What’s your plan? (introduction)
Posted by Paul Mayson on June 30, 2008
Believe it or not, most small businesses don’t have a dedicated IT person. Okay…not so hard to believe. But, think about all of the technology that’s floating around in even the smallest, one-person shop. Email, a website, one or more computers, a small network, peripherals (maybe even shared), productivity tools like a calendar and contacts database, maybe a centralized server that allows for file sharing, and more (much more in some cases).
It’s no secret that hard drives die, servers crash, routers/modems just stop working, and someone, somewhere is going to mess up your perfect world. That’s life and that’s technology. The easiest thing you can do to protect yourself is to have a contingency plan in your core operational areas.
I’m not putting this series together to preach, but rather to get my own house in order. I reckon if I give out advice, and don’t follow it myself, then, well, you get the idea. In the coming weeks, I’ll share some solid ideas and strategies, plus search the web for suggestions that are way better than things I could come up with on my own.
I plan on breaking it up into three areas (each of which could probably be expanded upon, and likely will be):
- Personal technology - The computer(s), backing up, software, and files.
- Office technology - Router, modem, file server, printer, fax, and phone.
- Server technology - Website, email, domains, and database(s).
So next week, we’ll get it rolling… Hope there are no catastrophes before then!
I’ll be in the shed… I mean, my office.
Posted by Paul Mayson on June 27, 2008Lifehacker has a post this morning showing how one fella in a crowded house built a shed to serve as a home office. The finished product looks fantastic. Check out the full post here, and the flickr set from the shed-dweller.
Money blogger John Chow gives a tour
Posted by Paul Mayson on June 25, 2008John Chow, professional big-money blogger, has posted a tour of where the magic happens. I was surprised that Chow is a Mac guy (who isn’t anymore?!) and he now blogs in the glow of a 30″ Dell monitor. Nice! It is strange that a guy that’s making that much loose change blogging (about how to make money) is still rolling with a 3G(?) iPod. Come on John, stick a crowbar in that wallet live it up
What up, Skitch?!
Posted by Paul Mayson on June 24, 2008About a year ago I installed a beta of a tiny application called “Skitch.” I heard about it on MacBreak Weekly and never thought I’d use it. Many months later, I’m hooked and use it at least a few times a week.
For anyone that ever needed to grab a quick screenshot, circle or comment on something on the shot, then dish it off to a website or in an email, Skitch is the answer. It’s one of those applications that should have been packaged with your computer since 1995.
I use it for a couple different things. One is to go back and forth with quick design ideas. You can load up an image in Skitch, mark it up, and fire it off in an email. No layers or screwing with Photoshop. It feels the same as printing out a hard copy, writing stuff on it with a sharpy, then send it off via fax. Only it’s much better.
Another great use I’ve found is for giving instruction. For example, if I set someone up with a new WordPress site, I can quickly grab a screenshot, then mark up things like: Step One - click here, Step Two - Fill this out, etc. Here’s an example of a Skitch I did for a new blogger:
Giving that instruction on the phone or via text would have taken a lot more talent than I possess. With a quick Skitch - I get the idea across, and the client is blogging away! To learn more about Skitch, I included a quick 3 minute video from the company. I find the pop up comments annoying, but at least you’ll see it in action!
Spam got you down? Gmail may be the answer!
Posted by Paul Mayson on June 21, 2008Being in the tech business, a top five question is always, “what do I do about all this spam? I get [insert variable ranging from 15 to 700 here] junk messages a day.” Usually the person that gets 15 pieces of spam is the most dramatic, but, junk mail is a problem. I personally get about 500 pieces of spam a day. Or, I should say, USED TO GET. Now, about 10 make it through to my inbox.
What’s my secret? Did I install super filters? Am I running some proprietary application? Unusually high fiber intake? Well, no, no, and yes… but the fiber has nothing to do with it. My trick is Gmail. They have a remarkable filtering ability that I have found to make email useful again. Here’s how I set it up as an individual…
One: Set up a Gmail Account
Go to http://gmail.com and click the link to Set up a New Account. You’ll be asked to fill out a little form. You’re on your way…
This is the mouse cable trick
Posted by Paul Mayson on April 9, 2008I still use an old Microsoft corded USB optical mouse. Microsoft must have sold millions of these things, and I have at least five in various locations. Maybe it’s charging fatigue, but the last thing I want to deal with is a mouse that blinks at me because the batteries are low. Instead, I opt for this “old school” relic that is cheap and reliable. The only trouble with this is the cord.That’s why people use cordless mice, right? Not having that long tail swirling around your desk to knock over your favorite beverage over to spill on miscellaneous work or the keyboard is the big payoff. Well, when Apple released their new super thin keyboard (USB model of course), I found a decent solution. Tape. Here’s a shot of the keyboard and cordless mouse - not too sloppy (I’m left-handed by the way). I use the USB port on the opposite side of the keyboard. I’m not taking up a valuable port on my monitor or desktop and the cable is under control…
Here’s the magic. The excess cable is bundled all together with Scotch tape and then fastened under the keyboard.
It keeps things nice and clean, while letting me use my cheap, yet comfortable and reliable USB optical mouse. Simple, right?
When does upgrading just get stupid?
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 14, 20087 Gigs of RAM. That should keep all of these open TextMate files humming along.
Could be the MetRx, but I just had to do the upgrade. How much memory is overkill? I think “they say” after 2 GB the law of diminishing returns kicks in.
Surge Protector with USB Charger!
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 12, 2008Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.
Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.
Until USB ports are built into wall sockets, this is a good alternative. I wonder why I haven’t seen USB ports in other powerstrips? It seems like a natural! Check out the “feature list”:
- 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking positions
- Provides complete surge protection through all outlets
- Offers compact, lightweight, efficient design
- Features mini-USB cable to charge virtually any USB device—including BlackBerry® and Motorola® RAZR phones
- Comes with Lifetime Product and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranties
All product details here…
How I spent my Friday - before & after.
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 1, 2008I spent Friday (leap day) helping a client make the transition from the world of Windows to, well, a cleaner world of Windows (and Mac). The transition took just over six hours to clean up, set up, update, transfer, and personalize the new gear.
We started with a Sony VAIO desktop (Windows XP) with a 17″ Dell LCD, HP LaserJet 1020 Printer
This is how the day ended. A 24″ iMac with 2 gigs of RAM
Next we’ll hit those piles of papers and stacks of “stuff”. But the runway is cleared and it’s an awesome setup.
William F. Buckley Jr., 1925-2008
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 27, 2008
Mr. Buckley shown here in the office of his Stamford, Connecticut home in 2005. Obituary and slideshow from The New York Times.
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