Tags |
|
|
Links |
|
|
Atricle Dump - Business Owners – Save Thousands With Free, Open Source Software
According to my handy, dandy Illustrated Oxford Dictionary, an entrepreneur is: "a person who undertakes an enterprise or business, with the chance of profit or loss." Well now that's a big yawn.But, let's take a look at the word "spirit", which actually has several different senses to the same word. Setting aside the ghostly stuff and the distilled liquor, I am tickled to share these definitions: "the vital animating essence of a person" and "a person possessing these: courage; energy; vivacity." Now we're talking.Have you always had a burning desire to own and operate your own business based on what you are most passionate about? Possibly, you are lucky enough to already be doing so. Maybe, you started young with a
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on
I have often mentioned the need for balance between your family life and your business. This is a little bit trickier of a proposition for work at home parents, particularly those who have little ones pattering about. But there is some benefit to working around and along with the little ones. The first of these major benefits is the fact that they force you to take breaks whether you think you want one or not.For most of us, it is difficult to get into our work first thing in the morning and if we don't have an outstanding amount of self-discipline we often find ourselves hurrying later to catch up on things that we got behind on during the early morning hours. In these situations, taking a break to put Polly Pocket's dress on f
Open source software is usually as good as the commercial versions. Here is a list of commercial products and their open source alternatives (with descriptions) that you can use to run your small business – best of all these open source software titles are FREE!
- GENERAL OFFICE SOFTWARE (SPREADSHEET, WORD PROCESSING, PRESENTATIONS, ETC…)
Commercial Product: Microsoft Office
Open Source Alternative: OpenOffice
OpenOffice has all the features you need to run you small business. The entire office suite is here, everything that Microsoft Word can do “Writer” can do for FREE. Need to keep track of information and perform sales/expense calculations in a spreadsheet, “Calc” can do it. Giving a presentation to potential customers on a projector? “Impress” can give you all the functionality you need in on-screen presentation software. There are more applications in suite so I recommend you download and install OpenOffice for free and compare the features before you go out and purchase Microsoft Office 2007 for $679.99. OpenOffice can be used on Apple and PCs.
- ZIPPING FILES
Commercial Product: WinZip
Open Source Alternative: 7-zip
For years I dealt with the “WinZip is NOT free software” message and waited for 150 days to count out before zipping my folders/files, now I don’t have to. If you (like most people) downloaded WinZip and did not buy it – don’t worry you don’t need to. Download 7-zip for free and get all the nice features of WinZip for free. I really like how it adds a new right-click menu entry for zipping files (just like WinZip).
- MIND MAPPING
Commercial Product: Mindjet MindManager
Open Source Alternative: FreeMind
The people that develop mind mapping software are amazing. The concept of being able to layout my ideas in a structured way, really helped me visualize certain aspects of my business that were complex and sometimes confusing. However when by trial of MindManager ran out, I had a problem – I didn’t want to spend $349 to get my ideas out of my head. Along came FreeMind.
FreeMind can do everything most people need when it comes to structuring your ideas, and as always - it is free. FreeMind can be used on Apple and PCs.
- CREATING A PDF
Commercial Product: Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Distiller
Open Source Alternative: PDFCreator
PDFs are a great way to get people to see your documents as you intended. The problem is making them. While the Adobe Acrobat can do this, the $449 price tag makes it very unsttractive. Let me introduce PDFCreator.
PDFCreator basically adds a printer (that you can give a custom name) to your available printer list. When you are ready to convert any document to a PDF, use File > Print like you normally would, now choose your PDF printer from the list, hit Print (then save) and your done. It works great.
- CHECKING EMAIL
Commercial Product: Microsoft Outlook
Open Source Alternative: Mozilla Thunderbird
Nothing is as exciting as getting your own email address. Freeing yourself from the “@aol.com” stigma is a great thing. Now you have the problem of “How do I check my new email address if I don’t have AOL?” You have two options, buy Microsoft Outlook for $109.99 or download Mozilla Thunderbird for free. If you just need to be able to check your email, Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice.
- CALLING PEOPLE THROUGH THE INTERNET (VOIP)
Commercial Product: Vonage
Open Source Alternative: Skype
Here is a funny story. I was using Vonage for about a year (paying $24.99 per month) when I heard about a new Skype deal ($29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR) I was interested and wanted to cancel my Vonage account. I called Vonage support (because you can’t cancel your account online) and told them I wanted to cancel my Vonage account, of course they ask you why you want to leave. Not one to lie, I told the nice customer service rep that I was gong to switch to Skype, she asked why - bad idea. I told her about the $29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR which is a yearly savings of $250 for my business, she said “However sir, are you aware that you have to talk through your computer’s microphone?” I said “No, that isn’t true, there are regular cordless phones that are compatible with Skype, so I can be anywhere in my office”. She was silent for a second. The she said “Did you know that with Vonage you can take your number with you to different locations, like if you move offices or between the office and home?” I replied “Yes, Skype can do that easier than Vonage”. She finally canceled my account.
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on
Every day I come across people who are unhappy because they are struggling to make ends meet, working like slaves, living paycheck to paycheck, in debt up to their eyeballs. I recognize them because I used to be in that situation. No longer though; I’m now part of the home-based business revolution.Why aren’t they? Because as I find out when I talk with them, they subscribe to many of the myths that surround business in general, and in particular the home business industry. To help them—and you if you’ve been thinking about it—I’d like to take a look at five of those myths and BUST them!MYTH # 1: You need A LOT OF MONEY to start a business…This is true IF you want to buy an existing business or start a traditional
- ZIPPING FILES
Commercial Product: WinZip
Open Source Alternative: 7-zip
For years I dealt with the “WinZip is NOT free software” message and waited for 150 days to count out before zipping my folders/files, now I don’t have to. If you (like most people) downloaded WinZip and did not buy it – don’t worry you don’t need to. Download 7-zip for free and get all the nice features of WinZip for free. I really like how it adds a new right-click menu entry for zipping files (just like WinZip).
- MIND MAPPING
Commercial Product: Mindjet MindManager
Open Source Alternative: FreeMind
The people that develop mind mapping software are amazing. The concept of being able to layout my ideas in a structured way, really helped me visualize certain aspects of my business that were complex and sometimes confusing. However when by trial of MindManager ran out, I had a problem – I didn’t want to spend $349 to get my ideas out of my head. Along came FreeMind.
FreeMind can do everything most people need when it comes to structuring your ideas, and as always - it is free. FreeMind can be used on Apple and PCs.
- CREATING A PDF
Commercial Product: Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Distiller
Open Source Alternative: PDFCreator
PDFs are a great way to get people to see your documents as you intended. The problem is making them. While the Adobe Acrobat can do this, the $449 price tag makes it very unsttractive. Let me introduce PDFCreator.
PDFCreator basically adds a printer (that you can give a custom name) to your available printer list. When you are ready to convert any document to a PDF, use File > Print like you normally would, now choose your PDF printer from the list, hit Print (then save) and your done. It works great.
- CHECKING EMAIL
Commercial Product: Microsoft Outlook
Open Source Alternative: Mozilla Thunderbird
Nothing is as exciting as getting your own email address. Freeing yourself from the “@aol.com” stigma is a great thing. Now you have the problem of “How do I check my new email address if I don’t have AOL?” You have two options, buy Microsoft Outlook for $109.99 or download Mozilla Thunderbird for free. If you just need to be able to check your email, Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice.
- CALLING PEOPLE THROUGH THE INTERNET (VOIP)
Commercial Product: Vonage
Open Source Alternative: Skype
Here is a funny story. I was using Vonage for about a year (paying $24.99 per month) when I heard about a new Skype deal ($29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR) I was interested and wanted to cancel my Vonage account. I called Vonage support (because you can’t cancel your account online) and told them I wanted to cancel my Vonage account, of course they ask you why you want to leave. Not one to lie, I told the nice customer service rep that I was gong to switch to Skype, she asked why - bad idea. I told her about the $29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR which is a yearly savings of $250 for my business, she said “However sir, are you aware that you have to talk through your computer’s microphone?” I said “No, that isn’t true, there are regular cordless phones that are compatible with Skype, so I can be anywhere in my office”. She was silent for a second. The she said “Did you know that with Vonage you can take your number with you to different locations, like if you move offices or between the office and home?” I replied “Yes, Skype can do that easier than Vonage”. She finally canceled my account.
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on
If you're thinking about getting outside or equity capital to help fund your business, there are some things you need to do first, that can make your business more attractive to investors. Follow these simple ideas, and you'll be well on your way to raising the money you need.First, always talk to a qualified business attorney (not your family lawyer). There are a lot of laws pertaining to how equity capital can be raised from the public, and the laws change often. You need someone who understands not only these laws, but also how to make sure that any business contracts are written to protect you and your business, especially the fine print.1. Getting money from relatives. Yes, it can seem like begging, and it's a diffic
FreeMind can do everything most people need when it comes to structuring your ideas, and as always - it is free. FreeMind can be used on Apple and PCs.
- CREATING A PDF
Commercial Product: Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Distiller
Open Source Alternative: PDFCreator
PDFs are a great way to get people to see your documents as you intended. The problem is making them. While the Adobe Acrobat can do this, the $449 price tag makes it very unsttractive. Let me introduce PDFCreator.
PDFCreator basically adds a printer (that you can give a custom name) to your available printer list. When you are ready to convert any document to a PDF, use File > Print like you normally would, now choose your PDF printer from the list, hit Print (then save) and your done. It works great.
- CHECKING EMAIL
Commercial Product: Microsoft Outlook
Open Source Alternative: Mozilla Thunderbird
Nothing is as exciting as getting your own email address. Freeing yourself from the “@aol.com” stigma is a great thing. Now you have the problem of “How do I check my new email address if I don’t have AOL?” You have two options, buy Microsoft Outlook for $109.99 or download Mozilla Thunderbird for free. If you just need to be able to check your email, Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice.
- CALLING PEOPLE THROUGH THE INTERNET (VOIP)
Commercial Product: Vonage
Open Source Alternative: Skype
Here is a funny story. I was using Vonage for about a year (paying $24.99 per month) when I heard about a new Skype deal ($29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR) I was interested and wanted to cancel my Vonage account. I called Vonage support (because you can’t cancel your account online) and told them I wanted to cancel my Vonage account, of course they ask you why you want to leave. Not one to lie, I told the nice customer service rep that I was gong to switch to Skype, she asked why - bad idea. I told her about the $29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR which is a yearly savings of $250 for my business, she said “However sir, are you aware that you have to talk through your computer’s microphone?” I said “No, that isn’t true, there are regular cordless phones that are compatible with Skype, so I can be anywhere in my office”. She was silent for a second. The she said “Did you know that with Vonage you can take your number with you to different locations, like if you move offices or between the office and home?” I replied “Yes, Skype can do that easier than Vonage”. She finally canceled my account.
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on
One of the biggest challenges in running a business is continuously finding the balance between short-term profits and monthly cash flow needs, and the business’ long term future. This can be a delicate tightrope walk indeed. However, you can use this balancing act to your advantage.Managing for the short-term gain means making dollars-only-decisions, driving people hard and prioritizing cost over ultimate value. Cutting out or failing to add anything that does not yield an immediate benefit is the mark of a business being managed only to a short horizon. Much damage can occur under the cloak of seemingly sensible frugality. If you don’t buy any seeds to plant, how can you expect anything to grow?An example of this i
Nothing is as exciting as getting your own email address. Freeing yourself from the “@aol.com” stigma is a great thing. Now you have the problem of “How do I check my new email address if I don’t have AOL?” You have two options, buy Microsoft Outlook for $109.99 or download Mozilla Thunderbird for free. If you just need to be able to check your email, Mozilla Thunderbird is a great choice.
- CALLING PEOPLE THROUGH THE INTERNET (VOIP)
Commercial Product: Vonage
Open Source Alternative: Skype
Here is a funny story. I was using Vonage for about a year (paying $24.99 per month) when I heard about a new Skype deal ($29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR) I was interested and wanted to cancel my Vonage account. I called Vonage support (because you can’t cancel your account online) and told them I wanted to cancel my Vonage account, of course they ask you why you want to leave. Not one to lie, I told the nice customer service rep that I was gong to switch to Skype, she asked why - bad idea. I told her about the $29.95 for unlimited calling per YEAR which is a yearly savings of $250 for my business, she said “However sir, are you aware that you have to talk through your computer’s microphone?” I said “No, that isn’t true, there are regular cordless phones that are compatible with Skype, so I can be anywhere in my office”. She was silent for a second. The she said “Did you know that with Vonage you can take your number with you to different locations, like if you move offices or between the office and home?” I replied “Yes, Skype can do that easier than Vonage”. She finally canceled my account.
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on
This morning as I walked the two miles around a neighborhood lake, I noticed that the leaves have begun to change and I marveled at the consistency of nature’s changing schedule. I realized that change is constant. There is always something changing in our lives.Some changes have more of a life impact than others: changing a hair style, a career path, a vehicle, a marriage. So if change is constant, what we have to examine is how we respond to change.Two years ago, after almost 18 years with Pearle Vision, I learned that I was no longer needed. I wasn’t alone in this discovery. Over 800 of us learned that we would be unemployed within a few months of the announcement.Luxottica, parent company of Lenscrafters,
You kind of get the idea of Skype VS. Vonage from my story, but here is something really cool – Belkin (and a few other manufacturers) have created Skype handsets that DO NOT need to be connected to a computer to use Skype. These devices connect through any open wireless network and make calls through Skype. This means that if you had one of these devices and the unlimited Skype account, you would have an unlimited use cell phone! Vonage can’t do that! Skype can be used on Apple and PCs.
As you can see from above, you can have some really great business software without having to pay the high price for commercial software. Don’t get me wrong, I think Microsoft and other big companies make great software titles, but if I can get a very similar version for FREE and save my business money (which means more money in MY pocket) - sorry Microsoft I am going with the open source versions.
If you need help finding and downloading any of the above open source titles, just contact me and I’ll help you out. Enjoy!
HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.articledump.net/article/21075/articledump-Business-Owners--Save-Thousands-With-Free-Open-Source-Software.html">Business Owners – Save Thousands With Free, Open Source Software</a>
BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.articledump.net/article/21075/articledump-Business-Owners--Save-Thousands-With-Free-Open-Source-Software.html]Business Owners – Save Thousands With Free, Open Source Software[/url]
Related Articles:
Create a Corporate Atmosphere with a Business Center
Poor Performance - Your Options For Dealing With It Effectively
Bookmark it:
|