Speed up your workflow...

With just a little tweaking, you can make your computer more personalized and easy to use.

Although, there are litterally hundreds of things I could point out, I am going to a few basics...

1.) Set Background image. Visit Google Images and enter a term that you like (e.g. Beach). Once you find a suitable image, click on "View Fullsize" once it loads, right click the image and then click "Set As Background"

2.) Useful Desktop Shortcuts. Right-click the desktop and select New > Shortcut. Browse to one of the folders that you use often. Then Click Next. Give it a name and Viola' you have your shortcut. Look at steps 3 & 4 to take it further...

3.) Change your shortcut icons Visit a search engine of your choice and find some icons. Once you have found some that you like save them in a location you will remember later. Right click on the shortcut you wish to personalize and click Properties, then click Change Icon. Browse to the icon you downloaded earlier and select it. Click OK and your are done.

4.) Add shortcuts to Quick Launch Bar. Once you have your shortcut all setup, simply drag it to the Quick Launch Bar (usually on the bottom left hand side of the monitor) and you will be able to access it in a jiffy!

A Few Good Sites

Here is a short list of some new (and maybe some not-so-new) Websites and tools that I have found to come in handy. If you know of a cool/useful Website or free online tool email me. I will be happy to review it.

Microsoft Office Live This handy MS OfficeTM Plug-In allows users to save documents and files online. The obvious benefit to people on the go is huge. You can now have the ablility to access documents and files from practically any computer that is connected to the Internet. The project is still in beta testing so the occasional glitch may crop up, there is also a short waiting list to be approved for your space.

iGoogle Allow me to introduce to what promises to be a staple of the next generation of online computing ... The Mashup. A mashup is a Webpage that allows users to add modules of their own choosing. Developers from all over the world can develop modules that you can use. This is extremely useful. When you set it as your home page, you have all the news and tools that are pertinent to you at your fingertips.

Picassa A free basic graphics editor. This will help you organize and do some basic editing on your photos.

Aumha.org Think your computer is infected? Register and post your issue online. Security professional will typically respond within 24 hours with directions that can help you remove most Malware.

Microsoft® Save as PDF Another Add-in for Office. This will allow users to save documents in PDF format. You can additionaly send the PDFs as email attachments.

Snopes.com Not sure whether or not that email from Nigeria is legitimate? Perhaps you wanted to know if your hair really will grow back stronger and darker if you shave it off (uh sorry guys, the last one is an old wives tale, but you can try it if you are feeling lucky), than this is the site to visit. Snopes.com will verify and dispell myths, chain letters and urban legends by the score.

Website Grader Have you been wondering how your Website stacks up? Stop by and enter your URL for a free report.

Outsourced...

Well it was bound to happen. I was directly attached to the Real Estate industry...

The most dreaded word in I.T. came rolling down the pike for me... Outsourced.

Cest la Vie'. They kept me on longer then I expected, so that counts for something.

While it may not be the best time to be pounding the pavement looking for a job, freelancing looks like a nice option.

The troubled economy got me into this mess. Ironically, it will help get me started consulting again. Let's face it, I like consulting. Even though it can be a white knuckled ride from month to month, the flexibility and potential are unmatched. With the economy tightening, more companies are seeking outside help.

Additionally, due to the current economic conditions, more companies are turning to the Web as either a marketing apparatus or an additional revenue stream.

That means freelance work is flowing like a mighty river...

Cheers and keep your nose to the wind!