Business technology and online tools

With business technology changing so rapidly it can be hard to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.

In this section, we provide straightforward, easy to understand articles on online business tools and other business technology. From choosing a laptop for your business and online backup solutions to free business software and inexpensive computer upgrades, you are sure to find something useful for your business in this section.

And if mobile business technology is getting the better of you, you may want to look at Megan Tough’s article on taking control of your all-in-one device or read the lively debate about mobile phone manners.

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Business technology articles

• Making Twitter work for you

  Regular email, Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Delicious… it’s easy to become overwhelmed to the point of inertia. I work in digital media and I still have a hard time keeping up! Here are some tips to help make my favourite app, Twitter, work for you.

  • 30 November 09
  • Zoe Warne
  • 10 Comments

• The twouble with using Twitter

  As a Gen Xer I get stuck in the middle a lot. Too old for acne, too young for wrinkles; too old for MySpace, too young for games of bridge– you get the picture. Then along came Twitter.

  • 18 August 09
  • Sam Leader
  • 58 Comments

• Avoiding early adopter anguish

  If you regularly worry that you’re missing the boat on some new innovation, or get rattled by the continual brilliance of others, rest assured, you’re not alone in experiencing early adopter anguish.

  • 30 June 09
  • Robert Gerrish
  • 29 Comments

• Choosing a PC when there is too much choice

  In the coming months, we will be upgrading our home computer. Sounds simple, until I asked my partner what functionality he wanted in the new upgrade. Decision making can be difficult when there is too much choice!

  • 25 March 09
  • Megan Tough
  • 23 Comments

• Free software or freeware for small business

  Following on from my article 20 Money Saving Tips, I wanted to share free software or 'freeware' I have tried and tested. Freeware is offered by software firms on a trial basis, in the hope that you will upgrade to their subscription based product.

  • 26 December 08
  • Heather Smith
  • 28 Comments

• Business technology money saving tips

  To run a successful business, you must ensure your costs are under control. The costs of business technology is no different. Even trying just one or two of the money saving tips below could translate into immediate savings for your bottom line.

  • 03 October 08
  • Greg Pritchard
  • 10 Comments

• Mobile mania: Are you a nomophobe?

  Remember the monstrous mobiles we used to carry around in the late 80’s? Today’s mobile phone is a far cry from those days - now they’re faster, lighter, stronger and more convergent than ever before, but are you becoming a nomophobe?

  • 01 September 08
  • Andrew May
  • 8 Comments

• Six useful and inexpensive computer upgrades

  It’s easy to let years go by without reviewing your computer system, even though it provides critical support to your business. As your computer is probably the most indispensable part of your business, it is important to consider computer upgrades.

  • 22 February 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 16 Comments

• Business Management Software: Nine tips

  Reconciliations wreaking havoc? Transactions disappearing? BAS adjustments giving you nightmares? Here are nine tips for using Business Management Software.

  • 11 January 08
  • Heather Smith
  • 7 Comments

• Taking control of your all-in-one device

  All-in-one phone, email and internet devices have a bad reputation for taking over your life. But they can be used to your advantage, if you are willing to set the right boundaries. Here are the ways I get the most out of my gadget.

  • 30 November 07
  • Megan Tough
  • 7 Comments

• The best free software for soloists

  One of the largest costs of starting and operating a small business is software. But before you rush out and purchase the standard proprietary software for each of your major functions, let’s take a look at some of the best free software.

  • 13 July 07
  • Paul J. Morris
  • 23 Comments

• Online backup solutions for your business

  Online backup solutions are a good option for those looking to protect their business' critical information. Here's an overview of how they work.

  • 11 December 06
  • Megan Tough
  • 13 Comments

• 

  Online scams: Are you in danger of being dot conned?

  As a solo business owner, you can’t walk over to the next cubicle and ask your colleague what they think of the email you just received. So how do you make sure you don’t fall for online scams?

  • 02 August 06
  • Scott Handsaker
  • 7 Comments

• Listen to music while you work?

  If you listen to music while you work and you have a broadband connection (preferably unlimited), read on. I’m sure plenty of you are way ahead of me, but this is easily the best thing I’ve found on the net in the last year or so.

  • 26 April 06
  • Peter Crocker
  • 8 Comments

• Choosing a laptop for your business

  There are a large variety of makes and models of laptops (also know as notebooks) on the market today so choosing a laptop for your business can be a really daunting experience. Here are some key points that can help you make the right choice.

  • 31 March 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 6 Comments

• Online tools to help small business owners

  The Internet has a wealth of handy online tools that can help small business owners run their business. Here are my tips on where to find software, much of it free, that will enable soloists to work smarter.

  • 20 February 06
  • Scott Handsaker
  • 11 Comments

• Creating a secure wireless network

  Wireless has given us the freedom to roam without the restrictions of cables, yet many of us are unaware of the potential dangers. I'll take you through the security risks and give advice on how to create a more secure wireless network.

  • 03 February 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 2 Comments

• Why we all need basic computer training

  Most of us use our computers every day. But without basic computer training behind us, we could be missing a trick or two.

  • 10 November 05
  • Donna Hanson

• How to set up a business and computer backup system

  What would happen if your laptop, computer or network crashed or was stolen? Because we keep so much vital information on our PCs, it makes sense to have a computer backup system in place.

  • 24 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 7 Comments

• How to choose an ISP (Internet service provider)

  A reliable Internet connection is standard equipment for today's soloist. If you are yet to get online, these hints on how to choose an internet service provider (ISP) will help.

  • 05 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 10 Comments

• Free online tool: Google Desktop Search

  For many, Google has become an integral part of our online experience. Now with Google Desktop Search, you can harness Google's searching power on your own computer. Is this free online tool the best thing ever or an excuse for fast and loose filing?

  • 07 September 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 6 Comments

• Internet telephony: Does Skype live up to the hype?

  With 143 million downloads, Skype is the free Internet telephony service that has got everyone talking. Once you have it installed, Skype enables you to make free 'calls' from your computer. As you'll read it's well suited to us soloists.

  • 03 August 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 15 Comments

• Internet browsers: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox?

  In the battle of the internet browsers, will heavy hitter Internet Explorer win out or can open source Mozilla Firefox come up trumps?

  • 07 July 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 8 Comments