Business Software Made Easy - Time Saving Tips

So You Think You Are Still Ready for Vista?

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 21:23:32 GMT

Sept 24 2007

I wanted to follow-up to a previous Tip from Feb 25 'So You Think You Are Ready for Vista?' of this year regarding the software compatibility problems with Microsoft's Vista. Here are the updates since that time:

iTunes:

iTunes is now Compatible with Vista. You can download the latest version 7.4.2 at: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Palm:

Palm Desktop software and HotSync is compatible with Vista with a few limitations. You can download the Vista compatible version at: http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/. Download the Palm Desktop and HotSync after selecting your Phone model and Carrier.

QuickBooks:

QuickBooks 2008 compatible with Vista

QuickBooks 2007 compatible with Vista

QuickBooks 2006 NOT compatible with Vista

Here's the compatibility chart of supported QuickBooks versions from Intuit.

ACT!:

ACT 2008 compatible with Vista

ACT 2007 limited compatiblility with Vista after download and installation of the Windows Vista HotFix

ACT 2006 NOT compatible with Vista

ACT Premium for Real Estate NOT compatible with Vista

Here's the compatibility chart including links for addtional support and download information from Sage Software.

If you are still considering Vista, be sure that ALL YOUR PROGRAMS will run on Vista especially your PRINTERS, SCANNERS, CAMERAS, and anything else you plug into your computer.

Daylight Savings - Are your Handhelds prepared?

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:43:30 GMT

March 13 2007

Q: I have a Treo. Is there anything that I need to do to prepare for the new Daylight Savings Time change for this year?

A: If you own a Palm, Treo or even a BlackBerry, you have to update it to avoid any problems with Daylight Saving (Here I am just having problems keeping up with my coffee maker & microwave).

Anyway, here's is the Palm website that gives you the scoop. It's a download that will get everything on your portable brain all hunky-dory:

http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/dst.html?sssdmh=dm13.130166

For BlackBerries:

http://www.blackberry.com/select/dst2007/resolutions/internetservice/

Daylight Saving is earlier this year. Is your computer ready?

Sun, 4 Mar 2007 20:14:43 GMT

February 26 2007

Q: Is there anything that I should do for my computer since the Day Light Savings change dates are different this year?

A: If you didn’t know, the change to Daylight Savings is happening earlier this year. Actually, you need to change your clocks on March 11 (three weeks earlier than usual) and end on November 4 (1 week later than usual). This affects you because all your appliances like your VCR, DVD, DVR, Alarm Clock, Microwave, and even your Computer are affected. Since I can’t really help you on your other appliances, I will help you on your computer.

If your computer is already set to automatically receive updates from Microsoft, the change will be automatic like in Windows XP or Vista– your computer will make the adjustments without any intervention. If you use Windows 2000 or if you want to just update other programs like Outlook, click on this Microsoft Link to download the update appropriate for your computer:

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_dst

Even if you are an IT manager, there are downloads available to help manage your network.

If you use XP and do not have automatic updates turned on, click on this link:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=

66F1420C-DF2D-400B-A8A9-EF9061A9A3CA&displaylang=en

That’s it!

Use Google Maps to find-out where you are and where you are going

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:51:11 GMT

January 8 2007

Q: I spend most of my day outside the office visiting clients. I usually print-out on-line maps to find my appointments for the following day. Is there anything available for my mobile phone where I don’t have to do this without investing in a GPS system?

A: Yes – You can acquire a free download from Google - Google Map. It is a combination of Google Earth and Google Mobile into a single handy program for your smart phone.

It can help you:

-Find an address

-Get directions

-See Real-time traffic updates (although in Austin it is a little sketchy)

-Toggle between a Satellite and Map views (I can see my house from here!)

-Find the closes UPS store or closest Vietnameese restaurant using the Business Finder

Supported Devices (Includes BlackBerry and Treos) http://google.com/gmm/devices.html

You can download directly to your phone/smart phone or to your computer and install it by executing a sync.

Download at: http://google.com/gmm

(Copy and paste these addresses into your browser, if they aren't live).

So you think you are ready for Vista?

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:41:44 GMT

February 5 2007

Q: I recently bought a laptop that came with Windows XP, but I was wanting to upgrade to Vista. Do you think this would be wise thing to do?

A: So you think you are ready for Vista? Do you have a computer that is labeled Vista Compatible? Well before you take the plunge, be sure you and your computer are ready.

First you can download a handy program from Microsoft that will evaluate your computer's status, recommend which flavor of Vista will be best for your computer, and provide an outline of which of Vista’s new features it will be able to run: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?

familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&displaylang=en

Second, prepare to purchase more RAM memory. Even if your computer is Vista compatible, be sure you have enough RAM. If you have 512MB that isn't even enough. You will want to get at least 2GB of RAM (just to start) if not just purchase the maximum amount of RAM memory your computer will hold.

Third, make sure that all your software will run on Vista. Unlike other software of the past, some programs won't run specifically on Vista:

-ACT! 2006 or older (ACT! 2007 will, but you need a download). Please see the following from Sage Software:

http://itdomino.act.com/act.nsf/1b3cab81ad2ef30207256bb300662231/

80fc1eeb75b3e71307257272005014ac?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,vista

-QuickBooks 2006 or older with exceptions. Please see the following from Intuit:

http://www.quickbooks.com/Helpcenter/vista/ProductCompatibility.aspx

-Here’s a statement from Apple regarding iPod and Vista:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/ptech/stories/

020307dnbusapplevista.9ae915.html

-Here’s some info regarding Palm & HotSync:

http://promosearch.palmone.com/search/promosearch?sp-q-required-1=

1&sp-a=sp10032ba7&sp-x-1=country&sp-q=vista&sp-q-3=knowledgebase&sp-x-2=

Model&sp-q-2=&sp-t=cat_search&sp-q-1=us&sp-x-3=col&sp-p-2=all&sp-i=1

Check all your software manufacturer's websites to verify Vista compatibility or if any additional downloads may be needed.

This is certainly a lot of areas to cover, but the time you save preparing will save you hours of troubleshooting and perhaps some frustration.

Is my Palm or Treo compatible with a program that I want to install?

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 23:09:39 GMT

May 23 2005

Q: How can I tell if the software I want to install on my Palm/Treo is compatible?

A: Like a computer, there are two elements you need to know to determine if a new software will work with your Treo - Available memory and Palm Operating System (OS) version. Here's how to find both:

On your Palm:

1. Tap or press the ‘Applications’ button (looks like a house) to get to the Application Screen

-This where all your programs like Contacts, Calendar/Date Book, HotSync, CityTime, MemoPad, Calc, etc icons are displayed

2. Tap or press the ‘Menu Launcher’ button (looks like a button kinda like a drop-down menu)

3. Tap ‘App’ in the menu bar

-The Info menu is displayed

4. Tap ‘Info…’

-Tap ‘Version’

-The version of the Palm OS is displayed at the top of the screen

5. Tap ‘Size’

-The total Free and Total memory available is displayed at the top of the screen

That’s it!

My Palm Syncs take too long

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:58:06 GMT

May 16 2005

Q: How can I speed up the time it takes my Palm or Treo Handheld to synchronize?

A: Here are a few techniques:

1) Don’t Synchronize programs you don’t use:

Many Handhelds come with programs that you never use. Change the HotSync settings for these programs to ‘Do not synchronize’ as the default setting so they are omitted when you Synchronize.

2) Do not use the ‘____ overwrites ____’ setting:

Although this setting is logical for when you make all your changes on your Handheld and want those changes consistently reflected on your computer (or visa versa), in execution it takes more time to complete a Synchronization. This is because all the information on the receiving device must be erased first before the updates are transferred.

To change the HotSync settings:

1. Right click on the HotSync icon (looks like a Red & Blue circular arrow next your clock at the right hand side of your Task Bar

2. Select ‘Custom…’

3. Select the Programs or Categories (aka Conduits)

4. Change each Conduit to optimize your Synchronization using the buttons at the right hand side of the ‘Custom’ window

5. Click ‘OK’ when done

That’s it!

I think I have Bluetooth. Do I need to see a doctor?

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:35:39 GMT

February 14 2005

Q: What is Bluetooth?

A: Bluetooth is actually the name for a wireless radio communication standard used by electronic device manufacturers. The devices include computers, cell phones, printers, PDAs, TVs, and even cars!

The Bluetooth standard enables devices to talk to each other without the need for a physical connection. You simply have to be within about 33 feet of the device you want to 'talk' to. Since cell phones seem to be touting Bluetooth the most, let me share with you how it can be used:

Say you use an ear-piece for your cell phone. You probably have hassled with de-tangling it from your pocket or purse just to answer a call.

Well if your cell phone is equipped with Bluetooth, you can purchase Bluetooth earpiece and setup the two to communicate with each other wirelessly. What this means is that as long as your cell phone and earpiece are within range you can answer and make calls without even touching your phone!

Now car makers are starting to equip their cars with Bluetooth. What this means is that you can receive or even make a call (to anyone on stored on your cell phone) using the hands-free system in the vehicle even if your phone is in the trunk!