Top Computer Software

Have a look at Amazon's list of the top computer software, deals of the week, reviews, the latest software, gift certificates and customer discussions on the products. You will also find links to international sites.

You will find products like Windows Vista, Movie Converter, Mr Site, Adobe Photoshop and Norton's internet security. You will also find a list of the latest software products, and you can get personalized recommendations.

Search for the top operating system, home, lifestyle, design, multi media, business, utility, education, communications and programming software. Or search by brand or price range on Epinions' web site. You'll also find unbiased reviews by real people.

On Computer Software South Africa, you will find the top accounting, anti virus, internet security, graphics, office suites, video editing, web development, web master software in South Africa. You will also find a list of the latest software products.

Why not have a look at CNet's top 100 software products? You will find products from leading vendors such as Microsoft, Adobe, Intuit, Norton, McAfee and Apple Mac Tiger OS. You will also find reviews and news on best buy computer software.

Microsoft has blended its popular Office suite with its enterprise system to create what it now calls the Microsoft Office System. But while the name is different and Outlook has gotten a face-lift, Microsoft has not done much to the other apps in the suite. So the burning question remains: Should you upgrade?

A straightforward and effective all-in-one firewall / privacy / antivirus / antispam / antispyware product, ZoneAlarm Internet Security from Zone Labs is worthy of consideration in any home or SOHO situation. It offers the best software firewall, antivirus, and privacy protection available to PC users today.

It's clean and simple tab-based interface is blissfully intuitive to navigate, making ZoneAlarm far less imposing than Norton Internet Security 2005 and easier to operate than McAfee Internet Security Suite 2005.

Activity Diagrams - Advantages, Disadvantages and Applications of Use

Activity diagrams describe the actual work flow behavior of a system in Information Technology. These diagrams are very similar to state Diagrams because activities are the actual state of doing something. These diagrams describe the actual state of activities of a system by showing all the sequence of activities performed. Also, these diagrams can show activities that are conditional or parallel.

When to Use: Activity Diagrams

Activity diagrams should be used in alignment with other modeling techniques like interaction diagrams and State diagrams. The main reason behind using these diagrams is to model the work flow behind the system being designed. these Diagrams are also useful for analyzing a use case by describing what actions need to take place and when they should occur, describing a complicated sequential algorithm and modeling applications with parallel processes.

Activity diagrams' advantages:

• UML modeling language included that these diagrams are normally easily comprehensible for both analysts and stakeholders.






• In UML for the IT Business Analyst, "The activity diagram is the one most useful to the IT BA for depicting work flow [because] it is simple to understand-both for BAs and end-users."






• Since they are among the most user-friendly diagrams available, they are generally regarded as an essential tool in an analyst's repertoire.






• Additionally, as stated above, activity diagrams allow an analyst to display multiple conditions and actors within a work flow through the use of swimlanes. Swimlanes, however, are optional as a single condition or actor is normally displayed without them.

Activity diagrams' disadvantages:

UML modeling language include that these diagrams have the potential to become overly complex because their user-friendly nature may lend itself to an all-inclusive description. In other words, since it is so simple to display the information related to the project, why not include all of it? When an analyst has a large project, creating a single, overly complex diagram can be a temptation.

However, as one author notes, "if you are using activity diagrams to define the structure of a work flow, you should not attempt to explore several levels of activity graphs down to their most 'atomic' level". Instead, an analyst should try to present a new diagram for each work flow, or if more applicable, to use swimlanes to present different actors within the same work flow.

Another aspect of these diagrams is that they may not be used in lieu of a state diagram or sequence diagram because "activity diagrams do not give detail about how objects behave or how objects collaborate." This is not a disadvantage per se, but it is important for an analyst to keep in mind when applying diagrams to their work.

In conclusion, activity diagrams are fairly easy to get the hang of, and will be useful for most projects because they plainly and moderately clearly demonstrate how things work." Unlike many diagramming techniques, these diagrams also enable the depiction of multiple choices and actors within a work flow, and they are easy for even non-technical users to follow

Applications of activity diagram:

This diagram has been extended to specify flows among steps that transmit physical matter (e.g., gasoline) or energy (e.g., torque, pressure).

• Additional changes allow the diagram to better support continuous behaviors and continuous data flows.






• The UML 2 specification significantly prolonged the features and scale of activity diagrams beyond their earlier classification as a special case of state diagrams.






• Today, activity diagrams can be thought of as flow charts for the 21st century, and UML modelers use activity diagrams to describe it.






• Also, these diagrams are useful in following methods:






• Business Rules






• Functions that occur in parallel






• Complex chain of multiple use cases






• Software flows and logic control configurations






• Procedures with judgment points and alternate flows






• Single use cases

101 Survival Tips for Your Business

There is no disputing the fact that a lot of businesses are collapsing in Nigeria and indeed the world over today because of lack of knowledge of what it takes to salvage the situation. This has even led to serious health conditions as many entrepreneurs have become hypertensive and their health state has defied medical solutions. This is because as long as the survival of their businesses is threatened, their own survival too will continue to be under threat. This is why I am reviewing this book this week as a textual solution. I wish you pleasurable reading.

This text entitled 101 Survival Tips for Your Business, with the subtitle Practical Tips to Help Your Business Survive and Prosper is written by Andrew Griffiths, a professional marketing consultant, as well as director of an Australian company called The Marketing Professionals. Griffiths is an accomplished trainer and a reputable public speaker. He specializes in trouble-shooting for companies that are in dire need of professional advice on marketing and customer-related issues.

In the course of his career, Griffiths has owned and operated a number of businesses, including a commercial diving operation, a travel company, an outdoor advertising business and a tourism publication. He equally worked as a dive instructor and commercial diver, door-to-door encyclopedia salesman, gold prospector, international sales manager and gardener.

According to this author, running a business is difficult and demanding even at the best of times. Griffiths says the trick to surviving is to avoid the common hazards that all business operators face along the way. He assures that the 101 practical survival tips offered in this text will guide you to successfully navigate your way through these hazards, and help your business to reach its full potential. This expert says each of these survival tips is based on his many years of experience and sound advice from successful businesses around the world.

Griffiths advises you to choose and apply a new tip each week or use this book as a source of inspiration and guidance when you are setting up a new business. In this book, there are tips to help you build better relationships with your suppliers, your staff and your customers, as well as financial, legal, marketing and personal survival tips. All these tips are designed to highlight common problems and give you a clear course of action that will increase your chances of business survival. As regards structure, this text is segmented into 12 basic sections of 101 tips, in addition to a bonus section containing 20 tips. Section one is christened The future of small business.

In the words of Griffiths here, "Small businesses form the backbone of many economies. As populations grow worldwide, so do the number of small businesses starting up. larger organizations. As a result, there is an incredible knowledge and skill base tied up in running these small businesses. "

He adds that there is an intense amount of expertise and specialist knowledge that thrives in this economic sector, the value of which is often underestimated. Griffiths says experience has shown that small businesses generally offer far better levels of service than do their larger counterparts, due, in most cases, to the key personnel being involved at the front of business. However, Griffiths says the problem facing most small businesses is the ever-increasing competition from other small businesses, adding that this dilemma is here to stay and even increase.

In section two christened Getting advice survival tips, which contains the first four tips, this completed public speaker discusses the type of help available, tells you to know when to look for help, requests you to embrace technology and save money, and says you might be eligible for a grant. According to this author, "Many governments around the world offer incentives for people to run small businesses. These governments realize that small businesses play a major role in their economy ... by distributing products and services to the general public." He says these governments are equally aware that small businesses provide jobs for millions of people, and this development keeps the economy going well.

Section three of this text is generally labeled Financial survival tips, and contains tips five to 19. Here, Griffiths stresses the need for you to have enough money to start your business. As far as budgeting is concerned, he advises you to plan for the worst not the best, adding that you should keep your personal and business records separate. Griffiths reiterates the need for you to use a good accountant, keep a good record from the start, and beware of the third-year boom and fourth-year bust.

In section four that contains tips 20 to 27 and associated Business relationship survival tips, this expert reflects to you how to avoid partnership pitfalls; how to build a relationship with your suppliers; how to build a relationship with your professional advisers, etc. Section five of this text is based on staff survival tips and contains tips 28 to 37. In this section, Griffiths stresses the need for you to put the staff job description in writing and always check references. He emphasizes the need for you to train yourself and your staff properly; lead by example so that your team will follow; communicate effectively with your staff; conduct performance reviews; be conscious of security issues and protect your business, etc. In section six based on tips 38 to 46 and tagged Customer service survival tips, this author says you need to build a good relationship with your customers and learn how to say No. Griffiths stresses further that you need to use simple market research to keep on track, adding that you should continuously ask your customers if they are happy. He advises that you should deliver whatever you promise, and be honest and upright in all your dealings.

Section seven is based on advertising and marketing survival tips, with tips 47 to 57 examined. Here, the author says you need to develop your own marketing philosophy; do a course or read a marketing book; take small steps to market your business; develop a strong corporate image; market your business to a simple plan; never stop marketing just because business is booming, etc.

Sections eight to eleven are specifically entitled Internet survival tips; Insurance survival tips; Legal survival tips; and Personal survival tips. These four sections contain tips 58 to 93. In these sections, Griffiths stresses the need for you to be realistic about the Internet and make sure that you market your website. He says you should budget for the Internet to be an overgoing expense and beware of spam. Griffiths advises on the type of insurance you should have, adding that you should make sure that you meet your policy requirements. Griffiths offers you guide on when to use a lawyer and how to choose one. He also offers you tips on how you could keep the legal costs down. According to this author as regards personal survival tips, you need to start your business feeling refreshed and healthy.

Griffiths advises you never to give up your hobbies when you start your own business; requests you to maintain your enthusiasm; and learn how to handle stress. Section 12, the last basic section is tagged Planning for the future survival tips and contains tips 94 to 101. In this section, this author says you need to know exactly where you are going and know exactly how you are going to get there. Griffiths reflects that you need to always have a plan for when things go wrong and set your business up so that someone will want to buy it.

As already said, apart from these 12 basic sections, there is a bonus section containing additional 20 survival tips. Here, Griffiths says among other things that you should not be afraid to charge what you are worth; learn to delegate; try to win an award for your business; constantly strive to improve your business; make your business environmentally friendly; and compile your own operations manual.

Stylistically, this text gets a pass mark. For instance, the text is written in short blocks reinforced with very simple, jargon-free language. Griffiths adds Survival Tips Action List at the end of each section to arouse readers' active participation and practical application. However, the (partially) repetitive areas of the multiplicity of tips contained in the text can still be harmonized to avoid possible conceptual redundancy. Typically, this text is a masterpiece. Do you want to achieve enduring success in your business, especially during this period of global economic downturn? If "Yes", then, you need to get a copy of this book.

Life Insurance For Financial Stability of Loved Ones

If you have never thought about getting insurance for your life, you need to start. A lot of people do not think that this is something they need to have either because of their age, or the point in time during their life. They also may not think they need it because they do not really have a beneficiary. Whatever the reason is that you do not have life insurance, you should take another look at why you do not and why you should. Here are some of the reasons people get insurance for their life.

Most people do not want to leave their financial obligations or expenses to their family or loved ones. Funeral costs can be quite expensive, and if you do not have any type of insurance or finances set aside for your loved ones to use once you pass, then they have to foot the bill. Majority of the time, the money that is received from insurance only covers the funeral. Most of the expenses that are associated with a funeral are unavoidable, expenses like buying a plot in a cemetery, buying a casket, paying for the costs of cremation, even the costs of the funeral services itself.

For people who have a family, the money they receive can help pay any of their living expenses until they can get back on their feet. If you are the sole bread winner in your family, male or female, and you pass away but do not have any type of insurance, then your family may have a rough time. With today's economy, finding jobs is extremely difficult. On average, it can take 6 months for someone to find a job. So, if your spouse or partner either has not had a job, or does not have an education, they may have a hard time finding a job or at least one that can pay for bills and other expenses. Having something set up helps ensure that your family will have some money to help them get by until someone can find a job that can cover their expenses.

Maybe you have a child; you can put the money towards your children's tuition. When a family loses a person's annual income, it can become difficult to save money, at least for a while. Putting this money towards a child's tuition means that the family does not have to worry so much about saving for the future. Instead, they can worry about any current financial issues that they may have after you pass.

You can also use it to pay off any loans, or debt you may have. Making sure your family is taking care of financially after you are gone is very important. Perhaps you and your spouse cosigned a loan together, in the event of either you or your spouse's death; the financial responsibility goes to the person still living. If you have any debt, it could pass on to your loved ones depending on your state's laws. In most cases, your debts will be taking care of during the settlement of your estate. The money from your estate will go towards paying off your debt. However, if you do not have enough, money then it is possible that some of your heirlooms or possessions will be used for their monetary value to pay off your debts.

Computer Technology - Online Learning Possibilities

Computers are used in virtually every business and home across the United States. Business professionals and individuals may know how to use a computer to accomplish all of their needs but many people are lost when it comes to fixing a computer error or creating an information system. This is why online learning in computer technology is beneficial.

The possibilities open to students inside the realm of computer technology can have an individual doing everything from installing computers to creating programs for computers. The route of education is solely up to the student.

Approaching this field can be overwhelming but knowing the options prior to enrolling in a program is a helpful first step. Students who have no desire to create computer programs or build systems can earn a different education in computer technology. Students who like working with computers can learn how to repair, maintain, and control computer viruses through different certificate and degree programs. On the other hand students that want to learn how to create computer programs and work with businesses to establish information can find certificate and degree programs to enter. Students interested in computer technology should consider what tasks and responsibilities that they want to accomplish in the professional industry. This is helpful because it allows students to pick the right degree path from the beginning of their education. Not having this luxury may result in having to switch to another program because the program selected may not be the correct path to enter their desired field.

The learning prospects can have students learning a degree from an associate to a doctor depending on the field of study. Other fast paced programs may only require students to work through a certificate program in order to be licensed to carry out work duties. To become a computer technician students can work through an approximate 20 credit hour certificate program. This program would be a great choice to learn about all the areas of computer software and hardware. A program like this teachers students how to perform support and maintenance on computers. Students that receive this certificate can work with business and personal computers.

A more in depth computer technology degree can be gained through computer information science. Educational study at the bachelor level trains students to create applications to serve a businesses computer needs. Learning in this area would prepare students to provide continued assistance in running a businesses information systems and databases. Aspects of education at this level and degree have students studying how to prevent system failures, how to create easy to use systems, and how to work with technology communications.

Once a student knows what area of ​​the industry they want to enter, choosing a degree will not seem like such a daunting task. Students need to consider how many years they can dedicate to learning. Choosing a program that is feasible depends on what an individuals career goals are and how much time they can give to education. Think about these two areas before picking a program in computer technology and the options will significantly lower producing an overall better decision.

Reverse Cell Phone Lookup Services Can Help You to Identify Anyone

Do you know that you can conduct a search to identify people by using their phone number? It is very easy. Only you type a phone number into a search box and clicking a search button, the results will be shown. You can perform a search on not only cell numbers, but also on landline numbers and unlisted numbers.

You can select the websites that suit to your requirement. If you are not looking for detailed information on a person, I suggest you to choose the free reverse phone lookup service. The free service is usually basic. It is very useful for you if the detailed information on a person is not important for you.

Although the free services are nice place to start with, they provide you a very limited amount of data. The free reverse lookup websites will offer you enough information for getting more information through paid websites. If the person you need to seek for is constantly moving, you have to do the search continually because the free services normally have out-of date information.

There is another problem of the free websites. They normally offer you only information of landline numbers. If you need to know information of a cell numbers or unlisted numbers, the free services will not be able to support you very well.

With the upgraded reverse phone search website, you will obtain detailed information. The ordinary website will provide only name, current address that may be out-of-date. The upgraded paid services can offer you more information such as family members and education background.

The last problem of the free websites is the validity of the files. You may receive the information which is out-of-date and incorrect. It is because the databases are not updated regularly.

The reverse phone search websites which are precise will regularly update their information. The paid websites are helpful for you because they provide information of landline, cell phone and even unlisted numbers. Considering about the correct information that you receive, these service are well worth and inexpensive. It will not waste your time with obtaining the inaccurate information.

In conclusion, the phone lookup service offers us the information of the caller which is unavailable in the past. Nowadays, there is no problem for having access to the information anymore. The important thing that you should realize is locating the accurate and up-to-date information. I hope that this article will help you to avoid getting incorrect information.

Tips on Buying a Small Business

When buying a small business, one must be keen on several areas. Knowing and having as much information before hand can be crucial. Here are a few things one should be considerate of before buying a business.

Type of Business-

What is the type of small business are you going purchase? Do you have an interest or a passion in the business you are going to purchase? Are you going to buy a business just to purchase one? Does the type of industry matter? These are some important questions you might want to consider before purchasing a small business.

Operations-

Are you ready to run your business, whether it is small or large? Can you run an enterprise with or with out employees? Who will run your investment when you are on vacation? Many businesses and establishments will function just fine with a good staff of employees and in most cases, if you or your employees need time off, your company will continue to run smoothly.

Marketing-

A good question to always ask a seller of a business is, "What type of marketing do you currently participate in?" Many smaller companies might not need marketing and work well with word of mouth. Other small establishments might already have an implemented marketing strategy. Having a marketing strategy in place will save you hours of time and investment.

Investment Cost-

A buyer of a small business must know the cash flow of the business before buying the company. A well informed buyer is a well prepared buyer.

Growth-

Before buying an established business, it is a good idea to strategize about potential growth. Many small owners have ample opportunity to grow and companies are very able to grown easily. Brainstorming with your partners, investors and employees are the best ways to strategize business growth.

Buying a small business is not difficult and can be very rewarding. Always ask questions and do your research. In most cases, the business broker will be able to answer most of your questions.