, copiers and printers you have in your office environment.
• If you are upgrading or getting rid of a Xerox product please consider recycling or donating the machine. 

Now take a look at this video about Xerox, solid ink and sustainability and remember this quote: 

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.  ~ Native American Proverb

Click here to view the embedded video.