Computers

  • Acrobat: PDF makes it simple

    To convert a file to PDF, send the file to Acrobat by "printing" the file and selecting the Acrobat printer that will appear on your printer list after installation. Once created, PDF files retain the formatting of the original document and will look the same when printed.

     
  • Excel task list to replace Post-It notes

    Larson used Excel to create an electronic message board on the company's 10 networked computers. Larson says the Task List helps reduce clutter, but more important, it improves staff communication.

     
  • Using PowerPoint to project kitchen and bath designs

    In his quest to offer the most professional presentation possible, Thompson Price has turned to PowerPoint and a large screen to show his customers their kitchen designs. "When someone sees their kitchen in full-scale view on the screen, they are impressed," says the president of Callier & Thompson...

     
  • Windows Quick Launch tool bar

    The Quick Launch bar speeds you up by bringing your key applications and files within one click's reach of your desktop. If your Quick Launch bar isn't already loaded, right-click in any blank spot on the task bar (the bar at the bottom of your screen).

     
  • Quickbook for Contractors not favored

    QuickBooks Premier: Contractor Edition adds a handful of contractor-specific features to the 2003 Premier Edition. At $499.95 for a single user (or $379.95 for an upgrade), the software costs considerably more than the remodeler-approved QuickBooks Pro ($279.95 new, $179.95 for an upgrade).

     
  • Customers dictate design with laser pointers

    Designer Joe Dellano extends the potential of these interactive presentations using equipment more often found in corporate conference rooms.The president of Design Solutions, Arlington, Mass., runs Chief Architect and AutoCAD on his laptop and connects the computer to an LCD projector that...

     
  • Keeping multiple computers in sync

    Know the importance of keeping multiple computers in sync. Here are several proven solutions.Step up to PeerSync, starting at $299, to sync a whole network of users (www.peersoftware.com).LapLink starts at $100 (www.laplink.com), and PCAnywhere costs $180 (www.symantec.com).

     
  • Using A Digital Camera and Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Multimedia Presentations

    To increase referrals, compile an end-of-project "memories" CD, with crew interviews, clips of the client's family, and critical project documents. Other ideas: sales presentations featuring customer testimonials and training presentations with expert installers.

     
  • Using spreadsheets for organized record keeping

    Over the years, I've tried to find a method of looking at my company's records that could render an accurate picture of our financial profile. Ultimately, with a good analysis of accurate data, I hoped we could make changes in how the company did business that might significantly improve our bottom...

     
  • Reader's Choice

    Jeff Bangs has been installing Corian in countertop applications for 13 years and has found the material easy to repair, allowing homeowners to maintain their countertop's appearance through the years. 6.0 Contact Management & Business Software, by Best Software Company, www.act.com.