Business Software Made Easy - Time Saving Tips

Internet Explorer 9 Where Did Your Toolbar go?

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:16:06 GMT

If you suddenly realize you have Internet Explorer 9, you may notice your Toolbar missing (File Edit View...). Here's how to get it back:

Open Internet Explorer (the pictures show Internet Explorer 8 but the process is the same):

1. Press the ALT key on your keyboard

-The Toolbar is revealed!

To keep the toolbar in place

2. View > Toolbars

3. Select Menu bar

That’s it!

Do you have problems with Internet Explorer starting slowly? I can help. Reply to this email or call me at (512) 451-9720.

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How to use the Windows 7 backup system

Sun, 6 May 2012 15:12:06 GMT

You have to have a backup system. Your computer will either:

• Have a hard drive crash where the data isn't recoverable - at all!

• Have your computer stolen

• Get a virus that may lock out your computer (it’s always worth a try to give me a call when this happens as I don’t charge unless I am successful in removing spyware/viruses)

There are several pay-for systems like Mozy and Carbonite. The beauty of these systems is that they will backup your data in the background, automatically as long as you are connected to the Internet.

You can get an external hard drive that has a backup software on it like Seagate's Free Agent USB hard drives. The only down side is they have add-on backup systems that try to upsell you when you run your backup (not a big deal in the whole scheme of things).

The last and easiest is the Windows Backup and Restore utility included in Windows 7. It backups your entire computer - data, programs, everything. In the event of a major problem like a hard drive crash, you can get a new hard drive and reconstruct your entire computer to the state it was before the crash.

Using the Windows Backup and Restore utility is easy.

1. Plug in your external USB hard drive (I am using a Western Digital Passport)

2. Click Start button

3. Enter 'Backup and Restore' in the Search Programs and Files search box (saves you from trying to find it)

-The Backup and Restore program is listed at the top of the Start Button menu

4. Click 'Set Backup'

5. Select the external USB hard drive and click Next

6. Leave this option unchanged anc click Next

7. Click 'Save settings and run backup'

-The backup starts

-Depending on how much info is on your computer, it may take up to a few hours to complete.

That's it!

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When I am away from my office I can't send emails from my RR account on my iPhone/iPad why?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:54:58 GMT

The reason you cannot send emails from your RR account is because when you are home your Internet service is provided by Time Warner/Road Runner (obviously). When you are away and connected to someone else's Wi-Fi (Starbucks, Waterloo, whatever) is provided by someone other than Time Warner/Road Runner and they don't like allowing you to access TW/RR's email servers directly.

What you need to do is update your settings for your Road Runner account in your iPhone and iPad to the mobile server provided by time warner. Here's how to do it: http://www.timewarnercable.com/corporate/site.faqs/HighSpeedO/E-mailAcco/How-do-I-access-my-Road-Runne1

**After following the instructions, be sure to turn-off the Email Account sync for your iPhone/iPad. This setting appears in iTunes when you connect your computer to your computer under the Info tab.**

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UPDATED: How to get a new iPhone for less than $199

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:03:06 GMT

I got a few phone calls since I sent this post. To clarify, the Target that is offering this special is the on on Research Blvd. and Ohlen Rd. (North Austin). Call and ask for the Mobile Electronics department.

Target

8601 Research Boulevard Austin, TX 78758

(512) 837-5163 Google Map

Apparently, not all Target stores are offering this special.

If you have an old iPhone, you may be interested in getting a discount for trading it in for a new one. Right now if you upgrade it through ATT your new iPhone will be $199 but you can go somewhere else and get it for less...

Target (yes Target) is offering an additional trade-in discount for 3G and 3GS iPhones for $50 and $100 respectively. This means when you upgrade to a new iPhone (the 4S) for only $99 ($199 for the 4S - $99 trade-in discount) if you have a 3GS and $149.99 ($199 for the 4S - $49 trade-in discount) for a 3G.

I took advantage and upgraded my wife's phone and upgraded to the 4S this last weekend.

In addition, they are offering a $99 credit on ALL smart phones for a Samsung Galaxy II bring the price for this phone to $99 ($199 without trade-in). They are also offering trade-ins for old iPads!

Be sure your smart phone is in good condition, without heavy wear or scratches. This offer is only at Target.

Thanks to my friend Steve P. for this tip!

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Computer Myths Series - Question #6

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:07:03 GMT

Today's Myth: Does deleting photos, documents, files, etc. from your computer speed up your computer's performance?

Answer: False

Deleting files of any type doesn't speed up your computer's performance.

Your computer's performance is based on three components:

1) The CPU aka Processor - measured in GHz (gigahertz)

2) The amount of RAM memory installed - Measured in GB (gigabytes)

3) The hard drive - Measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPMs)

The bigger the number for the CPU or RAM usually means the faster the computer (loosely). See my earlier post:

http://www.businesssoftwaremadeeasy.com/log/post_467491967_tips.htm

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If your computer is running slow then the fastest way to speed it up is to add more RAM memory. This is the easiest upgrade particularly with computers running Windows XP. Many Windows XP computers usually do not have enough RAM memory and do run slow.

If you feel you have enough memory but your computer is still running slow, then you may have a spyware.

If your computer isn't running as fast as you think it should, give me a call (512) 451-9720 or just reply to this email. I can help!

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Computer Myths Series - Question #5

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:28:49 GMT

Today's Myth: Deleting a file removes it from your computer

Answer: False

Deleting a file does not mean that is has been removed from the computer. Instead, the space on the hard drive that the file occupied file has merely been flagged as 'available' meaning the computer can use that space to save another file. Until that time, your deleted file is easily recoverable with a variety of free and paid software. This is true even if you reformat the hard drive.

When you think about it, consider all the spreadsheets and word documents you create. Then consider all the websites you visit. All of these actions generate files and many of them will have your personal and financial information. More so, all of these files can be recovered.

Reach Your Contacts

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To protect yourself, you can use the Wipe Free Space utility included in Ccleaner. After you delete your temporary Internet files and empty your recycle bin, run this utility.

When getting rid of a computer, wipe the entire hard drive using:

• DBAN - or if you are not as technical

• Use something like DriveScrubber from OfficeDepot.

Any of these methods seeks the Free Space (aka 'available' space) on the hard drive and writes a bunch of random characters on it. This makes recovery of any deleted file almost impossible.

Alternatively, you can always remove the hard drive and just beat it with a hammer! If none of these methods work, give me a call (512) 451-9720 and I can extract and destroy your hard drive for you.

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Computer Myths Series - Question #4

Mon, 6 Feb 2012 00:01:47 GMT

Today's Myth: My security software has never detected a virus - its bullet proof!

Answer: False

Getting spyware depends more on your surfing habits than your security software. It's likely that you do have a spyware on your computer in spite of your security software.

For the best security you should have a anti-spyware program in addition to your security software like, Webroot AntiSpyware or Malwarebytes. Others like SpyBot or AdAware do not seem as effective as they were when they first came out.

Reach Your Contacts

Create and send professional email campaigns directly from ACT! or Your On-line Account

Grow Your Database

Add Surveys and Web Forms

Qualify Your Leads

Qualified leads are automatically flagged in ACT! based on opens and clicks

Automate Your Business

Add a personal touch by including any contact to a custom drip email campaign

Support and Training

Receive free North American support via Phone or Chat and sign-up for live web demonstrations

Click Here for a 60 Day Free Trial

Personally, I like and use Malwarebytes because it’s free and effective. You can download it at www.malwarebytes.org

When you do, select the free version (Decline the Trial Version when installing it). Do a QuickScan and see what you get. You may be surprised!

If you think you have a spyware that you can’t remove give me a call at (512) 451-9720 or just reply to this email.

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