Small Business Computer Tips

SMALL BUSINESS TIPS

We have compiled a list of items and services that you can benefit from while running a small business efficiently. If you don't have time to read it all now, you can bookmark it for later or email it to yourself.

1. One thing a business owner should never do is ignore technology. Technology is here to stay and it simplifies a lot of things. If your business is sometimes crazy and not as organized as you would like it to be, you could be missing out on the simple way to do things. We can stop by to see what will help you get a better grip on things.

2. Financial management to do your billing and keep records. Quickbooks or Peachtree to do your accounting and bookkeeping. It's the number one thing all businesses need.

3. A PDA which can store all your contacts, appointments and emails, etc. in one device to maximize "time management". Then you can take it with you and keep up with your schedules. We can help you install it. 615-578-3541

4. An all-in-one scanner\copier\printer\fax machine. Do you have 4 different devices on your desk? Let one machine do it all. We can tell you what to buy and help set it up for you.

5. Comcast Highspeed internet (615-244-5900) or Bellsouth DSL (1.888.321.2375) Also, with DSL you're able to send a fax, access the internet and use the phone at the same time.

6. A "print server". Do you unplug your cable from your desktop computer just so you can print from your laptop? There is an easier way. A print server will allow you to print from your desktop and laptop to the same printer without ever unplugging that cable again. Remember if you have questions, you can call us at 615-578-3541.

7. Wireless networking. It would be nice to sit at the dining room or your bed and surf the internet, access your office files without wires on your laptop remotely. We can set it up to where you can print wireless to your desktop printer, access your files on your desktop computer and surf the internet at the same time it is amazing.

8. A backup hard drive. Fact is, all hard drives die. Unfortunately, your hard drive will die when you least expect it and we hope this doesn't happen to you. We can set up an automatic, unattended backup so you don't have to remember to backup all the time. This way, you don't risk losing all your contacts, emails, addresses, word documents, pictures and financial data. We think data is the most important component in a computer.

9. Professional Wire Tie Job What's this? Do you have a spaghetti mess under your desk? Are your feet on top of wires? Don't be embarrassed, everyone does it. Call us 615-578-3541 and we'll come by for a free quote. The price is very affordable.

10. Home network. If you are still transferring files to floppy disk or CDR's and back to the office or home pc, or you have financial data and files on another pc that you need to access, you need a network which will allow you to access those files on the desktop pc from the laptop or vice versa anywhere. Plus, you'll be able to print to the same printer and get on the internet at the same time from both computers.

11. A fax number. Do you have a fax number? Is it the same number as your business number but you don't like it that way? You can have people send you faxes to your business line with a service called "ring master" from bellsouth. They will give you a second number on the same line as your current number yet it will ring differently and your fax machine can be trained to answer the call only when it hears the special ring. Or you can get an Efax number that you purchase for about $10 a month and the fax will come to you via email in a PDF(Adobe) format. The benefit of efax is you can view faxes and download them to your pc from anywhere in the world. If you want to send faxes that you create (using word, excel, etc.) from your computer, you will need an internet modem with your phone line connected to it. You'll be able to send faxes of documents that you type up and fax them directly from your pc to your clients instead of printing them out and then faxing on a separate machine. The quality will be just as good and it will save you time, paper and money. Or with Bellsouth DSL (1.888.321.2375), you can use the internet, telephone and receive faxes at the same time on the same line! Call us 615-578-3541

12. Windows XP Pro or Vista if you are you still using windows 98 or ME. That software is old and obsolete. You should switch to XP or Vista ASAP so that you are more up-to-date on technology and compatible with other softwares.

13. A Server. Do you have a small company with a few people that need access to certain files or need to print to a printer? Are you emailing those files to a person just so they can print or view them? Are you concerned about data that you do not want others to see? Would you like to share that QuickBooks file with others but you do not want them to access certain features? Well, you need a file server box (a second computer). It will allow everyone to print to a single printer and access only the files that you specify. Share your files and not your computer.

14. A website. Remember how you found us? We can make you one too so your businesss customers can find you.

15. A second computer. Who ever said you needed one computer? Use one pc for business purposes and the other for personal usage. We can set up a second pc next to your current one with a device called a "KVM" switch and it will allow you to use the same monitor, mouse and keyboard by pressing a single switch. Your screen will change to the other computer and if you want to switch back, simply press the switch again. Call us about this 615-578-3541.

16. A "Router". Did you know that if you had Comcast or Dsl, you can share that internet connection with another computer and not pay anything extra?

17. A regular maintenance checkup. It's better to get your pc checked at least twice per year rather than waiting until a problem rises. Computers will last a long time with maintenance. It's like getting your oil changed.

18. More memory . You should have at least 512 if running 2000pro or XP and 1 gig for Vista. To find out how much you have, do a "right click" on "My Computer" then left click properties. We can install memory for you like majic.

19. Stamps.com. Just go to http://stamps.com/learn-more/demo/. <----Turn on speakers. It's the perfect way to mail your envelopes and do postage without going to the post office. You'll be able to print postage directly on standard envelopes using your printer for things such as bills, letters and marketing material. Also, you can do labels and use "weight" scales.

20. Congratulations. We've just given you a ton of information for free and if you need help with any of it, just call us at 615-578-3541 and we will be glad to help. Please send this to a friend that you may know of that can use our service. This list was written by Cedric Jones, the owner. CJ Knows a lot and has a lot to share.

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