newsletter last update 18-Mar-2008
- I have now purchased Microsoft Office 2007 so I can create Access 2007 databases. It is best to install it on a separate PC unless you are replacing earlier versions completely. If you are using any of my Access database applications speak to me before upgrading otherwise you will have problems. Also installing Outlook 2007 can be a problem if you have the Small Business Server 2003 software on your server. See other notes about 2007 below.
- Worried about dodgy web sites? I am using McFee Site Advisor that add an OK or Warning on the sites that Google finds - or the pages that you open. It's an excellent idea. See my Anti-spyware page here.
- I can now offer on-site training on Word, Excel, Access or Sage. I have purchased an Epson Multimedia Projector to display step-by-step training via a laptop on a wall or screen in excellent quality. This projector is also available for hire to customers or established local companies.
- If you want some prints from your digital photos try Bonusprint. I have just had a calendar created using their superb free software that you can download. Within a couple of days you can have a professional looking product - an excellent and special gift idea!
- I needed to replace my colour laser printer and the cost of the consumables are so high I found it more economic to buy the Samsung CLP-300 for around £115. It is no larger than a mono laser printer, quiet and fast - amazing! Click here for details. A network version is also available. I can supply both models.
- If you would like to save selected Outlook email messages to the folders on your PC (or server) to file them with other documents you can now do so easily with Mail2Disk. See the Software page.
- I do not recommend upgrading to Internet Explorer V7 at present. See my Hints & Tips page for details here.
- If you want to open files created with Office 2007 (see below) Microsoft now have a free add-on for Office 2003 that enables you to open them. You can download it here.
- Google offer a number of free programs including their "Google Desktop" which indexes your hard-disk and enables you to find files fast. Unfortunately this can also slow your computer to a crawl! Be warned! Some however are worth using. See the Software page.
- AVG now have an Anti-Spyware program (see my AS page here). This may be a better solution than existing programs as AVG are very good at simple but effective solutions.
- Microsoft Vista is now available. We are still recommending XP Pro for business users as it works fine. Vista requires 2Mb RAM and a very fast processor. Many programs,printers and other devices are not compatible with it as yet..
- Microsoft Office 2007 is now available. I don't suggest replacing your existing version at present as the 2007 version stores it's files in a different format. It can read and convert files from the earlier versions. All programs have a completely new menu system called a "ribbon" with tabs and the old File/Edit menus and toolbars have gone. The ribbon content changes depending on what you are doing and a pop-up menu is available to access popular options even if they are not currently displayed. See my latest 2007 comments above.
- I was asked to recommend a program for cleaning up problems in the Windows registry (the database that keeps a note of all programs and settings on your PC). There are a lot of these about and there are worries that some of the free ones on the Internet also insert a virus on your PC. AIthough they usually find a lot of errors I have found that they also remove essential entries. Then your PC may stop working! I have tested AMUST REGISTRY CLEANER (£17) which is available on a 30 day trial and PC Tools' REGISTRY MECHANIC (which you have to purchase at £23 to fix the errors). I found that AMUST detected 361 errors and RM found 108. I used AMUST to fix the errors, then ran the test again and it still found 3 errors! It then fixed these. I then ran RM again and it still found 81 errors! Of course they could be different errors but you lose the will to live after a time. On balance try to avoid them!
- I have taken out a subscription with XoftSpySE after a free scan detected a key-logger program recording my keystokes! I am so grateful I am giving them a free advert on my Anti-Spy page here.
- I have discovered an excellent free utility called MAIL ALERT that provides a feature (that has been added to Outlook 2003) that displays a translucent message on the toolbar when a new email is received, giving some of the contents. Ideal for Outlook V2000 or 2002 (See my Software page here)
- I am now using one of the add-on spam removers for Outlook called Cloudmark which I find very effective. (See my Anti-Virus page here)
- If you need to open zip files (and your KNOW they are genuine) A handy free zip file reader is available called PK ZIPREADER. See the downloads page here for details.
- The GroupMail (Business version) software allows a direct connection to your MS Access database so you can mail to live records! See my software page here.
- I have discovered an inexpensive MS Outlook Add-on that sends individual messages to multiple recipients called Send Personally. I am using this myself. (See my software page here)
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