Microsoft Outlook, or craplook...

I've been spending the last few hours handling a problem on my boss's computer.  He, like most normal users, is using Microsoft's Outlook to manage his email, calendar, and contacts.

HUH...

Because of the older nature of the version we use at our office, I understand there are certain limitations to the version of Outlook I'm supporting, but still Microsoft... REALLY???

I haven't been a desk side tech for some-time, so there are some things that I've forgotten over time.  My boss was complaining about how slowly his e-mail application was running.  I looked at his machine, and determined that it was definately Outlook causing the problem.  After a bit of research, I discovered that his .PST file (the outlook data file containing all mail, contacts, appointments, etc.) was larger than 2 GB.

WELLLLL

Conent Management Systems...

I've been doing web-developement for quite a while now.  I've seen it evolve from one thing to another, from one technology to another.  I've also seen MANY different browsers.  I've tried them all, and there's a lot to be said of how modern browsers work with modern sites.

Recently I was asked to put together a site for a friend.  I decided that I wouldn't code the site, as there are several excellent content management systems out there - free none-the-less.

Back in the day, we used to wite our own in-house content management systems for internal sales-marketing-support departments to easily add, and remove content from the site.  When I first started to investigate some of the projects out there, I became fanatical about choosing a solution that could quickly and easily be implemented.  I was able to wittle down to a few.  MORE recently, with the amount of web-design I've been asked to do, I narrowed the list down even further.

The three I'm commenting on are Word Press (I know not exactly a CMS), Joomla, and Drupal.  The main reason I've chosen these three is that they are the projects that seem most likely to be around in the distant future.  They have quite a following, and supposedly are easy to use.  There are several "take-offs" from these, but they are "take-offs."\

Exchange, or not to Exchange

I have a friend that works for a company (actually started it), that recently moved all of their remote users to Microsoft Exchange Services...  To the woes of many, it wasn't the best idea.  Why is it that companies don't even try to analyze their individual's needs before making monumental decisions?

Exchange is almost "old-hat."  The way of the world is moving away from the days of needing to "have VPN access to the network at work," or even "going to work."  Yeah Exchange is quite a handy-dandy server for the large enterprises... I know it extends beyond the boundaries of the network at the office.  Most companies would now do wise to re-think their methods.

How much are they spending on internal IT departments; what are they gaining from having the kinds of services Exchange has to offer when there are open source standards taking over the world?  I remember when (I know, this dates me... just kidding, but the IT industry moves fast) e-mail was the primary method of communication, both within the enterprise, and without.  Now it's considered slow, and we're trying to find ways to turn it into something that already exists...  It definitely meets needs, but aren't there more free, and capable projects out there that meet our needs?

Certainly it's wise to assume multi-billion dollar businesses have the capitol to invest in anti-spam technologies that far exceed the capabilities of those installed as add-on applications.

Quite often in the quest for efficiency, we sacrifice... well, efficiency.

wacom - intuos3 - 6 X 11

Last week I purchased my first sketch pad for my computer.  I've been using photoshop for years, and I must say that these things are worth their weight in hype.

It's an amazing device, and it comes with some remarkable drivers to say the least.  I've always been a pencil artist, and I've shyed away from creating art on the computer.  When I was young, I remember wasting a lot of time in Mac Sketch creating buildings, trees, and other cool things.

Things have come a long way...

To break myself in to using the intuos, I decided to sketch a flower.  I couldn't believe how real the pad made the experience.

If you're into digital photography, digital art, and haven't moved over to one, I suggest you do.  The learning curve is a bit tall, but well worth it.  I almost find that I don't use a mouse for everyday tasks now.

For a while now...

For a while now I've been looking for some good hosting services, and I believe my search is beginning to narrow down.

Currently I'm using Brinkster hosting services for coleevents, but it's expensive, complicated, and seemingly slow.  I've moved our companies services over to a company called Bluehost (bluehost.com), and so far so good.

With all of their excellent features, Bluehost is an excellent option for even the most inexperienced website administrators.  They make installing content management systems, blogging software, forums, and other scripts incredibly easy.  They use "Simple Scripts" to complete the chore.  Simple Scripts notifies the user when it's time to update, and it makes the update process easy.
If you're looking for a good hosting solution for your small business or even home use, Bluehost can solve your problems!