I tell you, some of us are entering into the computer age slowly, only as our job security or children's homework assignments force us into it. For some the cost kept us at bay. For others if we had extra money, we needed to spend it on more basic things like food, shelter, clothing, and our kids extracurricular activities (because we want our babies to live their dreams). But as computer prices have dropped and the information age continues to barrel forward, a computer is one of the basic needs in a home. If you are thinking of getting one and money is a serious obstacle, then consider a two things:

1. BUNDLES. $500.00 can go a long way these days. Consider an entry level computer, that will let you do the basics (I call it light duty): search the internet, read and write emails, type a letter, and do your budget. Walmart, Staples and Dell.com often offer bundled packages--sets that include the computer (which is the brain and heart of the whole thing), the monitor (which is the screen, you know the face of your computer), and your keyboard & mouse (which come standard on most computers) all in one. Usually it is a decent product for a decent price. And if you are coming from no computer at all or an extremely slow one, then you will absolutely love it.

My mother bought one of these bundles from a local office supply store, and we still use it for light duty at the church to this day. Just keep in mind that the computer is the hardware and you still need some software upgrades. Most everybody (seriously) uses Microsoft Office (MS Office) on the job and at school. It is a software package that includes

a. Microsoft Word (MS Word) for word processing (typing letters and essays).

b. Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) for crunching numbers and creating budgets

c. Microsoft Powerpoint (Powerpoint) for creating digital and professional looking presentations on your computer.

d. Microsoft Outlook (Outlook) for keeping up with phone numbers and addresses. Outlook is basically a computerized address book.

This package can come with additional software in it as well, but what I listed above are the basics. The version for professionals can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 depending on the kind you choose. But, if you buy a $500 computer, then that has just doubled your price, and stressed you out. Fortunately, they created a version for families that usually sells for $150 or so and it can come with the license approval to use it on up to three computers in your home. And that's a good deal. We have used in for personal use, our home based businesses and start-ups for years. It gets your foot in the door, so you can quit bootlegging their software from your girlfriend at work (I know what desperate feels like and it is still wrong), and begin to participate in the information age--legally.

2. OTHER PEOPLE'S JUNK. My sister has been doing this for years. She goes to these computer salvage stores, where they take old computers, parts and/or trade ins and rebuilds them to resell to the public. It is not a fancy place, and you usually buy each part individually but you can find great deals (again to get your foot in the door). The computer she uses now was a $300 purchase for just the computer (the brain and heart) no monitor. She uses it to surf the internet, create and maintain her website, and type out the lyrics to her songs. She has another one that she uses to create her music and work on her cd. It cost her about $500.00. Lots of people have fancy studios, more up to date products. And don't get me wrong, she will eventually have that too, but you need to get started. This little inexpensive tip has allowed her to make music for years now. I'm glad that she's savvy, because we (family, friends & church members) get the benefit of singing her songs, now.

These little tips should help you get up and going and bring your family with you. Of course, if you have a thousand dollars to spend, then we can amp it up a little. Check back for a follow up post on what to look for when you are purchasing. Computers can be complicated, but the questions you ask in order to get what you need can be real basic . . .

-MizJAI-

I'm no computer, internet or virus expert but, in light of my recent computer woes, (Appreciate the Small Things: My Computers Sick, But I'm OK! and My Computer Caught a Virus! Trojan.KillAV) I have been reminded of two and discovered another way to protect my PC for FREE. The people who told me about it are computer experts. In fact, one is the guy who built my PC. Thought you might want to know about it:

1. Spybot-Search & Destroy What is it? Spybot-Search & Destroy is a Safer-Networking software product. The company is located in Ireland. In their own words, "Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer." It is available in multiple languages so you can suggest it to all your friends. It has also been reviewed by PC World, PC Magazine and has been ranked #24 on PC World's top 50 Tech Products of All Time. And for you Norton users, it is compatible (I haven't had any problems) There are other products out there, but I use Spybot Search & Destroy. Let's see what else is free . . .



2. Ad-Aware SE What is it? Ad-ware SE is created by Lavasoft. The company is located in Sweden and their vision in their own words is "that all individuals, regardless of economic status or geographic location, should have the power to protect their privacy and security. Our free anti-spyware product, Ad-Aware SE Personal, gives you that security, providing advanced protection against harmful spyware that secretly attaches itself and takes control of your home computer. After using Ad-Aware, annoying pop-up ads, hijacked homepages and sluggish computer performance will be things of the past. And you can rest easy knowing that your personal information like bank details, passwords and credit card account numbers will be safe from sneaky spyware and hackers." I run Ad-Aware FREE and Spybot S&E, mainly because my computer guy told me too, but I figure one will catch what the other misses. I like it because it works for me. But there's is one more free item to discuss before I go . . .
   


3. AVAST! Anti-Virus Program What is it? AVAST! is created by ALWIL Software a.s. The company is located in Prague. In their own words, "avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Both of these conditions should be met! Our company offers the Home Edition free of charge, since, in our opinion, it is possible to avoid global virus spreading by efficient prevention; however, many users are not able to or do not want to pay for antivirus software." I will be testing this one out in the near future. In the meantime for those of you looking for a free solution, it is worth a try. It was referred by another computer guy, he uses all three items on this post to secure his home. The public reviews are extremely strong on one site with 10,000 people giving it 4.5 stars out of 5. Anyway, it's your call, but at least you know about it, and 'knowing is half the battle' (GI Joe, for those of you who where into action cartoons as a kid).
   
   

Keep in mind, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If I had kept my anti-virus, spyware and ad-ware protection software up to date, it may have saved me some pain (you know emotional anguish:-(), time, and money. FYI they were all out of date by 8 months to 2 years.

And just in case you were wondering (like I was), Ad-Ware and AVAST make their money by selling upgraded versions of their free products. Spybot Search & Destroy takes donations. None of the programs pressure you about the upgrades nor the donation but they are there.

If you decide not to go with these suggestions, be sure that you download from a reputable site or download based on the suggestion of a reputable source. I'm cautious because the Trojan virus that I downloaded pretend to be a Spyware software. You can read about it in My Computer Caught a Virus! Trojan.KillAV. Remember, the people who create computer viruses do it religiously like a favorite hobby or a full time job. Be wise, so that we can spend more time doing what we love, rather then undoing some "bug" that has invaded our computer life.

Hope this helps.

-MizJAI-

You had a brilliant business idea that inspired you so much, you got off the couch in the evenings and started planning your family's future. Now you burn the candles at both ends, trying to build a dream, but as quiet as its kept, it's harder than you realized. Our business ideas and entrepreneur dreams vary like the fingers prints on our hands. Nevertheless, we can agree on some things:

• Starting a business is hard work;


• By the time we realize that we really need help, we are often in too deep to just quit, and there's a part of us that doesn't want to quit anyway;


• Oftentimes, great help comes with a great price tag

But we need help and we know we need help. So, what do we do? Turn to the government!? Why not? If you are a small business owner or thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, then chances are that you are a responsible citizen and probably a tax payer (save the diligent teenager with a brilliant idea, in which case, this is for you too). That being said, there are three services designed just for you, so be sure to take advantage of them, (many small business owners don't). Besides, your business being a success helps you, your family, the community and the economy (and the government knows it, which is one of the reasons why the services exist). So check out these 3 Ways To Get FREE Help for the Entrepreneur:

1. The SMALL BUSINESS ADMINSITRATION (SBA).

MISSION: to be your small business resource by providing programs and services to help you start, grow and succeed at your entrepreneurial dreams

STRUCTURE: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. In their own words "We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace."

SERVICES:

1. SBDC services (discussed below) are administered through the SBA
2. Online resources covering marketing, business planning, staffing, etc.
3. Access to other services online and in your area that you may not be aware of
4. The SBA website is priceless, so be sure to check it out.

2. The SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC).

MISSION: to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners.

STRUCTURE: In their own words they "offer one-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in central and easily accessible branch locations." The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community and federal, state and local governments and is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services.

SERVICES:

1. training and educational programs,
   
2. advisory services and counseling,
   
3. publications filled with information,
   
4. financial programs and contract assistance,
   
5. The agency also offers specialized programs for women business owners, minorities, veterans, international trade and rural development.

3. SCORE.

MISSION: to be "Counselors to America's Small Business". They consider themselves to be America's premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs.

STRUCTURE: Technically, they are not a government program but rather a Resource Partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. They have 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.

SERVICES:

1. Counseling from experts in your field of interest. This is available online as well as in person. You write your questions and the expert responds back to you. You can also have free face to face counseling. Just find the website of the SCORE program in the city closest to you.


2. Workshops & Seminars at reasonable prices. For example, you could take a two hour course on writing a mini business plan at Cobb Galeria in Atlanta for $20 person. Their classes are always taught by experts.


3. Conferences offered at reasonable prices. This is perfect the more in dept immersion in a subject

These three services make it easy to develop a new problem, OVERwhelm at all that they offer. To help with this, consider the final tips below:

With the SBDC seek out the specific classes (some have nominal fees) that you need as well as one on one consulting (which is free). If you are in need of a loan, they are experts at teaching you how to create a business plan that will probably get funding.

With the SBA be advised that you are benefiting from this program when you using the SBDC or acquiring a loan. However, they also have an overwhelming amount of quality online courses that you can take plus downloadable booklets on varying subjects from business plan to marketing that you can print off for free.

With SCORE focus on getting the advice from the volunteer professionals. Post your questions, be kind and persistent. You will get an answer. You can also search their database for counsel based on field or region.

How you use each program all depends on how you learn.

-MizJAI-

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