Virtual place for SO-HO owners

So many to choose from--which OS do I want?

2016-09-01T18:54:00.002-07:00

I did a lot of research, youtube watching, installing, uninstalling and playing with numerous Linux distros, still not sure which one is a keeper. Not that I do not like them all, work very well on my old notebooks but cannot make up my mind which to keep as my system.

So far I tried the following ones:

Started with Kubuntu, Lubuntu then Xubuntu.

Kubuntu is a light, minimal setting easy to use and navigate. Feel, speed and personalization real professional looking. Comes with lots of software preinstalled, updates all drivers automatically while installing on the machine. Options to personalize the desktop, menus, navigation bars. Also has software center where you can install any other programs that you might want to add along the various ones that come in the bundle. From accessories to office suite, games, chats, e-mailing and more.

Lubuntu, due to advertised feel like Win 7 and working with really old hardware and devices. It is really capable of doing wonders to the old computers also has an app (program) that comes with the software package which can use Windows programs as well. Note not all programs can be run in the Ubuntu environment, but if you have some that you would like to keep with the new OS, it is worth having. On the other hand, there are very few programs that you would need to convert from Windows due to the variety of available applications (programs) to download through the Software Center.

If you are a home user on Windows (regardless if XP, 7, 8.1 or 10) you will find everything you need and use with the OS. You get out of box from e-mail programs to office programs, communication programs and much more...

Xubuntu was a really nice, easy, good looking and lots of personalizations. Xubuntu has a whole package of programs installed, and beautiful backgrounds and options. It was one of the favorites ones that I decided to install over my WIN XP and used for a while......until

By now I was curious about all the new distros and watched demos of everything I could find online. Created a few install USB drives and since all distros have the option to use from pen drive without installing, and all FREE I gave them a try.

Next time I will list the other "favorites" and still do not have one that I like more than the other...

Will be back with more.. also just got my new headset, tried to see if the sound is better for screenshot. Voice records clear and volume is good, I will be able to start on the videos very soon.

Stay tuned.

Drive partitioning when using more OS on 1 computer

2016-08-21T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hello,
Back again with some more tips and information for those who are interested in using new OS like the ones I have mentioned in my previous blogs.

I have tried many distros (distributions or "flavors") in the past few weeks due to the WIN 10 free upgrade that required computer to have WIN 7 or WIN 8. Decided that for me would be expensive to upgrade first to the earlier versions then missed the free WIN 10 cut off time. Decided I wanted something new, and give me a good learning experience with different operating systems.
I mentioned the Xubuntu by Ubuntu (Linux) "flavor" that I have installed on one of my netbooks not before I have tried from the USB, and then installed along the old WIN XP OS.
I dropped Lubuntu and Zorin due to looks, feel. Lubuntu to simplistic and Zorin OS 9 and OS 11 for crashing on me.
I decided to reinstall Xubuntu over WIN XP, and all work fine now.
I wanted to keep WIN 10 on this notebook, but also wanted to add Elementary on it.
Went online to research how to achieve a new clean partition over the segmented ones for the Linux installs. Found a few programs and step by step instructions, mostly for WIN environment and complicated. Also these required to backup everything, clean formatting of drive (s) then reinstall both WIN and new OS and restore all the backups......
BUT for those people who do not want to process complicated steps and not computer "geeks" here is an easy way to partition or create new partitions for Linux OS.
I will prepare a little video about customizing and the looks of this new OS in my next blog.

Meanwhile I tried along side XP and Xubuntu the following: Lubuntu; Zorin; Elementary (note all installs I have downloaded for an old computer for 32 bit system 1 GB ram and old drivers that were not working in the newer WIN versions.)

Because of crash, I could not uninstall the old fashion way, and WIN OS does not see partitions added by Linux OS.......

Elementary (Freya) OS I installed on a same older notebook (32bit 1GB ram old drivers) however this notebook had received the upgrade for WIN 10 free (little sluggish with the OS) had previously WIN 7 on it.

So after many back and forth installs, I was about to give up on WIN 10 (and just install this new OS) due to the drive was partitioned so many times, it was hard to tell where to install and was very limited resource on HD.

https://itsfoss.com/guide-install-elementary-os-luna/ by Abhishek Prakash

I then proceeded to install the next OS I liked from the list of possibilities called Elementary (Frreya) which is a simple but beautiful system, easy to customize and has out of box all the programs that are needed for a novice user.

Let me know if you have questions or need some instructions on installing.

Thank you

No go on Zorin OS 9 or OS 11

2016-08-20T12:21:00.001-07:00

I will not send any more notifications on the Zorin OS.
Last night I have installed the Zorin OS 11 hoping that this will solve the black screen and other issues that came up in version 9.

I have installed the new version and when to restart the computer to start using it, it hung up on the starting page. Waited for 30 minutes, but nothing happened. Then restarted again.......

I will delete both version off my laptop now and move to another system to try which is the match to a low ram, old laptop and drivers....

To be continued on a new discovery.

Overview of Zorin OS 9

2016-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have written a blog previously regarding my new operating system called Xubuntu by Ubuntu. I have been playing with the system for the past week, and I can say that it is light, easy to use and fast compared to a Windows 10 system.
I was looking for more “flavors” and decided to try the Zorin OS, but I cannot say that I am impressed.
http://zorinos.com/

I tried to install this OS due to the easy use and look and feel that can be set as WIN XP; WIN 7; MAC and Linux look, also this system suppose to be able to open Windows programs without a problem.
First, keeps crashing, then cannot choose any other than 2 options Win 2000 and MAC navigation look, which I am not really fond on.
The specs state that the system comes installed out of the box with flash player and choices of Internet programs, and a nice video editor.
Flash player does not install, and will not run on any internet browsers. Video editor not able to open, and the software center each time is opened, closes automatically without allowing me to choose or search for a program to install.
Once finally I got to browse through it and got it to work a little, the upgrade manager came up, and when prompted to upgrade, most of the upgrades came with an error message and at finish, when to restart, I got a black screen……

This is it for now. I will try to install another version, perhaps this is the issue with the system….. but we will see.

Until next time.

DailyTech - Android Lollipop Has Less App Crashes Than iOS 8, Says Study

2015-02-13T18:16:00.001-08:00

DailyTech - Android Lollipop Has Less App Crashes Than iOS 8, Says Study

7 Steps to boost your marketing

2013-07-25T16:34:00.001-07:00

If your marketing is not working for you, and you do not generate clients, try some new strategies and see what fits your business.

You know the saying: “if you keep doing what you always do, you will get what you always get”
Here are 7 easy tips to apply and change your marketing strategy.

Make sure you connect to your niche and the message talks to YOUR client needs.
Use WordPress to easy convert prospect into leads by adding widgets like opt-in, newsletter and other triggers to have people sign up.
Set up your website to pull in leads 24-7. Make some free offers, videos, how to e-zines or documents that the leads can download immediately without having to wait on your answer.
Optimize your site to get more traffic. Build in better description, add keywords and tags that convey your message. Optimize and submit to search engines to be easy to find.
Gather as many testimonials from happy customers as you can. Post on your web, or blog to increase sales.
Create an irresistible and “juicy” free offers. You can create a “how to” specific to your product or service, create “easy steps” to teach them something, or help them with some problems that you know that might be helpful. This will create a trust and you establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Build an email list of high quality leads. Compile lists by customer needs or wants, then send them regularly e-mails with updates on the topics you know they will be interested in. You can add your sales pitch at the end of the newsletter or e-mail, so if they interested in getting more, they can (and will) sign up or buy your product.

Do not give up. No one becomes an overnight success. You have to work hard to earn the trust and status on the market.
Be patient, create and act with your customer’s needs in mind when you deploy your marketing strategy.
Keep connecting and ask questions, so you can then create the best feedback and be of help.
Good luck.

If you need help with defining your niche or your marketing strategy.

Article by +Ramona Szilagyi

30 Minutes Dynamic coach - Customer Service

2013-06-29T14:11:00.001-07:00

It has been a pleasure meeting you all.

Please find the recorded presentation below, in case you missed the live one. Last webinar of the four in the FREE series.

Hope you found the information helpful. Please let me know what topics would you be interested in hearing for the next series coming up soon.

Mark your calendars, July 6th, 2013 starting FREE Q&A Cafe new series of mini-webinars.

As always I am interested to hear your feedback, comments.

Please visit my web site and fill out form http://www.places4us.com/contact.htm

Until next time, best wishes to you.

2 more FREE webinars- Do not miss Saturday at 8 AM

2013-06-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

With the small budgets in mind, and limited access to assets, tools, research time or staff, I created an easy to follow step by step “Coaching” sessions for the small business entrepreneur.

“30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching” seminars

Go to link to access meeting
http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1

When:
Saturday June, 22 and June 29, 2013
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

For small business owners interested in getting more information, or hang out with others interested in same types of topics..

NEW Q&A online hang out. If interested Join me for first session on July 6th, 8:00 AM (PST) See you there!
Link before the meeting starts: http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1

30 Minutes coach- Office essentials

2013-06-11T09:15:00.002-07:00

I would like to thank all attendees on “30 Minutes coach” session -Saturday 06/08/2013 webinar. It was nice to meet you all. For those whom could not attend, I have recorded the presentation and you can watch it here. I would like to hear from you. Send your comments by e-mail to: info@places4us.com Please mark your calendar for next Free session if you would like to receive more free info on Small business coach topics.

FREE 30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching session

2013-06-04T12:19:00.002-07:00

With the small budgets in mind, and limited access to assets, tools, research time or staff, I created an easy to follow step by step “Coaching” sessions for the small business entrepreneur.

Join me for FREE in the upcoming 4 weeks for 30 Minutes Session Coaching seminars

Starting June 8th, 2013 end June 29th, 2013
Go to link to access meeting http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus

30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching session

When:

Saturday, June, 8 2013 -8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

Saturday, June, 15 2013 -8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

Saturday, June, 22 2013 -8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

Saturday, June, 29 2013 -8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

Are you ready?

ambitious: has a deep desire to achieve more.
committed: is willing to take consistent action to achieve goals.
ready for change: is open to taking “calculated risks” to move forward.
a dreamer: has ambitious goals and needs support getting there sooner.
driven: has the drive, desire and energy to make it happen.
disciplined: has the ability to implement quickly and remain consistent.
accountable: does what they say they will do.

2 FREE Training Seminars- Give away

2013-05-05T12:21:00.005-07:00

Coaching – 5 STEP create your Internet DEBUT

Send an e-mail with subject : “5 STEPS internet presence” to ramonasz@places4us.com and describe why would you be the perfect candidate for this FREE seminar.

Submission cutoff date May 15th, 2013.

Seminar to be scheduled end of May 2013 online (date and time to be determined)

Grab this amazing and huge opportunity that you deserve, compete with the big companies by demanding your share of the profits!

YOU can launch your business into success.

The lucky winners to be featured on Facebook.com/SOHOConsulting and http://www.places4us.com web site and blog.

The small business owner’s benefit is to familiarize with the internet and get valuable info regarding how it operates, what can be achieved and most importantly how valuable and affordable online marketing is when budgets are low and no outsourcing is possible.
At the end of session, the small business owner has a working online web presence, an SEO; SES, subscription form, lead generation capabilities and a social media tool to market the product or service.

To access the seminar you will need an Internet connection and a basic understanding on how the computer works, able to follow easy step by step instructions.

Regular training seminar packaged prices start at $ 325.00

New mini Webinars library (SOHOConsulting)

2013-03-24T11:54:00.002-07:00

Webinars in progress for Windows Live Mail

set up IMAP or POP e-mail accounts IMAP POP account set up
set up a free e-mail account (Gmail, yahoo, Hotmail, AOL) e-mail set up
set up a signature for your outgoing e-mails, select type (text or html) and select accounts to use with. signature set up
add a feed (RSS) RSS feed set up
create a rule to automate your Windows Live Mail rules

Not happy with “XYZ” hosting – to much spam

2013-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

How much spam or junk mail did you receive last month in your snail mail box? Are you blaming your Post office?
How much spam or junk mail did you receive past days through your free e-mail accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, Gmail..?) Are you blaming your e-mail provider for it?
How much junk mail have you received past month in your IMAP or SMTP account, or your Smartphone, your blog, your web site….. who do you blame?

Why do you blame your hosting company for your web site or blog for the spam you receive?
Hosting companies are not responsible for your account traffic, nor are to be blamed for allowing your presence on the internet to be known and accessed.
Any time you subscribe online or fill a form, this traffic is recorded and propagated.
The more online exposure to your site, blog or advertisement (that is if you doing your SEO, SES and marketing campaign correctly), the more likely you will receive spam. This means that you have visibility and people can reach you.
There are many options to block spam, junk mail or unwanted contacts. Your service and hosting providers have a built in setting to do just that. BUT it is up to you if you are using this option or disregard the function of it.
For example:
Free hosted e-mail accounts have settings for your white list, black list, also option to use key words for subjects or message data that you want to block.
MS Outlook has settings along with rules and automated process that would eliminate and delete these incoming links.
Web sites and blogs have settings along with available plug-ins that can be used to weave spam and junk.

The next time you find overwhelmed by spam or junk, please check your settings and try not to blame others but yourself of not keeping your lists, keywords, or rules up to date.
If you need support or help with this subject: mailto: ramona@places4us.com

Copyright ©2013 places4us.com. Article material is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without advance written permission is prohibited.

Facebook video chat option

2013-02-18T09:29:00.001-08:00

FB Video chat tip:

If you are on Facebook, you are aware of the video chat option in the tool bar. But what if the application message received is--
this option not available need to install

The application is not available online yet.
Steps to install and use video chat:

1 find a friend on FB whom has it already installed.
2 ask the friend to send you a video chat invite
3 installation will start when you accept the call
4 now you are ready to use this feature
5 share, pass it on....

Tip of the day.

SO-HO owner why and how to create a blog

2011-09-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I tried to take count of how many blog directories are out there; my head is still spinning and did not get anywhere with an answer. (according to Technorati there are over 15 million blogs as of today)
There are thousands of sites, categories, personal, business, media, social, technical, environmental, political. You name it, there is one that you are looking for. The number is overwhelming and intimidating.

Everyone is online, connecting, chatting, asking, selling, training and words are flying.
The basic blog types I will list here are main 4; social, political, business and media.
Why, where and how would the small business owner fit and deal with this task, more importantly, why bother to have a web site, social media or blog presence.
WHY
Considering that the Internet today is the best and cheapest advertisement tool available, just like having your own sales person working 24/7 around the globe without having to pay a dime. No salary, no benefits, no commissions.
Having a presence on the Internet means that your business gets exposure, your service and products are displayed to anyone and everyone that comes by. Depending on how well you planned out your presence is how fast and how many visitors/ customers you will acquire.
WHERE
There are plenty of free services available and perhaps already have or familiar with. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Photo bucket, Google, available with just a simple creation of ID and password and you have a tool to blog and connect online. More so, some of these services allow you to create a blog, but also a profile, pages with info you can upload about you, your company, hobbies and anything you would like to share with the entire world, becoming a big and happy family.
HOW
Some services have comprehensive video and learning tools to take you through first creation process. As a member you will also receive tools to optimize your blog with keywords, links to feeds, news and community information.
If you know your way around the Internet, it is a pretty simple process to start a blog and available tools to create mostly any content, via quick links and resources.

My favorite blogging site is Word Press. Wonderful themes and a variety of layouts. Great community and helpful people.

GET STARTEDClick on the icon to take you to the site for training videos and support to help start your blog site.
Go to http://wordpress.com/ to create a log in ID ( this will be your blog name, so careful what name you choose, since once the blog site is created, you cannot change the name) enter a password. Voila, you are the owner of a new public blog site.
You will receive a confirmation link to the e-mail address you created your account. When received, confirm the link and now you are ready to proceed to the dashboard where you will be able to choose your settings for your blog account.
In the dashboard you can choose the theme, the way your pages will show to visitors, keyword tags, color schemes and more.
Once you have decided what look, how many pages, what content, pictures to upload, you are ready to blog and share your thoughts.
To answer the question regarding how though it is to create a blog, as you can see, if you have Internet connection, you know how to follow directions from a tutorial and have any information to share, it is a fairly simple process.
You can also check out http://www.blogspot.com/ and check out features and available video tutorials, for yet another great blogging place.
Have fun with your new blog!

Choices of a “to be” SO-HO entrepreneur

2011-09-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

We all had that “aha” moment empowering us to do something to better our lives, to make something happen, to choose a lifestyle we deserve.

Starting a home based or small business after we come to the decision that we are good at something that we can share with others, and make a change is exhilarating.

You decided that you are ready to start your business, you have the plan, the idea, the knowledge and the desire and now you are ready to take the first steps into turning your dream into reality.

You are excited, ready, and dear I say feel the rush of your new lifestyle.
BUT, once you started sharing your ideas and your dreams with your friends and family members, they act as if you had lost your mind. All have an opinion and all of them try to make you feel as you are trying to abandon them for something new. Your excitement allowed you to feel empowered, and you have taken their power over you away.

Now what?Your family and friends need to understand that this is your decision, and regardless what they think it has nothing to do with them.
You will be the same person and share your free time and interest just as before, and by starting your new endeavor it will make you a better and happier person, and they all will benefit from it.

Present your opportunity, your plan, involve them in your new business. Ask if any of them agree to help you with research, ideas, or spreading the word, This way you get to spend more time together and in return they will fell better helping out.

Team work is a great opportunity to strengthen relationships….

A virtual place for SO-HO owners

2011-09-15T12:45:00.001-07:00

Places4us started as a web site without a concrete idea of what it will become.
A few years back, I decided that with my background and knowledge in starting
and running a manufacturing business, I can be a valuable asset to other entrepreneurs
ready to start a new endeavor, but do not have the tools, time or budget to do so.

I am here to support start ups with a turnkey consulting solution package at affordable pricing.

Please visit http://www.places4us.com to see how I can add value to your start up and your benefits to a successful start.

Virtual place for SO-HO owners

So many to choose from--which OS do I want?

Drive partitioning when using more OS on 1 computer

No go on Zorin OS 9 or OS 11

Overview of Zorin OS 9

DailyTech - Android Lollipop Has Less App Crashes Than iOS 8, Says Study

7 Steps to boost your marketing

30 Minutes Dynamic coach - Customer Service

2 more FREE webinars- Do not miss Saturday at 8 AM

With the small budgets in mind, and limited access to assets, tools, research time or staff, I created an easy to follow step by step “Coaching” sessions for the small business entrepreneur.

“30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching” seminars

Go to link to access meeting http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1

When: Saturday June, 22 and June 29, 2013 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

For small business owners interested in getting more information, or hang out with others interested in same types of topics..

NEW Q&A online hang out. If interested Join me for first session on July 6th, 8:00 AM (PST) See you there! Link before the meeting starts: http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1

30 Minutes coach- Office essentials

FREE 30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching session

30 Minutes weekly Dynamic Coaching session

Are you ready?

2 FREE Training Seminars- Give away

Coaching – 5 STEP create your Internet DEBUT

YOU can launch your business into success.

New mini Webinars library (SOHOConsulting)

Not happy with “XYZ” hosting – to much spam

Facebook video chat option

SO-HO owner why and how to create a blog

Choices of a “to be” SO-HO entrepreneur

A virtual place for SO-HO owners

Go to link to access meeting
http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1

When:
Saturday June, 22 and June 29, 2013
8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)

NEW Q&A online hang out. If interested Join me for first session on July 6th, 8:00 AM (PST) See you there!
Link before the meeting starts: http://www.anymeeting.com/placesforus1