Inventory Management Software

Writen by Alison Cole

Inventory management software is required to efficiently manage and achieve appropriate levels in the supply chain. Inventory management software reduces your inventory costs and increases the efficiency and level of control you are able to exercise over your growing distribution business. Inventory can be one of the indicators of management effectiveness in the context of materials management. Inventory management software provides exact details of the stock you have, what you have ordered and what you have sold. This saves time, money and labor, and improves your sales. The large amount of paperwork that was needed for proper management can be a thing of the past, with efficient use of inventory management software.

A wide choice of inventory management software is available on the market, but certain features such as the cost, function, integration and maintenance have to be considered before adopting any particular software into the fold. The cost factor must definitely be tailored to the budget available. You must also decide the degree of complexity of your program, before settling for the software.

Certain kinds of inventory management software simply tell you the location and size of the inventory you possess. There are others that perform these functions plus forecast your future inventory, taking into consideration even weather forecasts by utilizing network information. The integration feature tells you whether you need a standalone system or one that integrates into the existing system of the organization. The maintenance aspect helps you to decide whether highly skilled labor is required, and also maintains a high degree of accuracy in functioning.

Almost all the software available performs general functions such as preparing invoices, keeping a database of clients, reordering stock, maintaining balances of inventory, etc. The market has new inventory management software coming in every other day, and it would be advantageous if a general study of the systems available is done before a decision is made.

Inventory Management Software provides detailed information on Inventory Management Software, Asset Inventory Management Software, Auto Dealer Inventory Management Software, Free Inventory Management Software and more. Inventory Management Software is affiliated with Free Inventory Control Software.

10 Things You Could Be Using Your Desktop Publishing Software For But Probably Arent

Writen by Shaun Pearce

1. Creating business cards. If you're self employed or run a small business, you know how expensive printing business cards can be. If someone leaves your employ, or the phone area code changes, all that money is down the drain. Most printers and stationers work to standard designs anyway, so your business card looks pretty much like all the rest. With your own DTP software you can really let your imagination rip, and design a unique and memorable card. You can then print it out on your colour printer and save a bundle - you can even get pre-cut card to print your design out on that can make your work indistinguishable from a professional job.

2. Designing letterheads. Just like business cards, really, only bigger. You can get them offset printed by the ream, or save the design as a file and print out the letterhead every time you print out a letter.

3. Custom DVD covers and labels. Making movies is fun (I know), but if you make home movies and videos, and burn them onto disk yourself, the label that comes with the disk looks pretty boring. It's easy to design an insert to go inside the DVD case - and a matching label - using your DTP software. Now your epic can take pride of place on the shelf alongside the professional ones from the video store.

4. Making banners and posters. Throwing a party? Want to advertise your goods or services? Got an event you need to publicise? Banners and posters are a simple way to catch someone's attention. The traditional way of creating them is by using markers and paints. A combination of your DTP software and colour printer is much quicker - and less messy!

5. Designing flyers. Scale that banner or poster down to half a page, and you've got a flyer to hand out.

6. Typesetting newsletters. A newsletter is the easiest way of letting customers, or members of your club or other organisation, know what's going on. Typing them up on a word processor is fine, but use your DTP software to make them more eye-catching, and your newsletter is more likely to be read than trashed.

7. Magazine layout. Go one further and layout your own glossy magazine with pictures ad text put together in full colour. It's easier (and cheaper) than you may think.

8. Product packaging. Think package design is the preserve of expensive design shops or advertising agencies? Think again! Most package design these days is done using computers. "Reverse engineer" a package by taking a similar sized one apart to get the dimensions, build your own template from the measurements, then let your imagination run wild. You'll be surprised at what you can come up with - and how little it will cost.

9. Laying out a catalogue. If you sell multiple products, or just want to let customers know what's in your shop or store, a catalogue can keep you uppermost in your customer's mind. Designing it using your own DTP software means you can easily update it without having to pay a fortune to an agency.

10. Designing a yearbook. Don't let precious memories fade away. A yearbook isn't just for high school. Use your DTP software to organise pictures, facts and reminiscences into a document you'll treasure forever.

Shaun Pearce is a writer and video maker. His latest production "DTP Master" shows you how to get to grips with desktop publishing, comes with free DTP software, and can be downloaded from http://www.learndtpfast.com.

Business Check Printing Software

Writen by Jason Gluckman

Business checks are among the first things to start with when operating a business. If you do not take into account a safe method of keeping records of all expenses, you will greatly miss out on the necessary organization you need to keep track of the progress of your business.

If you prefer not to do it manually, you can always go for the business checks that work with accounting software. These types of business checks are inserted in your computer printer to generate the payments in the corresponding amounts. In such a manner, you supervise the organization of your business checks while retaining their professional look.

How do you do it? What makes it possible? You can print your own business checks through the use of the business check printing software. Such software works effectively with the current accounting software your office has. Forget every worry regarding the piles of checks you need to write and the many pre-numbered business checks you need to finish because the business check printing software will do the task for you.

Top Reasons to Use Business Check Printing Software

Printing your checks allows you to save money. After all, pre-numbered checks are not cheap at all!

Mistakes made with pre-numbered checks cannot be altered, so you must therefore void the check number and print a new one. This will definitely cause you to spend more money and wait for the shipment of your order. With the business check printing software, you can print a new check in no time at all.

The check printing software works compatibly with any account software.

The business check printing software relieves you of the tiring process of signing and re-running checks, as it prints all of the pertinent check information that must be contained.

Technologically savvy offices presently make use of laser printers and top quality papers in tandem with the printing software.

If, by all means, you wish to save time and decrease your expenditures without compromising the quality of your business checks, 'check' out reliable business check printing software, which you can purchase from various sellers. Your savings will quickly pile up.

Check Printing provides detailed information on Check Printing, Check Printing Companies, Check Printing Software, Business Check Printing and more. Check Printing is affiliated with Checking Accounts.

Edi Services

Writen by Richard Romando

EDI (electronic data interchange) systems enable companies to exchange documents pertaining to business transactions through computer networks. Apart from achieving fast document transfers, this system reduces administrative costs and errors associated with business transactions. Implementing EDI requires immense expertise and resources, which may prove expensive. Third-party firms specializing in EDI services offer a cost effective solution to this problem. EDI service companies provide the necessary hardware and software support at a low cost. They handle the transfer of documents in a very efficient manner. Moreover, these companies offer the flexibility of changing the implementation plan as required.

EDI service companies manage all the tasks related to EDI systems, ranging from the implementation to the monitoring of the system. The core of the EDI services is the document conversion process. In order to transfer a document from one company to another, it must be converted into a form which the EDI system can recognize. Once this conversion is done, the communication component of the system handles the transfer. A quality EDI system handles the conversion process automatically. This eliminates the need for a data entry operator. Other components of EDI services include automatic notifications of new document arrivals and issuing of alerts in case of emergency.

EDI services were traditionally handled by a private network. They are now being offered on the Internet owing to the low cost of operation. XML has emerged as a standard file format for exchanging data over the Internet and has been adopted in many EDI systems. EDI services help t companies save time and money required for business transactions. The automatic conversion of data and error detection increase the speed of business order processing. The adoption of EDI services enables the company to attract more customers owing to the emerging trends in ecommerce.

EDI provides detailed information on EDI, EDI Outsourcing, EDI Software, EDI Services and more. EDI is affiliated with Contact Management Systems.

Content Creator Pro Review

Writen by Ricky Lim

I first got to know about Content Creator Pro through one of the forums I was frequently visiting when Jess Baylon, the creator of content creator pro offered a discount. After hearing some good reviews from other members, I brought the software and must say it was one of the best purchases I made this year.

Content Creator pro is a server side software which will allows you to produce good looking webpages quickly and easily even if you do not have any html experience.

Now by quickly and easily, I do not mean this is one of those scrapped content generators like RSSGM or niche portal builder. You will still need to supply your own content be it private label articles or reprint articles. The website produced is definitely white-hat.

The main feature of content creator pro is its ability to create hundreds and thousands of webpages in a few minutes. In fact, it took me longer to gather the content, images, rss feeds etc than actually building a site using content creator pro. Even if you are a html, php expert, it would take days to put up a 1000 page website. With content creator pro, it would take less than an hour.

The SEO for each website produced has been optimized with title tags, h1 tags etc. Content creator pro will also automatically link all your webpages together using either your title tag or your filename as the anchor keyword for SEO purpose.

Another feature of content creator pro is the ability to achieve RSS feeds. So for example, you have 5 rss feeds each with 5 items updated daily. That means you have a fresh supply of 25 achieved html pages added to your site each day. That is how you grow your site on autopilot.

You will be given a set of templates to start with. If you have experience with html, it is quite easy to modify them since basically it is using a token placing system. If you do not have experience, then it is fine to use the templates supplied as they have been proven to get high CTR for adsense.

All settings are controlled from the control panel which is installed on your website. You can change adsense setting, rss settings, upload more content and just about everything. You retain 100 percent control over the look and feel of your website.

The creator Jess Baylon is one of the nicest people I have met online and he is always ready to help you out if you have any questions regarding the software.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand your virtual real estate or niche sites. Content creator pro can help you save a lot of time and focus your energy on getting traffic to your sites.

Do you want to create your own adsense empire with hundreds or even thousands of niche webpages built in a few minutes and all growing on autopilot? Click here for more information

The Best Way To Reinstall Windows Without Losing Data

Writen by Gary Hendricks

At some point during the course of your computer's use, you will find yourself in the unenviable position of having to reinstall Windows. There are many reasons for this. Perhaps important system files got corrupted or disk errors or viruses caused your system to become unstable.

This is all a result of wear and tear on your PC. When that time comes, you will have to not only know how to reinstall windows, but how to reinstall windows without losing data. Here we refer to a fresh install of Windows and not simply an attempt to repair a few files.

1. Your Vendor's Restore CD

The first step in knowing how to reinstall windows is to locate your vendor's restore CD—otherwise known appropriately enough as a rescue or boot disk. Windows comes with its own rescue CD as well. If that's the only one you have at your disposal then locate your operating system's instructions below.

Rescue CDs are not all alike. Some give you rescue functions as well as important software drivers for your computer. Others are more basic, only allowing you the ability to reformat your hard drive. Don't reformat your hard drive without backing up your personal files to another medium first! Your personal files are those located under 'My Documents' in Windows. The exact location of your personal files and folders varies from one operating system to another.

In Windows XP, for example, you will backup everything in C:Documents and Settings. In Windows 98 and ME, you will backup C:My Documents. More instructions follow below for your particular system. If you have any other folders where you've stored personal stuff back those up as well.

2. Windows 98 and ME CDs

With Windows 98 and ME you don't want to just reinstall windows without backing up important system information. This information can be found in your Windows folders.

First create a new folder on your C: drive and name it oldWindows. Then use Windows explorer to navigate to your Windows folder. Once there, locate the following subfolders: All Users, Application Data, Desktop, Favorites, Local Settings, Profiles, SendTo, and Start Menu. Copy these folders to the oldWindows folder you created.

Now it's time to reboot. Restart Windows with your boot disk Upon startup select Start computer with CD-ROM support. Drivers will begin loading so go ahead and insert your Windows CD-ROM.

To reinstall windows properly you will need to delete your directory tree so type c:windowscommanddeltree /y c:windows and press the Enter key. After that you need to invoke the Windows setup installation procedure located on your Windows CD. Type your CD drive letter and then type setup.

Next get into the DOS prompt from Windows and type

xcopy c:oldWindows*.* c:windows /s /h /r /c.

This will restore all important system information.

3. Windows 2000 and XP CDs

If you have Windows 2000 and XP you need to know how to reinstall windows properly as well. Insert your Windows CD and boot your computer. Upon startup you will see Press any key to boot from CD.

After clicking you will come to the welcome screen. Press Enter, then press Escape to start a restore. From the menu options select C as your current partition and then l to delete the Windows folder. Enter temp as your user name when prompted. Reboot and you will be logged in as temp.

Next you will restore your personal files. Windows 2000 users should login as temp, then Administrator and then back to temp again. Then navigate to C:Documents and Settings and you will see an Administrator folder and one with Administrator: computername.

From DOS type cd documents and settings and then press Enter. Type xcopy administrator*.* administrator.computername /s /h /r /c, substituting for computername your folder that was appended to Administrator earlier. Your personal files will be restored.

4. For Both Windows XP and 2000

Windows XP and 2000 users need one extra step to know how to reinstall windows correctly. Create a new folder on your C: drive and label it oldData. Then go to My Documents and Settings and copy all of the folders for each username to oldData.

In Control Panel go to User Accounts and create a new account for each of these users—use their names as spelled out under their Documents and Settings folders. If you're using XP ensure that at least one account has Administrator privileges.

For each user on your computer, log off and log in with that user's name. Then login as Temp and drop down into the DOS command prompt interpreter. Now type

xcopy c:oldData*.* "c:documents and settings" /s /h /r /c

Then press Enter. Go ahead and confirm that you want to overwrite files. When you're done, log off and then login as each user. Each user's Documents and Settings should be restored.

5. Finishing Up

After you install windows you need to install other software too, like drivers and Windows Updates from Microsoft's web site. Check for any graphics drivers that you may need to install from a vendor CD.

Look for all of your old personal files and make sure that they are all there. If not, check the C:oldData folder and move the files to the correct location. Once you are absolutely sure that you have everything you can delete both the oldData folder and the Administrator folder.

Conclusion

It may have come as a surprise to you to learn that you can reinstall windows without having to wipe out your hard drive. With a fresh install of Windows you can restore to your computer the speed and efficiency which it had when you first bought it.

A fresh install will do wonders for your computer's performance and will be better for your system than a simple repair. In order to save your personal files you simply need to create temporary folders as we outlined in this article and restore them back into the new installation.

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visit his website at http://www.build-your-own-computers.com for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computer components.

Can Online Spreadsheets And Word Processing Programs Help Cross The Digital Divide

Writen by Lance Winslow

There seems to be a move on the Internet to have only terminals for Internet users and all the hard drive would be saved at giant Internet hubs. Microsoft would like to have all their programs at get their location and users would pay a monthly subscription fee for things like Microsoft Word and Microsoft XL. This way people could do there creating at their terminal and all the data would be backed up that Microsoft. Also, everyone could interface together since they all had the latest version with the latest features. It makes a lot of sense to do it this way.

Microsoft plans to have this program up soon and now Google is beta testing a similar situation, which would allow you to do essentially the same thing. Why is this good? Well, consider the Digital divide in the world and if everyone just had a terminal rather than a big hard drive with lots of expensive stuff on the computer then they can store all their information at one location.

By doing this, the computers would actually be terminals and it would be very inexpensive to make them, meaning that everyone in the world could afford to have one and everyone in the world could be online and interconnected in a giant collective of humanity. There would be no one who would be without the Internet and this would bring the world closer together in a common cause.

Additionally, it would prevent pirating software and Microsoft would be able to have a steady stream of income and continually upgrade their software without having to worry about people stealing their software code. Google of course is beta testing their similar project in order to head Microsoft off at the pass and compete with them for the new paradigm of computing on the Internet. If all your data was stored you would never have to worry about your computer crashing because everything is backed up somewhere else and safe. Please consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist.

Computer Simulations Of Wind Patterns

Writen by Lance Winslow

The patterns of wind are interesting and take on the appearance of being so complex that many computer software scientists have previously thrown up their hands giving up in trying to mathematically predict it. Yet, we can predict it since we have formulas for much of what we know as fluid dynamics physics, we have laws and rules which are taught in higher math and physics classes through linear sets of equations, yet when we add additional variables and stack the data sets, somehow our minds having been taught a certain methodology of problem solving, rendering us to a conclusion that it is impossible to predict.

Not so, since currently with the use of computers, XML data bases, ESRI software and a better understanding of other complex systems and patterns which we have broken through, we now know it is not only possible, but known that we can predict wind patterns and depending on the number of variables taken into consideration we can be so accurate that we would know wind.

It seems as if many give up just before they figure it out. You see the wind and weather is nothing more than many interrelated yet separate patterns all coming together. Each one is simple by itself, but the huge number of variables make it seem impossible. Thankfully scientists now with super computers are making it all happen and soon weather prediction maybe as exact as looking at a calendar to see what the next day is. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

The Tools And Features Of Adobe Photoshop

Writen by Jeff OReilly

Adobe Photoshop is one of the world's leading graphics editing programs, developed by Adobe Systems. Available on Mac OS or PC, Photoshop is used as one of the leading image design programs for the World Wide Web. The most recent version of Photoshop, or Photoshop CS2, "bridges" between other Adobe products such as Image Ready, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, and Encore DVD to produce professional videos and DVDs. Photoshop uses a file format called a .PSD or .PDD to store multiple layers of an image. Recently Adobe released a program called Photoshop Elements in order to give a less expensive version of Photoshop with many of the same features. Although Adobe Photoshop is used primarily in doing touch-up for digital photos, it is also used for creating designs for web pages and professional companies.

Adobe Photoshop was originally created as a convenient and powerful way to retouch photos. Its most basic features include easily cropping and straightening photos that were either scanned ore taken with a digital camera. Under- or overexposed photos can be easily rescued with the retouch power of the Camera RAW and other plug-ins. Photos taken in difficult lighting situations can be perfected by a few clicks of a mouse. Filters and plug-ins can be used to make the picture seem old or change to black and white.

Many web and graphics designers use Photoshop to create and design company logos and advertisements. Built in Photoshop effects and filters can make designing professional logos or advertisements a quick and simple process. With the power of layers and opacity, pictures can be blended together and effects such as shadows, blurs, etc. are made possible. And, for those who desire to return to the finger painting days of their youth, Photoshop has a paintbrush tool with countless brush shapes and textures for anyone who just needs to let out their creativity.

Text editing has also become easily accessible because of Photoshop. Perspectives, shapes, and type on a path are just a few examples of the tons of amazing text effects that are available. Slimy, dripping letters or cloud-writing in the sky are made easy from filters and text effects built into Photoshop.

Web designers thrive on Photoshop for making animations using Photoshop with other Adobe products. The things that can be done with Photoshop are literally endless. This is truly and amazing program.

For a tutorial on Adobe Photoshop, visit the photoshop tutorial website.

Insurance Software Solutions

Writen by Steve Valentino

Insurance software solutions have changed the insurance market in a big way. This software is produced by a number of Internet companies and provides innovative and cost- effective solutions for the insurance field. A good insurance software package will enable a business to reduce operational costs, improve customer service and stay current on emerging business and regulatory needs.

Insurance software solutions packages often include business information and services to enhance customer service. This can include customer service management, premium-benefit issues and claims processing. The software program you select should have a proven track record and offer professional, courteous services for integration, conversion, training and support.

Softwarenetwork.com recommends the following Insurance software solutions programs:

The Gen4 Product Suite is a leader in providing integrated, full service agency, human resources and employee management solutions. Insurance companies benefit because the program offers more features, efficiency and data accuracy, as well as easier data migration and the best end-user experience to meet your companies specific needs.

Strategic Insurance Software, Inc manufactures SEMCI PARTNER – a full-featured management system that provides an integrated prospect client and policy database with features like notes, reports, word processing and marketing.

AGO Insurance Software, Inc. has computer software and services for the property and casualty industry. The packages include solutions for policy administration, claims processing, accounting, bureau reporting and expert systems. They provide implementation and on-site training on both the micro and midrange platforms, including client/server installations.

The IBQ Systems is an application service provider (ASP) focused on increasing productivity in the insurance industry via the Internet. IBQ's products focus on the exchange of data between insurance companies and agents. Moving the industry away from paper transactions, IBQ increases the efficiency of insurance sales and maintenance, while reducing the cost per transaction. IBQ's tightly integrated suite of products includes rating programs (Q-Rater), application software (Q-App), and administrative modules (Q-Admin) that allow you to offer virtually any type of insurance to your agent base. All products are Internet- based, and they can be used from any computer with web access.

Insurance Software provides detailed information on Insurance Software, Insurance Billing Software, Health Insurance Software, Litigation Insurance Software and more. Insurance Software is affiliated with Stock Trading Software.

Five Steps To Rapid Development With Tierdeveloper 40

Writen by Maria Shaw

Follow the steps below to quickly design, generate, and deploy a great portion of your real-life N-Tier application.

STEP 1: HAVE YOUR DATABASE READY

1. Create your database in Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or DB2. You can design and create your own database. Or, you can use the sample database provided with TierDeveloper. Or, you can use one of the databases/schemas already provided with your database. They are:

a.Microsoft SQL Server: Northwind database. Just create a new TierDeveloper project against this database.

b.Oracle: DEMO schema with EMP, DEPT, BONUS, SALGRADE, and other tables. Just create a new TierDeveloper project against this schema.

c.DB2: SAMPLE schema provided with DB2. Just create a new TierDeveloper project against this schema.

2. Populate database with data. This would ensure that you have a fully working database ready to be used by a web application.

STEP 2: KNOW YOUR APPLICATION'S DATABASE INTERACTION

1. Identify table-columns your app will access: Before you do anything, you must know which tables and which columns in these tables is your application going to access.

2. Identify transactional operations: Identify where in your application you need to do insert, update, delete, or single-row select operations.

3. Identify queries: Most applications need to retrieve collection of rows from one or more tables in the database. Identify all places where you need to issue queries. These could be single-table queries or could involve complex joins or nested queries.

4. Identify stored procedures to call: If there are any stored procedures that already exist in the database which you need to call, identify them here. These stored procedures should be those that contains complex business rules or other data manipulation logic. Do not manually create stored procedures in the database for transactional operations or for queries that are otherwise handled by TierDeveloper. TierDeveloper can generate stored procedure DDL for you in that situation.

5. Identify bulk updates or deletes: Most applications do not require bulk updates or deletes but some do. If you have any, identify them.

The best way to understand your applications database interaction needs is to understand its behavior from the user's perspective and focus on all the data that needs to be displayed to the user or changed by the user.

STEP 3: CREATE TIERDEVELOPER PROJECT

1. Connect TierDeveloper to your database: TierDeveloper uses OLEDB to connect to your database and reads its schema so it can let you define the mappings of middle-tier objects with tables in the database (based on what you have determined about your application's interaction with your database). Please note that even if you're going to generate Java/J2EE application that will use JDBC to connect to the database, TierDeveloper (the product) will use OLEDB to connect to your database.

2. Define data object mappings to your tables: Wherever you had identified table-columns that your application needs, define data objects mapped to these tables with the appropriate columns selected as data object attributes. You can map a data object to single table or multiple tables. You'll need multi-table data objects for situations where you're trying to issue a multi-table join query that returns data from multiple tables.

3. Specify transactional methods in data objects: Based on what you identified as your application's transactional needs earlier, you should now define those insert, update, delete, and single-row select as methods of your data objects. TierDeveloper lets you do that with point-and-click.

4. Define queries as data object methods: For each query that you identified earlier, define a query method in the appropriate data objects. Remember, a query returns a resultset which get translated into a collection of data objects by TierDeveloper generated code.

5. Define stored procedure calls as data object methods: Wherever you needed to call stored procedures, you need to define data object methods for them. Remember, these stored procedures contain sophisticated business rules. Any stored procedures for transactional operations or queries can be generated by TierDeveloper so you do not have to manually write them in the database.

6. Define bulk update/delete operations as data object methods: Wherever you need to do a bulk update or bulk delete, you'll need to define data object methods for them.

STEP 4: GENERATE AND RUN 50% OF YOUR APPLICATION INSTANTLY

1. Generate data objects: After you have defined all your data objects, you are ready to generate code for them. You can generate data object code in the following format:

a. .NET components

2. Build and deploy data objects generated code: If you machine has the appropriate build environment for your platform, TierDeveloper asks you whether you want to build the generated data objects code. If you say "yes", it creates the following. It also then deploys them to your appropriate environment.

a. .NET assemblies for .NET components. They are deployed through component services.

3. Generate web application: After you have generated and build the data objects, you can generate a fully working web application. The purpose of this web application is to let you test all the functions of data objects. This also serves as a good sample/example code for you to copy into your own web application development. TierDeveloper generates the following types of web applications:

a. ASP.NET pages in C# or VB.NET and with or without XML/XSLT.

4. Build and deploy web application: TierDeveloper can also build the web pages for you. It does the following for each platform:

a. Build a .NET assembly for ASP.NET pages. They are deployed to IIS

5. Run deployed web app with data objects: Now that you have successfully deployed the data objects and the web app, you can run the web app. The really nice thing is that all this generated code is now working against your own database and in your own environment. You can see all the behavior of the data objects through this web app and also use it as a guide in your own web development. Try this and you'll be convinced about TierDeveloper being a true Rapid Development tool.

STEP 5: DEVELOP REMAINING 50% OF YOUR APPLICATION

After running and verifying that all the generated code contains your desired functionality and runs correctly against your database, you are now ready to develop the rest of the application. The areas you are likely to need to develop in your application are:

1. Presentation Layer (Web Pages): Use TierDeveloper generated web app as a sample/example for quickly developing your own. You can even copy/paste a lot of the code from the generated web app into yours, thereby speeding up your development work even further.

2. Business Objects: Although TierDeveloper generated code contains all your data manipulation logic and some of your business rules as well (in the form of data validation or stored procedure calls), you will most likely have to develop additional business objects. If you're not an expert in your target platform (.NET, J2EE, or J2SE), you can learn from the generated data objects as your business objects are likely going to be in the same environment and would follow similar design approach.

For free evaluation download please visit
http://www.alachisoft.com/download.htm

Learn To Use The Tools You Already Have

Writen by Dr. Yvonne LaMar

I had an unexpected visitor in my office between classes yesterday. A minister that I have known since moving to West Texas stopped by after a meeting to just say "hello."

As we made small talk, he noticed a microphone on my desk in front of my computer. He asked me what it was for and I explained that I use it to dictate my lecture notes into my computer and do "voice overs" for information that I provide to students through the internet. I also told him that the microphone was inexpensive and that I have had it for several years.

Talk about microphones led me to open the "technology goodie box" that I keep on my desk. No one would ever guess the content of the decorative box that I carry from place to place. Inside it is a lapel microphone that I wear in classes and speaking engagements when I am doing new material. I listen to the lectures and speeches to find out what works and what doesn't. Listening helps me to determine if more information is needed, if there is too much information about one aspect of the talk or if the topic is worth pursuing in different venues. By the way, the lapel mic hooks up to a tiny digital recorder that I slip into my pocket, I always inform the audience when I am recording, but the process is as unobtrusive as possible. No need to mess up the flow.

I also keep a credit card size digital camera in the goodie box. It makes 3.2 MP images and is capable of 30 second digital movies. The kids in my life love the little movies that I make of them and of myself doing silly things. I add titles, credits, and great video effects, all for entertainment purposes only. Any footage that I make for classroom use is done on a more traditional camera that does not have time limits. I use the same software for visual affects, though.

So, bully for me, as my mother would say, but here is the amazing part. The voice recognition software and the movie making software is FREE. In fact, I didn't have to download or make any special arrangements to get it. All of the programs in the Microsoft Office 2003 package have the voice recognition software already loaded.

I had the same nightmare experiences as everyone else who tried voice recognition when it first arrived on the scene several years ago. I don't know how Microsoft did it, but it is far superior than the ones I won't mention here and, like I said, it is very likely that you already have it on your computer.

The movie making software is also already on your computer. Go to "Accessories" and look for Windows Movie Maker. There it is, already on your system and as easy as any software can possibly be. Click and Drag and you have a mini movie to keep or share.

My visitor asked me to write all of this down and I did. I also told him that it would be a good idea to read the manuals when he invests in technology. I realize that sound like I was being a "smarty pants" but apparently that is exactly what I am. The visitor asked me, "How do you write your books?" and that's when I decided that I was not so smart after all. If I have spent hundred (possibly thousands) of hours in developing the skills to be productive, and someone can pick my brain during a "pop in" I have to address some issues in my own life.

I decided at that moment to add "technology geek" to all of the other titles that I have acquired. Mostly, because the entrepreneur title runs in my family. It is also, by far, the part of my life that gives me the most excitement. As a writer, I log a lot of hours on the computer. I don't mind sharing what I know. This experience has led to a new workshop title.

See, I assumed that everybody investigated their options. I thought everyone read the manuals, bought the books, subscribed to the magazines, visited the websites, and pored over every e-zine. Apparently, that is not what is happening. As an entrepreneur, this is not such a sad revelation, it is an opportunity. As a Christian, it is kind of sad. I know lots of ministers who desire to be more productive. Almost all have a book inside of them. They talk about radio, television, and other media as part of their ministries. As an educator and entrepreneur, I have investigated all of those things thoroughly and have a mini-studio that is completely digital and efficient. Most ministries have far more resources than I have. But if you don't know how to use your tools, what difference does it make?

Dr. Yvonne LaMar is a speaker and consultant who works with businesses to create a drama-free work environment. Her book Drama Free Workplace will be available in early 2006. http://www.DramaFreeWorkplace.com Find out more at http://www.DrLaMar.com

Vb Net Dynamic Usage Of Event Handlers

Writen by Thomas Kaloyani

With Events and Handles clause requires form us to declare the object variable and the event handler as we write our code, so linkage is created upon compilation. On the other hand, with AddHandler and RemoveHandler, linkage is created and removed at runtime, which is more flexible.

Let's assume that we want to load several MDI child forms, allowing each of them to be loaded only once, and of course to know when one of the child forms is closed. Since we have several forms to load we would like to use the AddHandler and RemoveHandler keywords so we can be flexible and write the minimal code we can.

Let's get dirty.

1. In each MDI child form we have to declare a public event.
Public Event FormClosed(ByVal f As Form)

2. In each MDI child form we have to use the Form_Closed method which handles the MyBase.Closed class and raise the FormClosed event.

Private Sub Form1_Closed(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs)  _
   Handles MyBase.Closed
   RaiseEvent FormClosed(Me)
End Sub

3. On our MDI form we need to declare two member variables. The first's of type Form and the second's type is ArrayList.
Private m_f(0) as Form
Private m_sLoadedChildForms As New ArrayList

4. We need to implement a method the will search the MDI child forms that are loaded. We'll also use this method when we unload the MDI child forms.

Private Function SearchChildForm(ByVal strSearchForm As String, _
Optional ByVal idxEventHandler As Long = -1) As Long
   Dim i As Long = 0


   For i = 0 To m_sLoadedForms.Count - 1
      If m_sLoadedForms.Item(i) = strSearchForm Then
         Dim j As Long = 0
         For j = m_f.GetLowerBound(0) To m_f.GetUpperBound(0)
            If m_f(j).Name = strSearchForm Then idxEventHandler = j
         Next j
         Return i
      End If
   Next
   Return -1
End Function

5. We need to implement a method to load the mdi child forms and use the SearchChildForm method in order not to load the same mdi child form second time.

Private Sub LoadChildForms(ByVal f As Form)
   If m_f.GetUpperBound(0) > 0 Then
      ReDim Preserve m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0) + 1)
   End If
   m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)) = f


   If Not SearchChildForm(m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)).Name()) >= 0 Then
      m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)).MdiParent = Me


      AddHandler m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)).Closed, _
         AddressOf UnloadChildForm
      m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)).Show()


      m_sLoadedChildForms.Add(m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0)).Name)
   Else
      If m_f.GetUpperBound(0) > 0 Then
         ReDim Preserve m_f(m_f.GetUpperBound(0) - 1)
      End If
   End If
End Sub

6. At last we need to implement a method to take out our mdi child form from the array list so we can load it again if we want.

Private Sub UnloadForm(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs)
   Dim i As Long
   Dim s As String = sender.GetType().Name
   Dim IndexForEventHandler = -1
   i = SearchChildForm(s, IndexForEventHandler)


   If i >= 0 Then m_sLoadedForms.RemoveAt(i)


   If IndexForEventHandler >= 0 Then
      RemoveHandler m_f(IndexForEventHandler).Closed, AddressOf UnloadForm
      m_f(IndexForEventHandler) = Nothing
   End If


End Sub

Thomas is an experienced Visual Basic developer, with expertise of 7+ years developing especially financial applications. His main IT skills are VB, SQL, Crystal Reports - should you need a Visual Basic developer for your projects feel free to contact Thomas through his personal website Kaloyani.com or through VBprofs - the newest Visual Basic and VB.NET resources portal.

Artificial Intelligence And Human Recognition Mirroring Errors

Writen by Lance Winslow

Today we are building robots and computers, which mirror humans and can interact with them. This works very well for many things and can assist humans in accepting their computer or robotic assistant counterparts. Unfortunately when computers attempt to decipher text and meaning and then correspond with humans, the mirroring does not always work.

If the robot or computer is using artificial intelligent software to communicate with a human and use mirroring techniques and scaling of escalation in the conversation, they often will not suffice in keeping the human's interest for too long. Indeed a chimpanzee, dog or cat maybe willing to continue interaction, non-verbal communication or synthesize mimicking techniques for verbal communication; however for humans it cannot work for very long especially if the human is in search of enlightenment, rather than encyclopedia or dictionary definitional content.

In corresponding with artificial intelligence on a keyboard or through the Internet the human assumes that the entity on the other side is like them; that is to say an organic carbon based human biped. There comes a time when the human is skeptical of the information and correspondence coming from the other side of the screen, often the human will begin to assume that the information comes from an ignorant human or a lawyer'esque type human and thus does not appreciate the information for what it is; pure information mixed in with mirroring conversational composites of chit chat crap.

There are many types of software used today to help un-intelligent humans with correspondence, writing or even term papers, yet what you will find is this software does not work well when the human being used as the target subject actually knows a little about a lot of things or is intimately familiar with the subject matter. For instance in the case of the CIA or NSA trying to get information of profile a target; a professor grading a term paper or a reader of a news article. So often it is obvious that the what appears at first to be a dumb human bluffing or BS'ing their way through a subject matter or the software gives its self away by acting non-human and providing erroneous or irrelevant data to a conversation, story or paper. It maybe fanciful to a human to use a robotic or computer software enhanced correspondence mechanism to save time, do homework, save labor costs or taxpayers money. But if such an artificial intelligent system delivers garbage due to shoddy programming and less than intelligent people putting in the input, then it will not suffice or solve the problem of tricking the individual, enhancing readership or convincing anyone of anything.

So, we must remember that those who program these systems to interact with humans need to be as smart or smarter (artificially that is) than the human they are corresponding to, other wise the human feels that the discussion is irrelevant, rhetoric or simply mirroring semantics. If we are to build assistant robots, they must be careful with their interactions. Now, sometimes humans act in such was, yet when they do, don't most people simply walk away, shaking their heads? If a human stops the correspondence then you have to start all over. If the human rejects the robotic assistant then you have wasted your money in that system. Sure you can say it is work in progress and call it development costs, but it is a useless hunk of junk you see? Likewise if a student uses a system for their work and if the professor of the homework assignment is unimpressed you get a lousy grade.

Right now this is what I am giving the artificial intelligence programmers right now. Y'all need to go back to the drawing board and do some more research on the human species within a society and study how they interact in groups, one on one and in the larger over all culture. It is not a one size fits all scenario and although it is indeed smart to try to keep it simple, there needs to be more overlay on the various types of people and smarter people doing the programming. Think on that

Lance Winslow

Windows Vista Will You Be One Of The 39 Percent

Writen by Anthony Licate

39% of businesses will install it within the first 12 months of it's debut. And of those businesses, 19% will install it within the first 6 months (InformationWeek Magazine, Oct. 2006). One thing is certain…it will change with way you do business. Are you ready for Microsoft's Windows Vista?

What is Windows Vista you ask?

Due for its release in November 2006 (next month) Microsoft Windows Vista is an operating system. In layman's terms, an operating system can be explained like the foundation of a home. You cannot build a home without first building the foundation. The same principle applies to Microsoft Windows Vista. Windows is the most fundamental and essential piece of a user's computer. Without an Operating System, programs like Word, Excel, email, Quickbooks, Peachtree, and the Internet will not work.

Three ways Vista will improve business productivity:

1. Protect your files: Computer viruses are not the only thing you need to protect yourself from anymore. Vista includes features that greatly reduce the vulnerability to threats such as viruses, spyware, worms, phishing attacks, and other potentially unwanted software. This will increase workstation uptime and reduce administrative costs over time. Also, Vista comes with a feature called BitLocker. BitLocker addresses a growing concern of theft or unwanted disclosure of data made available through physical loss of computer devices (i.e. your company laptop).

2. Performance Boost: Windows Vista includes radically new and redesigned performance enhancements:

The need for SPEED...to resume work: Turn your laptops on in less than 3 seconds!

Vista gets to know you: Vista learns what things you do most often, and even differentiates which applications you are likely to use at different times (for example, on the weekend versus during the week), so that your computer is ready to do what you want it to do.

Add more kick to your pc in seconds: Vista allows users to use a removable flash memory device, such as a USB thumb drive, to improve system performance without opening the computer.

Less moving parts means more reliability: Vista utilizes a new way computers will be built moving forward. New computers will have flash memory (similar to the memory used in digital cameras) built into something called a hybrid hard drive. Basically, computer files can be accessed from flash memory faster than from the mechanical hard disk. You will have less risk of hardware problems with the hard disk when you're on the move because the information will be saved on the flash memory stick first.

3. A better Internet: Internet Explorer is software used to view information on the web. Currently, Internet Explorer holds 85% global market share (Firefox is second with 12% global market share). Simply put, most people in the world use Internet Explorer and the newest release of Internet Explorer (Internet Explorer 7) will be bundled with Vista. Internet Explorer's new design has significant benefits which enhance Internet security and increase employee productivity.

Business Outlook on Vista:

In order to have a smooth transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista, most computers will need additional memory added (i.e. RAM), especially if you want to benefit from the new Flip3-D interface enhancement! If your company is considering the purchase of new computers, look for pc vendors like Dell, HP, and IBM to issue a "Vista Certified" seal indicating that they will be compatible with Vista. This will ensure a more efficient upgrade path. Also, if your company runs any programs that are older than 5 years, make sure you test them on Windows Vista to ensure they will still run.

Compatibility:

The most common issues you will encounter is compatibility with your existing video card that your computer uses (i.e. the piece of your computer that displays the colors to your monitor) and compatibility issues with your sound card (i.e. the ability to hear sound from your computer). If you'd like to check your existing computer's compatibility with Windows Vista, go to Microsoft's website and download the Windows Vista compatibility tool from Microsoft to determine what potential issues you may run into to prepare for the update to Windows Vista. This will give you an easy to understand list of potential issues you will need to address before you upgrade.

Anthony Licate is the President of Spidernet Technical Consulting, LLC (http://www.spidernetconsulting.com). The company provides technical computer network, ecommerce and wireless enterprise data services in and around the Philadelphia area. He has worked with multiple types of businesses to strategize, re-align and implement technology. He can be reached at aj@spidernetconsulting.com

Oracle Ebusiness Suitefinancials Remote Support Overview For Applications Consultant

Writen by Andrew Karasev

In the Java and Oracle world offshoring and remote support are very popular, considering mostly multinational corporations as Oracle Applications clientele. In our opinion Oracle Financials remote support conception should be reformed. The emphasis should be shifted to the companies, providing not just pure offshore support: software development, customizations, extensions, reporting, but to the hybrid Oracle partners, who does Oracle E-Business Suite implementation in their respected countries and regions. Consideration should be given to the consulting experience, not just pure offshore software development formalization.

• Oracle E-Business Suite Implementation. Considering OEBS orientation to the Corporate market and complexity of the Oracle Applications verticals, we assume that Oracle E-Business Suite clients expect consultants to travel to their Headquarters and remote location to provide Oracle implementation and user training.

• Oracle Applications Customization. In both cases – Oracle Application Extension or Modifications, the priority should be given to the Oracle customization and development partner who is specializing in the respected market niche, not to just local Oracle partner

• BPO – Business Processes Outsourcing. This is very popular term, coming and coined in India and probably South East Asia and Philippines. It might sound paradoxical and threatening, but we think this is the future and the trend is solid.

• JDeveloper, EJB, J2EE – these tools are very good candidate for outsourced remote support and software development formalization. XML data streams provide excellent solution for heterogeneous ERP/MRP interchange: IBM DB2/lotus Notes Domino, Microsoft Axapta, Navision, Great Plains, Solomon, Small Business Accounting, RMS and CRM – also referred as Microsoft Dynamics GP AX NAV SL CRM or Microsoft Project Green

• ERP Comparison. SAP, Microsoft Business Solutions, Oracle ERP applications should be compared by independent software MRP comparison firm. Corporate ERP is very serious decision and public corporation or multinationals need consultant help in the MRP selection decision making

Give us a call 1-866-528-0577 or help@albaspectrum.com, skype: albaspectrum, if you need additional information or directions.

Andrew Karasev is technical consultant at Alba Spectrum Technologies (http://www.albaspectrum.com http://www.greatplains.com.mx http://www.enterlogix.com.br), serving clients in Illinois, California, Texas, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, and having locations in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Germany, Mexico

Microsoft Dynamics Axgpnavcrm Trends Amp International Recommendations

Writen by Andrew Karasev

Microsoft Dynamics project – or formerly referred as Project Green should unify and modulate all Microsoft Business Solutions ERP applications: Microsoft Great Plains/Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Navision (former Attain) Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft (Navision) Axapta/Microsoft Dynamics AX. The challenge of unification probably will result in quality change for the unified interface, such as Web/Business portal/Microsoft Outlook & MS Office integration, Deployment of new technologies, such as Microsoft Sharepoint with workflow automation. Plus the development platform for Microsoft Dynamics products should shift from proprietary tools, such as Microsoft Dexterity, C/SIDE, MorphX (no confirmation for Axapta yet – but we guess it should follow) to C# and VB.Net with VisualStudio. In this small article we will try to orient IT managers in Microsoft Business Solutions MRP products selection for international and regional markets.

• Microsoft Dynamics GP. The regional markets for Great Plains 9.0 and following Microsoft Dynamics GP 10.0 version will narrow: United States, United Kingdom, Canada: both English and French speaking, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other English speaking countries in Asia, Africa and Worldwide, plus Spanish Speaking Latin America. Microsoft Dynamics GP 10 will not be available for Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland – the last version localized for these European countries will be 9.0 – June 2006

• Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Currently Navision has very good presence in Europe, including East Europe: Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia. Microsoft also localized Navision for new markets, where it just moved in: Brazil for example – it was interesting development in Brazil – first Microsoft probed Solomon, then Microsoft Great Plains 7.5 and in 2004 replaced it with localized Navision

• Microsoft Dynamics AX. Microsoft Axapta, opposite to Navision or Great Plains where market shares are gained/divided and competition is based on renovations and product improvements, Axapta has great potential yet to be deployed, coming from its modern and very futuristic system design and architecture. Being targeted to upper mid-market and corporate clients Axapta shows very good progress on emerging markets: in Russia for example the number of Axapta installation is similar and comparable with the number of Navision installations. Plus, in 2005 large number of Microsoft Business Solutions gold certified partners rushed into Axapta consulting arena – this is seen in the USA, UK, Australia and continental Europe. In Brazil currently MBS in local Portuguese Axapta launching mode – localized for Brazilian tax code

• Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Is planned as front CRM solution for the majority of Microsoft Dynamics ERP system: integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP is available for GP 7.5, 8.0, 9.0 and CRM 1.2 and 3.0, Microsoft Navision – through third party integrations, Axapta integration is planned. Microsoft has Microsoft CRM as worldwide product, so you should not have any doubts regarding your regional market.

• Competition. Oracle is on the way with Oracle Fusion project, aiming on Oracle Financials/Applications/E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, JDEdwards and potentially Siebel integration. SAP with the purchase of new mid and small market ERP: SAP Business One and Mendocino – for SAP R/3 is catching up

Please do not hesitate to call or email us: USA 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer at Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com http://www.greatplains.com.mx http://www.enterlogix.com.br ) - Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, Navision, Axapta MS CRM, Oracle Financials and IBM Lotus Domino Partner, serving corporate customers in the following industries: Aerospace & Defense, Medical & Healthcare, Distribution & Logistics, Hospitality, Banking & Finance, Wholesale & Retail, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Placement & Recruiting, Advertising & Publishing, Textile, Pharmaceutical, Non-Profit, Beverages, Conglomerates, Apparels, Durables, Manufacturing and having locations in multiple states and internationally. We are serving USA Nationwide: CA, IL, NY, FL, AZ, CO, TX, WI, WA, MI, MA, MO, LA, NM, MN, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Washington, Baltimore, New Orleans, Austin, Kansas City.

Five Steps To Make Windows Xp Shutdown Faster

Writen by Mike Manchuk

We all know that pulling the power to your computer has to be the absoulute fastest but not the best way to shutdown your computer. In this 5 step tutorial we will show you how to make your shutdown as fast as possible.

Step 1: Stop as many services as possible.

The more that is running on your computer the more your computer has to close on shut down. Keeping a slimmer running computer will not only make your computer run faster but it will make Windows shutdown faster. Here is how its done:

Go to the Start menu and then select Run. Type 'services.msc' in the Run Dialog Box and click on OK. In the services window double click on the service you wish to disable. In the properties box for the selected service choose disabled in the Startup Type dropdown box. Click on OK.

Its best to restart your computer after disabling a couple of services at a time so if something undesired happens to your computer you know what disabled service needs to be re-enabled.

Step 2: Automatically kill tasks on shutdown.

Windows XP by default will ask you if you wish to end a process if an application is running during the shutdown process. This little registry change will tell Windows to automatically end the process without your confirmation.

Go to the Start menu and then select Run. In the Run box type in 'regedit' and click on OK. Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop' and double click on the 'AutoEndTasks'. Change the value to 1 and click on OK.

Step 3: Reduce the wait time to kill open applications.

When you choose to shutdown your computer, Windows will automatically wait a little bit before it kills applications that are open. Here we will show you how to reduce the wait time.

Go to the Start menu and then select Run. In the Run box type in 'regedit' and click on OK. Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop' and double click on the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'. Change the value to 1000 and click on OK. Double click on 'HungAppTimeout' and change the value to 1000 then click on OK. Navigate to 'HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop' nd double click on the 'WaitToKillAppTimeout'. Change the value to 1000 and click on OK. Double click on 'HungAppTimeout' and change the value to 1000 then click on OK.

Step 4: Reduce the wait time for services to be shutdown.

Much like applications, Windows XP waits a bit for the services to shutdown before it starts killing them. Here is how to reduce the wait time.

Go to the Start menu and then select Run. In the Run box type in 'regedit' and click on OK. Navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControl'. Double click on 'WaitToKillServiceTimeout' and change the value to 1000 then click on OK.

Step 5: The ONE click shutdown

More mouse clicks equals more time. That's right, why go to start then click on shutdown and select shutdown. It seems like too much work for me. Here is a tutorial on how to make a shutdown shortcut on your desktop.

Right click on your desktop and select new then shortcut. Now you will see the New Shortcut wizard. Under the location for this item type 'SHUTDOWN -s -t 01' then click on Next. Give the shortcut a name, I like Shutdown. Then click on Finish.

Just as a quick note you can do the same for a quick restart just enter in 'SHUTDOWN -r -t 01' as the location and then you are all set.

http://www.HowdidYa.com is an always growing how to portal for Windows, Linux, Mac OS and Hardware. Our how to articles will show you fix any problem, or modify your electronic stuff to make it your own. Visit our website to submit your own how to's or learn for others.

Spyware And Spyware Removal Tools

Writen by Tara Findlay

Ask any computer user what is the most annoying thing about the internet, or what do they fear most on the internet and the vast majority of them will say spyware, or adware. A simple search on the internet for spyware or spyware remover will reveal a confusing array of products claiming to protect you from spyware or aid in spyware removal. What is Spyware?

Spyware is a generic term that describes any software that in some way tracks your internet usage so that it can gather that information and sell it. Some of this software, once installed on your computer, can be very difficult to remove and will almost always effect your computer's performance.

The majority of companies that produce spyware tend to be unethical in that they will use any means necessary to get you to install their spyware and try to make sure you don't remove it. Some spyware manufacturers even market their product as Spyware Remover or Adware Removal products. These fake spyware remover products actually install more spyware and usually make the situation worse for the user. For more information on this click on the Rogue Anti-Spyware link at the bottom of this page. To remove spyware programs click here

What About Spyware Removers?

Various pieces of this nasty software like SpySheriff, Spyaxe, StopGuard, Bullguard and many others cannot be removed by ordinary means. Some of these kinds of spyware hide themselves from antispyware companies to prevent the software from being removed. Even normally excellent spyware remover tools like Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Webroot Spysweeper can't handle some of these very persistent spyware programs. While these antispyware programs may be able to handle some of the standard spyware removal, they may not be able to remove all spyware that it finds. They may not even be able to detect the spyware to remove it in the first place. How Do I Remove Spyware?

Most of the spyware out there requires a computer technician to remove. Simply going to the add/remove programs window in the control panel to remove spyware programs will not usually work. Spyware removal by a live tech is needed because of the very persistent ways that spyware software embeds itself in your operating system. Removing spyware by hand is normally the only way to rid your computer of this nasty software - and it takes highly trained techs to do so. What About Reformatting for Spyware Removal?

Many companies resort to having you reformat your computer to remove spyware, but that is rarely necessary if you are dealing with a good tech. There's no need to lose your personal data to remove spyware from your system. Qualified technicians who understand how this kind of software works are the last line of defense against the nastiest spyware. Removal by one of these top quality techs may be your only means to rid yourself of it.

Call YourTechOnline today at 877-717-7111 to get help removing spyware. www.yourtechonline.com/art06_spyware_remover.php

Three Great Places For Free Software

Writen by Douglas Hanna

There's a lot of software out there that you can download free – either completely free or to try for 30 days free before buying.

Three great sites

There are three great places where you can find freeware and shareware. The first of these is www.zdnet.com. This site is aimed more at the technology minded but does offer downloads of interest to just about anyone. After logging on, just click on Downloads on the top menu bar. Unless you're in business for yourself or are a Info Tech manager, you'll probably want to go to and click on Utilities.

This section has literally hundreds of downloadable utility programs, including programs for data recovery, fixing your registry file, undeleting files, managing files, and increasing computer performance. Most of these programs offer free 30-day "demos," after which you must buy them. However, the prices are right – usually they range in price from $19.95 to $49.95.

Twocows.com

A site that caters more to the non-techie goes by the name of www.twocows.com. Its inventory is more eclectic than that of zdnet as it even includes games and downloads for your iPod. The Games category is subdivided into Action, Arcade, Board Games, Card Games, and more. For example, click on Board Games and you'll find titles such as 100% Free Checkers, 100% Free Chess, Backgammon and ?BattleShip. Or click on iPod and you'll find program such as Text to iPod Notes, SharePod and memoPod. Almost all of these are freeware, meaning you can get them absolutely free.

Download.com

The third site I like is www.download.com. Like Twocows, this site is aimed more at us non-techies, with categories such as Audio & Video, Design and Photo, Desktop Enhancements, Home and education and Mac Software. Click on Desktop Enhancements, for example, and you'll find titles such as Webshots Desktop, WindowsBlinds, Object Dock and Cursor XP. And just in case you're wondering what WebShots Desktop does, it's a free photo management tool that combines wallpaper and screen saver functionality with tools for managing an sharing your personal photos.

Check out these three sites and I'm sure you'll find some good, useful programs you can download and use free or at a very low cost.

Here's something else that's free. It's a new technology called HD Radio that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally. This is a tremendous technological leap from today's familiar analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality, more radio channels through multicasting, and new data services. To learn more about this amazing new technology, just go my Web site, http://www.hd-radio-home.com, to get all the buzz.

Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and the author of numerous articles on HD radio, the Internet and family finances.

Get Off To A Running Start With Microsoft Word Xp

Writen by Peter Kitson

Just as we were getting comfortable with our cozy, fuzzy version of MS Word, along comes Word XP. This article explains some of it's important new features and how to make the most of them. Time to get your sneakers on and let's get off to a running start with Word XP.

Multiple Documents
In older versions of Word, new documents took over the entire Word window. With Word XP, each new document opens in a separate window. It's easy to switch between documents by simply choosing a document from the list on the 'Window' menu. The 'Arrange All' command from the 'Window' menu conveniently lets you view all open Word documents at the same time. You can also switch which document is currently active by pressing [Alt]+[Tab].

The Word XP Task Pane
With the XP version, Microsoft decided to change some of the screen layout. For example, the Word XP task panes display on the right hand side of the document you're working on. The options that display in these panes vary depending on your most recent commands. In earlier versions of Word, a lot of these commands would have been displayed in dialog boxes.

Moving the Toolbars
If you have a preference for where a toolbar should appear, you can easily move it by first clicking on the left edge of the toolbar. The mouse cursor will turn into a four-headed pointer. Then, to move the toolbar, simply drag it to where you want it to appear and click to place it there.

Finding What The Buttons On A Toolbar Do
To get the name of any button on a toolbar, simply hover the mouse cursor over it. You can also bring up additional details of what the buttons do by choosing "What's This?" from the "Help" menu. The mouse cursor will turn into a "?" symbol. Move the cursor and click on any button (or other Word object) to bring up details on it.

Adding Buttons To A Toolbar
It's a little complicated but you can add buttons to any toolbar. Start by picking "Toolbars" from the "View" menu. Then pick "Customize" and bring the "Commands" tab to the front. Next, select an item from "Categories" and an item from the list of "Commands". Drag the command to a toolbar. This will create a new button. The new button will only have a text label. Once you've added the default button, right click on it and pick "Default Style". The new button will become a plain square. Right click on the new button again but this time, pick "Change Button Image" and select an image of your choice. Finally, gasp, pant, close the "Customize" dialog box.

Thankfully, it's a little easier to remove a button from a toolbar: Start as before by picking "Toolbars" from the "View" menu then select the "Customize" option. Finally, simply drag the button you want removed off from the toolbar.

Peter Kitson manages the Business-Software-Books.us project at: http://www.business-software-books.us A collection of business software books and tutorials available for free download.

10 Things You Could Be Using Photoshop For But Probably Arent

Writen by Shaun Pearce

Most people don't use Photoshop to its fullest capabilities. Here are just ten uses to which you could put this highly versatile software.

1. Restoring Old Photographs. Have a look through that old family photo album - the really old one from up in Grandma's attic. Inside there are probably a few photos from way back when that haven't stood the test of time so well. They've got cracks and tears that really spoil their appearance. Scan them into Photoshop, and then set to work with the Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Patch tools. The Healing Brush in particular is a great tool for this purpose as it samples data from one part of the picture and blends it in with what's already there.

2. Correcting Mistakes. We've all done it: Had an attack of "finger over the lens syndrome," or got too close with the flash, so our subjects suffer from "red eye" and look like extras from a horror movie. Use the crop tool to salvage something usable from your obscured photo, and the enlarge wizard to blow it up to a reasonable size. For "red eye" and "pet eye," use the eyedropper tool to sample color from around the iris, and a brush to paint away the red.

3. Adding Graphics to Videos. It's a little known fact, but many domestic and professional nonlinear editing systems (especially the Mac based ones like Avid or Final Cut) enable you to import Photoshop .psd files directly into the timeline.

4. Creating Text Effects for Print and Web. There's an almost unlimited amount of things you can do with text in Photoshop. Use the Type Mask Tools to create picture filled text, then upload the results to your web page - or print them out for a one of a kind T-shirt.

5. Turning a Photo Into a Work of Art. Everyone likes to have nice things to look at. Most of us like to have pictures on the wall, and something that looks different from what other people have on their walls is a definite plus. Unless you're blessed with artistic talent, though, this can be very expensive - until now. Use one of Photoshop's many Artistic or Brush Stroke filters to turn your photos into "new masters," then print them out on quality art paper.

6. Designing Web Banners and Buttons. Photoshop comes with a predefined web banner sized canvas. Photoshop's sister application, Image Ready, comes with several - and lots of tools for animating text and pictures. You can also create interactive buttons that enhance a web browsing experience.

7. Adding Text to Photographs. Impress your boss by putting the company name on the side of an airliner, building, or racing car. Use the Move Tool to skew the text to fit the contours of the picture, adjust the opacity a little, and hey presto! The text will look like it's always been part of the photo.

8. Combining Pictures, Text, and Graphics to Make Covers for Books, Reports and CDs. Photoshop contains many of the image manipulation capabilities of high-end DTP applications that cost thousands. Use the "Layer via Cut" command to make your title text go behind part of the picture - just like on the cover of "Rolling Stone."

9. Designing Web Pages. Did you know that Photoshop and Image Ready can turn your photograph or artwork into a web page? Use the slice tool to cut your work into easily downloadable pieces, then the rollover function to embed website URLs.

10. Combining Pictures to Make the Impossible Possible. Come on! You didn't seriously think that Michael Moore and President George W. Bush really stood hand in hand on the White House lawn for the Fahrenheit 9/11 poster, did you? I don't know for certain that they used Photoshop to fake that picture, but they certainly could have done. With Photoshop you can remove the background from one picture, take some elements from another, and combine them with the background from a third to create a picture that could never have been taken for real. Who says the camera can't lie!

Shaun Pearce is a writer and video maker. His latest production "Photoshop Master" shows you how to get the most from Photoshop, and can be downloaded from http://www.learnphotoshopfast.com.

Ajax For The Layman Part 1

Writen by Glenn Flaten

There are incredible much fuzz about Ajax and web 2.0 lately, and it has been for about a year now. And it's not only the name Ajax that gets people scared from it, it's also understanding the technology. I'm going to try to explain in simply words how this is put together.

It seems that Ajax is here to stay and that is about to change the web radically. Its not new, it has been around for about a year or two but its just in the beginning of that the layman will get around to see it.

And it's going to be cool. For those who don't know what Ajax is, I can tell you that it is a web based almost a replacement for flash. It is combined by two different technologies that aren't exactly new. The first one is Javascript, that all know of.. and the second is the more unknown called XMLHTTPRequest object. Almost all browsers support Ajax (based on those to technologies), and in the matter of fact XMLHTTPRequest object was introduced in Internet Explorer 4.0 (which is not the newest browser on the market..)

To describe Ajax the simplest way: Think of a web page that has a form on it, and when you enter information in the fields or click the submit button, all of the data on that form is sent to the server on the Internet and you will be redirected to another page. Ajax works like this: Imagine the form on the page again, when you enter data in the form a Javascript is triggered to automatically send data to the server, but.. and this is important.. in the background! So you don't see that the data is sent. And with that kind of flexibility and seamless integration it opens up a world of new web pages on the Internet.

The chance of you already have used an ajax site is high, Gmail is ajax enables for example. To see some examples of ajax there are many sites, but i'm not going in to that now.

To examples of cool ajax based web sites is: Google Suggest and http://eyeos.org

What's very important to understand is that ajax is heavily dependant on Javascript, if JavaScript is not enabled you will not be able to run ajax applications. But almost all of the browsers have enabled Javascript by default, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Glenn Flaten has been working in internet industry in over 11 years. Covered about all there is to technology from assembler programming to data modelling.

Did You Hear About The Three Blind The Elephant And The Systems Analyst

Writen by Igor Jese

If this story doesn't sum up the average relationship between System Analysts and End Users then I'll turn in my Palm Pilot!

One day three blind men encountered an elephant.

Upon touching the elephant's tail, the first blind man exclaimed "I declare, an elephant is exactly like a rope."

The second blind man, bumping into the elephants side, said "No sir, you are wrong. An elephant is exactly like a wall."

Then the third, having grasped the elephant's trunk, declared "You are both mistaken. The elephant is exactly like a snake!"

Yes, it's all a matter of perspective. And it's that simple word: perspective that creates one of the biggest disconnects between System Analysts and the users they are trying to serve.

The elephant in the room in this case is one called the "abstraction barrier". That barrier represents the difference between how users see a software development project and how analyst's view it.

Users are by nature modal. They see software from the perspective of the data elements that they are required to collect and enter in order to do their job. They see the elephant being represented as "screens" of data that either collects information or displays it.

Most users care very little about databases and tables, properties and procedures, functions or compilers. All they really care about is seeing a visual representation of the screens that they will encounter and use once the software is developed and deployed.

So, why fight city hall?

Once the requirements have been gathered, why not take the easy route and test your understanding of the user's needs by presenting them with the one thing they understand the best? A visual representation of the system that takes them through each use case in a way that most closely matches the actual environment that the user will be working in.

"Um, no duh. We already do that."

Well good for you. If that's the case then you already understand how to provide a holistic view of that elephant. So answer these two questions for me:

1. How much work effort are you expending on creating those screens?

2. And how much more accurate could your presentation be if you were actually using a tool specifically designed to take your user to the "ah ha" level in the shortest amount of time possible?

Let me give you a little bit of help answering those questions.

If you actually are already delivering visual mockup drawings of your proposed system, the chances are good that you are either creating those drawings manually, or you're using a complicated program that requires way too much input before it's willing to crank out those drawings for you.

If you're not actually already delivering visual mockup drawings of your proposed system, then the chances are it is due to either the fact that no one on your team knows how to draw, or you do not have the time, patience, or perhaps the money needed to use those expensive and complicated documentation tools.

Here's the solution to all of those problems. It's called MockupScreens. A descriptive name for a tool that represents the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to smash through the abstraction barrier by presenting one cohesive 'elephant' that all of the users will instantly be able to see in the perspective that most matches their expectations.

It's a consensus-building, "ah ha" moment-generator that is easy to use and inexpensive to own. Better yet, it's so good at reducing project risk that your PM will probably reach right into his or her own pocket and buy it for you themselves!

The MockupScreens software program is easy to understand and use because it's designed to work in a similar way to sketching screens on paper. MockUpScreens reduces the chances of distracting your users with unnecessary details by keeping everything in black and white. That way everyone's attention is focused on fields and data elements and not screen colors.

You have the flexibility of adding comments, icons, questions and other elements into the drawings and then either hiding them when you create the users' version of the drawings, or displaying everything for the whole world to see.

MockUpScreens can even generate slide shows that will display every screen in the same order that they will appear when the system goes live.

You can make changes to the screens in response to user input, during the presentation if you want to, and then display those changes right in front of their very eyes. MockUpScreens actually helps to increase your professional image, and the users' confidence level in you and your team, at no extra charge.

The best part is that you don't need any artistic or programming skills to extract every ounce of power out of MockUpScreens. You simply fire up MockupScreens and the intuitive interface leads you from there.

There are keyboard shortcuts for every action as well as context-sensitive help everywhere you'd expect it to be.

Built-in features, like automatic screen resizing when new elements are added, free you to concentrate on functionality instead of GUI design.

Actual tests with brand new MockUpScreens users showed that the average inexperienced user was capable of drawing 5 screens in about 10 minutes! It doesn't get any easier than that. You can shave even more time off of the cycle, if you have similar looking screens, thanks to the built-in screen cloning feature.

Look, your job is hard enough without having to conduct multiple user meetings just to explain what an elephant looks like. Find out how to gain user approval of your designs faster and easier than ever before by taking a minute to visit www.MockUpScreens.com. You can even download a fully-functional 30 Day demo copy of MockUpScreens so you can see for yourself how quickly and easily you can develop screen mockups even if you can't draw a stick figure on a cocktail napkin.

Igor Jese works in software development since 1990s, with emphasis on software requirements and development methodology. He is a certified Software Requirements Expert and the author of Mockup Screens, a popular tool for quick GUI prototyping. Find out more on MockupScreens.com

Microsoft Word Business Writing 3 8 Tips To Save More Time

Writen by Carol Bentley

Direct Response Business writing is different to ordinary business writing, which is why I decided to share this mini series of tips for stopping the hair-tearing frustration when working with Microsoft Word.

These 8 tips share insights to how to get your page looking exactly the way you want it to…

1) Start a new page by pressing Ctrl + Enter not by pressing the enter key until Word starts a new page for you. Doing it this way means that any additional text you add before your page break does not push your text further down the next page.

2) Add a border to your page when creating an Order Form (See my article: Direct Mail Campaigns: 10 Rules to Creating Your Magnetic, Irresistible Order Form).

From the menu: Format, Borders and Shading. On the Page Border tab explore the Art options in the Style section.

3) Use leader tabs to make it easier to read columns of tabbed text. A 'leader tab' enters a dotted, dashed or continuous line leading up to the tabbed position.

From the menu: Format, select Tabs, type a position for the tab and choose a Leader style.

4) Create the underlines on an order form using an underlining leader tab. See the previous tip.

5) Balance the gap between a page border and the text:

From the menu: Format, Borders and Shading. On the Page Border tab use the Options button to set the Margins and the 'Measure from' setting.

6) Balance columns of text on a page. Insert a continuous section break at the end of the last column of text:

From the menu: Insert, Break, Section and then Continuous.

7) Add page Numbers. From the menu: Insert, Page Numbers. Select the style and position you want.

8) Set the page numbering to start at 1.

In books or reports, where you have a table of contents at the beginning, you may want to start the page numbering on the first page following the contents page.

First you must have a section break:

From the menu: Insert, Break, Section and choose Next Page.

On the page where you want to restart the page numbering:

From the menu: Insert, Page Numbers, Format. Select Start at. Click OK, THEN Click on CLOSE. If you click OK you may upset any headers/footers you have created

Bonus Tip: If you are creating a form using the tables feature in Word and want the table to be as close to the bottom of the page as possible, you get a blank page following the one containing your table. This is because a table always has an empty line following it and, because there's no room on that page, it automatically creates another.

You can get rid of the page very easily, Click to the left of the empty line at the top of the empty page. You get a black box where you've selected the invisible paragraph marker.

Click on the font size box, type the figure 2 in the box and press the enter key. The font is set so tiny that it fits on the page under the table and the 'empty page' disappears.

In the other articles in this mini-series I share another 17 tips:

* Preparing Word – How to Stop Word being 'bossy' and taking over your document.

* Keyboard shortcuts (some well known, others not so well known) to save you time.

* Creating Contents lists; quick tips for spell checking and hyphenation.

* Paragraph numbering and spacing (Including how to stop your numbers and bullets disappearing when you want a line gap between paragraphs!)

©2005 Original Work by Carol Bentley

Learn more about Persuading People to Buy... Subscribe to your free reports, with no obligation, at http://www.CarolBentley.com.

Carol is the author of 'I Want to Buy Your Product... Have You Sent Me a Letter Yet? (How to create powerful sales letters, advertisements, flyers, brochures, web pages and newsletters that persuade hundreds, or even thousands, of additional customers and clients to buy from you!) by Carol A E Bentley (Rated 5-star on Amazon.co.uk) This book is available at a special offer at http://www.CarolBentley.com/offer.

Carol is one of the highest paid direct response copywriters available. If you would like to talk to Carol's office about having her work on your current or next sales project you can use the contact form on her website http://www.CarolBentley.com/contact.asp.

Optical Character Recognition Whats It All About

Writen by Brett McQueen

Optical character recognition, or 'OCR', is a technology that allows digital images of typed or handwritten text to be transferred into an editable text document. For example, if you hooked up a scanner to your computer and used the scanner to scan a handwritten essay into a digital photo, you could take that digital photo and use optical character recognition software to "see" and "grab" the text from the digital photo so you can edit that text on your computer in a program like Microsoft Word, Notepad, or TextEdit.

For the more "geeky" readers, optical character recognition takes the picture of text and translates the text into Unicode or ASCII. From wikipedia.org, "unicode is an industry standard designed to allow text and symbols from all of the writing systems of the world to be consistently represented and manipulated by computers". Also from wikipedia.org, "ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a character encoding based on the English alphabet." Basically, optical character recognition technologies outputs text that is recognized by computers.

Optical character recognition technologies can be found used in different software solutions, but software is considered a low budget way to use optical character recognition technology. In more complex optical character recognition systems, it is usual that a combination of both hardware and software will be used.

While optical character recognition technology has become increasingly popular and research for it has intensified, the rates of text recognition are variable. For handwritten optical character recognition, the rate of recognition is 80% to 90% with clean handwriting. For cursive text, the rate of recognition is quite lower because of the lack of information contained in the cursive characters.

Like I said, optical character recognition is becoming increasingly popular. It is becoming popular in areas of work that require massive amounts of printed documents to be sorted. One example of these areas is in the legal profession. Optical character recognition greatly reduces the time required for these printed documents to be sorted. The time reduced can amount to days! The United States Post Office has also been using optical character recognition since 1965.

For a normal computer user who wants to be able to edit scanned documents of text, there are many different types of software solutions available. Different software solutions will allow both scanned handwritten and typed text to be translated, while some may only allow scanned typed text to be translated. There are a couple optical character recognition programs that are available for free.

Some free ones are:

- SimpleOCR: http://www.simpleocr.com

- OCRAD: http://www.gnu.org/software/ocrad/ocrad.html

If you are looking to spend money on an optical character recognition program, expect to cough up some cash. These OCR programs are in the area of $100. The following is a list of some of these programs:

- http://www.abbyy.com

- http://www.nuance.com

- http://www.irislink.com

Check out the websites to see what software solution will work best for you. Many of these programs allow you to try them for a short trial period. It is definitely worth to check out as it allows you to further explore optical character recognition technology.

Brett McQueen is an avid computer user, website designer, and website developer. You can learn about how to edit a scanned document at his blog dedicated to using scanned documents. He also runs a helpful HTML tutorial website that offers in-depth tutorials and HTML video tutorials.

Software Paint Shop Pro

Writen by Michael Russell

Graphics are a big part of our Internet experience. Everyone likes looking at a web page with pretty photos. Well, these photos and other designs don't just appear out of thin air. Software is needed to conjure up these images of pure delight. Paint Shop Pro has been doing this for over 20 years now and they show no signs of slowing down.

The software itself has gone through many advances over the years. While the things that it can do today are probably light years ahead of what most people will ever need, unless they are using the software for professional reasons, the basics of Paint Shop Pro alone make it one heck of a graphic creating machine.

One of the most basic and important things about the software is the ability to download your digital camera photos, or scan your 35 mm photos directly into the software in order to work on these photos. Without this capability, the software itself would be quite limited to importing stock images that you get off the Internet.

Once the photos are loaded into the software, what can be done with them is virtually unlimited. For starters, you can increase or decrease the overall size of the photo itself by resampling it. This is great for large photos that you want to put up on the Internet but don't need them smaller because of limited web space and problems with page loading. This is a function that web designers would be lost without.

Photos can also be saved in multiple formats such as JPEG and gif. This is important too as certain formats are better for certain uses. For example, if you want a fast loading web page filled with graphics, you would save your file as a special kind of gif that would actually show the photo as it's loading so people don't see a blank space.

Where you can really see Paint Shop Pro's power, however, is through the effects that you can get with the software. Any photo can be so drastically altered in appearance that it would be difficult to know what it originally was. Common effects include embossing, eroding, dilating and a lot more. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast of a photo, which is great for photos that are either too light or too dark in their original form.

And if all that isn't enough, you can also take a color photo and turn it into a vintage black and white one. What's even more impressive is how you can take an old black and white photo and add color to it. That's a really neat trick.

You can also posterize your photo which creates some very cool Andy Warhol psychedelic effects. You can also solarize your photo which also creates effects similar to posterizing but noticeably different when applied to the same photo. By combining a number of effects, you can come up with some very abstract pieces of work.

The above only scratches the surface. Add to this the ability to create your own drawings, add text, capture images and catalogue collections and you have a piece of software that is more than worth the moderate price tag that comes with it.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Software