Pamela Smith QuickBooks Pro

 QuickBooks - Quicken Tips & Tricks

Work faster….to get the date in quickly,  when you are in a date field, just type the letter “T” (for today) and like magic today's date will appear, want to change the date to tomorrow   or yesterday, just hit the + for one or more days ahead and the  -  for one or more days before, want to go to the end of the month, hit the letter H while in the date field.

• Keep your computer updated with the latest critical updates and security patches. The easiest way to do this is to visit the Protect Your PC, which guides you on using an Internet firewall (firewall: A combination of hardware and software that provides a security system, usually to prevent unauthorized access from outside your computer), updating your Microsoft Windows® operating system by using the Windows Update site, and using up-to-date antivirus software.
•       Install and run antivirus software   Install an antivirus internet software program & an extra anti-spyware program from well-known, reputable companies, I like Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security ,Webroot Anti-Spyware, Spyware Doctor to name a few. Leave the PC-Cillin on all the time and run it according to their recommendations. Run manual scans with the other programs a couple of times a week make sure to update them each time before you scan. Remember that new viruses are released every single day.  If you have been surfing the internet and your computer suddenly slows way down or freezes you might have picked up an infection. Turn off the internet and run a scan with one of your programs to clean up anything that might have gotten in while you were surfing.
•       Find out whether or not you really have a virus  Viruses often run without your knowing. However, if your computer is acting strangely or one of your programs is not working correctly, this does not necessarily mean that your computer has a virus. Being aware of specific symptoms that a particular virus causes is key. You can get this information from the Microsoft Antivirus Information site. It will alert you to the latest viruses, their severity, and the symptoms they cause.
•       Download files only from trusted sites   When downloading a file from a Web site, be sure you know the source! You should try to download files only from known, well-established companies. When in doubt, don't download the file. As an extra precaution, you can download files onto a disk separate from your hard disk, such as a floppy disk or a zip disk, and then scan the files with your virus scanner.
•       Back up data regularly   Make regular backups. If a virus erases or corrupts files on your hard disk, a recent backup may be the only way to recover your data. Back up your entire system regularly. At the minimum, back up files that you can't afford to lose, such as documents, pictures, favorite links, address books, and important e-mail messages. If you don’t know how to backup your specific program's data, call me for an appointment to help you. You can also use the Backup or Restore Wizard in Microsoft Windows XP to back up your data. In Windows XP, on the Start menu, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup. Follow the instructions in the Backup or Restore Wizard.
• Don't open suspicious e-mail messages or files   Don't open suspicious or unsolicited e-mail messages or files. Even though some mail programs help protect your computer from viruses, you don't want to give spammers (people who send junk or unwanted e-mail messages) a chance. In some mail programs such as Microsoft Office Outlook® 2003, you can filter your Inbox and send suspicious messages to your Junk E-mail folder. If you need help configuring your mail programs give me a call at 626-570-4632.