Find It Faster

Sometimes I forget the things I know :)  I go through my day using techniques and short cuts that are automatic/inherent.  The example that inspired this post was while online with a client, we were doing a little research together.  Of course, we received a staggering amount of seemingly pertinent information within seconds from our Google search.  When she chose a document from the search, we had to wait while the huge pdf file loaded only to find that it was a 459 page document.  I laughed when we saw the size of the document and sounding a bit overwhelmed she said, “It is going to take forever to find” her sought after key phrase.  Not!

When I took a few seconds to walk her through the process of  how to “find” her key phrase (using Ctrl+F) and she found the exact information she sought in a millisecond, she was amazed!  I love it when I can dazzle a client and empower them with tools to make their life easier.

Best to you,
Jan

Don’t Share Everything on Facebook and other SMN

I have been known to discuss why we shouldn’t be too open with personal information on Social Media Networks (SMNs), especially when teens are involved.

As a virtual assistant, I’ve been in the thick of SMNs for several years now and help my clients set up their networks.  It is an exciting way to share information with the masses and an exceptional tool for business owners to market their business.  Friends and family members are connecting here, too, more readily than via email these days.  However, when utilizing this for personal engagement, especially those with teenagers need to be fully aware of what information is being posted for public consumption.

Reinforcing this thought is this Yahoo news link I found this morning.  Thieves have found a way to guess pertinent information via information posted on SMNs like your Social Security Number 8.5% of the time for people born since 1989.

My advice, remove or hide key information on your SMNs.  Need help?  Contact me and I’ll help you protect your information.

Best to you,
Jan

Year End Bargains on Electronics

Searching for End of the Year deals on electronic equipment?

Here are a few of my favorite picks for best deals. 

• TigerDirect.com
• newegg.com
• amazon.com

For example, I have been considering buying a second monitor to make my life easier when assisting my virtual clients.  TigerDirect has a dozen or so, up to 20″, all under $100!

Happy Bargain Hunting and Happy New Year!
Jan

Firefox Browser Virus Hindering Searching

Nifty tip for Firefox users – after a “virus” seemed to be overtaking my search results and I couldn’t get it to stop.  Try changing your Tools> Options> to Never Remember Browser History.  Read this tip via my newsletter from Steve at WorldStart.com.  Seems to have stopped for the moment after 3 days of havoc!

Happy Black Friday!
Jan

Labeling Power Cords

Recently, I spent time with someone who had to unplug a couple of computer components and had to chase down each cord by hand.  He was a little frustrated by this exercise.  I imparted a little tip that I’ve used for years on power cords for my computer and television components.  Make little labels for each power cord.  They don’t have to be fancy labels, heck,  a little 2″ x 1/4″ slice of paper and some clear tape will do.  Just write VCR, TV, cable box or monitor, speakers, USB hub on the strip of paper, fold it in half (makes it about 1″ x 1/4″), wrap it around the end of the cord near the outlet plug and secure with tape – voila! you’ve just labeled your cord!

I couldn’t get a good pic of my computer cords, but here’s the one’s behind my tv, DVD, VCR. 

If you don’t quite get it from my description, email me and I’ll break it down for you! ;-)

Best to you!
Jan

Free Calls on Google

Anyone tried the new Google call feature?  Free calls within the US via your computer!

Have a great weekend!
Jan

Favorite Social Network

Just got off the telephone with one of my clients.  Part of our conversation was about social networks and which ones we like and/or find most valuable.  His personal favorite choices are: FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  He is a very successful Realtor(R) and feels it is very important to be on Facebook.

What social network is your favorite?

I use all 3 social networks – FaceBook, Twitter, and LinkedIn along with a couple of others Biznik, StumbleUpon, and RainToday.   Keeping my own accounts active is my biggest challenge but I know that continued activity is key to spreading the word/s.  The personal side of these accounts can be a vortex and before you know it, you’ve spent 2 hours catching up with friends you haven’t communicated with in years!

Tips for entrepreneurs/business owners:

1)  select 2 or 3 networks that fit you/your business;
2)  make sure you keep active in and on your social networks of choice;
3)  admitting you need some help isn’t bad – knowing you need help and not asking for it is bad! :)

If you need assistance getting started in social networking or just need help now that you are up and running – hire me! or a savvy virtual assistant who can post polished, relevant information regarding you and your business.

Best to you,
Jan

Windows 7 Release Candidate!

I received the following information via my monthly newsletter from Microsoft.   Personally, I am not running Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) but thought I’d post the alert to help spread the word to those who are using this OS.

If you are running Windows 7 RC, beginning March 1, 2010, your computer will shut down every 2 hours and your work will not be saved! In order to avoid any interruptions, you will need to back up your data and perform a clean install of Windows 7 (or earlier version).  For more information, visit Microsoft’s website.

Happy Computing!
Jan

Facebook – Adding Pictures

A couple of people have recently contacted me because they couldn’t remember (or figure out) how to add pictures/build an album on their Facebook account.

Here’s the simple version:

1) Choose the pictures you want to upload into Facebook and save them to your computer Desktop (or an equally prominent location on your computer).

2) Log into your Facebook account and from your Profile page, select the Photos tab.

3) On the far right side on the page there is a Create an Photo Album button, click it.

4) Fill in the album name, description and privacy setting information.  Click the Create Album button at the bottom of the section.

5) Select the photos for this album per Step 1 above – you can select one photo at a time or a whole bunch!  Click Upload Photos.

That’s it!

You can further modify and organize the pictures in the album if you so desire.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best to you,
Jan

Print Screen

Print Screen

I know you have seen the Print Screen button inthe upper right corner of your keyboard but have you ever used it?  I use it ALL the time.  When I work with clients on how to use their computer – Basics 101 – in my computer tutor training, I use the Print Screen to build a handout to leave with the client.

Print Screen is used with the Shift button to capture a snapshot of your computer screen or with the Alt button to capture a snapshot of your active window.  Take this snapshot and paste it into Word or another program.  Easy as pie!

EVA blog print screen

Contact me if you have any questions – hope this helps!

Jan