Capstone Works Inc

If you’re like me, your inbox can easily get out of hand in a matter of hours. That’s why I’ve created rules to help control the flow of my inbox. In my opinion, rules are a life saver! Organizing your inbox can be automated allowing you to focus on more important tasks and save you tons of time. For instance, if you are subscribed to several daily e-newsletters like I am, you can create rules to automatically move the email to a folder; assign a color, or flag the email as a follow-up item.

Setting up Outlook rules is easy. In this example, I will be moving emails from Robin Robins to a dedicated folder and flagging the email with a blue flag. Follow these simple illustrated steps:

1. Right click the desired email message and select “Create Rule”
   
2. A pop-up box will appear. Underneath “When I get e-mail with all of the selected conditions”, check the box From Robin Robins.
   
3. Underneath “Do the following”, check “Move e-mail to folder”. In this case, I am moving all emails from Robin Robins to the Robin Robins folder
   
4. At the bottom of the pop-up select “Advanced Options”.
   
5. You will see a pop-up of a many of options to choose from. We have already completed this step in the previous screen. Click Next.
   
6. This window is asking what action I would like to take. Notice that “move it to the specified folder” AND “flag message with a colored flag” are checked. On the lower half of the screen titled: “Step 2: Edit the rule description (click an underlined value)” click on the “colored flag” hyperlink choose a flag color. Click Next
   
7. This window titled: “Are there any exceptions?” allows me to choose an array of exceptions. For this example, I will choose none and click next.
   
8. The Finish Rule Setup Screen will appear.  Click finish and you done!
   

This is only ONE example of the many rules you can create. There are so many possibilities that I suggest you practice creating a few different rules to get accustomed to the process. Creating rules will trim down your inbox chaos and can very well change your outlook on Outlook.

Feeling like the economy’s got you at a stand still? Is the summer season a slow time for your business? A great resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs is the Small Business Development Program (SBDP). They provide counseling and assistance, offer leads using a powerful database tool, and hold affordable business development sessions for you. Whether you’re already a business owner or just getting started, there’s always a topic to pique your interest.

The website is packed full of articles and resources to help educate entrepreneurs on important topics such as how to start a business, receive financing and filing the correct tax forms.

If you go on location, you can make full use of the Business Solutions Center where you can use their databases, software, and library. Getting free leads? Isn’t that every business owners’ and salesperson’s dream? And it’s offered in the heart of Austin.

Check it out now: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sbdp/

Imagine getting twice the work done in half the time!. What you’ll need are dual monitors.  Got a proposal or a trial case to prepare for? You can open up a word document on one screen while doing research on the other. If you’re a graphics or web designer you won’t have to flip back and forth from application to web; you’ll see them side by side.  You can organize your files or digital pictures on one screen while previewing the image on the second.  You’ll never go back to using one monitor again. You might even get two more monitors and quadruple your productivity!  Are you ready for monitor duex?

Getting Started

For the Best Experience You’ll need:

• 2 flat panel monitors – preferably identical or the same size
• Dual output video card (~$70-120)

It’s best to get 17 or 19 inch monitors. Any larger and you could strain your eyes from sitting so close. When buying monitors take notice of the picture quality, screen resolution, response time, contrast ratio and equipment warranty. Pick the monitors that work best for you.

If you have a relatively new PC, check if your current card already supports dual monitors. Newer video cards will have both VGA (analog) and DVI (digital) connections. You’ll know your system supports dual monitors if it has 2 VGAs or 2 DVIs or one of each. Picture shown below.

When buying a dual output video card, make sure that the card and the monitors have matching ports (i.e. VGA monitors need VGA video cards). Installing your card may be a little tricky. Depending on your level of hardware installation expertise, you might want to pay someone to install it for you.

Once the monitors are connected to the video card on your PC, plug in your power cords and turn on the monitors and PC.

If you’re using Windows Vista:

1. Right click the desktop and select Personalize.
2. Display Settings
3. Click Identify Monitors
4. Select 2
5. Check “Extend my desktop onto this monitor”
6. Click Apply

If you’re using Windows XP:

1. Start Menu
2. Control Panel
3. Select Display
4. Go to “Settings” tab
5. Follow steps 3-6 from Windows Vista steps above

You’ll be amazed how dual monitors will increase your productivity and multi-tasking skills.

If you’re interested in getting dual monitors we can set you up. If you purchase the equipment from us and you’re an existing Managed Works customer, we’ll install and setup your monitors for you. This offer expires 8-15-2009. Mention this article when you call.