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Let’s say you work on a document in Microsoft Word 2007 (with the docx format) and would like to share it with someone who has Windows 2003 operating system on their PC or laptop. Do you think they will be able to see it?

As much as you’d like for them to be able to see it, the answer to that question is no.

What you will have to do is create another document that can be viewed by MS Office 2003, and send it across to the user.
Now wouldn’t this problem be solved if we converted that MS Word 2007 document into the PDF format, and then sent it across?
Since it works seamlessly between several (often competitive!) software programs such as spreadsheet, photo-editing and organizer programs, this is one reason why PDF has become so successful since Adobe Systems introduced it in 1993. All your user will have to do is to download and install a PDF Reader from the internet. In short, PDF helps creators across the globe share their work over the internet twice as securely as any other file format available in almost no time at all.

Now, in order to change the file format to PDF from other formats that you are most comfortable working with, you will need a PDF converter. And there are several of them that are available for free over the internet (just google the keyword ‘free pdf converter’) that will convert MS Office, Lotus, Open Office documents, images and even web pages, apart from the expensive Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro software which will help you create PDF documents from a scratch.

Posted under Software

First there was antivirus software, and then came the wave of spyware and malware application all offering you protection from the dangers of the internet. All very necessary tools, as experts might add but what about registry cleaners?

A registry cleaner is a Windows software utility that removes configuration data from the Windows registry that are no longer in use.

When it comes to choosing Registry Cleaners, you can find authentic software (that is if you add and remove programs from your system often) however, there are several options that are associated with malware and scareware which warn you of ‘critical’ errors when there are none while some use website pop-ups to sell their product, appropriately known as rogue registry cleaners.

The latter has caused a lot of controversy and experts are skeptical not only of its requirement for optimum performance but also question the fact if authentic software is actually available or not. At the most, experts say that it frees up a few kilobytes of RAM, while on the other hand it can be dangerous in the hands of a computer novice causing system instability and loss of functionality as well.

So, in other words, there are more ‘cons’ than pros when it comes to the use of Registry Cleaners, and one should be extremely careful when choosing this kind of software for your computer. It is advisable that you take the recommendation of a computer technician before proceeding to purchase any Registry software from the internet, as some of them delete information that is still being used by the Windows operating systems.

Posted under Software

While budgeting for an organization, one has to list the expenses and revenues, and make informed decisions for the year ahead. Spreadsheets are used as a tool for budgeting in small organizations. In huge organizations, which have multiple departments, each department will follow different budgeting formats and spend additional time manually combining all these reports into the master budget spreadsheet. It is also difficult to generate a department wise split up as well as access previous updates of the budget from the master spreadsheet.

The solution to these problems is to purchase budgeting and planning software (B&P). This software will contain a central repository with the budget’s information.

Budgeting and planning software offers the following advantages:

1. Data integrity can be maintained as the data is stored in a central database or repository.
2. The data can be keyed in using the intranet or internet.
3. Onsite and Offsite details can be added, updated or deleted from anywhere.
4. Department wise templates can be generated.
5. Split ups by departments can be viewed.
6. Pro forma financial reports are generated easily at the click of a button.
7. Identify pending tasks across the organization with the built in Workflow.
8. One can check the status of the online inventory requirements real-time.
9. This software can be linked to Customer Relation Management systems of the organization, which are vital inputs in the budgeting process.
10. Visual and Appealing Business Status reports can be generated.

Some of the options budgeting software are Budgeting$business, BudgetingSoftware.biz, BudgetingSolutions, Budgetlogic and Businessdecisionmsft. If one wants to purchase the software, demos that give you a fuller understanding of the features of the software and what it can do for your company is made available. Companies like Hyperion Software, Cognos, Adaytum Software and Comshare produce customizable Business and Planning Software.

Posted under Software

The term ‘scareware’ is used to define a class of scam software that either has no or limited benefits. In order to push this scam software, an unethical sales strategy is used which scares a computer user into buying their product immediately by suggesting that his or her PC has been infected with a deadly virus or has critical errors that need to be fixed. Normally, the price of this ‘fix’ is displayed using the scareware ad, and after the users pay the money, it is downloaded from the web on to their computer for installation. The catch here is that these fixes are an illusion created but will act as though it has taken care of these so-called errors or viruses. However, other fixes work as spyware that victimizes users.

Scareware ads might pop up while a user browses the Web, and will look exactly like a Microsoft window that misleads the user into believing that the message is being displayed from their Windows operating system. When the user hits OK, they will be redirected to a download site where they would need to pay and download the fix.

The best way to avoid scareware is to enable the Pop-up blocker option that is available on most browsers today. Disabling Windows Messenger and upgrading to SP2 for XP will help, as they are key entry points for harmful script among which scareware ads are one of them. Another way to prevent these ads is by enabling the Windows Automatic Update that would inform one of any new patches from Microsoft that can be downloaded free of cost.

It is important to remember that a Windows message will only inform you of a virus infection and will not offer a fix. Anything else that does offer a fix is a part of this dubious strategy to shove useless software down and uninformed user’s throat. Another way to prevent scareware ads and offers is to scan your PC regularly with authentic anti-virus software.

Posted under Software

Computer viruses are nothing new; in fact, the first documented virus was found on the grandfather of the modern internet, the ARPANET, in the 1970′s. As you can see, computer users have been battling these threats for almost four decades now.

The first recorded virus, called “The Creeper”, was harmless in the sense that it only displayed an annoying message. Since then, viruses have evolved to advanced viruses, worms, Trojans, adware, spyware and malware. Confusing as it sounds, all of these can be categorized under the broad category of Malware or Malicious Software.

The answer to the title question is – YES. Scanners for all sorts of malware do exist, but the recent trend has been for scanners to be able to handle a multitude of threats. No longer do we need to have specialized scanners for separate threats.

There are many malware scanners on the market today, and in choosing one of them, the price is always an issue. If you do encounter this problem, consider one of the free scanners available. Although the word “free” might lead you to think that there are components missing or that they do not perform properly, they actually do a great job. The only catch is that the free service is only applicable if it is used on a home computer for personal use only.

When deciding on a malware scanner, be sure to read reviews and discussions on the product. This will help you make a better decision on which one to pick, especially if you are going to spend some money.

Posted under Software

If you are one of those people who have made the switch to Windows 7 from Vista or XP, you would be wondering how you survived working with those operating systems for so long. For most people Windows 7 is the operating system that Microsoft should have delivered a long time ago. The optimization and sheer ease of use are a joy to behold.

One of the functions that Microsoft has improved vastly is the process of managing printers and devices. In previous versions, device and printer management was a tedious task that involved several different applets like Device Manager, My Computer, Game Controller, Mouse, etc.

However, in Windows 7, everything is found in one location. Microsoft has placed the Device and Printer Management on the Windows 7 Start Menu because of its importance in daily functions.

The new applet functions in a smart way that not only displays plug and play components which users will need to play with but also determines other matters like display settings for an external monitor. These settings do not apply to a laptop display. Each device features a context menu, which makes adjusting these settings very easy. Adjusting printer settings can also be done through this applet, making it very versatile. In addition to this, the applet allows for browsing of all printers attached to the computer, installing printers, displaying relevant tasks to attached devices and displaying information related to these devices.

As you can see, Microsoft has worked hard to provide a better user experience with Windows 7 and this applet is just one example of that effort.

Posted under Software Management

Malware and Spyware are terms that often confuse the less informed computer user. Make no mistake both types of software are designed to cause no good. By definition, any software that has malicious intent is termed Malware. Spyware, as the name suggests, is software that “spies” on a system and in its worst form collects details private to that user (credit card number, bank details, etc); therefore spyware comes under the broad umbrella of malware.

Malware describes the broad spectrum of software that ranges from worms and viruses to spyware and adware. Worms and viruses are one of the worst kinds of malware in existence today. They can enter a system and cause all sorts of havoc. This can be anything from merely pop-up messages that can annoy the user or causing crashes and in extreme cases, even destroying files. Worms and viruses are inherently designed to spread quickly and with today’s increased reliance of users to be “plugged in” to the internet at all times, we are seeing infections sweep the world in a matter of hours. A good, constantly updated virus or malware scanner is essential to keep this harmful software at bay.

The threat of spyware is not perceived by many to be as great as the ones mentioned above. But in reality the harm they cause can be greater. By stealing credit card and bank details, spyware can cause immense financial loss and ruin the unsuspecting user. Again, this can be prevented with an effective malware scanner. You can further prevent this by not clicking on or opening dubious emails or advertisements.
The bottom line is, malware can cause immense harm to a user. Therefore, it is in the user’s best interests to stay as protected as possible from these threats.

Posted under Software

As a deveA good Web 2.0 link building strategy is essential for your success in your online endeavors. It is a good idea to use Social Media sites to generate traffic and improve your search engine rankings, but it is not an easy task. The following tips are some ways which will help you improve your online status.

1. Build relationships with people you meet on social media sites. Once they get to know you better, they will place good value on your suggestions.

2. Avoid spamming. Most online marketers fall into this trap thinking that this is the way to go. Nobody likes spam and it will go towards ruining your reputation.

3. Whatever content you post must be relevant. Anything otherwise will only be detrimental to your objective. Irrelevant content may bring in traffic, but traffic is nothing if there is no conversion.

4. Cross linking your social media sites is a good way build up you reputation and send customers towards your main site.

5. Be original and do not repeat content. Keep your content fresh and different on every site. Again, this goes towards building your reputation.

6. Give without asking and you will see the returns. Share your knowledge freely.

7. Do not give bogus advice. If you do not know enough about a subject, tell that person the truth. Trying to bluff your way through a situation will only bring down the reputation that you have
built up.

8. If your competition is in trouble help them out. The more you help the more help you will get in return when you need it.

9. Write persuasive and positive content. Remember, you are not there in person to make the sale only your text is. So it must do everything for you. Take a course in persuasive writing, read a book on it, etc. The bottom line is – Make it work magic!

10. Do not start your sales pitch on day one. No one likes a pushy salesman. Remember point #1, build the relationship first, and sell later – much later if it has to be that way.
Using these tips will enable you to receive some highly targeted traffic. What that means is that your percentage of conversions stands to rise drastically.

Posted under Technology

You may have a variety of reasons for needing Digital Image software. This actually is one the key points that will decide what software you need to purchase. Depending on your requirement you will purchase professional software which will give you immense control over your editing needs or you will purchase software which is wizard driven and helps you do simple or even complex editing commands without too much of a hassle but with less control.

Another key point is pricing. The wrong way to go about purchasing digital image software is to look at everything that is out there. This is a very confusing approach and will only eat into your time. The best way is to set a limit on what you would like to spend after you have identified your requirements. With these two factors in hand, you can now begin your search.

Find a list of products that match the pricing & requirement criteria and short list them. Then you can further short list them by the complexity of the software itself. If it is very complex you will have to spend a long time learning how to use it and if it is too simple you might not be able to do some micromanagement on the photo that you are editing.

Once you have this final shortlist, do some research on these products. Talk to people who use or used them. You can do this by visiting forums, reading reviews and even through email. Once you feel comfortable with your final choice, go ahead and buy the software. You can do this in the knowledge that the purchase was made as a result of an informed decision.

Posted under Software

Hedge funds differ from Mutual funds by having a lesser number of rules. This enables people to put their money into investments consisting of commodities, shares and debt. The hedge fund is open to only a limited number of investors and has investment strategies which are particular to it. In short, no two hedge funds are alike (more or less).

The term “Hedge” is derived from the practice of hedging some of the risks inherent in the investments using a variety of methods. The two most popular methods are short selling and derivatives. Hedge funds function as an attractive method of investment as they provide exemption from regulations that govern short selling, derivatives, leverage, fee structures, and the liquidity of interests in the fund.

Hedge funds can be quite complex to understand, so you might want to enlist the help of a professional. However, you might decide to manage it on your own, or if you are very proficient in the matter you might decide to manage investors of hedge funds. Whichever way you go, you will need the help of software desgined for Hedge Funds.

When you do search for one, make sure you choose an application which is web-based. This will enable you to access it wherever you are in the world. It is essential if you are to manage clients. You should also look for software which is high in terms of security and flexibility, and one that allows you get reports out the way you want it. Since the data you will be storing will be highly sensitive, you must research your vendor thoroughly. If not, this could raise problems for you down the line if things go wrong with the software or if there is an information leak, or even if the vendor goes out of business.

So choose carefully, and you will have a tool that will make your life that much easier.

Posted under Software