Technology and Lifestyle

Helpdesk Useful

2009-02-17T09:39:00.002+07:00

In any organization, employees encounter problems with their computers, printers, and other machines.

These include hardware breakdowns, software problems, computer viruses, printers running out of paper, and more.
In medium to large organizations, an IT department will deal with such problems.
This article discusses how IT can achieve easy, efficient methodologies for this task.

Help desk software

"Help desk" refers to an organization's system of dealing with service requests and error reports.

In small organizations, IT managers may simply receive phone calls about errors. In larger organizations, where errors are frequent, this becomes inefficient. For maximum efficiency, IT managers need to address problems based on priority, not whenever somebody calls.

Help desk software helps IT manage, sort, and deal with service requests using the most efficient methodology, resulting in lower overhead and higher end user satisfaction.

Internal help desk

In some organizations, IT managers will offer support for outside costumers. In others, IT provides support only to employees. Internal help desk serves only the organization itself.

Often, when using internal help desk, employees can submit service requests by logging into help desk software on their computers.

Life-cycle of a service request

When a user needs help, he or she can submit a "service request" to the IT department, requesting assistance. A service request will go through various phases. As an example, we bring a possible life-cycle of a service request. Different cycles are possible, depending on the methodology used.

Phase 1:

The user submits a service request. Often, the end user will be able to fill out various fields, such as urgency, category, description, and more.

Phase 2:

The service request enters the system (often by entering a database in the organization's network).

Phase 3:

Rules are applied to the service request. Examples of rules:

If the request is from the accounting department, it automatically receives a priority of "low".

If the request's category is "hardware", the due date should be a week from now.

If the priority is "highest", the system should automatically email the CEO and SMS the IT administrators.

Phase 4:

The request is routed to the proper administrator. There are different ways to achieve this. Some help desk software offers rules to determine which administrator should achieve the request. For example, if a service request's category is "network", it can be automatically routed to the organization's network expert. Alternatively, all service requests could be routed to an initial administrator or team. This first-level support can then reroute service requests as necessary.

Phase 5:

The proper administrator receives the request. He solves the end user's problem or provides the support required.

Phase 6:

The administrator closes the service request.

Choose a methodology

Before choosing which help desk software to use, choose a proper methodology. Different help desk applications offer different features. By knowing how you'll work, you'll know which software to use. Answering the following questions will help you decide.

Does your help desk offer internal support, costumer support, or both?

If you are only interested in internal help desk, you should use software especially designed for that purpose. Such software will often register users, so that administrators can view their details. It might also install software on end users' computers, enabling them to easily submit service requests.

Should anyone be able to submit service requests, or only registered users?

By registering users, administrators can view their details

Will end users submit service requests only from their offices, or also from trips/home/elsewhere?

If end users should be able to submit service requests from anywhere, web-based help desk software is a good idea. Such software often enables end users to log into the system over the internet, using a standard web browser.

If using web based software, do you want an on-demand edition, or an in-house edition?

Some web-based applications offer hosted versions. They will provide the server and database. The clients can log in using a browser.

Other organizations will prefer using their own server on their network, and using their own database to keep track of service requests.

When searching for help desk software, check if it offers an installed solution or a hosted solution.

What features do you require?

Help desk software can offer many features. Decide what features you need, and seek software the offers these features. Examples are:

Extensive communication abilities.

An easy way for end users to submit service requests.

The ability to list, sort, and search through submitted service requests.

Various information on each service request, such as due date, priority, location, category, and more.

Reporting capabilities on the state of the help desk.

A knowledgebase of important service requests.

Escalation rules.

Various rules for automatically establishing a service request's priority, due date, responsible administrator, and more.

The ability to remote control a user's computer, so that IT can fix the problem from afar. This option is usually found only in internal help desk.

Integrating Internal Help Desk

Good help desk software should be easy and quick to integrate.

First (if using an in-house solution), the help desk software will be installed on a server in the organization's network. Some organizations will already be running databases, which the help desk software might connect to. Other organizations might use built-in databases provided by the software.

How to install the software widely varies between products.

Next, IT managers can manually register end users, or end users can register themselves. As a faster alternative, some help desk software connects to the LDAP/Active Directory, retrieves information about the organization's users, and automatically registers them.

Some help desk software installs software on end users' computers, which lets the users submit service requests using standard forms. In large organizations, it is unrealistic to expect each employee to install the software. Thus, an automatic deployment tool can be run from the server, which will scan the network and install the end user interface on each computer.

Using Help Desk

End users can now submit service requests. These requests will enter a database, and using their help desk software, IT managers can view them. Managers can now sort through requests, search for particular requests, and solve requests based on their priority, due date, or other parameters. The help desk becomes more efficient.

Refinance Investments at the Best Interest Rates

2009-02-12T12:04:00.000+07:00

Real estate investment has become very popular in the last few years. With all kinds of "no money down" real estate courses being sold on infomercials and in every home business or investing publication that exists, people have rushed to buy properties for investment purposes. Unfortunately, many of these people are not interest rate savvy and are doing themselves a disservice by not refinancing some of their investment property mortgage loans.

Refinancing an investment property can be complex, but there are some things you can do to make sure you're doing it at the right time and you're getting the lowest interest rates possible. The key is to stay on top of the mortgage industry trends and know when to dig deeper and consider a refinance.

The first thing is, do your homework. Interest rates change constantly. The going rate this morning may change by this afternoon! Unless you know what it is, you don't know if you're getting the best deal or not. And it makes a big difference! Small adjustments in interest rates can mean tens of thousands of dollars difference in total payments over the life of the loan. Read the financial news. Track mortgage interest rate trends, especially in your country or local area. An educated consumer is a wise consumer. This applies to loans as well as any other purchased item.

Second, use a mortgage broker. These trained professionals know exactly how to get the lowest interest rates possible, no matter what your specific circumstances. If you have a poor credit rating or are self-employed, you have a unique situation that brokers are trained to handle. They have access to thousands of lenders, each with many different programs. They know how to evaluate these programs and find one that will fit your needs. In combination with your own expert knowledge of current economic trends, using a mortgage broker will help you immensely in finding the best refinancing deal.

Third, buy down as much as you can. "Buying down" is a term used to describe taking some of the interest expense up front as "points." The more you can do this, the lower the interest rate you'll end up paying on the loan. This is always a good idea. Buy down as much as you can afford to. It may cost an extra few thousand at closing, but it will save tens of thousands in interest payments over the life of the loan.

Forth, negotiate. It's not very well known that you can negotiate to lower your loan interest rates. Talk to more than one lender, or even more than one mortgage broker. Make sure each knows that you're talking to others. Indicate that others have given you a lower rate. Don't lie, but always be prepared to walk away. If you've done your homework and know the going interest rates, you'll find that negotiation will bring you to the rock bottom interest rates you're looking for.

These four tips will help you save thousands of dollars with the proper refinancing to the best possible interest rates for your investment properties.

About Individual Health Insurance

2009-02-10T09:59:00.000+07:00

Individual health care insurance provides coverage for only one individual, or family. In general, individual plans are more expensive than group insurance. You can obtain individual plans directly from a company who offers them. The company with whom you apply will evaluate you from a health standpoint, in terms of how much risk you present to them. Usually, they'll provide a questionnaire for you to fill out, asking various questions about your current and past health history. They will determine your risk accordingly, from which a premium will be generated.

Things to look for
Most individual plans fall under managed health care plans. Under this, you can opt for an HMO, PPO, or POS plan.

Guaranteed renewable
Your insurer cannot cancel your coverage if you become sick. If you continue to pay your insurance premium, coverage continues.

If available, group insurance is generally a better option, since it is usually more comprehensive and less expensive than individual insurance. However, individual coverage is ultimately better than being uninsured in the event of illness or injury. Although you may think you can do without health insurance, you are taking a major risk if you choose not to get coverage. An unexpected illness or serious injury can put you and your family under financial stress.

In a group insurance situation, the provisions of the policy are negotiated between the insurer and master policy owner (usually an employer or association). With individual insurance, you are directly in control of your policy. You can negotiate to have certain provisions included or excluded, and you can often choose your deductible amount and co-payment percentage. Keep in mind, however, that these things will have an effect on your premiums.

Soft and Cuddly: Qualities To Look For When Choosing A Quality Towel

2009-02-06T09:48:00.001+07:00

There’s nothing like wrapping yourself in a nice warm towel, hotel or spa style, after a nice, long, and refreshing shower. But, believe it or not there’s more to toweling off than you thought.

Most importantly experts advice not being fooled by the feel. They note that most towel manufacturers add softener to their final product so it feels soft on the shelves of your favourite store. But, just give it a few washings and that’s all likely to change.

· Lasting plushness means looking for 100% combined cotton products since these naturally attract water and can retain about 25 times their weight in the liquid. In addition, combined cotton means that the shorter threads have been removed, helping keep the towel strong and virtually pilly-free.

· Look for stitching that is thick featuring tightly packed loops. The tighter the loops, the more absorbancy you can expect. And, if you can see the base of the towel, put it back.

· Weigh out your options, by weighing the towel. Well, not literally but by picking up off the shelf. A quality towel should feel heavier than it looks.

· Look for double-turned edges with double stitching for extra durability, and to help prevent fraying and to give your towel a longer life.

Easy Weight Loss Plan a Weight Loss Plan for Success

2009-02-05T16:35:00.004+07:00

The formula for losing weight is simple: eat less and exercise more. But, it's not really all that simple, is it? Long-term weight loss isn't impossible, but you do have to be committed. Having a weight loss plan for your success is a good start. Here are ten items that should go into your weight loss plan.

1. Eat breakfast. This keeps you from getting too hungry later and then losing control over what you choose to eat later in the day.
2. Stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthy foods and snacks and limit high-fat, high-salt snacks such as potato chips and cookies.
3. Fill up on Fiber. Eat foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The fibers in these foods will fill you up leaving less room for unhealthy choices.
4. Don't fall into bad habits on weekends. Many people will follow a strict diet on weekends only to fall back into eating more (unhealthy) on the weekends as a reward for "being good" all week. Unfortunately, this can cause you to regain the weight you may have lost during the week.
5. Watch portion sizes. Your perception of what a serving size should be and a "true" serving size can differ dramatically. Measure your portions accurately, especially when you first start your healthy eating regime.
6. Set lifestyle goals - not weight loss goals. Commitment to eating healthy foods does lead to healthy weight loss -- gradually. Looking at your weight daily can cause discouragement and will make many people give up and go back to unhealthy food choices.
7. Take healthy snacks with you when you take road trips. Grab healthy granola bars, bananas, apples and other fruit to prevent the tempation of stopping for a cancy bar or milk shake.
8. Don't deny yourself the foods you love. If you absolutely love chocolate, go ahead and have a small pice - half of a candy bar insteaad of a whole one! And avoid eating your "splurges" every day. Save them for when you really need them!
9. Start moving. Exercise is the key to long term weight loss. You've heard the saying, "Move it or lose it." Too true!
10. Keep a journal. Writing down what you eat, when and how much you exercise and your moods will keep you on track and motivated to continue the course. Weight loss is achieved by both diet and exercise. It is also achieved by persistence.

If you "fall off the wagon" one day, pick yourself up and continue your healthy lifestyle the next. Don't give up!

Antispyware Or Spyware?

2009-02-05T16:24:00.000+07:00

Spyware has become the most prominent computer security problem. How do you choose a good spyware removal tool? Beware of antispyware software which installs spyware/adware to your computer.

Spyware is a hidden software program. It is often used to monitor the browsing and shopping habits of computer users. Spyware can also be a remote control program that steals confidential banking and personal information.

Spyware has quickly become the most prominent internet security problem. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of home PCs. Recent survey shows that spyware is also sneaking into the network of corporate computers.

Spyware is often coupled with free downloads, such as free music, game and software downloads. Spyware may slow down computer, hijack homepage and create uncontrolled pop-up advertisements. Some spyware programs can remain unnoticed, secretly gathering information from the computer. Once installed, spyware is difficult to remove without the help of dedicated antispyware software.

Due to the rise of spyware activity, antispyware programs are in great demand these days. But are these spyware removal tools the same? Do they provide the security consumers need?

There are many reports that some antispyware programs installed their own spyware and adware to the computer. One consumer was quoted saying: “It’s a rip-off. I downloaded the free trial of an antispyware program, only to find out that it added its own adware to my computer.” Other consumers have complained that the antispyware program they use cannot detect all spyware programs. Some even slow down the computer and create pop-up advertisements.

There are a few good antispyware programs in the market today. On the other hand, dozens of spyware removal programs are blacklisted by consumers. Beware of spyware removal tools that are heavily promoted by e-mail campaigns. Never run any free downloads and free scans from unknown software publishers. Their programs may as well be spyware programs themselves. Read independent product reviews from renowned computer magazines or reputable sources. Spending some extra time in research can save you a lot of hassles in the long run.

Good Computer Maintenance

2009-02-05T16:22:00.000+07:00

Normally we think of maintenance as a chore, something we have to do to keep things running smoothly and prevent problems down the road, whether with our car, house, or computer. But with a PC, maintenance can actually be fun ... approached from the right perspective.

Automatic Updates

The "joy" of computer maintenacne takes many forms. These days, automation is the byword. Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Symantec's Norton Interenet Security let you automatically keep crucial parts of your computer system up to date. It's fun to watch the technology keep tabs on itself.

The security vulnerablilites of Windows are legion, and this forces you to download patches and updates if you want to minimuze your exposure to hackers seeking to break into your system over the Internet.

You can run Windows Update periodically through Microsoft Internet Explorer, which automatically detects which versions of Windows components you currently have installed and, by checking with Microsoft's site, which have newer versions.

Or, if you are running Windows XP Home Edition, you can automate things even further by directing Windows to check for "critical updates" by itself at the frequency and time of your choosing. From the Control Panel, go to System and click Automatic Updates to specify your settings.

Website Updates

You can keep your other software up to date by periodically checking the Websites of the respective manufacturers. Typically, by pulling down the program's Help menu, you will quickly be directed to the site. But the Website VersionTracker (www.techtracker.com/products) does something similar with multiple programs, for free, whether you have a Windows PC or a Mac. The ad-supported site has 30,000 programs in its database. Pay versions, starting at $24.95, automatically alert you when new updates of programs that you're using become available.

Using Utilities

Staying up to date is crucially important these days in keeping the bad guys away from your computer and those using it. A good utility suite for this is Norton Internet Security (www.symantec.com), which combines such crucial tools as a firewall, anti-virus program, porn-blocker, spam filter, spyware detector, and pop-up ad blocker. If you use the program, make sure you let its LiveUpdate feature automatically keep your virus definitions and other components up to date.

Symantec's other utility suite, Norton SystemWorks, is less useful, and if you need system tools more powerful than those provided by Windows itself, a better package overall is V Communications' SystemSuite (www.v-com.com).

SystemSuite includes tools for preventing and recovering from hard disk crashes, recovering accidentally erased files, completely uninstalling programs you no longer need, and completely shredding sesitive files. It also has an excellent file manager, PowerDesk, that makes quicker work of copying, moving, deleting, and otherwise manipulating files than Windows Explorer.

With today's large and fast hard drives and more efficient operating systems, one maintenance task that's no longer as necessary is disk defragmenting. When working with files over time, they invariably wind up stored in places at different locations on your hard disk. Running a defragmenter gathers up the pieces and places them together in one contiguous location.

Recent testing by the computer magazine PC World, however, showed that defragging no longer improves performance the way it used to. It still makes sense to defrag once in a while, though unless it's for a network file server, there's usually no need to buy a separate program for this beyond what comes with Windows itself.

So in all ... even automated maintenance can be fun in that it is automated and can leave you more time for other endevours.