Adware: Are Your Business's Computers Secure?

Adware, software dedicated to displaying advertising, can really slow down any business that depends on computers. Adware promoters use some cunning tricks to get you to install their software on your machine. Here's what to look out for.

Adware is, by definition, something reasonable people don't want on their computers. That's why adware can't just come out and ask people to install it. Often, the computer owner is completely unaware of it being installed. But not always.

When adware doesn't want to sneak in through an open window, it will try to trick you into letting it in through the front door. Don't think you could be tricked? Don't be so sure until you've checked out these most common ways people have been tricked into allowing malware to be installed on their machines.


Adware Installation Trick 1: Piggybacking

How it works: malware may come bundled with a legitimate piece of software the user actually wants, such as a game or emoticon. The malware is merely labeled "companion software," without any indication of what it will do.

How to fight it: the fact that adware so often comes bundled with "entertainment" software, most notably the file-swapping program Kazaa, is a very good reason to separate business from personal when it comes to computing. But adware can sometimes comes bundled with non-entertainment software, such as search tools or cracks of legitimate business software. Be very suspicious of any software that comes bundled with other software. Don't installed software that comes bundled with other software unless you know everything that the bundled software does. After all, if the bundled program has anything to do with the program you actually want, why couldn't the software developer just get both programs' functionalities into a single piece of software? Software developers are now very sensitive to malware concerns and will provide a lengthy explanation of just why the bundled software is necessary, in the cases when they actually do need to use bundled software.


Adware Installation Trick 2: Bait and Switch

How it works: since people are getting more and more suspicious of bundled software, the program's developers may simply label it as valuable software, for instance, a browser plugin that supposedly accelerates web browsing (but in reality only shows ads).

How to fight it: again, a suspicious mind is useful in avoiding malware. Ask yourself some questions:

* What will this software actually do? Adware and adware-bundled software often come with very fuzzy claims attached. Sure, it says it will improve your browsing experience, but how? Often, this improved browsing experience just means a browsing experience with more advertising.

* If the software is so great, why is it being given away free? Most commonly, software is only given out free in two cases: if it's OpenSource (designed by a community of developers and not proprietary–OpenSource software is always clearly labeled as such); or simply a come-on for a fuller-featured version of the software. If neither case is true, there's a real chance the software is financed by adware.


Adware Installation Trick 3: Outright Lying

How it works: adware may even be labeled as something else entirely, such as a well-known piece of software or a crucial component of the computer operating system.

How to fight it: this is the trickiest adware of all, and requires extreme caution. You don't want to start deleting any of your program files, much less your system registry entries, unless you're absolutely sure it's malware. Plenty of overzealous parasite hunters have shot their own machines to bits this way. This is one case where you want to be using an anti-spyware program, and preferably a second anti-spyware program to provide a second opinion.


Getting Rid of Adware

Adware is so tricky that trying to uninstall it by yourself could be like a trip into the Matrix. Luckily, there are good anti-spyware programs that tackle adware as well–after all many adware programs are also spyware since they monitor your internet usage.

True, it may feel like adding insult to injury to have to install more software to get rid of software you never meant to install in the first place. But keeping your computer free of adware is just one new cost of doing business.

Need To Learn About Computers

Computers are a part of today's bustling world and play a role in everybody's life, young or old, whether they like it or not. A version of a computer, whether it be highly technologically advanced or not can be found in household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, toasters and microwave ovens. Cars have their own unique kind of computers, as do televisions, DVD players and so much more. But when we think computer what comes to mind first is generally what is known as a...

Computers are a part of today's bustling world and play a role in everybody's life, young or old, whether they like it or not. A version of a computer, whether it be highly technologically advanced or not can be found in household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, toasters and microwave ovens. Cars have their own unique kind of computers, as do televisions, DVD players and so much more. But when we think computer what comes to mind first is generally what is known as a PC (or personal computer). Almost every household has at least one and most companies could not be without one today. So much is done on the computer and over the computer.

A personal computer can mean so many things to so many people and it has a variety of functions. For students it's great for doing research using the Internet as well as typing up essays and papers for school. The Internet is a tremendous resource for anyone wanting to learn about practically any subject from animals to authors and everything in between. And what of e-mail? Twenty, thirty years ago no one could have conceived of the idea that a person could sit down in front of a computer screen and type a message to someone who is close or far away and then send it to them and have it received almost instantly! It's quite an amazing development for our world. And for those who enjoy solitary recreational pursuits, there are a variety of games that can be played on computers. One can also watch movies and listen to music via the use of a computer.

A computer is often thought of as a machine that processes information in a timely manner and is very general-purpose in its application. An individual types information into the computer through the use of the keyboard as well as the mouse and watches what he/she is typing materialize on the computer screen. The computer then begins the process of sorting through the data it is receiving and processing it as is necessary. The computer user can then save what he sees in front of him on the hard drive of the computer or onto a floppy disk or CD. If saved to the hard drive then the information cannot be used on any other computer but if saved on a disk that information has now become portable and can be used on other computers and not just that one in particular.

Every computer contains certain elements which in brief include the CPU or central processing unit or the brain of the desktop computer, the memory where information is stored, the motherboard or main circuit board, the power supply which regulates electricity going through the computer, the hard drive, or permanent storage, the operating system, or basic software, the integrated drive electronics controller or IDE, the peripheral component interconnect bus or PCI which allows other items to plug into it, the small computer system or SCSI which allows devices such as scanners to be plugged into it, the accelerated graphics port or AGP which is used by the graphics card which in turn translates visual information from the computer into a format it can read. And last but certainly not least is the sound card, which allows the computer to record as well as play anything with an audio element to it such as a CD that is accompanied by music.

Know All About CD and DVD Replication

CD and DVD replication is a way of making CD and DVD copies from an original source. Since CDs and Dvds have become the best way of storing data today, various industries are turning to companies providing professional CD replication and DVD replication services to replicate the large number of units. Read on to know how replication process is done and its various benefits…..
CD and DVD have revolutionized the way data is stored. Gone are the measly 1.4 MB sized floppy disks that were once the only means of data storage and transfer Today, CD and DVD have become the preferred means of data storage and transfer,.

Not so long ago, the bulky video cassettes that were the only means of distributing films to the home viewer. Audio cassettes are still around but with the arrival of CD and DVD, and their superior digital quality output, the audio and video industries too have witnessed a revolution.

Understandably the demand for CD and DVD replication has also skyrocketed. It’s a systematic method of transferring data from one disc to another. Data can be either in the form of files, music or software. CD and DVD can be replicated either on one side or both sides depending upon the particular requirements.


CD or DVD replication is preferred over duplication when the requirement is to produce more than 1000 units of CD and DVD..

Process

In a CD or DVD replication process, a glass master is created from an original master CD, which is further used to prepare molds also known as stampers. In the next step, stamper is injection moulded to create a compact disc. The disc is then coated with a thin layer of aluminum as a means of protection from any sort of damage.

At the end of this, appropriate images and the company logo are imprinted onto the disc. Nowadays a lot of stress is put on the importance of eye-catching packaging. Replicated CD’s and DVD’s are therefore packaged attractively in order to draw the attention of its target audience.

CD and DVD replication is of immense use to industries like:

• Television networks
• Movie studios
• Music industry
• Software developers
• Video game designers
• Business organizations as CD and DVD replication enable them to enhance their storage capacity by manifold times.
• Advertising agencies are increasingly using CD and DVD replication services as it helps them in distributing product promotions, and collateral sales materials.


Advantages

• CD and DVD replication ensures quality, accuracy, quantity, and packaging of the replicated copies.
• It’s more cost effective especially when the order is in bulk to get the replicas.
• A replicated DVD is less prone to scratching
• CD and DVD replication ensures 100% compatibility for audio and data CDs.


Replicating a DVD or a CD is not something to be performed at home or at the office. It involves the use of sophisticated technology and machinery. That’s why it’s important to turn to companies which specialize in providing CD and DVD replication services to take care of your bulk replication requirements.

CD and DVD replication might be a little expensive but its worthwhile if you wish to have quality and professional copies in large volumes say 100,000 to 1 million copies.

USPS Click-N-Ship Software Provides Free Delivery Confirmation

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.

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 software.

Servers - Do You Need One For Your Business?

When you start an online business, one of the most important decisions you can make is which server to use. A web server is what makes an internet site run. It takes a web page request, finds the URL’s file, and loads the file onto the requester’s browser. The base of any online business is the server, and the key to choosing the right server is knowing the needs of your business and understanding which server will provide the most benefits.

If you own a small business, Vi...
When you start an online business, one of the most important decisions you can make is which server to use. A web server is what makes an internet site run. It takes a web page request, finds the URL’s file, and loads the file onto the requester’s browser. The base of any online business is the server, and the key to choosing the right server is knowing the needs of your business and understanding which server will provide the most benefits.

If you own a small business, Virtual Hosting is a popular choice. You can open an account for somewhere between 20 and 50 dollars a month. You’re only allowed one site per account, so if you decide to create a second website, just open a second account. Because it’s a single server with numerous users, it is controlled by an administrator. If you want to change your settings, you must contact the administrator and leave it to him/her to decide what to do. The good side of this is that you don’t have to worry about knowing how to work the program; the bad side is that you don’t have as much control. However, if you own a small business with just one or two websites, it’s a smart decision.

If you own a larger business with more websites, a Virtual Private Server may be a better option. It is a single server that branches out, which means you share expenses with other users while maintaining your freedom. It’s best if you have some knowledge of the program, as you are your own administrator, controlling the settings with the help of a manual. However, even if you don’t know the program, you’ll do well as long as you feel comfortable with the manual. Because a Virtual Private Server lets you have up to 50 websites at just over 100 dollars a month, this is the wisest choice if you own a big, complex business.

You must also know which web server software to choose. Sometimes you’re not given a choice, but in case you are, know the pros and cons of each option.

Two popular types of web server software are Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) and Apache. You can only use IIS on NT-based server systems - basically, Microsoft with Microsoft. However, it is easy to use, heavily backed, and has crash protection. Apache, on the other hand, doesn’t have any support, but it’s free and is therefore the most popular web server software in the world. It is updated all the time for your convenience.

There are many other servers and software to choose from, but these are some of the basics that will help you make your choices. Online businesses are hard to manage, so you don’t want to choose the wrong server and spend all your time worrying about it instead of profits. Taking into account costs, safety, and preferences, you can choose your server wisely and make your business a success, starting from the base and working up.

It's Very Hard To Imagine A World Without Computers!

It's very hard to imagine a world without computers! Everywhere you look computers are at work attempting to provide one service or another and make our lives easier. Computers, in one form or another can be found in vehicles, from cars, trucks and motorcycles to larger scale methods of transportation such as airplanes and trains. They are in your television set, your VCR, your toaster oven, etc. But when we conjure up the image of a computer usually our first thought is of a...

It's very hard to imagine a world without computers! Everywhere you look computers are at work attempting to provide one service or another and make our lives easier. Computers, in one form or another can be found in vehicles, from cars, trucks and motorcycles to larger scale methods of transportation such as airplanes and trains. They are in your television set, your VCR, your toaster oven, etc. But when we conjure up the image of a computer usually our first thought is of a PC, otherwise known as a personal computer.

Personal computers can be purchased either as desktops or laptops and have so many different uses. Most of us would be lost without one at home or work or both! Many public libraries provide computers for the use of patrons, as it is a service that is invaluable to every one of us. E-mail or electronic mail is the quickest way to communicate with one another.

With one click on the "send" button a message is sent through cyberspace and arrives at the recipient's in box in a matter of seconds. Students of all ages reap the benefits of the Internet when it comes time to look up information for school papers.

And very few people would disagree that typing papers and reports on a computer is far superior to typing on those old rickety typewriters of yester years! And computers carry the added advantage of being able to save work for future use, which cuts down on a lot of headaches.

Computers process information and in some ways are very complex while in other ways are very simple to understand. To describe how they do this in brief, as a person types a series of words into the computer by way of the keyboard and with help from the mouse, they are able to view what they're typing on the computer monitor (or computer screen) in front of them.

What could be simpler? In the meantime the inside of the computer is very busy going through the information that is being entered into it and organizing it in a fashion that will be understandable to the computer user. The individual busy typing away has the opportunity to save the work they are doing in two ways, by way of saving it to the hard disk or drive or by saving it to a floppy disk or CD. Some people choose to do both, which is often wise to do.

All computers are made with certain pieces of machinery that enable it to do its job. Describing it in a general way, every computer comes complete with its brain, or central processing unit (CPU), the memory bank (which is self explanatory, think of your own memory), the main circuit board (often referred to as a motherboard), the power supply which takes care of all electrical functions, the hard drive which is the permanent storage unit of the computer, the standard software (otherwise known as the operating system), the IDE (integrated drive electronics controller), the PCI (or peripheral component interconnect bus), the SCSI, pronounced oddly enough as "skuzzy" which is the small computer system from which scanners or printers can be plugged into, and the graphic card and sound card which takes care of visual information and aural data respectively. In order to utilize a graphics card one needs an AGP (or accelerated graphics port) in the computer.

How To manage Your Personal Computer Files, The Easy Way!

Have you ever been so busy on the internet going from page to page, saving this and that signing up for this program and that leads you to another and so on and so on?

Have you ever been so busy on the internet going from page to page, saving this and that signing up for this program and that leads you to another and so on and so on?

It gets a bit confusing and all too often you lose vital links and bits of information. This article will show you in simple terms, how I organize my files and stuff, it may even give you some ideas that you can use with your current system.

This is just what I do, and it’s written for those of us that aren’t
super wizz internet geeks.

A Directory is something in your computer that looks like a manila envelope. It’s often called a folder.
You use these as you would a huge manila folder (in real life), because you can put so many pages “Files” in them, you can also put other “Folders/Directories” in them, this makes a “sub directory” or “subfolder”.
First, I’ll assume you can do the basics or else you wouldn’t be reading this.
So in “my documents”
Click on “Make a new folder” and call it “Internet Business” this folder is now a sub folder of “my documents”.

SAVE EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOUR INTERNET BUSINESS IN “internet business” according to the subfolders we are about to make.

Second, Open “Internet business” and click on “new folder” as you just did in “my documents”. Now you will be making subfolders of “Internet business” go ahead and make as many as you can think of!
These will get you started!
“Mailing lists”, “Loginsfo”, “web building Stuff”, Affiliate referral urls”, “Click ex referral urls”, “Affiliate Banners”, “Click banners”, “Draft articles”, “Email letters”.

In each of these folders you’re going to place “files”, I use note book for everything now. When I started I was using excel and word.
But the problem with using them is that they are too big and too slow, especially when you are trying to do 10 different things at once.
Using “notebook” will save space on your hard drive and is a lot more “light weight” so it’s faster and speed is everything!
It also gives you some experience that will come in handy later when you start writing “html code”.
That’s probably a good subject for another article.

Finally, now you should have a directory set up with lots of empty folders, and files.
Simply save everything you come across in one of the sub folders of “Internet business” and if you need to you can create more sub folders of “internet business” or subfolders of the subfolders, etc.

That’s one simple way to keep all your important information.

I sincerely wish you good luck and happiness

Bill Boyd

Got Voice Mail?

Use voice mail appropriately and it can be an incredible asset for your business.  Use it the wrong way and it will drive your customers away.
"There's not anybody who really cares about using voice messaging the way I envisioned it."  According to Gordon Matthews, the inventor of voice mail, he never anticipated that his automated message system would be used to confuse and frustrate business callers.  He didn't foresee how many ways businesses could devise to misuse his system.

When asked what aggravates them most about modern phone communication the majority of people will say that it is voice mail.  Pressed for details, they explain that it is the automated answering process that companies use to screen and direct calls that bugs them, not the basic messaging-taking function. 

Companies are spending large sums of money to antagonize their customers and it only seems to get worse.  When a person needs help with a problem and can't reach another human, the situation deteriorates rapidly.  Using the numbers on your touch tone pad is fine when you want to verify your bank balance, pay a bill or have a dry newspaper delivered; but when your pipes are backing up, your new computer just crashed, or a tree just fell on your brand new SUV, call processing may not be the answer.

There are advantages to an automated system.  It saves money in salaries and benefits.  It prevents old-fashioned phone tag by allowing people to leave detailed messages in their own voice with clear and correct information.  Voice mail crosses all time zones so people can leave and retrieve messages at their convenience.

The disadvantages are that people can hide behind voice mail, often the prompts are confusing, working through the menu can be more time-consuming than speaking to a "live" person, and some people just don't like talking to machines.

If your company uses an automated system to process calls make sure it provides the best customer service by following these suggestions:

1. Keep your greeting short and sweet. (No one cares that your menu options have changed.  They only want to know what options they have now.)

2. List your menu options according to popular usage. 

3. Tell callers how to reach another human early in the process.

4. Think twice before using voice mail  for customer service issues.

5. Survey your customers from time to time to see how they feel about your voice mail system.

6. Try calling your own system occasionally and find out first hand what your customers are experiencing.

Voice mail can be either an incredible asset to your business or an incredible pain for your customers.  Don't force innocent people to spend their valuable time in your voice mail jail.

(c) 2006, Lydia Ramsey.  All rights reserved.  Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-line are published intact and with all links made live.

Finding the Best IT Support Services Provider

As the IT sector takes over every unit in the industry be it a bank or any other business organization, every large and small industrial unit has requirement for IT support services. The need for IT support services arises in order to get full technical support to tackle day to day IT problems that the company faces. The IT support services also help dealing with high end technical problems that may threat the loss of important company data.  When a company sets up its IT infrastructure the first thing it does is hires the computer support services in order to install the hardwares and softwares by proper process and get basic technical support
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As the IT sector takes over every unit in the industry be it a bank or any other business organization, every large and small industrial unit has requirement for IT support services. The need for IT support services arises in order to get full technical support to tackle day to day IT problems that the company faces. The IT support services also help dealing with high end technical problems that may threat the loss of important company data.  When a company sets up its IT infrastructure the first thing it does is hires the computer support services in order to install the hardwares and softwares by proper process and get basic technical support.

Today there is no dearth of companies that provide IT support services. But it becomes difficult to select one IT support company that will provide authentic IT support solutions. To know how to find the best IT support service provider, read on!   

There are certain factors that one should keep in mind while selecting IT support service providers online. The things to be noticed about the service provider are:

*    Experience: The first thing you should know about your support service provider is the time period they have been in service. Expertise comes with time thus higher the experience better will be the IT support service and IT solutions provided to meet your business needs.

*    Certification: As the market is full of IT support service providers it becomes important to check certification of your support service provider. Generally IT support services providers are Microsoft Certified. There are other certifications as well. Make sure you hire Support services from an authentic IT support service provider.     

*    Feedbacks: Read the customer feedbacks of the IT support service provider to get an exact estimate regarding the services it has been providing in the past and the satisfaction level of its previous clients. Make a thorough research before you hire IT support services, do not get flowed away with the appreciation the owner does. Reading feedbacks/testimonials is must.   

*    Services Provided: When you hire IT support services check out the complete range of services the service provider is offering. The best IT support service provider is the one who offers complete support services be it installation of hardwares and softwares or tackling other technical problems. The services should have the flexibility to be molded according to your business requirements.


All these factors combined can help you hire the best IT support service provider. Select the one who matches your needs and standards of your technical support requirements.

www.fiverivers.com provides you the best IT solutions. Visit now!

Can Software Get It Right For Business Owners And Professionals

Software has achieved the status of deity over its short fifty or so years of life. Software is all embracing in that it invades everyone’s life in some way or another

Software has achieved the status of deity over its short fifty or so years of life; to such an extent that we pray to the altar of the software industry and pay homage to the organisations that invoke incantations to conjure up new commodities. In much the same way that the Egyptians constructed temples and revered them in the name of their gods, so we wait for the next sign that is passed down from on high.

Software is all embracing in that invades everyone’s life in some way or another, and as a consequence it is too huge a subject for any single organisation to completely encompass. There are notables who dominate a certain niche, but the industry is symbiotic; needing software users, Original Equipment Manufacturers and Software organisations feeding off each other to keep the snowball rolling and growing.

From the outside it would appear that these esteemed organisations have a great deal to think about. It would seem that they employ the most erudite of people, who ponder endlessly on the software that the organisation specialises on. In my fantasy moments I visualise a library-like environment with software developers sitting with a chewed pencil between their teeth and a furrowed brow that is deep in contemplation. I visualise the silence broken by footsteps and a whispered voice, deliberately muted to avoid any disturbance.

And then I awake, and realise that reality is somewhat different. Most software projects start in mushroom mode, with no one knowing what has really been sold, or alternatively what shifting market is being addressed. It is rare to include the customer in early deliberations (if at all) because inevitably the salesman has sold the organisation as being ‘market leader’ or ‘best of breed’. It would be difficult to turn around and say to the customer ‘excuse me but how do you do this particular activity’, or ‘I don’t know how this works’.

Thus the Thames barrier is raised between the customer (including the end user) and the software supplier, and a game is played out with the developers screaming for detail, and the legal beagles parrying each other. Perhaps without this facade no one would ever win a contract, but I would personally prefer to work with someone who is honest about their limitations, and who will work with you to arrive at the best possible solution to the problem.

All products evolve, no one ever gets it right first time, but we pretend we do. Whilst I agree that it takes a fair amount of trust between software developer and customer it is surely better to work together to get through the cycle of evolution than to build a glass wall which we fight over.

The customer does need to have some veto over what is happening, since (heaven forbid) there are those who will milk such situations for what they are worth, but if the product is going in the right direction, you will surely get a better outcome.

Apple Tiger vs Windows Vista

Microsoft’s next-generation operating system is coming in early 2007, offering improvements that are both impressive and unprecedented in the Windows world. On Apple’s side of the world, Tiger, the 5th incarnation of Apple’s legendary OS X operating system is still up to challenge as to what Vista has to offer, even if it’s already two years old.

Although Vista and Tiger are almost playing in the same field in terms of features and technology, there’s a major difference in...

Microsoft’s next-generation operating system is coming in early 2007, offering improvements that are both impressive and unprecedented in the Windows world. On Apple’s side of the world, Tiger, the 5th incarnation of Apple’s legendary OS X operating system is still up to challenge as to what Vista has to offer, even if it’s already two years old.

Although Vista and Tiger are almost playing in the same field in terms of features and technology, there’s a major difference in the strategy that the two companies made in delivering their next-generation operating systems. Microsoft wanted to bring everything new and shiny to the table all in one big package, while Apple slowly built and perfected a world-class operating system by frequent, less dramatic, major upgrades. This explains why while Windows XP stayed for 5 years without a major upgrade, OS X had 3 major upgrades to its original incarnation in roughly the same time frame.

User Interface

The most noticeable improvements happen here, and rightfully so, since improvements in the user interface are the ones that affect the users first and foremost. Vista seems to have taken many pages from the Tiger book of slick features but also has some features of its own that’s missing from the Apple operating system. I think it’s fair to say that some similarities are really just inevitable end results of improving the current state of the UI in both platforms.

Vista’s icons are now as slick as its Tiger counterparts, supporting icon sizes of up to 256 by 256 pixels. Tiger on the other hand, currently supports only up to 128 by 128 pixel icons. But Vista takes it even further, using what is called as live icons. A live icon visually resembles the actual contents of the document it represent so that a folder’s live icon is shown as a folder icon padded with the thumbnails of the actual files that you’ll see inside the folder. This is very helpful in skimming through your files and folders without opening them. Tiger can only show previews of graphic files.

In Vista, the “My” way of naming user folders such as My Documents, My Music, etc. has been dropped. Now you will only have user folders named Documents, Music and Pictures. Not unlike what Tiger has.

Aero, the user interface of Vista brings to the Windows world lots of transparencies. Application windows in Vista show a translucent border that lets you see through it. This is a feature that OS X once had, but was taken out in Tiger.

Expose, which is perhaps the most innovative UI feature of Tiger, elegantly addressed the window-management problem most users had, especially those who work with lots of windows open. At the touch of a button or at a flick of the mouse, all your windows are miniaturized and smartly tiled across the screen. Vista offers its own take, with a feature called Flip 3D. In Vista’s version, windows are miniaturized and stacked on top of each other, and angled such that you can see enough of each window’s content distinctively, and you use the scroll wheel to go through all the stacked windows. Tiger’s implementation is more usable and convenient than its Vista counterpart.

Widgets vs Gadgets

In Tiger, the days of opening full-blown applications for simple, specific tasks have long been gone. Thanks to Dashboard. With Dashboard, you can install and run mini-applications called widgets that are specially designed (using a relatively easy language) for certain tasks. Widgets include calculator, stocks, dictionary, yellow pages and many others. At the touch of a button, all these can auto-magically appear when you need them, and as quickly, disappear to let you go back to what you’re doing.

Vista sports the same feature, only the mini-applications are called Gadgets, and the Vista version promises more integration with Microsoft’s online service http://Live.com.

Desktop Search

When Vista was first announced many years ago under the code name Longhorn, one of the most impressive promises that Microsoft made about the new operating system is its desktop search capability. However, Apple beat them to the punch in implementing the much needed search technology (and interface).

Tiger’s spotlight search won the hearts of analysts and reviewers when it debuted in October 2004. Both in the main OS’s shell and in the individual applications, Spotlight brought lightning-fast desktop search to the Apple users. The system-wide Spotlight item on Tiger’s menu bar provided a quick way of opening files and applications. With Spotlight, users didn’t need to know exactly where their files are since they can find and open them using a simple and single user interface – the spotlight search field. Vista’s desktop search also promises all the things that Spotlight has, including its integration with Windows Explorer and Control Panel, in the same way that Spotlight integrates with the Finder and the Preferences. In Vista, the desktop search has been placed in the improved Start Menu. Saved searches (in Vista) or Smart Folders (in Tiger) are different implementation of the same kind of innovative feature that both systems have – a way for creating folders that are defined by a certain search criteria, and the contents of which are files that match that certain criteria. Both are live-z.

Security

This is where Tiger has long beaten Windows, but with Vista, Microsoft want to change that, and perhaps even leapfrog what OS X is offering.

In Vista, Internet Explorer (the source of many security headaches) will run in a low rights mode to prevent malicious software entering through the browser from illegally writing files or changing the registry. Vista will also support computers with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) Chips which starts a computer in a secure way such that the hardware and applications are protected from being run by unauthorized users. One of Tiger’s security strengths, the feature that asks for the administrator password when changing critical preferences, has also found its way to Vista. When changing important settings or files, Vista now warns the users and asks for the administrator password. Both Tiger and Vista has support encrypting data on users’ hard disk.

Conclusion

This article tried to compare some of the different aspects of Windows Vista and OS X Tiger, wherever it made sense, since each has its own way of doing things. Tiger has been out for almost two years now, but still holds up its own against Vista. It’s no doubt that some of the features that Vista is promising are better than its Tiger counterpart, but Vista won’t be out until 2007, and by the same time Apple probably would no doubt have at least shown its latest weapon, the upcoming Apple OS X Leopard.

5 Tips For Buying Accounting Software

Whether you are shopping for accounting software to help budget your personal or business expenses, you may find that managing all of your files with a single program helps you to save time and know exactly where your money goes. If you are familiar with the accounting process, you already know how complicated ledgers, account statements, debits and credits can be. In an effort to simplify the accounting process, a number of manufacturers have created software specifically de...

Whether you are shopping for accounting software to help budget your personal or business expenses, you may find that managing all of your files with a single program helps you to save time and know exactly where your money goes. If you are familiar with the accounting process, you already know how complicated ledgers, account statements, debits and credits can be. In an effort to simplify the accounting process, a number of manufacturers have created software specifically designed to help make your life a little easier.

Before deciding on any one particular accounting software program, keep the following tips in mind:

$Because many popular online software specialty stores allow for product feedback from customers, you will have the opportunity to read reviews that may help to make your decision easier based on the experiences by others who have already used the accounting software in question. Pay close attention to customer reviews when shopping for software.

$When you consider the purchase of any type of software, including that of accounting, you will want to make sure that it is compatible with your computer and that all PC requirements are met before purchasing the product. Many software programs require a specific type of processor, available memory, etc. In order for the software to function properly your computer will need to be able to handle all of the applications contained therein. By being familiar with your computer’s configuration, you will be able to make a better selection when it comes time to purchase your new accounting software.

$When shopping for accounting software, read about the program’s description and capabilities. You will need to make sure that you are either already familiar with the application or that you will be comfortable in learning how to use it. The reason is because many retailers will not accept software that is being returned if it has already been opened. So, before you buy, consider downloading a trial version or purchase an accounting software program that you are already familiar with.

$Purchase your accounting software from a company that has been in a business for awhile and one that has a good reputation. This will ensure prompt customer service, reliability, product assurance and a timely shipment. By purchasing software from a reliable and established business, you will also gain the peace of mind in knowing that the title is authentic and not an illegal copy. The most effective way of checking out a business’s reputation is through the Better Business Bureau.

$Learn about the company’s return, refund and/or exchange policy. Although most retailers will not refund the purchase if software has been opened, they may be willing to exchange it for the exact title if the program is defective or damaged.

An Introduction To Barcode Equipment

A complete barcode system will consist of software, scanners, a printer or labeler and labels for thermo transfer or thermo direct printing. Also of interest are mobile terminals for mobile data acquisition with a built-in scanner or reader, a display and a keyboard. A POS (point of sale) solution will require laser barcode scanners with high throughput and automatic triggering for hands-free barcode scanning.

Barcode Software

Barcodes are created with special software. While barcode software for Microsoft Windows is available, best suited for barcode creation are Apple Macintosh computers. Macs are preferable due to their strong position in the DTP, prepress and graphics market segment. A typical barcode software will support the common symbologies, calculate checksums automatically and will provide a variety of output options with support for the most common images formats (like PNG, TIFF or JPG) and also for Post Script or EPS.

A cheap alternative to dedicated barcode generators are so called barcode fonts. However, the quality a barcode created with such a font will usually not conform to the respective standards.

Depending on the application the use of dedicated, barcode enabled, label printing software may be advised. For example, such software can be used to print sequential barcodes (for serial numbers) or print logos or product images next to the actual barcode.

Barcode Scanner

Barcode Scanners, also known as barcode readers exist in various forms: The most common type are laser scanners. Here a moving laser beam scans the code which results in fast and error free reading. A cheap alternative to laser scanners are CCD scanners that feature a row of light emitting diodes and photo detectors. The earliest type of barcode reader where so called barcode wands, also known a magic wands. Here a single light emitting diode (LED) and a single photo detector are used to detect the typical black and white pattern of a barcode. While laser and CCD barcode scanners scan a barcode as a whole the barcode wand has to be swiped across the code to read it.

Barcode Printers

Barcode printers are used to print the barcode on self adhesive labels. Today most barcode label printers work in either thermo direct or thermo transfer mode. Using the thermo direct principle the print head applies heat to selected parts of the label which then turn dark. This is the same principle as is used with older fax machines. Thermo direct labels are sensitive to light and should not be used if they have to last longer than a few days or weeks. Typical applications are address labels which only have to last a few days.

With thermo transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon (thermo transfer ribbon) sits between the print head and the label. As heat is applied to the ribbon, ink transfers (hence the name) from the ribbon to the label. Labels that were printed with thermo transfer are very durable. However, besides the actual label the transfer ribbon is another consumable which will increase the printing cost.

An Introduction To Barcodes

Barcodes encode numeric or textual information in a printable, machine-readable form. The use of barcodes can significantly reduce cost of warehouse management and inventory. Two main forms of barcodes exist today: Linear or normal barcodes encode data over a horizontal stretch of space or one dimension. This kind of barcode typically encodes between four and forty digits or characters. So called area codes encode data in two dimensions, resulting in much higher density which allows for up to three thousand characters to be encoded.

Most linear barcode types will only encode numbers or digits. Two notable exceptions are Code 39 and Code 128 which can also encode alphanumeric characters like letters. Two dimensional area codes usually encode numbers, letters and special characters.

The most common linear barcode type is Code EAN which is used to encode article numbers in retail. It's used throughout the world with the notable exception of the USA which uses a related code, Code UPC, for the same purpose. A special form of Code EAN carries a so called Addon, a smaller barcode next to the main barcode that can encode pricing information and the like. Code EAN with a five digit Addon is used to encode ISBN (International Standard Book Number), while Code EAN with a two digit Addon is used to encode ISSN (International Standard Serials Number).

Other notable linear barcode symbologies and their applications include Code 39 (used for pharmaceuticals), Code 128 (warehouse management and retail) and Code Two-Of-Five (warehouse management and inventory).

The most common two dimensional area codes are PDF417 and Datamatrix, both of which are used in manufacturing, package tracking and similar applications which require large data amounts to be encoded.

Barcode Checksums

To ensure safe and error free reading and scanning of barcodes, all common barcode symbologies support so called checksum or check digit schemes. A checksum or check digit is an additional character or number that is calculated from the encoded data and appended to the barcode. While reading the barcode the scanner or reader can verify the checksum and determine if the barcode was scanned correctly. This is especially important if the barcode can easily be damaged or be tampered with. Simple check digit systems like the sort that is used with most linear barcodes will only detect simple errors, like a missing character. More sophisticated systems, especially those used with area barcodes can not only detect but also repair any damage that may have occurred to the code.

Barcode Applications

Today barcodes enjoy wide spread use through all types of businesses. The first major application of barcodes was in the retail sector where the codes would encode article numbers, manufacturer data and pricing. Another prominent use of barcodes is in the transport industry where the codes carry address and tracking information. Finally, two dimensional area codes have recently gained much popularity for use in personal identity cards, drivers licenses and so forth. They are also used for the tagging of electronic parts like computer or memory chips.