Author: Laura

Scribus a Free Alternative to Indesign

Posted on | by Laura

Scribus is a free Open Source application that functions very much like Adobe Indesign. Both are used for Desktop Publishing (page layout design for newspapers, brochures, newsletters, posters, books, and pdf). Scribus can also create animated and interactive PDF presentations and forms.

Scribus is a page layout program that can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.  When saving and editing a file in Indesign, you won’t lose data by the inherent “trimming” function. What this means is that if you resize an image to 1/10th of its size the application gets rid of some data because you’re not using it. This function processed multiple times is what allows some documents (pdfs) to take up less space.

Scribus doesn’t have this function, so your files may be large depending on the image qualities used. The workaround for this is to edit your images in GIMP or Photoshop before using them in Scribus.

Although Scribus and Indesign are similar- Indesign’s file format (.indd) is proprietary and can NOT be read/opened/imported by Scribus. It’s currently unclear if Indesign has taken steps to be able to open Scribus files (.sla)

There are conversion processes that can be found by googling, but you may lose your layer functions and in some cases the whole of the file because it converts ‘every page’ of the file into a separate file*. As of today (10/30/13) Scribus is on version 1.4.3, with 1.5 in beta promising IDML files (the other export option Indesign offers besides pdf).

Inkscape

Posted on | by Laura

Inkscape

Create banners for websites and blogs with Inkscape and so much more. Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor similar to  Adobe Illustrator a widely used vector graphics editing program. Inkscape is powerful enough to compete with Adobe Illustrator in terms of the functionality most users expect from a vector graphics program.

The best thing about Inkscape is its ease of use. If you do a lot of work rendering and drawing in vector, this program will save you much time, even if you are new to digital art programs the learning curve with Inkscape is much easier than that of any Adobe Creative Suite program.

The Inkscape window has a large central drawing area, with several toolbars around the edges. Many dialog boxes, such as the one for setting stroke and fill properties, will open along the right edge of the window. The layout is configurable. For example, toolbars can be hidden, and dialog boxes can be dragged out of the main window to become independent windows.

The default file type of Inkscape is a .svg  but, Inkscape can import many file types including:

  • .ai
  • .pdf
  • .dxf
  • .png
  • .jpg
  • .bmp

Inkscape can export several file types including:

  • .pdf
  • .dxf
  • .png
  • .jpg
  • .bmp

Gimp A Free Alternative to Adobe’s Photoshop

Posted on | by Laura

GIMP is a free image retouching and editing tool, very much like Adobe Photoshop. Tools include free‐form drawing, resizing, cropping, photo montages, converting between different image formats
(i.e. from .tiff to .jpg), and more specialized tasks. There are versions for Windows, OS X, and Linux.

It is an extremely capable piece of software with many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, and more.

Gimp is expandable and extensible. It is designed to be augmented with plug-ins and extensions to do just about anything. The advanced scripting interface allows everything to be easily scripted, from the simplest task to the most complex image manipulation procedures.

Features And Capabilities
This is only a brief list of Gimp features:

· Full suite of painting tools including brushes, a pencil, an airbrush, cloning, etc.

· Tile-based memory management so image size is limited only by available disk space

· Sub-pixel sampling for all paint tools for high-quality anti-aliasing

· Full Alpha channel support

· Layers and channels

· A procedural database for calling internal Gimp functions from external programs, such as Script-Fu

· Advanced scripting capabilities

· Multiple undo/redo (limited only by disk space)

· Transformation tools including rotate, scale, shear and flip

· File formats supported include GIF, JPEG, PNG, XPM, TIFF, TGA, MPEG, PS, PDF, PCX, BMP and many others

· Load, display, convert and save to many file formats

· Selection tools including rectangle, ellipse, free, fuzzy, bezier and intelligent

· Plug-ins that allow for the easy addition of new file formats and new effect filters

To learn more visit the website …

LibreOffice An Alternative to Microsoft Office

Posted on | by Laura

LibreOffice is a powerful and free office suite, used by millions of people around the world. Its clean interface and feature-rich tools help you unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity. LibreOffice is compatible with a wide range of document formats such as Microsoft® Word (.doc, .docx), Excel (.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx), and Publisher. You can open your Microsoft document in LibreOffice.

But LibreOffice goes much further with its native support for a modern and open standard, the Open Document Format (ODF). With LibreOffice, you have maximum control over your data and content – and you can export your work in many different formats including PDF. LibreOffice includes several applications that make it the most versatile Free and Open Source office suite on the market:

Writer (word processing)

The writer has all the features you need from a modern, full-featured word processing and desktop publishing tool. It’s simple enough for a quick memo, but powerful enough to create complete books with contents, diagrams, indexes, and more. You’re free to concentrate on your message, while the Writer makes it look great.

Calc (spreadsheets)

Calc is the free spreadsheet program you’ve always needed. Newcomers find it intuitive and easy to learn, while professional data miners and number crunchers appreciate the comprehensive range of advanced functions. Built-in wizards guide you through choosing and using a comprehensive range of advanced features. Or you can download templates from the LibreOffice template repository, for ready-made spreadsheet solutions.

Impress (presentations)

In Impress, creating and editing slides is very versatile thanks to different editing and view modes: Normal (for general editing), Outline (for organizing and outlining your text content), Notes (for viewing and editing the notes attached to a slide), Handout (for producing paper-based material), and Slide Sorter (for a thumbnail sheet view that lets you quickly locate and order your slides).

Draw (vector graphics and flowcharts),

Draw lets you produce anything from a quick sketch to a complex plan, and gives you the means to communicate with graphics and diagrams. With a maximum page size of 300cm by 300cm, Draw is an excellent package for producing technical drawings, brochures, posters, and many other documents. Draw lets you manipulate graphical objects, group them, crop them, use objects in 3D, and much more.

Base (databases)

The base is a full-featured desktop database front end, designed to meet the needs of a broad array of users. Base caters to power users and enterprise requirements, providing native-support drivers for some of the most widely employed multi-user database engines: MySQL/MariaDB, Adabas D, MS Access, and PostgreSQL. In addition, the built-in support for JDBC- and ODBC-standard drivers allows you to connect to virtually any other existing database engine as well.

Math (formula editing)

Math is LibreOffice’s formula editor and can be invoked in your text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings, enabling you to insert perfectly formatted mathematical and scientific formulas. Your formulas can include a wide range of elements, from fractions, terms with exponents and indices, integrals, and mathematical functions, to inequalities, systems of equations, and matrices.

You can start Math either as a stand-alone application directly from the LibreOffice Start Center or directly from within other LibreOffice applications such as Writer, Calc, Impress and Draw.

Charts

LibreOffice includes the ability to create and embed charts. Their style, color, and size can be customized in a broad variety of ways – pie charts, square and round columns, trend graphs, dots, 2D and 3D charts, and so much more.

How to Create Invoices In GnuCash

Posted on | by Laura
Invoicing In Gnucash 5 .0: How To Create Simple Invoices Quickly And Easily

In this tutorial we will create a simple sales order invoice which serves as an official record of a sale for both the buyer and the seller. GnuCash has an integrated accounts receivable system, it is within this account that the integrated A/R system will place transactions.

9. How to Import Customers or Vendors Into GnuCash

Posted on | by Laura

In this tutorial we will be Importing Customers into Gnucash the same method is used to import Vendors. I will also walk you through an issue I encountered while trying to import a customer list and the workaround I used to get the desired results. The ability to Import customers or vendors into GnuCash is es-specifically useful if you have a large list of customers or vendors you need to enter into the system.

CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO WATCH THE VIDEO – How to Import Customers or Vendors into GnuCash

Not only can you use GnuCash to enter new customers or vendors in bulk but you can also update exciting customers or vendors you previously entered into the system using a CSV import file.

If you don’t already have a customer or vendor list you can easily create one using any spreadsheet program such as excel or use a free program such as LibreOffice Calc or google spreadsheet.

Now one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you must create the customer or vendor list according to Gnucash’s predefined format. It does not matter if you are using a list that has already been created you will have to follow Gnucash’s predefined format unless you know how to use a different method.

Is selling your handmade goods online a hobby or business?

Posted on | by Laura

In making the distinction between a hobby or business activity, take into account all facts and circumstances with respect to the activity. A hobby activity is an activity not done for profit. This includes activities done mainly for sport, recreation, or pleasure. No one factor alone is decisive. You must generally consider these factors in determining whether an activity is a business engaged in making a profit:

  • Whether you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner and maintain complete and accurate books and records.
  • Whether you have personal motives in carrying on the activity.
  • Whether the time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable.
  • Whether you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood.
  • Whether your losses are due to circumstances beyond your control (or are normal in the startup phase of your type of business).
  • Whether you or your advisors have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business.
  • Whether you were successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past.
  • Whether the activity makes a profit in some years and how much profit it makes.
  • Whether you can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity.

Beginners Guide To Small Business Bookkeeping

Posted on | by Laura

Small Business Bookkeeping is just about one of the most important responsibilities a small business owner will have. If you are making money from self-employment full or part-time you are considered a small business owner and the success of your business depends on creating and maintaining an effective record-keeping system. It does not matter if your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.

The gig economy is based on flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs, often involving connecting with clients or customers through an online platform. The “gig economy” is a relatively new term for a traditional way of earning a living: being paid on a per-job basis for work performed directly for a customer.

Being hired to do a single short-term task, project, or job can be called a “gig.” This type of occasional work is part of what is now referred to as the “gig economy.”

A Brief list of Examples of work in the  gig economy is:

  • Drive a car for booked rides or deliveries 
  • Rent out property or part of it
  • Run errands or complete tasks 
  • Sell goods online including in Online Marketplaces
  • Provide creative or professional services
  • Provide other temporary, on-demand work
  • Freelance work

People working in the gig economy use Digital business platforms that match workers’ services or goods with customers via apps or websites. This includes businesses that provide access to:

  • Ridesharing services
  • Delivery services
  • Crafts and handmade item marketplaces
  • On-demand labor and repair services
  • Property and space rentals

Examples of Gig platforms connecting service providers with customers, or gig workers, are too numerous to list here, a couple of popular gig platforms are Etsy and Uber. Gig economy workers are generally classified as independent contractors.

In a gig economy, large numbers of people work in part-time or temporary positions or as independent contractors even in the corporate sector. Gig work can be a great way to supplement income, try out a business idea, or become self-employed. Gig work is also referred to as a side hustle.

According to a new law beginning with the tax year 2022 if someone receives payment for goods and services through a digital platform, third-party payment network such as eBay, Etsy, Uber, and others their income will be reported on Form 1099-K if $600 or more was processed. Keeping good records of money coming in and going out of your business will assure you are in compliance with your tax obligation!

The downside is gig work doesn’t offer traditional benefits like insurance or retirement plans. On the upside, some people are making six figures in online gig work. With that kind of money, you can invest in your own retirement plan and insurance!

Why Starting an Internet Business is a Great Idea

Posted on | by Laura | Leave a Comment on Why Starting an Internet Business is a Great Idea

What better place to start a business right now than online? The Internet offers anyone and everyone, the same opportunity to start a low-cost, highly profitable business online on only a shoestring budget!. The only limitation is your imagination!

Do away with the mentality that says you don’t have enough knowledge or money to start a business on the Internet. Been there done that! If you really want to make money online, there is nothing stopping you, the Internet has opened up the door to a world of possibilities! Opportunity is knocking, ordinary people are making extraordinary money online and becoming millionaires almost overnight. There has never been a better time to start an online business than right now!

I started a retail business online on only a shoestring budget and earned money beyond my expectations! If you are dreaming about starting a business of your own, stop right now and just do it! It just takes stepping out of your comfort zone, and thinking like a millionaire! Even if you are an ordinary Joe with Macy’s taste and only K-mart money in your pocket, you can do it!

During the last 20 or so years, large numbers of people have chosen to market their skills and talents from home. Recent studies estimate that over 50% of all new small business enterprises are operated out of the home, and this trend is growing.

Internet Users Profile:

Research has proven that high on Internet users to do list is Social Networking. Just look at Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and Youtube, they all hold high rankings on the Internet. Facebook is #1 on the charts. Once people got a hold of Facebook it took off like a bat out of HE- double hockey sticks. The News and up-to-date happenings are also a crowd-pleaser, Twitter has been known to light up like a Christmas tree, with people exchanging tweets about what is affecting people right now, in various areas of the world.

YouTube is like having your own TV program and it has brought everyone out of the closet, from mom and pop to aunt Sally, in search of stardom. For some people Youtube is the first place Internet users go, to learn something new. Humorous videos are also a crowd-pleaser.

Money Making Ideas

YouTubers produce videos on just about any subject you can think of. By producing videos YouTubers can make a substantial amount of money through various channels including advertising revenue.

Selling online is one of the quickest and easiest ways to begin making money online and a part of my humble beginnings on the Internet. Internet Users love the convenience of being able to shop from home due to the convenience and the savings found on various products on the Internet. It’s estimated that consumers spend over $200 billion on all types of Internet-based goods and services. 

Creating Informational digital products is also a great way to make money on the Internet. What it all boils down to, is a large percentage of Internet users who love to socialize online, they are always in search of information and they don’t mind spending money online for goods or services!

Finding Your Money Making Idea:

Now as you begin to search for your money-making niche idea you will have to do your research. Your job is to figure out how to use what you are passionate about and knowledgeable about, to come up with a money-making idea that will coincide with what will turn on the bells and whistles of your target market.

Take a moment and think about how you can turn your talents or solutions to a problem into a money-making business idea?

-What is it you are good at?

-What are you passionate about?

-What problems or issues do you see on the Internet or in life situations you have a solution for?

Begin by writing down all the things you are passionate about and knowledgeable about.