If you’re using email to communicate with current or prospective customers it's important that you apply best practice to achieve the highest response rates possible, whilst retaining valuable contacts.
1. How To Measure Success
Ensure you outline what your key performance indicators (KPIs) are going to be and bench mark each campaign against them. KPIs could include:
Open rate
Click-through rate
Click to open rate (number of unique clicks/number of unique opens)
Bounce rate
Delivery rate (emails sent, measured against bounces)
Unsubscribe rate
Referral rate ('send-to-a-friend')
Number, or proportion of, spam complaints
2. Personalise Where Possible
Improve response rates by personalising the email content. The more you know about your customers such as their topics of interest, their industry or company size the easier this will be.
3. Use Clear Calls To Action
Ensure the content is clear, consistent and communicates a clear call to action.
4. Experiment With Subject Lines
Keep subject lines short and to the point and try to refrain from using words which will be 'junked' by spam filters. A/B test alternatives to find out what most appeals to your audiences.
5. Test With All Email Clients
Test your email content with all the top email clients and providers (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL etc) to ensure it can be seen by the majority of users.
6. Test To Improve Performance
Continuous A/B testing of templates, subject lines, topics and sending day & times can help to optimise open and conversion rates.
7. Images & Alt Tags
Avoid putting text within an image. Most email clients don’t automatically download images, therefore image content is not viewable on first sight. If you have to use text within images, ensure you use an ‘Alt’ tag reiterating the text within the graphic.
8. Avoid Spamming
Try not to send too many emails to your audience unless you know they want to receive them. If you make the mistake of sending daily / weekly emails to your database you may find out that consumers quickly opt out.
9. Keep It Relevant
Consumers like to receive messages that are relevant to them. Don’t try and sell them something they did not sign up for.
10. Promote Key Content At The Top
Make sure you communicate key messages at the top of your email content. Many email clients don’t automatically display all email content therefore the top content needs to be motivating enough to encourage consumers to scroll down.
Data from : Approved Index
http://epidm.edgesuite.net/RBI/ApprovedIndex/AIBUY/BuyerMWSept2010.html
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
New IPads
Nice New Asus Ipad (Eee pad)
ASUS Eee Pad will come in two varieties: the 12-incher running full-blown Windows 7 desktop OS underneath with an Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low power CULV processor, and the 10-incher running Windows Embedded Compact 7 with NVIDIA Tegra in its back. The form factor and everything else will almost remain the same. Both of these devices will give 10 hour of battery life (like iPad), and will feature webcams on the front for video chatting/conferencing. They’ll also feature USB ports for connecting other devices with the Eee Pad.
and here is the MSI Version
The price is the same as the cheapest iPad (£300) and the capacitive screen is effectively the same size (9.7" for the iPad, 10" for the MSI). The iPad runs iPhone OS while the MSI runs Android. That means the MSI will multitask of course, and Flash support in Android should be a given by launch time (though that isn't certain). It has a camera. It's running on an Nvidia Tegra2 chip which Ars Technica suggests puts it on par with the iPad's A4 as far as computing horsepower. And of course Android doesn't live in a walled garden.
here is a video
In a nut shell hold off from buying an IPad - I have seen even more..
Epad, Iped, list goes on..
ASUS Eee Pad will come in two varieties: the 12-incher running full-blown Windows 7 desktop OS underneath with an Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low power CULV processor, and the 10-incher running Windows Embedded Compact 7 with NVIDIA Tegra in its back. The form factor and everything else will almost remain the same. Both of these devices will give 10 hour of battery life (like iPad), and will feature webcams on the front for video chatting/conferencing. They’ll also feature USB ports for connecting other devices with the Eee Pad.
and here is the MSI Version
The price is the same as the cheapest iPad (£300) and the capacitive screen is effectively the same size (9.7" for the iPad, 10" for the MSI). The iPad runs iPhone OS while the MSI runs Android. That means the MSI will multitask of course, and Flash support in Android should be a given by launch time (though that isn't certain). It has a camera. It's running on an Nvidia Tegra2 chip which Ars Technica suggests puts it on par with the iPad's A4 as far as computing horsepower. And of course Android doesn't live in a walled garden.
here is a video
In a nut shell hold off from buying an IPad - I have seen even more..
Epad, Iped, list goes on..
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Exporting Contacts from Thunderbird
To export your contacts from Mozilla Thunderbird, use the Address Book: to open Thunderbird's address book, go to Tools > Address Book from Thunderbird's main window.
note:
Thunderbird supports multiple address books: the export address book functionality will export the contacts from the selected address book. To export contacts from other address books, repeat the procedure outlined below for each address book.
After having selected the address book you would like to export, go (from Thunderbird's address book window) to Tools > Export
The Export Address Book dialog will open, and let you pick a file name, a location and a file format for your exported contacts.
Thunderbird lets you export contacts from your address book in three formats: LDIF, for LDAP directories, CSV (Comma-Separated Values), the most compatible used format (where contacts are listed on each line, and contact information is separated by commas), or Tab Delimited.
The CSV format enables you for example, to import the contacts you exported from Thunderbird's address book into Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, even Excel with a single click.
I found saving the file and opening it in exel and import, this is the quickest way to work with mail merge.
Here is a tool it must be install into Thunderbird and restarted.
http://nic-nac-project.de/~kaosmos/ImportExportTools-2.3.3.xpi
Full info
http://nic-nac-project.de/~kaosmos/mboximport-en.html
hope it helps.
note:
Thunderbird supports multiple address books: the export address book functionality will export the contacts from the selected address book. To export contacts from other address books, repeat the procedure outlined below for each address book.
After having selected the address book you would like to export, go (from Thunderbird's address book window) to Tools > Export
The Export Address Book dialog will open, and let you pick a file name, a location and a file format for your exported contacts.
Thunderbird lets you export contacts from your address book in three formats: LDIF, for LDAP directories, CSV (Comma-Separated Values), the most compatible used format (where contacts are listed on each line, and contact information is separated by commas), or Tab Delimited.
The CSV format enables you for example, to import the contacts you exported from Thunderbird's address book into Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express, even Excel with a single click.
I found saving the file and opening it in exel and import, this is the quickest way to work with mail merge.
Here is a tool it must be install into Thunderbird and restarted.
http://nic-nac-project.de/~kaosmos/ImportExportTools-2.3.3.xpi
Full info
http://nic-nac-project.de/~kaosmos/mboximport-en.html
hope it helps.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A2Z Computing PDF brochure
Information Technology is a powerful business tool, and with the right solution can help your business succeed. Since 1994 we have been providing a range of IT solutions for businesses, schools and home users in the UK, helping them to harness the full potential of their systems.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Blackberry FAQs
Blackberry FAQs
Email:
•How do you open attachments on your Blackberry?
•How do you view different sheets in Excel on your Blackberry?
•How do you get the BB to delete messages in your Outlook when you delete them on the handheld?
•How do you select multiple emails to delete at one time?
•How do you scroll horizontally?
•How do you copy and paste text?
•How do you quickly capitalize a letter in the middle of a sentence?
•How do you quickly add a period at the end of a sentence and make the next letter capitalized?
•Can you call a number from an email if the number is in the body of the email?
•How do quickly get to your newest message and your oldest messages?
Contacts:
•How do you get to the Global Address Book on the Blackberry?
•How do I quickly add new contacts in your Address Book?
•How do you create a group distribution list on your BB?
•How do you add radio numbers on your Blackberry?
•How do you import the numbers from your Nextel phone to your BB?
Calendar:
•How do you quickly view your schedule on other days?
•How do you add new appointments in your Blackberry and have them sync wirelessly with Outlook?
•How do you accept a meeting request in your Blackberry?
•How do you view your Weekly or Monthly agenda?
Phone:
•What are the quick shortcuts to make a phone call or radio call?
•How do you use speed dial on the 7510?
•How do you speed dial through voice mail passwords?
•How do you hide the call screen while you are on a call and look at other info (calendar, email, or contacts)?
•How do you send an alert and talk on the radio?
Web Browser (Not on All Blackberrys):
•What is the difference between the NOL browser and the Blackberry Browser?
•How do you enter a new web site address on the Blackberry?
•How do you bookmark a web page?
General:
•How do you change Font size on the Blackberry?
•What is the best shortcut to get to an icon without having to roll the track wheel?
•How do change syncing settings and redirector user preferences?
Pin Messages:
•What are PIN messages?
•How do you send a PIN message?
•How do I save the PIN Number when someone sent the email via it?
•How do I add the Pin to a Blackberry contact that already exists?
Profiles:
•How do you change the BB from ring to vibrate?
•How do you change the BB to notify differently if in the holster or out of the holster.
Trouble Shooting:
•Master Reset
•Master Radio Reset
•Master Clear
•Data Customer Care
Email:
•How do you open attachments on your Blackberry? ◦(Requires BES or Web Client, not possible with Redirector) - Open a message with an attachment; push the track wheel in and scroll down to Open Attachment from the menu. Push track wheel in again and select whether you want to download the Table of Contents or the full document.
•How do you view different sheets in Excel on your Blackberry? ◦Push track wheel in when viewing an Excel sheet and select sheet 2 from the menu.
•How do you get the BB to delete messages in your Outlook when you delete them on the handheld?
◦Open the message icon. Push track wheel in and select options. Scroll down and select Handheld next to Delete On. Push track wheel in and select change option and change it to delete on Handheld and Mailbox, push track wheel in and select save.
•How do you select multiple emails to delete at one time? ◦In the message inbox hold the Shift key down and roll the track wheel to select multiple emails, then push track wheel in again and select delete.
•How do you scroll horizontally? ◦Hold down the Alt key and roll the track wheel.
•How do you copy and paste text? ◦Position the cursor in front of the text you want to copy, press the Shift key and roll the track wheel to highlight the text you want to copy. Once the text is highlighted push track wheel in and select copy. Go to where you want to paste the text and push track wheel in and select Paste.
•How do you quickly capitalize a letter in the middle of a sentence? ◦Hold down the letter for 2 seconds and it will change from lower case to upper case.
•How do you quickly add a period at the end of a sentence and make the next letter capitalized?
◦Press the space bar twice at the end of a sentence and it will input a period and move over one space and capitalize the next letter.
•Can you call a number from an email if the number is in the body of the email?
◦Yes. You can also highlight a web link and go to that link by pushing the track wheel in selecting get link.
•How do quickly get to your newest message and your oldest messages?
◦Go to your Messages then press the letter "T" and it will take you to the Top of the list. Pressing "B" will take you to the bottom. Press the space bar will move you down one screen of messages at a time.
Contacts:
•How do you get to the Global Address Book on the Blackberry? ◦(Requires BES configuration) Go to your Contacts and push track wheel in and select "Look Up", type in part of the last name you are looking up and push track wheel in again on matches it found and select View Lookup. It will display up to 20 matches at a time. You can select the person from there and email them or you can push track wheel in and select Add to add them in your personal address Book. Adding them in your personal address book will automatically input their name, numbers, address, and email address.
•How do I quickly add new contacts in your Address Book? ◦When someone send you and email you can highlight the name in the email address and push track wheel in and select Add to Address Book. This will add their name and email address in your personal address book.
•How do you create a group distribution list on your BB?
◦Go to your Contacts and push track wheel in and select New Group. Name the group and push track wheel in select Add member, push track wheel in and select the people from your address book you want in your group.
•How do you add radio numbers on your Blackberry? ◦Put the entire radio number in under Contacts in the DCID field.
•How do you import the numbers from your Nextel phone to your BB? ◦You need to have the Nextel Address Book service active on your Nextel phone first. Then follow the instructions on the "Import Nextel Phonebook to Outlook" document. This will show you how to send your numbers from your phone to the Nextel.com Address Book, save that file, and then import that file into Outlook, and sync your BB. (If Instructions are not attached, please request if needed).
Calendar :
•How do you quickly view your schedule on other days? ◦While in the Calendar day view hold down the Alt key and roll the track wheel to go to a different day. You can also push the space bar to move forward one day.
•How do you add new appointments in your Blackberry and have them sync wirelessly with Outlook?
◦In the Calendar, push track wheel in and select New. Type in the subject, then set the time and date and push track wheel in again and select save. (Requires BES configuration to sync calendar wirelessly, otherwise it will sync when cradle).
•How do you accept a meeting request in your Blackberry? ◦Open the email and push track wheel in and select Accept or Decline with or without comments.
•How do you view your Weekly or Monthly agenda? ◦Open the calendar, push track wheel in and select view by week or by month.
Phone :
•What are the quick shortcuts to make a phone call or radio call? ◦Press the space bar on the home screen and it will open the phone screen. Press the space bar again it will display the last number called.
◦Press A for Address Book, search for the person you want to call and push track wheel in and select call or Alert.
◦Use the Speed dial capability on the 7510. (See next question).
•How do you use speed dial on the 7510? ◦Hold down a letter on the home screen for 3 seconds and it will ask if you want to assign this letter as a speed dial. Select Yes and select the person you want to assign this letter to from your Address Book.
•How do you speed dial through voice mail passwords? ◦Enter a new contact in address Book (name it Voice mail), enter your number in the phone field followed a pause, your password, three pauses, and the number 1. To put a pause in press the letter "N". (for example if your number is 602-757-1000 your password is 5555 your number will look like this: 6027571000p5555ppp1. Now assign this entry a to a speed letter on the home screen (see: How do you speed dial on the 7510).
•How do you hide the call screen while you are on a call and look at other info (calendar, email, or contacts)?
◦While on a phone call on the Blackberry, push track wheel in and select hide call or home screen. Then you can read email, access your Address Book or check your calendar.
•How do you send an alert and talk on the radio? ◦Go to the phone icon or Address and pick a person to call and push track wheel in and select Alert, then push the Push-to-talk number at the top of the BB to talk on the radio.
Web Browser (Not on All Blackberrys) :
•What is the difference between the NOL browser and the Blackberry Browser?
◦The NOL Browser is a WAP Browser that displays web pages that are written for viewing by mobile devices. The Blackberry Browser is a HTML Browser that can view most web pages. Some complex web pages may not be displayed correctly or only part of the web page will be displayed. (The Blackberry Browser requires a BES configuration).
•How do you enter a new web site address on the Blackberry? ◦Go to the NOL or Blackberry Browser and push track wheel in and select "Go To." Type in the URL and roll the track wheel down to OK.
•How do you bookmark a web page? ◦Once you are on web page that you want to Bookmark push track wheel in and select Add Bookmark.
General :
•How do you change Font size on the Blackberry? ◦Select the Options icon on the Blackberry and then select Screen/Keyboard. Then select Font Size and push track wheel in and select Change option roll the track wheel up or down to make the text larger or smaller. Select the size you want, then push track wheel in and select save.
•What is the best shortcut to get to an icon without having to roll the track wheel?
◦Press the letter that is underlined while each icon is selected. For instance press M for messages on the home screen and it will take you inside of the messages icon.
•How do change syncing settings and redirector user preferences?
◦Select the intellisync icon from your Blackberry Desktop Manager software on your computer and check the settings you wish. The configure PIM button will allow you to change what the Blackberry is syncing with.
◦Selecting Redirector Settings icon from your Blackberry Desktop Manager software on your computer can change the Redirector preferences.
PIN Messages:
•What are PIN messages? ◦PIN messages are messages that are sent from one Blackberry to another Blackberry without going through the email system. (Similar to Instant Messaging).
•How do you send a PIN message? ◦Select messages and push track wheel in select PIN Message or select a name from your Address Book that has PIN number saved in it. Then type out the subject and message just like you would with a normal message and push track wheel in select send.
•How do I save the PIN Number when someone sent the email via it? ◦First open the email on the blackberry, move the cursor to highlight the "From," click on the track wheel once and select "Show Qualified Address." Highlight and copy the PIN Number by holding down the NUM or the Shift key and moving the track wheel. Once the PIN Number is highlighted and selected, click on the track wheel and select "Copy Selection." Then create a contact address and paste the PIN Number in the Pin: field.
•How do I add the Pin to a Blackberry contact that already exists? ◦Edit the contact address and add the pin to the "PIN:" field.
Profiles :
•How do you change the BB from ring to vibrate? ◦Select the Profile icon and select a different profile to change the settings for notifications.
•How do you change the BB to notify differently if in the holster or out of the holster.
◦Select the Profile icon and select a different profile to change the settings for notifications. To view or change the profile settings push track wheel in and select Edit, then select the type of notification that you want to change. For instance select Messages and push track wheel in and select edit. The screen will show you how the Blackberry will notify you in and out of the holster. To make changes push the track wheel in and select change option then select save after the changes.
Trouble Shooting :
•Master Reset - If Blackberry unit locks up try a master Reset. Take the back door off and push a paper clip in the small hole on the bottom that says RESET. The unit will power off then back on. (No information will be erased).
•Master Radio Reset - If Blackberry wireless service does not work after turning wireless on try a Master Radio Reset. Select the Options icon, then security, then push the track wheel in and select Master Radio Reset, select YES. Type in 0000 for the password and select OK. (To put in the 0000 you need hold Alt down and press 0000 at the same time).
•Master Clear - Use this if you want to erase all of the info off of the BB device, for instance, when the BB may have been used by one employee and now that device is going to be given to another employee to use. Select Options, Security, push the track wheel in on Disable (Password), select change option, and select Enabled, push the track wheel in again and select SAVE. Type in a new password (AAAA), push the track wheel in then re-type same password (AAAA). Go back to the home screen and press the letter K (shortcut for keyboard lock), push the track wheel in and then type in a incorrect password, repeat the unlock procedure 10 times entering an incorrect password each time. On the 5 th and 8 th attempt you will have to type the word "Blackberry." On the last attempt it will notify you that all info will be erased. The unit will power off and then back on and all the information will be erased (Email, contacts, calendar, etc).
•Call Customer Care - for Blackberry Technical assistance
Email:
•How do you open attachments on your Blackberry?
•How do you view different sheets in Excel on your Blackberry?
•How do you get the BB to delete messages in your Outlook when you delete them on the handheld?
•How do you select multiple emails to delete at one time?
•How do you scroll horizontally?
•How do you copy and paste text?
•How do you quickly capitalize a letter in the middle of a sentence?
•How do you quickly add a period at the end of a sentence and make the next letter capitalized?
•Can you call a number from an email if the number is in the body of the email?
•How do quickly get to your newest message and your oldest messages?
Contacts:
•How do you get to the Global Address Book on the Blackberry?
•How do I quickly add new contacts in your Address Book?
•How do you create a group distribution list on your BB?
•How do you add radio numbers on your Blackberry?
•How do you import the numbers from your Nextel phone to your BB?
Calendar:
•How do you quickly view your schedule on other days?
•How do you add new appointments in your Blackberry and have them sync wirelessly with Outlook?
•How do you accept a meeting request in your Blackberry?
•How do you view your Weekly or Monthly agenda?
Phone:
•What are the quick shortcuts to make a phone call or radio call?
•How do you use speed dial on the 7510?
•How do you speed dial through voice mail passwords?
•How do you hide the call screen while you are on a call and look at other info (calendar, email, or contacts)?
•How do you send an alert and talk on the radio?
Web Browser (Not on All Blackberrys):
•What is the difference between the NOL browser and the Blackberry Browser?
•How do you enter a new web site address on the Blackberry?
•How do you bookmark a web page?
General:
•How do you change Font size on the Blackberry?
•What is the best shortcut to get to an icon without having to roll the track wheel?
•How do change syncing settings and redirector user preferences?
Pin Messages:
•What are PIN messages?
•How do you send a PIN message?
•How do I save the PIN Number when someone sent the email via it?
•How do I add the Pin to a Blackberry contact that already exists?
Profiles:
•How do you change the BB from ring to vibrate?
•How do you change the BB to notify differently if in the holster or out of the holster.
Trouble Shooting:
•Master Reset
•Master Radio Reset
•Master Clear
•Data Customer Care
Email:
•How do you open attachments on your Blackberry? ◦(Requires BES or Web Client, not possible with Redirector) - Open a message with an attachment; push the track wheel in and scroll down to Open Attachment from the menu. Push track wheel in again and select whether you want to download the Table of Contents or the full document.
•How do you view different sheets in Excel on your Blackberry? ◦Push track wheel in when viewing an Excel sheet and select sheet 2 from the menu.
•How do you get the BB to delete messages in your Outlook when you delete them on the handheld?
◦Open the message icon. Push track wheel in and select options. Scroll down and select Handheld next to Delete On. Push track wheel in and select change option and change it to delete on Handheld and Mailbox, push track wheel in and select save.
•How do you select multiple emails to delete at one time? ◦In the message inbox hold the Shift key down and roll the track wheel to select multiple emails, then push track wheel in again and select delete.
•How do you scroll horizontally? ◦Hold down the Alt key and roll the track wheel.
•How do you copy and paste text? ◦Position the cursor in front of the text you want to copy, press the Shift key and roll the track wheel to highlight the text you want to copy. Once the text is highlighted push track wheel in and select copy. Go to where you want to paste the text and push track wheel in and select Paste.
•How do you quickly capitalize a letter in the middle of a sentence? ◦Hold down the letter for 2 seconds and it will change from lower case to upper case.
•How do you quickly add a period at the end of a sentence and make the next letter capitalized?
◦Press the space bar twice at the end of a sentence and it will input a period and move over one space and capitalize the next letter.
•Can you call a number from an email if the number is in the body of the email?
◦Yes. You can also highlight a web link and go to that link by pushing the track wheel in selecting get link.
•How do quickly get to your newest message and your oldest messages?
◦Go to your Messages then press the letter "T" and it will take you to the Top of the list. Pressing "B" will take you to the bottom. Press the space bar will move you down one screen of messages at a time.
Contacts:
•How do you get to the Global Address Book on the Blackberry? ◦(Requires BES configuration) Go to your Contacts and push track wheel in and select "Look Up", type in part of the last name you are looking up and push track wheel in again on matches it found and select View Lookup. It will display up to 20 matches at a time. You can select the person from there and email them or you can push track wheel in and select Add to add them in your personal address Book. Adding them in your personal address book will automatically input their name, numbers, address, and email address.
•How do I quickly add new contacts in your Address Book? ◦When someone send you and email you can highlight the name in the email address and push track wheel in and select Add to Address Book. This will add their name and email address in your personal address book.
•How do you create a group distribution list on your BB?
◦Go to your Contacts and push track wheel in and select New Group. Name the group and push track wheel in select Add member, push track wheel in and select the people from your address book you want in your group.
•How do you add radio numbers on your Blackberry? ◦Put the entire radio number in under Contacts in the DCID field.
•How do you import the numbers from your Nextel phone to your BB? ◦You need to have the Nextel Address Book service active on your Nextel phone first. Then follow the instructions on the "Import Nextel Phonebook to Outlook" document. This will show you how to send your numbers from your phone to the Nextel.com Address Book, save that file, and then import that file into Outlook, and sync your BB. (If Instructions are not attached, please request if needed).
Calendar :
•How do you quickly view your schedule on other days? ◦While in the Calendar day view hold down the Alt key and roll the track wheel to go to a different day. You can also push the space bar to move forward one day.
•How do you add new appointments in your Blackberry and have them sync wirelessly with Outlook?
◦In the Calendar, push track wheel in and select New. Type in the subject, then set the time and date and push track wheel in again and select save. (Requires BES configuration to sync calendar wirelessly, otherwise it will sync when cradle).
•How do you accept a meeting request in your Blackberry? ◦Open the email and push track wheel in and select Accept or Decline with or without comments.
•How do you view your Weekly or Monthly agenda? ◦Open the calendar, push track wheel in and select view by week or by month.
Phone :
•What are the quick shortcuts to make a phone call or radio call? ◦Press the space bar on the home screen and it will open the phone screen. Press the space bar again it will display the last number called.
◦Press A for Address Book, search for the person you want to call and push track wheel in and select call or Alert.
◦Use the Speed dial capability on the 7510. (See next question).
•How do you use speed dial on the 7510? ◦Hold down a letter on the home screen for 3 seconds and it will ask if you want to assign this letter as a speed dial. Select Yes and select the person you want to assign this letter to from your Address Book.
•How do you speed dial through voice mail passwords? ◦Enter a new contact in address Book (name it Voice mail), enter your number in the phone field followed a pause, your password, three pauses, and the number 1. To put a pause in press the letter "N". (for example if your number is 602-757-1000 your password is 5555 your number will look like this: 6027571000p5555ppp1. Now assign this entry a to a speed letter on the home screen (see: How do you speed dial on the 7510).
•How do you hide the call screen while you are on a call and look at other info (calendar, email, or contacts)?
◦While on a phone call on the Blackberry, push track wheel in and select hide call or home screen. Then you can read email, access your Address Book or check your calendar.
•How do you send an alert and talk on the radio? ◦Go to the phone icon or Address and pick a person to call and push track wheel in and select Alert, then push the Push-to-talk number at the top of the BB to talk on the radio.
Web Browser (Not on All Blackberrys) :
•What is the difference between the NOL browser and the Blackberry Browser?
◦The NOL Browser is a WAP Browser that displays web pages that are written for viewing by mobile devices. The Blackberry Browser is a HTML Browser that can view most web pages. Some complex web pages may not be displayed correctly or only part of the web page will be displayed. (The Blackberry Browser requires a BES configuration).
•How do you enter a new web site address on the Blackberry? ◦Go to the NOL or Blackberry Browser and push track wheel in and select "Go To." Type in the URL and roll the track wheel down to OK.
•How do you bookmark a web page? ◦Once you are on web page that you want to Bookmark push track wheel in and select Add Bookmark.
General :
•How do you change Font size on the Blackberry? ◦Select the Options icon on the Blackberry and then select Screen/Keyboard. Then select Font Size and push track wheel in and select Change option roll the track wheel up or down to make the text larger or smaller. Select the size you want, then push track wheel in and select save.
•What is the best shortcut to get to an icon without having to roll the track wheel?
◦Press the letter that is underlined while each icon is selected. For instance press M for messages on the home screen and it will take you inside of the messages icon.
•How do change syncing settings and redirector user preferences?
◦Select the intellisync icon from your Blackberry Desktop Manager software on your computer and check the settings you wish. The configure PIM button will allow you to change what the Blackberry is syncing with.
◦Selecting Redirector Settings icon from your Blackberry Desktop Manager software on your computer can change the Redirector preferences.
PIN Messages:
•What are PIN messages? ◦PIN messages are messages that are sent from one Blackberry to another Blackberry without going through the email system. (Similar to Instant Messaging).
•How do you send a PIN message? ◦Select messages and push track wheel in select PIN Message or select a name from your Address Book that has PIN number saved in it. Then type out the subject and message just like you would with a normal message and push track wheel in select send.
•How do I save the PIN Number when someone sent the email via it? ◦First open the email on the blackberry, move the cursor to highlight the "From," click on the track wheel once and select "Show Qualified Address." Highlight and copy the PIN Number by holding down the NUM or the Shift key and moving the track wheel. Once the PIN Number is highlighted and selected, click on the track wheel and select "Copy Selection." Then create a contact address and paste the PIN Number in the Pin: field.
•How do I add the Pin to a Blackberry contact that already exists? ◦Edit the contact address and add the pin to the "PIN:" field.
Profiles :
•How do you change the BB from ring to vibrate? ◦Select the Profile icon and select a different profile to change the settings for notifications.
•How do you change the BB to notify differently if in the holster or out of the holster.
◦Select the Profile icon and select a different profile to change the settings for notifications. To view or change the profile settings push track wheel in and select Edit, then select the type of notification that you want to change. For instance select Messages and push track wheel in and select edit. The screen will show you how the Blackberry will notify you in and out of the holster. To make changes push the track wheel in and select change option then select save after the changes.
Trouble Shooting :
•Master Reset - If Blackberry unit locks up try a master Reset. Take the back door off and push a paper clip in the small hole on the bottom that says RESET. The unit will power off then back on. (No information will be erased).
•Master Radio Reset - If Blackberry wireless service does not work after turning wireless on try a Master Radio Reset. Select the Options icon, then security, then push the track wheel in and select Master Radio Reset, select YES. Type in 0000 for the password and select OK. (To put in the 0000 you need hold Alt down and press 0000 at the same time).
•Master Clear - Use this if you want to erase all of the info off of the BB device, for instance, when the BB may have been used by one employee and now that device is going to be given to another employee to use. Select Options, Security, push the track wheel in on Disable (Password), select change option, and select Enabled, push the track wheel in again and select SAVE. Type in a new password (AAAA), push the track wheel in then re-type same password (AAAA). Go back to the home screen and press the letter K (shortcut for keyboard lock), push the track wheel in and then type in a incorrect password, repeat the unlock procedure 10 times entering an incorrect password each time. On the 5 th and 8 th attempt you will have to type the word "Blackberry." On the last attempt it will notify you that all info will be erased. The unit will power off and then back on and all the information will be erased (Email, contacts, calendar, etc).
•Call Customer Care - for Blackberry Technical assistance
Friday, April 2, 2010
Business Rate - rip off
Hello everyone..
I should have put this in November when we were notified that our rates were going from £4800 per year to just under £12,000.. (I'm doing this as I've just been told my Rates problem got on the radio wales)
Well I hit the ceiling, asked everyone, even contacted Wendy (our previous accounts manager) Wendy confirmed that we have only paid about £400 per month..
so you can imagine from my surprise when I was hit with this, Every business is struggling, Newport is going downhill, we sticking allowing the developers to change things and make Newport better.
We are members of several Business Groups, and the same thing is mentioned time and time again, NEWPORT is not New anymore more its needs something urgently..
Several business I have spoken to stated Newport is killing itself.. the City Council (CC) just don't really care.. Look at the town, We did not purchase our premises in town as the rates to high. we moved to Maindee area, outside of the town, in a residential area, were the building was falling apart.
I gave the task to our office manager to find out what can be done, she informed me the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) said if they came down it could increase even more. at this point I was angry and very disappointed, in our city, but said tell them to come.
Early December we had a visit from 2 People who I think where from VOA, a male and female. The male opened a folder which had drawings in it (rough drawing in pen). and basically told me I would be paying the new rate as the old one might be wrong.
I tried to explain and tried to show them around, but they just said that was final and I could appeal in April. I even told them It means I have to let someone go to cover the costs. but they I guess were the messengers.
During January I got our new office Manager Jennie and myself to call all support agency's the chamber, Business Federation, different clubs and Mr Google. eventually between all this we found:
http://www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk/
http://www.voa.gov.uk/business_rates/
http://www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/Home.aspx
http://www.valuation-tribunals-wales.gov.uk/Index.htm
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/localgovernment/finandfunding/nondomesticrates/?lang=en
http://www.ratesrecovery.com/
We found some forms, and made more calls, assumed nothing was going to happen, then in march we had our Rate Bill (hay happy day's for now..) its £430 per month totaling £5160 (I still recon high) but can live with this.
What I don't understand is Newport is failing in all areas. Schools, Homes, Businesses, there are more thugs out now then ever before, I guess that's what city status brings. But why does the Council not help. we all in this recessions.. some rubbish I heard that we are on the way to recovery. (dream on.) People are still wondering if they will have a job, companies are still being forced to close.
This is not going to stop in one go! I see this happening for a few years.
Who is going to benefit from the Rider Cup? well? I've been pushed to the side, as its been signed up by large American companies. (HP, etc..) I thought WAG was tiring to push welsh companies. but I see the same thing happens.. outsides get in. forget the local businesses. (I may create a new rant about this).
The BBC Radio Wales (1/4/2010) Snippit : (no its not April fools..)
http://sites.google.com/site/a2zcomputingltd/files-found/BBCRadioWalesJannet-Rates.wav?attredirects=0&d=1
I should have put this in November when we were notified that our rates were going from £4800 per year to just under £12,000.. (I'm doing this as I've just been told my Rates problem got on the radio wales)
Well I hit the ceiling, asked everyone, even contacted Wendy (our previous accounts manager) Wendy confirmed that we have only paid about £400 per month..
so you can imagine from my surprise when I was hit with this, Every business is struggling, Newport is going downhill, we sticking allowing the developers to change things and make Newport better.
We are members of several Business Groups, and the same thing is mentioned time and time again, NEWPORT is not New anymore more its needs something urgently..
Several business I have spoken to stated Newport is killing itself.. the City Council (CC) just don't really care.. Look at the town, We did not purchase our premises in town as the rates to high. we moved to Maindee area, outside of the town, in a residential area, were the building was falling apart.
I gave the task to our office manager to find out what can be done, she informed me the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) said if they came down it could increase even more. at this point I was angry and very disappointed, in our city, but said tell them to come.
Early December we had a visit from 2 People who I think where from VOA, a male and female. The male opened a folder which had drawings in it (rough drawing in pen). and basically told me I would be paying the new rate as the old one might be wrong.
I tried to explain and tried to show them around, but they just said that was final and I could appeal in April. I even told them It means I have to let someone go to cover the costs. but they I guess were the messengers.
During January I got our new office Manager Jennie and myself to call all support agency's the chamber, Business Federation, different clubs and Mr Google. eventually between all this we found:
http://www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk/
http://www.voa.gov.uk/business_rates/
http://www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/Home.aspx
http://www.valuation-tribunals-wales.gov.uk/Index.htm
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/localgovernment/finandfunding/nondomesticrates/?lang=en
http://www.ratesrecovery.com/
We found some forms, and made more calls, assumed nothing was going to happen, then in march we had our Rate Bill (hay happy day's for now..) its £430 per month totaling £5160 (I still recon high) but can live with this.
What I don't understand is Newport is failing in all areas. Schools, Homes, Businesses, there are more thugs out now then ever before, I guess that's what city status brings. But why does the Council not help. we all in this recessions.. some rubbish I heard that we are on the way to recovery. (dream on.) People are still wondering if they will have a job, companies are still being forced to close.
This is not going to stop in one go! I see this happening for a few years.
Who is going to benefit from the Rider Cup? well? I've been pushed to the side, as its been signed up by large American companies. (HP, etc..) I thought WAG was tiring to push welsh companies. but I see the same thing happens.. outsides get in. forget the local businesses. (I may create a new rant about this).
The BBC Radio Wales (1/4/2010) Snippit : (no its not April fools..)
http://sites.google.com/site/a2zcomputingltd/files-found/BBCRadioWalesJannet-Rates.wav?attredirects=0&d=1
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Links to IWB support files
Smart Board / IWB support files for lessons
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx
http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/NGFL/IWB/resources.html
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/15.cfm?s=15&p=250,index
http://www.woodlandgrange.leics.sch.uk/iwb/
http://smarttech.com/trainingcenter/material.asp
http://www.education.smarttech.com/ste/en-GB/Ed+Resource/Lesson+activities/Notebook+Activities/
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx
http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/NGFL/IWB/resources.html
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/15.cfm?s=15&p=250,index
http://www.woodlandgrange.leics.sch.uk/iwb/
http://smarttech.com/trainingcenter/material.asp
http://www.education.smarttech.com/ste/en-GB/Ed+Resource/Lesson+activities/Notebook+Activities/
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
ultra thin Laptop
According to rumours just surfacing it appears that Fujitsu and Asus aren’t the only ones that are looking seriously at frameless laptops (ie., laptops without bezels) as it’s now said that Acer are also looking at producing a frameless laptop with the report suggesting that Acer’s frameless laptop is set to become available in the second half of this year.
The report is scant on detail and doesn’t name its sources – merely crediting ‘notebook players’ – and, we might add, at this stage, goes wholly unsubstantiated, but it suggests that Acer’s as yet untitled frameless laptop will come with a touchscreen keyboard and a reinforced glass substrate onto which the display will be printed.
“Acer is expected to adopt Corning’s reinforced glass substrate and simply print color on its back to allow the substrate to function like a notebook cover for a frameless design,” says the unnamed source. “The design will help reduce the thickness of the ultra-thin notebook and can also reduce material costs.”
Of course, there’s really not much to go on here, but the technology is certainly there so its not merely a flight of fancy but until Acer come out with an official release you’ll excuse us if we sit on the fence on this one in the meantime.
(TFTS – Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities)
The report is scant on detail and doesn’t name its sources – merely crediting ‘notebook players’ – and, we might add, at this stage, goes wholly unsubstantiated, but it suggests that Acer’s as yet untitled frameless laptop will come with a touchscreen keyboard and a reinforced glass substrate onto which the display will be printed.
“Acer is expected to adopt Corning’s reinforced glass substrate and simply print color on its back to allow the substrate to function like a notebook cover for a frameless design,” says the unnamed source. “The design will help reduce the thickness of the ultra-thin notebook and can also reduce material costs.”
Of course, there’s really not much to go on here, but the technology is certainly there so its not merely a flight of fancy but until Acer come out with an official release you’ll excuse us if we sit on the fence on this one in the meantime.
(TFTS – Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Faster Internet - for FREE
BT have come up with a way of making more money from YOU..
Its called the Iplate.. costs about 6-7 quid.
Now It looks like this:
Its called the Iplate.. costs about 6-7 quid.
Now It looks like this:
Here is a Video how to install it :
some spec :
What is the BT i-Plate & how does it work?
The i-Plate (iPlate) is a filter for use on ADSL Broadband lines to improve the speed & stability of the connection. Since they're easy to install yourself, (see YouTube video) there are no costly engineer visits required. When connected to the master socket, the iPlate filters the 'bell wire' which used to be needed to make our old-fashioned analogue telephones ring. However, with today's touch-tone phones, this bell wire is now redundant and its presence in a master socket actually causes digital interference on the ADSL line.
Please note that with an iPlate, you will still need to use micro filters.
Increased speeds:
Some lines have seen up to 4Mb increases in speed although improvements of 1.5Mb were found to be more typical in a benchmark survey of 36,000 filtered lines. This indicates a potential 10Db extension in reach meaning iPlates can also help with poor performing ‘Long lines’. These benefits were realized on ADSL lines and they'll be at least as good, if not better, on ADSL2+ lines.
Improved stability:
Since the iPlate also helps to make ADSL connections more stable, there can be Broadband performance benefits even when line speed is not noticeably increased. The same benchmark study of 36,000 lines showed that filtered lines typically had 20% fewer re-trains (denoting lost connections) and a 45% reduction in error rate.
Who can use the iPlate?
7 out of 10 UK homes will benefit to some extent – that’s approximately 9m Broadband lines. You must have a BT NTE5 type Master Socket
Will I benefit from an iPlate?
A good way to tell if your line is likely to benefit from bell wire filtering is to compare Broadband performance test results when the modem is plugged into the master socket, versus plugging it into an extension socket. If you see an improvement in broadband performance when the master socket is used, this is a good indication that an iPlate will help.
Ok now its time for an Eye opener..
Solwise says that the I-Plate, which BT claims can improve your broadband speed by up to 1.5Mbps when fitted to your home phone socket, isn't worth buying.
The I-Plate is a self-install filter which needs to be fitted in between the front and back plate of the BT NTE 5 master telephone socket.
The I-Plate disables the bell wire that was used to make older telephones ring. Solwise, however, suggests a manual solution to disable the bell wire.
"The Solwise solution to this problem would be to detach the front section of your master socket and disconnect the bell-wire(s) (from pin 3) and re-fit the faceplate," the company said in an email.
"The BT solution is called the iPlate! This device places a filter on the bell-wire (which remember is not required!)," the email continued.
Just to inform all Yes it does work, so remove the wire from connection 3
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Windows Audit Software
Just letting people know two nice pieces of software for free:
Winaudit from : WinAudit
WinAudit is a software programme that audits Windows® based personal computers. Just about every aspect of computer inventory is examined. The report is displayed as a web page, which can be saved in a number of standard formats. You can e-mail it to your technical support or even post the audit to a database for archiving. When used in conjunction with its command line functionality, you can automate inventory administration at the network level. WinAudit supports the remote desktop and pre-installation environments.
MS Audit from : Microsoft
Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer
You can use the MSIA to scan and inventory the Microsoft software that is installed on a single computer, or on multiple computers throughout a network. It generates a report that provides details of all installed Microsoft products, including the type and the number of licenses. The MSIA will work with networks that have 250 or fewer computers. The latest MSIA 5.1 features enable you to:
Identify and report all installed Microsoft products listed under Add or Remove Programs.
Consolidate the MSIA report with the Microsoft Licensing Statement (MLS) report (.xls only).
Winaudit from : WinAudit
WinAudit is a software programme that audits Windows® based personal computers. Just about every aspect of computer inventory is examined. The report is displayed as a web page, which can be saved in a number of standard formats. You can e-mail it to your technical support or even post the audit to a database for archiving. When used in conjunction with its command line functionality, you can automate inventory administration at the network level. WinAudit supports the remote desktop and pre-installation environments.
MS Audit from : Microsoft
Microsoft Software Inventory Analyzer
You can use the MSIA to scan and inventory the Microsoft software that is installed on a single computer, or on multiple computers throughout a network. It generates a report that provides details of all installed Microsoft products, including the type and the number of licenses. The MSIA will work with networks that have 250 or fewer computers. The latest MSIA 5.1 features enable you to:
Identify and report all installed Microsoft products listed under Add or Remove Programs.
Consolidate the MSIA report with the Microsoft Licensing Statement (MLS) report (.xls only).
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