Microsoft Offers Accounting Software
Finally, there is an accounting product that
integrates with the rest of Microsoft’s Office 2003 products like
Outlook, Excel, and Word. I’ve been using Intuit’s QuickBooks Pro for
many years and always wished for a better interface and more flexibility
in the features. Well, Microsoft seems to have gotten their act together
with their new Small Business Accounting 2006 software. It will only
work with Office 2003, but allows multiple users to use data created in
other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and Word. It will even
let you use Word 2003 to modify forms like invoices, quotes, etc.
Unfortunately, the demo is only good for 20 uses, which doesn’t seem
like enough to fully check all of the features. For more information, or
to order a free demo, go to:
(
http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/products/office/accounting/rebate.mspx?cid=0064
).
Spyware Packaged with Legitimate Software
It seems that some legitimate software manufacturers have resorted to including “spyware” in their packages. One example is the latest version of Cyberlink’s PowerDVD software that comes bundled with DVD players and burners. It also installs the Yahoo Toolbar (spyware) into your Internet Browser. Luckily, I had already installed the Microsoft Anti-Spyware (MAS) software on a new computer system before installing the PowerDVD software. The MAS alerted me to an attempt to add the Yahoo Toolbar to Internet Explorer. I was able to block the attempt and manually uninstall any Yahoo related software.
You can perform a variety of on-line security checks by going to the One on One Computer Consultants Home page at: ( http://www.1on1cc.com ) and clicking on the link to Symantec Security Check. You can perform a Virus Check, Security Check, and/or Trace a Potential Attack on your computer system.
Karen’s Replicator v3.2.2
If you have any of the popular DVD/CD burner software, you can format a DVD-RW or CD-RW to behave just like an additional, smaller hard drive for backup purposes. Of course, you could use the Microsoft Backup utility that comes with Windows, but I’ve found it cumbersome and not that easy to use. Karen’s Replicator has an easy to use interface and scheduler. If you are using a previous version, then you should uninstall it before installing the updated version. Go to: ( http://www.karenware.com ).
TweakNow updated
After you install or uninstall a program, there can be “remnants” left to take up space and even decrease the performance of your computer. Many programs leave many references in your system registry that will be evident when your computer starts to take longer and longer to start. Your operating system is reading through those obsolete references. TweakNow Standard is a “free” program that will analyze the registry entries against the software actually loaded on your system. It marks questionable entries as “safe to delete”, “not fully safe to delete”, and “unknown”. Just leave the latter two alone. The program also includes a backup feature if you should accidentally delete an important reference, but I’ve never had to use it. Go to: ( http://www.tweaknow.com ).
Caution: Downloaded software has the potential to install “spyware” software on your computer which can compromise your system security and decrease system performance. Always restart your computer and run an updated spyware removal program to check your system after installing any downloaded software. There are links on my download page for the most popular spyware removal software.
For links to other free software downloads, go to: ( http://www.1on1cc.com/downloads.htm ).
Quality Recording Media can be the Answer
I have found that many people are running into recording issues due the lack of quality of the recording media. The quality of DVD, CDRW, and CDR media can greatly affect your recording experience. Trying to save a few cents can result in hours of frustration. I have found the best success with media from HP, Verbatim, Sony, and Maxell. I have seen problems with media from Memorex, Imation, and Liquid Video, just to name a few. It’s best to check the DVD or CD manufacturer’s web site to see if there is any media that is suggested for your DVD\CD burner.
For more computer
Tips & Tricks go to the One on One Computer Consultants Tips Page at:
(
http://www.1on1cc.com/tips.htm )