Eliminate a Computer Pain - Keep Software Together

In business we talk about planning and organizing so much, but how often do we practice what we preach? Organizing is so important for businesses we have folders on our desks with details about projects we are working on. We have folders in our email to keep our correspondence from getting misplaced. But when it comes to organizing the software CD’s that are installed on our computers, most people fall short.

Do you have all your software cd-roms in one place? Do you even know where they are? I’ll bet the cd’s are in a box “somewhere”!

So many technical experts discuss backing up your computer and I will stress that is important; but understand that only data is usually backed up. If your computer crashes you will need to re-install the software that works with your data. For example, Microsoft Word documents are backed up, but without Microsoft Word installed you can not read what is in the document.

Make some time; very soon, to take all your computer software cd’s, including your cd for your operating system (i.e. Windows Xp) and organize them. Put them all together in one place. Buy a cd-holder or do what I do find a small storage box. And if you want to make sure you never loose your cd’s you could even put them in a fire-safe box. This is a great idea for home businesses.

So remember backing up is only one step to protecting your computer system. Organizing your software cd’s and protecting them will make a disaster less painful.

This is Jennifer Shaheen The technology Therapist with your Technology Tip of the week!

Finding the Perfect Fit!

I was shopping for shoes to go with my New Year’s Eve dress last month. How I love to find cute shoes, but they need to be comfortable. As I glanced around, I found myself envious of some of the women around me who seemed to walk effortlessly in shoes over 2 inches. If your one of those women – wow! As for me I have to find something a little lower. I am one of those women that by the end of the night I’m still on the dance floor but my shoes are tucked under the table.

I have come to terms with the fact that I will never be comfortable in extremely high heals. They are just not for me. This realization made me think about how so many people force themselves into things that just aren’t comfortable. There are some Jimmy Choo shoes I’d love to wear, but I can’t do it! It’s just not the right fit for me.

Are you finding the right fit for you and your company? You see finding the right shoes is not that different from finding the right PDA (personal digital assistant), Web Designer or CRM (customer relationship management) application to use for you and your business. You need to ask yourself some of the same questions.

What’s the occasion or purpose?

When choosing the right shoes to buy, knowing the occasion makes a big difference in your choice. Different shoes go with different events. You decide the look you want, the outfit the shoes need to go with and how you want to feel. The shoes need to match the outfit.

Technology decisions are no different. What is the purpose? What kind of look do you want your application to have? How do you want to feel as you work? Does this application connect with the other items in your pipeline?

Take your time to look for something that will be comfortable for you. If your working with a consultant that is trying to push you into something, step back. Technologies like shoes come in different designers, sizes, shapes and colors. If you are only being told about one designer you’re missing out. Many times it just takes a trip to a different store to find the perfect shoes to go with your outfit. Talk to someone else, search the web, or ask other people in your industry. You may be surprised to find that the technology you seek is not found in all stores. Just like the perfect pair of shoes may be found at a remote boutique, or in a friends closet. Search for the right technology. Find the right fit!