TIP: Print an Excel worksheet or workbook

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Unsure of how to best print the data and charts from your Microsoft Excel worksheets and workbooks?  Check out  Microsoft's tutorial on the different ways to print data from Excel, here.

What is the "cloud?"

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Have you been hearing the term "cloud" being tossed around over the past few years and wondered what exactly is this "cloud?!"  Here's a description from Wikipedia:

Cloud computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network (WAN, Internet connection using the World Wide Web, etc.). Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, netbook, pad computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization.

See more about the "cloud" from:

• Microsoft
• Siemens
• Cisco
• Google
• HP
• Dell
• IBM
• Coming this fall - Apple's iCloud for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

WORD Tip: Create a "World's Best Dad" certificate to celebrate your father

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For a quick and easy (read: last minute) way to celebrate your Dad today, print up a "World's Best Dad" certificate using a free MS Word template from Microsoft. Templates are available for different versions of Word and we even saw a PowerPoint template. Here's the link: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/results.aspx?qu=fathers+day+card&ck=1&av=all#ai:TC101885779|

Mac vs. PC - an overview

Tweet If you are trying to decide between a Mac and a PC, here are some key facts from ConsumerSearch.com to consider:

Operating systems - Mac's can run Windows but the Mac OS will only run on a Mac.

Price - Mac's may be more expensive to purchase but they come pre-loaded with the iLife suite which offers editing and management of photos, music, videos and other media while PC's tend to come with much more basic software to accomplish these tasks.

• Servicing a Mac is more expensive since many parts are proprietary to Apple so replacements aren't do-it-yourself.

Security - PC's do tend to be more vulnerable to attacks from viruses and malware.  Hackers and cyber criminals target PC's because more people use them (more than 90% of all users run Windows operating systems as of the writing of this post).  Mac users must still be careful of the links that they click on or files they download because they are still at risk of cyber attacks.

Other key facts

• Mac's are better suited than PC's for graphic design, desktop publishing, music production and some science applications.
• PC's are much better suited than Mac's for gaming.

Consider these facts along with your budget and computing needs when next you are in the market for a computer.

See also:

• PC vs. Mac: The Straight Scoop
• In their words: Experts weigh in on Mac vs. PC security - InSecurity Complex - CNET News
• Microsoft keeps Mac vs. PC battle going on Windows 7 website
• Mac vs PC People: Personality Traits & Aesthetic/Media Choices

Could your online activity be costing you a job? Learn how to manage your online identity!

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According to a New York Times article entitled "The Web Means the End of Forgetting," a Microsoft study found that "75 percent of U.S. recruiters and human-resource professionals report that their companies require them to do online research about candidates, and many use a range of sites when scrutinizing applicants — including search engines, social-networking sites, photo- and video-sharing sites, personal Web sites and blogs, Twitter and online-gaming sites. Seventy percent of U.S. recruiters report that they have rejected candidates because of information found online, like photos and discussion-board conversations and membership in controversial groups."  If you are even considering applying for a new job, now is the time to ensure that your online presence only shows you in the most positive light!

Here is a summary of tips from ReputationDefender.com, to help you discover what information is linked to you on the web but also ways to manage any negative information/activity that might scare off a potential employer.

• Edit the privacy settings for all your social network accounts to limit the information that others can view about you.
• Google yourself to find out what, if any, negative content might exist about you on the web.
• Edit or delete any poorly written, inappropriate, or defamatory blog posts, forum comments that you have made - especially if they are about a former employer!
• If there are photos of you doing anything that an employer might find questionable on Facebook or Flickr, untag yourself.
• If it's not possible to remove the embrassing content on any website on your own, try requesting that the person that posted the content remove it.
• In extreme cases, you may need to hire a repuation management firm to manage your online reputation.
• In the event that someone with a similar name has questionable content on the web, be sure to explain to potential employers at the beginning of the interview process - or even in your cover letter.
• There is a chance that you may not be able to avoid being linked to negative content on the web so proactively maintaining your personal brand on the web by writing a blog showcasing your expertise or by posting about topics and news related to your profession on Twitter is great way to help counteract any negative content that may be posted about you.

Thinking about upgrading to Microsoft Office 2010

Tweet Considering an upgrade to Office 2010? Check out Microsoft's comparison of the features of Office 2010 with Office 2007 and Office 2003. We're impressed with the online collaboration feature for Word, PowerPoint and Excel - a great option for those of us who are busy professionals and may often need to work from home. Give us a call at 212-851-8426 if you are interested in upgrading to Office 2010, we can help you!