First, I should say I am constantly testing and evaluating software and occasionally hardware. So, what is installed on my computer at any point varies, but these are the tools I use regularly in my business. Look at how I do things if you'd like more ideas.

Software

Microsoft

I use Microsoft Windows on all of my computers and have since it first came out (I actually started with DOS in 1985). Currently, I am running Windows 7 on my desktop and on my Tablet PC.

I use all of the products in Microsoft Office (currently 2010) including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, OneNote, and Visio. Outlook is the first thing I open and the last thing I close every day. I not only use it for email, I use the calendar, tasks, contacts and notes features extensively. All of it syncs seamlessly with my iPhone and iPad so I always have all that information with me (and backed up).

OneNote is my second favorite program in the collection. I use it to keep track of all kinds of information, both personal and business. I keep all my recipes in one notebook. It has a great search feature and makes it easy to find something by ingredient. At work I have articles, planning pages, and plenty more. It's a great help to one with a very porous memory!

If you go to the Microsoft Office website, you'll find tons of training, articles, templates, graphics, and more. Take advantage of all of it since you did pay for it.

A couple of other Microsoft products that I use regularly are Streets & Trips and Expression Web. I use Intuit QuickBooks in my job.

Managing information

Microsoft Outlook has become the most important piece of software on my computer. Not only do I use it for email, I have all my contacts in there, it manages my calendar, keeps up with all those little notes I don't know where else to put, and pops up reminders (although that last one can be more of an annoyance at times!).

The search feature and spam filter are excellent, and Microsoft continues to improve them. And, with the ability to customize forms, install add-ons, etc., there's not much it can't do.

The Paper Tiger is one of those incredibly wonderful software tools. If you're like me, filing is not one of your favorite activities. This software program keeps track of your files so you can find anything in 5 seconds or less. And, it actually works!

AddressGrabber (or ListGrabber if you need to get more than one address at a time) is another little program that makes life much simpler. With just a couple of keystrokes, I can copy contact information between applications and it will grab contact data from other sources as well (like email signatures or websites).

I use CardScan to scan in business cards I get at networking events and from program attendees. It is such a timesaver! And, it saves a graphic image of the card which helps me put a face to the name (especially for people with distinctive cards).

Finally, I use the MindManager software program. This is a mind-mapping program that serves a variety of purposes. Mainly, I like to use it for planning projects and managing my to-do list. I have tried every tool possible (paper and electronic) for managing my to-do list and this is the first one that actually seems to be working. Now, if only I was better at having a to-do list that coincided with the hours available to get things done!

Graphics

Adobe Acrobat lets me create PDF files. Whenever I need to send someone information, I almost always send it as a PDF file. Virtually everyone can open them and I can control how things look.

Adobe Photoshop Elements is what I use for editing photos. It has most of the features of Photoshop at a fraction of the price (and it's easier to use).

Adobe Premier Elements is what I use to edit video from my camcorder. I'm still new with this one but it certainly seems to offer all you could want.

Camtasia lets me create recordings of my screen along with narration. I use this to create short tutorials on how to use features in a software application (for example, setting tabs in Microsoft Word).

SnagIt creates snapshots of your screen. I use these in my training materials and e-books.

Utilities

I finally found something that works for backing up my files – SyncBack. I use it with my portable hard drive and network drive. However, it can be used with a range of devices. For simplicity and portability, I suggest a portable hard disk.

Microsoft Security Essentials – anti-virus, anti-spyware, and more. It gets excellent reviews and it's free!

Hardware

My desktop is an HP computer. When I bought my current desktop, I got a 23 inch flat panel monitor. WOW!! I just love it. Besides taking up very little space, the color and depth are awesome. I can have Word open on one half of the screen and research or notes on the other half.

I still use one of my all-time favorites – a Tablet PC. It lets my use a pen for writing, is very lightweight, and is fun to use.

I recently bought an iPad and enjoy it's light weight. It's great for email and web surfing. I take some notes on it but I don't do any real writing. I do have plenty of ebooks and enjoy reading on it. We'll see how much more I do over time.

One of my favorite pieces of hardware is a color laser printer. What a difference it has made in my life. I was so sick of fighting my old inkjet printer every time I needed color labels. I'd waste every other label. With the color laser, I replaced 2 printers (my LaserJet and inkjet) and it works like a charm.

While I had hoped to never use an inkjet again, I ended up buying another – an Epson. However, this one has a special purpose (and it's under $100). It prints directly on CDs (I buy the printable CDs). Instead of printing and sticking labels, I just print. Besides eliminating the extra work, it prints photo-quality labels. Very professional-looking.

Many years ago I developed carpal tunnel syndrome so taking care of my wrists is high on my priority list. I've bought a wireless Microsoft Natural Keyboard ever since they came out and haven't had any wrist problems since. I use a wireless mouse which also helps.

I really enjoy my little Sony digital camera. I'm not a great photographer so being able to see the results immediately (so I know if I need to take another picture) and edit it on the computer really improves my chances of getting a decent picture.

I have a Sony camcorder and am doing more with video.

For recording my speaking and training, I use the Olympus DS-330 digital recorder. It is awesome. It can record up to about 5 hours and connects directly with my computer with a USB cable. It copies the files digitally so an hour copies in just seconds. I've had it a few years now. If I were getting one now, I'd still get an Olympus but one that can record more hours (preferably with on a removable flash card).

If you want to know more about any of these tools, just let me know. There are other things I use (especially software programs) but they're not as critical to my business as the ones I've listed. If you need information on other products, send me an email and I'll be happy to help you figure out what will work best for you.