Create Shortcuts that Work for You

Do you access the same programs frequently and get tired of having to drill through Windows "Start" menu to locate the program? Why not create a keyboard shortcut to the program. It's not difficult to do at all.

First, you need to locate the program in your "Start" menu and then right-click the icon.

Next, select the "Properties." It should look something like this.

With your mouse, click in the "Shortcut Key" box and then press the keystrokes you want to assign to the shortcut.

For example, when I access Microsoft Word, I press CONTROL + SHIFT + W.

Is Everything Made for Right Handed People Only?

Every so often I get e-mail messages from our subscribers frustrated in a right-handed world. Are you a leftee? Do you want technology to meet your needs? Simply search Google for: "left hand keyboard" or "left hand mouse." You'll be surprised how easy it is to find technology to meet your needs. Once you find that perfect item, why not search it on www.pricegrabber.com to get the best possible price. Nothing like purchasing technology online and having it shipped directly to your workstation!

Online Backup Solution

Backing up your critical files is essential. It's best to protect yourself and clients from lost data because of equipment failure or some other emergency. A local backup solution might include an external hard drive connected by USB with a program like Allway Sync (http://allwaysync.com/) running to backup your files. This solution can be installed easily for around $100. Another option is to have an online backup system. Companies like Mozy (http://mozy.com/pro) and Iron Mountain (http://www.ironmountain.com/dataprotection/pc/backup.asp) provide competitive rates to backup your mission critical files.

Take some time today to evaluate your backup needs before a disaster happens and it's too late!

Overwhelmed By E-Mail? You need filters or rules!

Is your e-mail dominating your entire day? Do you need an automated solution to sort e-mail messages into groups so that you can quickly spot the urgent messages? Then you need to invest about 5 minutes of your time to create rules for your incoming e-mail messages.

Filters and rules give you the ability to route messages from specific people or topics to their own folders. They can also delete known spam messages. Why not take a few minutes today to organize your inbox. Chances are you will become more productive without the constant interruptions of certain messages.

For step-by-step instructions, please see: http://www.psychpage.com/tech/outlook_rules.html.

Inexpensive BackUp Solution

Do you back-up your electronic client folders on a regular basis? If not, you could be headed for disaster should something happen to your computer. There really is no excuss not to backup your critical files on at least a daily basis. External USB hard drives are fast and generally cost around $100. There are several backup software solutions that are free or almost free. One in particular is InstalBack 2 a utility developed by PC Magazine. Check it out at the following location:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2151920,00.asp?kc=PCPC10707DEM3C0001175

Recycle Used Electronics via USPS For FREE

Yesterday, the United States Postal Service announced it was launching a pilot project with Clover Technologies Group, a nationally recognized company that recycles, remanufactures and remarkets inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges and small electronics to provide FREE postage for recycling ink cartridges and small electronics. This service is available in 1,500 Post Offices around the country. To read the complete press release, please see: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_028.htm

Virtual Computing

Do you want to be a virtual lawyer? Or more simply, perhaps you need to access your office files when you're writing your pleading late at night. No need to drive to the office or get an early morning start to complete your work, you need remote access to your computer.

If you are using Windows XP or Vista, you can configure your computer for allowing remote access. Believe it or not, Microsoft has put together an excellent guide for configuring remote access. It's really not that hard to configure. Why not make your life easier by allowing yourself to access your desktop files from anywhere Internet service is available.

Microsoft's guide can be found at the following address: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx