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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Flag Emails in Outlook for Follow Up

What do I write about when I’m so busy?

I could write about how to save time or how to get things done faster. Or I could write about why I’m so busy.

I’ll do both…

I’ve been busy with multiple projects, including two website redesigns and many SEO and website maintenance projects and haven’t had enough quality time to devote to my blog.

To help me manage all my projects and keep me on track I’ve upgraded my customer database to ACT! and I’ve also integrated Outlook 2003 into it. I’m also using Basecamp.

Flag Emails in Outlook for Follow Up

A cool feature of Outlook 2003 is the ability to flag email messages for follow up.

When you flag an email, a colored flag - in this case red - appears next to the email message and gets added to the Follow Up message folder. By doing this I can keep track of the main items I need to take care of first as well as keeping my Inbox clean.

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 10:57 am

Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer, Business

Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Create Multiple Signature Files in Outlook 2003

Happy Holidays.

Are you taking some time off for the holidays? Are you promoting any specials for the holidays?

If so, you’ll need to make sure you let your customers know.

One easy way is to create a special signature file.

Outlook Signatures

Click on Tools | Options and select the Mail Format tab. Click on the Signatures button to create different signature files.

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 12:45 pm

Comments: None | Filed under: Computer

Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Creating Branded HTML Emails in Outlook

Hello.

We’ve been creating many HTML email newsletters recently, but today we received a question about just sending out branded emails. You know, emails with your logo and stuff.

In Microsoft Outlook, it’s easy.

Outlook Stationary

To brand your own email though will require you to create a HTML file. You can do this in any HTML editor like Dreamweaver. Then import it into Outlook.

Don’t forget to test your email, making sure it looks good in all the popular email programs like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:28 am

Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer, HTML

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Setting Up An Ergonomic Office

I just bought the new Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. (NOTE: I purchased the MS Wireless 6000 keyboard and mouse first but returned it because the keys didn’t type when I wanted them to).

Now that my wrists are feeling better, I figured I’d begin to setup a complete ergonomic office.

I figured I’d start next with a new mouse. Check out this ergonomic mouse. It conforms to the natural angle of your arm. I’m considering making a purchase. Place your hand in the vertical position. It immediately feels better doesn’t it?

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:54 pm

Comments: 1 Comment | Filed under: Computer

Thursday, September 27, 2007
Spammers Are Idiots (or Are We)

Would you open this email?

Spam Email Subject Message

Some may….I wouldn’t.

Why? Because it’s from PayPaI, not Paypal with an L.

It still boggles my mind that spammers try these ridiculous stunts. I guess it still works after all these years.

This email by the way never reached my Inbox because I view all my messages on the server and I do not use the Preview Pane.

Spam Prevention

Though spammers are continuing to use slightly different techniques to get their ‘messages’ through, these tips still ring true today.

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 3:48 pm

Comments: 1 Comment | Filed under: Web General, Computer

Monday, July 2, 2007
Save Web Surfing Time With RSS Reader Sage

We’re back!

It’s been an amazing past few months. We’ll first off…I got married on May 12, the day we first met 6 years ago. Justine and I got married in Alameda at the First Presbyterian Church. Jack Buckley was the kind gentleman who married us. Thank you Jack. We spent our reception on the San Francisco Bay exploding to the KABOOM fireworks where Justine and I met for the first time. It was the best day of my life! Thank you everyone! You made our dream come true.

Now back to business…

Another reason for not contributing to my blog recently is that my workload here at MJS has been off the charts. I have not been able to devote enough quality time to my blog. Customers came first. I’m sure you understand and I thank you for tuning in.

Saving Time With Sage

Since my time becomes more valuable each day and I need to stay on top of the SEO world (I used to visit Threadwatch exclusively, but it just recently shut down), I setup an add-on to Firefox called Sage. It’s an RSS reader that pulls specific data you choose (to a certain extent) to view from your favorite sites and lists all that content into one place. (This is the true definition of an RSS reader).

Now I can surf the internet and view all the latest SEO headlines from one place. A great time saver!

Mike Swartz says, “Check it Out”.

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 7:49 am

Comments: None | Filed under: Web General, Computer, Personal

Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Easy On The Eyes Font Setting for Windows XP

Happy New Year!

I just recently purchased a new Dell system with the 24″ monitor, very similar to the Apple monitors. Excellent purchase, no doubt. Anyhoo…

The type (or font) on my new LCD monitor was pixelated and not very clear, so I changed my display settings (a setting that should be on by default in Windows XP) to show ClearType. Now the edges are smoother and easier on the eyes.

To smooth the edges of your Windows fonts, just:

Right-click on your desktop
Choose the Appearance tab
Select the Effects button
Check the box that says, “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts:”
Select ClearType from the drop-down menu
Click OK and OK and enjoy the change

Mike Swartz says, “Check it out. Your eyes will love it!”

Posted by: Michael Swartz at 1:06 am

Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer

Monday, October 16, 2006
Score for Microsoft Media Player

Score for Microsoft.

I inserted a CD into my CD ROM drive and wanted to ripped it onto my hard drive. (Note: I’m converting all my music (CD’s, tapes, LP’s) to digital - my hard drive.)

Microsoft Media Player opened up and it didn’t immediately display the tracks (Media Player by default will retrieve CD tracks from the internet). I tried Apple, iTunes. It didn’t recognize the CD tracks either. I went back to Windows Media Player and clicked “Find Album Info”. MS Media Player found the CD and all of its contents. I clicked finished and I could satisfactorily rip my CD with all tracks accounted for.

Well done Microsoft.