Spender or Investor?

There are two choices we can make when it comes to what we do with our money. We can spend it, and get no return, or invest it and see a return.

Before I go any further, I want you to know that I am using the word Money in this blog posting, but it could be time, energy, or thought. Any of my physical or mental resources can be used to invest, or spent. The choice is ours to make that choice.

Money can be spent to receive a good feeling, which will only last for a short time. There will no lasting benefit or return. A good example is buying an ad in a coupon book that you know, from history, will see no new customers.

Money can be invested where at a later date it will bring back that money along with a percent of the original expenditure. An website that is tuned to your customer base, along with a newsletter will not only bring in new business, but repeat business.

Money is wasted when investments are not researched. The most common waste is on impulse purchases. These are goods that will be sold at the following summer's yard sale for a fraction of the original price.

A good business person is an investor not a spender. They are always looking for a return where they place their time, energy, and money.

Horse Sense, Wisdom, Making Right Choices

Horse Sense, wisdom, and making right choices means basicly the same thing. The only difference is that each term is attached to a different generation and social economic sector of American society.

Even in today's world of fast and sometimes excessive communication. The communicating of ideas and concepts break down because the understood meaning of a word is different from one person to another.

I was talking to a client who was using terms, that she understood. I was unclear of what she meant. I let her talk for a while, in hopes to grasp the meaning of her words. Finally, I had to stop her and ask for a clarification. It turned out that I had the wrong meaning of her terms.

Her family and co-worker had developed a set of jargon, that sounded like it meant one thing, but in truth meant something slightly different. This is all the more we must make sure our words and their meaning are clearly understood.

One by One

One by One is a song I heard in the early 90's. It was a song about how you go about saving the world. Causes like global warming, health issues, and human rights are massive issues that need large groups to get involved. But to make any real difference it takes one person helping another person.

My cause is computer security. Keeping people safe when they put their hands on the keyboard and mouse. Then head out over the World Wide Web.

There are plenty of people who write, speak, and attend large computer security conventions. For me I walk, talk, and show individual how they can make their computer more secure. What actions they can do while surfing the internet.

One by one, One by one, just one person at a time.

Idea, or Concept, Without Words

Have you ever had an idea, but just could not put it in the right words? Well, that is what I am going through. It is like a haunting ghost that keeps reappearing.

English is so limiting compared to some other languages. Yet I am limited to the English language to convey the idea, or concept. An idea can be just one word. However, a concept needs a paragraph or more to describe fully.

Describing a computer to a man in first century Rome is on the same level.

I am not going to give up! What I feel in my heart, and what I see in my minds eye needs to be converted to words. When I can properly but it in words of the English language, then others will be able see he need and passion that is in my heart.

Do I Really Need Another Program?

Last night I was searching Google and Yahoo for some software for a client. One hour later my frustration level was starting to rise. Then I stepped back to look at what is already on the computer.

I decided to take a closer look at the QuickBooks program. After going to the Intuit.com, I visited a couple of QuickBooks forums. To my surprise there was my answer.

I have always know that there are some features in Microsoft Office, that is rarely used because they are not commonly known. This was the case with QuickBooks.

I wonder how often we look for a new program, when all we really need to do is rediscover the programs that are on computers? Maybe that is why they are so expensive to start.

Negotiation Is Not Just For Diplomats

Negotiation is the art of pushing and giving to obtain something or position. Government leaders, and business executives are not the only ones who need to negotiate. In some countries it is a part of their lifestyle.

I have a friend who is from Kuriate. Anytime we are having any dealing that evolve a transaction of money or goods, ends in a stiff discussion of the terms. After several minutes of push and giving, we in up at a middle ground shaking hands.

When I look at the world around me. I see negotiation a needed life skill. It is part of a lot of lives activities; buying a car, buying or selling a house, settling a family conflict, and payments of bills.

Technology Is Stressful

Change is good, but being in a constant state of change can a level of stress. I am talking about both the business and tech side of the computer/information industry. I really think working on the floor of Wall Street would be less stressful.

I rarely read computer tech books, because they are outdated by the time they get to print. Blogs, and website give the most up to date information. Magazines and/or periodicals are a middle ground between the two.

But just think about keep up with all the latest changes. How to remove the latest malicious infection of computer files? What fixes Windows Vista software vendors have made? What about who has bought out which up and coming website? The prices of computer and computer parts go up and down worst than the stock market.

Sure it can be quite stressful, but with the right mind set it can be an adventure. It can be even bigger satisfaction helping client get the best possible advice with their computer needs.

21st Century Communication or Slaves

We have all heard and have been told that we must communicate with those around us. Family, friends, business associates, and customers. In 2007, we have never had so many tools to use to communicate. Email, Instant Messaging, cell phones, text messaging, message board, social networking websites, wikkis, but what about good old face to face?

I know for myself, face to face human communication is only when needed. Emails are a daily, if not several times a day. Phone calls usually happen to any one business associate a couple times a week. Then face to face contact is to whenever needed.

Am I having effective communication? Am I losing customers, friends, and family by not having the face to face communication? Or have we become salves to the electronic media in the 21st century?

Emotions/Needs, What Motivate Us

Getting past all the psychological teaching school of thought, there are only four basic emoting/needs that motivate us..

1. Contributing -We cannot feel that we are part of any social group, ie; family or otherwise unless we feel we are help provide content and life to that group.
2. Love - A big factor is to love and be loved. This is glue that holds relationships together.
3. Enjoyment - Without some kind of pleasure, fun, or without good times in our life make our life a mere prison with invisible walls.
4. Survival - Food, shelter, and comfortable living environment is the fourth listed here that just might should be first in the list.

I have seen social and family groups isolate one member, for some petty reason. In doing so this member was driven away. They went outside that group to find another social group that they felt needed them. The persons new role could be a health or an unhealthy role in that group.

Reality Can Bring Bad News

I was in CompUSA, picking up some parts. Since I had some time to kill, I stopped by the business sales counter and talk with one of the salesman. In course of the conversation I asked a questions about Vista and QuickBooks.

He laughed, started to shake his head left to right. In a pitiful tone he said, "It is not going to work. Vista, will not let you move those files."

I responded, "You don't know how many peoples day you have ruined."

He whispered in a low tone, "Sorry".

This is one of those times something should work a certain way. You need it to work that way, but it won't. The Microsoft nor Intuit won't fix it.

In this case, to prevent pirated software, Microsoft has went overboard with Vista, and not allow you to migrate certain data files from XP to Vista.

A Long Busy Day Is Good For The Soul

I like nothing better than teaching and working on computers. Yesterday began at 4 am and ended about 7 pm. It was a long profitable day. I was tired at the end, but I felt good.

Days like yesterday, not only good for the checkbook, but they are good for my soul. I needed to be stretched. I needed to build endurance. I needed to resist temptation.

Without being stretched there is not growth. At 50 plus years growing has not stopped. Growing, learning and expanding my soul must continue until I am removed from this earth suit.

Theory or Reality

If you have been around for any length of time you know that theory does not put food on the table in the real world. It is getting your hands dirty and working in a chosen trade, starting from the ground up.

I just got through reading a forum posting, over at PC Magazine. The guy who wrote the post has a pretty high rating. He had wrote an okay article about Email marketing.

I got two sentences into his article and stopped. Then I took a breath and scanned the remainder six paragraphs. It was all textbook theory. It nothing new. I would not be surprised if it was not rewritten from some other place on the internet.

When someone has been in the middle of a project. You can just by how they sound, if they are reciting words, or if they are speaking from experience.

I Can Not Make It Alone

I grew up encourage to do things on my own, in spite what the social trend said. This made for some lonely times.

Over the years I had to learn the hard way, I need other people. Not just to help me, but to help them. Tight friendships were few and far between.

Yesterday, I needed and was needed from family and friends. I enjoyed the feeling from it. The whole days adventure let me see I belong to the group of people around me.

Belonging to a community (business, social, or religious) is a very important thing. As one of the Beatles once sang, "No man is an island. No man stands alone..."

Life Is NOT Predictable

No matter how bad or how good things get, there is a always a bit of mystery that hovers over my life.

When I woke up yesterday, I could not tell you what would happen, even through it was a Sunday. I woke up this morning, (my first service call at 8 am) I can not tell you the results. It is to happen one way, but I can not say for sure that it will.

The unpredictable events is what makes life fun. I could let them grip me with fear. But that is a waste of time and energy. I must know and act upon what I have control over. The other stuff I just do the best I can.

In AA they have a saying, "God grant knowledge to change things I can change and patience I can not and the wisdom to know the difference."

I Like Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings are so peaceful. There is something extra quieting about Sunday mornings. Years ago Johnny Cash sang a song about just such Sunday Morning. CBS has had for years a television program called Sunday Morning.

No matter how crazy, No matter how disturbing the week has been. Sunday is that calming time of the week to reflect and let go of life's pressures if nothing else, but for just a few hours.

What To Do In When It All Goes Wrong?

Starting a business can be a scary and risky thing. You are stepping out. Success or failure all depends upon what you do. The decisions you make. The time and energy you put into the business.

When I was a young man I was one of the first non firefighters to get paramedic training in Los Angles county. I study hard. In the back of my mind I was going to save lives.

Then one class about half way through the course, one of the instructors stood up in front of the class and said, "You can do everything we teach you the the letter, and the patient can still die."

That statement had a tramatic affect on me. I could not handle working to save someones life and then have them die on me. Why was I spending all this time and money only to have someone die under my care.

Years have come and gone. I have been through several failed marriages, jobs, and other things. I still have trouble accepting failure.

The one thing I have learned since then is have friends, family, advisers, and God there to help me. I am going fight, examine, adapt, pray, and work to make a turn around.

Face to Face, Not Facebook

Facebook is a social online network like My Space, and Twitter. People from across the country and around the world reading each others profiles and carrying on conversation. But what about their next door neighbor?

Have we become a generation of chickens? Are we afraid to meet and have a social community with those that live around our residence? It is easier to talk with someone over the telephone, than meet them face to face at your kitchen table.

I am not a big fan of online chatting. I do a lot of phone chatting. I must confess that social interaction that is face to face is something I lack. I have one or two clients that are even willing to sit down and chat face to face. Most of them would rather talk behind some kind of wall.

Knowing The Truth Is Hard

Today, I saw the quote, "Know the truth and it shall set you free...". What is not said is that the truth hurts. Most people don't want to know the truth.

I went to a (true) friend, today. I want him to take my side in disagreement I was having with another friend. He didn't take my side. He didn't take the other friends side. He just offer the other friend's point of view. Then gave me an alternative advice that would defuse the friction.

He was right, I was caught up in the conflict. I didn't what I could do to help defuse the friction and strengthen the friendship.

Sunrise or Sunset?

The only difference between sunrise and sunset is me.

If I am standing where the sun is coming to me. It is rising. If I am standing where the sun is going away from me. Then the sun is setting.

Could it be my future, my prosperity all depends upon where I place myself on this earth. If I place myself in front of the movement of a market trend. Then it will like the ocean wave pick me up and carry me along. If I place myself behind that ocean wave, it will just leave me there to fight for survival on my own, with little or no help.

Business Requires Hard Choices

I have never called myself a business person. I prefer, teacher, technical adviser, technical engineer. But I have always hated the term business man or person. I would rather someone else do that part.

When starting EFCussins.com, TEN Solutions, and more recently I Can Do Tech.com, my goal was to help people. My desire was to make a living from people with their computer problems. I have gotten some work, but not the volume that I need to sustain a business.

I have not given up on helping individual with their computer needs! As a business model, I don't know how that is going to work. I see, and hear need from the Baby-boomer generation. I want to take it beyond a popper, struggling level. I want to have an enriched service for everyone that calls me.

Oh yes, I need the volume of clients to dollars that will support my family.

Recovery, Redirection, and Faith

When I get sick, I usually come out of it more spiritually mined. This week is no different than before.

I am not running around shouting "Jesus Saves". I start in a slow patient way looking on how I can improve the way I deal with my business issues. I pray for divine guidance on daily activities. I am taking each day for that day.

I have to walk these days by faith. Work was so little that after being sick for almost two weeks, my wife, daughter, and I and be living on the streets, if enough completed work does not come in.

I have made hundreds of cold sales, with less than 1/2 of 1% return. Now I am just putting to God to send me work I need to pay the bills.

I Have Been Sick

I have been sick and I hated it. The past almost two weeks put me on my back to the point. I hated to lay in bed. I hated watching TV. At one point I was starting to hate my body for making me sick.

Now that I am feeling better the Eternal Optimism in me is starting to rise again. I start asking my self why did I get sick and what good and come out of being sick.

• Why did I get sick? I most likely got sick from over stretching my physical abilities. I was forced to take time and rest where I would not otherwise.
• What did I learn from being sick? Every time that I am sick, I usually have to slow down to look at spiritual and family aspects of my life. This has been one such time.
• What am I going to do differently? Well, I am going to do more with less, or just not do it. My family and spiritual time is an important part of my daily routine. These are two things I have really lost sight. In losing this sight I was losing on all sides of my life.
  

A business can not be build by one individiual. It Takes Team Work.

The old myth that a business could be built on the shear will of one individual is not true. It takes a support staff. Friends and family back emotionally and financially.

The business of a small business owner does not have a constant income. It is all a matter of building surplus during the business times to take you through the low times. The businesses that fail are the ones that learn this

Build Your Work On A Solid Foundation

Yesterday, in church, the pastor talked about the two builders that built their houses. One was on sand. The other in solid rock.

I have heard the parable more times than I dare to count. I have read it myself even more.

Yesterday, I saw it in a new light. I was not going to just apply to my meager spiritual life. I was going to apply the principle to my professional life. It is going to take some time to get to the level, I feel it is where it needs to be.

Today, I have been chiseling in that hard bed rock to make a professional life that my children and wife can be happy they are part of my life.

Everybody Got's a Blog!!

I don' know about you but every time I turn around I find someone new with a blog. Along with this increase in blogger, there comes and increasing number of blogs about making money doing blogs.

Like a pipe dream, professional bloggers are for a very few, of whom I am not one. I make my money doing websites, and helping small business with their computer issues. I have this blog as a personal journal of my journeys of a small businessman.

Like hand written journals of old, blogs are a good things. Blogs let people, who may not see me and can keep track of what is happening with my professional life experience.

Pole Climbing

Several years ago, I attended a personal development workshop along the beach of Santa Cruz, CA. One of the growth exercises was to climb a pole and stand on top of it.

It was quite safe. We had helmets, and climbing harnesses. So if we fell we would just hang from the rope and climbing harness.

I got only half way up the pole before I froze in fear. I could not finish the exercise. My fear of heights had overtaken me. My failure was video taped to be a reminder to everyone else who took that course. I left that seminar as an example of loser that gives into their fears.

Today, I am forced to face my fears of failure. I can not afford to be an example of failure. I can not accept anything less than conquering my fears and get to the top of that pole.

Vista is Getting Better

Today, I was asked to hook up a new Hp Vista computer to a wireless network. At first I started sweating, when the local computer stores did not have in stock what Hp recommended for a wireless adapter. The more research I did on the web didn't give me much confidence, either.

I sucked it up and went out to the job site this morning. To my surprise the whole process went off like textbook. I was glad I didn't have to file share with any other computer. The office had two ME, one XP computer, and one Apple OSX. Oh yes their were a couple other Windows 98SE computers.

I left feeling that in the next year or two I could have the whole office on Vista, with the exception of the Apple and XP computer.

Indenpendance Day

Did anyone ever see that Movie Independence Day? It was great. It was a good reminder what we celebrate the 4th of July.

The BB Q's, the watermelon, the time with family and friends are nice, but we need to take the time to set back and remember those who fought and died for us.

I need to be reminded. On Sunday about our creator. On the Memorial Day about the soldiers who died so we could have our freedom. On Labor Day about how are we really work. On Thanksgiving, about being thankful for what I got.

Holiday Days are not day of no work, but a time to remember what is important to us.

The Most Used Symbol @

efcussins@yahoo.com, Leo@myemalHome.com even jane@hotmail.com, make the most used symbol in the world to day. Think about it!

How many emails do you receive and send during one 24 hour period. They all have to have @ in the middle. Separating the addressees mailbox name from the home of that mailbox.

I remember first using @ as a shorthand symbol. It's history is not easy to find. But it is good to know I can hold down the Shift key and press the number 2 key above the Q and W to get @. @ is in the middle and above.

Monday of a Short Week

Short weeks are one that a holiday at one end or in the middle. It is hard to get motivation going. Monday, and Tuesday is getting up to speed. Wednesday shifts gear for enjoyment of the holiday. Thursday and Friday becomes a mad house rush to catch up with the work volume needed for the week.

Trying to plan this week with productive energy is hard.

It is Friday

The business week is almost over. A few hundred more people know about TEN Solutions and EFCussins.com. Business sales were up from the week before. Of course the week before, sales were almost non-existence.

Tomorrow will only be a half day. Then Sunday night it all starts over again. The 4th of July is next week. That means I am going to have to work harder.

Courage Is Not Emotion

I wrote yesterday about courage as a business owner. Today, I must make note that courage as a business owner is to keep going when things look the blackest. Money is coming in, but not enough to meet basic overhead.

Maybe that is why so many new businesses fail? The new owners is not use to $200, $400, or $1,000 a day being deposited in the bank account. He or she thinks they are getting rich, but in reality all they are able to do is very keep ahead of the creditors.

When reality takes hold, it is not a time to faint, but to press on. Follow the dream. Adjust to make the money coming in cover expenses. Then press on to where times will get easier.

Business A Courageous Decision

Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision
Peter F. Drucker
For more Inspiring Quotes

I see a courageous person as an individual that goes pass the emotion of the time. Most successful business person does act on the emotion of the moment, but follows the passion that drove them to start their own business.

Courage of a passionate dream acted upon can take a person pass all the negative resistance. Through the veil of discouragement unto the light of a dream realized.

Owning A Business Is Not For Wimps.

Small Business Trends report 66 % of started businesses are still going after the first 2 years. After fours years, 44 % were still in existence. It takes work, organizing, wisdom, and putting oneself out there, to make a business work.

If it wasn't for my wife, pushing me when I was down emotionally. The pressure of bills piling up and low sales, does not help for a positive attitude. I even found myself praying.

The best things to do is;

1. Mutual encouragement
2. Learn how-to live on a budget
3. Keep put yourself in front of potential clients.
4. Keep up with trade news and technical skills.
   

Reality Check

To the individual that thinks owning their own business is great. The delusion that working for yourself is easier than working for some large corporation or hard nose, needs a reality check.

I like working on computers. I like helping people, but I hate sales. Guess what 90% of owning ones own business is sales. Selling ones self is before selling ones goods, or selling ones service.

I have talked with other business owners. Their comment to me is that they are to busy managing their business. Doing the type of work they like to do is a rare pleasure. In other words they have become a slave to the business they created.

Computer Techs Are Not All The Same

This morning I did a Yahoo Local search for computer repair in the Boise ID area. There is over 50 different listing. Some of them I know. Some I do not know. But I do know, that they are all vary in experience and knowledge.

There are computer techs that I will easily consider fair better, than myself. There is other who lack in certain areas, that I am proficient. We are out there competing for the repair for your computer.

Considering the wealth of knowledge in Idaho. The three strike rule my best advice to anyone looking to get computer, and/ or network up and running.

1. If the computer is not working right after the first visit, there could of have been an unknown issues the computer tech did not see.
2. After the second visit the computer tech needs to pull his/or her resources. There could be a gap in the techs knowledge/experience base, that they need.
3. In my opinion, after the third try, it is is time to call in a different computer tech maybe a different company.
   

Father's Day - The After

I have not been the best father in the world. Truth be told, I was a father to early in life. I have beat myself over the head enough, on the subject.

This Father's Day, for me, was a semi sub dewed one. My wife had to remind my youngest. My oldest two do not want anything to do with me. Instead of pushing for a Father's Day DVD or NASCAR.

All I did was spend my time in church and the computer room. I fixed lunch and dinner for the family. It was a day not about me. It was day about me serving, helping, listening, and guiding my family.

Time Warp

I follow tech trends pretty close. I may not have the latest and the greatest, but my gear is within a year or two.

Well, earlier this week I went deliver and installed a computer on a ranch,in less than 50 miles from Boise, ID. When I arrived to the ranch I felt I had time warp back 40 plus years. Rotary phone, black and white television, and avocado green kitchen.

When I left they were so excited playing solitaire, on their computer. I wonder if the simple things in life are the best.

Playing With Fire!

Whether your home or work computer fails, can you recover those files and information. Or all you can do is just sit there with your hands in your face crying. Years, and months of memories and financial information are lost.

According to research by the U.S. Small Business Administration, at least 25 percent of businesses close not to back up their files will not reopen, after some computer failure. Many those do often struggle just to stay in business. It could of have been avoided

The following stats influence you decision about backing up your computer’s files.

• Over 90% of companies experiencing a major data loss cannot fully recover all of their information.
• 40-45% of businesses fail to resume operations after a major theft or fire.
• 25% of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster.

These are odds I don’t want to have against me.

Everything Changes Including Me

I just updated my web authoring software. Good old fashion html is being replaced because it slow and not as powerful as newer website code. Cascading Style Sheets, for example, allow web pages that have more complex design to load much faster.

Two words come to mind, “everything changes”. It makes it harder for some of us to keep up with the changes, considering how fast everything changes. What was considered state-of-the-art in 1997 is to new for the museum and too old for any real usefulness.

If we are to have marketable skills we have to narrow our area of expertise just to keep up with all the changes.

Ignorance Is NOT Bliss

Periodically, I find a computer that is so infected. Like yesterday, I was to install a simple accounting program, but I kept getting errors. I knew something was wrong, by what I was told did not verify what I was experiencing with that computer. Well, several hours later, revealed 900+ infected files with a viruses types , and 4 root kits.

The root cause of the infection is obvious. Microsoft and all computer security experts agree on the three basics. Anti virus program, a bi-directional firewall, and keeping software updated. In the last few years one more piece of security has been added. An anti-spyware program was added because of the increase use of the internet.

All of these facts are well published and preached. However, these are people thinking by ignoring the experts advice. When faced with the results of their actions, their face turns red. I have trouble having compassion for computer users who continue to ignore the reality/responsibility of having a computer.

They Outlawed My Chevy!!!

I maybe old fashion, but there are times I like to see and use good vintage machines. The younger generation in wanting to save energy, save the economy, and/or make money. In the name of progress what was once good dependable and useful have not only been out dated and made illegal.

When Windows XP first cane out all you needed was 128 MB of RAM. Then 256 MB would be enough. Now 256 is the least the average user can use. Actually, 1 GB of RAM or higher is needed.

What about those good ole computers that only can be upgraded to 256 or 512 of RAM. They as headed for the great computer graveyard in the sky.

The bottom line is a shining new computer in 2002 is just as out dated as the old 54 Chevy, without seatbelts, noisy smoking, and no air bags.

Spring Cleaninng is Not Just for the House

The weather is getting hotter. Fishing, hiking, and camping start to fill our idle thoughts. Before we can head out to the stream or favorite camp ground we must do spring cleaning. Oh Bummer!!!

This is when we have to go through the house clean webs and get rid of clothes that are worn out or two small for us. The family car gets a tune up as well as detailed cleaning. However, the family computer gets forgotten.

The family computer is the work horse that just keeps on working through abuse. The owners only give passing thoughts of cleaning the dust from inside the case. Once in a while mom will think about backing up the valued family photos from last Christmas.

Why is it that when it comes to Spring Cleaning that the one electronic device that runs more than our car gets only a passing thought when it comes to preventive maintenance. If anything is done, it is done only in a token state. Like our personal salve that will work long hours and dependably on bread and water.

Vista is Now Being Called MEII

Windows ME was probably the worst operating system that Microsoft ever released. Verily on the market for a over a year, ME gain the nickname ME-take (pounced mistake).

To from the Inquirer website and c|net.com the term MEII has been officially be put on the Vista. Of course I have heard the term in some private circles.

The question is now what is Microsoft going to do with it's MEII? Will they still try to push Vista until it is right? Will they let it fade in the background as a embarrassment?

Vista Bad for Notebooks/Laptops

I hate being such a Windows Vista basher, but I am not seeing a lot of reports that say Vista is good for the average computer user. c|net.com reported problems with Vista on Hp notebooks.

John Wozniak, a top Hewlett-Packard's engineer in the notebook department. Vista was an energy hog started to surface during beta testing last year.

The main problem is in Vista's Aero feature. When Aero is turned off battery life is equal to or better than Windows XP systems. But with it turned on, battery life is much shorter than with Windows XP.

DELL is Flipping the Bird

DELL Computer has not only still selling computers with Windows XP, on select models across their product line. Microsoft is pushing Windows Vista down every bodies throats. DELL even is selling workstations with Linux. This is nothing more than rebellion in the computer manufacturing community.

If this is not flipping the bird to the worlds most influential company in the world. But there are times when even the most successful are wrong. That is what has happen with Microsoft. Instead of improving on a good product, Windows XP. Microsoft has reinvented the wheel. Thus forcing us to suffer working out the bugs, when we do not have to go through such pain.

Vista the Secure Headache

Microsoft in build a secure operating system has made it so secure that it has become a headache to use. Let us take a look two of the security features and headaches.

• User Account Control - Is designed to keep the average computer from opening an unwanted door to a hacker or malicious software. However, the user is hounded with popup windows asking, "Are you sure you want do this?"
• Projection Mode - A new feature in Vista with Internet Explorer 7 is what is called Protection mode. If Internet Explorer does not recognized a website as a secure website, it won't let you go to that website. This is good, but I can't visit an unrecognized website without being hounded by pop up warnings.
• Vista Basic - Yes his is the cheapest edition of Vista, but are not going to get some of the features that make Vista. Vista Basic is just what it says; basic email, and basic web surfing. If you want more then you will have to upgrade.
  

Windows XP Is NOT Dead

On the DELL website there announced that they have been listening to their customers. DELL will continue to provide XP on certian models. Below is a list of DELL's posting.

DON’T ELIMINATE XP JUST YET
We heard you loud and clear on bringing the Windows XP option back to our Dell consumer PC offerings. Based on your feedback, the following Dell consumer systems with Windows XP are now immediately available on Dell.com:

Dell Inspiron: 1405, 1705, 1505, 1501 Dell Dimension: E520, E521

RAM Usage Is On The Increase

In the past couple of weeks, I have started to notice that systems that enough RAM, a year ago, now is lacking minimum requirements. No major programs have been added. No major hardware has been added. The system was clean of malicious software. What causing the increase usage of RAM.

The only real change was the all the security updates. Could all these Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, and Windows Updates cause and increase drain on the average computer? If this is the case we are slowly pushed more powerful computer.

I am not saying that we don't need all these updates. The more robust security system puts more of a demand on a computer hardware. This is all important to have our computer protection to cover our level of risk or being attack.

DOS Is Not DEAD

In an era were we have been pointing and clicking on icons. Voice interactive computer software will soon become a reality. There are a few who still use DOS (Disk Operating System) and Windows 3.1 (released in April 1992).

I came across two commercial businesses that are still using DOS and/or Windows 3.1. These people as slow to up grade. Their comments were around waiting for the bugs getting worked out of the newer programs and operating systems.

If I was in their position, I would be using Linux. However I have to stay just behind the cutting edge of what is new to the market, as a service to my clients.

Who is Protecting Us from Security Software?

I come across more back security software than Trojans,Viruses, Worms, and other malicious computer software. I use to have to use special software tools to remove infections from people computers.

Today, I have to carry with me special software tools to remove "Security Software". This security software doesn't protect the computer. It won't uninstall through Add/Remove Program of the Control Panel.

Some of these programs that are protecting us, have become the problem through not doing their job.

Vista Ready Really Means?????

Pushing for sales of a product makes salesmen to tell half or partial truths. The sales of Windows Vista has landed Microsoft in court, again. It all surrounds the term, "Vista Ready".

What is being reported is "Vista Ready" means that a computer can run Windows newest operating system, Vista. However, "Vista Ready" means your computer will run "Vista Home Basic".

Vista Home Basic is lowest of the four versions of Vista. This version does not have many of the WOW features of Vista. You see the features of each version of Vista at Microsoft comparsion webpage. Click Here to go directly there.

I Can't Resist Temptation

I am a software junkie. I am never satisfied with current software on my computer. I am always looking for the "The latest, greatest. and best software that is on the internet".

If I see new program that I think I can use, I will download it. This a cause me a lot of extra work. I find a lot of the programs that I download not meeting my expectation. I have to uninstall, reboot, clean undeleted files, and clean the registry.

I have forgot how many programs, I have installed and uninstall programs. It has gotten so bad that I have had to wipe my hard drive clean and start over.

Maybe I should find a support group for downloading junkies?

Veiwing Movies Will Never Be The Same

Technology is changing. What was an 8mm movie gave way to the VCR cassette. The VCR cassette has fell to the DVD disk. The DVD disk is giving way to Blu-ray and HDTV.

Since high speed of internet access has got many tech business people thinking of providing movies over the internet. YouTube.com is just the tip of the ice burg of what is to come.

Moving to Apple or Not

This year since Vista's launch there has been an increase move to the Apple operating system and computer. Many of those who have made the move seem to like the smoothness that Apple has to offer.

On the down side, I hear complaints about the expense is higher than expected with the replacement of software. Apple does not have all the programs that Windows has, i.e. Microsoft money. However, very few people have complained about going from a two plus button mouse to a one button mouse.

I like the look of Apple. I like the smoothness of the way Apple works. Nevertheless, Windows is still the most popular platform for computing. I still like to tweak, and customize my computers. Apple does not offer this. I have yet seen an Apple OS in a point-of-sale application.

The majority of everyday computer users still choose the Windows operating platform over Apple. My wife wants to an iMac. She will more than likely get one before the end of the year. For me, I am going to stay with Windows.

iTunes needs Quick Time

Over the weekend I was getting frustrated because I could not the updated iTunes to work on my computer. I even had gone to the point of downloading Juice and Real Player.

Mid Sunday afternoon, a light went on. I was updating iTunes, but I didn't update Quick Time. Once I installed the update of Quick Time, iTunes worked just fine. Quick Time is the media player for iTunes.

Another lesson learned. I also realized how addicted I am to the podcast feeds through iTunes.

I Hate Upgrades - Sometimes

Upgrades are nice. They make improvements on existing software and drivers. What I don't like is when that upgrade makes things worse or harder. Right now I am dealing with two upgrades that I wish didn't happen.

Itunes upgraded their media player. I downloaded it and did the install. Itunes has not worked since. I use Itunes for my podcast downloads and playing. I use certain podcast like listing to the morning news.

I have gotten so frustrated that I have had to go to another two programs to have the same results. Apple hurry up and fix your upgrade!!!

I have a couple of clients that have upgraded to Vista when they bought their new computer. Both are having issues with installing old software. They have found that they are having to get the new updated versions. One will client with 2 computers will have to spend over $3,000 before they can get back to functionality before the upgrade.

DST okay, RAM well??

It is Monday morning, we have passed into a new era of Day Light Savings Time. There has been only a couple corporate systems that had problems with the update. In the great scheme of things, the change went off fairly smooth.

What seems to be the hot topic this morning all those people that want large amounts of RAM to run Vista. I am talking at the 2 plus Gigabyte range. I read one blog posting about a guy that was up set he put in 4 Gigabytes of RAM and lost over 600 MB to the motherboard and system caps. Well he is running only a 32 bit system. He really should of have started with a 64 bit motherboard.

Cnet News reported that laptops are now out selling desktop. This I do believe. A laptop is more portable, lighter than a desktop. Laptops are more portable and just as powerful and desktops. This I do believe. When I go down to Boise State, I see almost every student having a laptop hanging from their shoulder.

The Ever Shrinking Hard Drive

When hard drives got to 1 Gigabyte, I thought that they would never be enough information on a personal computer to fill it up. When hard drives reached 10 Gigabytes, I said that was all I needed to storage space. When I installed a 80 Gigabyte hard drive, I didn't expect to need anything larger.

Well, today I am watching the amount of free space on my hard drive slowly shrinking. I have an 80 Gig. It is partitioned into a 45 (is my C drive) and 35 (is my D drive). The 45 Gigabyte partition is my operating system and programs. The 35 Gigabyte partition is used for storage of pictures, documents and other data. The 45 Gigabyte partition is 78% full and shrinking.

Over the last week or so, I have deleted files, programs from my C drive. Still it is shrinking. I am forced to re-evaluate the program that is on my C drive and delete even more. Those programs that are nice to have, but I rarely use are going to have to go.

I tell friends and clients that if their hard drive gets over 75% full it is time to upgrade. Well, I do not want to upgrade to a larger hard drive. I don't more storage space. I just have to learn to use what I have more efficiently.

Vista Popularity is Going Down

This morning I awoke, got my morning cup of coffee then went to my computer. There I began to read the morning technology news. The first two headlines from information week struck my eye. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has put a stop of their computer being upgraded to Vista. Second the Free Software Foundation is urging people to take their new computers and install Linux. The popular free operating system.

The first full week in March is starting to see a sharp decline in Vista's popularity. In the past couple of weeks I have had more customers get their computer's rebuilt or buy refurbished, so they would not have to upgrade to Vista. I have even got a phone call from a Vista user asking me to take Vista off his computer and install Windows XP.

Laptop Batteries Safe????

Yesterday, PC Magazine publish the story that Lenovo laptop computer battery packs are recalling 205,000 battery packs. It was discovered many would overheat if dropped or banged, posing a fire and consumer safety hazard.

As we left 2006, I was under the false impression that laptop batteries were fixed. I was wrong. Could this be money in technology products produce blind greed, and leave social responsibility in yesterday's trash.

It does not matter if it is hardware or software, we have seen and are still seeing the release of computer related products before they are really for the end-user market. These products may still make it through the warranty period, but fail six months later.

Laptop batteries, or Operating systems should come with a warning, "Use at your own risk!".

The Politics of Vista

In January Microsoft released Vista, it's latest and great operating system. Yes, you have to upgrade your computer, and only certain software will work smoothly. As Microsoft works out the bugs, I see more politics than in a Presidential election year.

Symantec and McAfee act like congressman in doing the ole political give and take to get the source code for Vista. Apple has launch an ad campaign to steal a big share of the PC users. There is three groups of commentators. One focuses on the positive of Vista. The other wants Microsoft to do a recall of Vista. Then there is a third that wants a choice of getting Vista or XP.

Personally, I like some of the features of Vista. They are nice eye candy. The new security features are not as user-friendly as I would like. When it comes to election time in November of 2008, I will vote for Vista.

Processes Needs To Be User-Friendly

The old says. "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance" has followed me most all my life. I find myself going back to the saying to look at ways to improve my performance. Eight out of ten times that improved my performance is done by simplifying my actions and/or thought processes.

This morning I was thinking about that planning, learning, or prep must be user-friendly. What I consider as user-friendly, may not be user-friendly to another person. If a procedure is not user-friendly, then procrastination takes over and it will eventually will not be done.

I like using Frontpage for my website. In the process, I look at the html and java script to refine what I want to do. There are people who do not attempt doing a website because of the complexity of learning the code behind the scenes.

I see a lot of computer users that do not back up their computer's files because they see it as a complex procedure. Once they are introduced to a one or two click back up process, then they start backing up their important data.

Losing Sleep Early This Year

The energy bill President Bush signed in August 2005, DST (Day Light Saving Time) begins three weeks earlier on March 11. Remember to set you clocks forward. If your computer or network is in the United States, the changes to Daylight Saving Time (DST), courtesy of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, is going to affect your operations.

I have heard a few news commentator compare the possible problems with the Y2k issue. I really don't see that if everyone has their computer patched and check their computer clock when they arrive at work on Monday morning.

The natural tendency is to be alarmist when it comes to such matters. It is better just to be aware of the issue. Other than making sure you have all your computer updates, you can't really do anything until March 12.

XP Still Tops Vista

The first sales figures are out. Cnet.com reported that since the launch of Windows Vista the sale of units sold, is 59 percent less than those sold of Windows XP in the first week after it's retail launch.

I am seeing people who are buying new computers looking for machines that have XP. 1 out of 10 want Vista. It is becoming harder to find new computers with Windows XP installed. A lot of consumers have the "wait until the bugs are worked out" attitude about Vista.

Others computer users who are more resistant to upgrading, and waiting for Microsoft to recall Vista. That is very unlikely considering all the time, and money Microsoft has put into Vista. Microsoft is really pushing hard to get Vista out.

Of course 75% of more of the computer users are going to have to upgrade their hardware to before installing Vista. Not to many computer users are willing to do the hardware for an operating system that still has bugs.

Personally, I won't upgrade to Vista for a year or two. Currently, I am running Windows XP Pro with a Vista Transformation Pak. That way I can get the look and feel of Vista without having to actually have Vista on my computer.

It is all about Marketing!

This afternoon I overheard my wife do a phone call to a perspective customer. She came off so professional and confident that the person on the other end of that phone line could not say no. An appointment was made for next week. I am a sure that they will be a new account for the Web Building department of T.E.N. Solutions.

Speaking about website marketing. The most common question I get, when talking about websites is, "How can get my website notice on Google, Yahoo, and other search engines?" I tell them it is more than having a good looking website. It takes marketing that website in forums, blogs, and to people who might be interested in the content of the website.

Google Homepage

Have you seen Google Homepage. I am starting to like it better than Yahoo. It is cleaner with a whole lot less advertisements. I like the way I can configure what news feeds I want, and quite little applications.

As much as I am for the little guy. Google has got something else right. It is not very often that you come across a company that will hit all the right bases.

Results for my Money!

Is that such a strange expectation for me to have? If I spend my hard earned dollar, why should I not expect to get the results I lay down my money.

Over the past year I have been reading and hearing about the results on antivirus programs failing tests. (BBC World News 2/6/2007) This makes me ask, “Where can I put my money to the best use?” Norton, MacAfee, Panda, Windows One Care, and AOL free have all leaked malicious programs past their wall of protection.

What I have trouble understanding is why some people still hang on to inefficient protection. Last week I talked with a couple where I cleaned 3 Trojans and over 250 pieces of spyware, on a supposed protected system. They had a name brand wall of protection, but it was money wasted. When I talked to them about upgrading to a proven system, they acted as if they did not want to hear me.

What is the use of paying for “protection” when it is full of holes? If I pay for a service, I want to get a guarantee that the service will produce the results that will work.

The Day After

Yesterday was the New Day. Microsoft did their official launch of Vista, Office 2007, and Exchange 2007. The presentations went off with very few opps. I was impressed by the presenter’s laptops. They were running Vista along with two or more virtual machines.

When the morning session was complete I promptly claimed my copy Office 2007 Professional. (Only to find out I had to download it.) Oh well, I went home, got on my ole faithful computer and started the download. Four hour later I install Office 2007 with very little trouble.

Do I regret going? No! Did I learn something new? Yes! Am I switching all my computers over to Vista? No! Am I going to learn and use Office 2007? Yes!

To Cut or Not to Cut

It is so easy to cut corners. It takes more displace to hold the line.

I have watched a guy delivering newspapers. He started tossing papers on doorsteps and front porches. He was going down one side of the street walking up the walk way and tossing the paper from about 6 feet away. After he pickup another arm load papers, he started on the other side of the street. He was standing farther away from the door before throwing the paper. When he finished the other side of the street the papers were landing about 10 to 15 from the door.

I can understand that he was getting tired and wanting to finish his delivery of papers.

• When is right to cut corners?
• How much to you cut?
  
• What is the reason you have for cutting corners?

CES is Over for 2007

CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas is over for another year. Companies from all over the world show off their new computer hardware, and software. Some for serious business lookers other are just toys to the tech inclined.

The bottom line for the average computer user?

• CD's and CD burners are out
• External hard drives are on there way out
• Portable data storage is the jump drive now under $40 per Gigabyte
• Regular DVD player is going to be replaced by HDTV and Blue Rae
• You car will be able to sync up with your computer.
• LCD monitor are getting cheaper and bigger.
  

Looking Back 50+ Year

Every year between Christmas and New Years you hear and read of a lot of "looking back on the past year". They cover who died, who did great things and who did bad things. This year I want to do something a little different. I want to look back at the last 50 plus years and the people who had affect on my life.

• My parents - They were poor, but they did the best they could. My dad had a work ethic of work even when your body did not feel like it. Mom always wanted the best morally and spiritually for my brother and I.
• Steve Hasting - Now dead, he showed me responsibility in a time when we were hitchhiking across the United States.
• Wally and Beverly Walrath - I saw in them Christian love when they had no reason when a skinny four-eyed kid walked up the hill to their goat ranch.
• L. S. Boardman - He encourage me to use E. F. Cussins, because I would get more respect from using my initials over my first name.
• Michael Silbaugh - How not to sell or run and business
• Chris Luck - How a business should be run
• Carlos Gurtezzes - A friend and co-worker
• Norma - I can love, I can love unselfishly
  

These are the 10 people who have had the biggest affect on me. Most are dead, so are still living. Their memories will always live in my mind.


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A Real Christmas

It is the season to be blinded by flashing lights of red, green, and yellow. The television hounds me with commercials saying that loved ones will be happy if I buy them their product. Which is by the way the perfect Christmas gift. My inbox is filled with colorful ads from suppliers all saying that I should sell their gadgets as great gift items.

I don't have the money to buy everything they want me to buy! What every happen to the true meaning of Christmas? What ever happen to the importance of family, and friends?

This past year has been one of roller coaster rides. We are ending the year better off than what we started. We got rid of some material goods that were just cluttering up our house. We are spending more time face to face as a family.

Yes, this is a good Christmas! We are rich in what matters most of all. I would not trade it for winning a million dollars in the lottery.

James Kim

In the past few days and man died in the mountains of Oregon in an attempt to find help for his family. They were stranded in the cold and rain. Food and fuel for the family were gone. Two small children and wife were facing a horrible death from freezing temptertures or starvation depending on what condition would overtake their bodies first.

I am writing about James Kim. A young geek who had passion on reporting techinlogy. Unlike so many of us, James was able to balance his professional career with his home life.

I remember, internship at Techtv, reporter at PC Magazine and Cnet.com. Then finally senior editor. I remember James Kim talking about pictures from the birth of his first child, to playing Ipod music to his daughter before she went to sleep.

This is one man I will miss for his techinolgical expertise and his devotion to his family, even at the end of his life.

For more about James Kim you can go to Cnet.com.


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To Many Media Players

Windows Media Player, Real Media Player, Quick Time, Win Amp, and I Tunes are the top media players. There are formats that well only play on a specific player. My hard drive is taken up with media players with each fighting to take control of my music, and video files.

Last week, I wanted to watch a training video. I had to download another media player to watch the training session. Come on let us break down to one or two standards, but this is getting ridicules.

A search on Google comes up with over 12 different media players. Some media players are designed for a specific company to play their training videos. Others were created for file sharing of pirated music.

The bottom-line is my frustration is when I go to delete unused programs from my hard drive, I am stuck with a least three media players. Windows Media Player plays my Microsoft training. I-Tunes play and manage my weekly podcasts. Real Player watches network news online.

I have tried to work with only one or two media players. I got frustrated. I had to spend valuable time working around odd configuration. The odd media formats don’t like being played outside their home media player. It all comes down to limit my resources or put up with these entire media player.

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Spam Me, Spam You

Over the last few weeks, I have been seeing an unprecedented about of spam and phishing emails. Old phishing email frauds and a few news ones done by obvious amateurs. I am worried that someone is falling for those emails otherwise spammers would not be sending out their spam.

I start to wonder if I am getting better at finding them and tracing their origin or the phishing email spammers are becoming more careless.

This past week I was at a customers home, where he was showing me some of the email he was getting. They were obviously phishing/spam email. They were sent out to several email address of the same internet service provider.

I was able to trace the source to a server in California. Being close to Halloween, I was tempted to send a denial of service attack on that server, for sending out such email. When I cooled down, I realized that would only aggravate them. The only way I could really, hurt them was notified that internet service provider. They cut off the spammer and started to tighten up their security.

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An Ounce of Protection

“An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,” is one of those clichés that we have heard all our lives. When it comes to computer security, it is one thing many people do not think about or react in extreme paranoia.

A computer connected to the internet can be an open door to the whole wide world at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second). Cyber criminals look for careless people. All they have to do is get one of three things from you.

1. Financial information: Credit cards and bank accounts, with passwords or authorization codes

2. Social Security number: Social Security card number along with date of birth is all a cyber criminal needs to open a charge account in your name.

3. Driver's license/other government issued identification: A pictured identification is not that secure. Get a cashier in a hurry, will not notice that the picture is replaced. A fake check or credit card will drain you bank account.

This information is obtained by filling out a form on a fake website. Another good source to get personal information is by dumpster diving in the early morning hours for bills or bank statements that were not shredded. Businesses that are entrusted you privileged information have to practice a much lower level of safe computer habits

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Never Give Up and Never Give In

Computers have become a very valuable part of our society. Computers are just for playing games, or data processing. They are how we get the daily news. Students in colleges and universities are required to have a computer to complete class assignments.

The average person finds discounts by receiving bills and paying them electronically. I can say there is not an area that is affected by the use of computers. Many companies want employment applications filled out digitally.

An electronic presence has become a must. Businesses are expected to have websites, before they are considered a serious business. Individuals are expected to have at least one email address to show their computer savvy.

I spend quite a bit of time teaching people when never grew up or took time to learn basic computer skills. They come to a point in their life where they have to learn some computer skills just to function in our world as it is today.

Many of my older students get frustrated very easy. Just the learning a new skill that other see as basic a reading or writing increases the learning stress. They find themselves making mistakes. Some forget how to send an email to look in a certain format, can cause a paralyzing stress. I try to encourage them to keep at it. Expect to make mistakes.

Don’t give up or give in to the frustration. I remind them what it was like to learning to ride bicycle. You cannot give up. The benefits down the road will make a big difference in ones self esteem.

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Battle to Secure Your Computer

Microsoft’s new operating system Vista is due out in just a couple of months. Norton and McAfee are angry. If Microsoft has it’s way third party security software products will no longer be needed. Microsoft put together an operating system that is so secure that Anti-virus, anti-spyware has programs are no longer needed.

The computer code was written by humans, but humans are imperfect. How can they create something that is perfect? It may look perfectly secure for a time. But I know the skills of black hat hackers will find a whole that break into the locked heart of the operating system.

A perfect product may sound like a great marketing sales pitch. It will have non-thinking sheep buy the product, but the reality of the situation will raise it’s not so pretty head to the embarrassments of corporate executives.

I believe it will be mid summer of 2007 before we will see some end to the wars between the computer security vendors and Microsoft. Will the courts allow Microsoft provide the security for their own operating system? Will the courts grant these other vendors force Microsoft to open the door for companies like Symantec and McAfee provide third party support when it comes to securing your computer?

I will not put Vista on my production computers until this issue is settled. I hope the issues will be resolved by mid 2007. Then I will feel more comfortable upgrading to Vista.


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Fall of 2006 is Depressing

The green leaves are turning to their golden yellow.
Making their descent to the ground,
Frost has not showed its self at the days first light.
However, I expect it to any morning now.

The morning news is filled more than its usual stories.
Violent acts are making less sense.
Today, is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement,
It is acting like the beginning of an apocalyptic era.

The richest man on earth and his geeks tell us
When January of 2007 arrives,
He is going to push on us new software for our computers
Even if it is doesn’t work and inferior.

This may not be a physically long cold winter,
Many people will pray that it was one.
The emotions and tensions of this fall and winter will be with us
Especially after the spring has melted this winters snow.