It’s the bane of anyone who’s ever tried to create a presentable document. How on earth can we get fonts to behave themselves?
Font management has been a problem since we began pounding out print with Aldus PageMaker decades ago. Solutions have come and gone, but we’re still missing an easy, sensible way to handle them.
Our options, however, have gotten better. Font management software enables you to track, enable, disable, and coordinate fonts. Mac users are probably familiar with the built-in Font Book, which has been enhanced in Leopard, the latest version of Mac OS X. If you’re looking for more oomph, try Extensis Suitcase or Font Agent for Mac. Windows users, give Font Agent for Windows or the free Font Explorer a try.
How do you manage fonts? Click on Comments below to discuss. Next month I’ll spill some of the secrets of great page design in Primp Your PDFs.
Blogs (an abbreviation for web logs) are online forums that allow you to communicate instantly with your clientele. A blog differs from a web site in that it is interactive. The blog owner posts an article to which readers can respond, creating a discussion on any topic.
Business bloggers have a ready-made niche in their own specialties. An attorney might present articles about legal services, while an interior designer might blog about the latest home trends. Choose a subject you are uniquely qualified to cover.
Next, you’ll need a host. Google runs Blogger, one of the largest, but there are other options including WordPress and LiveJournal. You can use the provided templates, or create your own. A web search for “blog templates” comes up with hundreds of options. Lay out your blog with the sidebars and links you’d like to include.
Keep your blog entries short and sweet. Include keywords, which will be listed at the bottom allowing your readers to click for articles on those subjects. You’ll notice below that this article includes the keywords “beginners, blogs, Internet, small business.” The blog software automates the moderation of comments (a necessity to avoid spam remarks).
How can you use blogs to market your business? It’s best to integrate it into your existing marketing efforts. In my case, I took my already-successful newsletter and supplemented it with a blog. This way my readers can choose the method that suits them, and still get the same great computer advice.
Tell me about your blogging experience by clicking the Comments link below. In July I’d like to ask your opinion about Disappointing Computer Store Service.
Legitimate web sites are becoming infected with virus-like threats, a major risk for consumers and businesses alike. To stay safe:
- Be sure your antivirus and anti-spyware software is this year’s version, and up-to-date.
- Be sure your web browser software (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera etc.) is the latest version.
- Run Microsoft Update (Windows users) or Software Updates (Mac users) regularly.
- Never click on emailed links, type the web site address instead.
- Be wary of web site banner ads.
And stay tuned to Triona’s Tech Tips for the latest news.
This month we’re talking about blogs – what they are, and how to use them to promote your business. Blogs (an abbreviation for web logs) are online forums that allow you to communicate instantly with your clientele. While a web site gives you Internet presence, a blog offers a way to maintain existing customers while reaching out to new ones.
In keeping with the theme of blogs, I’d like to offer a challenge to all my Tech Tips readers. Bring me your hardest computer questions, and I will provide the answers.
Windows, Mac, or whatever else you’ve got, in my twenty years in computers I’ve probably encountered the problems that drive you crazy. They’re easier to solve than you think, and I’ll tell you how.
For those new to blogging, it works like this: The blog writer (that’s me) posts an article on the blog. There’s a link at the bottom where you can reply. Your reply gets posted, I respond, others chime in, and pretty soon you’ve got a lively discussion.
Small business owners know how hard it is to maintain an ongoing marketing campaign. Writing a blog takes as little time as sending an email, and results in greater exposure for your company. The applications for your business are endless.
If you’d like to respond to my Tech Tips challenge, just click “comments” below. I look forward to your computer questions!
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