Conduct better online searches with these suggestions

Each and every one of us knows what it’s like to perform an online search and get results that are not even close to what we were searching for. This can be quite frustrating. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can take that can ensure more appropriate search results.

Keep it simple

When you’re performing online searches it is usually best to use as few words and phrases as possible, while still communicating what you’re searching for. If you’re looking for a bookstore in your area, simply type in “bookstore” and add the name of your town or your zip code. This should deliver accurate results that will likely be quite relevant.

Learn about Boolean

You probably learned about Boolean search terms in school, whether you know it or not. Boolean searches are based on using “and,” “not” and “or” in your searches. These words enable you to include or exclude multiple terms in your search results.

This concept also is effective when you use pluses or minuses in your searches. If you want to include a word in your search results, simply type a “ ” before it in your search. If you want to exclude something, precede it with a “-“ when you search.

Be precise

When you’re conducting a search, it’s best to be as exact as possible. If you know what it is that you’re looking for, use exact phrases instead of just keywords. When you use general phrases, they can often be misunderstood by the search engine and leave you with results you don’t need.

Using quotation marks is a great way to ensure better search results. Most search engines recognize that as a request for an exact phrase search. So, if you’re searching for a company and know the exact name, it may be in your best interest to search for it in quotes.

All of these strategies are unbelievably simple and extremely useful. Taking these into account when you’re searching online can drastically improve your search results.

For even more tips on performing online searches, take a look at this article.

Develop the Best Attitude for the Job!

Develop the Best Attitude for the Job

Having the right attitude for business is an important part of getting ahead. Succeeding in business is often just as much about hard work as it is personality, because almost all business includes dealing with people. You could even say it is a sign of hard work when a worker has an excellent work attitude. What does this mean? Simple: having the right kind of business attitude takes training. We aren’t all born with the ability to effectively interact with those around us, cultivating a successful personality takes time. Here are easy tips to consider when working on your business attitude.

1.    Stay positive

Staying positive is at the core of any good attitude. Research has revealed that praising your coworkers often, setting reasonable goals and consistently showing gratitude are all traits common in successful businesspeople. Thinking pessimistically fosters a negative attitude that makes seeing the positives difficult and, in turn, decreases your ability to succeed. Thinking positively lets you see the good things around you and allows you to build off of them, creating an attitude beneficial to advancement. If you’d like more tips on staying positive, take a look at this article.

2.    Be assertive without being aggressive

Being assertive is an excellent business trait, though when acting assertively it is easy to be overly aggressive. The key to acting assertively without acting aggressively is communication. When asserting yourself in a business setting, try not to crush or minimize other people’s perspectives. Allow other people the same amount of time to describe their needs as you’ve allowed yourself and, of course, be open to compromising your needs to meet others midway.

Practicing these tips will make you a member of the team and make an environment that allows for your career advancement. If you’d like additional tips, please consider this article.

3.    Approach conflict with compassion

Interpersonal conflict is an unavoidable part of every work culture. Try approaching resolution with compassion if and when you are at odds with a coworker. Stepping into conflict resolution with an open mind instead of defensiveness will often result in a more positive outcome. Adding compassion to your business attitude will enhance your skills at resolving conflict. If you’d like to read more about being compassionate at work, take a look at this article.

Every successful businessperson has a well-cultivated and implemented business attitude. Professional advancement is dependent on your ability to deal with other people, because all businesses readily involve personal interaction to some degree. These tips and bits of advice will be helpful when evaluating and improving your business attitude, making success far more obtainable. Keep in mind: having a good business attitude takes work. Don’t forget that a good personality is an essential business skill.

- Chris

   

REMOVE Root-kits! Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Beta

Here is a cool link I discovered that creates a bootable Microsoft disk which you boot from and can remove root kit malware which many times can not be detected by most security packages once it has infected a live system.

Here is a quote from the Microsoft web site:

"Thank you for contacting Microsoft Support. You have been directed here to download and install the beta version of Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Beta, a recovery tool that can help you start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to help identify and remove rootkits and other advanced malware. In addition, Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper Beta can be used if you cannot install or start an antivirus solution on your PC, or if the installed solution can’t detect or remove malware on your PC."

Click here to download the ISO image and with a Vista and Windows 7 system you can right click on the file and burn a CD.

As always feel free to send us feedback.

4 tech phrases you ought to know

For nearly all of us, technology is an integral part of our everyday lives. Many of us, however, still are hazy on a number of common technology terms. Fortunately, for those that are unsure, we have created a mini glossary of common tech terms you should be familiar with.

Cookies

Cookies are basically what allow websites to recognize you when you revisit them. By allowing cookies, you are allowing your web browser to give the website details such as your username, password and preferences. They can save you a great deal of time by preventing you from reentering your information over and over again.

Cookies are also seen by some as a privacy issue. Since they store your information and track your activity, somebody could easily gain access to your data. You can protect yourself, however, by using cookies sparingly.

URL

A URL, or uniform resource locator, is simply a web address. It is what you type into the address bar of your browser, usually beginning with “http,” that takes you to the website you wish to visit.

Cloud

Cloud is one of the tech terms that is most popular right now. Everybody is talking about the cloud. The cloud refers to services that are based over the Internet and don’t require additional hardware or software, like Facebook or Google Apps.

Flash

Flash is an Adobe-owned platform that allows you to view certain things on your computer. Many people install Flash players or plug-ins in order to watch videos or animation or see dynamic displays on websites. Although Flash has been the longtime leader in its field, HTML5 is quickly catching up with it.

Although tech terms can get quite complicated at times, knowing the basics can help you to better understand the technology we’re using every day.

If you’d like to see a more in-depth description of tech terms, take a look at this glossary.

- Chris

Announcing - The Genesys Consulting Group

We would like to announce to our long time blog readers the creation of "the Genesys Consulting Group" A technology consulting organization and managed services provider dedicated to serving organizations in need of expert technology services and support; and we are committed to creating value for those we work with and helping them to achieve their goals.

The Genesys Consulting Group Offers:

Manage and Monitored Services

Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions

Cloud Computing

Help Desk Services

VOIP - Voice Over IP Phone Systems

Network Design and Implemenation

Scheduled On-Site and Remote Checkups

On Demand Consulting Services

I will also always answer your technology questions and create posts with valuable information to serve those reading this blog. So please feel free to ask me any questions you want.

PS: Have you done your backups today?