Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for free

There are literally thousands of companies out there who will charge you or your business an arm and a leg for better results in Bing, Google, or Yahoo!.  And while we wouldn’t discourage any of our clients from using those services, a few minutes and a free tool from Microsoft could save your organization a lot of money.  Enter the free Microsoft SEO Toolkit, a powerful and very easy to use program which will tell you exactly what can be done to improve your website.  We’ve tested it here on the official TechMinds site and were pleasantly surprised at the productive feedback it creates.  You don’t need any real knowledge about how your website works to get results, to give it a try click on the picture above or follow the link after this post.

http://www.iis.net/expand/SEOToolkit

Remove Duplicate Contacts easier in Gmail and Google Apps

While not quite as popular as Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail a lot of you rely on Google for your email needs.  Most of our small business clients use Google Apps (free or paid) to manage their email. calendar, contacts and tasks for up to 50 people.  So you can imagine how important it is to have only one “contact” for each person you’re in touch with.  A contact list can easily get out of hand when you have different entries for someone’s email, home/work address and multiple phone numbers.  After listening to enough complaints Google has now made it easy to merge duplicate entries with the touch of a button.  Just click on “Contacts” when you sign into your Gmail or Google Apps Account and then click “Find Duplicates” in the center of the page.  That’s it!

Keeping your bookmarks in sync

Whether your web browser of choice is Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Apple’s Safari there’s a quick and easy way to make sure all of your bookmarks are the same on every computer you use.  Over the years we’ve seen homes without a computer dwindle,  now it’s not surprising for a family to have two or more (Macs or PCs) in the house.  This creates a problem most people haven’t had to face until now, how do you manage all of the bookmarks you’ve accumulated over the years?  And why can’t these software companies make it easy to sync your bookmarks across different computers.  We’ve done the legwork for you by testing out each of the free solutions on the market, and we’ve compiled a short list of recommendations depending on which browser you prefer.

Internet Explorer - Xmarks the spot (please forgive us, we couldn’t resist) when it comes to most of the popular web browsers on the market and Microsoft’s is no exception.  In return for signing up for a free account with the Xmarks crew you’ll use your username and password to sign into their secure servers (once for each computer you use) and then follow the prompts to sync your bookmarks across computers.  It’s secure, easy to use and will automatically update your information as soon as a new bookmark is entered, making it easier to just enjoy your time online.

Mozilla Firefox - Originally named FoxMarks, Xmarks began as a very humble Firefox extension which let users sync bookmarks between computers.  Where the Firefox version sets itself apart is that not only will your bookmarks remain in sync, but you can choose to do the same with your password as well.  The Xmarks servers are very secure and this is a great feature for those of us with a thousand different online passwords and no method for remembering them.  If your use Firefox then Xmarks is a must have add-on.

Google Chrome - With a very colorful advertising campaign and the fastest browser on the market Google Chrome had developed a devoted following in short order.  Over the coming months it’s quite possible that we’ll recommend Xmarks here.  However, Chrome itself is still pretty closed to the outside world for the time being and we’re not comfortable with this version of Xmarks as it stands today.  To Google’s credit they acknowledged this shortcoming with a feature of their own creatively called “Google Chrome Bookmark Sync.”  By downloading the newest version of Chrome here you can use this new feature to sync your bookmarks instantly.  Google has posted a helpful video here (Windows only for now).

Apple Safari - Fear not Mac users, your bookmarks aren’t left out in the cold.  Xmarks also provides a version of their software which will sync with Safari (whether you use Leopard or Snow Leopard).  By clicking here you can compare the Mac version of Xmarks to the others and pick the one that’s right for you.  The standout feature for the Mac is that you can use Xmarks to keep your bookmarks in sync with all of your computers, and your iPhone or iPod Touch.  This is perfect for everyone who uses these devices to suf the web on the go and hates entering your favorite sites over and over again.

Upgrade to Windows 7 Now!

Our copies of Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional just arrived in the mail and we’re ready to get to work upgrading all of those old Windows XP computers to the newest from Microsoft.   Click on the picture above to head over to the official Microsoft website with details about what’s new in Windows 7 and keep our expert consultants in mind when it comes to your upgrade.

Great Windows Deals for Students

Microsoft has always had a good relationship with institutions of higher education, and now that can translate into significant savings for anyone with a .edu email address.

The Ultimate Steal – This one has been going for a while now, but I’m constantly surprised at how few people know about it.  For $59.95 you can purchase the FULL package of Office Ultimate Software including Word 2007, Excel 2007, Outlook 2007, PowerPoint 2007, OneNote 2007, Groove 2007, Access 2007, Publisher 2007 and InfoPath 2007.  That is a lot of software. Retail is $680.

Windows 7 – The launch is scheduled for October 22nd, and all of us here at TechMinds are very excited.  We’ve been using Windows 7 for a few months now and we’re confident that you’re going to love it to!  Especially at $29.99!  Jump on this one folks, because we don’t know how long it will last. Retail is $119.99.

Sync your Mac and BlackBerry

According to the great people over at CrackBerry the long awaited BlackBerry Desktop Manager application is now available for Mac (and yes, Snow Leopard is confirmed to work).  If you’ve been one of the thousands frustrated over the lack of an official way to get your Mac and BlackBerry talking to each other then your wait is over.  Just click on the picture above to see what BlackBerry users like yourself have to say about the new program.  When you’re done reading up on what’s included in the software check out the download links below and grab a copy.  Happy downloading!

• BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac (from megaupload)
• BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac (from rapidshare)
  
• BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac (from sendspace)
  

The mobile office, anywhere, anytime

As a writer, I bring my netbook with me everywhere. My Asus 1000He, which I lovingly call “The Tardis,” travels with me to work and school alike. I would not have known it existed if not for TechMinds, and I doubt I would have owned it. What’s even more amazing is that I can set up an office or work space with internet access from anywhere, at any time, using The Tardis and my Palm Treo Pro Smartphone – which I lovingly call “The Doctor.”

Setting up internet via The Doctor is incredibly easy. From my list of programs, I select “Internet Sharing.” In this screen, I tell The Doctor to use AT&T and its Bluetooth for internet connections. Then, I move over to The Tardis and click on my Bluetooth icon. When I select “Join a Personal Area Network,” it brings up a list of available Bluetooth devices, and normally, The Doctor is the only one in sight. I tell the Tardis to “Connect using access point,” and voila! I’m on the internet.

I’d heard of the concept of internet through a phone before, but had never tried it before TechMinds instructed me. Now, I’ll never go back to relying on weak WiFi signals in a Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, or Barnes & Noble. Why do that when I can have one hell of a view and have a functional “mobile office” at the same time? I’ve found no greater pleasure than writing away the lunch hour, outside, wherever I want. I have no doubt TechMinds can find a way for you to experience the same satisfaction in your mobile technology needs.

- Written by Laura, Satisfied TechMinds Customer

It’s time for Windows 7

As of August 6th you’ll be able to customize your netbook, laptop, or desktop pc with Windows 7.  With that date fast approaching all of us here at TechMinds are proud to announce that we’re ready to help you make the leap into what we believe is the best operating system to come out of Microsoft since Windows 95.  We’ve been teting it on older computers and netbooks and have found it (admittedly non-scientifically) faster than both Vista and XP.  So, if you still have Windows XP now is the time to upgrade.  Windows 7 is faster, more secure, easier to use, and much more fun to play with!  Email us or call anytime to ask about what specials we have going on which will save you time and money.  We’re here to help.

Windows Update: The easy way to help your computer

If you’re running Microsoft Windows XP or Vista at work then odds are when you go to Windows Update it doesn’t look like the picture above.  Every week Microsoft pushes out software updates to fix problems ranging from security issues, to reliability, to bug fixes which may have been driving you crazy for months.  I know, who has time to go through and make sure their computer is up to date?  You could call in a professional (like TechMinds) to do that, but depending on how far behind you are it could take the better part of a day.  And honestly, this is something you can do yourself.  Give yourself a week (Monday through Friday) to get everything updated and your computers will be stable, faster, and less buggy.  After all, that’s why these updates are released weekly.

For Windows XP:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Automatic Updates.
3. Choose Automatic (recommended).
4. Connect to the Internet and go to the Microsoft Update website or click Microsoft Update on any Microsoft.com site and click on Check for Updates.
   
5. Click either Express or Custom installation.Express finds High-priority updates for your PC, which you install with one click.  Custom finds both High-priority and Optional. You individually review and select the updates you want to install.
6. Microsoft Update scans your PC to identify which updates your PC needs. Follow the directions on the screen to download and install them.

For Windows Vista it’s even easier:

1. Open Windows Update (click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update).
2. Click the Get updates for more products button. (Note: If this button does not appear, it’s likely you’ve already enabled Microsoft Update. This may happen when you installed other software programs like Microsoft Office 2007. In this case, the phrase “You receive updates: For Windows and other products from Microsoft Update” should appear near the bottom of the window.)
3. Follow the instructions to use Microsoft Update. Windows Update will begin to scan your PC for available updates for Windows and other Microsoft products if you have automatic updating turned on.

Depending on how far behind each computer is you may need to restart the PC and find more updates more than once.  It may seem like a lot, but this is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your computer running the way it should.  After all, if you rarely check for new updates it’s likely whatever problems you may be having have been fixed for a long time.  Whether you do it yourself, or pay someone to come in and bring your computers up to date, this process can save you a lot of time and money down the road.

Did you buy the right netbook for you?

One of the founding beliefs behind TechMinds is that nobody should settle for a netbook or Smartphone which isn’t right for them.  There are dozens of different models on the market right now, manufactured by nearly as many different companies.  Of the models available from Dell, Acer, HP and Asus, you would be hard-pressed to find more than a few at your local Best-Buy, Walmart, Target, or K-Mart.  Even then, when you ask legitimate questions, the store clerk will most likely either recite what’s on the little information card under the netbook, or make something up in order to be rid of you.  It’s very sad, but that’s the situation faced by thousands of people just like you every day.  Frankly, it makes us a little mad.  So what we’ve decided to do about it is make sure that every TechMinds client not only has all the correct information at hand, but can spend meaningful time getting to know the computer before spending $300-$500 dollars on it.  It’s not too much to ask for good service these days.  Follow the “read” link below for a chart from Asus about four of their most popular netbooks.  Keep in mind that battery life on these specification sheets are usually one to two hours more than you’ll get in real life.

Read More

There’s an App Store for that!

Back when a Smartphone was just a PDA and your cell phone was a new thing (the ancient 1990’s), loading third party applications to make your device more fun or productive could be dangerous.  You never knew if you’d create the perfect storm by installing different programs and turn your prized piece of “geekery” into a paperweight.  Thankfully that’s no longer the case.  Every Smartphone operating system on the market right now either has a highly successful app store, or is planning on launching before the end of 2009.  So no matter if you prefer the iPhone, or are totally smitten with Android, there IS an app store for you.

App Store (Apple) – Over 1.5 billion applications downloaded in only one year, with over 65,000 available.  Very impressive.

App Catalog (Palm) – Only a few dozen application available so far, but with more in the works the future looks good for the Pre.

Android Market (Google) – With dozens of new phones launching over the next year, keep your eyes on Android.

Ovi Store (Nokia) – One of the oldest and most popular Smartphone operating systems worldwide.

Windows Marketplace for Mobile (Microsoft) – Still the main competitor from Blackberry in the corporate world; will launch this fall.

Blackberry App World (RIM) – Always popular among heavy email and text users; available in 10 new countries by the end of July.

Amazon.com joins the smartphone revolution

Today Amazon announced a new wireless store with the aim to make shopping for a new phone easier and less confusing.  Here at TechMinds, we think it has been a long time coming.  Not only is the shopping experience at Best Buy or AT&T and Verizon Stores confusing, but you never really know if the information you’re getting is accurate.  To make matters worse, the in store price is sometimes hundreds of dollars different than what you can find online.  That confusion over features and price is one of the main reasons we exist as a business.  It’s certainly amazing what can be done on a Smartphone today, but if you get the wrong one based off of bad information from a sales person on 100% commission, then it may as well be an expensive paperweight.

Why buy a netbook?

For most people, a netbook isn’t something you’d even consider purchasing until someone could sufficiently explain their purpose in life.  After all, they just look like little laptops.  Wouldn’t they just be hard to type on? And make you squint at a tiny screen?  If you had been an early adopter when this new category of devices debuted in October 2007 that would have been the case, but comfortable keyboards and easy to read screens are plentiful now.  Add to that all-day battery life and you have a solid case for getting your work done anywhere.  Did you know that netbooks are currently dominating Amazon’s “Bestsellers” list? We’ve all seen the “coffee shop office,” someone with a big 15″ to 17″ laptop tied to the wall with a power cord.  All that gear isn’t just cumbersome; it’s heavy to lug around with you and is far more computing power than what’s needed for web browsing, document creation, and even sneaking in a video or two.  On top of that, prices are averaging less than $400 for top of the line netbook models, and with Windows 7 just around the corner, now is a great time to see why these devices are so poular.

Keep your smartphone battery happy

Have you noticed that your battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to?  You’re not doing anything wrong, and your battery probably isn’t on the way out.  Over time, it’s natural for Lithium-Ion batteries to lose charge, sometimes as much as 3% per month.  You may not notice that kind of decrease immediately, but you certainly will over the course of six months.  The good thing for all of us is that the solution is easy, and you can do it yourself in just three simple steps.

1) Let your phone discharge completely. This means letting the battery run down t the point where the phone turns itself off.  Don’t worry, you won’t be doing this often enough to damage the phone.  Just two or three times a year should suffice.  Think of this as an oil change for your Smartphone.

2) Plug into the wall charger. Don’t turn the phone on, and avoid using your USB cable to charge (it’ll just take too long).  The reason for leaving your Smartphone off is so that when it’s completely charged, your battery meter will be as close to 100% accurate as possible.  We recommend doing this overnight so you know it’s fully charged by the time you get to step 3.

3) Unplug from the charger and turn it on! That’s it.  When your Smartphone boots back up it’ll be registering a much more accurate battery level for months to come.

Here are some tips to keep your battery in tip-top shape.

• Try not to let the battery drop to 0% unless you’re recalibrating using the method above.
• Even if you think your battery will last another day, it’s better to charge more often to increase its lifespan.
• Discharge levels double for every 18°F increase in ambient temperature, so don’t leave your phone in your car!

Windows 7 Family Pack

It’s looking likely that when Windows 7 is released on October 22, you’ll have several options to upgrade at a reasonable price.  Since TechMinds is an Official Microsoft Partner, any upgrade package you purchase through us will include the lowest price available for the new operating system.  However, if you’d like to try this one on your own, Microsoft may be releasing a “family pack” of 3 licenses to upgrade all the computers in your house for under $200.  We’ll let you know just as soon as this becomes official.