Friday, January 27, 2012

The Truth About Using A Computerized Accounting System

There are many versions of accounting software available to small business owners, but accounting is only one aspect of recordkeeping. Word processors, databases, spreadsheets, and all sorts of graphics can aid you in managing the financial and clerical aspects of your business. 

There is probably no area of greater confusion to the self-employed businessperson than the true costs and benefits of installing and using a computerized accounting system. Such business owners frequently have an inflated picture of the benefits of computerized accounting and an incomplete understanding of the costs. Some computer resellers and systems installers are unwilling to point out these conceptual errors, which often results in some unpleasant surprises and bad feelings.

First and foremost, computerized accounting is not simpler than manual accounting. Even the very best accounting system will not magically convert a clerk into a bookkeeper. In fact, many full-charge bookkeepers insist that computerized accounting requires sharper bookkeeping skills than a manual system. Manual systems generally break tasks down into simple steps. Errors are not automatically carried into other accounts. Second, if you are going to bring your accounting in-house, you need to realize that a computerized accounting system is not going to straighten out a manual accounting mess. Small, rapidly growing businesses, faced with limited capital and cramped cash flows, often put off establishing proper accounting procedures until a sunnier day. A manual accounting system verging on a bad dream can become an almost impossible nightmare when computerized. To "go onto" a computerized accounting system, your books have to be in perfect order. Accounts receivable and payable have to be exact and up-to-date, and beginning balances must be accurate. 

Moreover, where staff is already stretched, part-time help may be required, because the two systems should be run in parallel for at least two months. In this way, mistakes are more easily caught and corrected and the business need not rely on the new system to provide accurate data. Your staff simply must have time to learn the new system. Expect three to six months to return to earlier efficiency. The system you purchase will not do everything exactly as you want it. Some modifications may be needed to produce the output you need; these won't be free. Plan on involving an accountant in this task. Don't expect the package seller to provide advice only an accountant should provide. And some tasks simply do not lend themselves to easy, efficient transfer to computers. Computers are only tools.

Finally, let's look at the support issue. Support includes all the services necessary to get and keep your computer system up and running and as productive as possible. These services include instruction, education and maintenance both under warranty and other. Some resellers include preventive maintenance to service your computer before it stops working. The accounting package reseller probably captures a gross margin of 20 percent to 40 percent of the accounting package retail price. Out of that margin, sales commissions and all overhead expenses must be paid. Most support requires not only a thorough knowledge of the package, but a sound grounding in standard accounting procedures. Well-trained and equipped support personnel normally need to charge at least $60 to $75 per hour to make a reasonable profit. Therefore, on average, one should probably not expect more than one hour of qualified support "free" for each $1,000 of purchase price. Free, unqualified support generally costs you more than you can afford.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Bending The Body: Chiropractic Care As Alternative Medicine

Chiropractic care is an alternative health option that has become mainstream and widely used. This year, millions of Americans, as well as people all over the world, will visit a chiropractor's office for help with pain and illness, most often times back pain. Chiropractic procedures can be used on just about anyone and will help in a variety of ways with multiple kinds of pain, so if you want to try an alternative to traditional medical treatments that has been proven to work, ask your doctor about more information regarding chiropractic.

Chiropractors treat a patient with a hands-on technique. Using a number of motions, chiropractors align the spine and other joints in a manipulation kind of strategy, known as adjustment in the business. Chiropractic care teaches that the body can heal itself under the correct conditions. Basic health is strongly related to body structure and its function, stemming from correct spinal alignment and radiating to other parts of the body.

This process is not a new one, and chiropractic teachings have been written down since the time of the ancient Greek civilization. It was brought back to the health world in the late 1800s and has grown in popularity every since. Each chiropractor has a different theory and belief system regarding how the procedures work, so it is important to be sure that you and your chiropractor feel comfortable together. Be sure to also visit someone who is a licensed professional, as bone alignment (especially spinal manipulation) can be dangerous if the person doing the aligning is not properly trained. Your medical doctor should be able to suggest some popular and effective chiropractic care professionals in your area, or you can search the Internet for offices and reviews.

During your initial visit, a chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history and current state of well being. He or she will also do a physical examination and choose the best course of action to treat your condition. A variety of techniques can be used to achieve the desired results, and they may also combine their techniques to other nontraditional forms of treatment. These include mobilization, the use of heat and ice, acupuncture, homeopathy, and magnetic therapy.

Before you begin treatment, be sure to review your state's chiropractic care guidelines and take care that your professional follows the correct and legal procedures. Also check if your health insurance covers this form of treatment-many do, but some do not. Lastly, spread the word if you have received excellent care. Chiropractors and other alternative health care professionals rely on you to help them gain a good reputation.

Amen: Prayer For Health

Is prayer for health a legitimate form of healing? The vast majority of people belong to one religion or another. In fact, about 95% of the American population believes in God. Therefore, when sick or in pain, it is common to pray for health and well being. Does it work? Studies today are focusing on the validity of prayer for health. The alternative to traditional treatments can be used to help a person both physically and spiritually, but studies are now looking at whether prayer can be used in place of other medical procedures or if it is simply something to use in conjunction with traditional treatment options.

Logically, it is undeniable that prayer can help you with mental conditions. Overall, the belief in a higher power and heaven gives you a more positive outlook on life and your current medical situation. Stress if relieved and the mind is cleared to make better health decisions. Those who pray are also joining a larger support group of others who are also religiously inclines, so it brings a sense of community to the person who prays. All of these things can, and in most cases do, improve health.

The question remains, however, if prayer for health can actually physically bring healing. Studies have been done in which patients were split into three groups-one group received no prayers from a large congregation, one group received these prayers and was told about it, and the last group received these prayers but was told they may or may not receive them. This blind study was largely inconclusive, and because it could not be determined whether the patients themselves were praying or whether outside friends and family members were praying, it was impossible to control such studies.

As with many alternative therapy options, however, advocates will simply say that it can't hurt. This is true. Prayer costs nothing and takes little time, so when used in conjunction with typical medical procedures it can only improve the situation. The medical field began in ancient times as a branch of religion, with many doctors and the nursing staff being religious leaders. Today this is not the case, but most hospitals still employ members of the clergy to visit patients if wanted.

Because studies are inconclusive, it may be very unproductive to use prayer for health in place of other medical treatment. Discuss with your doctor and religious leaders the best course of action for you and your medical situation, and if praying makes you feel more positive about your condition, continue the practice.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

The Best Way To Watch Live TV On Your IPad Compared With The Traditional Methods

Intended for most iPad owners, how to watch Television shows on your iPad is pretty much the same as you would watch TV shows on a standard TV set. This is simply in terms of really seeing the Television shows like aired over regular channels other than there are significant differences, as well. Really, you can articulate with a certain amount of certainty that how to view Tube shows on your iPad is not as easy as simply turning on the TV set and clicking on the remote; a small quantity of knowledge of technology will without doubt assist.

Before you can go into the niceties of watching Television shows on your iPad, primarily you have to buy and download TV shows to your video iPad. There are lots of sites over the Internet that offers this sort of service, the majority of them on an unlimited basis for a fee.

A number of of these sites offer DVD quality movies plus you can subscribe to shows like the suspense-thriller "Lost", the fast-paced "24", the overtly sexual "Desperate Housewives", and other reality shows and sports events.

In downloading TV shows, this is where a little knowledge of video technology helps. There are two ways how to look at television shows on your iPad. You can either convert TV shows video files into iPad format or you can record and convert Televison shows to iPad. On the first means, you must download, install and launch the iPad movie/video converter software. Click the "Open File" button on the TV shows you like to convert, and then select "Convert". Drag the iPad video files and transfer to your iPad. There are step by step tutorials on this process, if you need them, to actually transfer and convert shows to your iPad. You can then look at your favorite TV shows on your iPad!

The second way on how to view TV shows on your iPad involves the purchase of an appropriate TV tuner card, which ought to include a PCI card and a USB external card. You have to attach the cable or antenna and then download the TV to iPad transfer software, which you will have to install and configure. It will then commence transfer of shows to your iPad. Again, there is a step-by-step tutorial for this should you need it.

The importance is sometimes on possessing working knowledge of video technology as the transfer can be a bit tricky. However, with practice and diligent adherence to the tutorials, watching shows on your iPad can become as easy as clicking the Televison remote!

There are significant differences between watching TV shows on a normal TV set and an iPad. For one, downloading Televison shows to an iPad is definitely slower than watching real-time TV. It can take at least 30 minutes to download and can take up significant memory space in your iPad. For another, pixilation and color, which can sometimes result in lower-quality videos.

Internet Streaming Home Video And Movie Player Review

Apple TV was released last year, and allows for the streaming of films and TV shows from the internet to your TV screen. Most of the content is controlled through the iTunes store, allowing the user to buy or rent TV shows and Movies from a number of different publishers. As well as iTunes, it is possible to watch content from YouTube and Netflix in the US.

What Apple TV does well is mainly based around usability. The display is clean and clear and very intuitive to use. The included aluminium remote control has a clickwheel like feel, which will be instantly familiar to anyone who owned an iPod. Unfortunately, the simplicity of the remote makes entering text a tricky and lengthy process. However, a neat feature is that if the consumer also owns an iPod touch or iPhone they can use its touch screen keyboard to enter text. Also using an iPod or iPhone device, the Apple TV menus can be navigated using swiping gestures on the touchscreen.

The iPod and iPhone connectivity doesn't end there. Using a feature called AirPlay, iPod touch and iPhone users can push video and music content from their mobile devices to their TV. This is useful if your TV is connected to an audio system, as you can browse your iPod library and select songs wirelessly from the handheld device.

One of the main competitors to the Apple TV is the Roku XDS. The Roku has been priced similarly to the Apple TV allowing for a direct comparison. Where the Roku has a distinct advantage is with the amount of content available. As well as Netflix, the Roku offers access to Amazon Videos on Demand, Hulu Plus and Pandora. It does lose out on iTunes content, but iTunes content, particularly when it comes to TV shows, can be a bit thin on the ground.

A second advantage is that the Roku can be used with any TV. The Apple requires a HMDI port but the Roku is just as happy with a standard definition TV, which is good news for those who are yet to upgrade. The user interface is easy to use, and comprises of channels, on for each content provider. There are around 100 in total, but they vary in usefulness.

There is a distinct tradeoff between the Roku and Apple TV. Those who already use many iDevices may feel more comfortable staying in the iTunes environment, and may see benefit in both AirPlay and the hope of future updates which further integrate thier mobile Apple devices with their fixed home theatre set-ups. The Apple device also offers a more slick and desirable look both in terms of hardware and software.

Having said that, the Rokus interface is still very useable, if not as attractive as that on the Apple. It also provides much more content than the Apple if you are looking for it to take some of the pressure away from your Sky box or even remove it completely.

In summary, both players are strong contenders and perhaps your choice depends on whether you prefer style or substance. Apple TV works nicely, but it is the Roku which allows for the most functionality.

Free Reverse Cell Phone Lookup Websites Canada - Do They Exist?

Is it really possible to run a free reverse cell phone lookup on the internet? Many of us have become disillusioned and frustrated in the past with websites which appear to offer free products or services online but in fact do not. Is this the case with cell phone lookups?

Firstly let us examine exactly what we mean by a phone number lookup. If you have in your possession a residential phone number but no idea who the number belongs to or what address it relates to you can use a "reverse lookup" service to find out those details. This can obviously be very useful in situations where you have lost contact with someone but still have a record of their phone number, or simply wish to verify who owns the number before mistakenly phoning the wrong number. There are many places you can perform such residential and business phone lookups online for free, including toll-free numbers.

However a problem arises when you need to run a reverse lookup on a cellular phone as the free directories do not contain any such numbers. Similarly they do not contain fax numbers as this information is only held by the carriers and telecommunications companies. Do these records exist, and are they free?

The good news is there are websites which claim to offer large numbers of cell phone numbers, but they are not free. These websites naturally have to pay for access to some of this information, and go to the considerable trouble of pulling all the various resources together in one place, and as a result you will be charged a small fee before you can access the lookup databases. However the fee is a one-off payment and with some websites you can run as many searches as you like once you have access, with others they offer a single lookup for a lower fee. The records they claim to offer include cell owner details, address history, carrier details, and the phone connection status. It is also worth noting that the databases offered by each company differ to some degree, but most include cell phones and often residential, business, toll-free, even pagers, and these websites say your searches are guaranteed legal and confidential.

In addition to reverse lookups there are also similar websites which offer access to information such as background checks and background reports, people finder databases, bankruptcies, liens, public records databases including births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions, sex offender records, police records, and much more. These sites operate in the same way, offering access to specific types of information for a set fee, however it should be noted that you will not receive access to such information as part of your cell phone lookup site membership.

I have seen websites claiming to offer free cell lookups, but they always lead eventually to the paid sites in the end, even allowing people to search for free and then charging to view the results. It is the sad truth that the only place where you are likely to find detailed reverse cell records is within the legitimate paid directories. In conclusion, the answer is no, free cell phone lookups do not currently exist. However if you really want to access such records then I believe paying a small fee is a price worth paying.

Silverline Security: A Thorough System, Easy To Install

A good home security system is an important part of any home. We live in dangerous times, and theft and burglary are on the rise. Having a well protected home is vital to the safety not just of one’s personal belongings, but to one’s family and oneself also. Security systems vary in their ability to keep intruders out and alert the police to their presence, as well as their ability to protect against fire or other dangers. Silverline security is one of the best home security alarm systems around, and in this article, we will look at some of the advantages this system provides.

Thorough Protection

Silverline Security system is superb mainly due to how thoroughly it defends against a variety of different dangers. Not only does it watch out for intruders, but it can also monitor the levels of heat, smoke and carbon dioxide in order to detect a fire or gas leak. This means that you are fully covered against the usual household dangers.

Simplicity Of Installation

The Simon XT wireless security system does not drape awkward lines all over the home. It is neat, tidy and self-contained, and no mess needs to be created when installation takes place. Compare this to the older-style security systems, which had myriad sensors around the home all needing a physical connection.

Remote Access

Silverline home security alarm systems also provide the ability to be controlled remotely. This allows the homeowner to check their home’s safety before they arrive, or even monitor a second home. A third benefit is excellent parental control, allowing enhanced child safety.

Conclusion

Silverline provides a combination of across-the-board defense against dangers, neat and tidy installation and remote access by both the homeowner and the police. This results in Silverline Security offering one of the best home security alarm systems around. Security is safety, and concerned homeowners should look into such a system immediately for guaranteed protection in the future.