Since 1996, I had been receiving SSI Disability benefits due to my panic disorder with agoraphobia which I had developed shortly after graduating college. As to why I developed this disability I have no idea, as it literally came out of the blue. When I started receiving my monthly benefits, it wasn’t a lot, just a little over $300.00 a month. The reason for my benefits being so low, was that, one, since I had never worked I didn’t have the work “points” necessary for higher benefits, and two, my then still alive mother was considered a financial resource I could rely on for my basic needs, such as shelter and food.
Then, on August 27, 2006, my mother passed away, and by that time my benefits through the years had been raised up to a mere $425.00 a month. I managed to go to my local Social Security office and since my mother had died, and I was now living alone, my benefits were increased to $710.00, impartial enough to survive on in the paying of my rent, and utilities. It was fortunate also that now, for the first time, I was also eligible for food stamps, otherwise, with my monthly benefits, I honest plain wouldn’t have had enough to live on.
When my mother died, she did have a very small policy that was due to me, and amounted to slightly over $5,000.00, and I received the policy money during the early part of the month of October of 2006. As you can imagine, the bulk of that policy money paid for my mother’s funeral costs, some other bills, and with what was remaining, I saw it as a golden opportunity to finally get my own computer system which up until then, I didn’t have. While I did have my agoraphobic condition, I was no longer completely housebound, but neither could I remain away from my home for long periods or time, or depart distances, but I was at least able to go to my local library and use the computers there. The main problem, however, was being very miniature to time, as one was only allowed one hour usage of a computer. When I first taught myself computers at the library about four years ago, I immediately saw how a computer could set me on the road of possibly developing an on-line business, working at home and perhaps become self-sufficient enough to eventually find off of SSI benefits.
However, not long after receiving my mother’s policy money in October of 2006, I received a letter from Social Security stating, that due to the money I had “inherited” that it was over the $2,000.00 in financial “assets” that Social Security allows when receiving SSI benefits. The letter went on to inform me that my benefits were therefore to be terminated due to this fact. Right away I filled out and filed with Social Security a Request for Reconsideration form. I also filled out the 15-page application PASS Program, as I wanted to prove that the “extra” funds left over after paying my mother’s funeral costs and other related bills were to be musty to establish a possible work at home business. In filling out this lengthy 15-page PASS Program application, I did an itemized estimated cost of how the money would be spent and listed the necessary computer items I planned to purchase.
I then had erroneously assumed that both my Request for Reconsideration and the PASS Program application had been current, since in early November I received a notification from Social Security indicating that my benefits were to continue. Then only a week later received another notification that not only was I to continue my benefits, but I was to get the small raise in benefits that would begin as of January of 2007. Then the bombshell quite literally hit me. I received a letter, dated April 11, 2007 on a Saturday, April 28, 2007, that the original decision made in October 2006 to stop my benefits was the correct one, and that my benefits were to be completely terminated as of the beginning of this month. You can imagine my panic about this, as I had no financial resources at all now, save for my SSI benefits; that policy money that I had received in October of 2006 was long gone, there was absolutely nothing left of it, and when I got this notice, I had exactly $5.71 to my name in my bank sage…that was all.
So on that Monday, April 30th, I tried contacting my local Social Security office. All I succeeded in doing was leaving a message to the caseworker who had previously handled my case back in August of 2006, shortly after my mother had died. Feeling rather frustrated in not being able to speak to a “steady” person, I then called the Social Security toll free 800 number. I just plain wanted to know why my benefits were being cut off so suddenly. When I got through to someone, and they looked up the particulars of my “case”, it was explained to me, that forms had been sent out to me to settle my continuing eligibility for benefits. Oh? I never got them, and there obviously was no follow up on my case as to why I hadn’t sent the forms in.
So by now, since I had the assist of my gain computer, I downloaded and printed up just about every imaginable get directly from the Social Security website, filled them them all out, and sent all kinds of proof of my financial resources. This included an indication that I had indeed spent that “extra” money of my mother’s policy, plus sent them photo-copies of exactly how that money was spent–down to the last penny. The envelope I sent them was a virtual stack one-inch thick that I mailed off via certified mail on May 1, 2007, and by tracking it, saw that it was received the very next day. In the meantime, during the next few days I continued to send more forms to them and even called the toll free number again. This time the person I spoke to indicated that yes, they had received all the forms and had that information at their disposal and that what was probably needed was a waiver about the extra money…well, like why when I spoke to the first Social Security agent on April 30, 2007, wasn’t this indicated to me and the form sent out to me then?
Then another “winning” notification arrived to me on May 17, 2007, as I received another letter dated May 10, 2007 from Social Security that I have an overpayment of $4,910.00 for the months of October 2006 to April 2007 and could you please pay this by June 9, 2007. All I could think about was, are they out of their minds? I had kept emphasizing to them that I absolutely had no financial resources at all. I hadn’t been able to pay my rent, utilities or any other bills unbiased to live on. In my phone calls, letters, etc, I had stated over and over again that I do not have any financial resources to me now except for what I was receiving from SSI Disability, which was nothing at that point since my benefits had been chop off completely.
I’m pointing all this out, as my story isn’t a unique one. I have heard from fellow SSI recipients of their maintain horror stories of trying to get benefits, either first time round, when applying for the first time, or if like me, their benefits are suddenly terminated as they were in my case. Naturally it was suggested to me, that I should seek legal help of some kind and had one law firm, Binder and Binder, one of the top law firms that handle SSI Disability disputes, and of which I did contact. However, I was in for a further blow, as it was explained to me, that due to that over-payment issue of $4,910.00, they couldn’t do anything, that I had to get that issue settled first, and on my own! So once again, my computer came in handy, and downloaded and printed up the over-payment waiver form from the SSA website, filled that form out as well and sent it to Social Security. In the meantime, the clock is ticking, and I haven’t heard a thing whether or when my benefits were, if at all going to be re-instated. You can bet and imagine I was in high level panic here.
Then an inspiration literally hit me. I decided to contact via e-mail and by phone (usually only leaving messages), of every advocate group that could befriend me, including all those “benefit” lines from various news shows…still nothing happened. I then went further, as I’m a rather clear, stubborn person who doesn’t give up easily. I contacted via e-mail my local Congressman. The very next day, I got an e-mail back and was told to inquire of a call from a representative of the Congressman’s office who handled SSI Disability issues. Well call she did, and she told me to write out a letter to give them the authorization to intervene in my behalf and to not only fax this letter over, but the letters from Social Security. I had to go out to fax this material, as I didn’t have a fax machine myself. By the time, I got back, I called the representative to find out if she had gotten the material; not only had she, but she had also in the meantime called Social Security to find out the particulars of my case.
Only a few days later then, I received a phone call from the caseworker from my local Social Security office. I supposed having received a phone call from a Congressman’s office revved and shook things up a bit, as I’m guessing that Social Security doesn’t receive phone calls from government officials too often.
Well things weren’t settled good away and even more time passed, it was now approaching the end of May and smooth nothing was happening. I still hadn’t paid my rent or utilities for the month of May, and now I was literally panicking about how to also pay my bills for June. So, I made another call to the Congressman’s office and the representative in turn called up Social Security again in my behalf. Then came June 1st…The phone rings, and it was the caseworker from Social Security to inform me that not only were my benefits to be re-instated, but that the overpayment of $4,910.00 was completely waived. Ecstatic wouldn’t be the word to describe how I felt–more like unprejudiced plain screaming for joy–I had done it, I had managed to prick through the bureaucratic red-tape of Social Security and its rules and regulations and the slowness of how they handle cases…not that it’s their fault as they are so back-logged with cases and paperwork.
So as to the reason for my writing this article? I’m hoping that it may serve as a help to anyone else out there reading this, that if they are having “problems” with getting SSI Disability benefits whether one is just starting the application for benefits, or if like me, have had their benefits cut off, how to go about getting a little jump-start in getting them sooner…get in contact with some kind of local Congressional help, occupy me, it helped me, otherwise, I STILL might be waiting for my benefits.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Lines by on Dec 12th, 2010. 
When moving to Altha, Florida in 2003, we purchased a building on main street. Very soon after the sidewalk was dug up and we asked what was being done. We were told that work being done would give us fleshy blown cable with local channels and internet service. At the time we were using Comcast® and looked forward to up coming changes. Since then I have inquired several time about local channels and internet service. Neither is available as of 08-08-09.
The cable we had was poor signal, fuzzy picture and often out for some reason. We changed to DIRECTV and although rain interrupts the signal the overall cable experience is better. Quiet no local channels and no internet with our service. Cable in this small town is not the only pickle. Choice of phone service is only one company, with a choice of long distance providers.
At some point our phone company GT Com sold to FairPoint Comm our phone service is adequate, with normal options and prices. DSL available which is the best we can do in this town. Our dsl often looses connection for some reason requiring a reboot of the modem or our network hub. I have found better dsl offered at a heed of $59, $21 cheaper than we pay, but not available in this town.
Cell phones were often not useable a few years ago. Better service from more companies is offered now days and although we are on the edge of coverage for some providers on the highway signal strength is better. Like the cell phone providers, the cable and land phone has been upgraded so it puzzles me as to why we can’t get local channels and internet. A analog TV antenna could be ragged, we have not installed one because we have been waiting on what was promised when our sidewalk was torn up for a week.
I can tell you why we do not have what we want from our DirecTV, the satellite is too stout. Why that is is a mystery when we pay $65 monthly and internet and local channels are offered in other markets. Other markets meaning more customers in certain areas. So what if they provided us with better service then they might very well have more customers in this market. I can understand it, making money is the point of being in business. This market has grown from roughly 600 to estimated 2000 today, Somebody should give us internet cable broadband, whatever and local channels too. It would be nice to see CBS, ABC and others.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Lines by on Nov 8th, 2010.
COMPUTERS
General Information
Home Office
The in-home office has the same basic requirements as the one-person office. The exception to this is that the in-home office computer user may have stricter place limitations than the one-person office. The in-home user needs to be concerned with getting the business application programs that own their needs without being too complex to run. For example, in a mufti-user office there is usually an accountant to rush the accounting package and a programmer to run the database package. However, in an in-home office there is no one to study the subtleties of the individual software packages, so software that runs a variety of programs supplemented by any special purpose business programs is recommended. The type of computer needed can then be determined by the requirements of the software packages selected. Consult your local dealer for more information concerning special software titles.
Physically Challenged Computer Users
The physically challenged computer user has a wide variety of software to choose from. Depending on the user’s particular needs, software can be purchased to complete the desired task. Any special hardware to help the user control the computer can also be purchased or created. A variety of special hardware is available, ranging from mouth activated controls to specially adapted keyboards. Special software is also available for enlarging screen text for peer impairment, and reading program menus and screen text for the blind. For more information on products available for the physically challenged contact your local computer dealer, or call the national support center for persons with disabilities at 1-800-426-2133.
Student Computer Users
The student computer user has some special buying concerns. The student should try to buy the same package that they are learning at school, or a compatible product, if possible. This helps the student learn programming without having to translate the classroom examples from one version to another for use at home. There are usually coarse cost software products that have some of the features used in the more expensive packages taught in school. Consult your school for a list of the packages extinct in definite computer based courses.
Household System
There are two important questions a home computer buyer should ask. Do I want a computer for entertainment and game playing, or will I use it to bring work home, do personal finances, or back the children with homework? If the system is just to be used for games then the buyer should look into buying a game system. These cost less than a personal computer and are much better at playing arcade style games than personal computers. If a home computer is needed for other purposes, then the buyer should look for software packages that can do several functions, or software that does exactly what they need the computer for. If the user will be bringing work home, then the software packages used at home must be compatible with what is used at work. Once software packages have been chosen, the type of computer needed can be determined. For more information on household computer systems, please contact your local computer dealer.
What about Computer Service?
The place to find service for a computer depends on where and when it was purchased. Computer dealers will usually repair what they sell for free within the first few weeks or months after the sale, depending on the dealer’s warranty policy. For service after that, most dealers will sell warranty extensions, which may or may not include on state service. Some computer dealers will repair computers that were purchased elsewhere for a fee. If there is no local computer dealer to go to, there are service centers for different makes of computers that take computers from across the country. The drawback with the service center approach is that you may have to pay the shipping costs and it usually takes longer to glean your system back. If all other options have been tried, some computer manufacturers will repair their models for a fee. Sending a computer back to the manufacturer has the same drawback as the service center approach.
Which Computer Is Best for You?
The first time computer buyer should first figure out why they want a computer. Is it for balancing the family budget? For storing recipes? To help with school work or to bring work home from the office? The new buyer should then earn out which software packages are available in their notice range that do the task desired. The next step is to find out what computer hardware is needed to run the chosen software packages. Is a color monitor needed, or will a black and white monitor work? How much memory is necessary to run the software you need? Is a mouse recommended for use with the software you’ve chosen? This information, and more, can be found in computer magazines and from your local computer dealers.
Computers in the Future
In the future the majority of people will be computer literate as computers become easier to expend and become part of many more common devices. We are already seeing the microchips that make up a computer being manufactured in everything from wrist watches to cars. The computer will become so commonplace it will become part of certain major home appliances. Most of the everyday devices that a person uses in the future will be controlled or supplemented by a computer. Computers will continue to decrease in size while gaining in power. Secondary storage media, like floppy disks, will remain approximately the same size, but a tremendous leap in capacity is expected.
Education
Self-study of Computers
Due to the popularity of personal computers there are many different resources such as books, magazines, audio cassettes, video tapes and self-study programs to help a user learn more about their computer system. These covered topics range from software of all descriptions to hardware and how to fix it. Almost all of the self-study material is available through major book chains or computer stores. Different types of computer users employ different resources. New users can salvage a wide variety of introductory materials to get started but almost every advanced user, whether they are a programmer or a spreadsheet expert, have at least two or three books of reference for seldom used options and newer versions of programs.
Vocational Schools
There are many vocational schools available to win people the training they need to become a professional in the computer industry. Most such schools are geared toward training programmers or repair technicians, though many are expanding their curriculum to include systems analyst and design. Most vocational schools provide all their training at, or just under a year’s time. To supplement their training, most schools also have job placement assistance. Pricing varies but the vast majority of schools provide financing. This is a good option for people who know what field they are interested in, but do not want to spend the time, or take the extra courses that a college or university requires.
Private Teachers
Private personal computer teachers can be found in many larger cities. This type of training is generally more focused than what is found in vocational or public schools. This type of training is recommended for those who know specifically what subjects or even what areas of certain subjects they want to learn. The private teacher can create a one-on-one course that very closely follows what the student is interested in. This also has the advantage of being a faster draw to learn about a given subject, more than the traditional classroom. Private teachers also impose no prerequisites or required classes, as most schools do. The disadvantage of this type of training is the increased cost of a teacher’s undivided attention. If the cost is not out of arrive, the increased control over what is taught is enough for many to choose this type of training for the software package they use the most. Local users groups are a suited station to start when looking for a private teacher.
User Groups
One of the best sources for information about what is available for your computer, or for help when using your computer, are local user groups. Local user groups allow users to allotment software tips and swap notes on how well a particular package handles a particular problem. Users often compare local dealer experiences to help one another find the best sources for hardware, software, or training in the area. The advantage is that these are real users with real problems, not honest a sample problem made for a demonstration of product. Depending on how many volunteers there are, and how well organized, local user groups often keep a library of free or reduced cost software for all of the members to copy for their personal computers. Many user groups have structured periods to demonstrate a program that a member may not be familiar with. Almost all user groups have, at some point, a free form question and answer period. User groups occasionally print and distribute a newsletter outlining the last meeting, next meeting, and containing some useful software tips. The cost of membership is usually nominal. Membership is highly recommended for new computer users as they can learn from the more experienced user and avoid costly mistakes and a lot of frustration.
Internet
What Is the Internet?
The Internet is a super highway that can connect you and your computer to other people and their computers located throughout the world. When using the Internet, a person can chat with other people, shop for products or services, send letters electronically with E-mail, and obtain information on almost any topic. To get connected to the Internet, you use your telephone line to connect your computer to a company called an Internet service provider. This company will befriend you with connecting your computer to the Internet.
Profiting from the Internet
Any product or service can be sold on the Internet by creating a Web spot. When selling your services or products on the Internet your virtual store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. No office expenses or utility bills, no permits or government red tape. It isn’t even necessary to answer the phone if your Web status is constructed properly. All information about your business is readily available for your customers at your Web site. Customers can make purchases from your Web site with a charge card or purchase order number without human intervention.
Web Site Development
A Web region is a fabricate of advertising for a business to sell its products throughout the world on the Internet. By creating an electronic brochure of your company and placing it on the Internet, you can advertise your company 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year without human intervention. Your Web site is located on the computer that is owned by your Internet service provider. Any brochure or advertising literature can be placed on your Web site. With some minor adjustments, orders can be taken at your Web site without human intervention.
Internet Service Provider
An Internet Service Provider company connects your computer to the Internet using a phone modem and your telephone line. This company will charge an annual fee of approximately $200 to allow you to connect to the Internet. Included in this charge is free computer software that is needed for connecting to the Internet. Also included is your E-mail address for receiving messages.
What Is E-mail?
Your E-mail address is how you can receive letters electronically on the intent from all over the world, similar to the address of your residence. Think of it as a private mail box that only you have a key to open and retrieve your electronic mail. This service is provided by your Internet service provider.
Can I Use the Internet If I Don’t Have a Computer?
You can use the Internet for advertising your company, without having access to a computer. We can create for your company an advertisement on the Internet that would be viewed all over the world. Any response to the advertisement would be sent to you directly. Once initial contact was made you could communicate with your customer using traditional methods such as telephone or mail.
Online Information Services
Online information services are services that provide software and electronic mail, or some combination of those services, to computer users. These services are accessed by users over the phone lines with a modem and generally have a cost per minute associated with their use. Additional costs can also be incurred if some special information service is accessed, such as a database or definite profession. There is also the cost of the phone call itself that the user must pay. However, even with all of the costs of getting in and using an online service, their use is typically seen as self-financing. This is because online services can quickly provide a user with information that may take weeks to gather manually or not be totally available in the user’s area. This information comes in the form of databases of knowledge for various professions and order communication with experts in any field through electronic mail. Miscellaneous services such as PC to Fax communication, online games, electronic shopping and countless others, make online services useful for almost every computer user.
Bulletin Boards
A computer bulletin board service, or BBS, is a personal computer equipped with a modem and software to allow other users to call in with their modem and retrieve files or read electronic mail. Note that these two services are also offered by the online services. The difference in being that the online service computers are usually mainframes with far more capacity than a personal computer, but bulletin boards usually don’t charge for access and those that do, charge nominal flat rate fees, and the online services also offer a much wider range of services. Bulletin boards are filled with information of a grand more local nature than online services. Civic centers, user group meetings, and local electronic mail are the things normally posted on a computer bulletin board. Bulletin boards are noteworthy cheaper in connection charges than online services since it’s generally a local call. This is why a lot of users fetch free and reduced price software from bulletin boards when the same software is found on the technically superior online service. The drawback here is that because the bulletin board can simply be someone’s personal computer, running an inexpensive communication package, security can be a concern. Confidentiality of electronic mail cannot be guaranteed by these systems, and viruses are occasionally found in the software available to users. With common sense, and some protective software, bulletin boards can be a great diagram to collect introduced to the world of telecommunication by the computer.
What Can the Internet Do For You?
We would like to give you some basic information on what the Internet can do for you. Becoming involved in, and exploring the Internet can benefit you both personally and professionally. Plus, it can be a lot of fun. The Internet allows you to investigate almost any topic imaginable, and offers the opportunity to receive up-to-date reports on things such as reports, the weather and the stoke market. You can expand your computer software library by downloading free software or demonstrate new software, called shareware, before you purchase your individual copy. The Internet can attend you stay in touch with loved ones by using E-mail, or meet someone new through online chat rooms. For even more fun, you can play interactive games such as chess and checkers with other Internet participants. You are able to take with or play games with Internet subscribers all over the world. The Internet has essential business applications because it is one of the latest advertising techniques used to promote products or services. Many businesses are building web sites because it offers a creative way to attract recent customers through both audio and visual presentation.
Software
What is RAM?
RAM (ram) stands for random access memory. RAM is the computer’s workplace for holding programs and the results of programs. Almost all of the instructions to make the computer do any of the things it can do, must be loaded into RAM for the computer to work. RAM starts out with very few instructions in it when the computer is first turned on, but fills up with the programs that you load into it, to do the work and the results of any previous work. In general, the more RAM a computer has, the more data it can work with at one time. Adding more RAM generally allows the computer to work more complex problems because the software necessary to complete complicated tasks buy up more RAM space than more simple programs. RAM is measured in bytes. One byte could represent the letter “a”, the number “1″, or an instruction for the computer. Approximately 1,000 bytes (bites) is called a kilobyte (kill-o-bite). Approximately 1,000 kilobytes is called a megabyte (meg-a-bite). Most computers today have between 256 and 640 kilobytes of RAM. Most computers can be expanded to several megabytes of RAM. A system needs to have as much RAM as the programs being run on it require.
What is ROM?
ROM (rom) stands for read only memory. ROM holds some of the instructions that the computer uses for starting itself and operating some of its hardware, like the serial and parallel port. The ROM of a computer is used by the operating system to talk to other types of devices, like the disk drive and monitor.
What is DOS?
DOS (dos) stands for disk operating system. It is a setup program for controlling the hardware that makes up a computer. The programmer will write a program that will communicate with DOS to store or explain certain pieces of text and DOS then communicates directly with the hardware that makes up the computer. With DOS we have thousands of programs available that can share data with certain limitations with each other. Without operation systems like DOS, there would be far fewer programs available and the programs would have peril sharing data with each other. DOS is the supervisor of all the programs a user runs on their computer. And it also determines which programs a user can run as some programs consume services found only in particular versions of DOS or other operating systems.
What Is Serial?
Serial is used to describe one way the computer can send its results or to receive results from another device, like a printer. The computer stores information as bytes. One byte can represent the letter “a”, the number “1″, or an instruction for the computer. A byte is on most computers made up of eight bits. Serial communication is done one bit at a time. On other words, a computer sending the letter “a” to a printer serial would actually send the printer eight separate bytes, one at a time. Some common devices that talk to the computer serially are modems, mice, and some printers. Compare this type of communication with parallel.
What Is Parallel?
Parallel is archaic to describe one way the commuter can send its results to or receive it results from another intention. Like a printer, the computer stores information as bytes. One byte can represent the letter “a”, the number “1″, or an instruction for the computer. Parallel communication is done one byte at a time. In other words, a computer sending the letter “a” to a printer using a parallel communication would actually send it in one step. The most favorite devices that talk to the computer using parallel communication are printers. Compare this type of communication with serial.
Word Processing
A word processing program is one that allows a user to enter and manipulate words. There are a wide variety of word processing programs with a wide variety of capabilities. Some word processing programs allow the computer to do little more than act as a memory enhanced typewriter. Other word processing programs offer additional features. These might include search and replace where a user can automatically change every occurrence of the word “dog” to the word “cat”. Still other word processing programs have more advanced features, which allow the computer to mix text and graphics on the same page, automatically generate a table of contents or index, and format the page in newspaper-like columns. In purchasing such a package it is essential to figure out which features a user needs now, and which features may be useful in the near future. Buying a package with too few features means having to re-learn an entirely new program sooner than is necessary. Likewise, buying a package with too many features complicates the task and makes the simple jobs harder than they should be. To net more information on what program you need, consult your local dealer and ask any friend currently using a word processing package.
Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet program is one that allows a user to enter and manipulate numbers. This type of package is more similar from package to package than word processors or databases. One of the basic features of any spreadsheet is the ability to perform formulas. Some spreadsheets have additional features such as graphics, and many more have add-ins that do very sophisticated statistical analysis. This type of program can be found in all combinations of capacity and power. Similar spreadsheets can have a 256 by 256 grid of cells in which to enter numbers and simple formulas like averages and sums. The more powerful packages can have over a billion cells with such advanced formula functions as standard deviation. The main factor to consider when buying a spreadsheet is mark. If a spreadsheet has the formula functions needed and any other features wanted like graphics then the only pain is price and remember that most spreadsheets share the same basic set of formula functions.
Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing packages are programs that are designed to help layout and format a page of text, usually for publication. These programs are usually not endowed with the features useful for entering and manipulating individual pieces of text, like those found in word processing packages because that is not their main function. The desktop publishing program is equipped to handle such things as mixing text and graphics from various programs onto the same page, controlling the appearance of the text, such as fonts, and generally do all of the formatting critical to take a word processing file and make it survey like it was a type location for inclusion in a publication. The distinction between desktop publishing and word processing programs is blurry. The more considerable word processing packages are acquiring rudimentary page layout skills. At the same time, the more powerful desktop programs are becoming more capable in manipulating individual pieces of text. As these packages have become more powerful, a new group of desktop publishing programs has emerged. These new programs are far less complicated and more obedient for home and small business exercise than their counterparts. Consult you local dealer to find out which package has the features you need.
Accounting
There are several accounting packages available for personal computers. These range in designate is from about $100 to several hundred dollars. The features they have may be appropriate for either home utilize or businesses use. Some are even adapted for use by non-profit organizations or other groups with special accounting needs. The home use accounting programs are good for balancing the family budget. Some of these have additional features like check writing and electronic banking making personal finances almost painless. The business programs have the more advanced accounting features that are related to having multiple books initiate at once and computing payroll and linking accounting information such as cells to inventory. The menu or command structure varies greatly between packages so there are multiple options even when the needed level of power and features have been decided. Consult your local dealer to find out which packages are best suited for your accounting needs.
Database Management
Database management packages are programs that are designed to store and manipulate tables or lists of information. These packages not only vary in the blueprint they store and retrieve information, but also in the way a user can access it. For example, a simple database program may allow a user to invent several tables of information such as a client list and a salesperson list. Such a program is called a “flatfile” database program. A more remarkable database program may also allow the tables to be linked so that the user can track which salesperson is in charge of certain clients. This type of program is loosely termed a “relational” database. A still more powerful database can have its known programming language and allow a custom status of menus to be built for others to more easily get at the information in the client and salesperson tables. There are currently several competing packages at each of these levels of sophistication. Prices run an equally wide spectrum. Flatfile databases can cost as little as about $100. A relational package with its own programming language can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Consult your local dealer for more information on which type of package is best friendly for your needs.
Computer Education for All Ages
There are several packages available for educating people in a wide variety of subjects. These programs come in several varieties, including games that teach, guided tutorials and interactive tutorials. The games that teach can be anything from a space invaders-like game to one that teaches spelling, to simulation programs. The simulation programs allow one to explore various situations with surprising technical accuracy, otherwise unavailable or hazardous to the user. These include piloting a plane, submarine, space shuttle, or tank. Other simulations may include scenarios for diving or exploring a foreign land. The guided tutorial programs usually take a single path approach to learning. They guide the user through a subject in a residence series of steps. There are usually provisions made for different levels of detail or different levels of idea. The next step up in sophistication is the interactive tutorial which not only allows for different levels of detail, but imposes no set series of questions to ask, or problems to pose. This manufacture of tutorial is considered the best though there are many award winning guided tutorials for subjects where the interactive approach is confusing. Basically, the computer gives the choice today of not only what to learn but how to learn it. Consult your local dealer for specific titles in different subjects.
Computer Games
Games are the single largest software category for the personal computer today. Games are usually separated by type into one of four categories. They are simulations, arcade games, adventure games, and numerous hybrids. The simulation programs allow one to explore various situations with surprising technical accuracy, otherwise unavailable or hazardous to the user. These include piloting a plane, submarines, space shuttle, or tank. Other simulations may include scenarios for diving or exploring a foreign land. The arcade games are either a personal computer version of a popular video game or can be any of the hundreds of the so-called “shoot-em-up” games. The adventure games are usually based on either a medieval saga or a roving starfighter plot. There are other games that quite simply, but capably, replicate a physical game classic. These include the programs that play chess, checkers, Chinese checkers, and countless card games. The advantage to having then on the computer, not only lies in the speed and ease of setting up or resetting up a game, but in that the computer can act as a second player, if needed. The important thing to note about game programs is that because of their graphics oriented nature, the type of hardware a user owns determines which games can be used, and what level of detail is to be expected. Consult your local dealer to find out which titles are available for your type of hardware.
Integrated Packages
An integrated package is a program that attempts to offer some of the features found in each of the basic computing areas; word processing, spreadsheets, database management, graphics, and usually also, communication. The advantage to buying this type of package lies in the consistency between the different types of programs. Whereas, buying a spreadsheet from one vendor and a database program from another, will usually mean having to learn two separate sets of commands. An integrated package uses the same commands where appropriate across its different modules. There is another advantage in designate. The integrated package usually costs much less than buying the equivalent in individual programs. The only major disadvantage to buying this type of program is that it normally compromises features in order to be small enough and fast enough to run on the more common, but lesser equipped personal computers. The new user of personal computers is strongly advised to try using an integrated package before using separate ones. This will procure a person producing actual results faster.
Graphical User Interface (GUI’S)
A graphical user interface is simply a program that allows a different approach to entering commands to your computer. Whereas, some computers accept typed commands with lists of options typed accordingly, a computer running a graphical user interface allows a user to point to command and their appropriate option. This sometimes requires a pointing device such as a mouse in order to work. There are graphical interfaces for many computers, and some computers are made to only work in one. The advantage to using a graphical interface is that it brings more consistency to the various programs being speed on a specific computer. A graphical interface does this by setting rules for program writers to follow so that the similar commands in their programs appear in similar places in the interface, and function the same. As you can observe, one needs to purchase programs written to capture advantage of these rules in order to get the most out of the graphical interface. Graphical interfaces also have the advantage of being easier to learn than their typed counterpart, depending on the particular interface. The major generic disadvantage to graphical interfaces is they usually require more computing horsepower than most users own. This means that most users will also have to buy more hardware to get a graphical interface to work on their system. Consult your local dealer to find out which graphical interfaces are available for your computer.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting is the process by which someone can work away from the office, usually at home, and send in completed work over the phone line through a modem as it is finished. While still very new, many employers are finding that telecommunicating can raise productivity significantly. This is because telecommuting allows the employee to avoid wasting time physically commuting to the office, and giving the worker a chance to work in a more comfortable environment. The worker also has the fringe benefit of flexible self-set hours, though the employee must be a self-starter. Many writers and programmers in this country are currently telecommuting to work regularly. Some are even telecommuting into this country from across the world. Telecommuting can be adapted for a variety of positions in a variety of professions. The only requirement is the work should be able to be completed by one individual who needs no direct supervision. There are a few areas to watch out for when setting up a new telecommuting group, such things as regular office visits or meetings to keep a sense of organization, and regular status calls in the beginning to glean the workers familiar with the setup. For some organizations telecommuting, has forever increased profits and morale without giving up control and consistency.
Do You Need More Computer Memory or RAM?
We would like to help you decide whether your need to add more memory to your computer. Exactly how much memory, or RAM is a difficult question to respond unless you know exactly what you are going to use your computer for, and what kind of performance you query from it. Most of today’s games and productivity software requires at the minimum, twelve megabytes of RAM. Since standard computers come with sixteen megabytes of RAM, it’s usually not necessary to retract additional RAM unless you want to increase computer performance. In dissimilarity, some CAD software applications require thirty-two megs or higher of RAM. XXXX suggests you pay attention to the system requirements of the software when you steal it to help determine how much RAM you will need. The other important reason your may want to consume additional RAM is that it will allow you to increase system performance.
What is Multi Media?
We would like to justify exactly what multi media is, and how it impacts your computing capabilities. Basic multi media is defined as a CD-ROM player, sound card and speakers. These three devices work together to form an interactive means to combine high-end graphics, motion video and real-time audio playback. The CD-ROM plays an important role because it can occupy the larger amount of data that is required for high-definition video and graphics in many games and powerful programs. A CD-ROM player may also be necessary because more and more popular software programs are being distributed in this durable format. The sound card and speakers contribute to the multi media package because they allow you to hear sound from your software program. Sound effects enhance the interactive aspect of computer exhaust. XXXX knowledgeable staff can give you information on new multi media computing systems or offer advice on upgrading your current system.
When is More Video RAM Necessary?
We would like to help you resolve when more video RAM is needed for your computer system. Many computer buyers are requesting higher performance video cards, which have more RAM, with their computer systems because they believe their machine will run faster. If you purchase, or already own a computer with a smaller-sized monitor, for instance – a 14-inch or less, on a meg of RAM, which is standard, will be adequate. If your purchase, or already own a larger-sized monitor, for instance, a 15-inch or larger, you may be running your monitor at a higher resolution so your computer will require more video memory. Another instance for which additional high-performance video RAM may be needed is when running 3-dimensional games and CAD programs. Additional vide RAM will increase overall system performance when using these software programs. Knowledgeable staff can provide you with more information on video RAM or offer advice on whether your need to upgrade your system.
What is the MMX Processor?
would like to provide you with information on Intel’s MMX processor. The latest microprocessor by Intel is the MMX CPU. It claims to increase system performance in two ways. First, they have added more internal cache memory, which increases processing speed. The second way Intel has increase system performance is the addition of 57 new opcodes to the CPU. When these additional opcodes are used by MMX-capable software, up to a twenty percent increase in system performance is possible. At this time, very few software programs are available with the MMX technology. It is predicted that a greater number of MMX programs will be available in the future.
Hardware
What Is a Disk?
A disk is a type of storage method used by computers to hold information until needed for expend by the computer. This information can be either programs or data. Disks come in two varieties, the floppy disk and the hard disk. The floppy disk is used to store relatively small amounts of data and are commonly used to move files between computers. The hard disk is used to store mighty more data, but is usually physically installed inside a computer and can not as easily be moved.
Monochrome Monitors
A monochrome monitor is a monitor that uses only one color to present information. Most monitors of this type use either green, amber, or white to display information on a black background. There are some monitors of this type called page white displays that use black to display information on a white background. The page white show is preferred by some because it more closely mimics the printed page. A newer form of a monochrome monitor called a gray scale monitor uses either amber or white to display information on a black background. The disagreement is that a gray scale monitor can produce shades of a given color to more closely simulate color displays. Monochrome monitors are sometimes preferred for work with word processing or other text based programs.
Color Monitors
There are different types of color monitors designed to work with different computers. Some types of computers have several different types of color monitors to choose from. When choosing a monitor, one factor is the resolution that a cover can provide. This resolution is determined by the number of dots or pixels (pick-sels) a monitor has. Different monitors also have different numbers of possible colors. A specific combination of how many dots and colors are available for the computer to work with is called a graphics standard. The graphics standard a computer uses is determined by the controller for the monitor called a video card. The different color monitors are built to work with a certain graphics standard and a clear video card. The number of pixels and number of possible colors usually increase together. Where the early monitors had only four colors and about 300,000 pixels, the newer systems have over two and a half times as many pixels with 64 times as many colors. The type of monitor needed will be obvious by your computer hardware and what type of work you are doing.
Plotters
A plotter is a device that uses one or more pins moved over a page to produce graphics from a personal computer. They are not well suited to producing a page of text because the pins are very narrow pointed and are more expensive to replace than dot matrix printer ribbons. The plotter is, however, the best at producing wire framed graphics, as it can produce tree diagonals and curves because the plotter’s pins travel in two axis of motion rather than one like the grid of the dot matrix printer. This is done by moving the paper back and forth under a stationary bar, along which the pins move, or by a bar which moves up and down the page while the pin moves across the bar. Some plotters can also work with very large page sizes and work with many colors. Plotters are normally used only in offices where technical documents such as blueprints and schematics need to be produced because of the plotter’s high price and suitability only for graphics.
Portable Printers
A portable printer is a dot matrix, or thermal transfer printer, that is small enough to be easily carried while traveling. These printers are essentially the same as larger dot matrix printers. Some exceptions include slower printing speeds, and a itsy-bitsy loss of quality in print. Most users of portable printers use them with a laptop computer while traveling or share them among multiple computers in an office for printing preliminary drafts where the print quality is not a major factor.
Modems
A modem is a procedure that converts the digital signals generated by the computer’s serial port to the modulated, analog signals required for transmission over a telephone line, and transforms incoming analog signals to their digital equivalents. In personal computing, people frequently utilize modems to exchange programs and data with other computers, and to access online information services.
Local Area Networks (LAN’S)
A local set network, or LAN, is a combination of hardware and software that allows multiple computers to share resources. Such resources might be laser printers or stout disk drives that are sometimes too expensive to equip every computer in an organization with. A LAN also allows multiple users on multiple computers to work together more effectively by sharing messages and documents over the LAN. There are a number of decisions that need to be made in order to choose the right combination of hardware and software to execute a LAN. Consult your local computer or network dealer for more information.
What Is a Mouse?
A mouse is a rolling ball housed in a hand held box that is archaic to control the computer. It allows the user to move more quickly through menus and gargantuan bodies of text than the arrow keys found on most keyboards. Using a mouse to select choices from program menus is often easier for new computer users than memorizing the key combinations to activate a specific option. The mouse can also be used to modify graphics more easily than with the keyboard. However, the mouse can only be used with the programs that are written to steal advantage of it.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Lines by on Nov 1st, 2010.
- SkypeIn allows you to capture a local phone number anywhere in the world.
- SkypeOut allows you to call any landline or mobile phone in the U.S. for free.
- The Skype Voicemail service works just like any other voicemail service.
Although high-speed Internet, e-commerce and other technological advancements have revolutionized the way Americans (and everyone else around the world) does business, the dependable growth toward a valiant new world continues to present new problems without easily identifiable solutions. For example, it is now easier than ever for a small business in Nowhereville, Kentucky to work with a multi-national corporation headquartered in London; however, communication can mild be a problem. That is why Skype is becoming increasingly favorite among small and Internet-based businesses.
How Skype Can Benefit Your Business: What is Skype?
Skype is a service provided by eBay which allows users to connect with anyone else in the world at no charge, as long as they also have Skype. You download the software to your computer and it allows you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers as a makeshift “telephone” through which you can make calls anywhere in the world. One of the reasons that Skype is so convenient is that the basic service is free as long as you are contacting other Skype users.
How Skype Can Benefit Your Business: The SkypeIn Service
If the regular free Skype service unbiased isn’t getting it done, they are now beta-testing the new SkypeIn service. This allows you to purchase a local phone number anywhere in the world and use it from your own home. For example, let’s say that you live in New York but lots of your clients are based in Los Angeles. You would purchase a SkypeIn phone number for Los Angeles, and anyone who lives in that area can call your phone for free. You can purchase up to ten SkypeIn phone numbers, and each costs around $40 per year.
How Skype Can Benefit Your Business: The SkypeOut Service
Since everyone is not hip to the new Skype trend, you will probably want to call friends and colleagues who have regular old land lines and mobile phones, which is entirely possibly with the SkypeOut service. You can expend this service to call any landline or mobile phone in the U.S. for free, and they even have reasonable rates for international calls. This is definitely ample when you have lots of clients with Skype, but a few who don’t have it yet.
How Skype Can Wait On Your Business: Skype Voicemail
The Skype Voicemail service works impartial like any other voicemail service. When friends, family, colleagues or clients call your Skype phone and you are unavailable (offline or busy at work, for instance), they can leave a message for you to retrieve later. If you have been in business for long, you know how important it is to have a professional voicemail message when you simply can’t salvage to the phone. The Skype voicemail service is free when you purchase one or more SkypeIn lines, or you can purchase it separately for around $20.
How Skype Can Benefit Your Business: The Skype DualPhone
This is a relatively fresh device that works grand if you use both a work landline and a Skypeline for your business. The DualPhone connects to a USB port in your computer for your Skype service and connects to your wall plug for your landline. It will remove both calls, but it does pick up a little confused when two calls are coming in at the same time. You might want to wait on this product until they work out all the bugs.
How Skype Can Benefit Your Business: The Drawbacks to Skype
As I’ve mentioned before, the new Skype services are relatively new and they aren’t error-free. If you are concerned about losing calls or if you are uncomfortable with techno-gadgets, it might be best to wait until a more improved version of Skype is on the market. This is not to say that Skype isn’t adequate – it is – but sensetive calls might be better made from a regular mobile or landline service.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Lines by on Oct 31st, 2010.
Dell has released a fresh line of computer with limited businesses in mind. There is a wide variety of machines in this line to fit any spot that you may have. There are desktops and laptops both, with the desktops being lauded as having the power to be a small server for your company. This may all sound good, but is it really true? There are many critics out there, but there are two sides to every story and that includes tech reviews. Keeping in the realm of cramped business, we will take a study at the basic version of the Vostro laptop. Most entrepreneurs are looking for the cheapest solution to a problem. The Vostro 1014 and 1015 have answered this call. These are referred to as the “primary” versions on the Dell website. These two do not have any color options for the exterior, but black matches everything, right? The biggest difference between the two machines is the size. The 1014 is slightly smaller and lighter than the 1015. Appearance should be tossed out when you need performance though. Here is a look “under the hood” on these two models to see if they can really stand up to the test.
When it comes to the tech specs, there is really only one difference between the two models. The memory on the 1015 is up to 8 Gigs, while the 1014 is only upgradeable to 4 Gigs. Other than this, the two machines are identical. They both have a 320 Gig hard drive and 8x DVD +/- RW. They also have the same Core 2 Dual processor and all other components. There is very little difference between the two base models, and at the same price, it would be better to go with 1015 for the extra memory space. Since most people do not upgrade the memory anyways, there is really no difference other than size. The price is also identical at $399 each for the base model.
Now that we have touched on the tech specs, how does it really work? Is it worth my investment? These are likely the questions on your mind. This really depends on what you need it for. The base models do not have Bluetooth installed. You have to upgrade to this. This can be crippling to a small business. If you want to sync these machines with your phone, or even use a wireless mouse or docking location, you will have to upgrade. The other downside to this machine is the sound. If you do not have headphones, do not get this machine. No matter how much you upgrade it, the sound stinks. It has a single speaker mounted in the bottom and you can not hear anything, even at max volume. You will have to use a third party amplifier, and these have been known to blow speakers, crash the system, eat up all of your memory, cause streak, etc. If you make a lot of conference calls or video messaging for your business, be prepared to toss more money on the brand price. There is no built in microphone or camera. Both of these will need to be added. Once again, the sound does not earn loud enough for a favorable conference unless you use headphones.
Overall, the video and sound capabilities of this machine are very lacking. No matter how much you upgrade or invest into this machine, the sound is sub-par and the graphics seem gigantic and pixilated. For many businesses that rely on communication via the computer, this can be a real dilemma. If you do not need the video conferencing and have some headphones, this is your machine. The basic $399 version is really all that you need performance wise. It has the hard drive to handle all of your customer, supplier, financial, and other databases. The sleek and shiny look are also sure to heed at meetings. The leer and speed of these machines is huge.
The price is another tremendous problem for this machine. Dell has begun to get into the fast food mindset with the dollar menu lures. These machines are priced dirt cheap, but when you actually get into what is included, the price gets pretty high, pretty fast. The $399 version is very tempting, but many people are not comfortable with using Ubuntu Linux. Of course, you can not upgrade simple items like many of the al a cart PC ordering systems. You have to upgrade to a whole new package to get Windows, and another package to get Bluetooth. By adding in some trash you do not need with the tools that you must have, the cost gets out of control quickly. You will want to piece one of these together before you buy one. There are so many options and they are very difficult to customize. If you only want one or two options added, you may be stuck buying the whole package. When you get the perfect combination, the price is no longer perfect and is usually better elsewhere. You could even try piecing together an Inspiron if you are a Dell fan.
Overall, these systems are solid and can handle your business needs. The sound is a huge factor that many people are not happy with. The fact that you can buy a comparable machine for much less at a Best Buy or Office Depot. The base price of this may awe you into it, but it is not as cheap as it sounds. The upgrades that you will need to incorporate will get really expensive, really fast. The sound is also weak and, without external speakers or headphones, will cause you to strain even at max volume. Overall, this is a good computer for a small business, if you only use it for the day to day tasks that you need. If there is any video conferencing or if you need Windows or Bluetooth, there are some better options out there.
Sources:
*The above source was used for technical specs. Evaluation of this products performance was conducted in person by the author.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Lines by on Sep 14th, 2010.