erik eckel

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10 things to look for in a hardware-based firewall

The firewall you choose can have a major impact on your organization's security and productivity. Here are 10 factors you don't want to overlook.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Tags: Hardware, Erik Eckel, Firewalls, Network Security, Security, Networking

Download resources 2009-10-06

10 things you can do to keep Outlook running smoothly

A little housekeeping, some configuration tweaks, and a few best practices will prevent problems and keep Outlook humming.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Tags: Erik Eckel, Microsoft Outlook, Groupware, Microsoft Office, Office Suites, Software, Enterprise Software

Download resources 2009-09-22

10 mistakes that rookie IT consultants make

IT consulting is a tough, competitive field, and there are ample opportunities to mishandle the job. Erik Eckel offers some cautionary advice for IT consultants who are just starting out.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Tags: Consultant, Information Technology, Erik Eckel, IT Consulting, Strategy, Management

Download resources 2009-09-09

A computer geek's guide to building a 64-bit server on a budget

Building a new 64-bit server from scratch doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, Erik Eckel built one for less than $775. Here's how he did it. This download is also available as an entry in our Microsoft Windows blog and as a photo gallery.

Tags: Server, Photograph, Computer, Erik Eckel, Computer Geek, 64-Bit, Productivity, Network Technology, Processors, Semiconductors, Hardware, Components, Networking

Download resources 2009-07-10

10 ways to avoid viruses and spyware

To have a fighting chance against today's rampant security threats, end users have to be informed and proactive. Here are some practical guidelines they can follow to minimize the risk of infection and attack.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Tags: Virus, Erik Eckel, Cyberthreats, Security, Spyware, Spyware, Adware & Malware, Viruses And Worms

Download resources 2009-06-19

Consultant Evaluation Form

Give this survey to your clients to gauge your success on the job.

Tags: Evaluation, Erik Eckel, Recruitment & Selection, Marketing Research, Human Resources, Workforce Management, Marketing

Download resources 2009-04-28

Noncompete agreement

An agreement in which the consultant agrees to maintain confidentiality of all client systems and information.

Tags: Agreement, Erik Eckel

Download resources 2009-04-28

Nondisclosure agreement

Customizable nondisclosure agreement for IT consultants

Tags: Nondisclosure Agreement, Agreement, Erik Eckel, Strategy, Management

Download resources 2009-04-28

10 things you should look for in a netbook

When you're evaluating netbooks, you have to weigh the convenience of their small form factor against a variety of limitations. Erik Eckel explains several key considerations that will help you find a suitable middle ground.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.

Tags: Netbook, Erik Eckel, Netbooks, Nettops & MIDs, Hardware

Download resources 2009-04-16

Sample letter of agreement

This is a sample letter of agreement for IT Consultants to use with new clients.

Tags: Agreement, Letter, Erik Eckel

Download resources 2009-03-19

Project and Scope Creep Minimization Checklist

Here's a comprehensive checklist IT project managers and consultants can review to help minimize project management feature and scope creep. Whether working with internal or external audiences, the tips, recommendations and solutions collected here help ensure projects finish as intended: efficiently, properly, on time and with no cost overruns.

Tags: Checklist, Erik Eckel, Project Management, Tools & Techniques, Strategy, It Operations, It service Management, Management

Download resources 2009-03-12

10 ways techs can make extra cash

If you're searching for opportunities to supplement your income -- or you're in between jobs and need some work to tide you over -- the tech field offers a number of possibilities. Erik Eckel runs down some of your options.This download is also available as an entry in our 10...

Tags: Tech, Erik Eckel, Blogging, Operational Accounting, Personal Finance, Recruitment & Selection, Internet, Finance, Human Resources, Workforce Management

Download resources 2009-03-11

10 tech mistakes small businesses make (and how IT consultants can help clients avoid them)

Small businesses must concentrate their time and energy on knowing their own industry -- and that often means that effective technology practices get overlooked. Erik Eckel explains the most common tech missteps he's encountered, along with preventive measures to protect businesses and prevent serious problems.This PDF is available as an...

Tags: Information Technology, Small Business, Erik Eckel, Microsoft Office, Office Suites, Software

Download resources 2009-02-17

Debrief & Defend: Microsoft Office v. Google Docs

This Debrief and Defend explores the many differences between Microsoft Office and Google Docs, while also reviewing important features absent from the Web-based alternative.

Tags: Google Inc., Google Docs, Microsoft Corp., Erik Eckel, Microsoft Office, Office Suites, Software

Download resources 2009-01-22

The Ultimate Windows XP OS Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Ensuring Windows XP performs optimally requires keeping a disciplined maintenance routine. Based on years of supporting hundreds of end users' Windows XP systems, here's a checklist of 25 key real-world software-specific tasks you should perform regularly to keep Windows XP systems running smoothly.

Tags: Operating System, Erik Eckel, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software

Download resources 2009-01-22

The Ultimate Windows Vista OS Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Performing regular maintenance helps keep Windows Vista desktops running at their best. Based on years of experience troubleshooting and repairing Windows Vista systems in the field, I've developed this checklist of 25 key real-world software-specific tasks you should regularly complete to keep Windows Vista running smoothly.

Tags: Operating System, Microsoft Windows Vista, Erik Eckel, Microsoft Windows Vista (Longhorn), Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software

Download resources 2009-01-22

10 reasons to purchase new hardware during a recession

It may seem like the last thing you want to do in the midst of tough economic times is invest in new hardware. But IT consultant Erik Eckel suggests that trying to coast on failing or outdated equipment will cost you more in the long run.This download is also available...

Tags: Recession, Hardware, Erik Eckel

Download resources 2009-01-16

10 reasons IT certification will be important in 2009

In the midst of staggering business and economic turmoil, you need all the tools at your disposal to help shore up your career prospects. See why Erik Eckel believes IT certification will become increasingly important for IT pros and the organizations that rely on them.This download is also available as...

Tags: Certification, Information Technology, Erik Eckel, Professional Development, Quality, Training And Certification, Strategy, Career, Business Operations, Management

Download resources 2008-12-21

10 things you should know about Microsoft's revised certification program

Microsoft has made some fairly big changes to its certification program. If you're in the midst of pursuing accreditation -- or you're thinking of heading down one of the new paths -- check out this rundown of new features.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things...

Tags: Program, Microsoft Corp., Erik Eckel, Blogging, Internet

Download resources 2008-12-15

The industry's 10 best IT certifications

IT pros tend to have strong opinions when debating the value of professional certification -- and views become even more polarized when it comes down to a discussion of which certs are meaningful. Erik Eckel put together a list of the accreditations he believes currently hold value for IT pros.This...

Tags: Business Operations, Certification, Erik Eckel, Information Technology, Management, Quality, Strategy, Training And Certification

Download resources 2008-12-10