When it comes to money you’re always on one end of it: coming in or going out. In each case it’s handy to know what you really owe or what profits are coming in.

One of the most common (and easiest confused) calculations is compound interest. Compound interest is what is added to the principal every time interest is due, so the total amount will be calculated together to earn the next interest.

The addition of interest to the principal to get another interest is called compounding. You will see that some banks put advertisement about daily interest rate, weekly interest rate which mean your savings amount will grow based on that interest period. For example, a saving with $100 initial principal and 1% interest per month would have a balance of $101 at the end of the first month, $102.01 at the end of the second month, and so on.

This compound interest calculation is also applicable for loans. So, make sure that you read carefully your loan terms especially about how your lender applies the interest terms. This compound interest calculator is a simple calculator that will calculate the future value of your savings or loan amount based on daily, weekly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually compounded period. And you can also see how the total interest applied to your savings or loans based on that compounded period.

You can do that calculation with any Excel spreadsheet, with hints available through Microsoft support at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/141695. And it’s a handy tool for other calculations, including amortization schedules, present value, car loans and many more.

Microsoft’s SkyDrive: Look, Ma, No Wires!

If you’ve ever been caught away from your computer when an important business question came up, Microsoft SkyDrive is for you.

The application is part of Microsoft’s Windows Live range of online services that lets users store files and share them through the Internet cloud, accessing them anywhere from any web browser.

Accessibility is the key benefit for this app, though the cost (free!) is also compelling. But the flexibility of using simplified versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote through a browser anywhere (even printing the documents) makes this a Cool Tool worth using over and over.http://explore.live.com/windows-live-skydrive

Just think: users can upload, create, edit and share Microsoft Office documents directly within a browser. And the app also allows users to upload photos and let other users access them via a web browser.  Move over Google Apps!

This Cool Tool will increase productivity and collaboration among your employees everywhere, all the time. That means less cost and overhead — and more profits!

Learn more about Microsoft SkyDrive:http://explore.live.com/windows-live-skydrive

Google’s Newest Baby: Meet the Wonder Wheel!

Ever heard of “mind mapping”?  Well that is the premise behind one of Google’s latest innovations in the battle to be the Web’s dominant search engine.

Introduced in May, it’s called the Wonder Wheel, a wheel-shaped tool which tries to simplify and arrange your search results. It operates a bit like a story board by connecting relevant and related searches to something you’re already looking for.

Take a look at it and see if you don’t agree it is pretty cool: http://tiny.cc/zf106

The wheel is definitely taking off worldwide and has reached 1 million users already. The fact that Google defines it as a “pre-defined mind mapper which helps the user get all the related search results in a wheel shaped like display (similar to mind mapping softwares which are commonly used by many),” has given users another reason to use it in addition to the features already provided by the company.

Want to know more? Find the company’s spin on this at http://www.googlewonderwheel.com/

Xmarks the spot!  Simplify those bookmarks wherever you are surfing.

Xmarks has recently released version 1.1.4 of its award winning and highly recommended bookmark syncing software.  Compatible with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari, Xmarks allows to you sync an unlimited number of bookmarks between computers and browsers anywhere on the internet. 

This is handy for anyone who uses a computer at home and work to keep their bookmarks handy. Xmarks also has a website that allows you to log in from any computer and view your bookmarks collection. With a quick sign up and free download, Xmarks, is a surefire way to simplify your life at http://www.xmarks.com/

Personal Finance Made Easy

“Complexity is the enemy when it comes to personal finance, according to Mint.com - and the company has followed this mantra closely in creating the best online personal-finance software out there.  Since the last time PCMag.com retrieved the site (and gave it an Editors’ Choice), its developers have added tracking tools for real estate, vehicles, and investments, which means you can get a comprehensive view of your net worth by using Mint.com (Winter 2009)”.  Read PCMag.com’s entire review of Mint.com.

Check out these valuable resources or just try it out for yourself!

• See Mint’s CEO Aaron Patzer desribe Mint.com’s approach to security (2:07).
• CEO Aaron Patzer Explains How to Use Mint’s Online Finance Software (4:49).
• Mint’s three principles of personal finance (3:45)
• Setting up a budget with Mint.com (2:33)
• How to track your loans with Mint.com (1:57)

Still want more?

• Mint.com:  Innovative Money Management (7:37)  Watch this video.
• Managing your money at Mint.com (7:42)  Watch this video.

Now try it out for yourself!

See what else Applied Tech has to offer!

Frustrated that finding information on your servers is so difficult?  You’re not alone.  The average US-based knowledge worker performs an average of 20 searches per day for information.  This translates to between 15% and 30% of work time (that’s 6 to 12 hours per week!) spent looking for information they need just to get their jobs done.  (Source:  IDC)

While finding and retrieving information over the internet has become relatively easy, finding information within a company’s computer systems can be quite an ordeal because it can be buried in so many diparate places.  More and more, companies are adopting “Enterprise Search” platforms, powerful tools similar to web browsers for the internet except that they search, locate and index information located within your company’s intranet.  How much more productive would your employees be if they could find exactly what the need on your networks with just one quick, easy search?

The problem with enterprise search platforms is that they tend to be expensive to purchase and difficult to deploy.  Until now, that is.  Microsoft offers two versions of a platform called Search Server 2008 which is built upon SharePoint 2007 technology.  One of those versions, called Search Server 2008 Express, is an entry-level enterprise search tool that is available to use without charge.  It is relatively easy to install and configure, provides a familiar search experience, and is powerful enough to meet your needs both now and as they grow.  This is why Search Server 2008 Express is Applied Tech’s latest Cool Tool to make your life a little easier.

Microsoft Search Server 2008 Express offers intranet search capabilities for your intranet file servers, Web sites, SharePoint sites, Exchange Public Folders, or Lotus Notes.  Documents otherwise buried and lost in the depths of server directories show up as results to searches in an instant just like the search on the Internet.  Search Server Express can even provide search of your public Web site to help your customers, too.

Sparky’s Conclusion: Search Server Express enables you to deliver search to your organization quickly and easily.  It is meant for IT professionals who are tasked with “getting search” for their organizations.  So if you have your own internal IT department you shouldn’t have any challenges deploying this solution.  However, companies without (or with overworked) internal IT resources may require extra help getting this tool installed and configured.  If so, drop us a line or give us a call.  Applied Tech … removing the boundaries between you and technology.

Microsoft SharedView

Web meetings can be incredibly useful, whether they’re for showing presentations to clients or brainstorming with far-flung co-workers.  Microsoft SharedView lets you connect with up to 15 people, sharing your desktop, distributing “handouts”, and even letting others take control.

Use Microsoft SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate - create, convey, and communicate … across physical boundaries, through firewalls, and down to the smallest details.

You can do it all together … wherever you are!

Make it easy … work smarter and faster!

Effective collaboration requires getting everyone’s ideas and input, and doing it in a way that is clear, easy to follow, and produces usable results.  With Microsoft SharedView, it’s never been easier to put your heads together and see results instantly.

Using Sharedview, you (or anyone else in the session) can share your Desktop or an application.

The sharer has initial control of a shared application or desktop, but any session participant can request control at any time so everyone can actively contribute.  The sharer can immediately take control back simply by clicking the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard.

Not in control?  Relax!  Even if you are not in control, you still have a voice.  Each participant has a personalized pointer to use to point out specific items or highlight an area - perfect for keeping everyone involved and making sure details aren’t missed.

You want to track results and contributions?  Easy!  When working in a Word document with SharedView tracked changes, each change is clearly marked and identified witht he name and a custom color of the user making the change.

Here is yet another cool feature - any participant can provide handouts that other participants can download.  No email required.  Great, isn’t it?

Sparky’s Conclusion:

Effective collaboration has never been easier.  You can share a new plan, get feedback on your latest innovation, or work through a new program - all in real time.  No travel required.