Changing the subject

Ever get frustrated by email messages with vague or generic subject lines? I once had a colleague who would use “From Mary” as the subject line of every email. This wasn’t helpful because, of course, her sender email already told me it was from her – what I wanted to know was what it was about!

It is particularly frustrating if you need to keep these emails for later reference. If you use Outlook however, there is a solution. Did you know you can edit the subject line of received emails? With the email open simply click in the subject line and type the new subject. When you close the email you’ll be asked if you want to save the changes you’ve made. Just click yes and your new subject line is saved. Then you can file the message knowing it will be easy to locate when required.

In some versions of Outlook you can even change the content of received messages and save those changes. I must caution against this in certain professions or circumstances. If you ever need to rely on the email as evidence it may be complicated if you have made changes. In these circumstances it would be good practice to leave the original subject line and add your own to it, rather than replacing it entirely. In the example above I would leave the original and add my specifics as “ From Mary – re client requirements XYZ Co”.

Tempted to buy a new laptop?

End of financial year (EFY) sales are starting and the government has just given small business owners a huge incentive to purchase for EFY (complete write off for assets less $20,000*). But, before you run out and buy that new laptop, make a check list of the things you like and more importantly, the things you don’t like, in your existing laptop.

Here are some of the features people forget to consider when buying a new laptop:

• How many USB ports do you use?
• Do you use a camera USB port?
• If you use the function keys – are they function keys or do you need to press the FN key to make the function keys work (this is one thing I forgot last time and I hate having to press the FN key)?
• Do you need a network connection or you are happy to work with Wi-fi?
• How does your printer connect – via cable or Bluetooth?
• Do you want to read or write to a CD/DVD?
• Are you looking for a touch screen?
• Do you like the layout (and feel) of the keyboard?

Lastly, but importantly, how much grunt do you need? Look for at least an i7 processor with a minimum of 8 gig of RAM (you may have to get this installed when purchasing) and Windows 8 Professional (this provides better security).

* If you are unsure if you are eligible for this tax deduction please refer to your accountant.

Easy attachments in Outlook

Here’s a neat trick for those using Outlook trying to add an attachment to a new email.

Normally when you forward an email, any attachments on the original won’t attach to the forward automatically.  To avoid the hassle of saving the attachment(s) to your system and re-attaching them, try this …

Open your original email (or view it in the reading panel), right click on the attachment you want and select copy.  Then go to your new email and anywhere in the content area, right click and select paste – a neat little trick.

10, 9, 8….2, 1, we have a launch!

This week was an exciting one for me. Although my book “Technology Made Simple for Start-up Businesses” has been published for some time, it was officially launched earlier this week.

The book has been written in an easy to understand style, just like having coffee with a knowledgeable friend. In keeping with that style a launch event was held at Nude Deli Cafe and the book was introduced by local business celebrity, Vicki Clark. Thanks to both Vicki and the cafe for their support.

The idea for this book was ignited by receiving many of the same questions from clients and colleagues. Questions like “how do I know what technology I need for my business?” or “how do I decide what new gadgets or software to buy?”.

In “Technology Made Simple” the key ingredients of a successful small business are examined and linked to what technology you need and more importantly, how you make the right choices for your business.

Whether you’re starting your own business or simply need help navigating the maze of technology options available to us today, this book will help demystify the constantly changing and seemingly confusing world of IT.

“Technology Made Simple” is available now via Amazon Kindle or in print version. I hope it helps you in your business venture!

Useful Windows keyboard shortcuts

Here are some of my favourite Window shortcuts. Yes, you can click with your mouse but you may find mastering some of the more common commands will help you work faster and without interruption.

Try these out:

F1 – Windows Help

F10 – Shows menu options

CTRL + ESC – Opens the Start Menu

CTRL + SHIFT + ESC – Opens the Task Manager Dialog box

ALT + F4 – Closes the application or current window you are in

Windows + M – Minimises all windows to desktop

ALT + F6 – Move between multiple windows in the same program

ALT + TAB – Move between open programs.