Toolie's Technology Resource List
Toolie is a techie from way back, and she's tried lots of tools and gadgets to make life easier both at home and on the road. This list contains Toolie's favorite suppliers and services to keep her tech gear in shape.
| Link | Toolie's Description |
| Buy.com | I’ve been shopping online for almost 10 years, and Buy.com consistently offers the best combination of price and shipping costs, plus good customer service and a reasonable return policy. You’re sure to find the lowest prices on electronics at Buy.com. |
| GoToMyPC.com | GotoMyPC is one of the most ingenious tools you can use during travel; it allows you to operate your home or office PC remotely. This is not the same technology as virtual private networking (which allows you access to the hard drive contents), this is software that displays your desktop and make available all the programs and documents on your computer. |
| OfficeDepot.com | I’m a big fan of Office Depot stores anyway, but I also like to order online at OfficeDepot.com because they deliver to my business location the next day. Office Depot’s sister organization Viking, has stores and web sites in countries throughout Europe, and Office Depot customers are welcome. That means that you can find similar products and great service even when you’re traveling abroad. If you don’t already have an OfficeDepot.com online account, I encourage you to sign up right away. |
| Skype.com | I have used several computer-to-computer and computer to-phone calling services, and Skype has outshined them all. The call clarity of this Voice-over-IP solution is reason enough to sign up for an account, but the cost savings versus international calls made over the regular phone lines is an even bigger reason why you’ve got to get your own Skype account.
Using Skype, the calls are free (computer-to-computer) to other Skype users. With SkypeOut service, you can call computer-to-phone at reasonable rates; with SkypeIn, your callers can dial a number and reach you at your computer, also at reasonable rates. I also have their Voicemail service, which catches the calls I miss. You can also get equipment to accompany your Skype account at the Skype Store USA. |
| SpamArrest.com | SpamArrest is one of the most effective solutions I've found for stopping spam emails. Their "challenge emails" approach lets your favored contacts through and stop spammers' emails, cold. You use it with POP3 email accounts, which is what the vast majority of people use for their personal and small business accounts, and the service is consistent and affordable. |
| TechDepot.com | If you're ready to outfit an entire business with technology products, have a look at TechDepot. You can lease equipment and get software licensing through their programs for business. |
| Toshiba Direct.com |
I've used Toshiba laptops off and on over the last 10 years as they were provided to me by my employer. When I started my business, though, I chose a Toshiba laptop, and I ordered it from ToshibaDirect.com. I particularly like Toshiba's support website; I find it easy to locate drivers and other information for my laptop. |