So you knew that Word has a Thesaurus, but did you know that you can format an entire article with a quick command? Probably not.

In fact, there are a lot of features in Word 2007 that can do more for you and your Word docs than you realize.

Here’s a quick list of some of the lesser-known, yet useful and interesting, features in Microsoft Word 2007. While you might not need all of these some of them may turn out to be quite handy.

Adobe's PDF format is an ever-evolving staple of digital documentation and online life. This year there are several major initiatives which will shape the way we use PDFs now and into the future.

Let's take a look at  five  interesting trends happening right now.

From cave paintings to paper documents, we’ve communicated ideas with static words and basic images. Yet thanks to the power of the PDF format, this is no longer the case. Why should you limit your documents to archaic standards when you could have interactive, multimedia versions?

Learn  what you can do with the PDF format. With the help of 6 awesome examples of multimedia PDFs and handy links, you can learn how to turn your boring, static documents into multimedia wonders.

 

Adobe makes some of the most useful applications available. From Photoshop for photos to Flash for multimedia web applications, Adobe applications run the gamut of all there is when it comes to multimedia.

The ever-expanding Flash platform is now becoming the number one way of putting some multimedia into your web design.  With such a large repertoire of tasks that can be done with Flash software you may find that it can be a little overwhelming about how to go about doing something or getting started.

Well here’s a great starting point for you—a list of 15 of the top Adobe Flash tutorials from around the web to help you master Flash.

While it’s true that the 4 day work week does exist for some, for others, it’s just not possible.

To PDF users, the 4 day work week may also seem farfetched--PDFs are heavy duty formats with content that usually requires a lot of work and oftentimes a lot of painstaking effort, reviewing and collaboration. However, what’s farfetched isn’t impossible.

To market anything successfully you need to be creative. You need to find different ways of using the resources you already have while keeping your list of marketing strategies up to date with the latest trends online.

If you've already got a list be prepared to add the PDF format to it. Believe it or not, the PDF can be the most efficient marketing tool online.

This week I’ve managed to scrounge up a list of 4 ways to use the PDF as a marketing tool that anyone with a PDF file can use. It just takes a bit of planning and setting up, but these tips can help you gain that Internet presence you've always wanted.

1. Add Yahoo! Ads To Your PDF

This idea is at the top of the list for two reasons: it doesn’t cost a cent to use and works with already existing files. When Adobe teamed up with Yahoo! to integrate its Pay Per Click marketing model with the PDF format, it resulted in the free online service,Ads for Adobe PDF Powered by Yahoo!.

All it takes to get started is a registered account with the service. Once that’s done, you can upload your PDF files to be matched up with ads that are related to its contents and help connect readers to useful resources and ad links based on their interests.

Life can be stressful.

At work alone you can go through a number of health risks--both mental and physical. Banging your head on the keyboard, getting annoyed by repetitive clicking, gaining weight from sitting in front of the computer, having had the sanity beaten out of you with the slowness of your computer--sound familiar?

That’s an average day for all computer users, no doubt. Well, believe it or not, PDF users can experience all that while working with ONE PDF file!

While PDF creators may neglect to create a stress-free, picture perfect PDF to work with, you, on the other hand, can actively prevent the usual stress bugs and unhealthy habits that are associated with every file. By simply adhering to these 10 basic PDF rules you can start leading a healthier life in front of a computer.

1. Deal with large PDF Files in short glances.

The number one frustration with the PDF is file size. They open slowly, they download slowly and they can even cause your browser or reader to crash. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time to compress images, unembed fonts, optimize scanned pages or remove unused elements in their PDFs. However, if you’re on the receiving end, take advantage of the wait time to get a cup of coffee, check your inbox or survey your RSS feeds. Believe me, checking in with the download in short glances is way less frustrating than one long wait session.

You've heard of MS Word. You've used MS Word. And you've experienced all there is to experience with MS Word.

But have you really?

Here's a smorgasbord of 101 tips, tutorials, desktop and online alternatives, books, communities, tools (*inhale*) developer and tech resources, converters, experts, forums, blogs, and miscellaneous--but related, MS Word resources at your fingertips (*exhale*).

Brace yourself.

Tips, Tricks & Tutorials

Looking to improve your MS Word proficiency? This list has all the tips and tutorials you'll ever need.

1.About.com

There's no other way to start than by doing what this article says: "jump in!"

2.MS Word Help Homepage

The number one resource on the processing app itself--Microsoft.com.

3.Allen Wyatt’s Word Tips

A great site with resources on any given Word topic and version starting from Word ‘97 to Word ‘07. This site can update you regularly with RSS feeds.

What makes the PDF so enticing to malicious users?  There are more reasons than you think.

With the recent headlines about Adobe PDF vulnerabilities being taken advantage of, just about anyone who used a PC was on the alert. PDF files have the potential to do some serious damage to systems and data when infected.

Because the PDF is not without its weaknesses, anticipating ways in which attackers can use the format can be the best way to defend against it.

Below is a brief look at 13 ways—both technical and simple, in which the PDF is vulnerable and can be manipulated by malicious users. 

 

 1)   JavaScript

    

     Online PDFs are designated with open parameters that can be injected with malicious JavaScript code. Because of the flexibility of JavaScript, hackers have a broad range of what can be done using the PDF file as their hacking tool of choice.

 

 

2)   Spam

 

The recent spamming attacks this year demonstrated a way of exploiting the nature of the PDF as file format.  Until recently, the PDF never really got caught at the anti-spam gates.  Thus, although most anti-spam products now check PDFs and other forms of image spam, PDF containing spam made it into millions of inboxes everywhere.  Although not immediately threatening as code executions, spam is still spam and has the ability to deliver Trojans, viruses, and malware.

 

3)   PDF Ubiquity

 

PDF files are perfect for spreading attacks far and wide.  The ubiquity of the PDF makes this possible.  The number of PDF files on the web alone is an example of what the odds are of being hit by an infected PDF.

 

 

4)   PDF Hyperlinks

As with most spam, the attacker’s malware doesn't just sit within the PDF file.  Rather, it is through the embedded hyperlinks within the PDF that launches it.

 

5)   PDF Credibility

 

The PDF is known as secured standard format used by many business industries and users alike.  As such, hackers can accomplish their task easily by turning users into malware executioners.  Just by thinking that your PDF attachment or download is safe and secure, the attackers’ work is done.

 

 

6)   Browsers and PDF URIs

PDFs are also manipulated because of the way in which their URIs are handled by certain web browser applications.  Websites that host PDF files are unknowingly cohorts in the attack.  XSS, for instance, uses a flaw in the browser that triggers an unintended execution of code as part of a query string contained within the URL.  Although the browsers that contained this URI validation flaw were patched up with the last software version updates, this single flaw put every user with those browsers at risk.

 

7)   PC Software

Because a PDF’s URI can be crafted with malicious JavaScript code, it can take advantage of applications that are installed on a PC.  The open parameters within PDF URIs allow commands to be sent to the program when the file is opened. The most commonly installed software on computers, such as PDF viewers, are targeted because of this integration with the OS.

 

8 )   PDF Usage

Essential to business industries and government agencies, PDF usage goes hand in hand with the format’s ubiquity and credibility.  Being transmitted, viewed and stored between databases that hold sensitive and confidential information, the PDF format makes an ideal format for attackers to use.

 

9)   Lack Of Security Settings

Obviously, on the more simple PDF creation level, a lack of PDF security settings makes all the difference. The PDF content itself is vulnerable to being manipulated without customized file usage restrictions, passwords, high encryption strength, and digital signatures. The basic one step PDF creation process isn’t a strong defense when it comes to protecting your PDF content.

 

   10) PDF As An Email Attachment

Something wrong always happens when it comes to emailing a PDF. When receiving a PDF file via email, the PDF is first stored before it can be opened in a designated viewer. Needless to say, attackers use this characteristic process to execute their attacks from the local host.

  

   11) PDF Specification

Having the PDF specification published makes it easy for developers to create third party tools for the PDF format and its software applications.  However, it also means that it’s easy for attackers to generate malevolent uses for the PDF and develop work-arounds to manipulate regular PDF functionalities.

   

  12) User Habits

Another reason why hackers target this format is simply because not many people update their PDF software on a regular basis.  While attackers try to find weak spots in the latest software, their past work can still do damage on systems via PDF applications that haven’t yet been updated.

     

 13) PDF Features and Functions

The PDF imports and integrates many functionalities that make it inherently vulnerable and prone to exploitation.  The more the PDF format advances in form and function, the more opportunities there are for exploiting the format. 

 

As more PDF related flaws are being exploited quicker than they are being patched, it’s important to keep an eye out for these things as nothing digital is ever completely safe.

 

Outfitting your computer with the latest software can be expensive. Time and money aren’t things to be wasted. With sky rocketing prices for desktop applications, you need to arm yourself with the right alternatives.

Fortunately, there is a great alternative out there: the Internet. As hard as it is to believe, just by surfing around online, you can access most of the desktop app functionalities you need without shelling out a cent.

To prove it, here’s a list of 25 online alternatives for the most popular desktop applications that you use, want and simply must have when working online.

Application	Online Alternative	Description
Microsoft Office 2007	Google Docs	Google Docs includes the same creation applications for creating word documents, spreadsheets and presentations as MS Office.
Adobe Photoshop CS3	Splashup	Splashup is an online photo image editing app that contains similar photo editing tools found in Photoshop CS3 and can integrate seamlessly with popular photo sharing services.
Microsoft Visio 2007	Gliffy	Gliffy has the basic functionalities to create and share quality flow charts, complex diagrams or technical drawings.
Adobe Acrobat 8.1	iConv	Create PDFs from a variety of formats by simply uploading your file. No registration, installation or cost required.
Apple 1 Password Manager and Form Filler 2.5.7	clipperz	With clipperz, you create direct log in links for your online accounts. Just log in once to clipperz to access them.
Apple Aperture 1.5	Flickr	A popular online photo management and sharing site. With a free basic Flickr account, you can upload photos via email or the upload webpage.
Microsoft Office Outlook 2007	Gmail	Gmail accounts have tons of space, instant messaging, built in search technology, no banner ads, and available in 40 languages.
Vista	YouOS	YouOS is a virtual OS that you can customize without the hefty price or desktop trappings. A combination of OS functionality and web access, it still has the same look and feel of a desktop.
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 Adobe Flash CS3 Professional	app2you	This neat web service allows you to create your own simple web application without any coding or web designing experience whatsoever!
Desktop calculators	InstaCalc	InstaCalc is an advanced web based calculator. Send a link of your calculations to others or embed a calculator into your own website. Other features include unit conversions and programming commands.
MS Outlook HP fax machine Printing paper	FaxZERO	With this internet faxing service, you can send digital documents within Canada and US for free. Just upload the document and you’re set.
SharpReader (Windows) NetNew Wire (Mac OS X) Straw (Linux)	Netvibes	Netvibes is a nifty RSS reader and web home page. Stay connected to everything online at all times--catch up on blogs, facebook, to-do lists, news and weather.
Website Analysis Software	Google Analytics	This online tool allows you to keep track of your website and how it’s being accessed. Track content views or the amount of time spent on the site.
MSN Messenger Google Talk ICQ AIM Jabber Yahoo!	meebo	A web portal for instant messaging, meebo lets you have the same online chats, but without the download. Access Google talk, msn, Yahoo!, jabber, ICQ and AIM from any computer.
All desktop tools	Sosius	Sosius has all the essential desktop tools online: calendar, file management, rss feeds, projects, file management, databases, and collaboration and messaging tools.
Desktop Task Lists	Ta-da List	This is an online to-do list that you can easily access and share with others while online. You can even check your lists on an iPhone when you’re on the go.
Desktop Task Lists	Backpack	Like Ta-da List, Backpack is a to-do list web tool, but more dynamic and complex. Create pages of to-do lists with images, set up text message alerts or even share your pages with others.
Microsoft OneNote 2007	Stikkit	Stikkit is a simple online alternative that creates "little yellow notes that think". The notes are sharable and accessible anywhere.
Apple MindManager 7.0 Mac	Bubbl.us	This web application allows you to brainstorm online when you need to map out projects or make long term business plans.
Microsoft Money Plus Premium	Wesabe	Part financial application and part user community, Wesabe combines both to provide you with communal tips and forums so you can keep track of your spending habits.
MS Excel 2007	chartAll	chartAll.com is a free online web service where you can create, store and publish simple charts from your own data sources. Charts can be customized with colors, themes, and fonts.
MS PowerPoint	Preezo	As the website says, “Preezo is an Ajax web application that gives you the power to create and share professional quality presentations over the web without software or plugins. Goodbye, PowerPoint. Hello, Preezo!”
Adobe LiveCycle ES	Wufoo	From job applications to customer surveys, Wufoo lets you create forms quickly and easily with an HTML interface.
Excel spreadsheets Invoices Financial software	PayPal	PayPal acts as the go-between that connects you and online recipients. An online must-have when making business purchases.
USB storage devices Hard drive storage space	DivShare	Simply upload and share your media and document files online to free up storage space on your computer.

Who says saving money is hard? Just by looking at the desktop applications you can do away with, you can save a bundle. Most desktop applications can range anywhere from $100 to $1, 000. Compare that to the price of using online applications: $ 0.

So the next time you think of buying another desktop app, think twice—think “online”. Because the more you ditch the desktop, the more you save!

Bonus Tip: For heavy users of PDF who don’t want to keep their data in PDF, Investintech offers PDF to Word Converter solutions in its products such as Able2Extract and Able2Doc.  The PDF to Word focused solution is a robust one that performs conversions quickly, easily and above all, accurately.

If anything, Adobe’s latest move in the desktop to web app trend has us thinking of what desktop applications aren’t online. And likewise it has us asking ourselves, which desktop applications should be online applications? The most versatile? The most expensive? Perhaps one that serves all your entertainment fixes and work needs?

While support for certain features and the speed of sending and receiving files pose a problem in shifting completely from desktop to online applications, there are desktop applications everybody is itching to have online--without the trappings of a desktop product.

So to get ahead of the digital trends of the times, we’ve compiled a list of 11 desktop applications that should be online applications.

1. Adobe Acrobat Professional 8.1-- This is one desktop application that does everything you'll ever need to do when it comes to the PDF. In addition to being a versatile PDF creation application, its latest document sharing and collaboration features make it an ideal choice for accessing and working with PDFs online.

2. iWork '08--While there are web based creation applications already online, you sometimes need the productivity suite that you're used to using—unlimited in function. iWork ’08’s interface, export features, layout templates, access to media, and graphic tools make this suite a good online addition not only for Mac users, but online users as well.

3. Able2Extract Professional 5.0-- With the growing amount of PDF content on the web, getting full desktop converters online, such as Able2Extract Pro 5.0, is now a must. Its advanced conversion features to document and image formats along with its simple GUI would make this desktop app a powerful easy-to-use online converter.

4. iTunes 7.5—A media application that organizes and plays all your MP3s, movies and files. Although the amount of data is always a negative when it comes to online accessing, you sometimes need personal file collections at your finger tips. Shifted to the web, this application would work well as a personal media storage space that would be as accessible as your email.

5. Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2-- Digital cameras and photo publishing have made this versatile desktop application another online must have. Its support for over 50 formats, tabbed interfaces, auto compression, integrated email function, and its Express Lab mode, give it huge potential for online usage for digital photo sharing and simple usage without the huge price.

6. Flash Player -- Applications built on the Flash platform are nearly everywhere online. Less than 1 MB in size, its vector-based display makes it ideal for scaling and delivering media experiences with a small bandwidth.

7. Privacy Guardian 4.1-- Supporting the widely used Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera and Mozilla Firefox browsers, Privacy Guardian 4.1 gives you privacy on a shared computer by permanently deleting your Internet activity--the data cookies, browser history and cache. It’s functions and small size make it perfect for one time online purposes.

8. VLC Media Player 0.8.6d—While multimedia demanding desktop apps are a long way from acquiring the necessary bandwidth to play quality media, turning those entertainment habits into online user experiences is inevitable. This video media player supports a wide range of various audio and video formats, and its support for DivX, MP2, MP3, MP4, and DVD formats would make it a great working web app for moving all your movie entertainment online.

9. Adobe Dreamweaver CS3--A powerhouse web design desktop application that allows you to work with popular HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Ajax, and PHP web technologies in either a visual layout interface or streamline coding environment. And in addition to workspaces and advanced features, Dreamweaver’s ability to integrate with other Adobe design software make it worthy for online usage.

10. IrfanView 4.10--This graphic viewer would work well as an online Swiss army knife for all the simple manipulations you might have to perform on different file formats. Supporting a wide range of media to image formats, IrfanView 4.10 lets you view, edit, play, and convert a number of formats you can find online—BMP, JPG, GIF,TIFF, PSD, EPS, PNG, AVI, MOV, PSP, SWF. It even offers a number of plug ins for other format functionalities.

11. Audacity 1.2.6—With this sound editor and recorder that supports WAV, AIFF and MP3, you can create, edit, mix tracks, add effects and bass boost to MP3, WAV and AIFF audio files, select different types of track displays, and export into different audio formats. Audacity’s multiple editing features would make it a flexible online application for audio editing.



With all your hankerings for desktop application features in digital design, editing, document conversion and publishing, what does your list look like?

When it comes to the environment, it’s difficult to make big changes on your own. You can’t singlehandedly clean every littered street in the city, nor can you make everyone take public transportation during the rush hour home. Nope, you’re forced to make changes on a smaller scale.

This, however, is a good thing. There are so many little things you can do to help save the environment. Moreover, you don’t even have to get up to do them--you can do them in front of your own computer. How?

From changing your working habits to modifying the technology you use, here are 30 tips to help save the environment from right in front of your computer.

1) Work Digitally—The number one environmentally-friendly-paper-reducing tip. Use word processing applications when you can to avoid numerous hard copies and drafts.

2) Computer Parts—Simply buying, donating and recycling your computer can save on the huge amounts of waste, material and toxic by-products that are produced in the process of creating them. Company sites such as Dell, HP and Apple have web pages dedicated to recycling information that can steer you in the right direction.

3) Subscribe and Email—Computers are great, if not made, for such things. Subscribe to your favourite newspapers and newsletters via RSS and email. This is a sure fire way to cut down on the paper waste you throw away everyday after only one reading.

4) Work At Home—One of the best things about working with computers is that you can work from home by accessing your office PC. By working at home, you can bypass your contribution to the amount of exhaust emissions produced by driving in to work every day.

5) Write a Letter to Your Congressman—Get proactive. If you have opinions and ideas about the environment, write and email a letter to your congressman expressing your concerns.

6) Stock Your Printer With Used Paper—When it becomes absolutely necessary to produce a printout for drafts and records, print double-sided on used paper.

7) Use A Notepad—When you have to jot things down while working online, eliminate the use of sticky notes, paper pads, and scrap notes. Keep your research work organized, paper-free and desktop convenient by using the notepad on your computer.

8 ) Use An Efficient Power Strip—Is there such a thing? Yes. There are efficient power strips on the market that can actually stop idle currents from being drawn by unused electronics. Using smart power strips for computer devices that you constantly use, forget to unplug and turn off will save on the excess electricity you’re not using.

9) Unplug Adapters— Most adapters left plugged in (like the ones used for laptops) will still draw on an electric current that makes them feel warm to the touch after a few hours. If you don’t want to spend the money on an efficient power strip, simply unplugging them completely will eliminate any excess power consumption.

10) Unplug Your Cell Phone Charger—While it’s common to leave your phone charger plugged in, get into the habit of unplugging it when it’s done charging to conserve on energy. You can even try finding a USB compatible charger for your phone in order to charge it off your computer instead of using an extra power source.

11) Save On Screen Savers—When customizing your desktop, use screen savers that aren’t too heavy in graphics because, while they may save your monitor, they still need the electricity to be displayed.

12) Optimize Power Settings—An obvious tip on saving energy: optimize your computer’s power settings. Here are energy saver tips if you’re a Windows user or a Mac user.

13) Download Your Software—Instead of buying packaged software, download it instead and save on all the fancy packaging material. As an added bonus, doing so will eliminate the weeks of waiting for your software to travel in the mail. A win-win situation!

14) CO2 Saver—This is an application that monitor s and adjusts the amount of energy your computer consumes. This is a great way to start gauging how much damage your computer does and how much you’ll need to change your habits in order to fix it.

15) Adjust Working Conditions—When computers get hot from long periods of usage, it can get pretty uncomfortable without the air conditioner on. Instead of cranking up the AC, open up a window or wear layers that you can peel off and begin eliminating your contribution to CFC levels in the atmosphere.

16) Add More Green At Your Computer Station— More eco-friendly than an air purifiers that run on electricity, adding plants to your work space can be a healthy, efficient and natural way of detoxifying air pollutants at the office.

17) Use Coffee And Travel Mugs—Who doesn’t have a nice hot cup of Joe when settling down in front of the computer first thing in the morning? Unlike the paper cups from a coffee shop, travel and coffee mugs are reusable, washable, durable and refill-able.

18) Learn About The Environment Online—Being in the know about environmental facts is the first step you can take to helping the environment on your part. Visiting educational websites where you can learn about major issues and concerns are good places to start.

19) Get Up To Speed With Environmental News— Another way to start helping the environment is by being aware of developments that are going on in it. Right beside CNN on your RSS feed, add ENN, the Environmental News Network where you can get current up to date information.

20) Yahoo! Green—Yahoo! has gone green with Yahoo! Green, a website on all things environmental. This site contains a ton of resources, including environmentally friendly tips and cost cutting tricks that you can put into practice.

21) Use Black Google—It is said that computer pages with more white in them consume more energy. True or false? According to articles and blogs, the answer is it depends upon the type of monitor being used. So when spending countless hours on Google, take a look and give Black Google a try on your monitor.

22) Use Rechargeable USB Batteries—Take re-charging batteries to a whole new different level by using re-chargeable USB batteries. That’s right. They come in the popular AA size and work like regular USB keys that you plug into USB ports to charge them up. They're compatible with most of your gadgets and your computer.

23) Blog Action Day--Getting involved is the important part of the battle, no? This is getting digitally easier with Blog Action Day. Inaugurated just this year on October 15, Blog Action Day is an annual, one day event when bloggers all over the world blog about the environment, spreading environmental awareness one blog at a time.

24) Use Your Computer As A TV--If you’re going to watch TV while working on your computer, use the computer to do both and save on energy consumption. Avoid using multiple devices when one will suffice. This goes for music, video games and movies as well.

25) Read ebooks—As an avid reader, you can play your environmental role by keeping your reading habits paperless and bookless. It’s a small step, but a good way to start saving the amount of trees being cut down for the pages you read in a long novel.

26) Online Shopping Receipts—Constantly printing a hard copy receipt when shopping online can create even more paper wastage than a simple one from a cash register. Keep your receipts digital by saving the webpage via the browser on a portable storage device or on your hard drive.

27) Use Your Laptop Efficiently—If you’re a laptop user rather than a desktop one, use it efficiently to save on the amount of energy used in charging your battery. Cut down on the use of high demand activities or ones running in the background, defrag it on a regular basis for faster performance and use the more energy efficient hibernation mode instead of standby.

28) USE PDF Forms—Whenever possible, opt to fill out forms online and back it up digitally to save on printing paper. Go one step further and convert your PDF Forms into Word and fill them out there.

29) Go Portable—Laptops are being made lighter these days. This makes it perfect for taking notes in classes or conferences, saving on paper and time wasted in transcribing them into digital format.

30) Simply Browse the Internet—Ad clicking is growing in popularity, and now it’s being creatively used in a different way-- to raise funds for certain charities, environmental ones included. By creating an account at an Internet charity site, you can help an environmental charity of your choosing. With your computer clicking and Internet browsing , a portion of the advertising revenue goes to charity.


This just goes to show that if you can be creative in your day to day computer habits, you can help save the environment.