ByteMarks is now an Apple Authorized Reseller!

By admin, 8 February, 2010, No Comment

ByteMarks is now an Apple Authorized Reseller. Stop in to see the new 27 in iMac demonstration computer.

ByteMarks is located in Basalt, Colorado, between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you purchase your next MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro. They can recommend customizations and software too.

If you’re a local, ByteMarks is your one-stop shop for Apple computer sales and training. They also offer non-warranty service. They also have free coffee!

Stop in next time you’re in town. Say hello to Donna, Lynn, Pablo and Jason.

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta Available

By admin, 8 February, 2010, No Comment

Just when people are getting used to Office 2007, a new version is coming out. I plan to download the beta version and post comments on my blog. As usual, there are different versions available, depending on your needs. If anyone tries it, please comment here, and give us the skinny.

Download it here: http://tinyurl.com/ylo5w27

I know many people still using Office XP and Office 2003. My recommendation is to wait for Office 2010 and then make the switch. As soon as it comes out, we at ByteMarks will be having workshops. In the mean time, next time you’re in Basalt, Colorado, stop in to ByteMarks to see Office 2010 in action.

Mac Basics Workshop Tuesday at ByteMarks

By admin, 7 February, 2010, No Comment

Just a few spots left for the Mac Basic workshop at ByteMarks this Tuesday from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Call (970) 927-2333 to reserve your spot ASAP.

If you are a beginner to Macs, this is the class for you. Classes are limited in size. And there are free snacks and drinks.

Apple’s new iPad

By admin, 7 February, 2010, No Comment

Is Apple going to market their iPad as a computer or a really big iTouch? What’s your opinion? You can bet this is just the beginning of bigger and better things to come.

A caller on KDNK’s Geek Speak last week installs home automation systems that use Apple computers. He thinks this is another tool that will be used to automate things at home from your music to your lights to your oven.

Check it out on Apple’s site: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

I don’t know about you, but I want one! Do you? Comment here and let us know what you think.

Get to know Google Chrome

By admin, 15 January, 2010, No Comment

Google Chrome is a way to browse the Internet similar to Internet Explorer.

What is a Wiki?

By admin, 15 January, 2010, 1 Comment

A “Wiki” is basically a web page that can be viewed and modified by anyone with a Web browser and access to the Internet. It is typically used for collaborative efforts within a group. Students can use one to work on a group project. Company employees can use one to create meeting agendas, notes and comments. Homeowner Associations can use a Wiki to collaborate on common area projects. I’m planning to create and use a Wiki in my computer business as a dynamic knowledge base for everything from company policies to troubleshooting techniques and more. Anyone who collaborates or shares knowledge can benefit from a Wiki.

The downside is that modifications may have to be monitored for content, and that means someone has to take on that job. Also, the content comes from people in the group, true or not, opinion or fact. So, as time changes, opinions and facts may change, and therefore the content may become obsolete with time. Therefore, one should be careful in assuming that Wikis are reliable sources of information.

The upside is that Wikis offer a powerful and flexible way for people to collaborate. Emailing and replying with attachments become a way of the past. Wikis are immediate and accessible to everyone in the group as soon as someone hits the Save button.

To create your own Wiki, all you need is some Wiki software, like Twiki, and a place to host it. You can host it on a website, or even a shared location on your server or computer.

“To Do” Software to Help You Get Things Done

By admin, 3 January, 2010, 3 Comments

If you’re a fan of David Allen’s, “Getting Things Done” book, then you’ll like the EasyTask Manager software by OrionBelt.com for Windows or Mac OS X. The software lets you organize your tasks by project, context or category. If you are like me, on an average day, I like to organize my tasks by where I can get things done. For example, I have calls to make, emails to send, and errands to run in my car. A context helps you separate your tasks according to the tools/places needed to complete the task. I also like to see the projects that I’m working on, like writing an e-book or preparing for a class that I’m teaching.

The main reason I decided to use the EasyTask Manager software is that I can sync my tasks with my iPhone. It was easy – I just installed the app and followed the simple instructions to sync. Now I can see everything I have to do and add tasks while I’m away from my computer. No more little pieces of paper floating around!

3 Ways to Run Windows on Your Mac

By admin, 3 January, 2010, No Comment

There are 3 common ways to run Windows on your Mac. All 3 methods will allow you to install Windows 7. All 3 methods work with Snow Leopard. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.

Use Bootcamp that comes for free with your Mac.
Install VMWare Fusion 3
Install Parallels 5

I have used all 3 methods. My personal preference is to use either VMWare Fusion or Parallels. With either of those, I avoid having to reboot the machine everytime I want to go into Windows. Opening Windows is as easy as running any other Mac application. I use Windows often, because I have Windows-specific software that I purchased, such as Quicken and Quickbooks, so for me, that was the way to go. Since I had previously used VMWare Fusion 3, I opted to use Parallels 5 this time around.

With Windows installed using Bootcamp, I would have to restart my Mac from the Windows partition, thereby leaving Mac OS X behind for a while. When I wanted to get back to Mac OS X, I’d have to reboot from the Mac OS X partition. The main advantage, and the only advantage to me, to using Bootcamp is that the drivers are Windows drivers, not virtualized. I have a few clients who have security cameras, and the software to view them only work with Windows in a non-virtualized environment. Other than that, I don’t need Bootcamp.

In a nutshell, The following article just came out in November, so it’s recent and discusses all the latest versions of software. It’s a good article to help you decide:

http://atlchris.com/1136/parallels-desktop-5-vs-vmware-fusion-3/

If you have used any of the 3 methods, please comment. I’d like to know your experience.

Swap Goods and Services – for Aspen Locals

By admin, 26 December, 2009, 1 Comment

SwapAspen.com is a FREE online swap directory for people and businesses who reside or do business in the city of Aspen, Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley. The directory includes both business and personal posts of goods and services up for swap.

Tax Issues: Bartering does not offer a tax loophole to avoid taxation. According to the IRS tax website, “Income from bartering is taxable in the year in which you receive the goods or services. Generally, you report this income on Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business Form 1040.”

Cool Covers for Laptops, iPhones, iPods and more

By admin, 23 December, 2009, 1 Comment

One of the coolest things I’ve seen to cover your laptop, iPhone, etc, are Gelaskins. Check them out at gelaskins.com. Find the artists you like and then check out their portfolio. Pick one for your laptop and another for your iPod. Or, create your own! Either way, it’s a sure way to make your laptop unique.