The world of IT and computing as come to a point where innovation,new developments,upgrades etc as become the trend. More often than not,most if not all gadgets or equipments only have a lifeline of few months,for them to become old or not good enough.
This as made competition become the in-thing among vendors and this as also affected the pocket or purchasing power of consumers. It as become very common among the consumers of the following items in particular:Computers(Laptop.Desktop,servers and other components),Mobile and Fixed line phones,Motor Vehicles e.t.c
You've come to a point where you need to upgrade to a higher spec of computer but you don't have enough cash to make the change. I have over time used a method to overcome this issue,thereby saving money and getting the higher grade that i want. I will for now limit this to Computers.
The basic components of most systems are: OS,Screen size,Weight,Optical Drive,Memory,Hard disk & Processor. Among all this,the basic ones which determine prices are: Optical Drive,Memory,Hard Disk and Processor.
The catch here is this: If i have a system of about $250 with obviously a lower spec and a new or a higher spec one which goes for $450. what i readily do is to buy (Optical drive,Memory & Hard drive) of a higher spec and install on the old/lower spec system. this normally cost me around $80 - $120,which comes to about $320 - $370,therefore,saving about $80 - $130
This is a simple tactics which could save from hundreds to thousands of dollars on a budget.
A check on the net will get you more than enough information on the above subject.
One of the main considerations on the above mechanism is to know where this components are located and how to fixed them.
If you'd like to send questions to me, please feel free to visit my Website and I'll be happy to answer your queries, or point you in the right direction.
Good luck, and happy computing!
Kamis, 09 Juli 2009
Upgrading Old vs Buying New Computer
Preventing The Loss Of Valuable Data
PREVENTING THE LOSS OF VALUABLE DATA
It’s a known fact that computer system data is the livelihood of any organization. No company can continue business in the event of total loss of data. The loss of data may also affect private individuals to a large extent. Imagine taking photographs while on holiday at an international destination costing you thousands of dollars or losing photographs of a wedding that cannot be repeated.
Therefore preventing the loss of your valuable data should become a major priority. As Imperative Technology, we are experts in the field of recovering lost computer data and have been involved in almost all data loss situations. Although after losing your data, we are able to assist you to recover your lost data. But unfortunately it’s not always possible to help all our clients, as there are situations where storage media may be damaged beyond the level of repair or successful recovery. We trust this article will assist you to prevent losing your data in the first place. We all understand by making backups will prevent you from losing data, but there are many key factors and different options to prevent the loss of data.
This document may be distributed freely. All our services are listed at the end of this document.
KEY POINTS
Ensure that your data is duplicated on at least one other device that is not connected to your computer / server that’s been backed up in any way.
By making a backup of your data is not enough, you need to ensure the data that’s been backed up IS WORKING!
Do not trust ANY software that reports a backup has been done successfully. The only way to ensure that data has been backed up effectively is to test the data. This is usually done by Test Restore Procedures.
Use an effective Anti-virus solution.
Connect a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to all critical computers/servers for protection against lightning and power surges.
Install & configure your computer hardware correctly as described later in this document.
Protect your data from theft by means of Firewall configuration.
Ensure minimum Disaster Recovery Policies & Procedures are in place.
I trust the information in this document will assist you in preventing the loss of data.
Yours truly,
JOHNNY WILKINSON
Data Recovery Specialist
BACKUP SOLUTIONS
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With so many backup solutions to choose from, we’ll highlight some of the problem areas and solutions when using various backup options.
BACKUP SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS
When choosing a backup software application, the following considerations are necessary:
The best solution is to rather have a completely accessible copy of your data, as in the complete file and folder structure with individual files being accessible in relevant software applications. This is without needing to restore your data from single backup files, before using the data. For clarity sake, after a backup, the backup files should be immediately accessible as if you were using the files from your local hard drive.
Although the above solution is not always practical, due to data capacity, automation requirements, time frame of backup completion requirements etc. The risk of using backup software applications that create a single backup file, has to be considered:
A large single compressed backup file may become corrupt resulting in no data accessible. This will require specialist data recovery services to repair/re-corrupt the file. Major Research and Development goes into repairing corrupt files. It is obvious that Data Recovery companies develop recovery processes for well-known industry standard type software applications. Therefore choose an acceptable industry standard type software solution for your backups such as normal Windows backup or Veritas Backup Exec etc. where scalable network backup solutions are required. If you choose a proprietary backup solution not commonly known in the industry, chances are no Data Recovery companies have developed recovery and file repair processes for such an application, resulting in huge data recovery costs.
The same software package will be necessary to restore the data, this aspect is sometimes overseen when archiving data, without realizing that software becomes outdated and might not be available at the time a data restore is required. We recommend keeping a copy of all backup software safeguarded when a restore of archived data may be required.
DVD/CD BACKUPS
Burning files to DVD or CD may be a risk, provided that each and every file is tested afterwards by opening the files from the DVD/CD with the relevant software applications. Although this seems to be a tedious task, CD miss-burns is a reality that occurs very often. We recommend the following when storing data on DVD/CD:
Compress the files using a compression utility such as Winzip and burn the ZIP file to CD; the following advantages will be applicable:
Once the ZIP file is written to CD, test the file from CD as if you need to extract the file. If the ZIP file displays the content of compressed files, all files will automatically be accessible.
The CD File System has many limitations such as; long file names, depth of directory path etc. By burning a single ZIP file, all limitations will be ignored.
Time, capacity and number of CD’s, will also be advantageous.
Using DVD/CD’s as an archiving solution is not recommended as the media only lasts for a number of years depending on manufacturer etc. The most effective solution for archiving data is explained under “Archiving Data”.
MEMORY STICKS / FLASH DRIVES
Please note, this storage device was designed mostly for transporting data from one computer to another, using it as a mobile device. A USB memory stick should not be used for data backups and is not regarded as a reliable storage device. Ensure after using this device to safely unplug/remove the device prior to disconnecting the device. (Usually an icon with a green arrow bottom right on your screen)
It’s also recommended not to store files on a memory stick by means of saving it to memory stick directly from within a software application. Rather save files on your local disk and afterwards copy the files to the device using Windows Explorer etc.
EXTERNAL DRIVES
External drives use different interfaces of connectivity such as USB, Firewire, SATA, ESATA etc. USB is the slowest of them all. Although all computers have a standard USB interface, to use most of the other interfaces, an interface card is required for connectivity. External drives are devices with standard desktop and notebook computer drives within the external casing. These drives are acceptable to use for data backups but should only be used as an additional copy of your data.
In the event of electronic failure of the external case, there is a chance that the internal drive might be in perfect working order. This may be tested by removing the internal drive from the case, connecting the drive to a standard desktop computer, as a secondary drive. Please note by removing the drive from the case might affect your warrantee, but as we know the cost of the external device is hardly a comparison to the value of the data.
When using these drives for backup purposes, it is recommended not to use a proprietary software application that is shipped with some of the external drives. Rather use standard Windows backup if that is your Operating System of choice. Even better, create backup folder names by date and manually copy required backup files as separate files & folders to the disk. Although much discipline is required for backups if no automated processes are in place. By having readily accessible files as a backup is a far smaller risk than compressed single backup files.
NETWORK DATA BACKUP SOLUTIONS
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Use well-known Industry standard Backup Solutions only. When using a network backup solution to backup multiple servers, a fully automated solution is a critical requirement. Network backup software and hardware depends on very specific requirements. It is necessary to employ the services of a company that specialize in Backup Solutions to suit specific needs as all organizations have different requirements.
When choosing a reliable Software Backup Solution for a Network, the following components and considerations are necessary:
Planning regarding capacity of data vs. capacity of Backup Media / hardware platform
Implementation of suitable network backup software which includes the following backup agents:
Ensure to implement various agents to backup multiple Operating systems in a cross-platform network environment.
SQL Agent – To backup SQL Databases
MS Exchange Agent – To backup all e-mail configurations
Open Files Agent – To backup files that are open while accessed by network users
Accelerator Agent – While doing backups, it’s not recommended to run backups while the servers are being accessed by network users because of utilization of the backup process, which puts an additional load on the server. When backups cannot be completed overnight, an accelerator agent may be added to speed up the process.
Autoloader Agent – Used when more than one backup tape is required during a single backup process.
Disaster Recovery Agent – Various commercial network backup software solutions offer additional components for disaster recovery, these agents allow the booting from diskette to restore directly from backup media without the need to install and configure Operating systems and backup software. This reduces down time.
ARCHIVING DATA
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Using DVD/CD’s, as an archiving solution is not recommended as the media only lasts for a number of years depending on manufacturer etc. The most effective solution for archiving data is to store data on a normal desktop type hard drive, preferably multiple copies. Data on these hard drives should be stored in a readily accessible format with separate file and folder structures, in uncompressed format and should be kept in a fire-proof strong room. Off-site storage of data is also recommended. A copy of every software application used to create all data including all serial numbers, access codes to operate the software should be stored on the same disk. This is in the event where software programs become outdated and are no longer in use, at the time where access to old data may be required.
In the event of loose separate hard drives, data should not be spanned across disks where more than one disk is required to restore even a single file.
When using backup tapes for archiving, only tapes with full backups should be considered. Incremental backups of data spanned across multiple tapes are a risk, as all tapes in the backup set are required to do a full restore. Rather store data in chunks as a full backup on a tape-by-tape basis. With damage to one of the tapes, only a partial data loss will be applicable.
The above only applies to environments of small data capacity requirements. There are many scalable Data Archiving Architectures available where large amounts of data archiving are required. Companies that specialize in off-site storage and business continuity will assist you with these requirements.
Example Requirements of most Government Regulations
Records must be stored in their original form without risk of alteration or deletion.
Records must be accurate and complete from the time they are created.
Records should be easily retrievable.
Disaster recovery plans should be in place, such as storing duplicate records off-site.
Two-Way Firewalls Complete Windows Vista's Security Features
Why is a firewall important?
Firewalls provide high-quality security towards the network traffic of internet, network, and user data that is unsafe for your PC. Firewalls introduced a sense of security for users compared to previous versions of Windows operating systems. The lack of protection caused many users to use third party firewalls for protection. Microsoft's response to this was released in Windows XP for a custom built-in firewall for their operating system (OS). Many people rejoiced because of this innovative protection towards spyware, adware, and other unwanted data that could harm your investment.
Microsoft's new release of Windows Vista introduces a new, full-fledge security pack that harnesses the power to protect PCs from unwanted data. The alliance with Longhorm servers helped produce a two wall firewall in Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2.
Control More Network Traffic
Administrators can control the flow of network traffic and applications while you use the internet. This protects users from potential network attacks of viruses or spyware through the system. The final version of Windows Vista is expected to have these additions, but it's currently in its testing phases for complete efficiency. This top-of-the-line security feature is expected to help manage the total traffic without stalling its performance.
The "Two-Way" firewall earned its reputation because it will block and filter in-coming and out-going network data. Administrators can control outgoing data as well to prevent the illegal access completed by most hackers online. Now, you can rest safely due to the firewall's ability to keep information in the network on a uniform style - if a certain VoIP system is installed, you can only use this VoIP service to keep unwanted sources out of the network.
Two-Way Firewall Features:
Windows Vista and Windows Server Longhorn have integrated the following features into their firewall for optimal protection. Some of the features include the following:
- Integrated internet protocol security settings and Firewall filtering.
- Microsoft Management Console Snap In for User Interface
- Filters both incoming and outcoming network traffic
- Custom configurations for IP Addresses, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), Active Directory, directory service account and groups, Internet Control Message Protocol, IPV6 services, and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Firewall Configurations:
Windows Vista's Firewall's configurations are dependent on the network administrators' needs. If the network administrator creates a configurationt o block all traffic through specific ports, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. The Firewall's default settings are to block all well-known ports used by viruses, spyware, and adware from specific IP addresses that contain vital data. Other default settings of the Firewall include:
-Block all incoming data, except specific exceptions that match an incoming criteria,
-Allow all outgoing data unless it matches an unauthorized criteria established by the network administrator.
If you're interested in configuring the Windows Vista firewall by using Firewall Item in the control panel. In order to reach advanced configurations, you have to use a Snap-in item called "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security". You have to add the Span-in in order to access through the MMC Console. Currently, there is no designated console available. These developments are said to be available before the release.
Another easy route to configure the firewall is with the command line. Enter the command nesh advfirewall context to access the configurations panel. The command line is not available in Windoes XP with SP1 and SP2 or Windows 2003 Server.
You cannot configure the new firewall for Group Policy because Windows XP with SP1 and SP2 and Windows 2003 Server will ignore the settings then use its old version of the firewall. Now, the Beta Version of Windows Vista does not have a defined rule for blocking or allowing network traffic in the Control Panel.
In configuring the Group Policy, go to Computer > Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in the Group Policy Editor Snap-in. The current Windows Firewall at ComputerConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesNetworkConnectionsWindowsFirewall.
New IPSec and Firewall based security features:
Security of one's IP address has reined in thousands of discussion boards online. Users have realized that IP addresses are used to identify personal computer systems with specific models, makes, and owners. Now, the need for IP Security and Firewalls has been tackled with Windows Vista Two-Way firewall. IPSec is a set of Internet standards that provides a higher level of protection from IP traffic; this is essential in file sharing software that require tapping into other IP's for important information.
Kamis, 02 Juli 2009
Tips and Tricks to Keep your Laptop Secure and Safe
Introduction
The sure to way to make your laptop secure is to never use them, never bring them with you, never open them nor install software on your laptop. Just locked them down in a fireproof safe place and they will be protected and out of harm's way forever. However, laptops were made for us to use, to help us more productive in our work and make our lives easy.
Keeping your laptop secure and protected is of course is still possible with some efforts on your part and with the use of existing security tools and software, learn and do good practices and most of the time using common sense.
From basics to the extreme, these are the tips and trick that will keep your laptop secure and safe.
Install Antivirus. Keep it up to date, regularly scan your computer and let it check your email. Without it, your laptop will surely get infected.
Install Anti-Spyware. Some Antivirus have bundled anti-spyware. Use them along with the antivirus and always get them updated. Regularly schedule scanning of laptop for spywares, Trojans, adware and other malwares to make them secure.
Keep Your System Updated. Let Windows constantly apply updates and patch security holes in your system. However, it is a good practice to always create a System Restore Point and backup your important files prior to applying updates on your system. You can use them to undo changes if problems occur or in case of update failure.
Set a System Password. Most computers have a built in CMOS setup password in its BIOS. This require that a password by typed in before it will boot the Operating System. It will prohibit any access to the computer at all. This is definitely not a password that you want to forget!
Password Protect Your Windows User Account. Windows user accounts can be assigned a password. This means that for a user to log on using an account, she must know the password.
Use Strong Password. A strong password mixes numbers, letters and specials characters. There are also websites available online that you can use to generate strong password or an online password checker.
Keep Your Firewall Turned On. A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to steal information, crash your computer or use it to attack other computers. Even if you know that your company is using corporate firewall to protect the computer inside their network, it is a good practice to always make sure that Windows firewall or third-party firewall is turned on specially when you are working on the road.
Beware of Pop-up Security Fakes. There will be occasions wherein while surfing or browsing some websites, you will be presented with a security warning that you computer could be infected with a virus or malware. This fake security software will entice you to scan or disinfect your computer by offering you a handy product to do the job for you. Beware of this – it could be rouge security software.
Encrypt Sensitive Data. Consider data encryption if you have sensitive information on your computer. Encryption will protect your business secrets.
Back Up Important Data. You don’t have to back up everything on the laptop. Just copy the important files you will need to the server. This will ensure that you will have something to look for when your laptop gets stolen on your trip. You just need to download your important files from the server to get the information you need.
Kid’s Computing. If you let your children use your laptop occasionally, always make sure that you keep an eye on them. Even if you are extra careful when using your laptop, this could be put at risk by a simple click of your kids especially when you let them browse or surf the internet. You can use parental-control software to prevent internet or computer use during off hours. Vista user accounts have this feature built-in.
Consider Insuring Your Laptop. If you laptop is expensive, it’s worth considering getting your laptop insured. Look for insurance providers such as Safeware that offers this type of service
Physical Security
Don’t be too obvious that you have them. Some fashionable people carry their laptops in expensive cases and this spell trouble for them. Those cases are hot in the prying eyes of thieves. There are available backpacks that are not too obvious that you are carrying a laptop with you and they’re also slash-proof and shock-proof as well.
Bio-metrics. The future of passwords is in your bio-metrics. The most common nowadays is fingerprints, retinas and even the shape of your face.
Lock the Laptop. Most notebook computers have a Kensington Security Slot which is a hole for attaching a lock. That was made for the purpose of securing your laptop – use it.
Track Your Laptop Anywhere. If a PC or notebook is stolen, you can make use of this technology to track down your laptop. It’s not just for car, it’s also available for laptop. There are open source software that is available for free and also proprietary software to choose from.
Criminal Records and Technology
There is a strange dichotomy of information when it comes to criminal record research, with the most easily accessed and ‘technically advanced’ records frequently being outdated and less reliable than those held in paper files, microfiche and archive rooms. Most background checks have multiple components, including an Address History, Criminal Record Searches, Employment and Education Verifications, Credit Reports and more. The purpose of this article however, is to focus on criminal record research and how developments in technology are presenting employers and other end-users with additional options, and more importantly, decisions that can minimize or create legal exposure.
In today’s world of instant information, there is often an assumption that a single, electronically accessible source of all criminal records must be available. Not so. Even the FBI National Criminal Information Center (NCIC), which is available only to law enforcement and certain government agencies, does not contain all records. The bottom line is simple; our laws and record keeping procedures haven’t kept pace with advances in technology. Enter the key words “background check” in any search engine and within a few clicks, you’ll find promotions for “Nationwide Criminal Record Search” and “Instant Statewide Criminal Record Search”. These searches are database oriented and represent the growing availability of what is commonly sold as an instant and complete background check. The idea that a criminal records search can be ordered and completed within a few seconds is very appealing – a miracle of sorts for those experiencing a time famine. In too many cases however, users are focused on delivery time and not content. Would it surprise you to find that an “Instant Statewide Search” doesn’t include all records in the state or that a “Nationwide Search” really isn’t nationwide? Don’t be. Because there is no standard among states as to what should or should not be reported with regard to criminal records, data content varies widely from one state to the next. The Massachusetts CORI system for example, filters the publicly available criminal record data extensively – the North Carolina Statewide search produces an extensive history, all the way down to low level misdemeanors and infractions. Many counties in Texas, which requires all counties to report felony convictions to the state, simply lack the personnel to comply with state regulations, leaving volumes of criminal records unreported. And with Vermont, California, Louisiana and other states offering no widespread electronic access to criminal record databases, how can a search be advertised as ‘Nationwide’? The answer to that question lies with the provider and is a valid consideration when selecting a vendor.
Of equal importance is how records reported from instant database sources can or cannot be used. If the reported information is from sources that are updated monthly, quarterly or even annually, then it isn’t considered to be the most current information available. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) is reporting information that could have an adverse impact (such as a criminal record), they must either notify the consumer (applicant/employee) of what is being reported and to whom it is being reported; or have strict procedures in place to insure that reported information is the most accurate and up-to-date information available. In most cases, this means the records reported from the database would need to be verified with a County Court Criminal Record search.
Instant criminal record searches definitely have a place in your screening program – it just isn’t as the primary means of research. The most effective and FCRA compliant method of criminal record research is a County Court Criminal Record search conducted in each county of residency and employment during the past 7 years, supplemented by Statewide Criminal Record searches or a Multi-State Criminal Database search. County Court searches generally require a visit to the courthouse; usually Superior Court where felony and serious misdemeanors are handled. These searches produce the most current information available along with at least two identifiers. The Statewide and Multi-State database searches are an excellent means of broadening the geographic scope of the search. Even though most cases occur in a county of residency or employment, there are certainly occasions when individuals violate laws outside these areas. If a record is identified by one of the instant database searches and you plan to use it in making an employment decision, it should be verified via a County Court search.
Eventually, technology at the County Courts will advance to the point where up-to-the-minute information will be available on all records. When that point is reached, the ability to run a truly instant FCRA compliant criminal record search will have been realized. Until then, stick with the standard 7 year County Court search, and use the instant database searches as a supplement to improve your screening program.
5 Time Savers That Produce Big Results
Unfortunately, we’re only dealt 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks in a month, and 12 months in a year. That will never change, but we are constantly needing more time to scale our businesses. For instance if it takes us 1 hour to make $500 (everyone’s rates will vary) then to make $1,000 we need 2 hours right?
Thinking purely in a linear logical manner it would seem that you would then reach a glass ceiling since there is a finite amount of time. After all we still need time for meals, sleeping, and family.
However, as a smart entrepreneur you’ll start to realize the power of leverage. By harnessing the power of leverage you can turn a finite amount of time into an infinite amount of time.
For example, if you don’t have enough time to do your work… Get someone else to do it for a cheaper amount then what you would have made during that time. If I charge $500 an hour but can get someone else to do that work for $250. Then I have saved myself an hour to make another $500. Plus I still made $250 on top of paying for the other guy to do my work for me.
Now I’ve made $750 in one hour instead of $500! What if I had 5 people working for me? What if I only had to pay them $20 an hour instead of $250?
People aren’t the only things you can leverage. There are all kinds of tools and systems you can leverage to maximize your earnings per hour or per effort spent. Here are 5 tools I use to save time and maximize earnings
Canned Responses
A canned response is a pre-written response to commonly asked questions. As an information marketer who sells dozens of downloadable courses I’m constantly getting questions to my inbox. 80% of these questions are exactly the same though.
Things like, “I lost the download link” or “how do I find my password if I lost it.”
We pre-write the answers to these questions and then just copy/paste them into the email. This saves us the time of having to write these out every time. If we save 2-3 minutes 10 times per day then we’ve added an extra 20-30 minutes onto our day to do other more important tasks.
Depending on which email client you use you may or may not have this feature built in. I’m loving that Gmail just added this feature into the Gmail labs. If you are using Gmail just go into your settings at the top right of your user interface. Then click on the labs tab and you’ll find “canned responses” about half way down the list of add ons.
If you don’t have Gmail you may have to look around or do what we used too. We just kept a live running document of all the questions and answers to those questions that we were getting. This was great for when we hired someone to start doing our email support for us since they already had the answers to 80% of our emails.
Gmail has just made this really easy for us though. Now we can just load all our responses into their system and not have to keep another document open all day. You can ever setup a filter (which we talk about below) that will automatically send out canned responses based on a keyword found in the email!!!
To Do Lists
This one is one of the most common most heard about methods of saving time. Yet, SOOO many people aren’t doing it. The power of to do lists was best described to me by Kirt Christensen. Kirt says “Just like a computer with lots of programs open and starts running slow, so will your brain if you are constantly having to remember lots of tasks.”
When you create a to do list you are effectively closing out all the open programs in your brain. Which lets your brain run more clearly and faster because now everything is on a list and it doesn’t have to juggle all your thoughts at once. Now it can just focus 100% on the task at hand.
Not to mention how AWESOME it feels to cross a task off of a list.
There are tons of applications you can use for to do lists. Personally, I don’t have the organizational fortitude to keep up with software based to do lists. I’m more of a whiteboard/yellow note pad kind of guy when it comes to lists.
However, if you want some cool resources for to do lists then I suggest Gmail Labs again for the Gmail Tasks add-on. People using Outlook have had this feature for years but Gmail now has it also. If you want something a little more robust then that I highly recommend RememberTheMilk.com (also suggested by Kirt). RememberTheMilk has the capabilites to sync with your email and cellphone so you are always on top of your tasks.
Re-purposed Content
You’ve heard it a million times “Content Is King.” I’ve noticed that the amount of content I produce directly affects my traffic and income levels. That’s why I’m always trying to think of how I can use one piece of content for multiple pruposes.
Here’s a little system I shared with my mastermind buddies last weekend…
Step #1 = Do a live Ustream show about a popular topic (make sure to record)
Step #2 = While broadcasting turn on some sort of microphone to record your audio
Step #3 = Send your Audio out to iTunes and all the podcast directories
Step #4 = Send your Audio to CastingWords.com for quick/cheap transcribing
Step #5 = Embed your video broadcast and transcription into a blog post on your blog
Step #6 = Mass submit your transcription to the article directories
Step # 7 = Bundle all 3 versions of the content onto a squeeze page and build a list
Using those 7 steps I’m able to take the content I made in a 20 minute Ustream broadcast and massively redistribute it all over the web. This gets me a ton more backlinks, traffic, exposure, sales, and subscriptions.
Signatures
When I send out an email I have a pre-written marketing message that follows along at the bottom of every one of my emails. This includes links to my websites and even a signup link to my affiliate program.
In Gmail you can set it up in your settings so that this signature will be automatically posted to every email. And I just found out that you can do this with your autoresponders and broadcasts if you’re using Aweber like we do.
Using the {!Signature) tag you can add a pre-written signature to the bottom of every email you send out to your subscribers. I was doing this manually for awhile and saw a 30% increase in the amount of income each email was bringing in.
I just added a signature that said “Recommended Readings” and then added affiliate links to my favorite reports and books on Amazon. I would make 2-3 sales per email I sent out in addition to the normal promotions in my email. Plus, this is a soft sell and doesn’t piss off your subscribers like a hard sell would.
Filters
This is a little more advanced in regards to email clients. Just about every email client I can think of and have ever used has this feature though. Basically, a filter creates a “rule” for your inbox. Then your inbox watches for signs of this “rule” and implements the action you told it to everytime it see’s the “rule” happening.
For example I hate getting those notification of payments received emails from Paypal (I used to LOVE seeing them) but now they come in so often that it’s cumbersome to keep removing them. That’s why I used a filter to create a rule that told my inbox if it ever see’s those emails to just automatically place them in their corresponding folder.
Now I never have to see them even though they are coming in all day long. They just get filed to their correct folder automatically. You can ever set these up to auto-reply to certain emails. There is a lot you can do with filters especially with Gmail’s new canned response feature. I hope you’ll check it out and get creative.
Wrap Up
If you’ll implement those 5 tips into your business I can promise you’ll see drastic changes in time efficiency and maximized revenue. None of them are all that hard to implement either. Just takes a little discipline and they almost run themselves.
Do you have any time saving tips for us?
ABC's of RSS
Implementing RSS (Really Simple Syndication) can be aided by an understanding of the terms relating to RSS. Learn the ABCs of RSS....
A - AutoDiscovery
Auto Discovery is code that is inserted into the header of an HTML web page, which then indicates to readers that an RSS feed is available for the content.
B - Blogs
Blogs are web logs that are updated regularly, usually on a daily basis. Blogs generally contain information related to a specific topic. In some cases, blogs are used as daily diaries about people's personal lives, political views, or even as social commentaries. The truth of the matter is that blogs can be shaped into whatever the author wants them to be. While initially thought of as diaries or online journals, blogs have evolved into the latest fresh web content.
C - Cache
Cache is a temporary storage area for frequently-accessed or recently-accessed data. Having certain data stored in a cache area speeds up the operation of the computer. Using a cache with RSS feeds will help minimize bandwidth and display an RSS feed's content quicker.
D - Display
RSS Many webmasters post the content of an RSS feed on their website. They use either PHP, ASP, or javascript for such purposes. If done properly, the feed's content will dynamically update as the content of the feed changes.
E - Elements
Within an RSS feed, there are various feed elements. The elements of an RSS feed are defined by tags.
F - Filter
Many RSS feeds contain duplicate or similar content. Publishers can filter RSS feeds so that they only see content that they wish to see, by filtering out duplicate postings.
G - GUID
GUID stands for Globally Unique IDentifier. The RSS specification strongly suggests that each RSS feed item have a unique GUID. If you are creating feeds, a GUID is important because GUIDs are often used by feed readers and aggregators to determine if a feed item is new or simply an existing item that has been updated. Each item in the RSS feed should have a unique GUID.
H - HTML
HTML, which is the acronym for HyperText Markup Language, is frequently used to design websites.
I - iTunes Namespace
The iTunes Namespace allows the user to add the information necessary to have a podcast listed on the Apple iTunes Music Store (ITMS). J - JavaScript Javascript can be used to display the content of an RSS feed.
K - Keywords
Keywords should be integrated into the RSS feed to help search engines determine what the RSS feed is about.
L - Links
Links are used to direct RSS readers to the original webpage containing information that directly relates to the feed.
M - Mashup
A mashup is a combination of multiple RSS feeds that have been merged together to create a new, single feed.
N - Namespace Extensions
The RSS specification allows you to create and use your own custom elements (tags) in any RSS feed by declaring your own namespace. Doing this is 100% in line with the RSS specification and the feed will validate. However, you should have a specific and well-planned reason to do so. No RSS readers, or other RSS processing applications, will be able to use your custom info for any purpose. Adding elements (tags) would typically be used only in an in-house situation where both the writing application and the reading application have prior knowledge of the new tags.
O - OPML
OPML, or Outline Processor Markup Language, is a file format standard that can be used to exchange subscription lists between programs. OPML is used as a standard to import or export groups of RSS feed subscriptions. OPML was initially designed by Radio UserLand as a file format for outlines. The purpose of this format is to provide a way to exchange information between outliners and Internet services. OPML has since been adopted for other uses, the most common being to exchange lists of RSS feeds between RSS aggregators. OPML is an open format, allowing other services to extend the format. While OPML was not initially designed as a vehicle to share RSS feeds, it has become the de facto standard. OPML, like RSS, is based on RSS, and because of the similarities, those familiar with RSS have embraced OPML as a way to share RSS feed collections
P - Podcasting
Podcasting is online audio content that is delivered via an RSS feed. Many people equate podcasting to "radio on demand". However, in reality, podcasting gives the listener far more options than radio does, in terms of content and programming. In addition, podcast listeners can determine their own time and the place for listening, meaning they decide what programming they want to receive, and when they want to listen to it. Listeners can retain audio archives to listen to later, at their leisure. While blogs have turned many bloggers into journalists, podcasting has the potential to turn podcasters into radio personalities.
Q - Query
Webmasters can create RSS feeds based on search queries for their websites.
R - RSS
RSS is a standard format for syndicating content on the Internet. The content can be anything! Information contained in an RSS feed is often syndicated on other sites, which expands its reach. Website visitors love RSS because they choose which feeds they wish to subscribe to. If at any point they are unhappy with the content contained in the RSS feed, they simply unsubscribe and no longer receive notification of feed updates. RSS is really a win-win for both subscribers and publishers. In order to get a better understanding of how RSS works, download an RSS reader or use a web aggregator and subscribe to an RSS feed (they are usually indicated by a small orange icon).
S - Syndication
Syndication is the supply of material for reuse and integration with other material.
T - Template
Many webmasters use templates to layout the contents of their RSS feed and make it match there website.
U - URL
URLs can be embedded into the description of the RSS feed items, so that when the feed is syndicated, the content originator gains backlinks.
V- Validate
Feed validation is important. If a feed is not properly formed, it will not always be valid for reading.
W - Website
Updates RSS feeds can be set up to notify visitors when a website changes.
X - XML
RSS is a subset of XML, or eXtensible Markup Language.
Y - Yahoo Answers
Yahoo's interactive system of questions and answers can be tracked using RSS feeds. You can create keyword or category feeds for anything in Yahoo Answers.
Z - Zero Feeds
Not having RSS feeds for your website puts you at a competitive disadvantage. RSS feeds bring traffic and help the stickiness of your website.