Entering large amounts of data into an Excel spreadsheet can be very time consuming. Using data entry forms makes your task easier. A data entry form is a dialog box that gives you a convenient way to enter a complete row of information at one time.

To use a data entry form to edit a list:

1. Click a cell in the labeled row you want to add the record to.
2. On the Data menu, click Form
3. Click OK. A data entry dialog box appears with field lables that correspond with the column labels in your list.

To add a new record:

1. Click New.
2. Type the information for the new record.
3. When you finish typing data, press the Enter key to add the record.
4. When you finish adding records, click Close to add the new record and close the data form.

Finding programs on your All Programs menu can become difficult if you have a lot of programs installed. When you install new programs, Microsoft Windows XP adds each new item to the end of the All Programs menu. You can, however, quickly sort the items on your All Programs menu in alphabetical order.

1. Click Start, click All Programs, and then right-click any folder or icon.

2. On the shortcut menu, click Sort by Name.

That's it—your programs are instantly alphabetized. Enjoy your newly organized All Programs menu.

This same tip works for your Favorites menu in Internet Explorer. In both cases, you'll probably need to go back periodically and sort the lists again, because Windows XP doesn't automatically keep the list in alphabetical order.

Organize your notification area

The notification area is the collection of small icons near your system clock, in the bottom-right corner of your screen. After you've used your computer for a few months, the notification area can become cluttered with icons for different programs you may have installed. Each icon takes up space on your Microsoft Windows XP taskbar, which leaves less room for your program buttons.

Fortunately, you can free up space in the notification area by hiding icons that you don't use very often.

Your notification area will be much less crowded, giving you more room for program buttons on your taskbar. To show the icons you have hidden, click the left arrow beside the notification area.

Truth is most marketing does take money, but there are some low-cost and no-cost options that you can put into action that will help you to get the word out about your products and service. While these ideas will not cost you a lot of money they will cost you time, so prepare for that.