Latest Version of Contact Management

Writen by James Hunt

Are you a disorganized person who has names and numbers all over the place? Do you need to get organized and don’t know how? Well you need contact management. If you are a person who spends a great deal of time on your home or office computer then all your disorganization problems are solved. Contact management has been called the best software for windows users. This software will organize your telephone book and contacts quickly and easily. The days of endlessly searching for the name and number of client are over, now all you need to do is click a button and the information is right in front of you.

The latest version of contact management or manager as it is also called, is version 6. When you install and use this software everything will be on the screen in front of you. There will be no more missed appointments or forgotten tasks. Another great thing about this software is that you can share it with others. If your set up a network, other people can access your contact manager, with you consent of course. This is done at no additional costs.

For those of you who are not very comfortable using a computer you can feel assured that you can also use this program as it is user friendly. It is easy to learn and you will soon find your way around and will have your things organized in no time. There is no need to take a computer class in order to figure out how to use this software, everything will be explained to you step by step.

If you do not want to spend a great deal of money on this software if you are not sure how to use it then you can take advantage of the free trial offers that are available on the internet. You can now download the software for a trial period and see how you like it. If you think it’s a great program then you have the option to buy it after your trial period has expired.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.crm-central.info

OSI Layers Model

Writen by Kashif Raza

Introduction

During the early years of our modern computer era, very few standards and protocols existed between various manufacturers. However, as time went on and computer technology continued to improve and become more widespread, it became apparent that standards would be necessary to ensure compatibility. This was especially true with regard to networks, and networking technology. Since the main purpose of a network is to share information, a standard that governs how this information is formatted, transmitted, received and verified would make it possible for information to be shared openly, even when dealing with dissimilar networks.

This need for a standard means of implementing open communications led the ISO and ANSI to develop the seven-layer network communications model known as Open Systems Interconnect. By providing guidelines regarding the way network equipment should be manufactured and how network operating systems communicate on a network, the OSI model became the common link that allows data to be transmitted and exchanged reliably. Although it does not actually perform any functions or do any of the actual work, the OSI model defines the way things should be done by the software and hardware on a network so that communications can take place between two computers or nodes.

In this way, the OSI model provides a universal set of rules that make it possible for various manufacturers and developers to create software and hardware that is compatible with each other. This makes for organized communications. As I thought about this, I related it to the freeways that connect the various states of the mainland U.S. Because all of these freeways were constructed with the same set of standards regarding the width of each lane, the proper side that a person should drive on, the speed at which they should travel, and so on, people can comfortably drive across the country in an organized and efficient manner and car manufacturers are able to design cars within these guidelines as well.

On the other hand, if each state had devised its own set of rules, each differing from the other, not only would there be a lot more chaos on the roads, but also car manufacturers would have a hard time designing vehicles that would be compatible with each state’s roads. To me, this illustrates the importance of the OSI model with respect to network communications. Not only is it the foundation for all network communications today, but also because it is such a fundamental part of these communications, it becomes very apparent to me that it is very important for a network technician to understand the OSI model in full detail.

The OSI model is made up of the following layers: the physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation and application. Together, these seven layers are collectively referred to as a stack. As a node receives data, each layer starting with the physical layer extracts the various portions of the packet and this process works its way up to the application layer. When data is sent, it begins at the application layer and travels down to the physical layer. The information is pushed to the next layer of the stack by means of commands called primitives. Each layer uses a peer protocol to encode the information, which ensures that the same layer on the receiving node will be able to understand the information.

Physical Layer

Beginning at the bottom, the first layer is the physical layer. It governs the actual voltages, type of electrical signals, mechanical connections and other items relating to the actual data transmission medium. This includes cabling types, distances and connectors, as well as protocols like CSMA/CD.

Data Link Layer

The next layer is the data link layer. This is the layer that actually constructs the frames, and it also performs error checking using CRC. It ensures that the frames are sent up to the next layer in the same order that they were received, providing an error free virtual path to the network layer. The data link layer consists of two sub layers; the logical link control (LLC) and the media access control (MAC), which provide reliable communications by ensuring the data link is not broken and also by examining packet address information. A bridge is an example of a device that works at this layer. A bridge learns, forwards and filters traffic by examining the layer 2 MAC address. This helps segment network traffic. More recently, bridges have been replaced by switches, which performs the same functions as a bridge, but can do so on each port. To find out more about switches, visit the Products link on the left.

Network Layer

Moving up to the next layer in the stack we come to the network layer. This layer actually routes packets of data, finding a path (both physical and logical) to the receiving or destination computer. It provides a unique address for each node through address resolution. One of the most common protocols for routing information at this layer is the Internet Protocol (IP). An example of hardware that can operate at this layer is a router. Although routers are often used to allow a LAN to access a WAN, layer 3 switches can also provide routing capabilities, but often at full wire-speed.

Transport Layer

The transport layer makes sure that the data arrives without errors, in the proper sequence and in a reliable condition. It uses flow control to make sure that information is sent at the proper speed for the receiving device to be able to handle it, and it repackages large data into smaller messages and then back again at the receiving node. An example protocol at this layer is the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). Layer 4 switches can use the port information found in the TCP header to provide QoS (Quality of Service) and load balancing. To learn more about multi-layer switches, visit the Products link.

Session Layer

The session layer establishes the link between two nodes and ensures that the link is maintained and then disconnected. This is referred to as the session. It also makes sure the session is orderly, establishing which node transmits first, how long it can transmit, and what to do in case of an error. It also handles the security of the session.

Presentation Layer

The presentation layer deals with the actual formatting of the data. It handles compression, encryption, as well as translation to make sure differences in formatting can be read by the receiving node. For example, data might be converted from EBCDIC to ASCII formatting so that the receiving node can understand it.

Application Layer

This brings us to the seventh and final layer, the application layer. It allows applications access to network services, such as file and printer sharing, as well as file transfer and management services. This would be the layer that a programmer uses to allow his application to access a network service, such as linking into a database.

Although this explains the flow of data and what processes are performed by each layer starting with the physical layer and working to the top, or application, layer, the process would be the same, only reversed, for data flowing from the application layer and down to the bottom, or the physical layer.

Conclusion

By adhering to this standard model of communications, modern networks, including the Internet, have come into existence. For anyone interested in implementing and supporting today’s modern networks, an understanding of the OSI model and its various layers is crucial. Indeed, this standard of communications lays the foundation for all of todays modern network hardware and software.

Kashif Raza http://www.networkingtutorials.net

Internet Fax — New Way to Send and Receive Faxes

Writen by Kwan Lo

Everything goes online, including faxing service. Internet fax service is a convenient way to send and receive faxes via the internet. There is no need to install a fax machine, fax modem, and additional phone line. You can send and receive faxes by email anytime anywhere with internet access.

This is how internet fax service works: when you subscribe to internet fax service, you will receive a local or toll free fax number. Received faxes are converted into picture files and routed directly to your inbox. You can read and respond to the faxes on the laptop even when you are on vacation. Sending faxes is just as easy. Faxes can be sent from email, the web or using the software program provided by the internet fax company.

Internet fax service provides some major advantages to home and business users. First of all, if you are a business person who needs to travel a lot, internet fax would be a perfect choice for you. With internet fax service, you don’t need to ask someone else to forward the faxes to you, look for a faxing center on the road or pay for high faxing cost in the hotels. You can send and receive faxes anytime anywhere with internet access just as you send and receive email.

Secondly, the faxes received are stored as digital files so they are more organized in your computer. You don’t need to carry piles of paper when you attend a business meeting or search through an entire folder looking for an old fax message.

Thirdly, internet fax service is cost effective. You can save on the initial investment of equipments and additional phone line, as well as maintenance fee, paper and toner cost.

Lastly, internet fax saves you a lot of hassles associated with fax machine. You don’t need to worry about paper jam, broken machine, busy signals, low toner, misplaced paper or machine run out of fax paper. You can read your faxes anytime from your inbox at home, in your office or while traveling on the road.

With the increasing popularity of laptop computers and wireless or broadband internet access, internet fax service is gaining public awareness. It is also an economical and convenient alternative to traditional faxing via fax machine and fax modem.

What is Groupware?

Writen by Mike Nielsen

Vince Lombardi once said that, “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” If this is the case, then what do we need to do in order to insure success in our companies? How can we combine the efforts of each individual as Mr. Lombardi said was so key to the success of a particular organization? While there are many possible solutions to these questions, I have found something that will help your company become more organized, and your employees more unified in their work. I am talking about groupware.

What is Groupware?

Groupware is software that facilitates the communication between the members of a network workgroup. It allows people within a company, whether they are physically in the same location or in several locations all over the world, to share documents, information, and data. It allows them to collaborate on ideas and projects, by allowing them to essentially work on the same page at the same time. With groupware there is no limit to the number of people that can work on the same project without creating duplicate ideas and work. Since groupware can track all document information, you will never wonder if you are using the latest version of a document.

What about CSCW?

If you have ever heard anything about groupware, you have probably also heard of CSCW. CSCW stands for Computer Supported Cooperative Work and is the study of groupware, i.e. how it is designed, developed, adopted, and used. People that are involved with the study of CSCW not only include software designers and computer scientists, but also researchers and people that study organizational behavior.

How does Groupware differ from the Traditional User Interface?

Where a traditional user interface generally focuses on the use of only one person, groupware relates to groups and understanding how people work and function in a group. Groupware is also more focused on the ease of use for the user because the system must be more responsive as the pace of a particular application is generally driven by the pace of the conversation. Other factors, such as the size of the group, and the roles that people play are taken into consideration when designing groupware.

What can Groupware do for you?

Groupware has many functions and can be a very useful tool to keep your company organized and your employees working in unity. While there are many advantages to using groupware I have listed a few key ideas below. By having some sort of groupware in your company you can allow your employees to:

Share information

Keep common schedules

Manage e-mail

Maintain bulletin boards

Have several people work on one document

Write Collectively

Hold real-time network meetings

Share files

Share calendars

Share database access

Share spreadsheets

Have electronic conferencing

Have cooperative project management

As you can see, there are several advantages to using groupware to keep your company more organized and unified. Groupware will allow your employees to collaborate on information, ideas, and many other facets of their work and allow them to be more effective, productive, and organized. We already know that when we combine the efforts of each individual in an organization, we will see greater achievements and more success. If your company could benefit from groupware, then I encourage you to find out more about it and explore different possibilities to see which one will fit your needs the best. It will be one of the best decisions you will make with regard to the organization of your company documents, ideas, and information.

Mike Nielsen is a client account specialist with 10xMarketing – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For more information about groupware, visit NextPage.com.

CRM and Customer Life Cycle

Writen by Bruce Zhang

Customer Relationship Management or CRM is a combination of enterprise strategies, business processes and information technologies used to learn more about customers’ needs and behaviors in order to develop stronger relationships with them. CRM software systems automate many customer-related business tasks.

CRM applications are traditionally developed as client-server software which incurs higher initial cost of ownership. The proliferation of the Internet and the Web has fueled the rapid growth of Web-based CRM or online CRM applications. Web CRM systems are widely deployed for web based call center, contact management, trouble ticket, personal information manager and scheduling.

The life cycle of CRM consists of three phases – customer acquisition, customer relationship enhancements and customer retention. CRM software streamlines CRM activities at each phase of customer relationship management.

Customer Acquisition

Contact management module and direct marketing module of CRM allow companies to effectively promote and market their products and services to prospects. Those modules help speed up the acquiring processes and reduce the cost of acquiring new customers.

Customer Relationship Enhancements

CRM helps companies better understand existing customers’ needs and behaviors and enhance the profitability from existing customers by cross-selling. They can customize their products and services to individual customers’ needs and preferences.

Customer Retention

Customer service module of CRM system gives the organizations the edge in customer support and call center services. They can increase customer satisfaction while reducing the cost of support. Customer retention is critical to the overall profitability of an organization. A customer you spend hundreds of dollars and months to acquire may leave you in seconds as a result of poor customer services.

Copyright 2005, Bruce Zhang

Bruce Zhang has over 10 years experiences in developing and implementing ecommerce and ebusiness systems in various industries. He has created a news aggregator http://www.sysoptima.com/newsbot/crm.php that automatically extracts CRM news and new articles from over 50 sources daily to help corporate executives, IT professionals and consultants to keep up with the latest development in enterprise software market. The website offers a knowledge base for understanding CRM software from a systems perspective.

Helping Newbies Understand Professional Software

Writen by John Deprice

The Windows registry is a huge database that ensures normal computer operation. Installing and uninstalling software can make your registry a mess, leading to decreased PC performance and causing computer crashes. Find out how you can fix this and other problems yourself.

Registry Mecic

Registry Medic uses a highly intelligent engine to scan your computer’s registry for invalid registry entries. With the click of a button, you are able to repair or remove registry entries that refer to a file or folder that has been moved or deleted. You can also scan and remove invalid software data and Start menu data from the registry. Furthermore, this easy-to-use utility can kill trojan viruses that use the registry to spread and do damage to your PC.

What Can Registry Medic Do For You? First, it finds invalid registry entries and repairs registry entries that refer to a file/folder that has moved. It also removes invalid registry entries and invalid software/Start Menu data in the registry. Registry Medic also allows you to kill trojans and viruses that use the registry to spread and do damage.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/registrymedic.htm

CCProxy

What’s CCProxy exactly? It’s a web proxy software that enables you to browse web pages, download files, send and receive e-mail. It’s also a web cache proxy, and web caching dramatically expedites the speed of surfing the net. The proxy user control provides powerful management functions including seven ways to control the Internet access on the LAN. These are IP address, IP range, MAC address, User Name/Password, IP User Name/Password, MAC User Name/Password and IP MAC.

Using CCProxy’s time schedule, you can freely control the users’ on-line time. It can allocate client surfing service respectively. This gives you an authority to open the different proxy services to the different users. Some of them may browse the web pages or send and receive e-mails and others may enjoy all the Internet surfing functions.

In addition to that, CCProxy can allocate proxy client bandwidth respectively. The bandwidth control can allocate the different bandwidth to the different users. Thus, it can control the speed of net surfing and occupation of the bandwidth resource of each user and avoid the traffic jam of net, which is caused by some users who try to download files. Plus, Web filter can ban the undesirable sites with unhealthy and irrelevant contents. This proxy software will help you keep the employees concentrate on their work or children stay away from the bad sites.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/ccproxy.htm

DOC Regenerator

DOC Regenerator is a new recovery solution for lost, damaged, deleted, overwritten MS Word document files. It efficiently recovers lost word document files from an existing partition as well as lost documents from a corrupted, deleted partition, or a reformatted disk.

Document corruption always comes with the risk of data loss. Many other document recovery programs recover corrupted documents from a single file. The result of such recovery is a document with probable data losses. In contrast to other recovery software, DOC Regenerator regenerates Microsoft Word documents not from a single file, but from the entire disk and without any loss of data.

If a Microsoft Word document was deleted, the program will scan the entire disk to find contents of the deleted document. If the contents of the document were overwritten, it will be regenerated from file fragments found on the disk. The product supports all versions of FAT and NTFS and regenerates Microsoft Word documents even from lost, deleted partitions and reformatted disks.

More Information: http://www.deprice.com/docregenerator.htm

John Deprice finds and reviews new software daily. To access old archives, please visit http://www.deprice.com/utilities.htm

Retail Business Accounting Software

Writen by Elizabeth Morgan

Imagine your favorite little retail shop. Think of how many people come in and out of that business establishment in an hour. Now think of the number of people that look at the shop’s products. Take into consideration the variety of products they buy, as well as the amounts they buy.

If you think about it, such numbers could reach hundreds, or maybe even thousands, during busy days. And the figures could double or triple easily if you take into account every single purchase made at the store.

To assist the owners and accountants of such retail businesses, computer techies and number wizards have come up with a great idea: retail business accounting software.

What is retail business accounting software? This kind of business accounting software has been specifically designed to make the numbers game much easier for business owners and accountants to play. For retail businesses, it is important to keep track of the shop’s stock and how many products are being sold. By identifying these factors, businesses are able to determine which products are the most profitable and which ones are draining them of resources. With retail business accounting software, processing these important figures becomes fairly easy.

Especially integrated into the program itself are important business criteria that are taken into consideration by the retail industry. All a person has to do is key in the required figures as well as other information or business data. Retail business accounting software does the rest of the work. The next thing that the user of the software needs to do is simply understand the statistics that have been summarized for him by the software. There is no need to manually tally laborious computations.

If you are interested in using retail business accounting software for your own retail business or for the company that you are working for, you can easily find one of these through the internet.