The following are recently-published articles written by Tom Urbanowicz. While addressing various business technology issues, these have a "user-friendly" perspective.

Adopting Technology in 2006

I opted not to complete a riveting summary of the top 2,006 business-technology events of the year. Instead, let me summarize that in the past year, Americans stepped closer to make the extras of technology the expected; the unusual transformed to utility. Recent advents have helped us be both more self-absorbed and “share.” Consider a few recent examples . . . more . . .

Philanthropy and Technology

Philanthropy comes from two Greek words meaning "brotherly love" and "man." I was reflecting on how this brotherly love has been spreading with technology. For example, I received an email that was encased in a series of forwarded emails-like one of those Russian nesting dolls. Once I clicked down to the original message, I learned about additional uses of WD-40. Pigeon repellant, stain remover, and mirror defogger topped the list. This, my fellow reader, is philanthropy in action . . . more . . .

The Stem Goes Up and the Root Goes Down

Do you remember the seed-and-cup experiment in elementary school? The stem goes up and the root goes down. What a simple yet profound wonder. I’m still fascinated by the process, as are my wife and children. Currently, my 10-year old daughter Elisabeth is growing an avocado tree—from an avocado pit in a jar. When I learned of the current project status from my chief junior agricultural engineer, our technical-assessment meeting went something like this. . . more . . .

Online Education

My interview with a professor at CSU, Chico couldn't have gone better. we felt as if we'd known each other for years. This is not surprising; the professor was also my father. In considering education and technology, Dr. Charles Urbanowicz (aka "Dad") is exemplary in leveraging technology in his instruction and research.. . . more . . .

What Would Dr. Shuckner Think?

Healthcare has come a long way from the days of Dr. Schuckner. (If you're not sure who Dr. Schuckner is, my native-New-Jersey grandmother can explain.) For a very reasonable fee, he gave a checkup while showing off the postcards from his "boys" in faraway places like Midway and Marseille. Quite a contrast from the big buildings today that dole out drugs, fax forms, or mail members. . . more . . .

Yellow Pages on the Internet

In working with small to mid-size companies, I’m regularly astounded at how much business owners spend in annual Yellow Pages advertisements. I am equally astonished by how reluctant those same companies are to spend a fraction of that cost on an internet website for their business. Let’s review the benefits of a website, and how it can work will with a Yellow Pages advertisement. . . . more . . .

Website Fashions

During a recent visit to a department store, I took a moment to review a current trend among young men’s clothing—ripped and worn pants, battered hats, low-slung shorts, and clashing colors. To keep your website investment stylish, shouldn’t you keep in step with today’s fashions? Take a cue from the current “look.” . . . more . . .

Expanding Your Business Online

It’s no secret . . . more and more individuals are making purchasing decisions using information from the internet. Similarly, more and more individuals are buying products online. The Census Bureau reports that since 1998, online retail sales have steadily increased at about 20% per year. Business owners and cottage industries have found an expanded market that goes beyond retail stores, craft fairs, catalogs, and word-of-mouth. If you have considered taking your business online, consider the following questions:. . . more . . .

Going for the Gold

Though he’s exhausted, he still takes one last run, weaving around flags in the snow. Coaches scrutinize each move. What is two-tenths of a second to this Olympic downhill skier in training? The difference between the silver and the gold medal. In your business, as you strive to save time and money, here are two ideas you can implement: keyboard shortcuts and a business intranet.. . . more . . .

Excelling with Microsoft Excel

Here are some little-known facts about Microsoft Excel: First, not a single investment banker used Microsoft Excel prior to the Stock Market Crash of 1929 . . . The result? The Great Depression. Second, not one city planner prior to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake used Microsoft Excel . . . You know what happened: Disaster. Certainly, you don't want your business relegated to statistics like these. For that reason, it's valuable to review what Microsoft Excel can do for you—both to clear up misconceptions and highlight Excel's benefits. . . . more . . .

Western Field Guide to Business Email Messages

I’ve recently been reviewing my Western Field Guide to Business Email Messages. The following problematic emails have been spotted flying in my Inbox. Take care that your email messages don’t look like one of these.. . . more . . .

First Impressions with Mr. Google and Ms. Yahoo

During the first few seconds of meeting someone, our human senses rapidly absorb and assimilate information about the person. Within moments, we have usually categorized the person into broad and narrow groups with summary descriptions. The same is true of internet search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN. . . . . more . . .

Computer Superheroes

Inspired by the recent superhero films, I now view work at my computer slightly differently. Just read some of the headlines: Successfully quarantined three suspect files. . . Kerpoww! Scan disk complete. Two critical errors found. . . Whaaamm! Warning! Memory resources are critically low. . . Thuuuddd! . . . more . . .

Crystal-Clear Communication

While driving recently, I noticed an establishment advertising a "Hot cooked to order breakfast." Reflecting on Lynne Truss' recent best-selling book Eats Shoots & Leaves, I pondered how this phrase could be more readable. If one comma and two hyphens had been added to this phrase, all would have been clear. As it was, I was like a curious cocker spaniel with my head tilted to one side.. . . more . . .