ACS News January 2004

[Home] [Bookstore] For those who work at/from home. [Business Partners] A list of complementary businesses to our services. If you would like yours listed, please let us know! [Case Studies] Wondering how we could assist your business? [Membership] For prospective virtual secretaries. [Newsletters] Read our previous issues. [Rates] Kathie's service rates. [Services] A sample list. [VA Directory] For a full list of our team. [Search] Search our site for further information. If you received this newsletter by regular mail, have an email address and would like to receive this online, please either subscribe at our website, or contact our office with your email address. Feel free to pass this newsletter onto a friend! www.asecretary.com.au Why are you on this list? You could be any of the following: a client we've swapped business cards member of MBN, BNI, NSAA or another networking group that I participate in. How to get on or off this list: Send a fax or write me if receiving this by post and wishing to update contact details, or be removed. Or, if receiving online please click here to subscribe or unsubscribe. PO Box 2918, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia, 3192 Ph: +613 9583 8359 Fax: +613 9585 3785 kathie@asecretary.com.au	Disappearing Attachments
	I experienced an interesting problem recently, one that was really quite frustrating. A number of associates began to tell me that I’d forgotten to add the attachment to the email I’d sent them. Rather embarrassing really – it’s not something I usually do and I know I’m not going senile… yet. When I went back to check my Sent folder in Outlook 2000 the attachments were definitely there, and yet they didn’t arrive the other end. The only thing I could think of was that perhaps the Service Pack updates I’d installed for Microsoft Office 2000 may have had something to do with it. Discussions with lots of people, including the Microsoft User Groups hasn’t revealed a definite answer but I have 3 possibilities:	That some of my recipients haven’t installed the Service Pack updates and therefore may have an incompatibility with my emails to them. If I now change my email format to plain text, instead of html format (which I love using) most of these recipients can receive the attachments. If I suggest to the receiver they click on ‘forward’ after receiving my email they might see the attachment after all. I know that number 2 has worked for most people now – I just need to remember to change to plain text format. Whilst I know that the service packs are there to correct errors with programs and patch up security issues/leaks, it’s a shame when something that used to work well, stops working. If I find any other answers, I’ll let you know as I’ve heard others have experienced similar problems.
	Owning Software
	I like to remind readers that when they purchase a computer, the software installed on it should also come to you on a CD or disk. It shouldn’t just be installed and no original disks to go with it. The reason for this is that you need to own the software on your computer for legal reasons, but also, if at any time you need to reinstall the program(s), or reconfigure them, you cannot do so without the original CDs to load onto your computer. There are exceptions to the rule but generally this is the case. Many times I’ve been asked to help with a software problem only to find the client does not own the original disks, nor do they know who has got them – this is a real worry.	I encourage you to ask questions when buying a computer as to what software comes with it, is it preloaded, and will the disks be provided to you also? This also goes with buying second hand computers – many will not come with any software on it, as it should be uninstalled before the computer is handed over. When using a computer in business, or for personal use, the software you have should be owned by you. That’s not to say that all software has to be paid for. There are many freeware programs out there, easily accessible via the Internet (try www.tudogs.com for example) or if you look at the PC@uthority magazine in the newsagents in Australia, there are updates, patches, freeware, and trial versions of software on the front cover CDs. Shareware or freeware is a good way to get to know a software program, and whether it’s the one you want, before you buy the full version.
	'Risk Index' survey set to give insight into how your business rates
	ABBi is calling on all small businesses to get involved in the first ever ‘National Small Business Risk Index’ survey. The Risk Index provides a snapshot of small to medium sized businesses at risk of crime, fire, employee fraud and work-place safety. After answering some questions, business owners receive an instant rating from poor to excellent on how their business fares and feedback on what they can do to reduce areas of risk. ABBi appreciates the time, money and effort invested in running a small business and has provided this tool to help you take measures to avoid losing everything in the event of a disaster.	Click here to go to our on-line Risk Index Calculator get an 'at a glance' risk health check for your business. Or click here if you would like further information about ABBi and its covers. ABBi Pty Ltd ABN 87 099 692 618, Authorised Representative No. 239592, trading as Australian Better Business Insurance, arranging policies of insurance for Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 235011.
	Must Read/Must See….
	Each month we’ll write about suggested books to read and websites to visit that may benefit you personally or in business. If you have any suggestions, please send them in! They would be most welcome. I'm also happy to accept a small review with a link back to your site or email address. Looking for a different gift idea? Why not a mouse pad with a positive message on it. See christianmousepads.com for some ideas.	Book: Ready, Set, Go For It! by Donna-Marie Coggins. The Complete Women’s Guide to Operating a Small Business in Australia. Designed to assist women in business. Comes with a CD-Rom with spreadsheets and documents to assist with the business operation. Profiles 10 women in Australia who are business owners – a good read with lots of information. I have copies available in my office for purchase or you can click on the title link to go to Donna’s website for details. Website: Woody’s Watch provides excellent information about the idiosyncrasies of Microsoft products and various tips and tricks. Well worth subscribing to – it’s certainly helped me on many occasions!
	About Our Organisation…
	What is a Virtual Assistant? It's a term for home-based secretaries, administrative and secretarial support, and others who supply remote or virtual support. We are as close to you as your computer and can do almost anything traditional support staff do - except virtually. You don't need to provide office space, equipment, software or furniture - we have our own!	Location no issue as the work is carried out 'virtually' no matter where you are!


April 2004 Volume 10, Issue 4 10 years in service	ACS News