Best Anti-Virus Software For Your Android And iPhone Device

The increasing popularity of different operating systems paves the way for more security threats out there especially in the internet as one becomes vulnerable to malware, identity theft and other advanced internet attacks. Many of us forego the thought of buying anti-virus software as this is expensive and more often than not, valid for only a year or if you are interested, you can extend the license up to several years but the cost goes up as well.
However, getting antivirus software can be your best defense especially if your knowledge about computer repairs is limited. Although the software can be expensive, knowing which one is the best will hopefully provide the best value for your money. Additionally, there is some excellent free anti-virus programs out there that can help cover most of our security needs and would be perfect for those not-so technology savvy people out there.
Anti-Virus for your Mobile Devices
Depending on the OS that you have on your mobile device, the best software should include anti-malware apps especially if your OS is Android. Although Android is impenetrable by viruses, malware can hamper the functionality of your mobile device. The popularity of the Android OS also makes it a favorite for hackers so do ensure that when you are installing software or apps, go directly to the official website such as Google PlayStore or if you have an iPhone, go check out iTunes.
If you want to install a security app for your Android device, consider checking the features of the apps. It is best to look for an app that thoroughly cleans, deletes malicious threats and offers real-time protection. Google's Android Device Manager works perfectly for Android users as well as CM Security, Malwarebytes, Avast, Sophos, Bitdefender and AVG. These antivirus are free though if you want added protection, you can also upgrade depending on what you need but for basic security, these are the best out there.
On the other side, if you are an Apple user, then be sure that you are well protected from viruses entering your iPhone especially if you do nothing but the basics like texting or calling. If you are opening emails and the likelihood of sending the said virus to other recipient is a real threat, then you can download some software that will help you scan your email's attachment. One of the best is the VirusBarrier but it is not a free app,. If you want a free one, do try Norton or McAfee.

  By Patrick Laurence

Tips and Tricks Make Excel a Fun Work

10 Excel Tips and Tricks which are dead useful:

1. Automatically SUM () with Alt + =: Did you know you could add an entire row or column by simply clicking the first empty cell? Click, press ALT + '=' and simply add up the numbers in every above cell.


2. Number Formatting Keyboard Shortcuts format: There is a true logic behind the keyboard shortcuts, which otherwise seem random to you. For example, to format a number as a currency you have to use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + 4. It may seem random to you, but SHIFT + 4 gives you a $ sign. So if you want to format a currency, you simply put CTRL + $. You can do the same with formatting a number as percent


3. CTRL + ' to display formulas: While in the process of misbehaving troubleshooting numbers, have a go at the formulas first. See the formula used in the cell by simply hitting the two keys: Ctrl + ' (also called the acute accent key) which is the furthest to left on the row with number keys. It is tilde (~) when you press shift.


4. Go directly to the Start and End of Column Keyboard: Sometimes, data sets are bottomless pits. You could scroll till the end of eternity or use the shortcut CTRL + down arrow to jump down the last filled cell or vice-versa.


5. Repeat the same formula for multiple cells: Typing the same formula for all cells, No! First you need to create the formula in the first cell, and then take the cursor to the right lower corner of the cell. See the cursor turning into plus? Now simply double click to copy the formula and drag it on the rest of cells in the column. Bingo, problem solved!


6. Delete/Add columns keyboard shortcut: It takes you all day to manage columns and rows in your spreadsheet. Here's how you save a little time: Press CTRL + minus and it will delete the column you have placed your cursor on and CHTRL + Shift will add a new column.


7. Adjusting width of column(s): There's a way to get rid of those useless #### entries. Simply click on the column header and move it on to the right side. Double click when the cursor becomes a plus sign and your work is done.


8. Copying a number or date pattern: This one is damn easy! Enter the information in two rows to establish the pattern. Highlight those and drag your cursor down to the number till which you want your cells to fill up respectively. This will work with numbers, dates and months.


9. Tab between worksheets: So cross-checking different worksheets every time means you have to touch the mouse and all that. Why don't you simply enter CTRL + PGDN and if you want to go reverse type CTRL + PGUP.


10. Double clicking format painter: With a simple mouse click, you can now duplicate a format in other cells with only a click. Many excel users use it by double clicking on the format painter to copy the format into multiple cells. Yay!

So these were some amazing excel tips that are deemed to come extremely handy in times when you need to save even an itsy amount of time. It is always easier when you make your data easier to manage.

By Patrick Kee

Difference Between Web and Software Development

As website and software are two different concepts, their history is also separate and not quite connected to each other. The British CERN physicist Tim Berners-Lee created the first World Wide Web (WWW) in the year 1990. Three years after the first website was built, CERN officially announced on 30 April, 1993, that the World Wide Web would be completely free to access for everyone. An interesting fact is that earlier, before the invention of HTML and HTTP, protocols such as the Gopher Protocol and File Transfer Protocol were used to retrieve specific files from a server.

Conversely, there is a long standing debate over the creation of the first fully made software program. It is said that the first piece of software was produced by Ada Lovelace during the 19th century for the proposed analytical engine. Unfortunately, the program never got implemented. Again, there are concrete records that the first software theory was proposed by Alan Turing in his famous essay, Computable numbers with an application to the Entscheidungs problem.

Many people assume that both websites and software are created on similar platforms. However, this is not true as their functions and utilities are completely different. A website is a place you visit in your web browser while a software system is an application that is installed and used on a computer. It is a non-tangible part of a computer.

A typical website is hosted on one or more computer servers. Its area is linked to the internet to run single or multiple webpages. A software package includes written programs and related documentation for operating distinct functions of a computer system. In most cases, these programs are stored in read or write memory. Interestingly, both these technical functions have turned into largest businesses of 21st century. Innumerable software development companies have sprung up in the recent past and their share in the gross world product (GWP) is also increasing meteorically.

Again, it is important to mention here that the job of software developers is to create software programs that also run on servers, internet, browsers, etc. In other cases, it runs on computer systems and electronic devices. Nonetheless, the software developers need to learn much more about the fundamental operating system platforms. A higher level of expertise in programs is expected from them in comparison the web developers. The goal of a software development company is to provide cost-effective and reliable solutions to various businesses matching their relevant needs.

By Prakash Singh Chauhan 

Recruitment Management Software Is The Ideal Foil For The HR Department

Recruiting new employees for your company is a thankless job and is most often handled by the HR department. The department needs to continuously keep a check on the present employees while also keeping a track of the older ones, the prospective ones and many more. No wonder that HR departments are always over burdened. Due to this burden it is but imperative that there might be some mistakes and that only could change the whole demographics of the company. Mistakes by the HR department can turn out to be a whole lot troublesome and therefore utmost care must be taken by the HR while working.

The same goes for recruitment functions too and a small mistake means that you might lose a very good prospective employee without any valid reason. The recruitment procedure is a grueling task and often requires more than one person to properly conduct it. The tasks include collecting all relevant data and storing it, then going through the employee history, etc.

Then again the recruitment procedure also involves interviews which have to be regulated correctly. The interviews are not a very grueling task but it becomes difficult when the HR has to deal with the related paperwork too. Collect information about the candidate, get a background check and many other things are to be done. It is this task that makes a relative simple interview process look humanely impossible.

Above all that there are general tasks for the HR which regulates the procedure of the company and streamline the working. Such a plethora of things to do can be very taxing on a single individual and here in enters the revolutionary Recruitment Management Software.

This unique software could be the shoulder on which the HR department can load all their burdens. The software is designed to carry out the taxing recruitment procedure in a simple and smooth way. It stores all the data, background checks and employee history and allows access to them whenever required. The basic idea behind the software is to streamline the recruitment procedure and to ensure the lack of human error. It also provides all information about a candidate at one place simply by clicking on the mouse. This specific ability gives the HR a definite edge and makes his job easier during the main interview process. The interview process becomes easier for the interviewer if he has all the information at his fingertips.

By Syreus Gupta

3 Major Benefits of Custom Software Application Development

Computer applications have reduced human effort significantly, apart from also improving service delivery within organizations. Many businesses have in the past adopted custom software solutions for diverse operations. The main aim of using these programs is streamlining business functions and enhancing the overall operational efficiency. In order to undertake custom software application development your firm needs to put together a team is comprising of a system analyst and programmer/custom software developer. You can also choose to hire custom software development companies to help you.

There are several advantages of utilizing custom software programs within an organization. These include:

1) Coordinating Business Processes

Business Web applications enable firms to achieve coordination of various processes, through a central information repository, an act that boosts communication in different departments. Various stakeholders can utilize the centralized software in the firm, which enhances efficiency and service delivery. Developers of custom business software analyze organizational needs then come up with software best customized for the firm.

2) Updating New Content

Your company can update as well as manipulate content within custom business web applications. This provides them with an avenue to host new, accurate details on the website. Such applications help your firm to keep up with the latest industry trends. A web developer can easily install new tools plus designs in websites that are already customized. A fresh and regularly updated online presence will help your firm to not only retain old clients but also attract new ones.

3) Integrating Business Functions

Software developers design custom mobile apps while having your company in mind. These programs are crafted to fit into your organization's processes without a glitch. Their aim is to integrate the multiple functions performed by your staff within the organization. Users of custom mobile applications need not try fitting their processes into a different application. Management and employees both get relieved by the gains which come from adopting custom mobile apps. Procedures for training are easy, as employees would have been acquainted with the processes used.

It is in fact your staff that designs the custom software applications utilized by your organization. As a result, your business firm will not require obtaining any licenses in order to operate them, since it owns the license and rights of using that software. This means your company can do anything with it. Custom software application development comes in handy especially where huge numbers of personnel get to use them for free. An additional benefit is that your company will also not require any authorization when conducting changes in future to accommodate business growth.

By Harikrishna B. Patel

Benefits of Reponsive Design

In today's world where mobile devices are fast gaining popularity and are infect replacing laptops and desktops, a large segment of users prefer to carry out most of the tasks using these. In fact so fast has been the growth rate in this segment that neither social networking platforms like Facebook nor the major e-commerce vendors can overlook this segment now. It is therefore important in these times to have the website mobile ready so as not to miss a major chunk of traffic coming visit the mobile devices. There are many ways in which a website may cater to the mobile devices but responsive design is the one
that has become most popular in recent time owing to the many benefits it accrues. In this article we will outline some of the major advantages of this approach:

1] One consolidated website that gives the same user experience as there is no need to have a separate URL with a different mobile copy of the website.

2] Since there is no need for a separate mobile copy of the website, this approach proves to be cheaper and less time taking where as to build a separate mobile site would mean investing more time and resources. This also proves to be quiet effective in terms of man hours since the administrator dos not need to manage two separate websites.

3] Maintaining the aesthetics. Responsive design allows the website to break the website vertically and fit it in according device screen size thus allowing all the images and styles to b kept intact. It also eliminates the need to cut down on images as well as using smaller sized images.

4] Major search engines like Google not only prefers but in fact recommends that the website be responsive since responsive sites use a single URL to cater to the mobile as well as computer traffic, this makes it easy for the search engines to keep track by crawling and indexing the sites. Such sites are often given preference when users search for local service specially, via mobile devices.

5] Increased conversion rate. As outlines earlier many a users nowadays prefer browsing the net using mobile devices. If such users land on a website that is not responsive, they would have a hard time browsing such a website with both vertical and horizontal scrolls. There is also a high probability that website may be rendered improperly on the device. Such users are most likely to leave the website quickly this increasing the bounce rate. Whereas for a responsive website the changes are much higher that the user will stay on and browse the website. This becomes very important in context of e-commerce websites where this may result in higher conversion rates and sales.

With this we have outlined the major benefits of responsive design as briefly as we could without beating around the bush. We hope that this will help you understand the importance of responsive design and would encourage you to adopt this yourself. So go in for responsive design and stay a step ahead of your competitors.

By A. Chaudhary

Load Test Software Can Help Eliminate Problems After Website Launch

Every company in the world has a website. Customers using the internet to source products and services have increased astronomically over the years with the majority of customers that purchase in-store, still doing online research before making any purchases.

Customers are also likely to compare prices with other companies while they stand in a store, ensuring they are getting the best deals. What this means is that you need a fast loading website, which enables customers to find what they are looking for in the shortest period of time.

As with any website, there will be some problems along the way, but these can be managed and fixed before launch using load test software.

The first step is to choose the load test software you want to use. There are a number of options available, so its worthwhile doing some homework, seeing how each one compares in terms of what it checks and it's reporting and then makes a purchase. You should complete this step before you start on the website development stages; you want the load test software ready from the first stages of your design.

Whether you're developing the site yourself or you've hired a team, this type of software should be used throughout the process. You should start testing as early as possible, ensuring that the site can manage the load before you launch it to your customers.

Put a plan in place, your developer should have targets they have to meet each week. You should get a complete report as and when each target is met, helping you ensures that the site development is on track. Incorporated into this you should ensure that the developer uses the load test software you have purchased and puts the stages through the necessary testing processes as part of this weekly report.

The advantage to this is that any problems can be identified immediately and fixed; it reduces the risk of the site costing you more money in the long run. The last thing you want is to launch your site and after a couple of weeks, realize there is a problem as more and more customers visit the site. The site should be able to manage large volumes of visitors without being compromised in terms of speed and affect ability.

Focus on the load testing at all times. This should be an important part of the entire development process and can help you ensure that your site is ready when it comes to launch day. Also it will help you determine how many users can be online at any given time, if you are expecting large volumes, this software will help you ensure that your site can manage what is thrown its way.

Load test software should also enable you to run duration tests to see the system's behavior and what is its breaking point, so to speak. This will also help you determine how the system will react after a crash.

Any software you purchase should have a reporting feature, which will help you keep track of the systems progress as you move through the development stages. The advantage to this is that as and when repairs are carried out to fix identified problems, you can revert to the report to see if improvements have been made and what still requires work.

In the long run, this software is designed to help you ensure that the site you launch is ready for a large volume of customers for long durations of time. If there are any hardware, software, coding or memory issues, you can pick it up straight away and fix the problem before moving on to the next stage.

By Simon Pri

Why Saleslogix CRM Is the Way to Go

Everyone needs a way of taking care of their customers. When you want to be sure you have a step above the competition, you have to remember all of the details to your customers. This includes the important things like what they bought and when they bought it as well as some of the more intimate details, like their spouse's name and their birthday.

When you use Saleslogix CRM, you have the ability to have better interactions with your staff. There are applications built to remember the details - and even to work in the mobile environment.

The truth of the matter is more people are outside of the office than ever before. You have salesmen out on the roads more often than they are in their office. As they interact with customers, you need to be sure they have the details in front of them. Saleslogix CRM ensures this happens because they will have access to an extensive database.

You need to have a lot of flexibility. If an application is incapable of providing you with the information you need, it isn't doing its job. You could lose customers by not having the details in front of you. For example, if a customer has to repeat the same information to you each time they see you, how long do you think that is going to last?

There are too many companies using CRM programs to not use one on your own. You need to interact on a higher level with your customers and this is where Saleslogix CRM can help you. A significant amount of information will feed into the database and can meet both your IT and business needs. You will have a powerful platform that works in the cloud.

Anytime someone updates the database, your people in the field will have access to the changes. As a result, when they go to pull information about a customer, they will see all of the most up to date information - and customers will appreciate the knowledge shown by those within your company. They will remember that you were able to go the extra mile.

If you can't go the extra mile, customers are eventually going to look for someone else to do business with. In today's day and age, customers know they can have anything they want. Customer service is at the top of the list in terms of what customers want and you have to be able to deliver.

Saleslogix CRM can provide a number of reports. You can learn about individual customers, determine what other products and services they want, and even determine what your overall demographic is based upon who is in your current database of employees.

You don't have to do everything manually. You don't have to send your sales staff into the field without critical information. The moment you employ Saleslogix CRM is the moment you decide to do things differently. Information is at your fingertips thanks to the cloud and much of the reporting is automated.

Houston-based CRMatic allows you to take control of your customers with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software system! CRMatic is Houston's premier CRM software provider because we offer a wide variety of CRM software solutions and provide the necessary consulting services to customize any system to match the way your company does business.

By Jeff Weigang

Understanding How Anti-Virus Software Works

A computer virus is a self-replicating program which installs itself on your computer without your consent. It does so by inserting itself into other programs, data files, or the boot sector of your hard drive. Once this happens, the affected areas are said to be 'infected'.

The vast majority of viruses perform some sort of harmful activity on their hosts. A virus may access your confidential information (such as your banking details), corrupt data or steal hard disk space or processing power, log your key-strokes and spam your contacts. If you are extra lucky, however, it might only display humorous, scatological or political messages on your screen.

Anti-virus software is used to detect and remove computer viruses. It consists of two basic types: signature scanners and heuristic detectors. Signature scanning is used to identify known threats, while heuristics are used to find unknown viruses.

Infected files

In the old days... less than a decade ago... most viruses were contained in executable (or program) files, ie files with extensions such as .exe or .com, so anti-virus software only had to check these kinds of files. Nowadays anti-virus software has to check a greater variety of files, including Microsoft Word documents and other non-executable (and seemingly harmless) files.

In MS Word, a macro is a set of instructions you record and associate with a shortcut or name. You can use a macro, for example, to save the text of a legal disclaimer. You can then add the text to any document you are writing (without having to retype the disclaimer) by just pressing the particular shortcut key combination or clicking the macro name.

Despite the time they can save, macros present a risk. Rogue programmers can use them to hide viruses within documents which they send as email attachments to unsuspecting victims. Once they open the attachments, the victim's computer is infected.

Nasty little programs can also be embedded in other non-executable files, so that opening these files can result in infections.

Some email programs, such as MS Outlook Express and Outlook in particular, are vulnerable to viruses embedded in the body of an email. You can infect your computer just by opening or previewing a message.

Identifying viruses

There are several methods which antivirus software can use to identify files containing viruses: signature scanning, heuristic detection, and file emulation.

Signature scanners

Signature-based detection is the most common method of identifying viruses. It involves searching the contents of a computer's boot record, programs, and macros for known patterns of code that match known viruses. Because viruses can embed themselves anywhere in existing files, the files have to be searched in their entirety.

The creators of the anti-virus software maintain the characteristics of known viruses in tables called dictionaries of virus signatures. Because thousands of new viruses are being created every day, the tables of virus signatures have to be updated regularly if the anti-virus software is to be effective when it checks files against these lists.

To avoid detection, rogue programmers can create viruses that encrypt parts of themselves or that modify themselves so that they do not match the virus signatures in the dictionary.

In practice, the signature-based approach has proved very effective against most viruses. However it cannot be used to find unknown viruses, or viruses that have been modified. To counter these threats, heuristics need to be used.

Heuristic detectors

Heuristic-based detection involves trial-and-error guided by past experience. Heuristic detectors will, for example, look for sections of code that are characteristic of viruses, such as being programmed to launch on a particular date.

The use of generic signatures is a type of heuristic approach that can identify variants of known viruses by looking for slight variations of known malicious code in files. This makes it possible to detect known viruses that have been modified.

File emulation

File emulation is another heuristic approach. It involves running a file in a sandbox, an isolated part of a computer in which untrusted programs can be run safely, to see what it does.

The actions the program performs are logged and if any of these are deemed to be malicious, the anti-virus software can carry out appropriate actions to disinfect the computer.

Memory-resident anti-virus software

Memory-resident anti-virus software installs programs in RAM that continue to operate in the background while other applications are running.

A computer's hard disk is where computer programs and files are stored, while RAM (random access memory) is the memory that programs use when they are running. When starting, a program is first loaded into RAM. Once programs have finished running they exit RAM. In addition, RAM is volatile, ie when the power is turned off everything in RAM is wiped out. By contrast, the programs and files on your hard disk remain when your computer is powered off.

Memory-resident anti-virus programs monitor a computer's operations for any action associated with viruses, such as downloading files, running programs directly from an internet site, copying or unzipping files, or attempting to modify program code. It will also be on the look out for programs that try to remain in memory after they've been executed.

When they detect suspicious activity, memory-resident programs halt operations, display a warning message, and wait for the user's OK before allowing operations to resume.

Drawbacks

Despite its undoubted benefits, antivirus software has a few drawbacks. Because it uses computer resources, it may slow your computer down a bit, though this is not usually very significant.

No anti-virus software can provide full protection against all viruses, known and unknown. Once installed, however, it can lull you into a false sense of security. You may also find it difficult to comprehend the prompts and decisions the software throws up on your screen now and then. An incorrect decision may result in an infection.

Most anti-virus software uses heuristic detection. This must be fine-tuned in order to minimise false positives, ie the misidentification of non-malicious files as a viruses.

False positives can cause serious problems. If an antivirus program is configured to immediately delete or quarantine infected files, a false positive on an essential file can render the operating system or some applications unusable. This has happened several times in recent years, even with major anti-virus service providers such as Symantec, Norton AntiVirus, McAfee, AVG and Microsoft.

Anti-virus software can also pose its own threat, because it usually runs at the highly trusted kernel level of the operating system, thus creating a potential avenue of attack. It needs to do this in order to have access to all potential malicious process and files. There have been cases where anti-virus software has itself been infected with a virus.

By Paul D Kennedy

Installed Software Vs. Cloud Software for Pet Boarders, Groomers, and Trainers

As a pet business, should you choose installed software or cloud software for managing your business data? This single decision may significantly affect not only your profitability, but also your customer's experience and your personal enjoyment of your job. Choosing the right software for your business can lead to more clients, more efficient operations, and a laid back environment for you to enjoy your pet business more!

Installed Software

With installed software, your business data is limited to your computer or network.

Most pricing models at first glance appear like a one-time only purchase, which can be at a high upfront cost, but reasonable when taking into consideration long term use. It is important to keep in mind that you will also need to purchase an annual support contract and that as new versions of the software become available, the old versions will stop being supported by the manufacturer meaning you need to purchase the new version. When considering this option; think of it more as chunk payments instead of month-to-month.

You will have control over when to update your software. Most companies send out updates every few months, which you can download manually from their website during after work hours so as not to disrupt operations during the day.

Most technologists would agree that installed software is a dying industry. It is not cheaper, not faster, and not updated as often as cloud based software.

However, if a person does not have a reliable internet connection and does not see the value in having a tablet or smartphone with a data plan, installed software may make sense.

Cloud Software

The first advantage cloud software has is mobility. Everything is online so you will be able to access your business data in real-time from any location. When you need to run errands, take a break, or go on a vacation with the family, you can still monitor your facility's activities.

Another advantage is compatibility. With cloud software, you will be able to view your business on multiple computers, tablets, and smartphones at the same time. You can use it on a PC and a MAC without having to purchase different versions -- as long as you have internet access, you can use your cloud based software. While your employees are managing a pet's profile from one device, the web browser on your device will be updated as well.

Pricing models are usually pay-as-you-go, month to month. This means that the software company must continue to earn your business month after month. This also makes the software less of a risky commitment because if you do not use or like your software then you can cancel at anytime.

Because cloud software companies take data integrity very seriously, sophisticated software will host data in a data center that is fully encrypted.

Cloud software companies will also automatically update the features and backup your data for you. There wouldn't be a need to restart your computer after updating.

Depending on the cloud-software provider you choose, your customers may also be able to book appointments with an online booking widget set up on your website. This gives you a 24/7 booking window, which is convenient for pet owners who only have time to set up appointments after working hours. Instead of automatically accepting each appointment, you also have the option to manually filter through the appointment requests before they are approved.

All in all, your software depends on how you want to run your business. Request a demo or walk-through of the software and explain your day-to-day tasks and services to the software companies you are considering. Like you, they are looking for customers with the right fit and whom are seeking services they can provide.

Compile a list of software features you absolutely need and ones you would be nice to have. This will give you a clearer vision of which software companies are worth the investment.

By Garret Tadlock

What Are the Benefits of Cloud CRM Software Applications?

Regardless whether a company is large, medium-sized or small, customer relationship management (CRM) is key. Building a customer base, and determining methods of retaining those individuals, is easier in today's marketplace, but it can still be difficult if one does not have the right tools. For small business, acquiring affordable software that make the process simpler requires managers who are familiar with current technologies and understand how to utilize them efficiently. What is the best cloud CRM software? And how can it help your business?

The internet has given software developers a platform that allows them to provide new solutions to existing problems. Since the inception of CRM, IT personnel (either virtual or actual) have been required to manage the intricacies of small business CRM. While building and maintaining customer relationships is key, it can also be costly. Fortunately, cloud CRM software has taken some of the expense out of customer maintenance.

No Internal IT Required

It is easier for a large company to absorb the costs of IT professionals. Small businesses need to watch every single dollar, so outsourcing any IT needs saves money. Unfortunately, this also limits a business in other ways. Without IT personnel ready to fix immediate issues and provide upgrades, business moves slower and time lost means potential money lost. With cloud CRM software, a company does not have to have a dedicated IT department for this part of their business. Cloud-based applications allow the business CRM to function within the structure of the internet which means that the service provider takes care of any IT needs. The business owner just needs to sit back and use the resources cloud CRM software provides to grow his or her customer base.

Streamlined Operations

Any idea takes a certain amount of time from inception to implementation, whether it has to do with CRM or not. Unfortunately, businesses do not have time to waste testing an idea and trying to determine the best fit prior to launching small business CRM. The cloud allows businesses to implement CRM quickly and pull the ideas just as rapidly if they are not working.

The Ability to Customize

Small businesses also need to be able to fit the CRM program to their specific needs without much hassle. Cloud CRM software allows the owner to tailor their customer relationship program to the product, the mission of the company, the price point or any other requirement that they may have. Some CRM programs run with reward points, others build an email list by showing customers value via a website, another may use a drip campaign. Whatever the particular type of business CRM deployed, it can easily be adapted.

Showing customers that they can both trust and buy into a company can be difficult. Establishing a relationship is easier when cloud CRM software is utilized. Dedicated IT personnel are not necessary, operations are quickly organized and the campaign can be effortlessly personalized. With these advantages, it makes sense for small business CRM operations.

By Edmund Brunetti

Transform Your Work Force in to Salesforce

Customer is the king for every business. A happy customer means returning revenues and profitable business. However, to keep the customer happy the workforce needs to be in harmony. If the employees are not satisfied with what they are doing, then how can you expect them to keep the customers happy?

So, the question arises how can the employee's work stress be minimized that will lead to profitable business? The answer to that lies in creating a bespoke CRM that goes along with its Implementation and Training; an impeccable way to help in streamlining workflow at an office. By getting a bespoke CRM devised for your work, you can eventually restructure the work policies and get the best out of the employees.

How does Salesforce implementation work? Let's take a look -

• Business review - the first step involves getting to know about the various facets of your business. Once that is done, the requirements of business become clear and it becomes easy to structure the CRM

• Bespoke Design - once the business process becomes clear, the next step involves designing a platform that goes well with the business requirements. This involves thorough planning of each and every step, and gathering the data that needs to be inserted in the software designed

• Refining Process - after the creation of initial platform, it becomes imperative to check if there are any flaws in it or not? Or, is there something that can be refined according to the business requirements. This refining is highly significant for the entire process, as it will lead to the creation of final product

• Training - when all the processes mentioned above have been completed, the final step becomes implementation of the CRM, to transform your workforce in to Salesforce, and its training. This involves making the administrators, as well as workers, equipped with sufficient information to handle the CRM and help the new people who join the team in future

Isn't that great?

With the help of a CRM consulting company, you can eventually get it all done, be it salesforce platform designing and implementation or the training part. This can virtually prove to be the most inspiring and beneficial thing for your business. After all, when the employees are satisfied with their work they are definitely going to think well for the organization and put more effort towards its success. This is what every business wants.

So, don't you want to give your business the boost? If yes, then get in touch with a consulting firm today!

By Jessi Shumway

Microsoft Word: Changing Your Document View

I love looking at an online map and having the choice of a traditional view or a satellite one. It is easier for me to find my route on a traditional view, but I also have the ability to see what the building I am looking for and the area around it actually looks like.

Have you used different views in Microsoft Word? Just like online maps, Word has more than one option when it comes to viewing a document.

Microsoft Word provides us with five different ways to view our documents. The default one is called 'Print Layout.' This shows how the text will look on each printed page and is invaluable when you are getting ready to print. This is, however, one of the last steps of word processing. The first step is to get all your ideas onto the document. Type all your text before you worry about how it looks on the page.

I recommend using 'Draft' or 'Outline' for the early stages of document creation. You will be able to see more text on your screen and you won't get side tracked by page elements like images, headers, or footers.

To change to one of these views, go to the View ribbon and choose a command in the Document Views group, or go to the right side of the status bar. Your status bar runs along the bottom of your screen. The right side of it may contain information like the page you are on, or how many words your document contains. The right side of it has the View buttons and the Zoom bar. If you hover your mouse above the buttons, a screen tip will appear to tell you the name of each view. You can also add the view buttons to your Quick Access Tool bar or use keyboard shortcuts, such as:

Alt + Ctrl + p - Pint Layout view.

Alt + Ctrl + o - Outline view.

Alt + Ctrl + n - Draft view. The Draft view used to be called the Normal view, hence the use of the letter 'n.'

Open a document and change to the Draft view.

To the left of your document you will see the style area. This does exactly what it suggests; it shows you the paragraph style that has been attached to each paragraph. If you want to change the style, double-click on the name of the current style to open the Style dialog box. From here you can select a different style or modify the existing one.

Applying a style to a paragraph is not really formatting. Once you have typed all your text and are ready to look at how it will present itself on each page, you may want to modify how the styles look. This would be formatting.

TIP: The width of the style area can be changed in the Word options.

1. File tab, Options

2. Advanced, Display group

3. Style area width in Draft and Outline views

4. Adjust the size

5. OK

If you are working with multiple heading levels, you may prefer to work in the Outline view. This also has the style area on the left, but has the added bonus of allowing you to collapse and expand the heading levels, so the text under each heading is hidden.

The Outline view allows you to easily rearrange your document by simply dragging paragraphs and headings to a new location in the document.

Choose the correct view to match your document creation needs.

Use the Print Layout view when you want to see what your document will look like when it is printed. You will see all the page elements like headers, footers and graphics.

Use the Draft View when you are concentrating on the text of a document. It will show you a single page with simple text format only. This not only helps you avoid being sidetracked by graphics and other page elements, it also lets you view more text on one screen.

As with anything new, using a different view may take a little while to get used to. Don't let this deter you. Saving the Print Layout view until you have created your text will help you work smart not hard.

Reen Rose is an empowerment expert who believes in aiding businesses of all sizes, by helping individuals and teams acquire the skills they need to be happy and successful in their work. She is an experienced Microsoft Certified Trainer, Microsoft Office Specialist Master and a Myers Briggs certified practitioner.

By Reen Rose