วันศุกร์ที่ 27 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

How Did Work Get Done Before Computers?

There are days in the business world that can be frustrating. Perhaps a technology solution isn't working out quite like you had planned or you lost a big client because of a foul up in communications. You ponder all the moving parts and try to devise new ways to become more effective and efficient. Maybe the answer is getting all your employees smart phones so they can communicate on the go. Or perhaps it's installing a hosted Microsoft project server. Or maybe it's just getting back to basics and not worrying so much about what new technology is out there. Indeed, business has been going on forever, or at least before technological advances made business more and more impersonal. So how did business get done back in the day? Easy-it got done face-to-face.

For many, face-to-face might mean a video conference. After all, you can see their face, right? However, no matter how good technology gets there is no way to replicate actually being there. For one, you know the other person traveled just to see you. That makes you feel special, as if you are important enough to warrant a personal visit. You can also see all the body language of the other person. Since so much of communication is non-verbal, this is important. Another plus of face-to-face meetings is you actually have a bit of a relationship with a team member, rather than being a common line item on Microsoft project management software. We're all people, and that's what workers knew in the old days. No matter how technologically advanced we get, we're all still people.

Those face-to-face meetings, as well as countless phone calls and-gasp!-hand-written or typed letters were a great way to forge a relationship with a client. There was no such thing as the internet and no need to learn computer languages or take Microsoft TFS training. There were people, and you had to get to know those people in order to get business done. Sure, you had to know your stuff, but that personal touch sometimes had more to do with getting the sale than what you knew. Part of that spirit is missing from today's business world, and it might be a good idea to get it back. After all, when your sever crashes and your internet connection dies, there's only one thing left: the people that you surround yourself with. Choose wisely!

At PHASE 2 International, you'll find the software-as-a-service you are looking for, whether it's hosted Microsoft Project server or Microsoft Project Management software. When you don't have to worry about your data or uptime, you can worry about more important things like taking care of your clients. If you do want to learn a little more, PHASE 2 also offers Microsoft TFS training. Visit PHASE 2 today to learn more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

วันพุธที่ 18 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

Microsoft to Hit the High Street

Microsoft is probably one of the best known companies in the tech world. They almost have there hand in every market whether its software, search or social networking, you can rest assured that Microsoft have their hands firmly in each industry.

Recently Microsoft has just announced that they will be opening a chain of stores on the high street. This comes somewhat peculiar to me as we are in the midst of a credit crunch and most companies are closing there stores instead of opening them up and shifting themselves online.

The stores will basically consist of selling PC's, mobile phones and a range of other software's. Microsoft have stated that they want to broaden there market reach, and this is such a true statement. They could be making a lot more money then they currently are doing, if they started selling there own items. They have a huge selection of products not to mention the Xbox 360 that has a ton of titles. What they basically would be doing is potentially offering lower prices to the consumer and cutting out the middle man.

So where does this leave the rest of the stores and competition that currently have a huge selection of Microsoft products and software in stock? Stores that sell game consoles and Microsoft based phones could end up losing a lot of revenue share. Although getting into the retail sector may well upset a lot of rivals, it is definitely a good decision for Microsoft as they look to expand there market and give the non technical public a better insight on what the company is about.

But could this force fierce competition from online competitors? We all know their biggest rival is Google, and Google are getting into a lot of niches themselves, could we possibly see the big G hitting high street stores in the near future. They have already launched there mobile handset range and I soon expect them to get into every other market including games consoles.

The high streets are currently in crisis so maybe this is what needs to happen to revive it. I am sure a fierce war between some of the largest companies in the world will bring some much needed public spending to a falling market sector. We would also be able to get products for a lot cheaper by just visiting stores directly and cutting out the third party.

Great selection of Golf Clubs, Golf Putters and Golf Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Musa_Aykac

วันอังคารที่ 17 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

Make Your Computer Hour Less Frustrating

Do you often become frustrated while you use the computer? Do you sometimes lose a lot of time dealing with a glitch or trying to learn how to do something? Every minute spent using a computer is supposed to be enjoyable. You will pick up computer tips, learn how to prevent some computer malfunctions and learn how to quickly solve some problems.

Do you sometimes have trouble logging into a web site you frequently use as a member even if you type in your correct username and password? A few months ago, I lost a lot of time trying to figure out why I could not log into one of my sites. Each time I clicked "Submit" after typing in my username and password, the landing screen said there was no match found for the username I entered. I used the site's live helpline to no avail.

Eventually, I asked the consultant at the computer lab I was using for help. He discovered a gap between the left edge of the username field box and my username. If there is a gap between the edge of the field box and your username or password, the web site system will think you typed in an extra character. Even if you copy and paste your username or password into a field, the gap I have discussed can be created. If you incur this error, just click your mouse into the field before the beginning of your username or password and hit "Backspace".

Do you use a flash drive to save and store documents? If you do, click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon before unplugging your device. If you have closed out every application you have used and still receive a screen message saying your generic device cannot be unplugged, shut your computer down and then unplug your device.

Have you had it with Internet Explorer crashing and causing you to restart everything you were doing on the Internet or log back into a web site? Quit using Internet Explorer and try Mozilla Firefox, which is a safer, more convenient Internet browser service.

Whenever you cannot get a web page to load after you type in the URL for a particular web site, hit the "Refresh" button once or twice. If the page still won't load, move on. Do not spend too much time trying to use a feature on a site. If a malfunction occurs on a site where you are a member, let the site's customer service department know and then go to another site or do something else.

Make your passwords short and easy to remember. If you create an account on a web site but have to wait for a password to be assigned and you receive a password that is long or hard to remember in your E-mail confirmation notice, change your password to your liking once you log into your new account the first time.

Always read a site's terms of service before filling out a form to sign up for an account. It is a hassle to fill out a form, click "Terms of Service" before you reach the "Submit" button and have to fill out the form again after you read the terms.

Reduce your time going to another site. If the site you are currently using has an extremely long link, highlight most of the link and hit "Delete" before typing in a new address.

Avoid excessive pop-up ads. Click "Tools" and activate the pop-up blocker.

Avoid tiring your arm out constantly pulling the scroll bar. Click your mouse on the screen and use the "down" arrow key to move down your page.

Do you ever use your computer speaker? To adjust the volume level, click the megaphone icon.

Speed up your Internet loading time. Use a DSL Internet service instead of a dial-up service.

Prevent glitches and power outages from destroying your work. Save your work often, especially once you finish writing a file. Hook your computer up to a surge protector.

Reduce your amount of junk mail. If unsubscribing to a particular sender does not work, click "Add to Black List".

When you want to use a CD, make sure it is properly inserted before using it. If it does not automatically pop in, touch the middle part of the CD and push it down.

I sometimes see people spend time trying to type in a number from the ten-key pad with no results. If no number appears on the screen, hit the numeric lock key.

Follow these tips to make your computer use more enjoyable!

Todd Hicks owns Skill Development Institute, an enterprise that provides a keyboard typing lesson and academic study guide. To become a great typist or student, visit Skill Development Institute. http://sdinst.blogspot.com

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Computer Video Production

Computer Video Production is nothing but using the computer as the heart of your video production system. With computers becoming more and more affordable and at the same time powerful, it is no wonder that it plays such an important role in the video production process.

And though computers play an important role in the process, you also need to look at the other aspects - things like video equipment selection, capturing video, video editing, and sharing video in general.

Everybody loves watching videos, especially when it involves people closer to you, or things that are dear to your heart. Though you may think that the digital camcorder is the only equipment you would need to meet all your video related needs, and to some extent it may also be true, there are other important steps that need to be done for you to be able to get an enjoyable video, which you can share with others.

Let us briefly touch upon the steps in the Video Creation process.

Selecting/Buying video equipments - You will need digital cameras/camcorders to setup your video production system.

Capturing your video on computer - Will need a capturing device depending on whether you need to capture digital or analog video

The right computer configuration - You will need a fast / powerful computer for video production.

Select video editing software - Most of the stuff is done here nowadays. Used to edit and polish your video

Sharing your video - To write your final video on DVD / VCD or other media

This is what you need to setup your video production system at home. Looks simple on the face of it, and it is if you just intend to create your own videos, which you would share with your friends and close one. Even the cost of this setup is going to be far more affordable, with prices of electronic instruments constantly falling.

The learning curve is fairly simple. You just do it a few times and you will get a hang of it. But if you intend to turn this into a profession, the learning curve is different and involves an in-depth study of a few more areas - both technical as well as around the process.

Computer Video Production.com

Suresh
Computer Video Production.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suresh_Bist

Create Your Own Shortcuts in Any Program With an Overlay Keyboard

Memory is a funny thing. We all remember important things like pay day, our birthday and hopefully our anniversary. These are things that are important to us so we remember them. The same is not true of most keyboard shortcuts in the programs we run.

A few of the benefits of using shortcut are:

1. Less frustration with a program.
2. Fewer mistakes and error to correct.
3. Fewer reaches for the mouse.
4. Increasing productivity.

Yes, we remember the shortcuts that are common to all programs such as Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+O for open and Ctrl+S for save. But what is the shortcut to add a hyperlink in Word? What can be frustrating is that there are no shortcuts to many of the functions in Word. Functions like the paragraph dialog require using the mouse or remembering the Alt+O+P sequence.

This is where an overlay keyboard can become valuable. Each key on an overlay keyboard can be configured to reproduce any sequence of keys from a standard computer keyboard. Naturally this includes all shortcut keys in a program.

Simply press the correct key and the shortcut will be activated. By configuring a key to the sequence Ctrl+K the hyperlink dialog box will appear. Configure another key to Shift+F1 and the reveal format window will appear.

With an overlay keyboard we have the ability to create our own shortcuts. In Word there is no shortcut for the Save As function. A user must either grab the mouse click on File and then on Save As or press the keys Alt+F+A. With an overlay keyboard simply configure a key to reproduce the Alt+F+A sequence and you have created your own shortcut.

While I have used Word as an example in this article an overlay keyboard can be used with any program. Programs that are industry standards to specially written applications to even Windows itself can be made easier to use. (Don't forget the Mac OS and its applications.)

With an overlay keyboard the user the user's time at the computer becomes more productive. They are free to concentrate on their work and not how to run the program. The user does not have to contort their hands into awkward positions to press shortcut keys.

To lean more about the versatility of and overlay keyboard visit www.pmkidder.com/enterpad

Philip Kidder has worked with computers for over 35 years. He worked for the Defense Department as a programmer and system analyst. After leaving the government he has worked in computer sales owning his own store. Upon leaving the retail side he is currently a programmer and consultant to businesses. He also works with individuals helping them solve their computer problems. With his broad experience he truly joys is helping others solve their problems and make the computer less of a demon and more of a friend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Kidder

วันจันทร์ที่ 9 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2552

Linux Dashboard Solution With Opera Widgets and Compiz Fusion

Many users who have migrated to using some form of Linux from Apple's OS X, and even many who have not used OS X before find themselves looking for a Linux Dashboard solution. That is, many users look for a way to replicate the functionality of the OS X dashboard on a Linux operating system.

What is the Dashboard in the first place? It is an application designed for OS X systems that supports small applications known as widgets. These widgets are single purpose interactive virtual applications that are used, for example, to display the latest information, the time and date, the weather, online sites, and so on. They are small and simple, and allow for a great degree of customization since the user can select which widgets to use and which not to use. In a sense, they allow users to put together their own interface for performing their own kinds and mix of activities on the computer, both off and online. They are especially useful for power users and web developers who would need access to a wide variety of small apps over the course of their day.

This function as a widget engine is not unique to Dashboard, however. There exist several different engines that Linux users could also possibly use, if they just wanted to have widgets on their systems. What would probably be the more unique feature of Dashboard is the fact that these widgets are placed on a semi-transparent layer that is invisible until called up by the user. This layer can be activated by clicking on the appropriate icon, pressing a user-selected hotkey, or even moving the mouse to a specified corner of the screen. The widget layer would then be displayed with the actual desktop faded in the background. This means that the widgets are out of the way until the user needs them, providing an elegant solution to the clutter that inevitably became a problem with the use of widgets.

Fortunately, even this functionality can be had on a Linux system, and here is how. One way is to use Opera in conjunction with a Compiz Fusion plugin called Widget Layer. Opera Widgets are almost exactly the same as Dashboard widgets, offering a similar variety of small widgets for users to use with the Opera browser. These tiny web applications, however, run on the desktop by default, and are not hidden, like Dashboard widgets.

The Widget Layer plugin would allow you to specify rules for transferring regular windows from the windows manager over to a special widget layer. This widget layer acts exactly like the Dashboard widget layer in OS X, being invisible until needed and called up using a hotkey or mouse click. To make Opera Widgets run on this layer, simply set the Widget Windows field to "role: opera-widget", and presto! This Linux Dashboard solution is just one among many, but is rather simple and easy, using only the Opera browser and the readily available Compiz Fusion plugins and configuration system.

If you are interested in Linux Dashboard Solution, check this web-site to learn more about Linux dashboard solution.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Miller

Data Recovery - 10 Most Effective Computer Backup Tools

Despite my best efforts, this past week I lost both my primary and secondary computer systems. After losing my primary desktop several years ago, I vowed I would never let myself be caught without an operating PC. As they say, "the road to h*ll is paved with good intentions," and I once again was caught with my proverbial pants down without an operating computer when my desktop, which had been exhibiting some problem signs in the last month, died suddenly and would not turn on.

I then went to my laptop, which I had admittedly been lazy about keeping updated, and turned it on. Immediately the Windows update process started, and asked me install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Having done that successfully on my desktop, I wasn't too worried about any installation problems on the laptop. However, upon completing the installation, the blue screen of death appeared, which is NEVER a good sign with a Windows-based system.

After trying for about an hour without success to revive my laptop (which is only 8 months old and still under warranty), I knew that I was in trouble and starting looking for alternatives. Fortunately, my husband keeps a laptop on hand that he uses for gaming when we travel, and he generously offered to let me install my programs and files on it until I could repair one of my computers.

After finally acknowledging that there was no way I could have foreseen this situation, I decided that I needed to s*ck it up, get over, and move on. So, I'm making do with a partially customized laptop that will do until one or the other of my PCs is returned.

Despite having gone through similar situations previously, I still learned a few new things along the way about data recovery and computer backup. Here are the 10 most effective tools that saved my bacon during my recent computer meltdown.

1. Automatic backup software. I've been using 2 online backups, Carbonite and Syncplicity. I have had to restore from Carbonite previously, and I found the process to be lengthy and somewhat confusing. So, several months ago I began using Syncplicity because it offers online access to all backed up files as well as the ability to synchronize an unlimited number of computers. However, it has taken a week to restore 20 GB of data with Syncplicity, and some of the data was wasn't really restored, despite what Syncplicity told me in my account. However, I can easily download this missing info to my computer from the online vault. One process that makes this backup system easier is that I store all of my data files in My Docs so I don't have to hunt them down in Program Files, or wherever they are typically stored.

2. Email client software. I still use the dinosaur Eudora for my email client. Old habits die hard, I suppose. However, somehow I missed marking some key Eudora folders to back up, and so I was initially using my webmail access providing by my hosting company to access email because of this oversight with Eudora. I began to tire of that quickly, as I had no way to create additional folders in those systems, so I then decided to manually configure Eudora and open folders and emails as I need them in the program. This experience has made me very tempted to change all of my incoming and outgoing email servers on all domains to Gmail just to have access to everything online, come hurricane, flood, tornado, or computer crash.

3. Bookmark service. I'm an avid researcher and resource collector, so having access to my bookmarks, or favorites file, is vital to my day-to-day operations. I had been using Spurl, but because of frequent periodic outages of their service, I've changed to Foxmarks. I like that this service offers me the ability to access all of these online, as well as have them at my fingertips any time I need them from my Bookmarks menu as well as easily synchronize them to any computer.

4. Contact management. Even though I don't use Outlook for email, I do use it for calendar and contact management. I had been using Plaxo as an online backup for my contacts, but it doesn't permit me to store my notes about each contact. I've been using Airset now for several months, and it regularly syncs my contacts (with notes) and my calendar to their online service. I found this much more convenient than trying to restore a backup PST file to Outlook and then repeating that again when my primary computer is returned. Instead, I just make changes to contacts and my calendar on Airset, and I'll just sync that to Outlook on my desktop.

5. Passwords. I've been using Roboform for years to help me manage my passwords. I've got my Roboform data in My Docs, so it was a breeze to reinstall Roboform and copy the data folder to the new computer and permit me to access all of the sites requiring a password and username. Finally, something that worked seamlessly!

6. Project Management. Smartsheet has been my project management service for the last few months. I love that it has the ability to create an item and allow you to attach a document and discussion to that item. Rather than having to hunt down information about a project, all I had to do was log into my Smartsheet account and there it was.

7. Software licenses. Roughly 99% of the new software I install is downloaded and I don't get a physical copy on CD. Therefore, I make sure that I have the downloaded version in a My Downloads folder that's a part of My Docs file, which is backed up regularly. And, I make a PDF copy of the software license that I get by email and store in a Software folder, also in My Docs. Lastly, I purchased a very inexpensive program, Registration Vault, that lets me store all of my software license and purchase info and permits me to back up my data to My Docs. As I had to reinstall software on a new computer, it was easy to restore the Registration Vault files, get my software license number, and have a fully functioning piece of software within minutes.

8. Accounting. I use Quickbooks for my accounting needs, and while they do offer an online version, I haven't yet moved to that. Instead, I back up Quickbooks after every use in the My Docs folder. When I needed to invoice consulting clients at the beginning of this month, all I had to do was reinstall Quickbooks and restore my latest backup. I instantly had everything I needed again at my fingertips.

9. Alternate free services. Some software I use, like CuteFTP and TraxTime, don't permit data backups. So, I really do have to start all over with my FTP info and my time tracking info when my computer dies. Rather than installing these programs on the new computer, I just used some free alternatives to get me through. FireFTP, a Firefox add-on, has worked quite well for me as my FTP client, and MyHours.com has stood in fairly well for TraxTime, although it requires a few more steps for operation than TraxTime.

10. Email marketing. While not a tool, I discovered that both text and HTML versions of email broadcasts matter in email marketing. I wasn't initially able to get my normal email client up and running, so I was reading my email from my webmail systems. I've got 2 hosting accounts, and the newer one has a fairly sophisticated webmail system and let me read HTML emails with no problem. The other, however, doesn't permit HTML viewing. So, those emails sent only in HTML were ones that I was unable to read. If you're wise and your email marketing program permits you to send emails out in both plain text and HTML, do it, even though it might seem like a needless pain. You just never know how members of your list might be forced to ready your emails.

As you might gather, I've discovered that online services have provided me with the greatest backup to help me through this computer crisis. My lesson? Duplicate as much as you can in online systems. In this way, you'll have access to your data when you travel, when you have a computer crash, or when you're faced with a natural disaster.

Copyright (c) 2009 OnlineBizU.com

Internet Marketing Strategist & Boomer Biz Coach Donna Gunter helps baby boomers create profitable online retirement businesses that they love by demystifying the tools & strategies needed to market and grow their businesses online. To claim your FREE gift, TurboCharge Your Online Marketing Toolkit, visit her site at OnlineBizU.com. Ask Donna an Internet Marketing question at AskDonnaGunter.com

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Removing the Skeletons From Your Server Closet

Your server is an important part of your business. Your server equipment should be secure, safe and efficient to protect your vital business information over the long term, but it's also just as important to keep up the maintenance on your server room as well.

Let's look at some things you can do to organize your server room.

Organization

If your server room is disorganized, then imagine sliding out one server only to find another fall out on top of you. Adequate shelving for each individual server means easier access for hardware maintenance and less risk of potential equipment damage or personal injury.

Some businesses add hardware to their original servers over time, but don't plan for adequate server racks. As you add new hardware, be sure to add or modify existing shelving so that each server has its own slides or shelving.

Air Flow

When you're organizing your server room's shelving and racks, be sure you set up your room's layout to maximise airflow through the room and around your equipment. This will help prevent internal server cooling systems from overheating.

Untangling any Server Issues

Your server room will contain a lot of cables, cords, expensive equipment. While most server rooms will have cords neatly tucked away to avoid damage or potential injury, there are those with jumbles of cords stretched everywhere.

Take some time to untangle Ethernet cables, KVM cords, power cords, network cables, and any other wiring. Use clips or tiebacks to keep cables and cords neat and in order.

Power Play

It's important to evaluate your power outlets and how you're utilising them. Having a server room with only one power outlet, but hooked into multiple adapters and power boards may not only be a hazard to your equipment, it may also become a fire hazard.

Evaluate our power boards and power strips. Have extra power outlets installed if you feel you require more outlets. Always be sure you keep up to date with any power technology and maintain your server room's power needs.

Temperature

Servers tend to give off heat, which can heat up your server room quickly. More importantly, some servers can have a tendency to overheat if adequate cooling systems aren't in place to regulate the temperatures.

For the safety of your equipment and protection of your server room environment, make sure to install sufficient cooling systems to meet your requirements. If you live in an area where humidity is a factor, be sure to include humidity monitors and even humidifiers to help control the levels of moisture in your server room.

Unnecessary Server Room Items

While most businesses keep their server equipment in a dedicated server room, some businesses store a multitude of other items in a server room as well. The security of your servers and the information stored on them should be a priority, so storing unnecessary items alongside server equipment may become a hazard.

Servers can overheat and be easily damaged if adequate airflow and ventilation is blocked by close proximity to items that shouldn't be in a server room in the first place.

Remove any boxes, files or other accumulated business items you've decided to store in your server closet and make sure your equipment is uncluttered.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information on Network installation, he recommends Network 24, a leading provider of network installation services

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers