ARTICLE: Ten Ways To Spend Less Time On The Phone

by Bill Lampton Ph.D.

Picture the last hour of a typical work day. Reviewing the day’s activities, you’re shocked to discover how much time you spent on the phone. Even as you’re adding up the number of calls, the phone rings again. By now, you’re not in a receptive frame of mind. Here goes another twenty or thirty minutes, you suppose. Meanwhile, you can hardly see your desk for the uncompleted paper work.

During the twenty-three years I spent in management, I struggled to find ways to reduce the time I talked on the phone. I’m glad to share my ten most beneficial tips with you.


-- One: Budget (yes, budget) your phone time.

With six calls to make, allow yourself no more than thirty minutes to complete all six of them. Obviously, this constraint will discipline you to get to the point, cover the point and make an exit.

-- Two: As I’ve just indicated, batch your calls.

Instead of scattering them throughout the day, make your six calls consecutively. You’ll shift into a telephone mood, comparable to what athletes call the zone. The second call becomes easier than the first, the third call even easier. Your efficiency escalates, and you accomplish more sooner.

-- Three: Rely on e-mail more consistently.

This is my favorite way to avoid phone tag. E-mail allows us to send messages at our most convenient time. Too, we’ll probably use fewer words (and time) than we would use by phone.

-- Four: Make calls from your cell phone (if you can handle the phone safely while driving).

Tell someone: Hi, Ted, I’ve got a couple of minutes to chat as I’m driving into downtown Atlanta. Say that, and you will trigger them to get to the heart of the call instantly.

-- Five: Outline what you intend to cover in your call.

The outline keeps you from rambling, and from having to call again to cover an item you forgot to mention—embarrassing as well as time consuming. Ordinarily, I use a key word outline that resembles a grocery list. For example, in calling to get details about my next speaking engagement, my notes might include: time, duration, microphone, handouts, number attending, introducer, convention theme.

-- Six: Ask a colleague to interrupt you after ten minutes if you haven’t hung up by then.

So when the co-worker enters your office you can say, quite honestly, that your assistant has signaled that he needs your attention, so we’ll have to conclude for now.

-- Seven: Delegate outgoing calls to others who can make them as well as you can.

With good judgment, we can assign more calls than we are in the habit of assigning. Remain alert, of course, to identifying those instances when a personal call from you is irreplaceable.

-- Eight: When you’re leaving for two hours or two days, give staff members the information that’s necessary to satisfy callers you’re expecting.

Say, for example: When Judy Johnson calls, ask her if we can change her committee meeting from Wednesday morning to Thursday afternoon. This way, Judy hears what you want her to hear, and that’s one less call for you to return.

-- Nine: Call people just before lunch and just before closing time.

I guarantee they won’t be longwinded then.

-- Ten: Make a summary statement and bid farewell:

Barbara, it’s my understanding that you have given me permission to exceed two or three budget items as long as I stay within the total departmental budget. Thanks for the clarification. That’s all I needed to know. Goodbye.

Those are my top ten tips for callers. They work. Use them consistently, and the phone can become more your ally than your enemy, saving time instead of stealing time.



Copyright © Bill Lampton Ph.D.
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About the Author:
Bill Lampton, Ph.D., has shared his expertise in communication, motivation, customer service and sales with a diverse client list. He wrote a popular book: The Complete Communicator: Change your Communication, Change Your Life! Visit his Web site: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com
Call Dr. Bill Lampton at 770-534-3425 or 800-393-0114.
E-mail him: mailto:drbill@ChampionshipCommunication.com



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ARTICLE: Are You Running Your Life or is it Running You? How are you spending your time and energy?

by Coach Jan Hornford

There has been a great deal written on the concept of time management. The simple fact is that each of us has the same 24 hours a day. We cannot create more time. What we can do is manage our energy and our thoughts to change how we experience time and make considered choices on how we are spending our time.

It is all about living with purpose and spending your time and energy on what is most important to you. Honouring your priorities and focusing on one thing at a time will help you to have a less stressful experience of time and will allow you to accomplish more with less effort.


Dangers of Multi-tasking and Multi-thinking

We often fill up our time with thoughts of the past (thinking about all the things we did not get done) or the future (thinking about all the things we have to do) instead of where we are right now. We often try to do a number of different tasks at the same time. Splitting our thoughts and attention in these ways contributes to our sense of feeling rushed and pulled in many different directions.

When we multi–task we often end up with having a number of things half done, which leaves us feeling anxious. When we only listen to our child or colleague with half an ear while we think about tomorrow’s meeting, we create an experience that is stressful, unfulfilling and ineffective for both you and the other person.


Being Fully Present

What if you could focus all of your energy and attention and place it on what you are doing in this moment? What would be possible for you then? When we give our full attention and presence to whomever we are speaking to or to whatever we are doing, we step off of that hamster wheel of frenetic activity and enrich our lives and the lives of others.

Choosing to focus our thoughts and energy in the present moment, doing one thing at a time and doing it well, will not only help you to accomplish more, it will help you to create a peaceful experience of time.


How are You Using Your Time?

We are constantly confronted with multiple possibilities of how to spend our work and personal time. There is not enough time to do it all. We often must give up one thing in order to have time to do another. We often get caught up in doing all sorts of things that we think we should be doing, but are not very important.

Many people spend up to 35 hours per week watching television. Is this a real priority for you? Perhaps you would rather choose a movie or one really good television show that you enjoy and let the others go. This would free up huge amounts of time for you to do a myriad of other things.

When you know what is most important to do and have clear priorities, then it is easier to make choices on how to use your time. When we focus on things that are important, we make more effective use of our time and we feel better because we are spending our time doing what is important and meaningful to us and will likely accomplish more as a result.


Setting Priorities

Setting priorities will help you make conscious and informed choices on how you are using your time. It is all about living with purpose. Honouring your priorities and focusing on one thing at a time will help you to have a less stressful experience of time and will allow you to accomplish more with less effort.

When you are setting priorities consider:

* Why am I doing this?
* Is this something I need to do or is it something I want to do?
* Or neither? Who else can do this?
* Is it important that I do this right now or can it wait?
* Will doing this support my goals and my values?

It is important to recognize the priorities in all aspects of your life: work, relationships, self–care, home, and responsibilities. You can then make choices that enable you to fulfill your priorities and can choose to let the less important things go for now. Be honest with yourself about what you can do and what you want to do. Priorities will change day–to–day, week–to–week, and year–to–year. Different things will be more important to you at different times in your life.


Schedule Your Priorities

Schedule time to take care of your priorities and set a completion date. Be sure to build ‘flex’ time into each day. Flex time is 30 –60 minutes of time that you block off. This time can be used to deal with the unexpected or for things that are taking longer than you anticipated, or as time for yourself.

Spending your time focused on priorities will increase your peace of mind and bring greater meaning and purpose to your life because you are focused on what is really important to you in all aspects of your life.


Coaching Questions

* Of the activities you are doing now, which ones energise you? Which ones drain you?
* What do you want to have more of in your life?
* What is most important for you to have in your life right now? (Consider all of your roles and responsibilities).
* What is stopping you from doing these things?


Take Action

How Are You Really Using Your Time?

Over the next week carry a notebook where you write down what you are doing for every minute of your day. Keep a record of how you spend your time and energy for the next 7 days.

After 1 week consider:

* How are you using your time?
* What are you missing out on because of your current lifestyle?
* Is there time in your life for the things that are most important to you?
* How can you make more time for what you value most?


Action Steps

* List 3 ways you misuse your time (such as watching T.V. or checking your email every hour) and then list 3 things you can do to minimize these activities.
* Identify 3 areas where you might be able to delegate tasks or ask for more help in and then list 3 actions you can take to help you create more time in this area.

For example: Area: Household chores: Action have shirts pressed rather than iron them yourself, have each family member take on an additional household task, get curb side recycling instead of recycling it yourself.

If you would like to learn more about creating a stress-free lifestyle, I recommend you visit my website (http://www.futureperfect.ca) and check out my 6 week self-help course Reclaiming Self: A Path to Peace and Balance for Busy Lives.



Copyright © Coach Jan Hornford
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About the Author:
Jan Hornford is a Life Coach & Certified Retreat Coach whose passion is to help individuals re-connect with their own wisdom and power and to support them to create the life they want. Her retreats offer the opportunity to experience joyful self-care, connection, and possibility. For more information, please take a look at her website: http://www.futureperfect.ca
Or, call her: 403-313-4064

For more information about Jan’s free 4 week self-help course: "Living Authentically: Honoring Your Truth in Everyday Life" visit: http://www.futureperfect.ca/living_authentically.html


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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: Preventing Password Hackers

by James Yee

Thanks to the advent of computer technology and the Internet, more computer intruders are boldly coming forward and are looking for ways to attack helpless computer users with valuable information stored in their PCs. Intruders are getting their hands on the latest security measures brought out by various developers and are looking for ways to get through them.

Anti-virus software developers are doing their best to ensure every computer user's safety and security from potential attacks by always updating their virus definitions and cleaning capabilities, as well as strengthening your firewalls. Sometimes however, it is not enough as intruders can be one or more steps ahead. They use various means of attacking computers so it is sometimes hard to tell what they're going to do next.

One of the ways is hacking in order to retrieve your password. Think of the many things they can do once they get your passwords ; they can access any online accounts you may have, access your email to send and retrieve messages from your address, enter secure networks ; the possibilities seem to be limitless. In order to prevent these things from happening, you should have password protection.

The first thing you should do is secure your files and folders by using any password protection software, especially your highly important files and folders which could be potential targets of intruders. If these files are left unprotected, it would be easier for these intruders to get a hold of them and do what they want. Aside from that, other users of your computer (example : your kids) can accidentally move them or even delete them, which can be prevented by password protection.

Hackers and intruders would have an easier time figuring passwords out if they remain the same for a long period of time. It would be better for you if you change passwords regularly, especially for your more important data, for added security. By doing so, the intruders would have to start over again since you have a new password, thus making the possibility of frustrating them greater.

It would also be harder for hackers to figure out your password if you use a number of different characters, especially if it is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols found in your keyboard. Of course, it will be harder for you to remember a combination of these three also, so you have to make sure to memorize the combination, more so if you regularly change passwords.

A useful tip: it is recommended not to use passwords that are codes like your birth date, spouse's name, or other relevant information because it can make deducing your password quicker and easier. These "coded" passwords are often used by a lot of people, particularly in ATM machines and email passwords. By doing this, you are more susceptible to attacks since the password is easier to figure out.

Aside from following these tips which you can do on your own, it would be to your benefit if you obtain a password encryption software. The meaning of encryption is that it disguises the password written in cleartext format into ciphertext, which is a combination of different symbols. Decryption is what the intruders try to do, which is change the ciphertext into cleartext that they can see and understand.

A password encryption software, which is available in the Internet via online purchasing or in your computer software shop, encrypts your passwords in order to discourage intruders and prevent them from accessing your password protected files. Various software come with various levels of security, some of which contain a higher level of encryption than others. Higher encryption levels would make it more difficult for the intruder to break in.

Your PC safety and security is not limited to anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and firewalls, because the passwords themselves can be targeted by unauthorized people. It would be better for your overall security if you take the necessary precautions and means when it comes to dealing with password protection. Securing your important files and folders with passwords, changing them regularly, using a combination of characters, and encrypting them through a password encryption software, would ensure your safety from password hackers.



Copyright © James Yee
-------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
James Yee owns a Web Hosting Business
and shares about PC security. Protect Your PC Now!
Click Here!

Article Source: http://www.Articlesisland.com/profile/1rich1-2297.html

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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: Good Things To Know For Your Computer Security

by Dalvin Rumsey


The security of the computer has become a very important problem that each and every personal computer owner has come to face during the last few years. The important data we store on our computers is no longer safe. Not to speak about the personal information that all of those nasty programs are hunting! Therefore, with all of the viruses, worms, and spyware floating around in the internet, it is more important than ever to be conscious about the security our computer needs.

In order to protect your data and other important stuff on your computer, you must absolutely use a firewall. With the release of the built in firewall with the last version of Windows, it has become easier than ever to use. A user must only open up the network connection properties and turn it on. The base setting will be more than enough and, unlike other firewall programs available on the market, it will require almost no additional configurations. Therefore, the Windows firewall can be used by all of use, regardless of our computer skills. The Windows Update must though be configured by the user. The best part of it is that, once configured, the updating service will automatically download and apply any critical patches for your Microsoft software. All of this will be happening in the background, without you even knowing it!

Having an antivirus and anti-spyware software installed is very important in keeping your system free of viruses, worms and other malicious programs. There are many effective free antivirus programs for you to choose from. One can also get robust commercial programs, but these are not free for you to use.

The internet browser security is very important in getting your computer safe from the viruses, but its shield is not very trustworthy. Should you be using Internet Explorer, the default security settings can be set in a matter of seconds. You will then have all the necessary protection it may provide.

Following these simple and quick steps you can be sure your system is more secure and up to date against the latest security vulnerabilities. Hoping that these tips will help you get all the protection that you will ever need. I am speaking about keeping safe from the wide range of the malicious software on the internet! Therefore, it is up to you to protect your computer!



Copyright © Dalvin Rumsey
-------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author:
Dalvin Rumsey
Visit Computer Security Today for great Computer Security Information and best Computer Internet Security Articles .

Article Source: http://articlesuniverse.com


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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

Build Your Downline BIG... Build It FAST... And Build It Auto-Magically With TOTAL EXPOSURE MARKETING! Power-Shift Into Wealth-Creation Today - For F>R>E>E>!
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ARTICLE: Four Common Myths About Backup Software

by Alexey Spiridonov

Computers affect the way we live, communicate, work, and entertain today more than ever before. So, the information stored on them becomes very significant. Loosing data from your hard drive is at least unpleasant, but in some cases also very expensive. At the same time, not all of us take measures to protect their data. Moreover, day after day we hear about alarming accidents of data loss. But why reliable backup strategies are not as much widespread as data crash accidents? – Perhaps, because people have some wrong notions about backup software and about the problem of data loss in general.

Precious personal and work data is stored in a computer's hard disk, but no hard disk is perfect. Sometimes they die, and so does the information stored. Furthermore, viruses, human errors and even natural disasters or theft can take away your data without any chance of restoring. One reliable solution for the problem of data loss is backup software that makes reserve copies of your critical data automatically. There is a great variety of such data-safe program to choose from. But why do people still ignore this software?

In this article we'll try to denote some possible reasons of ignoring backup software and to destroy some myths about backup preventing people from using it. We have summarized these notions in four common «myths» and will try to expose them.


• Myth 1: The risk of data loss is insignificant

Some people believe that data loss is not their problem. Why don't they care? Because they just know nothing about possible crucial hardware faults and destructive effect of such faults on the stored information.

Actually, there are high risks of data loss. According to the survey conducted by Verio (Global Premier Provider of Online Services), fifty-three percent of respondents have already experienced an actual loss of information that was stored on a PC. Six percent of PCs will suffer an episode of data loss in any given year. 31% of PC users have ever lost all of their files due to events beyond their control.

The reasons of losing data may vary greatly – power faults, short life of the hardware, viruses or hacker attacks… The fact is: you can irretrievably lose the information stored on your home or work computer (i.e. project data, email correspondence, personal information, irreparable and urgent documents) if the hard disk crashes.

Learn by others' mistakes: thoughtless attitude toward data backup has fatal consequences. Most people and organizations come to understand this only after losing their crucial data accidentally. With special backup software your data is more likely to be always on hand.


• Myth 2: Copying files manually is more effective

Some people are aware of the risk of data loss and try to deal with this problem without special backup software. These people protect the data on their own.

Common practice for such people is copying data to digital media occasionally. In other words, they copy their data without any backup software. Of course, it is better than nothing. But is it enough for guaranteed data protection? You can simply forget to make a backup before a hard disk fault, and your previous backup work will become sheer waste of time. Moreover, you can forget to copy some files which you may need most of all after data loss.

With special backup software you can use automated procedures for regular backup and synchronization under your own schedule. Backup software will do all the routine work on copying files for you, you only need to set what, when and where you wish to backup.

In other words, manual copying of files is not as reliable and comfortable as using special data backup software.


• Myth 3: Backup software sufficiently slows down computer performance

Some people think that backup jobs require too much hardware resources (space on a disk and CPU time) and it is tiresome to run them often. They suspect that backup software will impede using computer for work, entertainment or other purposes.

In fact, most backup programs are not resource-consuming. A typical backup program requires only operation system installed and about 5 Mb free disk space for program files. So, if your computer meets these requirements you have nothing to worry about. In other words, if you computer can have an operation system running, it will easily run a backup program.

Moreover, with a scheduler you can set your backup operations execution on the most convenient time. For example, during lunch time or when you sleep. Moreover, some backup programs can run in service mode. In service mode, the backup is independent from the currently logged in user. The benefit is that your backup tasks are processed even if somebody else is using the system at the moment or if nobody is logged in at all.

As you see, with a good backup program you can perform reserve copying operations in any time you wish. It means that you can have backups running when you are idle, and they will not interfere with your work.


• Myth 4: Using backup software is difficult, time-consuming and expensive

Imaginary difficulties of data backup procedures make users think about backup as a waste of time and money and as the result refuse it, hoping for the best. We are busy at work, family and friends fill our days and leave us little time for boring things like computer maintenance. But backing up data is much easier than it seems.

Please forget fairy tales about baffling complexity of backup programs! Most of backup programs have Wizards with intuitive user interface which let you configure your backup task with ease. A typical backup program can be installed within several minutes. Setting a backup task takes several minutes more. That's all. Then the backup program will take care of your crucial data.

After all, the price of such a program (30-70$ for single license) is far less then the costs of data loss.


We have tried to expose some myths about backup and to mark some positive abilities that backup software gives us. Today's backup software offers comfortable way to make reserve copies of your crucial data. As more people get familiar with automated backup solutions, they tend to become must-have software, along with e-mail clients, word processors and anti-virus programs.



Copyright © Alexey Spiridonov
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About the Author:
Alexey Spiridonov is a staff writer for SoftLogica covering personal technology. He studies Sociology at Novosibirsk State University in Russia.
Author's website: http://www.BackupRepublic.com/

Article Source: http://activeauthors.com


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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: How To Correct A Slow Running Computer

by Otis F. Cooper

You push the power button on your computer and 5 minutes later you're finally ready to start computing. It seems as though it takes forever and a day for your computer to get going, Why?

Most likely, the main reason your system is dragging the ground is because of all the junk that runs in the background that you don't see. These are applications you may have installed over time.

Such utilities as scanner drivers, and hard drive monitors can swallow up memory and cpu processes, not to mention adware and spyware creeping into your system. These affect both your computer's bootup process and performance during normal operations.

Another reason for slow pc bootup and performance may be the simple fact that your computer is aging. Computers running Windows 98 and Windows Me with cpu speeds of 500mhz or less are good candidates for slow operation. These system often have inadequate RAM Memory as well.

OK, so you're no doubt asking, "how can you correct this ever present, nagging problem?" If your system was purchased when dinosaurs roamed the earth, consider upgrading by adding more memory, a larger hard drive, and if possible a faster cpu.

You can free up hard drive space by deleting files and applications you don't use often. Improve performance by not overlooking basic pc maintenance. Running scandisk and Defragment are crucial to pc preformance. And try third party memory management programs.

Running scandisk will find and attempt to correct errors on your hard drive. System Defragment will free up hard drive space by re-arranging files in an orderly manner. This allows the cpu to find files much faster and not have to roam all over the hard drive to load files into memory.

You can get more bang for your buck by purchasing a faster computer however. When adding the costs of components and the increase in speed and performance you will gain, you may come out better to purchase another system.

Windows operating system have a utility named Msconfig that can display programs that bootup and instantly run on your computer. To start Msconfig, select Start,Run,and type "msconfig" without the quotes, in the Run dialog box. Msconfig does not show all programs running in the background however.

If you have Windows XP as your operating system, try to delete all files in the prefetch directory. Windows XP Professional monitors files that are used when the computer starts and when you start programs.

When Windows XP Professional monitor these files, it prefetches them. Prefetching data is the process whereby data that is expected to be requested is read ahead into the cache. Prefetching boot files and applications decreases the time needed to start Windows XP Professional and start applications.

These files if not deleted will lower system resources and slow pc performance by loading programs that are no longer being used. To delete these files, open C, your system drive, and go to windows/prefetch. Delete all files or at least those more than 3 weeks old and, reboot.

Try to check to see if your computer and the CPU Chip are not overheating. Excessive heat will cause your system to perform much closer. Make sure your computer is well ventilated.

A really neat and free utility that does a great job at displaying all programs is Merijins free startup utility which configure programs at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml. This utility is simple to use and should not add more burden to your computer.

Another utility called Process Explorer, Sysinternals Tutoring at http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html can be used and this utility allow you to disable each program.

And when it comes to correcting slow computer performance, you can be your own worst enemy. And just how is this? The word procrastination means to put off today what we can do tomorrow. Such simple tasks as running scandisk and defrag are often put off until a more convenient time.

Don't let procrastination or anything else get in the way of boosting the performance of your computer. You'll thank yourself many times over when you see the results. You will also have the knowledge to help others boost their computer's performance as well. And that can always be a blessing to someone.



Copyright © Otis F. Cooper
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About the Author:
Otis F. Cooper is the author of the award winning PC Super Pack,the Computer Training By Video course. For hundreds more free PC repair tips, sign up for his bi-monthly newsletter and learn the PC free at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com

Article Source: http://www.reprint-content.com


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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: 5 Steps To Easily Keep Your PC Running Smooth And Fast

by Trever Soutter

Most people who use computers today use them for work, games, research or socialization. With more and more people trying to begin home businesses, the computer has become the essential tool for their business startup and operation. People want to optimize their computers so that they will be as efficient as possible; however, there are many factors associated with the performance output of a personal computer.

In order for a computer to reach and maintain maximum performance, many factors must be considered. On the hardware side of the equation, one must consider their processor speed and system memory. With regards to the software side of your computer, you must be aware of your computer's privacy protection, system security, and anti-virus software. Additionally, you should do your best to take care of your Windows operating system - such as Windows XP or Windows Vista – including its registry and the files cleanup process.

To keep a PC running smoothly and error-free, there are some basic steps that anyone can follow. Fortunately, none of these steps are really at all difficult. Anyone can do these tasks, with a little bit of basic education. Keep this article around for future reference, just in case you need it again.


Shut-Down Processes

First off, it is important to understand that programs need to be given the proper signals to shut down. It is strongly recommended that you never simply unplug your machine to turn it off. Please go through the normal shut down procedures, no matter how long those processes might take.

If you lose power, it really is an unavoidable event. Microsoft has done a good job at helping Windows know when it was shut down improperly, so the next time you start up your computer, your operating system might repair itself. Typically, when you restart your computer after an improper shut down, it might take a few minutes longer to boot up than usual. Let Windows do its long boot up after it has unexpectedly shut down. The longer boot up process is Windows attempt to repair any corruptions caused by the unexpected shut down of your computer's operating system.

If you need to shut down your system more quickly than usual, we strongly recommend that you utilize the Control-Alt-Delete key combination, and then select Shut Down from your Windows Task Manager window. By utilizing this shut down method, Windows will make appropriate notes to itself that it will need to do some cleanup on its next boot up sequence.

If Windows is not allowed to clean up after itself, you run the risk of corrupting the operating system or different programs you have loaded on your computer. Corruption of programs may force you to reinstall those programs. Corruption of your data files is the worst-case scenario – you could lose hours or years of work in a single moment, as a result of your impatience. Don't be impatient; let your computer do what it needs to do to repair and protect your system files.


Unnecessary Applications Running In The Background

The "background" is not the image on your desktop. "Running in the Background" is a reference to programs that are running on your system in invisible mode. In some cases, they are completely invisible, and in other cases, the only indication that they are operating is their icon in your System Tray, next to your clock.

Certain programs think that they need to be operating in your System Tray at all times. QuickTime, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger are three of these types of programs. Microsoft Office even thinks it should be loaded and running in your background. If you use these applications frequently and need access to them almost instantaneously on a frequent basis, then yes, you probably should let them run in the background. But, most of us only use those applications on an infrequent basis.

The theory of having those applications running in the background is that it prevents you needing to wait thirty seconds while the software loads, when you need access to those applications. But, there is a significant amount of trade-off for thirty seconds of reduced wait time. That trade-off is a less-responsive computer. In worst-case scenarios, the thirty seconds saved at program start-up could trim minutes of productivity from your full workday.

While your system is operating, you can right-click on any icon next to your clock and most programs will allow you the option to select Close Application. By closing unnecessary applications, you can literally speed up the Windows operating system.

With most versions of Windows, you can also go to Start – Run and then type in "msconfig" and click OK. Once the Windows System Configuration Utility opens, click the tab that reads Startup. You can review the list and deselect items that you will not want to open when your computer boots up. It is important to note here that you should only close applications that you recognize and know that you can live without. Don't turn off an item in the Startup window, unless and until you know what that file really does. A quick search for that file name on the Internet will generally turn up lots of pages explaining what those files do in your Windows operating system environment.


Mean Kids On The Internet

Mean kids, who are also computer nerds, frequently grow up to be computer programmers who create Viruses and Spyware applications.

The mean teenagers of the programming world get their kicks from turning our lives upside-down, with viruses that create a multitude of problems on whatever machines they can get their software installed. Virus writers with a criminal history frequently grow up to be people who write Trojans and Spyware applications that seek to steal our private information

A Trojan is a malicious program that pretends to be a screensaver or some other non-threatening and fun kind of thing. When you execute it on your computer, it installs malicious software and then it does its dastardly deeds.

Trojans and Spyware typically try to harvest private information from your computer for the financial benefit of its creator. Most of these kinds of computer programs only want to shove their advertising in your face (Adware) or track your Internet usage habits, so they can sell that information to other businesses; but the really ugly versions try to steal your credit card data and other financial data from your computer.

For some people, Trojans and Spyware computer programs are responsible for as much as a 60% deterioration of a computer's performance capability.


Forgotten Programs On Your Computer

Do you remember some of those 30-day free trial software applications that you tried once or twice, but never used again? Some of these applications may be running in the background of your computer. All of these programs are also still taking up space on your hard drive.

Never go into your Windows Explorer and simply delete folders that contain the software programs you will never use again.

Instead, every two or three months, you should utilize your Add / Remove Programs procedure, which can be accessed by going to Start – Settings – Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs, and remove old computer programs that you no longer use. This can frequently free up a lot of extra space on your hard drive. It can also free up some extra memory in your computer, if the program had been running in the background of your operating system at startup.


Final Closing Thoughts

If you still encounter problems after following the above suggestions, you may wish to try out "Advanced Windows Care v2 Personal". It has been designed to help you perform all of these essential protection and maintenance processes for your computer, enabling you to get on with more important tasks like making more money. This software can remove Adware and Spyware programs from your computer system, protect your privacy, prevent security threats, fix registry errors, and much more.

This program is an all-in-one systems utility that only requires a single click each day for proper computer maintenance, optimization and protection. It is free, so try it out. Remember, if you don't like the software, we have already taught you how to remove it, if you ever wanted to do so. If you want to keep the software, that is fine too.



Copyright © 2007 Trever Soutter
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About the Author:
Trever Soutter writes about computer software and system maintenance and optimization. If you find that your personal computer is starting to run slower and slower, then it is time for you to do some serious system maintenance. The "Advanced Windows Care Personal" software will clean and optimize your system for maximum Windows performance, enabling you to speed up Windows by as much as three times. Learn more and get the free download here: http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html



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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: Innovative and Profitable Uses For Autoresponders

by Monica Pocelujko

Right from the beginning let me say that if you haven't yet installed an autoresponder on your website, do so immediately.

Yes, it is that important. A successful, lucrative business cannot operate without one.

Of course using an autoresponder is an excellent way to capture email addresses and then follow-up with potential customers, but there are so many other clever and industrious uses for these programs, that it will amaze you. Once fully utilized, these little gems will prove to be a tremendous asset for helping you to convert casual visitors to your site into paying customers, thus giving your business a healthy boost in sales and profits.

Here is a list of special uses for your autoresponder:

1. Automatically promote sales.

In your posted ad, put your autoresponder address and use the opportunity to sell your product or service by describing it in more detail and featuring testimonials about how good it is, and how it has improved the lives of those who've used it. This tactic has been shown to markedly increase sales.


2. Sell advertising.

If you sell advertising on your website or in a newsletter or e-zine, set your autoresponder to send up to date information about rates and how to place an ad to all clients and potential clients. A day or two later do an automatic follow-up. This is also a good method for highlighting any special discount rates you may be offering.


3. Publish a newsletter.

Some autoresponders can manage subscriptions and follow up with interested prospects. Remember, a newsletter is an ideal way to keep visitors and customers informed about your products or services, while also enabling you to give them advice and share your knowledge about your field of business.


4. Send out an email course.

Naturally, you have to write the course first, but once that aspect is completed, you can then turn the whole thing over to your autoresponder. Just program it to send out lessons daily to your subscribers. It's also important to put valuable information in each lesson, rather than using the course merely to lure potential customers into making a purchase. In other words, let your expertise in your field and the quality of your product do the selling for you.


5. Issue a reminder about your product or service after a prospective customer has completed your course.

This can provide a helpful nudge to procrastinators or those as yet undecided about making a purchase. It can also be a useful way of promoting new products or services.


6. Distribute free reports.

The keyword here is reports, not sales letters. They can be on a variety of topics, all related to the product or service you are promoting. The good thing about such reports is that they can provide valuable information for potential customers without the longer commitment of an email course.


7. Use an autoresponder on your order page.

Make a request form available for visitors to sign up to be notified of special offers or sales in the future. This is an excellent way to create a mailing list of all the people who are your customers.


8. Create a links page and place it on your autoresponder.

It can have numerous links that would be of interest to your visitors. You can then add your own promotional copy at the top or bottom of this page.


All of this is simple enough to do with just the expenditure of a little time and effort. In the long run it will prove to be highly beneficial to your business to make the best use of autoresponders that you possibly can.



Copyright © Monica Pocelujko
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About the Author:
Monica Pocelujko is a small business owner, website operator and freelance writer.
Instantly Create Your Own Web Business http://athena16.startupkit.hop.clickbank.net
Ideas Worth A Million http://athena16.ideasmill.hop.clickbank.net
Adsense Websites-Instant Adsense http://athena16.aldwych.hop.clickbank.net

Article Source: http://www.smartads.info



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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

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ARTICLE: Autoresponders Are a Publishers Best Friend

by Bill Platt

How many times have you subscribed to a new ezine, and then when the first issue of the ezine arrived, you were scratching your head as to how your email address ended up on the list? Our lives are often so tedious that little details often slip right from our memory.

The point is this. If it happens to you, you can rest assured that others have the same experience as well.

Sometimes when this happens to us, we just unsubscribe from the list after that first issue. We cannot remember what compelled us to subscribe in the first place, and the first issue of the ezine does little to rekindle our initial enthusiasm for the ezine.

As publishers, autoresponders can serve us well. When used correctly, autoresponders can strike while the iron is hot, cementing the subscription for the new subscriber.

If your ezine has been around for a while, or only for a few issues, seriously consider taking the time to compile a *Best Of* issue.

Be certain to list subscription instructions near the top of your *Best Of* issue, and also ask people to forward it to their friends.

Your *Best Of* issue should be placed into an autoresponder email address, and then given away at every opportunity. The moment the issue is ready, you can notify your subscribers of the existence of the issue. In the ezine information area of each issue, you can also remind subscribers that the *Best Of* is available at such-and-such email address. Ironically, some of your subscribers will download your *Best Of* several times.

The most important reason for building the *Best Of* issue is not for the benefit of your current subscribers, though most of them will appreciate your making it available to them. The best reason to implement the *Best Of* autoresponder is for your new subscribers!

When someone subscribes to your ezine, they will receive their *Welcome to My Ezine* notice. As they are reading the *Welcome* message, their enthusiasm is bubbling over. Waiting for that first issue will be tough unless there is an invitation to receive their first issue NOW.

In your *Welcome* message, you should let them know that if they would like to get started right away reading your ezine, then they should send a blank email to your autoresponder address for the *Best Of* issue.

New subscribers will gorge themselves on your *Best Of* issue, and they will remember your ezine when the first new issue arrives in their mailbox. If the *Best Of* issue was precisely what they were looking for, you can rest assured that they will eagerly open each subsequent issue of your ezine, with delight in their hearts.

If you do not have the ability to set up autoresponders on your own domain, one company that offers a free autoresponder service is: http://sendfree.com/

If you take the time now to implement the *Best Of* autoresponder, the rewards will most certainly be long-lasting. Remember, the best time to get a new subscriber to fall in love with your ezine is when their interest is the highest --- at the very moment they subscribe to your ezine.


Copyright © Bill Platt
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About the Author:
Bill Platt owns http://thePhantomWriters.com . Do you need free content for your website or ezine? Our archives deliver more than 350 free-reprint articles available for your use. http://content.thePhantomWriters.com . Do you write your own articles? Let us distribute them for you to our network of 6000+ publishers & webmasters http://thePhantomWriters.com/distribution


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Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

Build Your Downline BIG... Build It FAST... And Build It Auto-Magically With TOTAL EXPOSURE MARKETING! Power-Shift Into Wealth-Creation Today - For F>R>E>E>!
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ARTICLE: Autoresponders - An Email Marketer's Most Powerful Tool

by James Woolley

It's common knowledge amongst internet marketers that if you want to make serious money online, you need to have your own email list of subscribers. To do this you need an autoresponder, as this will act as a complete list management solution, as I'm about to demonstrate in the remainder of this article.

An autoresponder is an invaluable tool to any webmaster who wants to make more money online. It allows you to add an opt-in form to your website or blog, so you can capture your visitors' name and email address. Once they opt-in they are automatically added to your list.

So if you offer a free bonus, mini-course or newsletter, for example, that will encourage your visitors to opt-in, you can start building a responsive list of subscribers who you can market your products to in the future (making sure you provide good content as well).

Most autoresponders make it very easy to create this opt-in form. You just customize it's look and appearance using the opt-in form generator provided, then simply copy and paste the html code into your website or blog.

So that's one benefit of an autoresponder, but that's just the beginning. A good autoresponder will also enable you to create and send as many messages to your subscribers as you want. All you do is log in to your account, write your message, and either broadcast it immediately, or schedule it to go out at a later date. You can also select individual groups of subscribers who will receive the message, which is useful for split-testing or for sending regional messages, for example.

The fact that you can schedule messages to go out at future dates also makes it very easy to create mini-courses, and if you want you could even create and schedule several months, or even years worth of messages, so your whole email marketing approach becomes completely automated.

So why choose an autoresponder and pay a small monthly fee, when you can use your own email server and handle it yourself?

Well this is another major benefit of an autoresponder because the largest and most reputable providers have very good relationships with the various email companies, which therefore means that the emails sent by the autoresponder company, and it's users, have very high delivery rates.

This is in stark contrast to self-run email servers, which have far worse delivery rates, and tends to get worse over time, as it only takes a few complaints from subscribers to get yourself blacklisted with the various email companies.

So to conclude, if you want to increase your chances of generating more profits from your websites and blogs, then you have to make full use of an autoresponder so you can follow up with your subscribers via email. This ensures that the visitors you receive are not lost forever when they leave your websites.


Copyright © James Woolley
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About the Author:
James Woolley is a full-time marketer who has built up responsive email lists in not only the internet marketing niche, but other niches as well. All of these lists are run from one autoresponder account. Click here to find out which autoresponder he uses and strongly recommends: http://www.mytopautoresponder.com


===========================================

Respectfully Yours.
GraceTran

Build Your Downline BIG... Build It FAST... And Build It Auto-Magically With TOTAL EXPOSURE MARKETING! Power-Shift Into Wealth-Creation Today - For F>R>E>E>!
Road2Prosperity
Build Your NetWork Incredibly
IncomeForLife
MyBlogs

PS: I want your input.. Any suggestions? Any Comments? Feel free to ask me any question about the SpiderWeb Marketing System you have. Contact me by Clicking Here