Is it just me, or is this the worst version of Office ever? Usually when a new version comes out I look forward to updating my PowerPoint slides and family website with its new graphics and templates. But Microsoft hardly included anything with this version! Do we have to wait for the next service pak just for something that's usable, or am I missing something?

Jesus made an interesting statement in Matthew 10:16b, ...be as shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. (NASB) I believe these words of His are good guidelines for Christians for every aspect of doing business. We are to be shrewd, yet innocent. The word translated as shrewd sometimes means being prudent, sensible, and practically wise. Jesus spoke this counsel to his disciples, and it may also have had the sense of acting with prudence with regard to their own safety. Being innocent, on the other hand, means to be pure, unmixed, and unadulterated. In other words, negotiate wisely; but always honor the heart of the Lord by loving those with whom you negotiate. Be willing to ask in honesty, and to ask in such a way as to bring the other person closer to Jesus. What does all of this have to do with computers? Let's see.

Many of us in IT focus on the quality of our system backup-- or, at least we intend to. System backups are essential, but are they enough? What if the process of recovering from a disaster will be lengthy? Like with Katrina? Or 9/11? That's when we'll need more than a disaster recovery strategy. We'll need a business continuity strategy.

Those of us who love watching 24 and other high-tech shows can’t help noticing the use of biometrics to enhance their computer system security. Of course, it makes sense for those with top secret files to use such devices as fingerprint scanners, retina scanners, and voice print analyzers to protect them. Surprisingly, that technology is very affordable, and has a use in ministries!

How do you feel when a friend or colleague tells you they just bought the same product you did for considerably less? If you're like me, you probably feel kind of crummy, but then justify why you still got a better deal than your friend. How do you buy technology for less? Are there ways to save? Are there times when spending more is better? Let's talk about it.