Travel Companion to Save You Aggravation

Traveling can be weary. When you’re a mobile professional you are always concerned about taking the right things with you and not forgetting that important file or gadget you’ll need.

Symantec has released Norton Mobile Essentials to be the friend you need both before you get on the road and once you’re in that deserted hotel in the middle of nowhere. Norton Mobile Essentials (NME) provides tools you’ll need before you travel, it let’s you adjust location settings once you’re in that distant location and it provides troubleshooting to resolve connection problems.

"Before you leave" is the best part. Many of the potential problems can be solved here before they start. The program lets you run tests on your computer to make sure it is working properly before leaving. You can also backup essential files and take the important ones with you. The program also lets you set up a travel checklist to avoid missing something important.

Once you’re on the road, you can specify the dialing settings for a given location and synchronize your locations with other programs.

If you’re on the road a lot, this is a tool that can assist by prompting you with the right questions. It can also make that vital connection easier when you are in the "must send" situation with that important e-mail proposal.

Norton Mobile Essentials, www.symantec.com, 800-441-7234, $69.95

Find it Fast without the Extra Baggage

Searching on the Web has changed our world. Now we can find almost anything, anywhere at anytime. Search engines like yahoo.com, hotbot.com, lycos.com and others have changed the way we research and do business.

However, the problem in using a search engine, as anyone who has ventured into this unsorted pile of information complex knows, is that you get more than is necessary or worthwhile.

Enter Cyber 411. This tool can save you a great deal of aggravation and grief as you search for what is out there. There is no charge to you (it is supported by advertising) as you enter a search topic. The program then searches in 16 different search engines and, here’s the best part, REMOVES DUPLICATES! You get the essence of what you need without all the extra baggage that comes with more traditional search engines alone.

For a test, I typed in my name and did a search. The term Terry Brock came up with several references, some of which were invalid. No problem, as I’m used to getting lots of worthless information with search engines. In fact, it found references to me as well as others with the name Terry and other references to Brock.

When I did the search with quotes around both names, (i.e. "Terry Brock") I got a more refined and tightly-tuned search. You might try this approach on your company and see what comes up for those interested in your product. The fact that you can quickly search in 16 search engines and get immediately what you’re looking for is what searching on the Web is all about anyway.

In addition to the search engine, Cyber 411 provides references for sections such as News, Financial Information, Business, Health, Leisure and Services. These are helpful and can position Cyber 411 as the starting point for your Web-based activity in research and browsing.

Cyber 411 is a definite bookmark for you on your browser. Stop wasting time researching and get what you need when you need it.

Cyber 411, www.cyber411.com, 800-CYBER-411, Free 

Your New Ad Department

Creating a well-designed ad for your business can be time-consuming, complicated and expensive. Using a professional service is important if you want to distance yourself from those using the latest software to throw things together without a professional look.

A marketing and advertising company, Creative Edge in Spartanburg, South Carolina has come up with a concept to make it easier and cheaper for small to medium-sized businesses to get professional quality ads at a reasonable cost. Starting at $49.95 for a simple B&W ad to $297.00 for a full color ad you can use a pre-designed ad and customize it to your specific communication message.

When you visit their Website (www.adstogo.com) you’ll see the ads rotating on screen. You can select from thousands of choices in various fields (click on the Catalog Navigator for a quick peek). Categories possible include Education, Financial, HealthCare, Retail, Travel, Apartment, Restaurant and others. Select one that would be appropriate for the message you want to convey.

Your selected ad will appear with a picture that you can use. You then change the wording and can include your logo, if desired. You’ll be able to see the ad in a detailed format or in a brief (read, faster-loading) format. When you find the one that works for you and your needs, you can purchase it and download it.

Another plus about Ads to Go is that you’ll have the opportunity to use royalty-free, legal photos that are professional. This will help to position your company a cut above the competition.

Ads To Go demonstrates a new wave of working and doing business. Many services can be done as packaged solutions over the Internet. Even if you don’t need their services, visit the site and notice what they have done. Then think about how you can use the technology of the Web as a tool to leverage your business farther to a wider market. You reduce costs and pass the savings along to your customers. Customers get what you offer at dramatically reduced prices. Because of the Internet, everyone wins. Ads To Go is a must-visit Website probably a must-buy service for many companies!

Ads to go.com (www.adstogo.com), Prices range from $49.95 -$297.00. 864-585-3343.