DIY IT Guy
This blog will help those IT pros in small and mom-and-pop shops tweak their systems without breaking the bank.
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DIY: Try SpiderOak, a first-rate cloud sync tool
Jack Wallen ranks SpiderOak as the best cloud-based sync tools he has used. He explains what's special about SpiderOak and describes how to use it.
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DIY: Resolve formatting issues in LibreOffice Calc
If you use LibreOffice's spreadsheet application Calc, Jack Wallen's answers to a reader's problems with cell and default date formatting might help you, too.
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DIY: Manage email campaigns with phplist
Phplist is a powerful and easy to install open source tool that makes it easy for small shops to create lists and send announcements for email marketing campaigns.
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DIY: Deploy the Zimbra Desktop Client for a solid groupware experience
The open source Zimbra Desktop Client offers all of the email/calendaring/task/social networking functionalities that small businesses need to make a groupware solution useful.
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DIY: Add formulas to LibreOffice documents with LibreOffice Math
Jack Wallen explains how to add user-friendly formulas in your LibreOffice documents by installing and using LibreOffice Math.
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DIY: How to resolve LibreOffice 3.5 profile issues
In this installment of Ask Jack, a TechRepublic reader finds out how to fix the problems of LibreOffice 3.5 not displaying recent files and showing errors with some wizards.
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DIY: Let Feng Office be your open source guide to business management
Feng Office is a great business management tool for small businesses. The open source solution can track time and manage projects, documents, knowledge, and tasks.
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DIY: Get a Control key for Kingsoft Office on Android
In the latest installment of Ask Jack, a TechRepublic member wants to know how to read embedded links in the Kingsoft Office for Android app. Read Jack Wallen's answer.
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DIY: Get a free ERP accounting package in PhreeBooks
PhreeBooks is a powerful ERP system that can serve as your small company's accounting system. Learn the installation and setup configuration processes for PhreeBooks.
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DIY: Enhance your graphic design work with darktable
If Photoshop Lightroom is too pricey for your budget, you should try the open source alternative darktable. Find out what darktable is and isn't, and get the basics on using the app.
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DIY: Configure Apache with the help of Webmin
Jack Wallen describes how easy it is to configure your Apache server using the Webmin web-based GUI.
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DIY: Log in to a Windows domain from OS X
Jack Wallen answers a TechRepublic member's question about how to log in to a Windows machine from OS X using domain credentials.
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DIY: Extend your wireless range on the cheap with a second wireless access point
If your business needs to extend its wireless range but doesn't have the budget for a complex setup, Jack Wallen has the solution for you.
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DIY: Add Linux machines to a Windows domain
Jack Wallen says the answer to a TechRepublic member's question about connecting Linux boxes to a Windows domain is quite simple.
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DIY: Tiny Core Linux, a great kiosk and emergency platform
Tiny Core Linux is worth considering if you're looking for a kiosk platform, an Internet cafe OS, or an OS on a stick rescue tool.
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DIY: Setting up wireless access points as repeaters to extend wireless range
Do you have a need for wireless access, but your location is too large for only a single wireless router to cover? Without having to pay for a costlier router or boosters, here's what you can do.
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DIY: Add drop-down lists to LibreOffice spreadsheets
The addition of drop-down lists can make your LibreOffice Calc spreadsheets more flexible and powerful. Get instructions on adding them in Calc.
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DIY: Create easy to use databases with LibreOffice Base
Jack Wallen demonstrates how to use LibreOffice Base on Linux. You can also use the database tool on Windows or Mac.
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DIY: Extend your wireless range on the cheap with a second wireless access point
If your business needs to extend its wireless range but doesn't have the budget for a complex setup, Jack Wallen has the solution for you.
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DIY: How to delete pesky printers
Jack Wallen offers a TechRepublic member advice about how to delete a printer when the traditional methods don't seem to work.
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DIY: Four Terminal Server alternatives
Jack Wallen features some alternative solutions for a Terminal Server environment that are sure to save your small business serious cash.
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DIY: Enable CGI on your Apache server
Jack Wallen explains why you'd want to enable the Common Gateway Interface on an Apache server and then shows how to do it.
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DIY: Back up and migrate a Thunderbird profile and folders
The ability to migrate Mozilla Thunderbird profiles makes the email client an even more flexible tool for power email users.
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DIY: Connect LibreOffice Base to a MySQL database
By connecting LibreOffice Base to a MySQL database, it makes the office suite much more flexible and powerful. Learn how to make that connection.
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DIY: Set up a FileZilla server on Windows 7
FileZilla is a great DIY FTP server, particularly for a Windows machine. Follow these installation and configuration instructions for FileZilla.
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DIY: How to find older versions of Microsoft Office software
Jack Wallen offers several suggestions to a TechRepublic member who is interested in locating older versions of Microsoft Office software.
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DIY: Best Linux distros based on type of user
Jack Wallen gives a high-level overview of which major Linux distribution is best for specific types of users.
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DIY: Install the best open source POS
Jack Wallen's clients think the Openbravo point of sale (POS) software is solid and useful. Here are installation and configuration tips for this budget-friendly POS.
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DIY: How to disable a touchpad pad and use an external USB mouse
In this Q&A with a TechRepublic member, DIY blogger Jack Wallen offers advice on how to disable a touchpad mouse on a Dell Inspiron and continue to use an external USB mouse.
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DIY: Getting around Windows 7 UAC in TeamViewer
Read Jack Wallen's answer to a question he often hears IT pros ask about Windows 7 and TeamViewer.