Tech2Go Episode 2 – Hardware and Software tools, MPAN, Office Accounting, and PDAs

Introductions
Greg LaFollette, Host
Randy Johnston
Dave McClure
Brent Goodfellow

Hardware / Software Tools
HW – Multi-flash card reader [Like 9-in1]
SW –LavaSoft AdAware Personal SE
SW – Spybot Search & Destroy
Issue: USB ports filled and possible solutions

SW – Windows Defender built-into Windows Vista – built-in anti-spyware and anti-virus for the operating system with no extra cost

SW – Password Depot version 3 – maintains usernames and passwords for a broad number of websites and logins – around $30
SW –Second Copy– replicates data to backup devices like network storage or USB keys

SW –eWallet– similar to password depot
SW – Microsoft OneNote 2007 for taking notes during meetings and calls

SW –Be-in-Sync– allows synchronization of folders between multiple computers, works over the internet so you can access the files from anywhere
HW – SimpleTech 500 GB network storage for backups and additional file storage

Microsoft

Microsoft Professional Accountants Network (MPAN) – FREE signup, fairly easy entry – just show that you are an accountant.
ActionPack – $299 per year – subscription gives you legally licensed software – includes 10 licenses for Windows Vista Business and 10 copies of Office 2007.
The ActionPack also comes with a business critical support 800 number with free support for business-critical issues and offers 27 hours of free CPE credit for training on Microsoft products online or on a disk.

Windows Vista Versions

Business – Equivalent to Windows XP Pro
Enterprise – Has all the extras
Ultimate – Has every Vista technology available; a cross between Windows Media Center Pro and Tablet Edition

You change the product key to upgrade to a different version, or “open† the different features that are associated with each different version.

Microsoft Office Accounting

Office Accounting Express– Free downloadable version that offers very useable accounting features. Has most key features that small business would use. Version includes access to (at a fee) ADP payroll processing, PayPal, and eBay integration and Equifax credit monitoring capabilities.
Office Accounting Professional– More advanced features for larger businesses needing features like multiple users, inventory, journal entry worksheets, etc.

Reader/Listener Letter

Tech2Go comments or questions 800-456-0864 x 2106

Solution

Hosted Exchange server
ASPOne, MyHosting, AppRiver offer these hosted services
Setup full Exchange or SharePoint server for around $30 per month for the basic accounts
AppRiver – $12.95 per month per mailbox, unlimited size, including excellent spam filtering.

A hosted Exchange server allows you to eliminate worry about the technical aspects of handling the data or managing a server. It also allows automatic synchronization of all your emails and access over the web when you are away from the office. Most services also allow for automatic synchronization of your calendar on a PDA device like Palm and Windows Mobile.

PDA Platforms – Palm or Windows Mobile?

1. Pick the carrier that will work best for you – consider data speeds and areas of service
2. Which carrier offers the device you want?

Popular Smartphone Devices

Blackberry Pearl
Samsung Blackjack
Motorola Q
Palm Treo
Nokia E62
Blackberry 7130 Series
iPaq Smartphone

* Consider battery life when choosing a Smartphone device
* Some phone features are crippled, depending on the cell phone carrier
www.pdaphonehome.com – forum for people who have PDA phones – great places to get support and to get your questions answered.

Call and leave us a message

Tech2Go comments or questions 800-456-0864 x 2106