Archive for August 2011
Backpack Keeps Businesses Organized
There are many ways for companies to stay organized online, and that can be essential with workers telecommuting more than ever before. Tracking progress is very difficult in such situations, but it can be made easier with a number of tools. Google Wave and Google Docs are great examples of free tools, but there is a reason why they are free: they are not nearly as good as some of the better tools out there.
One of those tools is Backpack, also known as Backpack IT. Backpack combines everything from writeboards and journals to file management and lists. Writeboards are good for collaborative works, while lists are excellent for tracking progress status on various tasks. Internal dividers and tags can be used for searching and easy viewing, while notes and files will serve different functions depending upon their content.
For example, a file could be uploaded containing a final work or work in progress and the ability to comment on virtually any individual item makes Backback even more flexible. Comments can be used to say thanks, offer feedback, or simply ask and/or answer questions. Comments are incredibly useful, and are probably up there with lists in terms of management tools included with Backpack. These tools are available regardless of where users are located or when they choose to log in. This allows organizations to let their workers do whatever it is that they do best whenever they see fit.
In most cases, letting workers go relatively unmanaged is a recipe for disaster. Backpack manages to turn this entire paradigm on its head by making it simple to keep track of assignments and even handle scheduling from a centralized location. It also makes it easy for reminders to be scheduled for nearly anything. In short, there is not much that Backpack cannot do. In fact, it is even possible to hide items from some workers while sharing them with others; management can have their own private areas while the rank and file can have their own content to work with. Secrets are kept confidential by a very simple-to-use system.
Here is how to use backpack:
Sign up for the free trial
Start posting pages
It is just that simple. If Backpack does not show its value over free solutions such as Google Wave and Google Docs, then don’t use it. No harm, no foul. The bottom line is that with no risk, there is no good reason not to try Backpack.
Written by WWWMoneyMaker
How to buy Travel Insurance
Researching and deciding on the right travel insurance is as important as choosing your holiday. It is something you need especially when travelling overseas.
Regular health insurance does not usually cover overseas travel, and you should check with your health care provider for details before jetting off. Travel insurance also covers other things that happen on the road besides accidents, like plane delays, cancellations and your luggage getting lost or damaged.
Choosing Travel Insurance
When choosing a travel insurance policy, you need to read the fineprint and ensure you are covered for all the activities you will be doing. There are a lot of factors to consider besides price.
Your Travel Insurance Policy Should Cover
All the countries you will be visiting
Lost, damaged or stolen personal items such as jewellery, baggage, documents, etc.
Cancellations from the hotel, flight, transport or trip
Hospital and doctors fees
If needed, the cost of air evacuation or repatriation to your home country
Personal liability in case of accidental injury or damage to property or other people
Legal costs from any injury or damage claim
24-hour emergency service and assistance hotline
Adventure activities such as skiing or snowboarding if you are planning this type of trip (may cost extra)
Electronic devices you may be taking with you
If You Need to Make a Claim
Call the insurance company as soon as you know you will need to make a claim
Keep all your receipts and necessary forms
Be prepared to have to wait to get reimbursed
For stolen items, get a police report
For baggage claims, keep all paperwork including luggage tags, boarding passes and receipts for any items you have had to purchase
You need to be aware of what is and isn’t covered in your policy. Make sure you read the fineprint before starting your holiday. Most policies will not cover any drug or alcohol related incidents or carelessness such as leaving your car unlocked. Policies also don’t cover chemical attacks or injuries covered by terrorism or civil war.
World Nomads is a very reputable company that covers the travel insurance essentials without breaking the bank. They are ideal for backpackers or people who are travelling on holidays for more than a few weeks. They allow you to purchase travel insurance while you are on the road, so you don’t need to be in your country of residence to extend or take out a new policy. It’s perfect for travellers who are unsure how long they will need to be covered.
Travel insurance is a essential before taking your next holiday. Don’t be cheap; get the coverage you need. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
Written by Alison Stracey
Passionate traveller and amateur writer!