Software Archives - Page 4 of 4

Office 2010 & 2011

By Jonathan Smith | April 12, 2011

Microsoft released two versions of their Office Suite last year, and folks want to know if it’s worth upgrading to them. The bottom line is, yes! On either platform! Here are a few reasons why.

IT– Truth or Dare!

By Jonathan Smith | January 11, 2011

There are many misconceptions about the Internet, hardware, and software that impact the decisions people make. Let’s shed some light on a few of them!

We’re at the end of the first decade of the millennium whose beginning we weren’t supposed to have survived! There were many crazypredictions– by others– that Y2k would be the end of civilization as we know it. Now, ten years after Y2k, what is the state of IT and its impact on The Church?

Serpents & Doves

By Jonathan Smith | July 4, 2007

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.

Saving Money at the Computer Mall

By Jonathan Smith | March 9, 2007

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.

Calendaring in the Church

By Jonathan Smith | February 15, 2007

Churches have three types of calendaring needs: resource calendaring (rooms and equipment), publication calendaring (printed flyers), and personal / team calendaring. Surprisingly, each of these needs is so different that they require separate programs!

The Little Tools I Love

By Jonathan Smith | September 5, 2006

Those of us who use technology a lot have a collection of little tools and utilities that we’ve come to rely on that help us get a lot done. Those of our friends and colleagues who use technology very little are often amazed at what we can do! Though many of these are simple, here are a few of my favorite tools that help me accomplish a lot and “Wow!” the masses.

Training– A Simple Strategy That Really Works!

By Jonathan Smith | February 21, 2004

Many ministries ask our firm to evaluate their use of computer technology and make recommendations. Part of our process includes interviewing team members and asking a wide range of questions. One of the needs they consistently express is the need to learn more about how to use the tools they already have. They want to be efficient and effective, and they’re sure that training would help. We call training the most neglected component of ministry computer systems. There is a simple strategy we saw in place at one client that costs little, is easy to accomplish, and produces great results. And doing it will help your ministry accomplish more, in less time, and for less!