By Janet L. Hall
EEK! A Mouse on My Desk? A Wizard in My Window! What is this STUFF? By: Janet L. Hall
I sometimes forget, as many of you might, that not everyone I talk or write to is as knowledge as I am using a computer or the Internet. Now I’m not claiming to be an expert, but I do have a lot of experience.
My computer experience started long before PC’s were on every desk or the Internet. At first I was a key card operator. I typed information onto a long card, a Holerith. Some of you might remember these cards in your phone or utility bill. DO NOT BEND, FOLD, STAPLE, or PUNCH!
I went from punching cards to teaching a software program, ALL-IN-1. Then for almost eight years I didn’t go near a computer. A mouse, what’s that? Windows, Instant Messaging, Internet, Browser – I didn’t have a clue!! However because of the limited knowledge I had acquired, I soon found myself able to figure out and maneuver my way around a computer and the Internet.
You are probably wondering why I’m telling you all this.
Well, last year when I was at a conference, I heard many of the attendees asking, “Do I really need a web site or email for my business? I don’t even know what a browser is, let alone HTML code!”
Not everyone has the experience that you or I might. Everyday thousands of people are turning on a computer for the first time or getting on the Internet for the first time. Or worse, fed up and frustrated because they don’t have any help. So here in the Computer Corner I’d like to start a new series starting with definitions and then taking you step-by-step through the world of owning and creating a web site.
Ready?
Address-Location of a file or Web Page. On the Internet, also know as the URL. Backup-Save your computer information on your hard drive that you save to another form of media. Boot-To start up your computer I couldn’t possibly list all computer definitions in this article but I hope this small list will help you understand some of the terms and abbreviations that are second nature to some of us. (that means grin! But that’s another lesson).
They are many places on the Internet where you can find computer dictionaries but don’t forget you can click on Help at the top of your screen and click on Index and type in a definition or term you are looking for.
Smiles, not Piles, Janet L. Hall is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, and Author. She is the owner of OverHall Consulting, and
Browser-Sometimes called a Web Browser. This is the software program you use to move around the Internet, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape. Cache-Temporary storage area for Windows and Internet places recently used files, or pages visited. Case Sensitive-The difference between upper case letters and lower case letters, such as JANET or janet. CD-ROM-Computer Disc Read-Only Memory. High capacity storage. Also known as a CD. CD-ROM Drive-Hardware device needed to use a CD. Can be internal or external. Click-Press and release the left or right side of your mouse. Clipboard-Temporary stored information that you’ve Cut or Copied from a program, file, or document that you might want to paste into another program, file, or document.
Command Prompt-symbol that looks like C: or A:. A place where you might need to type instructions – commands. CPU-Central Processing Unit, Chip in your computer that’s responsible for executing program instructions. Cursor-Little blinking line on your computer screen that shows you where you are or where your next letter will appear when you type. Default-predicted setting, such as whenever you create a document, the font and font size are always the same setting unless you change it. Defragmentation-Process of rewriting files to adjacent sections of a hard disk. Parts of files can become fragmented – spread over different areas of your hard disk (drive) which causes slower disk speed.
Dial-Up Network-A way to connect to the Internet through a modem and telephone lines. Directory-
Disk Drive-Hardware where your files are stored, typically labeled C: or (C:). Download-Copy files from one computer to another, such as download a file or program from the Internet to your computer. Driver-Software to control hardware, such as a print driver. DSL-
DVD-High-capacity compact disc that can store data. Must have a DVD disc drive or player. E-Mail-Electronic messages sent over the Internet or a network. Favorite-Link to a favorite Web page you have saved the address to. Think of this as a shortcut to pages you like to visit often but don’t want to remember or type the address in each time you want to visit.
HTML-Hypertext Markup Language is a language used to create Web pages. Sometimes referred to as HTML Code. Home Page-Introductory or *main * page of a Web site.
Icon-Picture representing a program, or other items, such as the icon on your desktop of MY Computer. Internet-Worldwide network of computers
Internet Service Provider (ISP)-Company that provides you with Internet access using your modem or other * connecting *device, such as DSL. Link-Text, usually blue, or a picture you can click on to go (move or jump) from one location to another. Log On-Identifying yourself to gain access to a computer or a Web site, usually requiring you to type in your user name and a password. Menu-List of commands or options that appear at the top of most windows. Menu bar-Bar at top of screen that contains command buttons File, Edit, View, etc. Modem-Hardware to transmit data from one computer to another using a phone line. Mouse-Hardware
Mouse Pointer-Sometimes referred to as Pointer. An icon, usually an arrow that appears on your screen and is controlled by the mouse. Move your pointer to click on a menu, link, icon, etc.
Network-Two or more connected computers that are used to share resources. Reboot-To restart your computer without shutting down completely. Right-Click-The right button on a mouse when clicked will display a shortcut menu. Search Engine-Tool that searches the Web for information you are looking for. Shortcut-Icon that links to a file, folder, or program. Shut Down-Command that lets your computer know you are about to turn it off. Taskbar-Tool to navigate and open programs. Usually located at the bottom of your screen. Contains the Start button and other icons. Toolbar-Set of buttons you can click on to perform tasks. Universal Serial Bus-USB. Hardware for external device connections. URL (Uniform Resource Locator)-address, usually starts with http:// Window-Portion of screen that displays what you are looking at or what you have open. Wizard-Tool or instructions that will walk you through a task. World Wide Web (Web)-Graphical multimedia portion of the Internet.
Janet L. Hall is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, and Author and owner of OverHall Consulting. She has developed “The 5 W’s of Organizing, a TEASER, and a “TICKLE”ã”. She has written two organizing booklets, writes for several Internet magazines, conducts teleclasses, and has a FREE monthly organizing newsletter, OverHall IT! At http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm To find out more about her services and products, please visit her web site at http://www.overhall.com
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P.O. Box 263, Port Republic, MD 20676
All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute so long as article is kept intact, this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached.
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By Anonymous
Tempe, AZ March 16, 2004 -- Evolved Systems, Inc. (dba Supply and Service), provider of facility operations technology, announced today that C.H. Stone Plumbing of Los Angeles, CA has begun realizing the benefits of an online service desk.
C. H. Stone Plumbing Co., Inc. provides services to the industrial, commercial, institutional, manufacturing, medical and defense industry. The plumbing company has stood above the competition by provide exceptional customer service. C.H. Stone Plumbing has further extended their client support through softWrench™, their website and online service desk. Through C.H. Stone’s new website their key clients will have the ability to request, update and check progress on work requests through the internet providing yet another way for C.H. Stones clients to request work anywhere they have access to the internet.
“Supply and Service has exceeded our expectations of providing us with a web based request tool. They have also taken the IT management of these products off of our hands and made the implementation process quick and seamless. They understand our processes and needs and have definitely met our expectations,” said Timothy Brink, President of C.H. Stone Plumbing.
Three of C.H. Stone’s primary clients will start using softWrench at the end of March 2004. All requests whether called in or written down by a technician in the field will be entered into softWrench creating one place for all service request information. C.H. Stone will also be able to tie work through softWrench into their accounting application making billing more accurate and timely.
‘Our applications have helped our clients streamline their processes that saves them time, provides them with better reporting and reinforces or established best practices”, said Ted Ritter President of Supply and Service. ‘C.H. Stone will see return on investment quickly because of their dedication to the applications and the process.’
About Supply and Service
Since 1997, Supply and Service offers facility operations technology solutions benefiting building owners, property managers and service contractors. The company provides application hosting and long term support solutions for Maximo and softWrench™, the facility portal, which integrates work order management, move management, conference room scheduling, mobile suite, floor plans, and lease administration. Customers realize benefits in weeks rather than months and can quickly make sound decisions based on comprehensive reporting, trending, and cost savings. More information on Supply and Service can be found at www.supplyandservice.com.
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By BZ Riger-Hull
1. Hold the intention that the only three things aloud on your writing desk is a lamp, a small vase for flowers, and a photograph or two. That's it! When you get up from your desk put everything else away except those three things.
2. Sort your mail as soon as it comes in, then recycle, throw out, file, or respond. No piles and no promise to go through it later.
3. Spend ten minutes a day walking through your house with a large shopping bag. Grab at least three things from each room in the house that you can throw away.
4. Have a special reading box or basket- Sort through magazines or articles you want to read and tear out the articles you are interested in and recycle the rest of the magazine.
5. Make sure you sort your email so you never have more than 3-5 things in your in box at any one time.
6. Set up project files in Word to keep track of important things you are working on. Designate a separate file for each project or focus. You won't have to hunt for your information when you need it.
7. Shred unwanted office paper and use it for garden mulch, cat litter, or starting a nice crackling fire in the fireplace.
8. Learn to say NO. Or at least get in the habit of asking for a day to think the request over. This will clear out clutter from your schedule.
9. Make a rule that everything has a drawer, cabinet, basket, bin, or shelf it belongs on put nothing on the flat surfaces in your house.
10. Write down all of those things that are running around your brain nagging you. Sort them into three categories.
1. Things that will help me accomplish my goals that are Really important to me.
2. Things I think are urgent or burning.
3. Things I should do. Be honest and ruthless when you sort this list.
Stop doing everything that falls under # 3. Everything that falls under # 2 Delegate these to someone else or eliminate them all together. The # 1 items are the only things you want to spend your time working on.
BZ Riger-Hull is the Success Coach. She helps Business Professionals and Entrepreneurs create Success, Balance, and Wealth on their Own Terms. Read Excerpts from her book The Soul of Success, get tips and practical strategies for success from the Inspirit Newsletter subscribe, go to
http://www.in-spiros.com