Take Charge Of Errant Files And Folders!

Take Charge Of Errant Files And Folders!
If you are like most people, you have hundreds of important files spread all over your hard drive. It seems that there is not a universal way of handling these files and folders. Luckily there are a few simple things that you can do to manage and organize all your work.

1. Keep it simple. If you have multiple customers/clients/patients that need extra information stored about them outside of your usual database, create a file folder for the information and use the same naming conventions on all the files. For example: You could use the first three letters of a last name followed by 01.

2. Numerical files can be sorted numerically. When dealing with numerical files, make sure to add an initial zero before the number 1 or 2. For example: If you have one file named customer10 and another file named customer1, the customer10 file is sorted first if you sort by name. This can be really annoying. However, if customer1 is renamed to customer01 it will take care of the problem.

3. The amazing Windows Run command. If you have Windows 95 or higher, you have access to the nifty run command. In our testing, the run command will open any folder or file in the Windows folder and any other folder locations specified in your Autoexec.bat. These are known as paths. Common paths are the Windows folder and system folders. Paths can also be C:Program FilesMicrosoft Office. This means that in the Run window, you can type 'excel' and Microsoft Excel will open. You can also open folders. Just type the name of the folder and it opens right up. If you type 'calc' in the Run window and press Enter; Calculator opens. Very cool! Poke around and see what else you can do with the Run command. You can access Run by clicking on Start and Run.

4. Working with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Speaking of Excel, it is easy to work with different sheets inside the same Workbook. Think of the Workbook as the single *.xls file. When Excel starts a new Workbook, you have Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3 on the bottom of the screen. You can right click on any of these sheets and rename them to something else. Simply left clicking on the Sheet takes you to that Sheet.

5. Working with Microsoft Word Documents. It is easy to add revision remarks and page numbers to Word Documents. Revision remarks are important if you are working on a Document that needs to be seen by multiple people multiple times. For example: A small to medium project. Developers use Version numbers to track their software; the same should be done with Word Documents. To open the Header or Footer of a Word document, click on 'View | Header and Footer'. Next, click on the 'Switch between Header and Footer' button to switch between the two. Click on the 'Insert Page number' button to automatically add page numbers to the Document. (It would be embarrassing to give a technical presentation without page numbers. Your audience would lose confidence in your presentation, not to mention your word processing abilities.) Next, you can add revision remarks. Simply type 'Rev. A' below the line that has the page number OR whatever remarks you want.

6. Finally, have you ever been inside a folder and you can't find a sub-folder or a file? Well, it is very easy to get those folders and files to shape up. Click on 'View | Arrange Icons By' and choose an option. This will get those wandering folders and files to get back in line!

tips

Tips on Understanding the Dangers of Spyware and Adware
By: Paul Wilson

Money is the very crux of adware and spyware. These pose several problems and are a security risk.

Adware is a program that displays advertisements on the computer whether you want them or not. They are not just connected to particular websites or free software but are programmed to start up whenever your computer is switched on.

Programs like Eudora mail client display advertisements in lieu of charging registration fees for use of software. It helps developers recover program development costs. Kazaa the file sharing application comes bundled with at least three ad-ware programs. Two of them serve ads to the desktop while another redirects the user's browser to a search engine with advertiser sponsored web results. Well known ones are: BroadcastPC; Comet Cursor; GeoWhere; Network Essentials, 123 Messenger, Direct Revenue, and so on.

Unfortunately, other guises of adware are spyware and malware.

Spyware is a program code that relays information about you and your work without your permission or knowledge. Some just "spy" on you conveying your Internet habits to marketing companies, while others are "thieves" they access credit card information as well as other sensitive files. In plain terms, it is malicious software that can intercept or take control of a computer's operation without user knowledge or consent. Termed as "malware" the redefinition of spyware, the programs can:

* Steal personal information and the address book.
* Flood the browser with pop-ups.
* Spam the system.
* Slow down programs and connection.
* Hijack the browser and redirect the user to a "con" page.
* Uses the computer as a server to broadcast porn.
* Can cause a crash.


Spyware reaches a computer through innocent web pages, game demos, MP3 players, search tool bars, and other downloads like free software. It installs itself and leaves a mark on the windows registry. It can hog the computer resources such as memory and hard drive and cause a crash or lock up. Keystroke-logging spyware can steal passwords and credit card information for thieves.

To protect the files one has to:

* Use anti adware and spyware programs. Examples: Spybot, Search & destroy, Pest Patrol, and Lavasoft's Adware.
* Keep windows as well as Internet explorer up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.
* Maintain the security level of the Internet Explorer at medium. Users must not lower the security level.
* Use firewalls and web proxies to block access to web sites known to carry spyware.
* Install layered protection.
* Update the antivirus program. An up-to-date program will stop spyware as well as Trojans.
* Install a startup monitor to protect your system.
* Never accept "free" as being free---check out free software and downloads, there will be a hidden surprise or catch.
* Never download software from warez sites. Pirated software is always distributed along with adware and spyware.
* Use Spy checker to determine if the download has spyware. This can be accessed from the free computer securities pages.


An anti-spyware coalition has been instituted by Microsoft, Earthlink, McAfee, and Hewlett-Packard. They are working towards anti-spyware legislation and putting protection systems in place. A survey shows that 87 percent of users know what spyware is and of this 40 percent through firsthand experience. Protect yourself and your work; keep your system free of adware and spyware.

Author Bio
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com.

ups

USPS Click-N-Ship Software Provides Free Delivery Confirmation
By: Aurel Radulescu

Gone are the days of having to stand in line at the post office just to mail a package. These days, thanks to the advancement of the internet and technology, postal customers can now print postage from the convenience of their own home. Using a standard printer, along with USPS Click-N-Ship software, consumers can print shipping labels, postage stamps and even delivery confirmation numbers.

Many individuals, who make their living at online auction sites, are constantly in need of additional convenience relating to mailing and expenses. The software, which installs quickly, is one way to save shippers a bundle of time by allowing them to print postage directly from their printer. Using standard typing paper, the software enables the shipper to print a complete label featuring the return address, shipping address, barcode and a delivery confirmation.

Widely promoted as being a shipping convenience, the Click-N-Ship software often goes unrecognized for one of it's best features. If purchased at the post office, delivery confirmation is $0.45 per package but, with Click-N-Ship, it's free. Consider mailing 100 packages per month with delivery confirmation. At the post office, customers would pay $45.00 but, with the software, they save that amount of money. Over time, free delivery confirmation can add up to a bundle of cash and, if shipping is your business, it pays to save wherever possible. Before mailing the packages with delivery confirmation, it may be a good idea to keep a record of each shipment and it's corresponding tracking number. This will be very beneficial to any shipper who may later need to provide proof of shipment.

In order to properly use the Click-N-Ship software, customers must have some idea as to the weight of their package. Therefore, it may be a good investment to purchase a portable postage scale. In addition, customers will be prompted for the dimensions of their package prior to obtaining a total. With Click-N-Ship software, customers pay for their postage online before being able to print any labels. This eliminates the need to stand in line at the post office because the postage has already been calculated, printed and affixed to each package. In fact, many shippers simply take a box full of packages for mailing, which have been postage-paid using the Click-N-Ship software, into their post office and leave them for later processing.

The USPS Click-N-Ship software is available for free download at usps.com or included on selected AOL software CDs as a bonus. Otherwise, customers may be able to ask their postmaster for additional information on obtaining a copy of the Click-N-Ship softwa

13 Comparisons of Vista vs Tiger

Competitive and fast are two terms that are applicable to the world of computers. Constantly changing and evolving computer systems bring many advantages to the users and techies alike. The race for supremacy between the yet to be launched Vista (scheduled for 2006) and Mac OSX Tiger began in 2003 with Microsoft's announcements of plans for an integrated desktop search functionality in Windows Vista.

While opinions vary and are really personal choices in many ways, the following sums up the functionalities between Vista and Tiger.

1. Vista has a completely redesigned look and feel; it is aesthetic, functional, and exciting according to industry sources. Mac Tiger on the other hand was always famous for its technology and aesthetics which are clean and clutter free. In fact, many of the visual effects that Vista has like translucent icons, high resolution, and animation effects have been integral to Tiger for more than four years.

2. Vista is yet to resolve problems caused by underlying windows, while Tiger has fine tuned the bleed caused by windows beneath the surface ones.

3. The 128 x 128 pixel icons of Tiger have better rendition and clearer resolution than the 32 x 32 or 64 x 64 pixel icons of Vista. However one will only know whether Vista will have resolution independent vector graphics once the final version comes to the market.

4. Both Vista and Tiger have closely similar desk top search functions. The only immediate difference is that in Tiger the filtering becomes operational only after creation of a Smart Folder or using the shortcut keys. The Virtual Folder of Vista is identical to the Smart Folder of Tiger.

5. Vista has next generation features, where the system has enough inbuilt intelligence that organizes data. This fine tunes any searches that need to be done. In comparison to this, the Tiger has an old fashioned system with no specials.

6. Vista supports meta data processing while with Tiger meta data can be created or edited only by using document processing applications.

7. Vista permits users to visually locate files while Tiger does not. Image previews in Tiger are turned off by default.

8. As far as security is concerned the Tiger is by far superior to Vista. Since the Tiger user base is small the number of hackers and attackers are fewer as compared to Windows.

9. User accounts and log ins are safer in the Tiger system and Microsoft plans to incorporate similar systems in Vista to strengthen security.

10. Vista has new systems similar to Tiger that will enable users to assert parental locks or blocks. Parental controls help limit computer usage by children protecting them from several dangers.

11. Security in Vista includes inbuilt protection against rogue attacks, malware, spyware, adware and so on. In the case of Tiger its security system has remained secure and unbreached. Whether Vista will earn the same distinction will be known only after it comes into use.

12. Both Vista and Tiger have great networking features making both immensely usable both at home and in businesses. The Tiger is simpler while Vista is a bit more complex to use.

13. The hibernation mode works instantly in Tiger and Vista is also trying to match its facilities.

While the above draws tentative comparisons between the two systems a true evaluation can only be made once Vista is released in its completed version and comes into use.

Are You Protecting Your Computer?

Are You Protecting Your Computer?Do you know what to look for in anti-virus software?

You just bought yourself a new computer! Can't wait to get it out of the box. Maybe you have had a computer before and maybe this is your second or third computer. And, you don't want to have all those problems you hear about. This is the time to think ahead and go for a positive online experience.

You should realize that while you are unpacking your new machine, there are people all over the world who are plotting to spoil your computer with maliscious, well-thought out plans. Your computer will endure attacks moments after you go online. This is why we all have to use antivirus protection. You and I just have no choice. The single most important program on your computer is your anti virus program. And, it should be a really good one. Everything on your computer, from your valuable software, your work, to your personal financial records is contantly at risk. I will explain some of the features you should look for in anti-virus software.

Most of us make our choice on price alone. That is, after we use the product that comes with our computers. This is not the way to choose something so important. You need to look at several products before making your decision.

Look at your available options. Start with the anti virus software that came with your PC. You can get started by getting that software up and running. Don't try to postpone using anti-virus software. After a period of time, your software needs updated. While you are online, your software should be allowed to make daily updates. It is very important to make the first update as soon as your new computer is online for the first time. It is very likely there have been a lot of new threats and viruses introduced since the computer left the factory. Updating the software is the best way to keep your computer protected against these new online dangers.

As you use the software that came with your new computer, it is a good idea to make a list of what you like - and don't like - about it. Is it easy to update? Is it user friendly? Is it easy to see any problems? Does the software notify you if the update could not be completed? Are updates made available on a daily basis?

Now, you have a basis for establishing what to look for in anti-virus software. Read all you can online to get even more information. Some anti virus companies make their software available in trial versions, so be sure to check out a number of different products before deciding which one best suits your needs. Some of the best is free, without a trial.

Take some time to get the best protection you can for your computer. And, periodically back up your files. Al little planning can make your computer experience an enjoyable experience.