Virtual Assistant Time Tracking: An Effective Project Management Tool

By April Dee Barredo:

Virtual assistant time tracking devices can be used effectively as project management tools. They are effectively helpful in keeping track of the time you and all members of your team have spent on your projects. It will also accurately show your staff's progress or lack thereof. There are a lot of these devices available online, and there are several ways that you can customize these tools to help you manage your tasks and projects.

The said devices can definitely help you run your projects smoothly and manage your tasks easily.
Basically, a virtual assistant time tracking device is used to keep tabs on attendance. To customize it as a project management tool, you can set it up to track the specific time your employees spent working on a project. It can help you record the number of minutes, hours or days that each of your team members are spending on every task assigned to them. It can also show the amount of idle or break times each person spends in a day. This way, the rates and compensation can be accurately computed, more so if employs are paid by the hour. In fact, you can even set it up to be connected with an accounting system to make sure the computations are up-to-date and reliably accurate. Furthermore, invoices are automatically produced. Payroll is readily available with less or no error on entries whatsoever.
As you track each of your team members' attendance and time spent on a task, you can also effectively analyze the pulse of a particular project. Since most virtual assistant time tracking devices can be customized for your project management needs, such as keeping tabs on attendance and gathering data for progress report or performance evaluation, this can help you get a comprehensive analysis on each member's progress and the efficiency or profitability of a project.
A virtual assistant time tracking device can even help you see how each member is doing - whether or not they are doing good progress or constantly behind on schedule. It can even help you determine, if you are investigating the reason for a team member's lack of progress, what factor is liable. Comprehensive data reports can show accurate determinants, whether the member's skills do not match the needs of the project, or the team member's work ethics is to blame. Indeed, there are many ways to customize and set up these tracking devices to help manage and smoothly run your projects and tasks.

If you are a virtual assistant or a freelancer, you should consider using Freckle time tracking. It's a perfect tool for project and time management.

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How to Convert WMV File to DVD

By Jaina Wang:

The most common way for video files to be stored on a wide variety of devices is as a WMV file. While this allows for watching them endlessly and easily on your computer equipment, other options are limited such as watching them on your favorite big screen TV. Luckily there is an easy fix for this problem. All that is necessary is to convert that WMV file of Grandpa falling asleep at the dinner table to DVD so everyone can have a chuckle while watching it on TV later.

Depending on whether you are running a Windows system or have a Mac, downloading the free converter online is simple. Just make sure you choose the right version for your machine. The installation process is virtually the same for both operating systems and once installed, utilizing the converter is extremely user-friendly.
In Windows all that is required is to select the file(s) you want to convert to DVD and follow the on screen directions to convert them. There are editing programs associated with the free download that will allow you to add your own special touches to your production that are completely explained by the excellent tutorial that comes with it. Simply follow the step by step directions and take your time, the process itself is very self-explanatory once you have the appropriate screens open in front of you.
With a Mac the process is remarkably similar to the Windows application. The main difference is to make sure you download the correct converter available online. After your favorite video is located and dropped into the editing screen, adding personal touches and edits are a snap. The options available in the edit menu are the typical ones and very easy to master. Adding text and titles to your DVD will allow you to catalogue your copies and make viewing them an enjoyable event for everyone.
Videos are prone to degradation over time whereas once it's burned to DVD it is virtually protected forever when stored in a well organized rack or DVD storage book. The universal nature of DVD's and their usability in a wide variety of media sources makes converting WMV to DVD almost an absolute must for the serious budding videographer. The process is simple and straightforward for even the less savvy thanks to the included tutorials with the download that will have you editing like a master in just a few minutes.

Get to know more on WMV to DVD converter? Please visit our website.

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MS Excel Tips - Subtracting Dates In Excel

By BJ Johnston:

Quite often in Excel you will want to subtract one date from another. This could be to check length of service of an employee, how long a customer has taken to pay a bill or the length of a project.
I find the most versatile function to use for this is DATEDIF. This actually stands for DATE DIFFERENCE and can be used in Excel 97 onwards.

It is a somewhat undocumented function and is not listed in the formula tab in Excel 2007. This formula must be manually typed into a cell on your work book rather than in a dialog box that can be used in other Excel functions.
The syntax for the function is:-
=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit). There are three arguments for the functions which are:-
start_date- the first or starting date
end_date- the second or end date
unit- this tells the function to find the number of complete days (D), months (M) or years (Y) between the two dates.
The codes that can be used for the units are

• ul>
• D- days- the number of days between the dates
• M - months- the number of months between the dates
• Y- years- the number of complete years between the dates

We can also use a combination of days months and years.

• YM-complete calendar months excluding years
• YD- complete calendar days excluding years
• MD - complete calendar days excluding months and years

Let's take a look at an example:-
Enter the following dates in cells A2 and B2 respectively 01/03/2008 and 01/05/2011. In C2 on your worksheet type =DATEDIF(A2,B2,"M") this should give you an answer of 38.
This gives the number of months, but, what if you need to find the length of service for one of your employees you will need to know the years, months and days. All you need to do is be a little clever with your formula.
The same formula to get the years, months and days for the same dates would look like this
=DATEDIF(A2,B2,"y")&"Years"&DATEDIF(A2,B2,"ym")&"Months"&DATEDIF(A2,B2, md")&"Days"
This would then give a result of 3 years, 2 Months and 0 Days. If you are using a text string for your unit then it needs to be enclosed in "", if it is referenced via a cell, then it does not.
Should your formula show a result of #NUM! then it indicates that your start_date is larger or earlier than your end_date.

Want more Excel Tips and Tricks? Look no further! BJ Johnston has been an advanced Excel user for 15 years and is the creator of http://www.howtoexcelatexcel.com a site that shares Excel tips and tricks with it's enthusiastic members. Join in the discussion, where users are working smarter and faster with Excel and don't forget to sign up for a FREE newsletter and as a bonus receive a FREE EBook- 50 Top Tips and Tricks.

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Some Useful Free Software Applications For Your Computer

By Dini Williyanti:
Sometimes you may need free software for your computer and note book. When you are browsing, you may find some websites which offers free software. However, you should be careful since some of them might be viruses. These viruses have the ability to harm your computer. Because of this reason, you should be careful. Some companies give free software in order to advertise the full versions. The commercial full versions provide more features for the users. For the people who like the free version, you are recommended to get the full versions.

Some free versions are open source projects. They are made and maintained by volunteers. For the people who enjoy these programs, it is possible for you to support the continued development by giving donation to the developer team.

When you are looking for free software, you are recommended to get some program types. Those are including office software, network clients, security tools, and other utilities.

Some programs which you can choose for network clients are including Mozilla Firefox, Opera, NVU, and some other programs. You may consider getting Firefox software. Firefox is highly recommended for your computer since it is better and safer browser than other browsers such as Internet explorer. Another advantage of Firefox is providing the ability for the users to use many free add-ons. You may consider getting Adblock plus, Video DownloadHelper, and No Script. The Video DownloadHelper will help you to save videos from YouTube or Vimeo. No script will allow you to block flash, Java, or Javacript on the website which you visit. The blocking process is done selectively. By installing this program, you will be able to use Mozilla thunderbird icon which can be good replacement for Microsoft Outlook Express and Windows Mail.

Another alternative for Mozilla software is Opera. This program is including email client and other various features. You do not need to worry about the security of opera. It is equipped with security tools. The users can install opera for Microsoft Windows, Macintoch, and other systems.

Another free software program which is recommended for you is OpenOffice program. It will be good replacement for Microsoft Office. OpenOffice has the ability to do almost the same things like Microsoft Office. It can open and save compatible documents such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It also offers the ability to save PDF file.

For the people who like to play video in their computer or notebook, you should get VLC Media Player. This program is able to play various video types. Another benefit of this program is small size and fast operation. You are also recommended to install other utilities such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Java. By using Java program, you can run Java based programs on your desktop computer. Java also helps some website applications.

Nowadays have knowledge related with computer is so much fun. And its more important because computer would save your time to finish your current job task. There are so much office productivity software that available in http://www.freewaremu.com as free accounting software directory. All you thing to do, is read a software review, spesification and read documentation after installed it on your computer.

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Processing Your Data Faster With Accounting Software

By Dini Williyanti:

Accounting software is highly recommended for the people who are working in business area. As basic information, the software has the ability to record and also to process accounting transactions in the functional modules. Another function of the software is as accounting information system. Some companies have built their own accounting software. However, you can also buy the software from the third party. The software can also be the combination between the third party applications and local modification. There are various options available in different complexity and cost.

There are many options of accounting software which you can choose according to your needs and desires. It is composed of various modules, including core modules and non core modules. The examples of core modules are accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, billing, sales order, and much more. The accounts receivable is the best software for entering the money received data. For the company who enters its bill and pays the money it owes, they should get accounts payable. You may also need general ledger as the company's books. To control its inventory, you should get stock or inventory software.
The non core modules are also available in many types. They are including debt collection, expense, payroll, electronic payment, timesheet, and much more. The debt collection helps the company to tracks the attempts to collect the overdue bills. The electronic payment will help you to processing. You also need reports software where the company will be able to print out the data.
Before purchasing any accounting software, you should consider some important factors business. It needs to be done so you can find the appropriate software for your business operation. The main factor which should be considered is whether the software can be used easily or not. Accounting is complicated already. Your workers must not want software which is complicated to operate. Do not buy software which needs a long time to master it.
Another aspect which you should consider is the flexibility of the software. It is better for you to check whether the software has modules which you can add later. A module will be added when your business grows is payroll accounting. Your accounting software should meet the bank support. If your software can download transactions from your bank, you can save more time.
The next aspect of your accounting software which is important is online or desktop software. When you are using the online software, you will need internet browser. Just ensure that you run the safe internet browser. Online software is more convenient for accessing accounting data and records from multiple computers. You also need to consider the numbers of the people who use it. Some workers need to have full access to all functions but some only need the access to data entry areas. Before installing the full version software, you may try the free trial of the software.

Nowadays have knowledge related with computer is so much fun. And its more important because computer would save your time to finish your current job task. There are so much free accounting software that available in http://www.freewaremu.com as free accounting software directory. All you thing to do, is read a software review, spesification and read documentation after installed it on your computer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dini_Williyanti

How Companies Can Make Good Use of Inventory Management Software

By Carol K Roth:

An organization improves its overall efficiency when it adopts tried-and-tested inventory management procedures. In simple terms, an establishment that meets market demands at the right time, made possible by faultless inventory management procedures, stands a better chance to win customer confidence and to enhance its bottom line. The well-designed inventory management software is an ideal tool to control and manage processes and procedures, as it also helps establishments maintain good inventory levels at all times. How to make diligent use of this software?
Control inventory purchasing

Any establishment that wants to improve its overall efficiency should know how to maintain accurate inventory levels. With the tool that is built to streamline inventory control procedures, an organization can keep good track of procedures involved in inventory control management, and replenish inventory levels at the right time. When this software becomes an inherent element of an organization, managing and controlling the processes involved in the purchase of inventory items becomes easy and effective.
Control inventory accuracy
Another significant aspect that demands the attention of organizations take the form of inventory accuracy, where establishments should streamline procedures to receive right stocks at the warehouse and to dispatch the right products to customers. This tool has been built to speed up inventory receipt, and to accelerate the dispatch process, as the software also guides organizations to take stock of the situation to achieve inventory accuracy.
Establish ideal inventory levels
Needless to say, maintaining good inventory levels can get rid of unhappy customers and costly write-offs, which gets accomplished when companies make use of ideal procedures to identify fast moving products and products that do not enjoy good demand amid customers. The well-crafted inventory management software is an effective tool that provides timely information on features like history, quantity, status and the nature of inventory items, as it also helps organizations to establish ideal inventory levels.
Accelerate order placements
Any organization that wants to capture good market share should take care to ensure that products reach customers at the right time. In essence, order placements to maintain good inventory levels become a quintessential prerequisite to reach customers at the right time. This tool is built to accelerate the entire process that begins with order placements and that ends with delivery of products to customers.
Achieve integration
Establishments find it easy to function smoothly when inventory control system functions in tandem with other management systems pertaining to an organization. While the customer service, account and sales teams are able to access valuable information afforded by inventory control system, the teams produce good performances that work to the advantage of an organization. This software can be put to good use to share information across various branches in an organization, and enhance the productivity on the whole.
When a company makes good use of inventory management software, it can maintain good inventory levels and meet customer requirements at the right time.

For More Details about this article Click here: Inventory Management Software

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Photoshop Tips For Beginners - Best Tools To Master From The Start

By Dan Feildman:

People need to discover a way to bring treasured images back to life again. Through finding out how to use Photoshop, You're be able to transform all of your ordinary images into some really awesome digital creations and in many cases great gift ideas, and just by using a few of the available applications found within this brilliant piece of computer software.

There are several principal tools within Adobe Photoshop which you can use as you begin to become acquainted with your editing software program. Photoshop can be difficult to perfect, particularly when you have not modified pictures before, nevertheless as with everything, it is easier when you begin to use it and become accustomed to it. You should begin by using simple, satisfying, easy to use resources, that will help you to conquer the basics of Adobe Photoshop.
Let us take a quick peek then at a few of the essential tools which you'll easily manage to start using in Photoshop, so consider this article like a step by step guide to make use of the below mentioned Adobe Photoshop resources and applications which I have included in today's Photoshop tips for beginners.
The Filter Menu
Using the filter menu you are able to discover many fantastic effects you can use within your photos. Many of such various effects can easily be located in the filter menu. You might want the picture to look like an oil painting as opposed to a picture. Just choose the oil painting effect located on the filter menu inside the artistic sub menu, and with a couple of clicks you're done.
The Smudge Tool
The smudge tool is without a doubt the tool you'll be eternally using when carrying out basic picture modifying edits. As a result your model's face will appear softer and even 10 years younger. A few good examples to work on would be pimples, facial lines, scars, skin moles and any other defects found on a person's face, and the smudge tool really does make every one of those imperfections disappear.
Warping Tools
You are able to transform exactly how somebody looks in a photo by using the warping tool. Maybe somebody in the snapshot is overweight, and you'd like them to appear slimmer in the image, so all you need to use is your warping tool. Precisely the same tool is also useful to make someone appear to be taller, so I'm sure a number your shortest friends would certainly end up being pleased.
Undoubtedly, this picture editing application is able to perform numerous edits and effects, and without a doubt Adobe Photoshop will turn any uninteresting snap shot into an exciting vibrant picture that people will unquestionably gasp over. All you need to do is just learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop, and when you have mastered the fundamentals, you will be ready to move on to some really thrilling functions.

Interested in finding professionally made Adobe Photoshop Tutorials to help you Learn Photoshop? Well now you can with these FREE Beginners Photoshop Tips "Getting Started With Photoshop" - And learn how to master Photoshop in under 2 hours... (Don't forget to watch the sample Photoshop video tutorials)

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