PCC Offers Physicians Virus-free, Secure, and Inexpensive Computer Network

Contact:
Chip Hart
Physician's Computer Company
Phone: 800.722.7708
FAX: 802.846.8177
E-Mail: chip @ pcc.com

April 8, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Winooski, VT)—Spyware, viruses, Microsoft Windows® updates, security leaks, and employees who 'tinker' with their computers no longer need to consume the time and financial resources of medical practices. Physician's Computer Company (PCC) has introduced a Linux-based network solution that costs less to install and much less to maintain than Microsoft® networks.

"The savings in terms of time and money have been substantial," said Patty Adham, Office Manager for Knoxville Pediatrics, the first practice to take advantage of PCC's network based on the Linux Terminal Server Project (www.ltsp.org). LTSP is an add-on package for the Linux operating system that allows connection of many low-powered,
inexpensive workstations to a Linux server. Applications, such as practice management, word processing, or bookkeeping software, typically run on the server, but accept input and display their results on workstation (thin client) displays.

"Our system administrator had been spending huge amounts of time updating our growing fleet of PCs;" said Adham, "He now is free to concentrate on other projects." Because the system is Linux-based, it erases fears of viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that trouble Windows® networks. It also eliminates the time and expense of keeping multiple workstations updated with security patches and virus
definitions.

Many doctors are concerned that Windows® XP has been identified as detrimental to HIPAA compliance due to the license giving Microsoft the right to "examine" the licensee's hard drive and make changes at its discretion and without notice. This concern, as well as the considerable expense of maintaining legal copies of Microsoft® operating systems and programs, is eliminated with the Open Source (www.opensource.org) software available for the Linux system. For instance, OpenOffice (www.openoffice.org), an alternative to Microsoft® Office, is completely free. "The LTSP server system is awesome!" said Paulette Weaver, system administrator for Paradise Pediatrics of Phoenix. "The software is easy to use and not a difficult change."

Only offered to existing PCC clients early this year, the LTSP
network is already a popular idea. "We expected the idea to be popular," said Chip Hart, leader of PCC's practice management consulting team, "but within the first month it was offered, we had more practices signed up for installation than our goal for the entire year."

About PCC --
Started in 1983, PCC specializes in helping pediatric offices
concentrate on taking care of their patients. The company's Guaranteed Support 24/7 policy sets them apart in the industry. PCC not only sells, installs, and supports its computer software and networks, it offers training and consulting on a wide variety of practice management topics.