This will largely change the way that computing operates and it could buy them into the tablet market, which has so far eluded them.

This article considers how Apps are used in the Windows 8 beta version and what this means.

What Differs Between Apps and Traditional Software

The first thing to note about Windows 8 is that it is designed to run on everything from smartphones to Desktop PCs. This means that the high demands of Windows have been lessened so that it can be operated on much lower powered devices. Enter the need for Apps.

Apps offer a small bite-sized and lower demand feature that greatly contrasts the high demand of existing software programs. At present, software is installed upon a desktop computer and the focus is on many featured programs, which will take you from A to Z. The contrast here is that Apps will be designed to do much less but to do it far more quickly, and without the need for long loading periods.

How Apps are Integrated

Apps are integrated into the new Windows 8 system through the use of Metro UI. This system may be familiar to many because it was introduced in 2011 with the somewhat successful Windows Phone. It offers an App system that works with a tabulated front panel for navigation. This is similar to that which is used by Apple and Google phones and it works in much the same way. Each tabulation will provide you with a brief description of the App and the selection of it will activate it rapidly without the need for long loading times.

But Can I Use High Demand Programs?

High demand programs will still be able to run on these interfaces but they will be as slow as they ever were and will require a traditional setup to run them. This is, however, only the case if you choose it to be so. Windows have solved the problem of computing power and even storage through the use SkyDrive and their move to cloud computing.

What SkyDrive provides is a place where Apps, software and data can be stored externally from the device. The benefits of this are clear and excellent because it will enable users to achieve far more demanding tasks on far smaller machines. This will be achieved through externalising processing and storage, and it will potentially give even the smallest of tablets a theoretically unlimited capability. The only real limitation that remains with cloud computing is the speed of data transfer.

The use of the SkyDrive App will also take mobility to a very different place than it has been so far. Mobility at present basically refers to how easy it is to take you computing device with you. With SkyDrive you will not need to take your device with you because your data, programs and access will simply follow you wherever you go. Windows 8 Apps will potentially eliminate internal storage, a need for high processing power, and the existence of USBs.

Obviously you will need some business it support if you are using Windows 8 in an office environment, but it’s well worth it, even if your outsourced it company has to conduct regular training and site visits.

However with increased competition in the online realm and continued innovation with web development and search engine optimization, you need to be on top of your game and offer your customers with a satisfying online experience.

Making sure your website is simple for customers to use is incredibly important to the success of any online business, so the following article will detail some simple steps you can take to make sure you have an intuitive website.

Simplify Your Site

No one wants to have to work hard to navigate around your website. Chances are if a customer has a hard time finding what they want on your site, they will quickly go elsewhere, so it’s important to make sure yours is as simple as possible.

Don’t clutter each page with mountains of information that will bombard a potential customer. Work out what information is absolutely necessary and stick with the key details.

Separate Your Information

Take some time to carefully consider what information should be put on each page and use clear, simple an easy to understand sub headings to separate each part.

For example, if you are including contact details such as a telephone number and email address, put them under a ‘contact us’ tab rather than simply sticking them at the bottom of a page about your products and services.

Make sure that you don’t complicate each section with elaborate or cryptic subtitles or topic names. Just call each section what it is so that customers can easily navigate their way around your website.

Analyse Your Customers

It’s important to know exactly how your existing customers use your website as it will help you figure out the most logical flow for your site, so make use of business intelligence software to figure out the habits and movements of customers.

Using this information to your advantage will mean you can design the site in a way that makes the most sense to your customers and will therefore lead to a more satisfying experience for them every time they visit your site.

Create A Logical Structure

Each site will vary depending on what product or service is being offered, but take the time to figure out what the logical structure for your website should be. Try and split sections of your business up so that customers can quickly get to the information they want with only one or two clicks of the mouse.

Making sure your website is effective, simple and user friendly is incredibly important in ensuring long term success for your business. Take the time to make sure yours stands out from the competition and gives your customers a satisfying experience which will, in turn, mean they are more likely to return to your site again.

When doing business and liaising with both your customers and clients, it is vitally important to have excellent telephone communication. Telephone conversation is the preferred method of communication for numerous customers across many industries, and when done well, telephone conversation has the potential to substantially enhance and consolidate client relationships.

So, what is good phone etiquette?

1. Choose and Use a Suitable Ringtone

There is an endless number of ringtones to choose from – funny ringtones, TV ringtones and polyphonic ringtones are just a few examples. Be aware that in a context where clients or customers can hear your ringtone, it is important to have a ringtone that reflects professionalism. Save ringtones that may be rude or otherwise inappropriate for your personal life.

2. Be Bright, Happy and Helpful and Answer Questions

We all know how disheartening it can be to have someone who sounds bored, disengaged and miserable on the other end of the phone. It is vital to be bright and cheery, as well as to maintain a positive, helpful approach –this applies to all people who may encounter a caller as their call travels along a PABX or other phone system.

Although you may not always have all the answers to the questions you may be asked, it is far better practice to tell the caller that you do not know the answer to their question but are committed to finding out and calling them back. Never try to fabricate an answer for the sake of having something to say. Not only is this misleading, it is also frustrating, unimpressive and annoying for a caller.

3. Use Appropriate Language and Demonstrate Interest in the Caller and Their Needs

When conversing with customers and clients (including past, existing and potential ones), it is essential that you use language that is appropriate and respectful. Of course, this means avoiding swear words and offensive language, but also means that you should avoid jargon and abbreviations with which the person you are speaking with may be unfamiliar.

A few things are more impressive to a client than a professional who offers complete assistance. Be aware that as you speak to the client, you need to be attentive to their needs and situation and you will possibly need to take notes, so that you may follow up on their situation effectively.

4. Avoid Putting a Caller on Hold – Unless it is Essential

Good telephone etiquette dictates that callers be put on hold as little as possible. It can be frustrating, and indeed, time-consuming for a customer to be placed on hold with no way of getting back in touch with you.

However, there are times when a customer may need to be put on hold, and at these times, you should always ask the caller whether they mind holding the line. When they are on hold, it is important that you check back in every minute or so to update them on how their query is progressing and to ascertain that they are happy to continue to hold.

5. Know When it is Appropriate to Turn Your Phone Off or Take a Call

There are particular times when taking a phone call, or even having your phone ring, is completely inappropriate. Show respect for others by avoiding use of your phone when your complete attention should be devoted to a person, or when it is antisocial and unprofessional for your phone to ring and you to talk.

Make effective use of voicemail to take your messages and respond to these at a more appropriate time.

Excellent phone etiquette is vitally important today. Telephone communication continues to be popular and frequently used, and with good phone etiquette, positive impressions and relationships can be nurtured.

Search Engines

Search engines provide great ways of finding information on the Internet, with some including a variety of features. Search engines that appear on specific websites allow users to search for specific content or articles found on that site or another.

Search engines such as Google generate a variety of sources of information, with results from websites, blogs, online encyclopaedias, news articles, academic papers and discussion boards. This huge range helps users to choose the types of sources they would like to receive information from.

Search engine optimisation (SEO) will greatly benefit businesses with websites that have a strategy in place to maximise traffic and increase sales leads. These websites need to actively include regular content that is on-topic, as this will lead to high rankings on search engines when users type certain keywords. A high ranking will also give credibility to the business and attract users to visit the site.

Online Business Directories and Google Maps

Online business directories, like the White Pages, are the modern adaptation of the old, big telephone book. They can be accessed by anyone at home or at work,as well as anywhere on smartphones. They are quick and convenient, making them the most efficient option in finding any business and contact details, including their phone number, address and link to their website.

Google Maps are also very handy for people (who are out and about) to have on their smartphone or tablet. The program allows users to search for a business,such as a shop or their local doctor. Once the name of the shop or doctor’s surgery is searched, the address and location is shown, as well as the option to get directions from their current location with the best route.

Online Shopping

The Internet has changed the way people shop and comes with many advantages for the savviest shopper. Online shopping is most popular for its convenience, as it allows you to shop in the comfort of your own homeat any time of the day, with just a click of the mouse,and the products are then delivered straight to your door. Online shops are also popular for their better prices, saving you money, as your purchases come to you directly from the manufacturer or seller without any middlemen involved.

Online Home Loans

Many homebuyers are turning to the Internet as their main source of research in finding home loans. Benefits of online home loans include its convenience, faster application process and the savings made.

Home loan comparison websites are also popular in making the choice of mortgage lender easier. These websites include comparison tools or a mortgage calculator that will filter and compare loans to suit your needs and financial situation.

Social Media

In recent years, social media has increasingly become popular and has revolutionised the way people communicate online. For individuals, Facebook is used to keep in touch with family and friends, locally and around the world. You can also share photos and videos by uploading, editing and tagging them, as well as use privacy settings.

For businesses, Twitter is useful for posting tweets with messages, industry news, advice, updates, photos, and links to their website or blog. They can also use Twitter to directly answer queries from customers and network with other businesses.

Operations and Informational Technology

It’s been said that operations and information technology is likely to continue to converge. Some tools that blur the lines between operations costing, asset management, and IT (such as equipment maintenance software) are already in popular usage.

Many enterprises will already use operations software that’s synchronised or based out of their existing IT system. However, further convergence could mean integration of machines with the core IT system, such as the use of sensors that collect real-time factory floor information.

Sustainability

Energy efficiency and sustainability could become priorities for the industry. With the introduction of the carbon tax scheme, end users (such as businesses), service providers, and equipment manufacturers could all have more incentive to shift toward green.

For example, data centres are major emitters of carbon, and cutting emissions will help them save on tax. Other than the carbon tax, rising energy costs could push everyone toward better energy practices. Greener equipment and hardware, greener processes and technologies, and the utilisation of renewable energy could be two of the major trends in IT and business.

Mobility

A “post-PC” era has been hailed for some time, and this could be realised in Australian IT and business in the near future. For example, organisations are adopting mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones as part of their ICT infrastructure, particularly for mobile staff members.

These devices are increasingly being used with special applications that enhance productivity. Voice recognition, location-awareness, and other types of sensors reduce data input times and allow businesses to do different things (including interacting with customers) more quickly.

It’s also been claimed that the centralised workplace may become a thing of the past. With smart devices and high-speed connectivity, employees can work anywhere. Security, identity, and other legal issues may be some of the challenges that businesses need to address in this area.

A Changing Workforce

Older Workers

Australia has an ageing population like many other countries, and retaining older workers past the traditional retirement age may be a trend that will continue to grow over the coming decades, particularly in the IT industry.

Offshore Talent

Similarly, offshoring work is likely to continue growing as businesses look outside the traditional hiring arrangement, beyond Australia’s shores, in order to source valuable and cost-effective talent. With telecommuting and collaboration technologies, it’s more viable than ever for Australian businesses to look for IT and other types of workers from countries such as India and the Philippines.

Cloud Systems

Business use of cloud systems may continue to grow as businesses seek ways to cut costs. Cloud systems allow businesses to opt into a huge variety of services on an incremental or on demand basis.

Fixing Your Eyes

If you are sick of your glasses, then modern contact lenses are readily available thanks to technology. In the last few centuries, lens making was a high technology (due to the precision needed), so imagine the precision behind good contact lenses! Not only that, but you can (in some cases) even completely fix your eyes using lasers (getting a bit like Star Wars isn’t it?).

Laser eye surgery is a highly delicate operation because it is done on the eye, a highly sensitive part of your body. With adjustments to the way your eyes are accepting light, you can see minor eye problems fixed very quickly. Thanks to lasers, we not only have better home entertainment to watch with our new eyes, but we can also burn away that unwanted hair.

Laser Hair Removal

Using Candela laser hair removal has meant no more shaving for people across the world. Previously, the closest hair removal you could get to lasers was waxing . . . and waxing hurts. Laser hair removal is relatively painless, has very little side effects, and will keep you smooth for a long time. Many users even say that, after a lot of return visits, their hair no longer grows.

Cosmetic Surgery

From breast implants through to facial reconstruction, cosmetic surgery is a very new part of the medical world. While it may be used by a lot of celebrities to keep themselves looking young (sort of), it has also helped many people suffering from facial injuries from fires, car accidents, and even physical assault.

Because medical technology has improved so much over the last hundred years, surgeons can now perform more precise surgery with shorter recovery times. This means you can (in many cases) just pop in for a day surgery and come out with a new nose, or a set of larger breasts.

Photoshop

While this may be a little tongue-in-cheek, most of us are guilty of editing photos to make them look better. The reverse is also true of people meeting someone for the first time on a date and realising they look a lot worse than the picture on that dating site. However, if you just want some glamorous shots of yourself, Photoshop is a great way to make it happen, as it can remove anything you don’t like. So say goodbye to those wrinkles!

Despite all of this technology, there is still no substitute for good old-fashioned exercise and a healthy diet. However, it’s not that bad to accept a helping hand from technology to help you look and feel better!

Basic Internet

Even though it seems like by now everyone would know how to use the Internet, courses offering basic Internet skills remain extremely popular, in particular with people who are a little more elderly. While some seniors have been too scared to adventure into cyberspace, others have dove right in, and thanks to basic Internet courses being offered at libraries and community centres, many seniors have started to get up to date, and can now be seen surfing the Net with the best of them.

Microsoft Word

This might not be a particularly difficult program to learn, but by sheer force of numbers it is easily one of the most used programs around the world, making the computer courses that teach it very, very popular. While many people essentially teach themselves to use Microsoft Word, taking a course will have you able to use it far more effectively, which is why savvy students and business people have continued to line up to take courses teaching the ins and outs of Word.

Indesign

Modern design has become almost exclusively computer based, and one of the most important programs to know if you are interested in design, is of course none other than Indesign. This easy to use program is extremely useful, and can come in handy for non-designers as well, especially in the case of small businesses where you may have to do more of your own logo designing, brochure and leaflet production, and so on. If you want to get very far at all in business these days, it is pretty much mandatory to know how to use Indesign, which is why the Indesign courses are still one of the most popular computer courses available.

Photoshop

This is easily one of the most popular computer courses on offer anywhere, as well as one of the most practical for average people. Photoshop can be extremely useful in your business in coming up with posters or leaflets, and it can also allow you to enhance those photos at home. Photoshop is the most useful photo-editing program available, and so whether you are a teacher trying to put together interesting lesson plans or a parent doing some scrap booking, you’ll use your photoshop skills over and over again.

If you are struggling to keep up with the latest in computer programs and technology, make life easier on yourself and sign up for a computer course. It will be far less frustrating if you know what you are doing, so stop struggling and educate yourself.

Here are the steps you need to take to clean up digital clutter:

1. UninstallOld Software And Applications

Deleting a shortcut isn’t the same as actually deleting a program from your computer. If you are a Windows user, open up the Control Panel and select the “Uninstall a Program” option. After uninstalling the programs, make sure that all of the shortcuts to the programs are deleted as well.

2. Organise All Of The Folders On Your Computer

Separate all of the file types and put each type into a separate folder. Establish a good organisation method that works for every employee who has access to the files.

3. Don’t Forget Your Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are just as vulnerable to attacks as desktops and laptops. They contain a lot of sensitive information that may end up in the wrong hands. Delete all unused apps and maximise the device’s security settings.

4. Social Networking Clutter Can Cause Social Media Marketing To Be Ineffective

One mistake that many business owners make is getting their personal Facebook account mixed up with their business account. If you are doing this, stop immediately, and create another account.

For your business account, delete friends who are not relevant to your company. If you still want to be friends with them, inform them that you have a personal account and ask them to add you on that account instead.

5. Web Design

One aspect of digital clutter that many people seem to overlook is their website design. Sometimes, less is more. Having too much content on your company’s website will only cause it to load slower.

Also, you should create a site map. Make it easy for visitors to find whatever it is they’re looking for and delete unnecessary files from your web server so that you will be able to update more easily.

6. Delete Temporary Internet Files On A Regular Basis

You’ll be surprised at how quickly this folder can fill up. If the folder contains a large amount of cookies and webpage content, the process may take a while to complete.

7. Keep Your Email Contact List Organised

If you keep your contacts folder clutter-free, your newsletter campaigns will be much more efficient. It also reduces the risk of you, or someone in your company, falling for phishing scams. Keep a separate email account for your personal contacts – don’t mix them in with business contacts. Also make sure you delete all out dated contacts.

8. Delete Obsolete Documents

Go through every single document on your computer or mobile device. Do you really need to keep every single file? If you don’t want to delete them completely, you can move them to a portable flash drive and delete the copies on the computer.

Keep these guidelines in mind when you want to clean up digital clutter, and your computer, smartphone and any other mobile devices will work much more efficiently.

solar panels (Photo credit: spanginator)

While it’s never recommended that you perform electrical work yourself in the home, and always ensure you hire a licensed electrician for the job, when it comes to solar panels, if you know what you’re doing, you can get away with a little DIY.

Knowing your obligations

First thing’s first. Find out what your rebate options are and any permits you need to obtain. Know the rules for your local council and any government regulations you need to follow during set up and afterwards. When you hook the system up to the grid, your power company will have rules that you need to follow so make sure you know what these are.

Choosing your system

Look at how much electricity you are currently using. Think about ways that you can apply efficiency measures throughout your home in order to cut down on how much power your family uses. From here, you should be able to get a good idea of the sort of system you’ll need and how big it will be required to be too.

Preparing for Installation

Ideally of course your solar panels need to be tilted at an angle equal to your local latitude and they should be in full sunlight for 3 hours before the time which the sun is directly in the middle of its path across the sky (this is referred to as solar noon).  Remember, if the tilt is slightly off, that’s not too serious, but even a small amount of shade can have a really negative effect on your panels and their efficiency.

Conducting a solar site survey will help you identify any shading problems before you begin installation. Micro-inverters are good to have if you are dealing with part shade.

Installation

1. Purchase your PV panels and make your mounting racks – remember, a PV panel can last around 30 years so you need to ensure you build something to mount it on that will also go the distance.

2. Wiring up the system – It’s really important to thoroughly read through all of the safety instructions when wiring up your system. If you are unsure at any point, it’s a good idea to get a local electrician to help you out.

3. Grounding – make sure that you have wired everything correctly and that everything is sufficiently grounded. Once again, it might be a good idea to get the assistance of a professional electrician to help you with this.

4. Get the inverter running – For certain systems a specific unit will communicate with all of the inverters by sending signals via the power line. This data can be sourced so you can see how everything is running. Once your system is inspected and the power provider has installed a net meter you can turn on the reporting unit and get started!

Don’t forget to contact your home insurance provider at this point to make sure your new pride and joy is covered. Then sit back and relax, and let the panels do their work!

Microsoft Project 2000, showing a Gantt chart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By definition and in practice, organisations and business exchanges are complex and so it follows that software facilitating simpler project management is valued. Businesses of varying types, sizes and purposes demand software solutions that enable them to manage projects effectively, efficiently and in a straightforward way.

Of course, projects vary in terms of complexity, but all are about the achievement of defined objectives. Many software products outwardly appear impressive but commonly contain functions, features and capabilities that are not absolutely necessary for completing a project and fulfilling all of its objectives. In many situations, the more simple the software, the more effective and appropriate it is for managing a project.

How Can a Software Solution Simplify Project Management?

Project management can be simplified if software solutions that are user-friendly and accessible are provided. Project management software is only useful if project team members know how to use it and feel confident with it.

Particular types of project management software can serve incredibly effective monitoring and management functions. For example, maintenance software and computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) can monitor and produce factual data that shows when and how a system requires maintenance before significant and costly problems eventuate.

When a software solution is simple and effective to use, it will be adopted by a project team and this is key to whether or not it is successful. Projects typically require the input of all team members and a software solution that is accessible, meaningful and easy to use will determine the value that is derived for the team and the organisation in a broader sense.

What Features of a Software Program Make It Simple to Use?

A software solution that offers simplified project management possibilities must make the work of all project team members easier. Some of the features that increase the simplicity of use of project management software include:

• The capability to easily input data into the system
• The possibility of choosing and defining the views, shapes and formats that will be used
• Mapping of complex projects in a straightforward and time-efficient way
• Quick, easy and meaningful ways to view progress (in terms of tasks but also achievement of overall objectives), orders, schedule and budget
• Straightforward ways to communicate goals and objectives
• Tools for creating timelines, schedules, Gantt charts and other visual representations
• Tools for representing tasks that are assigned to particular team members
• The capacity to track work to specific tasks
• Organisation of independent activities and events, as well as the ability to link events, activities and sub-projects whenever it is appropriate and helpful to do so
• Customisation and sharing of calendars
• The ability to transfer and/or copy project data into other programs that are commonly used (such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Straightforward ways to generate meaningful, relevant reports
• Automatic storage of emails relevant to the project
• Integration with email accounts, so that users are able to log on to the project-management software when logging into their email
• A design that is similar to products already commonly used (such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel).

The above list is not exhaustive, but it does cover a range of functions and capabilities that influence whether a software solution enables a project to be managed more simply and effectively. Software solutions that are simple in design and easy to use and maintain are certainly favoured by users and make it possible for projects to be managed quite simply, but effectively.