It’s easy to take it all for granted these days, but basic computer literacy skills are not always the most obvious, and not everyone is fully skilled in them. This is understandable, and even well-worn professionals will need refreshers on matters like cybersecurity practice from time to time. 

Moreover, sometimes a lack of familiarity with a certain system can be an obstacle. For instance, it’s recently been reported that Gen Z workers are having trouble understanding printer/scanner systems, and filing systems outside of the closed loops offered by many smartphones. This isn’t something to mock them for, as not all of this knowledge has been necessary until they hit the workforce. 

That said, it’s not just about being unaware, but also non-optimal in your daily practice that demands a second look. So, in this post, let’s look at how to better organize your desktop files for professional use:

The first step in organizing your desktop files is to give them clear and descriptive names that make it easy to find them later. Yes, this includes files too. It’s a good habit to get into, because if you misname one folder or set of files it might take up to an hour for you to figure all of this out again, and if you add up all of the seconds you spend searching for the right document, that adds up over time. You might also add some of these files to your quick access shortcuts depending on what operating system you use. 

Descriptive file names should include the name of the project or client, the date, and a brief description of the content too. Proper file naming conventions will help you avoid confusion and ensure that you can quickly locate the files you need, but make sure to keep it brief, and in cases of revisions, you can use numbers to showcase your workflow when you return to this index later on. 

Understanding the different file types and their intended use can help you organize your desktop files more efficiently, even if you think you’re familiar with them. For instance, text documents like Word or Google Docs are ideal for writing and editing, while image files like JPG or PNG are best for visual content. This much is easy. 

But do you know how to digitally sign a PDF, how to compress a PDF such as with this guide here, https://setapp.com/how-to/compress-pdf-files, and how to lock a PDF so only the intended recipient can open it? Moreover, learning how to make scans into PDF’s can help you keep your physical documents backed up. 

Familiarity with file types can help you avoid making mistakes, like having trouble opening an OpenOffice file when renaming the document would have made it compatible with Microsoft Word, saving you a confused email. 

Configuring your desktop settings can help you customize your desktop to suit your needs and preferences. For instance, you can customize your desktop icons, select the size of your thumbnails, and configure the sort order of your files in that way. 

On Windows desktops, you can also set your operating system to show hidden files, meaning that you can ensure everything on your system is visible to you. Disabling auto-updates can be useful if you’re about to give a presentation, while making sure your work laptop only plays sound when you have headphones in can be important, too. By adjusting your settings, you can make your desktop more efficient and user-friendly, without the simple annoyances that add up over time. 

Backing up your files to a cloud storage folder, like Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or Google Drive, can help you protect your work in case of a hardware failure or other data loss event, which you can bet is the most frustrating issue in the world, particularly in a professional context. 

Luckily, this is mostly quite simple, you just need to download the software and have it pointed at folders you wish to be backed up around the clock. This means if you save a change to a file within that folder, that too will be updated. You can also make sure that backing up your cloud storage on your work phone is enabled too, which has the same effect. 

If you work collaboratively with others, it's important to understand the sharing permissions of your desktop files, lest you’re asked for a particular file type but you aren’t able to provide it. Often, a shareable link can be provided, as well as access you wish to give straight from your cloud storage. In some cases, you can even send these links securely through apps like Microsoft Teams so you can enjoy immediate communication with those in the office. 

By learning how to set permissions for each file, you can control who can access and edit your work. Understanding sharing permissions can help you protect your work and ensure that it is only accessed by authorized users, too, and this might mean gradations such as those who work within your company, or assigning a particular email address to the file. 

While cloud storage is an excellent way to protect your files, it's worth considering how useful your hardware backup devices are. External hard drives or USB drives can provide an additional layer of protection for your work and ensure that you always have access to your files, even if you don't have an internet connection, or if you need them offline in a pinch. 

Some files might be limited from being downloaded on unapproved home computers, and so some people use USB’s to transfer files from their work computer to their home computer but make sure you follow the right cybersecurity measures if you do this. 

With this advice, you’re sure to organize your desktop files for professional purposes, in the best possible context.

There are some bathroom repairs that can be delayed, however there are others that you don’t want to put off. Below are just some of the bathroom problems that could require immediate repairs. 

A blocked toilet is pretty hard to ignore - especially if you only have one toilet in your home. The longer it goes unresolved, the more hassle it will cause for you, so it’s important to know what to do if your toilet drains are blocked. You may be able to use remedies like hot water or a plunger, however more stubborn blockages may require getting into the pipes. An emergency plumber will be able to come and resolve the issue if you cannot unblock it yourself. 

The constant drip-drip noise of a tap can quickly get annoying. But there’s a greater reason as to why you need to get this fixed quickly, and that’s the fact that every drip will be costing you extra money. Getting your dripping tap fixed pronto could prevent a high water bill (and a high heating bill if it’s a hot water tap). It’s likely that you need to replace the cartridge or the washer within the tap. When it comes to old worn bathroom taps, replacing the entire tap may be worthwhile. 

If you’re getting horrible smells coming out of your plug holes or toilet, it could also be important that you take action quickly. Sewer gas isn’t just unpleasant to breathe in, but potentially toxic and highly flammable. This can rise up through pipes when the p-trap becomes dry - often after long periods of non-use. En suite bathrooms of bedrooms that are rarely used are therefore big culprits. Running water for a while or continuously flushing may help to fill the p-trap with water and stop the sewer gas. If this isn’t the cause, a blockage or other plumbing issue may be to blame - consider hiring a plumber to take a look. 

Mould isn’t just smelly and unpleasant to look at - it can actually be bad for your health if you breathe in too much of it. Mould thrives in warm, damp and dimly lit places, which is why bathrooms are often the perfect environment. Once you notice mould growth in your bathroom, it’s important to eliminate it. An anti-mould spray is a simple and effective option, however, you should also consider the root cause. Lack of extractor fans and plumbing leaks are two causes to look into. 

Noticed a reduced amount of water coming out of your bathroom taps? Or perhaps the shower is not as powerful as it once was? Toilet not flushing enough water? All of these problems are a case of low water pressure. You shouldn’t ignore low water pressure, because it’s possible that it could be due to a more serious problem such as a plumbing leak. This could be causing water damage and high water bills. Of course, there are other reasons for low water pressure too.

Buying property in a foreign country is a great idea, and not just because you have a holiday home to go to if you want to soak up the sun and get your tan on. It’s also a fantastic investment that can serve as a lucrative asset well into the future. 

Although buying a second home is an expensive investment and requires a lot more maintenance and logistics, there are huge benefits to buying real estate overseas. If you’re unconvinced, here are five great reasons that might change your mind. 

The obvious benefit of owning a property overseas is that you have a place to go whenever you want a break. You can buy a second home in whichever country you’d love to keep going back to, and can always retreat there for a summer vacation. Even if jetting off on the spur of the moment, you won’t have to worry about booking accommodation because it will always be there waiting for you. 

Your overseas property will likely be sitting unoccupied for most of the year, so you might as well get some use out of it. Listing it on a rental site like AirBnb will allow you to make a potentially huge passive income on the side. You will probably need to hire a cleaner or property management company to keep it in good condition, but over time the money you make from tenants will pay for the expense. The amount you make from renting out your holiday home will depend on how desirable the location is. If it’s right by the beach in a hot climate, you can expect it to be in demand all year round. 

Many exotic countries have a much lower cost of living than the United States, meaning you’ll spend a lot less money when you stay in your second home. Over time, these cost savings can really add up and make a difference to your finances. 

Whether it’s a beachfront house or luxury apartments in a thriving city, a property is one of the most valuable assets you can own. There’s a high chance that it will appreciate in value over time, allowing you to make a huge profit if you eventually sell it. You can increase its value yourself by upgrading it, renovating rooms, or adding extensions. Your investment portfolio will be much more diverse as well as scattered all over the globe. 

Most people spend their whole lives dreaming of the day they can retire and live out their years in an exotic location. But the hardest step to achieving this is being able to afford a retirement home. If you are lucky enough to have the budget for a retirement home, you now have this to look forward to. When you’ve finished with your career, you can sell your primary home and permanently move abroad to spend the rest of your life enjoying the sun, sea, and sand of a foreign country.

There is something about the allure of moving to a new country that makes your imagination run wild. You think of all the amazing things you will be doing, the new friends you will make, and the incredible experiences you will have. While it is definitely possible to achieve all of these things when you move abroad, it's important to keep in mind that only some things go according to plan. That's why it's important to set realistic goals for yourself before making the leap. This blog post will discuss five realistic goals for moving abroad and how you can achieve them! 

One of the most important things you can do when moving abroad is to get to know your new home. This means taking time to explore the area, meet locals, and learn about the culture and customs of the place you are living in. You will have a much better transition if you take the time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. In addition, it will be easier to make friends and find your place in the community. 

If you are moving to a country with a different language, it's essential that you take some time to learn the basics of the new language. Not only will this help you communicate better with locals, but it is also an essential part of integrating into the culture. Even if you don't become fluent, having basic knowledge of the language can be extremely helpful when navigating everyday life in your new home. 

Once you have settled into your new home, finding suitable housing and employment should be one of your top priorities. This can be challenging at times as most countries require you to have certain documents or permits before you can legally work. Therefore, it is important to research the requirements, find more here for your particular situation, and ensure that you comply with all of the necessary laws before beginning any job search. 

Networking is invaluable in any new environment, especially when moving abroad. Involving yourself in local events and activities and joining online groups can be great ways to meet people and create connections. Building a solid network will not only help you feel more comfortable in your new home, but it can also open up opportunities for employment, housing, and even fun experiences! 

Last but certainly not least, remember to have fun during this exciting experience! Moving abroad is a great opportunity to see new places, learn about different cultures, and open your mind. The best part is that all of these experiences can still be enjoyed while keeping realistic goals in place. So take some time to explore, make the most of the situation, and enjoy every minute of it! 

In conclusion, moving abroad can be a daunting and intimidating experience, but setting realistic goals beforehand can make the process much smoother. Whether it's getting to know the area, learning the language, finding housing and employment, building a network, or simply having fun, these five goals are essential for any successful move abroad. So set your goals today and start planning your amazing adventure!

Chronic back and neck pain can be a challenge to manage, but there are a variety of treatments and therapies that can be used to minimize its effects. 

Starting a business is no easy task. In fact, it's one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. According to Forbes, 90% of businesses fail within the first five years. That's a pretty daunting statistic. So, how can you make sure your startup doesn't become part of that statistic? This blog post will discuss 10 tips that will help increase your chances of success!

 A well-thought-out business plan will be an invaluable tool when starting a new business. It should include details such as goals, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and more.

Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for promoting your brand and connecting with potential customers. Take advantage of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for maximum exposure.

Proper financial management is essential when running a business. Make sure you have a good understanding of accounting principles, including cash flow analysis and budgeting. Familiarize yourself with tax laws in order to avoid any legal issues down the line.

Networking is essential for gaining visibility and credibility. Attend events in your industry, join professional organizations, and create meaningful relationships with potential clients or partners.

Surround yourself with qualified people who possess the skills you lack. Having a strong team will make all the difference when it comes to success. Make sure to vet each employee carefully before bringing them on board.

The nature of the business can be unpredictable and constantly changing. Be prepared to adapt quickly to new trends, technologies, and customer demands in order to stay competitive.

Don't get sidetracked by unnecessary tasks and activities. Focus on the core of your business and prioritize important tasks to ensure that you are moving forward in the right direction.

Technology can be a powerful asset for any business, so make sure to use it wisely. Investing in the right Technology can help streamline processes, improve efficiency and increase productivity.

Choose the right business bank account that meets your needs. It must have features such as low fees, free transactions, and other perks to ensure you're getting the most out of your account. There are fintech startup ideas that can help you make the most of your banking system and get the best out of it.

Developing a good marketing plan is key to promoting your business and driving sales. Research the best channels for reaching your target audience and come up with creative strategies for engaging them. Experiment with different approaches until you find one that works for you.

Starting a business is no easy task, but with the right tools and strategies in place, you can increase your chances of success. Utilize these tips to make sure your startup doesn't fail! Good luck and happy launching!

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The last few years have taken their toll on everyone financially. With the global inflation rate averaging at 8.8% this year, it is no wonder that even households with regular incomes are now struggling to keep both ends meet. 

Of course, we cannot stop spending even when money is tight. We need to pay the bills even while working with a limited budget. So today, I am sharing these tips to help you stretch your budget: 

To help you cut your monthly bills, you may want to consider canceling a couple of subscriptions. Apart from water, electricity, and internet subscription, you can probably let go of some of your streaming network subscriptions to cut up some expenses on bills. You may also try to go for family packages, which are much more economical than individual ones.

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Nostalgia seems to be a trend that will simply never go away. Television series set in the 80s have grown in popularity over the past few years. Practically everything with a 90's reference seems to go viral. From old movies getting rehashed to old fashion trends being trendy again, the past is here to stay. We all love to reminisce, after all. I for one am delighted to talk about the things I love about my childhood. 

I have just finished watching a season of Stranger Things. It is what inspires this feeling of nostalgia. And it made me look back on the things that I love about my childhood. I can go on and on about those, but these are the 3 things I loved the most: 

Among the top things I love about my childhood is spending time indoors playing board games with the family. Back then, we do not have social media or smartphones, so we rely heavily on board games or games of our inventions to entertain us for hours on end. 

Imagine my delight when I discovered my childhood favorite board games online. Calculators.org has a wide selection of games in different categories. They also have most of my favorite board games, including Chess and Snake and Ladders. Playing this now did bring me back to the time when things are a lot simpler. When nothing matters to a little girl like me than winning a board game against my brother. 

Calculators.org also has an assortment of other types of games. They have Math and number games, logic games, and my favorite so far, word games. I sampled Type Furious and it brought me back to the days when I was still learning how to type in high school. I was mastering my typing speed using a very similar game. 

My parents love entertaining visitors and guests at home. I remember we would always have our relatives come over, especially during important occasions like Christmases, anniversaries, birthdays, or reunions. These visits would mean endless hours of fun playing with my cousins, playing parlor games with the grownups, or an impromptu concert at the videoke machine. It would also mean feasting on delicious meals and treats that my mother and cousins lovingly prepared for everybody. 

In the 90s fun times for children meant spending hours outdoors with our playmates. We play a lot of traditional outdoor games like patintero, tumbang preso, taguan, or luksong tinik. We would also fly kites on the fields, climb trees, spend time chasing after each other, or just watch the sunset to mark the end of the day. 

On other occasions, we would gather flowers around for the summer flower festival or would go around the neighborhood playing Christmas carols so we can earn a little money to buy Christmas presents for our parents or friends. 

It is a wonderful experience to look back at the things I love about my childhood. I am always thankful to my parents for giving me a childhood that I will always fondly remember.

Would you like to become a more environmentally friendly business that does not harm the planet? Then you have come to the right place, as this guide contains some of the most effective steps that you can follow to become an eco-conscious company in no time at all. This guide contains some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to turn your eco-dreams into a reality in no time at all, so what are you waiting for? Check below to uncover some of the best ways that you can support the planet as a business today! 

In today's modern world, the average business uses an alarming amount of power and energy each day. The volume of electricity that your business likely gets through will no doubt cause your carbon footprint to reach untold levels that can certainly have a negative impact on the planet, so there’s no time like the present to figure out how you can make some effective changes to ensure you can use less energy. One of the best ways to use less energy within your business is to install motion-detecting light switches, as leaving your lights on through the night or when no staff are around will certainly bump up your energy use for no good reason. Instead, when your light sensors detect that there is no one in the room or area, they will simply switch off so that you can start to better conserve energy. This will not only help you to use fewer resources, but it can also reduce the cost of your energy bills too! If you want to take this one step further, then contacting some expert industrial electrical contractors to come out and install some sustainable power resources could be the perfect option. Using something like solar panels on your business roof can certainly help you to use less energy, as you can instead use the electricity that has been created naturally using the sun's rays as they hit your solar panels! Solar is an infinite resource, so it’s much better to use this option instead. 

Do you find that you throw lots of trash away, but do not recycle nearly half as much? Then this could be your next priority, as trying to recycle more can certainly help to decrease your impact on the environment. When you make an effort to recycle, the materials that you would have once thrown in the trash can actually be given another life as a new product instead. There are so many materials that can be used again and again, including paper and card, glass, metals, some plastics and so much more. It has to be said that you may even start to make more money if you recycle, as rather than paying for a trash truck to come and collect and dump your rubbish, you can actually sell your recyclable waste to a specialist plant who can then give it a new life.

Photo by Fikret tozak on Unsplash

I have been blogging since I was in college, and I must say it has been quite a journey. I have come a long way from sharing my daily musings about my classes to publishing these helpful "how to" articles filled with informative tips and hacks for my readers. 

My blog has become an integral part of my life. I have worked on it several hours daily, adding more posts regularly to build up my content. It has been one of my most rewarding experiences yet. 

I claim to be no expert on the topic, but here are a few ways I managed to build a successful blog: 

One of the most common newbie mistakes for those trying to build a successful blog is failing to choose a niche. Choosing a niche for their blog earlier on will define the direction you wish to take with your blog. It will also serve as the guide to deciding what posts to create next and which audience to target. Some of the most popular niches today are food, fashion, mommy, travel, and parenting blogs. 

Primarily my blog has been a proverbial melting pot of anything and everything under the sun. But as years went by, I managed to choose a more specific niche which helped shape my blog into what it is today. It was something that worked well for me. Looking back, it would have been more effective if I had chosen a specific niche earlier. 

Another common misconception on how to build a successful blog is focusing more on the blogger than the audience. Of course, we would like to share more about ourselves through our blog posts; this is how our readers and followers will come to know us and grow to love our content. But one must also consider his target audience and analyze what content they prefer to see and read in your blog. This way, you can be sure that your audience will return to your blog for more content, thereby growing your following. 

Yes, this old statement from Bill Gates in 1996 never rings truer. "Content is king." Quality content is still the key to gaining readers and growing your followers. Never grow tired of writing those clever and informative posts. Learn which topics are relevant to your readers and make detailed and well-researched posts about them. Do not forget to craft catchy and captivating titles and do it regularly. Set a regular schedule for publishing your content. 

The increase in popularity of social media these past few years paved the way for influencers to rise to fame as well. They became prominent personalities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and similar platforms. You can never go wrong in utilizing these said platforms to grow your blog following. Creating a page on Facebook or Instagram for your blog is another way to grow your audience and add more avenues to earn from your blog. 

While sponsored posts are the most popular form of blog paid content, influencer marketing is one of the biggest things on social media platforms. Brands tap Facebook or Instagram content creators to help market their products; it has proven to be a very effective advertising and marketing tool. It is another income opportunity for any blogger to consider. 

The overall look of your blog is a factor in making your readers stay to read for an entire length of an article or keep them coming back to read more of your content. If you can, invest in a functional but simple theme with a mobile mode to provide a better reader experience. If you do not have the budget to spare for a customized one, there are plenty of free Blogger and WordPress themes to choose from to help improve your blog.

Taking a step back is often the best way to make a wise choice. Forget about the details for the present time and just think about what you want your money to do for you. In a few minutes, it should be much easier to decide whether to save or invest. 

When you save, you put some of your money away for the future. You can put money into your savings all at once or on a regular basis. And if you use an easy-access account, you can get your money back at any time, along with the interest you've earned. And if you use an easy-access account, you can get your money back at any time, along with the interest you've earned. 

Aside from being easy to get to, one of the best things about saving is that it's safe. Is saving risk-free? No, not really. Since interest rates have been low for years, you won't get much back on your money. It might not keep up with inflation. So, the money in your savings account isn't heading anywhere, but it's getting harder and harder to buy things with it over time. In other words, you can buy less with it. 

Investing is another way to put money aside for the future. There are many ways to invest, and most of them come with some kind of cost or fee. Shares and funds are probably the most well-known types of investments. With shares, you buy a small piece of a single company. With funds, you buy a ready-made group of investments that are managed for you by a professional. 

When you invest, you put your money into something you think will be worth more in the future for example, you might invest in Commodities or other stocks. Here, you face a different type of risk: exposure to the markets. This means that the value of your investment can and will change, so you could get back less than you put in. Your expected returns can also change, and you can't always count on them. 

Because of this, you should try to invest for at least 5 years. If the value of your investment goes down, a longer time frame gives it more time to recover. By figuring out when you'll need your cash, you can manage the risk you're taking. 

Why risk anything? First of all, not all investment risks are the same. And if you take calculated risks, you might be able to make more money than if you just put your money in a savings account. Is it worth taking a risk to invest? 

It's more about finding the right combination for you. There are, of course, many different needs and goals in life. So it's likely that you want to put your money toward more than one goal. 

You should figure out how much you can save each month as a good place to start. When you have a number in mind, you can think about how to split it up to make sure you have cash for various parts of your life. How you do that will depend on your age and what's most important to you. 

It's smart to put your money in different pots: