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Home-Based Business Needs: Buy a Laptop or Desktop?

A woman typing on a laptop

Image via Wikipedia

 

Investing in the right computer technology is a decision that cannot be taken lightly, particularly when your livelihood depends upon it. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding between a laptop and desktop for your home-based office.

Determine your portability needs. If you only use your computer when you are in your home-based office, then a desktop computer is ideal. However, if your business involves meeting with clients, making presentations and accessing information in airports and other locations, a laptop is a must. Laptop portability means that you will never feel limited and can conduct business from numerous locations.

Assess the costs. Desktop computers are generally cheaper than laptops. While it’s possible to find a used laptop that may be close to the price of a new desktop, a brand new laptop will generally cost you more. However, you may be able to write off the cost of the laptop as a business expense, so choose the type of technology that will help your business to prosper.

Consider the ergonomic aspects. Laptops are so popular these days that people don’t often consider the ergonomic superiority of desktops. A desktop sits in a stable position on your desk and doesn’t move. This means that you can adjust your position to have the right hand position for the mouse and a straight back to minimize back pain. Laptops can be moved to numerous locations leading to many sitting positions and possible wrist injuries.

Buy both a desktop and a laptop. The solution for many small business owners is to buy both a desktop and a laptop. This way you benefit from the portability of a laptop when needed, as well as the ergonomic benefits of a desktop computer.

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Protecting Your Personal Information at Internet Hotspots

Computer Time 

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Public wireless hotspots have become nearly ubiquitous, especially in urban areas. Almost everyone has typed the next great American novel while in a coffee shop or looked up places to eat in their hotel room. However, if you use public wireless Internet connections, you open yourself up to possible attacks or infiltration by other computers that are also sharing the public network with you.

There’s no need to worry though – you can protect your data with simple steps. You can’t make your computer completely invulnerable, they will present a barrier to anyone with ill intent and makes your computer a less likely target.

First of all, the most basic computer safety tip is to install antivirus or anti-malware software. Some are better than others to the point that some programs can actually help catch threats before they become a problem by recognizing the signs of common attacks or known malware on a webpage. Just a little research can help you find the right antivirus or antimalware protection for you, no matter what your budget.

Second of all, don’t log onto any websites that don’t use a secure session (indicated by the https:// in the URL). Your login credentials – whether to Facebook or to online merchants – can be captured by other people on the hotspot if you’re not logging in through a secure page. Some email clients, including Outlook Express, default to a non-secure session as well, so these should be avoided on a public connection unless you know that your session is secure.

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Most Commonly Used Tablet Software for Windows 7

Tablet PCs are gaining in popularity for their mobility and convenience. Whether you own a Blackberry Playbook or another type of tablet PC, knowing about the various tablet software options allows you to expand your horizons. Here are some commonly used Windows 7 tablet software applications.

IE9

IE9 is designed to create a user-friendly experience on a tablet, allowing you to navigate easily. Use the settings menu or toolbar icons to maneuver your way around the web with a secure connection.

Lotus Symphony

One of the more commonly used software applications is the commonly preloaded Lotus Symphony office productivity software. It allows you to compose and save word processing documents, presentations and spreadsheets. It makes the use of a tablet PC essential for the globetrotting businessperson.

Flickr

Flickr has an application for Windows 7 that is touch-friendly and easy to use. Share your pictures with your friends and view theirs. The joy of sitting in a park with your Blackberry Playbook viewing pictures of your loved ones from across the globe cannot be surpassed.

Kindle

If you are an avid reader, the Kindle for PC is useful on a small-sized tablet. You can easily download books and bookmark your reading spot. Enjoy the luxury of having books within reach no matter where you are.

OneNote

OneNote is for the creative person. If you like to write out notes by hand or draw diagrams, this software is useful. You can also record audio and coordinate it with your handwritten notes.

Windows 7 software applications for the tablet are numerous. Start with the most commonly used options and expand out from there.

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Free Internet Access Wherever You Are

The Fantastic 4 

Image by Kim Bach via Flickr

Whether you’re on vacation, traveling for work or just out and about in general, sometimes it’s important to have access to a free Internet connection. It could be as simple as answering an important email or as complex as needing to dedicate significant time to fix a problem but you can’t do either unless you’re prepared and know how to find a free Internet connection while on the move.

First of all, you’ll need a laptop with a wi-fi adapter or a desktop computer. If you travel with a wireless-ready laptop already, you’re halfway there toward getting the Internet access you need to stay connected with school, work, gaming buddies or loved ones.

Next, you need to find a wireless hotspot. Restaurants, downtown areas, libraries and other buildings and businesses are rapidly adding free, high-speed Internet connections to help cater to guests and potential customers like you. If you have time to look up possible hotspots before you leave on a trip, you can find lists of free wireless hotspots around the United States and other countries online. If your smart mobile phone has access to applications from the Apple Store, Blackberry App World or the Android Marketplace, you actually have access to several different applications that can provide you information on where the nearest public Internet hotspot is located.

If you didn’t get a chance to check where Internet connections would be before you left for your destination and you don’t have access to a smartphone, don’t despair. There are some popular places where you are likely to find free wireless Internet: coffee shops, some casual restaurants and hotels.

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