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Microsoft Launches Windows 8

Today’s innovation with desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablets and slates focuses its score on mobile, compact and user-friendly applications; with displays ranging from less than ten inches to multiple HD screens and mobile phones that do commands in just a touch of a finger. Wireless connection has made internet browsing more accessible, and from megabytes to terabytes, storage memory is becoming bigger and bigger.

The launching of Windows 8 by Microsoft introduces an operating system that reimaged and extended Windows 7’s amazing features. Windows 8 is especially designed to keep fast with ever changing tech gadgets in terms of its internal processors that deliver in faster speed, enriched security, longer battery power with more choice of chipsets and devices. Its fundamentals feature an optimized touch-interface and generated full-screen applications based on latest web standards.

Take a peek into the newly launched Operating System, the Windows 8.

 

 Features of Windows 8

- Metro-style interface displaying immediate relevant applications in simplicity and more control. It tiles your applications on start screen for instant access with an effortless touch of screen, mouse or keyboard.

- Have two touch keyboards for easy typing inputs. One with large keys and other with smaller keys for thumb typing.

- Supports ARM-based chipsets that lets you use it in spectrum of devices without altering the quality of performance.

- Single view of files from different sites.

- Keep your applications running even on a pc standby mode so you won’t need to catch up as you turn on again.

- HTML5-support site ready with IE10.

- Has a multiple-monitor selection. Makes you display start screen on one and desktop screen on the other.

- It is built with effective options that more easily restores and recovers system of your pc in cases of system failure.

- Keeping your pc Windows updated including maintenance running without the need for interruption as you can schedule it at a specific time or when you are not using your computer.

- Makes a great platform for application developers. A great environment for creativity, imagination and crafting of the next new applications yet to be born.

- Data security management preventing malwares.

How to Avoid Online Payment Disputes

In any kind of business, job and endeavor, there are always risks involved and dangers that are waiting for those who are unprepared. If you are a serious worker and you love your job, you will ensure that your efforts will not be put to waste and only unto the hands of some opportunists. One of the most common challenges in remote work is payment dispute. There are different reasons why payments are disputed. It can be because of an unsatisfied client, a missed deadline, poor quality, miscommunication between the client and the contractor or sometimes it could even be a client disappearing after receiving work deliverables.

If you are new to the field, you got to have people to guide you through on how to avoid online payment disputes. You can also do your own research to find effective means to use for your protection. To cite some, here are freelance.com’s tips on how to avoid payment disputes online:

- Ask for an upfront payment. Likewise, you may agree on milestone payments depending on project development.

- Have a clear agreement with your client about deadlines and work requirements. If possible, have it on a formal written agreement.

- Have a clear and regular communication with your client. Clarify any questions or concerns that may affect the quality or delivery of work.

- You may use Escrow where provision of contract is made between the parties involved and their payments. You can also download forms to use at the VACOC (Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce) online.

- Transact within reputable freelance job boards such as Freelance.com.

- Move on a process suggested by Freelance.com. Creating evidence trail is helpful should there be any problem that may arise.

- You may also transmit a completed job via certified express mail such as Federal Express or UPS. This way, you will have a written proof of receipt on the documents.

- Doing a little background check on your client or his business won’t hurt. It will also help you to understand the task at hand and problems that may arise.  

Remote Work and Its Benefits for Small Businesses

Remote work is one of the hottest trends for 2012. In fact, an increasing number of remote workers and remote work opportunities are prevalent online. Small businesses have taken advantage of remote work, too. How? Read on.

You might have been thinking how remote work can help small businesses. Logically, small businesses do not have all the equipment compared to giant businesses. Since competition is part of the nature of the business world, you need to stay on track. So, how can remote work benefit a small business?

Surveys From Small Businesses

Consider these facts:

- 60% of the employees have stated that they can accomplish their tasks remotely.

- 72% of them are comfortable working at home.

- 73% of the companies that have been surveyed do not have their formal remote work policy that enables their workers to work tenuously.

- 14% of the employees have responded that their employers are very supportive in the remote work system.

How Can Remote Work Benefit A Small Business?

These are the benefits that remote work can give small businesses:

- Small businesses can save money on space rentals. Furthermore, they can minimize their office expenses.

- Most of the remote workers are willing to shoulder their computer and internet expenses. That means that small businesses can save a lot from equipment and utility charges.

- They will be able to expand their hiring band for the improvement of their business without spending too much.

- Remote work will help in retaining long-term employees. Research shows that, through remote work, there are lesser possibilities of losing an employee. 

- Remote work helps small businesses in boosting their productivity. In short, small businesses have increased their profitability with remote work.

- Businesses can save $20,000 per year with full-time remote workers.

- There is a noticeable increase of productivity rates at 22% with remote workers.

Remote work minimizes employee turnover up to 50%.

- In addition, remote work improves the health of remote workers. Thus, small businesses can also save on medical charges and insurance fees.

Furthermore, remote workers find remote working as an incentive by having a flexible work schedule with their present employer.

 

SOPA – Internet’s New Villain

If you were wondering why Wikipedia along with other websites are going dark these days, it’s not because they think black is the new cool homepage, it is to protest the “wolf in a sheep’s clothing” bill called SOPA.

SOPA What?

Stop Online Piracy Act or SOPA, is an anti-piracy bill introduced in the US Congress. The name may sound enticing at first. It sounds like it is for a good cause and will protect intellectual property owners which include our fellow freelancers. But wait until you hear about its dark side – SOPA allows intellectual property owners including movie studios and record labels to kill any site, foreign or local, for copyright claim. That means if a site in Australia is hosting a copy of a Hollywood movie, the film’s studio even without a judicial sign-off, can demand for search engines to blacklist the site, for Paypal and other online money processors to close any linked accounts and for the site’s internet provider to prevent people from visiting the website.

What SOPA Means for Us

SOPA means aspiring artists can no longer upload their videos singing a rendition of their favorite song, you probably know that Justin Bieber, Charice and Boyce Avenue were all discovered in Youtube. If your tweet links to a torrent site, then Twitter is legally compelled to remove it, same goes for Facebook, Linkedin and Google+. If any of these sites oppose, then they are putting their business at risk of being shut down. It means you can no longer use someone else’s photograph or background music for your presentation. What SOPA means to freelancers – an unjustly order to stop online collaboration and creativity.

Here at freelance.com, we support anti-SOPA movements and companies against SOPA. A simple email, blog post or status is enough to make a difference. For most freelancers – the internet is our hero. Let’s do our share in protecting it and promoting awareness against its potential villains. 

Stay Creative in 29 Ways

Happy Tuesday freelancers! Here is a short video to keep the creative juices flowing - 29 Ways to Stay Creative.

 

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

Freelancing Forecast for 2012

2011 has been a big year for both freelancers and freelancing companies. It’s been marked with new product launches, an increase in the number of freelancers and jobs available in the market.

 

What Freelancers Should Look Forward to in 2012

More Freelancers Joining the Club

With the increasing unemployment rate, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to earn money; professionals who have been downsized from their work as well as new graduates of e-learning courses.

More Companies Turning to Outsourcing

Companies who financially suffered in 2011 are more likely to consider outsourcing their work. Instead of paying employees on a regular rate as well as other overhead expenses, companies can cut down as much as half on their expenses thru outsourcing.

Social Media Reigns Still

Social media will be playing a much bigger role in businesses’ success. With major players such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google+, it’s definitely one of the best ways to advertise your brand and get people talking. The only question is, who among these big players will stand out?

Image: nokhoog_buchachon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Top 3 New Year’s Resolutions Every Freelancer Must Have

It’s that time of the year when we look back at our past accomplishments and failures with the resolve to perform better and outdo the previous years.

For freelancers like us, it’s the perfect time to make a self-evaluation and focus on areas that need improvement – whether it be a healthier lifestyle, increased productivity or improved client communications.

 

Here are three New Year’s resolutions we think every freelancer should have on their list.

Get a Backup Connection

Internet service interruption is every freelancer’s nightmare.  This also means lower productivity as well as missed opportunities. With the increasing demand of the need to stay connected, telecom providers offer various solutions such as broadband sticks and wifi access to keep you in the loop.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Most freelancers tend to forget about their physical health and appearance. Remember, sitting in front of a computer all day does not count as exercise. Make sure to eat on time and keep an active lifestyle. Studies show that healthy people are more likely to become effective workers.

Enhance Client Communication

As a freelancer, you communicate directly with your clients. Thus, it is your responsibility to examine your present communication habits and identify weak areas. Create an online survey, do some research and formulate a new plan on how to enhance your communication.   

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net