Authors

Posts by Alan Norton

Alan Norton

You can contact me at mail@pecos-softwareworks.com. I began my career as little more than a data retrieval and reporting person. Early in my career I did whatever I could to be productive, creating spreadsheets in Framework and charts in GraphWriter. I was PC oriented and soon learned how to tap into the data on the mainframe to produce the charts via a data download to the PC. I found a niche building client/server systems where I was responsible for each phase of the project life cycle. \ \ I am fortunate to have enjoyed a broad background in IT including interfacing PC's and shop floor insertion machines to the mainframe database. I have also been an independent contractor, perhaps the most satisfying part of my career. I transitioned several mid-frame systems to a PC network based Access/Visual Basic system in the contract position and learned what it takes to be successful on your own. \ \ My last position was an analyst/programmer for a large IT service provider in support of their global help desk reporting team including a role as project lead. \ \ I consider myself lucky to have been in at the beginning of the personal computer revolution. I am currently semi-retired and learning a new skill, professional writing.

10 requirements of the perfect manager

If you could hire your next boss, what selection criteria would you use? Alan Norton shares a make-believe want ad aimed at finding the ideal manager.

Apr 4, 2012

10 curses of the analytical thinker

Being a left-brain thinker can be an asset in the IT field. But as Alan Norton observes, it’s not without its shortcomings.

May 5, 2011

10 tips for smarter, more efficient Internet searching

These days, everyone is expected to be up to speed on Internet search techniques. But there are still a few tricks that some users — and even savvy searchers — may not be aware of.

Apr 27, 2011

10 challenges facing IT

From retaining top talent to building a positive public image to innovating despite budget constraints, IT has plenty of obstacles to overcome. Alan Norton provides an overview of some of the big challenges that lie ahead.

Apr 19, 2011

10 efficient ways to produce useful metrics

Accurate metrics are essential for assessing performance and making informed decisions, but companies often rely on flawed information that paints a misleading picture. Alan Norton explains the most efficient strategies for obtaining valid, useful metrics.

Mar 24, 2011

10 things you might be doing that could hurt your career

If your job isn’t going as well as you’d hoped, you may unwittingly be doing something that’s holding you back. Alan Norton looks at some of the less obvious ways people sabotage their careers.

Nov 10, 2010

10+ ways to be more productive

If you often reach the end of the day and wonder why you got so little done, it may be time evaluate your working style. Alan Norton offers 11 productivity boosters that can help get your days back on track.

Sep 8, 2010

10 things that define a true professional

10 things that define a true professional

You may be a brilliant developer or a highly skilled net admin, but if you’re unprofessional, your career is likely to fall short. Alan Norton recommends striving for these attributes.

Jul 27, 2010

10 questions you should ask when considering retirement

If you’re one of the many IT pros who is wondering whether it’s time to retire, these insights from Alan Norton will give you an idea of what to expect and what to consider as you make your decision.

Jul 1, 2010

10 things you should know about USB 2.0 and 3.0

USB 3.0 has been highly anticipated — and now, it’s finally here. Sort of. Find out about its availability, specifications, benefits, and limitations.

Dec 28, 2009

10 common mistakes you should avoid when flashing your BIOS

10 common mistakes you should avoid when flashing your BIOS

The decision to flash your computer’s BIOS should not be taken lightly. Here are 10 common mistakes you need to avoid.

May 22, 2008

10 things you can do to create better documentation

This blog entry is also available as a PDF from the TechRepublic download library. Let’s be honest. No one wants to write about it, read about it, or actually have to do it. I’m talking about documentation, usually defined as the second-to-last step in the Project Life Cycle. Although documentation can and should occur at …

Jul 13, 2007