Smartphone Applications For Computer Technicians Pt2 – Android

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Authors: Bryce Whitty

CommitCRM

Last week we listed some iPhone applications that are useful to Computer Technicans, this week we are listing some Techie applications for Android based smartphones.

OnTheJob Management
OnTheJob Management is a tool to help you organise your data by Job. When you view a job it will show you who you are supposed to visit, to fix what, where, when and allows you to enter some notes. OnTheJob Management seamlessly intergrates with your contacts, calendar events and SMS messages. However, it does not have any finances/invoices etc..
OnTheJob Management – Free

 

WiFi Analyzer
WiFi Analyzer is a wireless network scanning tool that works by listing the wireless access points in range and provides a graphical representation of which wireless channel each of them operates. With this knowledge, you can set your wireless channel to the one with the least interference.
Wifi Analyzer – Free

 

Teamviewer
Teamviewer is a remote support program that allows you to control computers remotely.
Teamviewer – Free for non-commercial use

 

LogMeIn Ignition
Teamviewer is a remote support program that allows you to control computers remotely.
LogMeIn Ignition – $29.99

 

AndroidVNC
AndroidVNC is an open source remote desktop problem. It can connect to most VNC servers including TightVNC, RealVNC on Windows and Linux as well as Apple Remote Desktop on OSX.
AndroidVNC – Free

 

ConnectBot
ConnectBot is a powerful open-source secure shell (SSH) client. It can manage simultaneous SSH sessions, create secure tunnels, and copy/paste between other applications.
ConnectBot – Free

 

ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a free file manager, app manager and task killer that has the ability to explore both the phone and a PC shares on the network.
ES File Explorer – Free

 

Dell Service Tag Scanner
If you are working with Dells a lot this is a great tool. This application allows you to scan or enter a service tag to fetch the warranty information for a Dell service.
Dell Service Tag Scanner – Free

 

PDANet
PDANet allows you to use your Android phone like a 3G modem. It does not require a tether phone plan and you can connect it to your computer via USB or Bluetooth
PDANet – Free limits secure sites. Paid is $15.95

 

1 VPN
0 01 VPN allows you to connect to VPNs in 1 click by saving VPN usernames and passwords. You can also use its Tasker/Local Plugin feature to connect to VPNs automatically. The application supports PPTP, L2TP, L2TP/IPSec CRT.
1 VPN – $3.61

 

Dropbox
1 1Sync your files between your computer and mobile device and open them using your favorite Android applications.
Dropbox – Free

 

Square
2 2Square allows you to Accept credit cards on your Android device with no contract, monthly fees, or merchant account required. Every user receives a free Square credit card reader in the mail.
Square – Free

 

Newegg Mobile
3 3The Newegg Mobile application allows Android users to search, shop, read reviews and make purchases on Newegg.com. Excellent for those onsite price checks.
Newegg Mobile – Free

 

Tapatalk
4 4Tapatalk is an application that allows you to read certain forums as a native application. Its faster and more phone friendly that the full sized pages of forums or even some mobile versions. The Technibble forums supports Tapatalk (see pictures here) and it is well worth the money.
Tapatalk – $2.96

A big thank you to the Technibble forum members who suggested these Android applications. If you know of other great applications for the Android that you think should be here, drop us a comment.

© Technibble – A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. Smartphone Applications For Computer Technicians Pt2 – Android

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Episode 48 – Opening a Computer Store Part 2

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Today we are going to continue our discussion with an IT service provider who opened his own computer store and talk about some important things you need to know before you sign a lease and set up a storefront of your own.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:18
Billboard :34

News and Comment segment 5:14

Technibble, a popular web site for computer repair technicians, is now mobile friendly.

EH Publishing is offering FREE subscriptions to ChannelPro to qualified professionals. To receive your FREE subscription go to http://theforcefield.tradepub.com/free/chn/?p=chn.

According to The Cisco 2010 Annual Security Report, Cybercrime is moving away from Windows PCs and onto mobile devices.

ifixit.com reports that Apple is now using a new and unique type of tamper-resistant screw on the case of the iPhone 4.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:38
Today we’ll continue our discussion with Pat Palmer of The Computer Guy and learn more about how he opened his store. We’ll discuss the advantages of having a storefront, the disadvantages of having one and important things to consider when renting or leasing the space to set it up. Part two of a six part series.

Interview with Pat Palmer 23:02

Part 3 Teaser :27

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net!

©2011 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

 

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/traffic.libsyn.com/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_48.mp3

Episode 48 – Opening a Computer Store Part 2

by

Today we are going to continue our discussion with an IT service provider who opened his own computer store and talk about some important things you need to know before you sign a lease and set up a storefront of your own.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:18
Billboard :34

News and Comment segment 5:14

Technibble, a popular web site for computer repair technicians, is now mobile friendly.

EH Publishing is offering FREE subscriptions to ChannelPro to qualified professionals. To receive your FREE subscription go to http://theforcefield.tradepub.com/free/chn/?p=chn.

According to The Cisco 2010 Annual Security Report, Cybercrime is moving away from Windows PCs and onto mobile devices.

ifixit.com reports that Apple is now using a new and unique type of tamper-resistant screw on the case of the iPhone 4.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:38
Today we’ll continue our discussion with Pat Palmer of The Computer Guy and learn more about how he opened his store. We’ll discuss the advantages of having a storefront, the disadvantages of having one and important things to consider when renting or leasing the space to set it up. Part two of a six part series.

Interview with Pat Palmer 23:02

Part 3 Teaser :27

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net!

©2011 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:11 — 31.3MB) | Embed

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Smartphone Applications For Computer Technicians Pt1 – iPhone/iPad

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Authors: Bryce Whitty

CommitCRM

Smartphones are very quickly becoming an important business tool and they are absolutely ideal for the onsite Computer Technician. In this article, I would like to share with you some iPhone applications that Computer Technicians use in their businesses.

If you have a Blackberry, Android or Windows 7 based smartphone, please list the applications that you make heavy use of (and the device you are using) in the comments below and I will include them in the next Smartphone app article.

Teamviewer
I always had wondered how good a remote desktop application could be on an iPhone with its small screen. I tried out the free version for use on my own machines and found the speed to be very impressive. I was testing it on an iPhone 3G which is one of the older iPhones over the 3G network which can also be slow. I was really impressed with how well it ran. It is free for personal use but you need to pay for the Pro version if you are using it to support any clients.

TeamViewer – Free Version (personal use only)
TeamViewer Pro – $99.99

iPad Versions:
TeamViewer HD – Free Version (personal use only)
TeamViewer Pro HD – $139.99

LogMeIn Ignition
LogMeIn Ignition allows you to directly control one or more of your computers anywhere. It has a different interface to Teamviewer but they both work great on an old iPhone 3G over the 3G network.
LogMeIn Ignition – $29.99

iSSH
iSSH is effectively several clients in one, containing functionality for ssh/telnet/raw connections, an X11 server and VNC tunneling. iSSH supports multiple, simultaneous connections with more complete terminal compatibility, more configurable macro and key options and an intuitive UI.
iSSH – $9.99



TripCubby
Computer Technicians do a large amount of driving going onsite and use up a lot of petrol. Luckily, the petrol that you use to get to your clients house would be considered a business expense so you can you can get a tax deduction or reimbursement. Trip Cubby is an application designed for anyone who needs to track mileage for tax reasons. It was designed with IRS compliance in mind and allows you to export the information as a CSV file via email.
Trip Cubby – $4.99


Squareup
I mentioned Squareup on Technibble a while ago when I wrote about accepting credit cards. Squareup is a service that allows you to accept credit card payments onsite by turning your iPhone/iPad into a credit card reader thanks to a small attachment.
Square – Free (for the application, not to signup)

Scany
Scany is a powerful multifunctional networking instrument for finding connected devices, looking up detailed device information, network troubleshooting, scanning ports, testing network security and firewalls.
Scany offers lots of useful tools in addition to its primary feature of scanning your Wi-Fi, LAN or any other network and providing detailed information about any device connected to it, its domain and network names, addresses and vendor. Scany also includes a whole set of networking utilities such as ping, traceroute, remote wake (WOL), Whois, Geo IP and shows information about active network connections along with the external IP address of your router.
Scany – $0.99


BSOD: Stop Codes
BSOD: Stop Codes is an application that provides indexed information on Microsoft Windows (blue screen) stop codes. This application allows you to lookup common stop codes that can be found on the MSDN web site provided by Microsoft without the need for an active cellular data or wifi network.
BSOD: Stop Codes – Free


Dropbox
Dropbox is an incredibly useful and powerful service that allows you to sync files between computers and devices. Dropbox is so well known that many other applications also allow you to syncronize the data made in that application with your Dropbox account.
You can create a free Dropbox account here.
Dropbox – Free


Aplayer
Aplayer is an application designed to allow the user to view their IP based security cameras from their iPhone. I have heard of some Computer Technicians using it to keep an eye on their technicians in the shop while they are onsite.
Aplayer – Free


Newegg
0 0The application Newegg is exactly what you expect it would be, Newegg for the iPhone.
The application provides you with an iPhone optimized layout of the website which is great for onsite price checks.
Newegg – Free


Amazon
1 1Just like the Newegg application, its Amazon for the iPhone. Again, great for quick onsite price checks.
Amazon – Free


Run Your Client Management Software
Dont forget, many Client Management solutions also have web option which allows you to access it on a mobile device. CommitCRM is a desktop application but also runs a web server allowing you to access it via the internet. mHelpDesk has a native iPhone application and ShopManager is a web based application so you can also access that via you mobile browser. You can also make a shortcut link to your CRM appear on the main page of the iPhone.

If you believe I missed any great iPhone applications for Technicians that are worth a mention, please leave us a comment. If you have a Blackberry, Android or Windows 7 based smartphone, please list the applications that you make heavy use of (and the device you are using) in the comments below and I will include them in the next Smartphone app article.

© Technibble – A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. Smartphone Applications For Computer Technicians Pt1 – iPhone/iPad

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The Cheapest Laptop Screw Management System – That Works Great!

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Authors: Bryce Whitty

One of our Technibble forum members shared with us a fantastic way to organize screws when disassembling a laptop. The need to organize laptop screws comes from the fact that there are many screws with many different sizes and lengths depending on which part it came from. Getting the laptop apart isnt the problem, but knowing which type of screw went where when putting it back together is. Its incredibly frustrating to have left over screws when you put the laptop back together again and then trying to figure out where it came from.
This is one Technibble members solution to the problem.

Aaron from Aarons PC Support said:
I have tried different screw management techniques and nothing has been as cheap, fast, and perfect as this. I have never had extra screws or mix-ups during re-assembly. In this example this HP laptop has a broken DC power jack which will require the laptop to be taken apart completely.

First, you will need a plain sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper, a towel (microfiber prefered, or other soft top as not to scratch laptop lid), a pen, screwdriver, and a small Awe.

 

Next, we need to remove all of the covers and hardware from the bottom of the laptop. This will expose all screws that may be hidden. Be sure to place all of your parts into or on an anti-static bag of some sort.

 

Now we can see all of the screws that need to be removed. Start by taking your blank piece of paper and drawing a rough outline of the bottom of the laptop. I like to draw basic features such as the battery bay, cover locations, as to give a orientation reference as we move along.

 

Now punch holes into the paper where you have screws drawn. It is important to punch the holes with an Awe or something similar. Not punching a small hole, and then inserting the screw will rip the paper, and the paper will not hold the screws tightly.. which means you will probably lose one. To make punching real easy: place the rough outline paper on a towel, then punch. We don’t need any bloody fingers.

 

Next, remove all of the screws and punch them into the oppropriate spots on the paper.

 

Here, you can see the paper is upside down, and all of the screws are held securely in place.

 

Now we flip the laptop over, right-side-up, and remove the keyboard and keyboard trim ring to reveal some more screws. So I draw another simple sketch and punch some more holes. I also punch holes for the LCD hinge screws as well.

 

Now we can remove the top cover of the laptop to reveal the motherboard and some more cabling. Now is a good time to draw a diagram of the motherboard, punch, and remove and place the screws in the paper.


 

Now it is easy to reassemble the laptop and place the screws into the correct positions… another job well done!

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I hope this helps some of you out there using pill bottles and other methods that “lump” together a bunch of screws that may be slightly longer/shorter or fat/skinny. If your repairs didn’t go as planned, you still have your paper so you can disassemble the laptop again if needed.

Special thanks to Aaron of Aaron’s PC Support for sending this in. Aaron’s PC Support is an affordable computer repair shop with over 20 years of experience. Aaron’s PC Support provides alternative low-cost computer repair services for Central Virginia; Richmond VA, Chesterfield VA, Midlothian VA, Chester VA, and Henrico VA.

If you want to learn how to repair laptops including how to disassemble them, check out Podnutz’s Laptop Repair Videos.

© Technibble – A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. The Cheapest Laptop Screw Management System – That Works Great!

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10 Simple Steps to Get Started With Social Media

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Authors: Bryce Whitty

CommitCRM

Guest Post by Lisa Hendrickson, Owner of Call That Girl. Lisa has published her proven social media strategies in her latest eBook, "Call That Girl’s Guide to Social Media". Lisa has been a featured writer for Technibble in 2010 and is a contributor in the Business and Marketing forums.

Everyone is talking about social media lately and the craze doesn’t seem to be going away. If you’re not utilizing it in your business marketing plan, you might feel like you’re behind the times. Many people who are not using it, don’t know how to even get started. As it is one of the top marketing strategies I use for my business, I found it to be easy to learn, affordable and not something I needed to outsource. You can do it yourself and start seeing results in one day by following these 5 starter steps and these 5 action steps.

1.) Collect your contacts emails. Go through all of your emails, client databases, email accounts and create a generic list. An excel spreadsheet will work fine or use notepad.

2.) Create a LinkedIn profile (http://www.linkedin.com). It’s recommended you use your real name for your profile, not your business name. Fill your profile with your credentials and as much information as you are comfortable sharing. Most people on LinkedIn share most of their career highlights, past positions and skill sets. Of course there is more to using LinkedIn than just creating a profile, but this is a good start.

3.) If you have a website, add a blog page or sign up for a free blog like http://www.blogger.com.

4.) Start an email marketing program. Many popular email marketing companies have free 30 or 60 day trials. For 2011, I am using Constant Contact.

5.) Upload the emails you just collected to your email marketing program and LinkedIn profile. You will need a few contacts to build your network and to have people to send your email newsletter to.

Those are the 5 easy steps to get going, here is your action list.

1.) Write a blog about a simple value-add tip you know of about your industry that others would enjoy learning about. (Example: Tips for buying a new computer).

2.) Create a newsletter with a welcome message, a blog tip (the one you just blogged about) and offer a coupon or discount for services. Be sure to write a short paragraph about the blog and then in the newsletter, put in a hyperlink to the blog to encourage folks to go to your website or blog to finish reading the story. Remember to track the analytics of the newsletter.

3.) Join your local city and state groups on Linkedin. After you join these groups, be sure to introduce yourself to the group. After you have done that, post your blog link “Tips on buying a new computer” in a new discussion. A tip for being effective on LinkedIn is to make sure that your discussion is not pushy or gives the appearance of spamming the group. Try to peak the interest of the members with hopes they read it and remember your discussion later for if they need your services. It’s a good idea to use your professional signature with all discussion postings.

4.) Invite members of those discussion groups to your LinkedIn network. (These are all potential new clients as everyone on LinkedIn has a computer available to them). Many of the people in these groups have the potential to be commercial clients and of course, they are all residential clients.

5.) Attend local face to face networking events. Many of your LinkedIn groups will have free or low cost events. Be sure to watch for those and attend. Meet as many people as you can and when you get home, invite them to your LinkedIn network and add to your email marketing. Meeting new people in person is a very important factor to winning big with social media.

I hope these 10 steps will help you get started with social media. If you would like to learn more, my latest eBook will help you with step by step instructions.

Good luck!
– Lisa

© Technibble – A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. 10 Simple Steps to Get Started With Social Media

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Rizone Complete Internet Repair – Repair Common Internet Connection Issues

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Authors: Bryce Whitty

Rizone Complete Internet Repair is a small, freeware and portable application designed to repair common internet connection issues. A multitude of problems can prevent a computer from accessing the internet such as a virus/adware attack, an incorrect firewall rule or even a legitimate antivirus product that didn’t install or uninstall correctly. Rizone complete Internet Repair attempts to repair everything internet related on a Windows system and will do the following tasks:

  • Reset Internet Protocall (TCP/IP)
  • Repair Winsock (Reset Catalog)
  • Renew Internet Connections
  • Flush DNS Resolver Cache
  • Repair Internet Explorer 8.0.7600
  • Clear Windows Update History
  • Repair Windows / Automatic Updates
  • Repair SSL / HTTPS / Cryptography
  • Reset Windows Firewall Configuration
  • Restore the default hosts file
  • Repair Workgroup Computers view

Works on Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 2008 and Windows 7.

Note: Due to the nature of this application (editing internet settings and such), a very small amount of antivirus products detect this application as malicious. This is a false positive. [VirusTotal.com Results]

Screenshots:

Downloads:
Download from Official Site – 441 KB

© Technibble – A Resource for Computer Technicians to start or improve their computer business
To get started with your own computer business, check out our Computer Business Kit. Rizone Complete Internet Repair – Repair Common Internet Connection Issues

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New Year 2011

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The Association is pleased to begin the New Year with over 1,300 members and a membership base that continues to grow. We currently have members in about a dozen different countries.

2010 was a very good year for the Association not only due to the increase in membership but also with bringing in quite a few Preferred Vendors to the Association for the members to select from. Some marketing companies were brought in along with a few online backup solutions for our members.

We’veRead More…

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