DVVAABLOG

Protect Your Addresses

2006-11-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

I received this tip from a very kind newsletter reader and I thought it would be perfect to share with the rest of you. It makes a lot of sense and it's so simple to do, so listen up! Okay, so we all know that when your e-mail is infected with a virus, it goes straight to your address book. The virus looks for the addresses you have saved and it starts to send itself off to everyone listed. The

Quick Tips - Special Characters

2006-10-03T21:07:00.000-04:00

Special CharactersHave you been trying to figure out how you can make certain special characters with your computer keyboard? You know, like a cent sign or maybe a a registered trademark sign (the R with a circle around it). Both of those and more have always been on my list of "How do you do that"?!Well, I have finally found the solutions and I am so excited to share these with you! Let's do the

Quick Tips - Desktop Cleanup

2006-09-07T15:55:00.000-04:00

Do you have a lot of icons sitting on your desktop that you don't use? Maybe you downloaded a program and it made a new icon for you, but you don't really need it there. That happens to me all the time. That's why I have a folder on my desktop that is used just for the icons that I hardly or never use. Would you like to do the same?It's very easy to do this. Just right click anywhere on your

Quick Tips - Shortcuts

2006-08-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

You probably have them all over your desktop and you probably use them every day, but do you know exactly what a shortcut is? Yes, the name seems pretty self explanatory, but here's a little more information on the world of shortcuts for you, just in case!A shortcut, in reference to computers, is basically an icon you create that sits on your desktop for quick access to anything you want. Whether

Quick Tips - Sleeping Mice

2006-07-31T08:54:00.000-04:00

Sleeping MiceDo you use a wireless mouse? If so, do you have problems with it falling asleep on you? Are you still not sure what I mean? Well, sometimes wireless mice go into a "sleep" mode and you just have to give it a quick tug for it to wake back up.Some wireless mice are programmed to go into the sleep mode after approximately eight minutes of non-use. So, if you leave your computer for more

Quick Tips - Email Scams

2006-07-28T11:31:00.000-04:00

E-mail ScamsWe all know that there are several e-mail scams running their course in cyber space these days, but how do you know for sure which ones are and which ones aren't? Well, in previous tips, we've told you not to open anything from an unknown sender and that advice still runs true. But, what happens if you get an e-mail that just beats your curiosity? Then what do you do?For example, one

Quick Tips - What type of Mouse

2006-07-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

What type of mouse do you use? Maybe you use a wireless mouse or maybe you use a ball and wheel mouse. Or maybe you use a...As you might be figuring out, there are several different types of mice available to use with your computer these days. It's pretty amazing how many there are actually. Let's see, there's the cordless (wireless), the footmouse, the glidepoint (also known as the touchpad),

Quick Tips - Get Me Out of Here

2006-07-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

Get Me Out of Here!Have you ever needed to boot your computer up in safe mode for some reason? Maybe you were trying to fix a problem or do some troubleshooting. Well, have you ever had it boot up in safe mode again, even when you didn't need it to? If that has ever happened to you, here's a little tip that will help you get "outta there" when you want!Usually, after working in safe mode, your

Quick Tips - Windows 98/SE/ME Support Gone

2006-07-13T19:43:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the news? Microsoft recently announced that the support for the Windows 98, 98 Second Edition (SE) and Millennium (ME) versions expired on July 11, 2006 (which was Tuesday of this week). This means that Microsoft is cutting off any public and technical support to its customers from now on. This expiration also includes security updates.The reason Microsoft is doing this is

Quick Tips - Mouse Trails

2006-07-06T10:05:00.000-04:00

Mouse TrailsNo, no, I'm not talking about that kind of mouse trail! : ) Fortunately, the type I am referring to are also called pointer trails and it only deals with the mouse pointer.Okay, so have you ever been working away on your computer when all of the sudden, your mouse pointer disappears? You try moving your mouse around as fast as you can to try and find it, but it just seems like it went

Quick Tips - DSL

2006-06-28T11:26:00.000-04:00

DSLWe've had a couple tips in the past about DSL, but we've never really told you what it is. Have you been wondering? Well, wonder no more, because here is a brief explanation for you.DSL stands for digital subscriber line and it's basically a type of broadband Internet access that is simply carried over a regular phone line. DSL delivers a high-speed service and it is high on the list when

DVVAA Langhorne Lucheon - A Great Success!

2006-06-28T10:34:00.000-04:00

Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants held a luncheon on Sunday, June 25th at the Ruby Tuesday's in Langhorne, PA. In attendance were: Teresa Berger of Innovate Services, Michelle Murphy of Murphy Assistants, Laura Pumo of Office DEVA and Carey Chelenza of Alphabyte Office Solutions. Much of the discussion was about networking locally as well as sharing our business journey with each other.

Quick Tips - Computer No Nos

2006-06-21T05:38:00.000-04:00

Computer No NosHave you ever committed a computer no no? I'm sure we all have at one time or another, but we really should watch ourselves from here on out. To help you pinpoint a computer no no, here are a few things you should never do with your computer. With this list, maybe you can stop yourself in the act next time something comes up!First of all, you should never turn your computer off

Quick Tips - Microphone Lesson

2006-06-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

Microphone LessonHave you ever wanted to talk to your friends through your computer? I don't mean through typing in an instant messaging program. I'm talking about your actual speaking voice. If that sounds good to you, then listen up!If your computer doesn't already have an integrated microphone (a lot of older computers aren't going to have one), you can just go out and purchase an external

Quick Tips - Before the Games Begin

2006-06-01T08:29:00.000-04:00

Before the Games BeginIf you are a big gamer (or maybe someone else in your household is), you are probably so excited every time you get a new game. You anticipate being able to play it and you just can't wait for the installation process to finish so you can get started! Well, not to burst your bubble, but there are some things you should do even before you start installing the new game on your

Quick Tips - Undo That, Please

2006-05-31T14:31:00.000-04:00

Undo That, PleaseHere's an oldie, but a goodie for you. Ever make a mistake when you're typing, or when you're working in any program for that matter? Would you like to be able to go back and redo it so your mistake is long gone history? If you would, all you have to do is hit Ctrl + Z on your keyboard.Clicking Ctrl and Z at the same time will undo any changes you've made (good or bad). Maybe

Quick Tips - Test That Printer

2006-05-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

Test That PrinterIf you are interested in buying a new printer, you should always test it before you actually buy it. You might be asking, "But how do I do that"? Well, all you need to do is ask one of the sales people at the store to run a test print for you.Most printer display models are powered up and ready to print test pages, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. And, if they aren't,

Quick Tips - wireless users

2006-05-24T12:47:00.000-04:00

Q: I'm an avid wireless user, but I've been having trouble getting connected to the Internet when I go to a free WiFi hotspot. Do you have any idea what I am doing wrong?A: If you use wireless Internet in your home, you may think it's the easiest thing in the world. I mean, after you get everything connected and hooked up, it's such an ease to use for Internet access. You don't have to worry

Quick Tips - Blocking senders

2006-05-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

Q:How do you block senders using Hotmail?A: We have done a tip on this before for Outlook Express, but it's a good idea for all of you who use different e-mail providers to know how to block a sender as well. You may even someday need to know how to unblock a sender, so I will give you some hints about that as well!HotmailOpen up your Hotmail account and sign in and all that good stuff. Go to the

May 13th - Pittsburgh DVVAA Member Luncheon

2006-05-22T10:42:00.000-04:00

From L to R: Kirsten Womack, Launa Post & Rebecca RamseyRebecca Ramsey of Virtual Business Solutions, LLC held a DVVAA Member Luncheon in Pittsburgh on May 13th. She was joined by Kirsten Womack of Im-mack-ulate Impressions and Launa Post of Virtual Business Solutions, LLC and a good time was had by all! Becky received a giftcard on behalf of DVVAA to thank her for holding a luncheon. Attendees

Quick Tips - Use That CD

2006-05-17T06:45:00.000-04:00

Use That CDIf you followed the tip about backing up your e-mails, you may be wondering how you're supposed to actually read those e-mails once the backup process is done. Have you? Well, wonder no more, because here is your answer!So, you've got the CD you used to back up your e-mails. When you created it (burnt the information onto the CD), you probably chose to make a data CD or whatever your

Quick Tips - Group It

2006-05-16T21:37:00.000-04:00

Group ItIf you usually send the same e-mails to the same group of people, you can make it easier by creating a group for them. With group e-mailing, you don't have to search again and again for each person you want to send an e-mail to. Maybe you're in a club and you want to e-mail every club member. Put them all in a group and save yourself some time! Maybe you send certain e-mails only to your

Quick Tips - Don't Restart

2006-05-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

Don't RestartWhen you go to shut down your computer, you may notice that there is an option there for you to restart your computer as well. This option is there for all the times you just want to restart your computer instead of completely shutting it down, but did you know that it also plays a part in system failures? Basically, Windows is set to automatically restart your computer whenever a

Quick Tips - Ctrl + F

2006-05-12T08:09:00.000-04:00

Ctrl + FHere's the scenario. You're on a Web site looking for a particular word or phrase and you can't, for the life of you, find it. Well, a quick keyboard shortcut can save you from all of that searching.Just hold down Ctrl and F at the same time. Ctrl + F will bring up a Find box on your screen. You can just type in any word or phrase in the search box and hit Enter. It will then proceed to

Quick Tips - Java Script Basics

2006-05-11T07:02:00.000-04:00

JavaScript BasicsJavaScript is basically a programming language that works with HTML. It is a scripting language that is used to create different special effects on standard Web pages. If you were to design a basic Web page, you would use JavaScript to make the page dynamic and interactive for the viewers.Some examples of JavaScript in action are image rollovers, form input validations and it

International Virtual Assistants Day

2006-05-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD)Online International Virtual Assistants Convention (OIVAC) will applaud the global VA industry by celebrating International Virtual Assistants Day (IVAD) this year on Friday,May 19, 2006. The online virtual convention’s theme this year is “Pathways to Successful VA Practices”. It’s being brought to you by Alliance for Virtual Business. You can read more

Quick Tips - Help

2006-05-10T06:25:00.000-04:00

HELP!Did you know that just about every program out there has a help file?Well, did you know that the ones that don't usually have online support or message boards for users?You would be amazed at how much you can find out with a simple click. Let's try it! Open any programs and find the Help menu up there in your toolbar and click it (or you can just hit F1 on your keyboard).Ever want to find

Quick Tips - See the Progress

2006-05-09T12:52:00.000-04:00

See the ProgressIf you use Firefox as your main Web browser, you're probably often downloading stuff on there too, right? Well, Firefox makes it very easy for you to see the progress status of all your downloads.Once you start downloading something, you can do a quick click on the "Display the progress of ongoing downloads" icon and it will bring up a box that lists all of the downloads that are

Quick Tips - Address Book

2006-05-08T06:41:00.000-04:00

Address BookSo, you may use an address book in Outlook Express to keep track of everyone's e-mail addresses, but did you know that you can access that same address book another way? Just go to Start, All Programs, Accessories and then choose Address Book.The little address book box will appear on your screen and it will show all of the names you already have added to your list. Well, what if you

Quick Tips - Firefox update

2006-05-05T14:07:00.000-04:00

Firefox UpdateDo you use Firefox? Well, if you do, you're sure to be interested in this update. Mozilla recently released a patch update for the Firefox browser, which will fix a security flaw that has been hanging around. What's the flaw, you ask? It has to do with how Firefox handles JavaScript codes. It mainly deals with the "contentWindow.focus( ) code.This bug could easily be controlled by

Quick Tips - Making the Ruler measure up

2006-05-01T14:07:00.000-04:00

Making the Ruler Measure UpDid you know that MS Word comes with a built-in ruler? No?Well, it does if you're using the Page / Print Layout view or the Normal view and it's pretty easy to access. I find the Word ruler very helpful with layout decisions, setting tab stops and for making quick changes to paragraph settings.To display Word's

Quick Tips - Screen Saver Password

2006-04-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Screen Saver PasswordHave you ever wanted to add a password to your screen saver, but weren't sure how to do it? Well, you're in luck today. The process is simple and in minutes, you will have a password protected screen saver.Go to Start, Control Panel and find the Display icon. Windows XP users need to make sure they are in the classic view of the Control Panel to find the Display icon. All

Woot!

2006-04-25T14:18:00.000-04:00

I like some comedy with my online shopping. That's why I like Woot! Forgive the plug - I have no affiliation of any sort with Woot!, but a visit there will brighten your day.Every day they have a new deal - usually a techie item at a really low price. Normally the item sells out after a few hours, but the real reason to visit are the product descriptions, which are insanely honest and always

QUICK TIPS- URL

2006-04-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

URLWe use this term all the time in the newsletters, but we've never really explained what it is exactly, so here you go.URL is short for Uniform Resource Locator and it is basically just a Web address. In more technical terms, a URL is the global address of documents and other resources used on the World Wide Web.The first part of a URL is for protocol use and the second part is for the IP

QUICK TIPS - Computer Donation

2006-04-20T15:05:00.000-04:00

Computer Donation If you have ever thought of donating an old computer that you don't need anymore, there are just a few things you should keep in mind before you hand it over. Make sure you have backed up all your files on the old computer so you're able to replace it on your new PC. If you have personal files on the computer, make for certain that those are removed, so no one has any way

QUICK TIPS - Daylight Savings Time

2006-04-18T16:55:00.000-04:00

Daylight Savings Time Are you still manually changing the time on your computer clock each time daylight savings time rolls around? If you are, there's no more need to do that (unless you want to, of course). In order to catch the next time change, double click on the clock (located in the bottom right hand corner of your desktop) and select the Time Zone tab. Under the map that is shown

QUICK TIPS - Run the Shortcut

2006-04-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

Run the ShortcutDo you use the Run command quite often to help you find different programs quickly? For example, you may use it to find your computer's calculator or maybe the on screen keyboard. (Those are just a couple examples of what you can use the Run command for).So, how do you usually get to the Run box? Do you go to Start, Run and then type in your command? Do you hit the Windows key + R

QUICK TIPS - Keyboard Speed

2006-04-13T08:25:00.000-04:00

Keyboard SpeedDid you know that you can customize some of your keyboard settings? Does that sound like something you would like to check out?Well, if you do, go to Start, Control Panel and click on the Printers and Other Hardware, then Keyboard (for XP). If you have an older version of Windows, go to Start, Control Panel and look for the Hardware icon or even just one that says Keyboard.Once you

QUICK TIPS - Outlook Express Stationary

2006-04-12T12:28:00.000-04:00

Outlook Express StationaryDid you know that you can use stationary in your e-mails if you use Outlook Express? We have done a tip on creating your own stationary before, but what if you just want to use the samples that are already available from Outlook Express?Open up OE and go up to the Create Mail icon. Don't click on the actual icon, but click on the down arrow that is right next to it. This

QUICK TIPS

2006-04-06T05:49:00.000-04:00

Quick LaunchThe space where the icons sit in the bottom left side of your desktop (right next to the Start button) is called the Quick Launch Toolbar. You can put an icon there for any program that you go to regularly, so it will open much quicker. Otherwise, you have to go to your Start menu and search through all of your Programs or find where it's located on your desktop.Sometimes that can

Karyn Greensteet's Teleclass a Huge Hit!

2006-04-05T09:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks again to self-employment guru Karyn Greenstreet for her teleclass presentationlast night. We had a terrific turnout and Karyn shared some of her great ideas for helping us self-employed types avoid self-sabotaging pitfalls.If you couldn't make it, no worries...Karyn will be posting a recording of the session on her website in the near future.Again, a hearty thanks to Karyn and to all who

QUICK TIPS

2006-04-05T08:57:00.000-04:00

Select It AllHave you ever wanted to highlight a complete document or page all at once instead of dragging your mouse all the way from the bottom to the top of the page just so you can copy and paste it somewhere else? If it is two pages or more, it can get redundant to use your mouse for all of the text. Even then, sometimes your finger slips off the mouse and you have to start all over again.If

QUICK TIPS

2006-04-04T07:06:00.000-04:00

<>Smart Keywords in Firefox<>As promised, I will continue on with how you can make your own smart keywords in Firefox. In yesterday's Quick Tip, we went over how you can use the predefined keywords that Firefox already has set up, but you can use your own bookmarks (favorites) too.There are actually two ways to make your own keywords, so we will go through both of them. The first one is a

QUICK TIPS

2006-04-03T14:57:00.000-04:00

Firefox Smart KeywordsIf you have made the switch from Internet Explorer to Firefox (which many people have), there is a quick way for you to reach the Web sites you would like to visit.Firefox uses something called smart keywords and they are just special words that replace a bookmarked URL (a Web address). If you would like to give it a try, open up your Firefox browser and hit Ctrl + L. That

QUICK TIPS

2006-03-31T11:59:00.000-05:00

OSNot sure what OS stands for? You hear it mentioned all the time, but you're just not 100 percent positive of what it means. That's okay, no problem. OS is short for Operating System. Windows is the most common operating system, but Linux and Mac OS X are also choices.Whatever flavor you enjoy, they all do pretty much the same thing. They give you a way to run programs and work with your

QUICK TIPS

2006-03-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

Picture this: you're sitting at your computer and you have a browser window open while you search the Web and you also have some sort of a document laid out on your screen. I'm guessing that you probably have them both open to their full size, don't you? It's just too annoying to not have it that way, right?Well, what if you wanted to move that window over so you could look at something else on

QUICK TIPS

2006-03-28T18:54:00.000-05:00

Cool Spin TricksDid you know that If you have a mouse with a scroll wheel on it, you can do some really cool tricks? Well, now you do, so here we go.Shift and SpinEver wonder what happens when you hold down the Shift key on a Web page and spin the wheel on your mouse? Internet Explorer goes either backward or forward through the pages you've recently visited, depending on which direction you

QUICK TIPS

2006-03-27T15:07:00.000-05:00

Performance OptionsDid you know that you can customize your settings, so your computer will run and look just the way you want it to? Well, you can and here's how.Click on Start, Control Panel and get into the Performance area. XP users need to click on Performance and Maintenance to get to this section. Once in there, look for the link that says "Adjust visual effects." Click on that and a box

Member Poll: E-Mail Format --->

2006-03-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

DVVAA uses Vertical Response for important email group announcements. Some of VR's great features are the message and address tracking...it will tell us if messages are bouncing or if a specific mailing doesn't have a great "open" rate.So - in the interest of improving our email announcement process - please take a moment and answer this simple member poll question (on the sidebar -->).Your

QUICK TIPS

2006-03-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

On Screen KeyboardI'm not sure how many of you would like to use this, but I thought it would be a neat little idea to share with you all. Did you know that you can put a keyboard on your computer screen and actually type with it?If that sounds interesting to you, then follow these directions. Go to Start, Run and type in "osk" (without the quotes). Click OK and a mini keyboard will pop up on

Quick Tips

2006-03-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

Do you find yourself right clicking your mouse a lot? You know, you probably do it more than you think. You right click your desktop to get to the Properties menu or to create a new folder. You right click on files to copy them, save them, rename them or delete them. You right click to open items such as pictures or word documents and you even right click to copy and paste. And that's just a

New Teleclass: Karyn Greenstreet - April 4th

2006-03-22T19:34:00.000-05:00

You probably already got an email from Laura Pumo about the teleclass she scored with self-employment guru Karyn Greenstreet. This big news bears repeating, so here's the text of Laura's message:The Delaware Valley Virtual Assistant's Association is pleased to announce our first teleclass scheduled for Tuesday, April 4th at 8:30 pm EST. This teleclass will take the place of the online chat

Annie Douglass Featured in AC Newspaper

2006-03-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

DVVAA Member Annie Douglass of Sticky Rice Solutions was featured in a news article this week. The article, in the Press of Atlantic City, is a great overview of Annie's growing biz & a plug for DVVAA too!Congrats, Annie! :-)

February Finances & Oscar Bets

2006-03-03T17:52:00.000-05:00

The latest DVVAA bank statement has been posted...you will need the member password to access the file; nothing exciting to report this month.Have a great Oscars weekend...rooting for my long-shot bets! Go Clooney!! Woo-hoo! ;-)

New Jersey 1st Quarter DVVAA Luncheon – A Huge Success!

2006-02-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

DVVAA’s first quarter luncheon was held on Saturday, February 25th at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Hamiton, New Jersey hosted by Linda Siniscal! Four new and four practicing VAs were able to connect and share their stories and advice. The meeting started with introductions, the distribution of DVVAA stationery pads and personalized pens, followed by a presentation from Caroline Wright and

On The Lighter Side...

2006-02-20T21:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kathy Z for passing along the funny... ;-DGREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.5) You can't trust dogs to watch your

Kim Mann is Famous!

2006-02-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Check out this article about DVVAA's own Kim Mann.... with a great pic! DVVAA gets a mention too...woo hoo!!

More Blog Doohickeys & Updated Member Directory

2006-02-11T17:44:00.000-05:00

I'm finally caught up with updating the Pro Member Directory... also took advantage of this snowy afternoon to add a few toys to the blog...like a news thingy & a weather gizmo - - >.Enjoy the snow!!!

March Events Reminder - Online Chat

2006-02-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

Be sure to mark your calendars for March DVVAA events:Monthly Online Chat Scheduled for Tuesday, March 7th @ 8:30 pmCheck back here to find out who our expert will be for that evening.You must be a member of DVVAA to attend this chat. To learn about becoming a member: "http://www.dvvaa.org/membership.html".The instructions for logging into the chat are:1. Please use the following link to access

Link to Chat Transcript

2006-02-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

Just posted the transcript for last night's terrific chat with Lauren Hidden. Lauren did an outstanding job - she shared some great insights into establishing a successful virtual services business.Thanks to Lauren and all who attended!:-)(p.s...you will need the member password to access the transcript)

February Events Reminder - Luncheon

2006-02-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

Be sure to mark your calendars for February DVVAA events:Saturday, February 25th - 12:00 noon - Quarterly Luncheon: Cracker Barrel, 825 Marketplace Blvd., Hamilton,NJ 08691 Phone: (609) 581-5462.Veteran VAs and DVVAA Members Caroline Wright and Carla Wilson will present and discuss the framework for their Buddy System – an agreement they have in which they provide monthly goals accountability to

Directory Changes

2006-02-02T16:14:00.000-05:00

I will be posting the new Pro Member Directory profiles this weekend - I will be making changes weekly (or as needed). Thanks for your patience! - Mary

New Links/Finance Update

2006-01-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

I just posted updates to the Member Only page - includes a new Event Calendar and the latest bank statement....as well as a link to this blog.As for the bank statement - it doesnt include the PayPal balance we just transferred over. Next month's statement should more accurately show our resources.

Pro Member Profiles

2006-01-28T11:09:00.000-05:00

If you havent yet done so, please stop by The Directory Profile Page and fill out your company profile. It's a valuable benefit of your DVVAA Professional Membership!

2006 DVVAA Member Luncheon Schedule

2006-01-25T07:32:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the DVVAA Board (Kim Mann, Mary Motz, Carla Wilson and myself)we are pleased to announce DVVAA's 2006 Quarterly Luncheon schedule for thefollowing dates:Saturday, February 25th - Cracker Barrel, 825 Marketplace Blvd., Hamilton,NJ 08691 Phone: (609) 581-5462Saturday, May 20th - Olive Garden, 9280 E Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA19115 Phone: (215) 969-3750Saturday, July 15th -

Woo-hoo!! The DVVAA Blog is HERE!

2006-01-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

Yet another internet thingamabob to track, you say? Well, eh... yeah. But this is different!!We're going to have RSS feeds, comments & breaking news. You can even add real-time DVVAA headlines to your fav news aggregator - like MyYahoo & all the others.So, please come back soon.