Samer (creator of the most excellent Freewaregenius blog) did a recent comparison of many of the free applications that can be used to convert .pdf files into editable MS Word .doc files. His verdict? Online service Koolwire did the best job overall.
Dennis O’Reilly’s Workers Edge blog has some nice tips on Writer / Word compatibility settings and tweaks. This article takes our own post on using OpenOffice in a MS Office world to the next level!
To make your life easier, check out this list of 101 tools from the Codswallop blog that will allow you to convert just about anything.
Erica George writes on the stopbadware.org website:
“(This) short report is a plain-English explanation of badware threats to user privacy and security, based on our research over the past year. It explains online security issues such as compromised websites, social networking scams, and other badware trends that pose significant risk to the average internet user.”
The report is a great explanation in layman’s terms of what computer users are up against. It is highly recommended reading.
As always, if you need assistance or have questions about securing your computer or network, contact us! We’d be happy to be of assistance!
Forget useless desktop apps and piles of paperwork: there are now thousands of small and medium-sized businesses managing all their affairs with online applications. After an exhaustive hunt, Mashable has rounded up more than 230 of the leading online applications for super-productive companies.
Apple makes it easy to copy music from your PC onto your computer using iTunes. They’ve never made it easy to move your music OFF of your iPod (in the other direction). Many iPod owners have lost computer hard drives full of music due to hard drive failure. The following links will show how to “reclaim” your music off of your iPod should you ever need to.
The Wired Wiki has a good tutorial on this, as do our friends over at Lifehacker.
Finally, why not use (or at least try) an alternative to iTunes that will make the process of managing your music collection easier?
David Weiss writes:
“Over the past few years, webware has matured to the point that almost anything you can do with desktop software, can now be done with a free webware alternative. Webware allows you to access your programs at any time from anywhere in the world, without having to bring your computer along.”
We are in complete agreement with Mr. Weiss’ statement. The availability of low cost high-speed internet access is certainly a big factor in this as well.
To accompany our recent post entitled The top 100 Webware sites for 2007, here’s a list of one hundred free online applications.
Some of you still are, for whatever the reason. If you still are, here are a couple of resources:
Windows 98 + ME *still* alive campaign
98 FE + 98 SE + ME updates + patches + (hot)fixes
Though these operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, there remains a group of enthusiasts and volunteers who make free support and patches available for these systems.
As a follow-up to our recent Free Services and Software for Business post, here’s a list from the Bootstrapper blog. Christina Laun writes:
“Starting and running a business can be a pricey endeavor, but not everything has to be expensive. From printers to a wide variety of great freeware, the internet is chock full of free stuff that can help out the poor entrepreneur. Here’s a list of 100 free products and services that can help you save money as you grow your business.”
We can help your small business get the most “bang for the buck” out of your computer systems as well. We provide timely service, expert advice (explained in non-geek terms…) and low cost alternatives to pricey equipment and software packages. Contact us for details!
From the TEDBlog:
“TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.”
“The Web is constantly turning out new and extraordinary services many of us are unfamiliar with. During TED University at this spring’s TED2007 in Monterey, Julius Wiedemann, editor in charge at Taschen GmbH, offered an ultra-fast-moving ride through sites in many different areas, from art, design and illustration, to daily news, blogs and curiosity. Now, by popular demand, here’s his list of 100 websites you should know and use.”
Categories include Curiosity and Knowledge, Graphics, Music and Arts, E-Commerce Experience, Searching and Finding, Online Resources, and Top Interactive Experience Creators.