Computers and Technology Articles

If you have been searching for ways to help keep your computers performance in tip-top shape, then you have probably heard that you should do a registry cleaning, but are these programs actually safe to use on your Windows PC?

The Window’s registry is a critical part of your computers operating system and if you are not the IT type then that may be the extent of your knowledge. But that is OK, in this article I am going to share with you how you can clean your computer’s registry with a nifty little program. I am also going to share with you the risks that you may face when you start looking for a registry cleaning program to download.

There are two main types of risks that you want to be aware of when it comes to registry cleaners:

• Watch out for spyware infected registry cleaning software.
• Never use a cleaner that does not offer backups before the cleaning process.

Now that you know what risks to look for, allow me to expand on them more in detail so you can be sure to avoid them.

Spyware Infected Registry Cleaning Software

In most cases, spyware infected software will use scare tactics to try to get you to download and install their shady software. If you have been using the web for a while now then you have probably experienced one of these types of things before.

This is how they usually work - They will hijack your browser window and do a fake scan for errors, you will then be told that you can fix all of those fake errors by downloading and installing their free software. Never take that free download, that’s like giving them the keys to your house, your computer will become infected with spyware and the attack of pop-ups will begin.

Of course, not all registry software using these scare tactics will be filled with spyware, but your chances are greatly increased if you download one of them. To avoid any of this from happening, simply download a registry cleaning program from an actual website, on your own terms, from a repeatable company after you have read some positive reviews online.

Registry Cleaning Tools Without Backup Feature

Your computer’s registry system is very sensitive, it is in charge of controlling your entire operating system. Since you can not plan for every anomaly when it comes to cleaning your registry, having a backup is just plain smart.

It is very rare, but something may go wrong during the cleaning process and with a backup you will be able to simply restore your registry back to it’s prior state before the problem occurred. If the registry cleaning program does not offer backups, I would stay away, too much is at stake.

The actual risks of using a registry cleaning program on your computer are quite minimal, as long as you make sure to pay attention to exactly what it is that you are downloading. Do not give into “scareware” tactics, and make sure that the tool you do download has a backup feature. These two tips will help ensure that you pick an effective and safe registry cleaning program for your computers needs.

One would think that timing how long you take to complete a task, so that you can complete your daily time sheets, would be an easy thing to do. One, two, three and your done. But think on, as there are nuances to timing that you may never have even considered. Pre-emptive and Permissive timing are two such timing issues. Lets discuss how these differ and how they may effect your bottom line.

Ordinarily, most time sheets, those that require you to stipulate what it is you’ve been working on and the time spent doing that activity, use what’s known in the industry as permissive timing. That is, you complete the job first, and then, when done, you fill out your time sheet. So for example, you may look at your watch, its 10:30am - time you say to start on the McBrain account. You navigate to the right disk location, open the excel spread sheets you require, perhaps word and any other software you need to complete the job, and away you go. When you’re done, you again glance at your watch, and know that it’s time to complete your time sheet. Perhaps you use a localized web product or some package that sits on a remote server. Either way, the time you will be entering, is the time you have already spent on the job. Its permissive time.

The converse to permissive timing is pre-emptive timing. The typical scenario here is that you have decided what your next task is to be, and you start timing this task before you even begin. When you finally get to the end of the task, you stop timing. Of course to be permissive, the selection of who and what you were doing was made before you complete the task, such that when you do eventually finish, your time sheet data has already been entered, and your you’re already moving onto the next task at hand, again pre-selecting what it is you are about to do, before you actually start.

From a time-recording process, permissive time sheet completion is far easier to address from a software product perspective, and is indicative of 99.5% of all current time recording software. However, modern technological advances in visualization techniques and artificial intelligence have allowed a select few software manufactures to go beyond manual permissive timing into the wonderful world of automated pre-emptive timing.

Here, the philosophy of such timing software from established companies such as MetriQ Limited is not difficult to understand. First, you navigate to the folder that holds the software you wish to use to complete your task. For example, you may wish to work on McBrain’s Accounts, so by navigating to your own folder structure called McBrain/Accounts, ensures that all time collected will be associated with McBain’s Accounts. Next, as each folder holds both programs and documents, you open these by double clicking the program icon just as you would anywhere in Windows. And of course the software opens and you can start work. But here’s the magic with these types of automated software. Because you’ve already chosen which folder you wish to work on, and because you’ve just gone ahead and started work, quietly in the background, specialized timing agents are busily recording how much time you use on all of your software. And of course if you were to change folder at any time, because you are using pre-emptive timing, the new time being captures is relevant only to the folder you are currently on.

It gets better. This type of timing practice will automatically increase you productivity because you are no longer required to complete your time sheets, as that has all been done for you. In addition, the same software comes with an iTime unit, which will also allows you to time permissively, should the need arise. This might be the case when the telephone rings, as its most unlikely you will know just who the caller will be at that instance. And lets face it, when the phone does ring, in general you are engaged with the caller, and worrying about what the time is so that you can complete your time sheets is both distracting and a general annoyance - not too mention highly inaccurate when it comes to recording how many minutes and for which Client’s task you were just working on.

So the next time you have to purchase time sheet software for your staff’s working attendance, just remember to look for products that offer you true flexibility - that is - pre-emptive and permissive timing all in one package, offering optimal flexibility for you and your business.

Fog Creek CopilotSM is a simple and inexpensive service that allows friends, relatives, and customers to help each other solve their computer problems by letting one person temporarily connect to the computer of the other over the Internet. Fog Creek Copilot is inexpensive, fast, easy, secure, and works with any firewall or router without having anything to install or any settings to configure.

Using the Fog Creek Copilot service.

While connected as a helper, you see the desktop of the person you’re helping in its own window. As you move your mouse within this window, the other’s mouse pointer moves, and as you type, the text appears on both of your screens. A status bar on top of the window tells you how much time is left in the Day Pass. Troubleshoot and fix your family’s, friends’, coworkers’, or customers’ computers as if they were your own. Save time and energy by not having to physically be at the problematic computer.

If your computer is the one being fixed by a helper, you’ll see a dialogue box that tells you about your connection and that has a button allowing you to kick off the helper at anytime. Sit back and watch as the helper navigates your computer, seeing exactly what the problem is and taking the necessary steps to fix it. The control isn’t exclusive. At any time you too can move the mouse to point something out, or to press the disconnect button. You can also use your keyboard to type in a password, or locate a specific file for the helper.

Simplicity.

There is nothing to install, no settings to configure, no usernames or passwords to remember, and no external factors to worry about. All Fog Creek Copilot requires is a 30-second or less download and you’re ready to go. Everything is preconfigured to help the copilot and pilot connect hassle free.

Security.

Fog Creek Copilot uses 128-bit SSL encryption, the same type of security offered by major online retailers. The 12-digit invitation code ensures that only the helper who gave it is the one connecting to the computer needing the assistance. After disconnecting, the person being helped is given the option for Fog Creek Copilot to delete itself so that no further connections can be made without his or her permission.

It just works.

The Fog Creek Copilot connection is routed through our secure servers so it doesn’t matter if either person, or both, are behind office or home firewalls. You can connect quickly and easily with no external settings to configure. Fog Creek Copilot just works.

No commitment or easy subscription.

With a Day Pass, no registration of any kind is required. Either party can pay for the service and both credit card and PayPal are accepted. Invitation codes are treated as Day Passes that last 24 hours from the time a connection is first established. While a Day Pass is active the helper can use the same invitation code to connect to as many computers as he or she wants, as many times as needed.

Subscriptions allow those who provide frequent support a more complete option. Signing up takes only a few minutes, after which connecting becomes even faster and easier. See http://www.copilot.com/signup/ for pricing plans.

Published on http://www.softwarereviewblog.com

Writing an ebook will only get you halfway to success. In order to ensure that your ebook looks professional, and also your business looks professional, you need to ensure that you have a great graphics package. You need to have a professional looking ebook cover and mini-site graphics.

There is no need to be too concerned. You may be thinking that you are going to have to hire a graphic designer and this could cost you a fortune. It’s true- the best graphic designers are expensive! However, there are now ebook cover software programs out there that can solve all your graphic design problems. Below of I have listed some of the benefits of ebook cover software:

o You do not need to be a graphic design expert- Ebook cover software enables you to design countless logos for countless ebooks without the need to be an expert. It is all inbuilt to the software for you.

o It is a quick step-by-step process- Your graphic design can be as simple as clicking a template, setting your logo options and away you go.

o You can customize your logos- Another great thing about ebook cover software is the ability to customize your logos and have them appear as YOU want them. No longer will you be frustrated trying to explain to a designer how you want your logos to appear only to be frustrated by the results. You can actually see how your cover and logos will look instantaneously.

o Optimized for online and offline viewing- Another great benefit of ebook cover software is the ability to optimize your covers for online and offline viewing. Many people print out the ebooks they purchase because they do not want to read them online. You want your ebook cover to look as good online as you do offline.

If you are going to write an ebook, you really want to be making some money out of it. The best way to make yourself look professional and boost your sales is to ensure that you have a good cover. The best way to get your covers is to get some software that will help you design graphics in a few quick steps.

Why use an enterprise resource planning solution (ERP) designed for another manufacturer whose operations are nothing like yours? Common sense, right? However, this is the approach taken by less robust ERP software systems that lack the flexibility to integrate customizable features. Sure, most of the standard features are usually there–purchasing, time clock, scheduling, inventory, shipping, and so forth. But what happens when your needs as a manufacturer are more than just the “standard” manufacturing functions? This is where the advanced ERP software systems come in to offer the ability to be customizable for the individual customer.

With all of the benefits ERP has to offer the manufacturer today, it would seem as if we’ve made great strides toward total manufacturing efficiency. Benefits such as the synchronicity of all shop operations, orderliness, efficient direct labor costs, less in-direct labor costs, and so on, means that the job shop today can operate at fuller capacities and with enhanced bottom lines. On the other hand, the inflexibility of many ERP solutions often counteracts any significant gains made through the use of the software. With newer forms of manufacturing here today, and with even more on the horizon, it is imperative that an ERP solution be strong yet flexible enough to deal with the many advances being made.

For example, the concept of nesting is a manufacturing method made to optimize use of standard material sizes with the mix of orders. In short, nesting is a production technique wherein you are able to use more of the raw material available in a fixed and standard size through a mix of orders. Nesting, as a parts and assembly configuration method, takes advantage of the inventory to produce work in the most efficient way possible, and a truly robust ERP software system will be flexible enough to be customized in order to take advantage the technique. Such customization capabilities might include the ability to retrieve available raw materials data in order to proceed with a job. For example, a make-to-order fabricator is best served by knowing how many pieces of raw material are available at any one moment, and what usable square footage exists for each of these raw materials. In less powerful or flexible ERP systems, operators are pretty much stuck with accepting a work order and then searching the shop for the proper dimensioned material to use in the production–if the needed material with the proper dimensions is even in the shop at the moment.

By contrast, a robust and flexible ERP software system will offer the operator the ability to bring up information (sizes, shapes, square footage, shop location, images, etc.) about available raw material and/or remnants in one single view. Indeed, such information can be had at the touch of a terminal button when ERP is allied with a series of shop floor graphical user interface ( GUI) terminals where job related data and even material imagery (photos, illustrations, etc.) is maintained. If the material is properly configured for the job at hand, then the material is easily located and picked-up from where the GUI says it will be found. On the other hand, if the available materials are unsuitable for production, then raw materials may be purchased from the vendor using the same GUI terminal connection.

All in all, a flexible ERP software system allows the manufacturer the ability to realize the maximum benefits associated with their system. That is to say, in a powerful and customizable ERP system production capacity is increased while direct labor costs are reduced, total material used is reduced, and accuracy and quality are maximized.

Would you like to know how to eliminate popups caused by spyware easily? You may be experiencing this situation right now: that several popups will appear on your screen randomly, and it is almost impossible to close all of them. As soon as you have closed some of them, more popups appear and your whole PC screen becomes cluttered with advertisement windows.

Spyware popups are a very irritating form of advertising. Luckily, there are powerful software programs downloadable from the internet that can deal with this problem quickly and effectively.

Using Web Browser to Block Popups Advertisements Caused by Spyware

If the popups on your screen are appearing because you are visiting websites that are infected by spyware, you can simply stop visiting the website and update your internet browser with the latest pop-up blocking features. Web browsers today typically have some form popup blocking functions.

Spyware Infection inside the Computer System

However, it is a completely different story if the spyware has infected your PC system. The popups will not be stopped by your web browser, and you will need to download software to scan your hard disk to find the spyware and malware and get rid of them.

Download Software to Eliminate Popups Caused By Spyware

There are many spyware and adware removal software available for download on the internet. You should download one that is highly rated and compatible with your computer. Take your time to research around for different protection software and study their installation requirements and configurations before you download.

In simple terms, spyware and adware are nothing but software programs that are made with the objective of allowing all sorts of PC users and companies to spy on internet browsing activities.

Some people think that adware are same as spyware, but adware is not necessarily spyware. Adware in specific is usually a freeware displaying advertising banners. The programmer gets revenue by selling advertising space in the software product. Intermittently, some adware will also act as spyware which includes information gathering code to send non-sensitive information back to unauthorized third parties.

Spyware programs attack the PC with illegal download files, running other programs in the background, and changing your PC default settings. The web browsing activities are constantly monitored causing identity theft like stealing credit card numbers and various passwords etc which may also lead to serious financial loss.

All your favorite bookmarks and the default homepage settings can be hijacked which finally result in PC slow down and annoying pop-ads. In other words, spyware attack include deceptive software installation, taking control of computers to send spam and malware, modifying browser and other settings, and hiding or otherwise becoming difficult to remove.

Each and every day, hundreds of thousands of Internet users are infected with Spyware and adware programs.

There is a definite need to run an anti spyware software program to combat the issues of security threat. There are many free anti spyware download programs but one must make sure that the anti spyware works around the clock and protect the PC and secure your privacy.

The most effective anti spyware download programs are NoAdware, Spy Sweeper and Spyware Doctor that offer real time protection around the clock. It is recommended to run multiple (two or even three) anti spyware software’s to get the most efficiency because each uses different rulesets, definitions and algorithms to detect spyware and adware.

In this small article we would like to give guidelines to Great Plains IT support people, who is trying to troubleshoot Microsoft Dynamics GP in-house, sometimes appealing to Microsoft Business Solutions support. GP IM is using several technologies, however the most popular is Great Plains workstation as OLE server - this technology comes back to 1990th when Microsoft was parading with its OLE, OLEDB, ODBC and other technologies and is tightly linked with Microsoft Data Access Components (MS DAC). In general you may think about processes this way - when you launch traditional IM it hides Microsoft Great Plains workstation and uses it behind the scenes to validate GP business logic

o IM Known Bugs. This is when you are getting error messages, related to MDAC libraries, such as TTGErrors. You have to look for the exact remedy in Microsoft Dynamics techknowledge database, but general rule is this - try to clean up MDAC installation, uninstall IM and then install newest MDAC and reinstall IM

o IM Registration issues. Since version 7.5 Microsoft requires IM to have separate reg key. Known issue with entering reg key is if you do not install IM properly, but simply copy GP workstation folder and IM program files - in this case Windows registry has no info about IM and it “forgets” about registration. You need to reinstall IM and apply recent IM service packs accordingly

o eConnect. This should be IM future, it is in process of being rewritten in eConnect. eConnect doesn’t have performance obstacles and doesn’t use OLE server. With this new technology IM will be capable to import unlimited number of records in “real time”

o Old versions of IM. Some versions of Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise were released with IM, which needed immediate service pack application - otherwise it simply was not functional. If you are on GP version 7.0 - please do not install IM from CD - look for the service pack

Please feel free to call us at any time: 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, help@albaspectrum.com , skype albaspectrum

Why not get the jump-start you need with fashion design software? With the applications any aspiring fashion designer can try out their ideas and visualise their creations before getting behind a sewing machine. Over the years, innovative and practical computer applications have been developed, including texture mapping programs, E-Catalogue creation tools, design spec workbooks as well as all-in-one high-end CAD systems.

Freelance designers, design consultants, private label companies, garment and textiles manufacturers, retailers, home furnishing manufacturers, fabric converters & fabric traders can all benefit by using the design software. Why not visit the Internet for a web site that develops, publishes, and markets computer applications for the apparel, textile, accessories and surface design industries. Get one of the best selling design packages and start designing today.

There are many sites on the web to choose from. You can also search for fashion design and production computer software. Specify your operating system, the software features you require and your budget and you’re bound to find the product you need.

Before deciding what fashion design software to obtain, have a look at the best sellers in the computer applications. Compare the features of the different products so that you can make an informed decision on what product best suits you.

If you’re an aspiring fashion designer, there is nothing to stop you now. The Internet has changed the way the world works, plays and learns. Surf the web and find the computer application design application that suits you. Who knows - perhaps you are the next Calvin Klein?

Steve was like a lot of people working a trade in the Construction Industry, due to the economic climate he was out of work more than in it. One day he saw an advertisement for Sitemaster Software, this piqued his interest as it was something allied to building that he knew and as he already carried out his own surveys for estimating purposes he thought that the added bonus of being able to draw up accurate floor plans would give him another opportunity to earn a living doing something he already had an interest in and which could help in his normal job when things picked up. Sort of kills two birds with one stone!

So what did he have to lose, he sent off for more information and agreed to a FREE NO obligation demonstration. What Steve witnessed was professionally-finished building floor plans, area estimates and inspection drawings using a Bluetooth handheld laser talking directly to the software held on a UPMC (Ultra Mobile PC) tablet, he saw that there was no longer any need to take measurements using tape measures, no need to write any notes or draw pencil sketches anymore, the dimensions are instantly inserted into the drawing programme and it draws the lines in real time - On Site!

Steve stated at the time “I have experienced first-hand the immediate gains that Sitemaster Building software can provide to construction and building information mangers in terms of accuracy, speed and cost-savings”

He was told of how this software had been instrumental in saving time and costs on many projects around the world, “On a recent service project, I was contracted to verify a commercial lessee’s office square metreage and was able to determine irrefutably that they were being overcharged by more than 25 square meters on their contract”. Quite a rental saving over a period of a few years. It is obvious that where commercial office space commands a premium, the cost-savings to the lessee will be significant over time and positively impact their cash flow each month” Just one of the ways this software can be used effectively.

Building Talk recently commented “Sitemaster Building is an amazing application, and is generating a lot of interest in the marketplace”.

Steve was so impressed by what he was shown, that he decided to buy there and then and take up the optional offer of a days training. This was carried out in due course and Steve immediately put this software/ kit to good practice. In fact he was in touch with some old clients who gave him work from time to time, construction work, but they had none available just now, so he offered his services as a surveyor and offered to draw up floor plans of some of their property portfolio, he knew through the grapevine that they needed this due to recent changes in legislation, the two negotiated a price and off Steve went to start his first proper floor plan survey. The first building he worked on took him some time, he was after all learning as he went along, but by the time he started the second project he had ironed out all the queries and problems he was having and with the help of the training he had received and the telephone support from the company, he was well on his way.

He was now starting to produce finished floor plans much quicker and 700 - 800 square meters per day were not uncommon. He knew through experience that most surveyors/architects will hand sketch and measure maybe 500 - 700 square meters per day, and then spend at least another day back at the office drawing the floor plans up. Yet Steve on only his second project was walking off site at the end of the day with circa 700 square meters surveyed, measured and drawn and of course FINISHED!

It quickly dawned on him that there was a real opportunity here to offer this as a full time service and make some good money along the way. What started off as an attempt to try and earn a bit more money due to lack of construction work, had now turned into a possible future gold mine offering his services of providing finished, accurate floor plans quickly and efficiently both for his own clients and for others. He had now in effect gone from a pretty ordinary builder to a much sought after professional member of the construction industry, more or less overnight, he now charges his clients on a per square metre basis for most projects as he has now got to a point where he can produce nearly 1000 sq metres per day on a large project.

Of course producing accurate floor plans is one thing, but the Sitemaster Software is so good it also works out area, volume and perimeter calculations of rooms, it also automatically and in the background builds up door and window schedules, lists of radiators, plug points, and in fact anything else you collect along the way, the data collection feature of this programme is ideal for Asset and Facilities Managers.

Along with the floor plans, Steve now finds he can charge for providing door and window schedules, that for most traditional surveyors/architects can take hours or even days to produce, takes Steve seconds with the push of a button. The programme does this all automatically for him, his earnings are now rising exponentially as he finds more ways and new markets to put this programme to work for him.

Steve has since shown this to some of his fellow workmates on the construction site and comments:

“Once people see Sitemaster in action and witness the finished results, they can’t believe they have been using a tape measure and paper for so long”.

“Architects, designers - anyone wanting to create as-built drawings can now complete the task in record time without leaving the clients site. Better yet, there is no need to send two people to a site and finished drawings can be generated up to 10 times faster than traditional measuring-tape and paper methods.”

Profiled in a recent Microsoft white paper, Sitemaster is claimed to be the first system of its kind to automate the creation of wireless, laser-generated as-built floor plans, area estimates and building inspections for architects, appraisers, contractors, engineers, estimators, facilities managers, floor-planners, estate agents and other professionals involved in the design, construction and management of buildings.

Using a Leica Disto A6 handheld laser, Sitemaster facilitates instant on-site creation of detailed, AutoCAD-compatible drawings on a Bluetooth wireless Pocket PC, Tablet PC or laptop computer running Microsoft’s Windows mobility operating systems.

Sitemaster provides the missing link for thousands of potential clients. Now it is time for you Construction Tradesmen who are maybe looking for other ways of earning a living, to try this for yourselves, why not? What have you got to loose? It worked for Steve, why shouldn’t it work for you?