Hi All,

Have been browsing around these forums for a couple of days now and am a tad disappointed to note that I can't access everything as I have not made 25 posts - defeats the object of a 'noob' looking for information somewhat!

Sorry, I digress... back to the subject of software. I am not a Microsoft lover (it's a long story) and, rightly or wrongly, do whatever I can to avoid using their software (o/s excluded).

My set up is : Desktop/laptop (Win 7), scanner/printer, iPhone.

The software/cloud services that I use are :

Google - allows me to have my contacts/calendar where ever I go (PC/iPhone)
Ashampoo Office 2010 - compatible with Word/Excel/Powerpoint at a fraction of the cost and can be run from a USB stick. (See below). A good alternative is OpenOffice. (PC/cloud)
Evernote - allows me to take my notes with me where ever I go (PC/iPhone/cloud)
TreePad Plus - a tree base note application. Make extensive use of the hyperlink facility. (PC)
Toodledo - Task list which can be web based or used with a free iPhone app. When at my desktop I use TaskAngel as the front end. (PC/iPhone/cloud)
Serif PagePlus - DTP (PC)
Dropbox - (PC/iPhone/cloud)
Google Chrome / Firefox (PC)
Thunderbird with lightning & zindus extension to sync with Google. (PC)

All the above software is either free or very inexpensive and been used by me for a number of years.

Free versions of the Serif applications are also available - they do not time out in any way but have other limitations although are perfectly usable.

Some of the cloud services overlap eg. google docs / Evernote / Dropbox but that is good as it gives me an alternative should and of the services be unavailable.

Finally, I always carry a USB stick around that contains a number of portable apps eg. Thunderbird & Firefox (see PortableApps.com for details) and Ashampoo Office so that I can always work provided I can get access to a windows PC.

Any comments ?

Originally Posted by McDegz

Hi All, Have been browsing around these forums for a couple of days now and am a tad disappointed to note that I can't access everything as I have not made 25 posts - defeats the object of a 'noob' looking for information somewhat!

Hi McDegz and welcome to the forum. There is actually A LOT of information you can access on VAF without the need of 25 posts.
The 25 post standard doesn't defeat the object of a 'noob' looking for information, it is in fact the opposite. By forcing you to post at least 25 times you are actively helping us help you. You can't expect to just sit back and not become involved in the forum and use everyone's ideas do you? This also stops people from abusing the forum and just grabbing what they want and leaving, it's not the way things work around here. We like to get to know each other more both on a personal and professional level.
I joined the forum almost 2 months ago and it only took me maybe a week to post 25 posts, in saying that, I only posted where it felt relevant for me to post, I don't just post things for the sake of it and to get my post count up.
In saying that, I hope you decide to stay and keep posting so we can learn more about you and you can learn more about the members here. We look after our own and love to help out where we can.

Originally Posted by McDegz

Sorry, I digress... back to the subject of software. I am not a Microsoft lover (it's a long story) and, rightly or wrongly, do whatever I can to avoid using their software (o/s excluded). My set up is : Desktop/laptop (Win 7), scanner/printer, iPhone. The software/cloud services that I use are : Google - allows me to have my contacts/calendar where ever I go (PC/iPhone) Ashampoo Office 2010 - compatible with Word/Excel/Powerpoint at a fraction of the cost and can be run from a USB stick. (See below). A good alternative is OpenOffice. (PC/cloud) Evernote - allows me to take my notes with me where ever I go (PC/iPhone/cloud) TreePad Plus - a tree base note application. Make extensive use of the hyperlink facility. (PC) Toodledo - Task list which can be web based or used with a free iPhone app. When at my desktop I use TaskAngel as the front end. (PC/iPhone/cloud) Serif PagePlus - DTP (PC) Dropbox - (PC/iPhone/cloud) Google Chrome / Firefox (PC) Thunderbird with lightning & zindus extension to sync with Google. (PC) All the above software is either free or very inexpensive and been used by me for a number of years. Free versions of the Serif applications are also available - they do not time out in any way but have other limitations although are perfectly usable. Some of the cloud services overlap eg. google docs / Evernote / Dropbox but that is good as it gives me an alternative should and of the services be unavailable. Finally, I always carry a USB stick around that contains a number of portable apps eg. Thunderbird & Firefox (see PortableApps.com for details) and Ashampoo Office so that I can always work provided I can get access to a windows PC. Any comments ?

I do like the sound of some of the software you are using. It sounds like a good idea to be able to put them on a USB stick and take it all around with you.
Where ever I go my laptop goes with me, so I don't need any portable capable software, I may do in the future though.

The software I use is:

Microsoft Office
Adobe Acrobat Pro - Love it for fillable forms and making things look professional, it's a bit expensive but worth it in the end.
Photoshop CS4 - Use it for my own design creations/adjustments etc and for clients designs for Facebook tabs, profile pictures and Twitter backgrounds etc, and any other design work a client wants that I know how to do
To-Do List - I use coloured sticky notes that stick to the wall in front of me behind my laptop where I can see them. I like things in colour, it helps me remember things better, and if I'm out, I can recall what my tasks are by the position they are on my wall and by the colour sticky note I assigned it. It works for me, I tried doing the online one, but I never checked it so it was a waste of time.
Bit.ly - Not really a software, but I use it all the time to shorten links and create custom shortened links
Espress Scribe - Transcribe audio
WavePad Sound Editor - To edit audio
AutoScreenRecorder - Records your screen. You can easily create tutorials etc.
RecordPad Sound Recorder - To record sound. I will use it to record podcasts (I need to perfect my voice for recording, I sound like a little girl in recordings )
VLC Media Player - To watch video's and convert video formats
Dreamweaver - To create simple websites and learn more about creating websites

And the browser I use is Firefox, and I have a custom VA toolbar I downloaded from Tawnya Sutherland, it's pretty awesome you should check it out.

That's about all the software I use.
I'm thinking of getting Adobe InDesign, to create better print material etc, but I'll have to figure out if the investment will be worth it for my business. I love Adobe products.

__________________

Hello,
I'm grateful that you have bought up this subject. This is something that I've been wondering about too. I'm using Paymo for tracking time and Dropbox too. Microsoft Office and I've been using OneNote for a computer version sticky notes. I'm only starting out, so it's good to know there are some inexpensive options out there. Thanks to you too Phillpa - by the way, I also sound like a little girl on recordings...

My set-up is: 2 Laptops (Win 7) [one for the office and one for travel], 19" flatscreen, all on one wireless printer, NeatReciepts scanner, Flip camera, external hard-drive [for additional back-up] and Android

Software staples I use:
Microsoft Office 2010 - I am all for Open Source but I do believe that there are some things you need to splurge on and this was one to service my current client needs.
Outlook Business Contacts Manager - for all my CRM needs, love this since it integrates with Office
OneNote - for paperless file system and notes
Adobe Acrobat Pro
GIMP and Paint.net - for all my graphics needs
Dropbox
Camtasia - for video creation and editing
Audacity - for audo creation and editing
Google Apps - for my cloud computing, I do have everything synced to Outlook and my Droid. This was not my first choice however with the new phone it was a must. Now I absolutely love it.
QuickBooks - for my financials
GoToMeeting - for client meetings, training and interaction
Skype - for communication with some of my clients (and my dad too!)
Office Time - time tracking
Chrome - browsing, switching from Firefox so I am still on the fence here.

And of course, the forums for interaction, new information and resources. These are my staples and I use many other cloud programs as I find them and feel that they are helpful.

As for the 25 posts, I think this is generous for a free forum with loads of resources. There needs to be some limit so that interaction happens with all who come and play. You will notice as you continue to delve into the forum, participate in the conversation and ask some questions you will be there before you know it.

__________________
Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I knew I'd forget something!

I also use:

Skype - I have a SkypeIn number that clients call me on and it also has a voicemail feature and caller ID
Freshbooks - For time tracking

__________________

Does anyone use a 'fax to email' provider? If so, who do you use and how much does it cost?

__________________
Alana Farr :daisy:
Alfa Virtual Business Services

Originally Posted by Alana

Does anyone use a 'fax to email' provider? If so, who do you use and how much does it cost?

Alana, go to this forum and look around - lots of information: http://www.virtualassistantforums.co...voip-fax-email

HTH a bit

__________________
Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Thanks Jules - very informative thread.

__________________
Alana Farr :daisy:
Alfa Virtual Business Services

Hi All,

Thanks for your comments. Fully understand the 25 post bit... I just got a bit frustrated as I could not gain access to the 'juicy areas'!

Alana - I use the YAC service to receive faxes etc

I have a Multi VA firm so my business model is slightly different but I personally use the following programs :

• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Master Collection CS5 (it is expensive but I already had from my old "real" job, they paid for it teehee!)
• Adobe Acrobat Pro (same thing, before I got laid off from previous position they paid for it for me)
• Firefox with firebug plug in for web design and wordpress, joomla management (free)
• Basecamp Suite - $100 a month for a multi VA practice this is priceless (you can have it for free how ever with fewer features). To do lists, CRM, document management (replaced dropbox for me) real time chat that stays documented, so on and so on.
• Freshbooks - prefect for invoicing and tracking time, also integrates with basecamp (not as well as I would like however).
• Skype - I have a skype line with a real number attached to it as well as voice mail. I am considering getting a 1-800 number and forwarding to it soon.

I am still testing out other software and options for better email and calendar management for clients. As well as for transcription and receipt scanning.

__________________
Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper