The Conversion to Linux hosting is On

Until recently all my websites have been hosted by a company that was using the Microsoft Window platform. At the time I chose a host that gave me the flexibility of creating multiple websites in a shared server environment. That was almost 5 years ago and the Microsoft IIS Server software was paramount and most dominant with the majority of hosted services.

I now have the need to use more applications that are built specifically for both the Linux and Mysql environment. I am currently converting all of my websites to Linux hosted environments. I was fortunate to choose a host that kept up with the times and was prepared enough to help me make this move rather seamlessly.

When I first looked to create a website I was looking for more of a personal website hosting company. Even though I was creating these websites for small businesses, I was treating them as my own property. What I should have been looking for is a business website hosting company. One that would give me the tools needed to keep my websites flourishing with activity.

Right now I am fairly happy with my current host but if I had to choose one that would give me the best of both worlds in a personal and a business website hosting company I would choose Burton Hosting. Burton hosting has all the makings of a complete host. By that I mean a hosting company that can give you all you need to be successfully and most of all reliably maintained.

Ipod vs Zune

I have been in the market for a portable mp3 player for a long time now. The Apple ipod nano has been the front runner for some time now but has come into question now that the new second generation Zunes from Microsoft have entered the market. Both come in 4gig and 8gig models. The one thing that keeps me debating whether or not to get the Zune over the ipod is the Wifi features. The Zune has Wifi sync and Wifi sharing. The ipod nano does not.

One other feature that makes me want the Zune over the ipod is that fact that I can put my Zune on any computer I want. I would be limited on putting my ipod on just one computer that is subscribed to itunes. This means I could download music and wirelessly sinc it to my Zune from any computer. I could only sinc to my ipod from my home computer that was registered with itunes.

Then I saw and ad for a refurbished ipod nano on couponchief.com that caught my eye and I could not resist the temptation to at least check it out. This ipod nano is only a 2gig unit but for only $79.00 is seam like a steal for a first time ipod buyer like me. If I can convince couponchief.com to give me the free shipping as well I think they may have a deal.

If I get the ipod for that price I can wait another year or so and see what the Zune does for its third generation of mp3 players. Maybe by then Microsoft would have caught up to the awesome attraction and innovation Apple has over it at this time.

Little Known Application Suite Zoho.com makes a Big Dent

If you are a small business and you are thinking of purchasing software to run your business like the most well known business suite of software made by Microsoft Office, then you may want to read on and take a better look at what is out there.

Microsoft Office for Windows which consist of a suite of software programs that include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher and Power Point. These programs are the core of software used by many small to large businesses. The most well know of the suite and most widely used is Microsoft Word which is a word processing program.

Zoho.com is a web based service that offers their own suite of programs for businesses. The one great thing about these online programs is that most of them are absolutely FREE. I am currently using 5 of the 12 main programs Zoho Writer (Word Processor), Zoho Sheet (Spreadsheet Program) Zoho Planner (Online Organizer) Zoho Project (Project Manager) and last but not least Zoho CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) .

My favorite program right now is Zoho Planner. Zoho Planner is a way for me to keep track of my business ideas and personal goals with an automated to do list. It also lets me stay organized by storing my documents and images while also sending me email reminders on what I need to get done for the day. The one thing that sets these online programs apart from their off line competition is the ability to share and collaborate with others in your business.

At a press of a button I am sharing my to do list with my wife, my spreadsheet with my coworker and my latest invoice with my accountant. All one needs is an email address to be put on a list for sharing secure access to any of my Zoho suite of programs.

The only draw back to this great way of sharing thoughts, ideas and documents is the fact that you have to be on the Internet to use the programs. If for some reason you don't have a continuous connection to the Internet you can't do business. Here is where the off line Microsoft products have their advantage.

So as a business owner I would need to way the circumstances and needs of my business. If being able to access your work off line is important to you, and you want to sacrifice speed, mobility and collaboration, then the more traditional Microsoft products may be your way to go.

Zoho.com has me hooked on business in real time. I totally enjoy being online almost all the time and reaping the benefits updated information that I can get right now. I also enjoy not having to be tied to a desk to do my most important work. I can do my work whenever and where ever I please in the world that has an Internet connection.

Zoho.com suite of online programs will give your business an affordable, fast and mobile way to conduct its operations.

The Next Cool Thing in Blogging

I just came across this cool way to blog by using the new mini whiteboard technology a company called SketchCast.com has created. Check out the demo below and give me your feedback on what you have seen. I will be adding my own sketchcast very soon but in the mean time visit Sketchcast.com and create your own.

Tech.Ed in Sydney 2008

I just missed Tech.ED this past August but I am looking forward to next year's location, Sydney Australia. I have never been to Australia and have always wanted to go "down under" as they say over there. Tech.ED is what I would be going their for on business but I am so looking forward to going early and spending a couple days in some of the smaller cities of Australia. I have heard and read so much about cities like Perth and Adelaide. I don't want to just take in the bigger without visiting the smaller. Starting with the western side of the land and Perth.

I remember the Crocodile Dundee movies and seeing some of the beautiful countryside of the western part of Australia were it was mostly filmed. Perth comes to mind because I have read its one of the best places were you can see some of the most fantastic beaches and at the same time take in a safari. Technology has made it so easy that with a click of my mouse I can get an answer to my questions about any of the Perth Hotels via email or instant messaging.

Adelaide would then be my next stop where I would visit one of the cities another one of my favorite Sci-fi movies, The Matrix was filmed. Who can forget the leap Morpheus made from the top of one sky scraper to the next, only to see Neo not have enough confidence to make the same jump. My leap of faith is to use the internet and email to help me find a suitable hotel in Adelaide that would put me right in the middle of all the action. I've been told that most of the Adelaide Hotels are very accommodating and Adelaide is more know for its gardens and parks within and around the city. I also hope to see a professional cricket match in the famous Adelaide Oval.

Finally Sydney, the site where most of the finale of Mission Impossible II was filmed finishes my trek across Australia but begins my adventure of its most well known city. I hope to be in Sydney at least 2-3 days before Tech.ED starts so I can take in and enjoy all the Sydney accommodation Australia has to offer.

Yes, I am very excited about Tech.Ed as an IT Professional who looks to further his career with all the great workshops and certification specials. I just want to take advantage of such a once in a life time treat of getting both my Geek/Nerd and my vacation on. So I will see you in 2008 at the Sydney Convention Center, September 2-5th.