News from Tobin Solutions, Inc

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced it will allow new Internet suffixes (known as Top Level Domains) based on themes.

Currently, more than 300 suffixes are in use, including the familiar .com, .gov, .net, and .org; these were established in 1984 to group Internet sites by type of organization.

In addition, a large number of suffixes such as .br (Brazil), .fr (France), and .jp (Japan) were assigned to countries.

(For a complete list, visit http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/.)

Due to the amazing worldwide popularity of the Internet, ICANN recognized more suffixes are needed. The theme-based approach means it will be possible to create suffixes for entertainment, political causes, sports, even specific kinds of businesses such as .bank or .hotel.

A custom, theme-based suffix might be attractive to many businesses and organizations, but it won't be inexpensive. Creating one will cost $186,000 and require a $25,000 annual fee. For web sites created under each top level domain, such as www.Tobinsolutions.com there are small annual fees for holding each site domain name.

Shorthand in Today's World...

Take a guess at what these texting abbreviations mean.

AAMOI CU LMK SFETE WBS

Answers at bottom of the page.

Need More Desk Space?
Consider an Articulated Monitor Arm

Articulated monitor arm Bulky, box-shaped monitors once occupied a great deal of desk space that might have been used for documents, coffee cups, or other essentials. Flat screen monitors are a big improvement because they have better displays and require less room.

However, if your personal space is still limited or you need to add a second monitor, an articulated arm monitor bracket might be a good investment.

Most flat screen monitors can be removed from their bases and attached to an articulated arm that clamps to the edge of your desk, reducing the overall monitor footprint to the size of the clamp.

Articulated arms also allow monitors to be tilted and swiveled. One client has a second, arm-mounted monitor that he turns toward his clients so they can see what is entered during intake interviews.

To view available mounts, search for "LCD desk mount bracket or arm" on the Internet. Different arms have different capacities, so always compare the load specification to the weight of your monitor before you buy.

Meet the Tobin Staff...

Steve Conway, IT Engineer

As Tobin Solutions expands, our engineering staff is adding members to ensure our support remains strong.

Steve Conway is the latest addition. Steve has seven years of IT experience, several technical certifications, and describes himself as an IT generalist. His specialty is providing remote desktop support.

He has lived in the Waukesha area since he was ten and is the proud father of a daughter who recently graduated from UWM.

Steve is also a talented guitarist, songwriter, and sound engineer who has a recording studio in his basement. He has played in bands such as E. Gad, Reckless Abandon, Wild Life, and The Rules.

Rock out with Steve at http://www.myspace.com/stvc15 . When it comes to IT support, he'll make sure you're not singing the blues.

OFFICE RIBBON TIP: Quick Access Toolbar

When the Ribbon replaced the toolbars in Microsoft Office programs in 2007 and 2010 the familiar icons of the Standard and Formatting toolbars were moved into groups. For those of you who miss having the printer icon ready at the click of the mouse all is not lost.

Microsoft provided a Quick Access toolbar that users can tailor for their specific needs. The barebones version only shows the Save, Undo and Redo icons. To add your own favorites click the down arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar.

Note in the illustration the checkmarks next to the Save, Undo and Redo items in the list. The most frequently used tools display in this list, including the printer functions, and can be added with one fast click.

Quick Access Toolbar menu

To add more tools than the ones displayed here, select "More Commands..." to open the Word Options\Customize window.

* Select the item in the left column,

* Click the Add button to place the tool in the right side menu.

* Click any item in the right menu and use the up/down arrows to rearrange the icons in the order you prefer.

Quick Access Toolbar options

Once you click OK the Quick Access Toolbar will have all of the items you added in the order you set.

This toolbar can be displayed either above or below the ribbon. Select "Show below the Ribbon" from the dropdown list next to the toolbar. (Refer to the first illustration)