Choosing the right office projector

A projector is an expensive office product that allows the user to "project" images from a computer. This is highly recommended for office presentations wherein applications such as PowerPoint and other applications can be shared to everyone.
Because a projector could be expensive equipment for the office, selecting a projector should not be a hasty process.
To make sure you choose the right projector, consider the following factors:
• Lumens - ANSI Lumens indicate the brightness of the projector. A projector with high ANSI Lumens could work well even in a well lighted environment. Higher lumens are also ideal for larger audience. Decent ASNI lumens should be at 1,000 while powerful lumens are at 2,000 and beyond.
• Compatibility - be aware that there are projects that might not work with Mac computers and laptops. The projector also should be capable to be used with HDMI for clearer pictures or if you want to stream hi-def videos.
• Portability - if you anticipate that your projector would be used in various places, consider lightweight projectors (two to five pounds) although they should be a little bit more expensive.
• Contrast Ratio - for a clearer picture, choose a projector with higher ratio. Never select a project with a ratio below 400:1.
• Resolution - this is often related with the inputs that could be used in a projector. If your projector has HDMI input then there's a chance that you should be able to use it with very detailed pictures and videos. Regular resolutions of 800x400 are expected from protectors that accept VGA input.

PC drawing tablets for creative offices

A drawing tablet is a specialized tool for graphic designers who wanted to skip the traditional drawing process. Instead of using pencil and paper to draw, the artist or designer can go directly to computers. The drawing tablet will serve as the pen and paper and their input will be reflected in their chosen computer.

There are many PC drawing tablets to choose from online and in your local computer shops but not all drawing tablets are the same. You need to choose based on the following factors:

•Size - the wider workspace you’ll need, the pricier it gets. The smallest tablet comes in 4” workspace while the biggest tablet as of this writing is an 8” and it could easily get bigger in the future.
•Footprint – the size of the workspace is not the actual size of your drawing in your computer. Choose a table that offers a maximum footprint that’s comfortable for your designing or drawing methods.
•Interface – the choice is also personal as many PC drawing tools want to be different for brand recognition. Try out at least three brands before choosing.
•Pen – never select a drawing tablet because of its pad alone. Look for a tablet that provides a comfortable feel in your hands when you draw.

Even for businesses that are not focused on graphic designs or drawing, a PC drawing tablet is still a recommended tool. The drawing tablet can be used to have manual comments on photos for better understanding. Some drawing tablets can even recognize handwriting which provides a more personal note to those who receive the message.

Configuring a desktop computer for business

Computers are essential components for businesses. Faster communication, increased productivity and streamlined business process could be achieved through computers. Certain operations and calculations are faster when they are done in computers compared to manual operations.

But even though a computer is essential for business, the most expensive computer is not necessary recommended. An expensive computer will have the same performance to mid-level computers. If there’s any difference in speed, it’s barely noticeable. A small business could practically save thousands of dollars if they choose the right, not the expensive, desktop computer.

Mid-level desktop computers could perform the business operation in the same manner as expensive desktops because business applications and software can work at an optimal level even on relatively weaker computers. Office documents, accounting software and internet access could run at the same time with affordable computers

But that doesn’t mean you have to purchase the cheapest desktop you could find. There are some specifications you need to reach so that your desktop could withstand the changes or the demands of some applications and websites.

If you’re looking for a desktop computer, here’s a recommended list of specs:

Process: Pentium 4 with 3.0 Ghz or AMD 3000 +
RAM: 1GB
Hard Disk: Between 80 to 120GB
CD Slots: Combo Drive (DVD Reader and CD Writer)
Monitor: 17-19 inch LCD
Ethernet: Standard on board is good enough for business operations.
Video card: On board card is also enough for business operations.
Operating System: Windows XP or Ubuntu (Linux, free)
Office Applications: Open Office (free) or Standard MS Office suite

The total price of the desktop with these specs should cost more than £300 with one year warranty.

Free monitoring tools for office network

Small businesses and offices usually share a single internet connection. The bandwidth allowed in the business is often shared among employees so that everyone could have online connection. While the main purpose of allowing employees to connect online is for business reasons, some employees might be tempted to use the internet for personal reasons such as watching videos, downloading movies, music or even playing online games. These online activities will not only decrease productivity but will also eat up bandwidth which will prevent others from properly connecting online.

To prevent this from happening, a network monitoring tool should be installed in the network. This network monitoring tool will be able to actively monitor the entire network in order to have real time information on who is currently online. This will aid network administrators in troubleshooting the network.

Network monitoring tools can also control internet connection of users within the network. Instead of freely allowing everyone on how they can use the internet, network administrators can limit bandwidth connection per user to avoid abuse of internet connection. Network monitoring tools could even be used for wireless connectivity where it could allow or prevent certain users from connecting online. Some network monitoring tools could even block certain websites.

Businesses don’t even have to spend thousands of dollars for an efficient network monitoring tools. Some will require a one time license fee while others are even free. Most are also user friendly which means it doesn’t need an expert in computer networking before the network tool could be used.

Netbooks for your office

A netbook is a small-screened laptop that focuses on mobility. Instead of the usual 14” laptops, a netbook could come in 7” screens. These laptops are small enough to be placed in a bag and could weight no more than 1kg. It’s a type of laptop that could do simple office tasks, connect online, listen to music and watch videos. Because of the advancement of technology, some netbooks could even handle HD (high definition) videos. All of these could be enjoyed without having to spend more than $400. The most affordable laptops could cost you no less than $500 and they could be bulky and heavy.

Even though netbooks could be a great addition to your office because it can be productive without being expensive, it does have some trade-offs. Aside from the small screen which could hurt the eye, the operating system (OS) of netbooks usually comes with Linux. Of course, Linux is not a bad operating system but there are applications that can only run in Windows or a Mac. Linux is also seen as “advanced” operating system which requires time before certain operations could be easily implemented. There are also netbooks that comes with Windows (usually XP) operating system but it could cost you additional $50.

If you’re looking for a relatively affordable laptop that’s completely mobile, could do basic office tasks with an impressive battery life, consider a netbook. As technology advances, the price of powerful netbooks is getting more affordable every year. Instead of bringing bulky laptops to office meetings, a netbook should be more than enough for mobile office productivity.

Project management for creative teams

Creative studios can be very stressful because there are a multitude of projects involved each with its own specifications deadlines and with the dedicated team to work on it.

When chaos reaches its peak a good project management software can sort things out.

As creatives consider each project unique, project management softwares should address unique issues and they should offer customized solutions. You won't use a construction project management software to manage a creative studio just as you won't use construction tools to work on an advertising campaign for a big customer.

A project management software for creatives has all the features to help the creative studio progress: timesheets, billing, time and customer tracking, job costing and Gantt charts specific to the industry. A management software will allow you to track a specific job and see the team who worked on it, the estimate and the actual time and also the deadline.

As soon as everything is in control, the creative minds can concentrate on developing amazing projects. Everybody knows their head is full of bright ideas and they cannot be required to focus on deadlines and other creativity killers so the project management will do all this work for them.

HTC Hero launched in London

HTC launched this week the ultimate Google Android device - the HTC Hero with a new user interface called HTC Sense. From July the HTC will be available in Europe and later this summer the Asian fans will be able to buy it.

HTC Hero is 4.4 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide and its screen is 3.2 inch HVGA touch with a useful antifingerprint screen coating. The phone is light and small in size but it will help its user reach and communicate via multiple media.

The device is completely customizable to everyone's needs: email, multimedia messages, Facebook and Twitter status updates. It also includes GPS, a digital compass, a camera, 3.5 mm headphone jack and a search button which allows searching the contact list or Twitter updates.

The new phone can be added the Microsoft Exchange support to the handset which is good news for corporate customers.

Designing office banners

A regular office may gain the attention of potential customers through expensive advertisements such as radio, TV and even online ads, but traditional banners ensure that the business is constantly marketed to consumers. Generally, they are very easy to be designed as it doesn’t require much experience to create one but a careful thought has to be made when creating an office banner. After all, the image of the company largely rests on how the banner is created.

When creating an office banner, here are two words you should not forget: simple and bold. By being simple, you avoid the troubles of creating too complicated banner that could confuse the customers instead of informing them who you are. Being bold simply means, your text could be read without any trouble. Use highly noticeable colours so that people can read your banner even in just one glance.

The size of the office banner is also important. This factor is actually often missed by some office professionals since they are accustomed of getting the banner close to them. Instead of ordering a banner that may not be read because of its size, ask for two or three samples in different sizes and try to see them from a customer’s perspective.

After you have created a good banner, consider how should display them. Sometimes, simply placing them on the wall will not do. Consider using alternative display styles such as using poles and placing them in your front office. Banner design companies often have a variety of display options so be sure to exhaust the possibilities.

Office security and its challenges

What should be done in the case of an internal fraud or theft set up by an employee? How should the bank employees or the staff of a money exchange office react when facing an unexpected and unfortunate event like an armed robbery? Who will react when pressing the red button to raise the alarm?

The answers to all these questions are given by the company which will offer top expertise and support for security issues. Because security means more than just an alarm system or an inventory for the company assets, any office and individual should be prepared to manage the crisis in the event of an unexpected incident.

For example to avoid the internal theft, fraud or corruption, offices can reap the immense benefits of having the staff screened and properly trained on how to avoid or identify these issues. Expert staff screening provided by specialised companies can increase the security and stability of your business. Courses like: kidnap mitigation and hostage survival, security awareness or natural disaster survival can minimise the risks and the loses during unexpected incidents, in or outside your office.

Continuous ink in printers

Ink is a very important component for a printer which is why businesses will not think twice of purchasing replacement inks when they ran out. Inks are not affordable as they come in replacement cartridges specifically designed to fit on the printer design. This trend will continue and will require vast amounts of resources if the office is aggressive in using the printer.


But there is a solution in the form of continuous ink system. As the name suggests, this form of ink cartridge will help businesses save on ink. Instead of small cartridges replaced in the printer, the printer will be connected to a continuous ink system which contains large volumes of ink. Without using any cartridges, the business will not have to purchase replacement cartridges but will only have to pay for the ink. Since they will purchase in volume, the price of ink would be a lot more affordable. The price per page will be a lot lower in this system.


For the printer to become receptive to this system, the printer has to be converted first. This is only a few adjustments within the cartridge area so that the ink will flow from the system instead of the cartridge. At first glance, this looks very simple but it can destroy your printer permanently. For that reason, it is very important to bring the printer to the seller of the system. This may require additional fee for installation but a small fee for proper installation of the system is worth it to prevent destruction of the printer.