One Sign Tech is Running Your Life.

Here's just one.

Off the top of your head you know 19 different keystroke symbols far more clever than
:-)

Of course there’s a lot more to computing skills, especially the one’s needed in the work place these days. To learn truly useful skills, visit Video Professor at www.videoprofessor.com.

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Video Professor Customer Comments

We get lots of letters, calls and e-mails from Video Professor customers. We’ll be the first to admit we do get some complaints which we try to resolve ASAP. But a lot of folks simply contact us to say how much they appreciate the effectiveness of learning computing with Video Professor. We appreciate it!

Here are some examples from people all over the country. People just like you. Different ages, different needs but all with one thing in common; the need to learn. They ordered Video Professor.

“Thank you so much for the program. It was great, easy to use and understand. It was more beneficial than the classroom classes I took for Photoshop. Also thanks for your time and attention. Let Freedom Ring! Now your biggest fan and proponent in Indiana!”

Warm Regards,

Angela

From Indiana

“I just now got myself a lovely Dell computer, and white computer desk and chair, for my recent 89^th birthday. I had never even turned one on before but I am determined to learn it so I just purchased your CD’s. I’m sure they will prove very helpful.”

Bernice

From Florida

“I had an assignment for a final project due in PowerPoint and didn’t know a think about it so I ordered your product. Within 2 days I was able to start using PowerPoint 2007 and begin my final project. The total amount I could receive on the project was 250 points and I received 245 and I attribute that to using the lessons from you on PowerPoint. I took an additional step. I had actually been sent two copies because the first one would skip and get stuck so they sent me a new copy to work with. I carefully cleaned it after using it and then sent it on to my enrollment counselor for him to look at and he loved it. I told him that the Video Professor would be a wonderful addition to the University to recommend to students who may be having problems with a certain program and they are considering recommending the programs to new and current students who might be struggling with any type of program they might need for school.

I feel so strongly about the learning effects of Video Professor that I felt compelled to pass on the knowledge and what better place than a university. Hopefully they will include the products in their introductory to new students and let them know that there is a place where they can go to ease the tension of trying to learn any new program they might be struggling with. Also, I just wanted to pass along this information to you so that you would be aware of what I have done and hopefully it will help people like me who have never used a certain program. As you can see from my account, I have ordered a number of your programs and have found them all to be extremely helpful for my needs. Again I would like to thank you for all the help you have provided over the years and just say keep up the excellent work. It sure has saved me from a few tight spots and hopefully the word will get around at the University about the Video Professor.”

Michael

From Texas

“I am so impressed with your product that I had to write and say thank you. I am a novice on computers and I ordered “Buying and Selling on eBay.” I was amazed at the amount of information you included and how clearly easy it was to understand it. Although I’ve never even checked out eBay before the tapes I now feel I have the courage, knowledge and confidence to do so. Thank you so much for your wonderfully helpful product.”

Patricia

From California

“I just wanted to say as a multiple VP lesson owner, that you (VP) are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Yesterday I turned 48 years old, and thanks to you, I can operate a P.C. performing many tasks that were 100% completely foreign to me in the not too distant past.

I always wanted a “Go-Fast” boat, bought me a 358 2001 Sonic USA 850 Horsepower boat. I always wanted to know the computer, bought me a VP Lesson!

In conclusion, You Da Man!

P.S. Your 3 CD eBay lesson blows away the other fellows book, CD and other eBay tutorial. I bought his package. It is knowledge with a whole lot of empty thin air between the lines.”

Roland

From Maryland

“Thank you for the learning experience of Windows XP. When it came to computers, I felt like the little boy in Home Alone. Scared. In my case, of my computer. Now I feel confident about the computer functions and less scared of it. I also appreciate the pleasant customer care and the learning techniques. I will buy more lessons in the future.”

Victor

From Virginia

Should we put another lesson on the "Barbie"

We came across this story from Australia about kids and computer literacy. Or lack thereof. We're not surprised. A generation of kids have grown up with computers, but while they're great at social media pages, texting and the like, too many fall short in the skill sets they'll need for college and the work place.

Often they find out the hard way.

Computer literacy doesn't have to be hard. Visit www.videoprofessor.com and see what you've been missing.

2010: The Year of the Budget

In case you haven’t heard, managing a budget is a skill set that will come in very handy in 2010. (And 2011)

Think of budgeting as a future-shock, shock absorber. Every penny counts these days, and tracking expenses is a great way to see right on your computer screen where your money is going. It also helps to stop where some of your money is going.

“I spent how much on coffee last month???”

Excel® is an easy and yet powerful tool to help you track your income and expenses. Yes, it really is easy. We have a great tutorial to show you just how easy it is.

Know where your money is coming and going with simple spread sheets or knock yourself out by turning them into graphs and charts. It’s the kind of picture worth a thousand words that could just save you a few bucks here and there.

Think you’re computer literate? Think again.

We came across an interesting article by Dawn Rosenberg McKay writing in About.com. Check out this quote from McKay: “I was shocked and disappointed, when a college professor friend of mine told me about his students, juniors and seniors at a highly competitive university, who knew little about computers, and did not know how to retrieve an e-mailed file and operate a simple Windows® based program.”

I think a lot of people who surf the net or answer the odd e-mail or two think they’re computer literate. Until they hit college or that first job. Reality usually hits them on day one. Video Professor can help you avoid that.

Better Mousetraps bring out smarter mice. (Rats?)

A day doesn’t go by where you don’t read about crooks and thieves hacking into some pretty sophisticated computer systems.

Most are based out of China, Russia and Africa. It would take a very long arm of the law to ever catch them. They essentially are “E-Ghosts.”

It’s a sobering reminder to check on the security of your own computer(s) at home. When was the last time you updated your firewall protection? How about passwords? What about your home wireless set-up? Free WiFi at the coffee shop is great, but beware of others sipping and poaching from you at the same time.

Be careful what you post on social networking sites. You may be excited about your big vacation out of the country, which is an open invitation for thieves to visit your house while you’re away. Share you stories and pictures AFTER your get back!

Video Professor’s “Protect Yourself Online” tutorial is a great way to make sure you and your family are safe when on the Internet. We produced the lesson set in association with noted Cyber-Crime expert and author, Jayne Hitchcock.

The result is a postive and excellent learning experience in online safety for you.

Help wanted ads include “Computer Proficiency” at top of the list

Have you read this article by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D., and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D. on what employers consider “must have” skills in today’s very competitive job market?

They list Computer/Technical Literacy near the top of the list. “Almost all jobs now require some basic understanding of computer hardware and software, especially word processing, spreadsheets, and email,” according to the Hansen’s.

Video Professor has lessons in all these key skills. Learning is simple, quick and easy with Video Professor’s proven “What you see is what you do” method of learning.

Learn today’s key job skills with Video Professor then check the “Help Wanted” ads.

Beware of Census Scams

Video Professor is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an “A” rating and we want to share this alert issued by the BBB with you.

The U.S. Better Business Bureau is warning all consumers to be on guard for online and in-person census fraudsters in the coming months.

The census questionnaire asks 10 questions. None of those questions involves personal financial information such as bank account or credit card numbers, or your Social Security number.

Watch out for phishing e-mails that claim to be from the Census Bureau, (as well as) phone calls, knocks on the door and mail, basically all forms of contact where people are asked for financially sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers.

Already, there have been reports of people identifying themselves as census takers contacting senior citizens in Chicago and trying to extract their financial ID numbers. In the past, the fraud has been related to identify theft, gaining access to victims' bank accounts and credit card numbers.

The hottest Identity Fraud masters are now finding ways to duplicate the Census Takers ID badges and then targeting affluent neighborhoods or areas where there are lots of stay-at-home parents. A legitimate Census Taker will not ask for ANY personal information and not ask to come inside your home.

You could also receive a fake 2010 census questionnaire in the mail that requests your personal financial information. Throw it away!

So. . .bottom line. . . fill out the Census you received in the mail this month and don't give ANYONE any of your account numbers, your social security numbers, or any bank information.

Technology Spans the Globe. (If you know how)

A member of the Video Professor team has a family member half a world away this week. They’ve been communicating on a regular basis via YouTube, PDA and of course, by computer.

Videos, Video Chats, Social Websites, you name it and they’re doing it.

A generation ago it would have been done by long distance phone (maybe) or telegram (expensive). Very likely you’d just get a post card. (After they got back)

Today, communication from much of the world is done in an instant, with any combination of video, text or voice you need. It’s all very easy, if you have the skills.

Video Professor’s proven “What you see is what you do” method of learning makes it easy to harness the most technically advanced communications with the computer on your desk, on your lap or the PDA in pocket or purse.

When you review the Video Professor Learning Library you’ll see dozens of programs to help you communicate, or be more productive in the office. Video Professor can even teach you how to get the best travel bargains should you need to travel half-way around the world.

When you get to your destination, it’s nice to stay in touch with the folks back home. Let Video Professor teach you how. Video Professor lessons are available on CD-ROM or direct to your computer via Video Professor Online.

Blago fired by Trump. Cites lack of computer skills!

Ok, every once in a while a story drops into our lap and we run with it. If you’re a fan of “The Apprentice” you know the latest to hear the worst two words in Reality TV is former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

His downfall? A lack of computer skills. The governor says he has trouble with e-mail and texting, adding it was something his generation didn’t grow up with.

Neither did a lot of people, one of the reasons over 15 million people have turned to Video Professor to learn today’s important computing skills.

You might not be a contestant on “The Apprentice” but just in case you are, you might want to visit Video Professor before you do or check out Video Professor Online. Lessons streamed right to your computer. No waiting for the mail, just log on and learn.

We’d hate to see Mr. Trump send you home packing.

PowerPoint Remains Powerful Communications Tool

One of the staff here at Video Professor recently attended a business conference. Presenters included top people in their field.

When he got back he remarked that every presentation over the 3 days was done using PowerPoint. A reminder of what a popular presentation tool this powerful program remains.

In any office environment, there are two types of people: Those conducting the PowerPoint presentation and those watching.

Guess who gets noticed and remembered, especially at review time?

How are your PowerPoint skills? Know a little, or little at all?

Either way, Video Professor’s “Learn PowerPoint®” tutorial is a must-have way to learn a must-have skill in today’s competitive job market.

Like all Video Professor lessons, you learn as you do and lessons are available on CD-ROM or by Video Professor Online.

So if you’d like to be noticed instead of being part of the crowd, try my product®.

The Power of Twitter

So Video Professor CEO John Scherer answers a "casting call" on Twitter by David Pogue of the New York Times for an iPad review on CNBC.

Watch the video!

Bells, Whistles, Colors and Curves.

The old PC ain’t what it used to be. Let’s face it, up until now PC’s have been pretty square. Literally.

But manufacturers are starting to let their designer’s, well, design. Laptops and PDA’s are replacing desktops and adding colors and curves along with bells and whistles including wide screen displays and Blu-Ray DVD Players.

Very cool.

What remain constant are the programs inside the machine. Regardless of how hot your computer looks, it’s only as good as the operator when it comes to producing results.

That’s where Video Professor comes in. Visit us at www.videoprofessor.com to learn how to unleash the power that’s wrapped in all the new pizzazz!

Video Professor lessons are even available online ready to stream directly to that snazzy new machine on your desk or lap.

Will that be Cash or Clutter?

Take a moment and take a look around your house. Focus on the basement, attic and garage. Do you see clutter? Would you rather see cash?

eBay® is a world wide market place and you can buy and sell on it right from your home. If you have a garage or attic full of stuff, let Video Professor teach you how to turn that stuff into cash you can stuff into your pocket instead.

Video Professor eBay® lessons are a great way to learn how to do business on eBay. The lessons cover how to both buy and sell on eBay. Learn how to save money when buying and make money when selling on the world's most popular auction site.

Available either on CD-ROM or Video Professor Online.

Tax Time: Shoebox or Spread Sheet?

Tax time is just around the corner. We’ve been reading a couple of stories about some of the frustrations tax preparers endure each year, especially customers who come in with a shoe box full of receipts, with little if any of it organized in any cohesive way.

As the saying goes, there are two certain things: Death and taxes. (Add a disclaimer that we’re living longer, and taxes become more complicated each year.)

Even if you do your own taxes, you have to be prepared. There are lots of ways to do that with software ranging from Excel®, Microsoft Money® and QuickBooks®.

Would you rather spend a few minutes each week itemizing business and personal expenses, charitable contributions etc, or spend hours (days?) later as you head to tax time?

Would you rather simply hit “Print” than dig through drawers and envelopes?

The best part about all these programs is they’re easy to use. IF you know how. Video Professor can teach you with our proven “What you see is what you do” method of learning. Whether you use our CD-ROM lessons or Video Professor Online with the lessons streamed directly to your computer, Video Professor can help you prepare before your prepare your taxes.

Regardless of tax time or not, it’s important to track every dime you, your family or small business spends in these uncertain economic times. Sometimes it takes an easily produced pie chart or bar graph to show you where the money is going.

A picture is not only worth a thousand words, it could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Start organizing your finances. Video Professor is standing by to help like we have with over 15 million customers.

Will that be Cash or Clutter?

Take a moment and take a look around your house. Focus on the basement, attic and garage. Do you see clutter? Would you rather see cash?

eBay® is a world wide market place and you can buy and sell on it right from your home. If you have a garage or attic full of stuff, let Video Professor teach you how to turn that stuff into cash you can stuff into your pocket instead.

Video Professor eBay® lessons are a great way to learn how to do business on eBay. The lessons cover how to both buy and sell on eBay. Learn how to save money when buying and make money when selling on the world's most popular auction site.

Available either on CD-ROM or Video Professor Online.

PowerPoint Remains Powerful Communications Tool

One of the staff here at Video Professor recently attended a business conference. Presenters included top people in their field.

When he got back he remarked that every presentation over the 3 days was done using PowerPoint. A reminder of what a popular presentation tool this powerful program remains.

In any office environment, there are two types of people: Those conducting the PowerPoint presentation and those watching.

Guess who gets noticed and remembered, especially at review time?

How are your PowerPoint skills? Know a little, or little at all?

Either way, Video Professor’s “Learn PowerPoint®” tutorial is a must-have way to learn a must-have skill in today’s competitive job market.

Like all Video Professor lessons, you learn as you do and lessons are available on CD-ROM or by Video Professor Online.

So if you’d like to be noticed instead of being part of the crowd, and as the boss says, Try my product®.”

Video Professor Quick Start Guide a Good Start

When you receive your Video Professor Lessons in the mail, open the box right away. Make sure that the correct lessons are inside, then take a few moments to review the enclosed “Quick Start Guide” that comes with all Video Professor Lessons.

Just inside the guide you’ll find important information about your review period plus customer service contact information to make sure your learning experience with Video Professor is the best it can be.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call on us. We’re here to answer any questions you have, or help you may need.

Then pop those CD-ROM Lessons into your machine and start learning with Video Professor!

A Cyber Scary Top 10

Symantec’s Security Response Group just released a list of the riskiest cities for Web Surfing.

1. Seattle
2. Boston
3. Washington, D.C.
4. San Francisco5. Raleigh, NC
6. Atlanta, GA
7. Minneapolis, MN
8. Denver, CO
9. Austin, TX
10. Portland, OR

Marian Merrit, a Norton Internet Safety Advocate says “Interestingly, factors that might imbue a city with civic pride are also those most likely to make it a target for cyber criminals.”
50 cities were surveyed, with Detroit coming in as the last likeliest city for citizens to engage in risky online behavior. Cyber crooks go where the money is.
Regardless of where you live there are “Cyber-Muggers” from all over the world looking to exploit you and your family. It’s always important to make sure the security software on your computer is up to date, that you and your family are careful who they befriend on social pages like Facebook and of course, the incredible barrage of “Scam” e-mails that find their ways into your inbox at work and at home.

All this is why Video Professor worked with Cyber-Crime Expert and Author Jayne Hitchcock in developing its “Protect Yourself Online Tutorial.” Check it out in either the CD-ROM or Video Professor Online versions.

An ounce of digital prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Don’t cancel that summer vacation just yet.

Rising gas prices and a continuing uncertain economy have people thinking of staying close to home this summer. This isn’t lost on the travel industry. There are some great travel deals out there, in fact GREAT travel deals. You just have to know where to find them. Check out Video Professor’s Learn Online Travel Tutorial. It shows you how to find the best travel deals available. Maybe you can escape your backyard after all.

A great summer vacation might just be a click away, unless of course, you’d rather watch the grass grow in your backyard instead.

News you can use about Protecting Yourself Online

Video Professor announces donations to non-profits.

Video Professor, Inc. is pleased to announce the donation of computer lessons to the following non-profit institutions and organizations:

• 5th Annual Fundraiser for Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville FL. A Video Professor Lesson Library will be used for a Silent Auction.
• Hands of Hope Outreach Food Shelter in Durant OK. Lessons will be used by volunteer office staff.
• US Army Wounded Warriors, Colorado Springs CO. Lessons will be part of rehab efforts for returning wounded to learn new job skills.
• Abundant Life Church Ministries, Memphis TN. Lessons will be used as part of the Church’s computer literacy efforts for youth members.
• Rotary Club of Oakland CA for 25^th Annual Fund Raising Gala.
• On-going donations to a U.S. Army/Pentagon Program providing computer training to returning veterans.

“Part of our mission at Video Professor is assisting non-profits through the donations of our lessons,” says John W. Scherer, CEO and Founder of Video Professor, Inc. “Whether for computer literacy efforts, or as fund-raising tools, it’s our way of making a small difference here at home and around the world.”

Through donations over the years, Video Professor lessons are being used by schools from Tanzania to Thailand, by returning members of the United States military for skills enhancement and re-training, and by non-profit groups who provide computer literacy as part of their programs along with use by many of the volunteer members.

Video Professor has received several awards for these donations, including the Freedom Team Salute from the United States Army.

“We don’t do it for the awards, but for the reward of making computer literacy truly universal here at home and around the world. Our philosophy has always been that if we all give a little, together we can make a big difference.”

Currently Video Professor is partnering on a project which will provide 350 refurbished computers to those without access to computing. Video Professor is supplying productivity software lessons for these machines with further details to be released in the coming weeks.

To learn more about Video Professor’s complete line of computer tutorials, visit their web site at www.videoprofessor.com.

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About Video Professor, Inc.

Based in Lakewood, Colo., Video Professor, Inc. has been the leader in comprehensive self-paced computer software tutorials for more than 22 years. The core of Video Professor's learning initiative is to provide home users as well as corporate professionals with valuable, user-friendly learning solutions for today's most common software titles. In addition to pioneering the future of easy-to-use online tutorials, Video Professor currently ships over 250,000 CD-ROMs every month and has helped more than 15 million households learn the computer skills they need to remain competitive in today's computer-driven marketplace. Video Professor has an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau. The complete VIDEO PROFESSOR library is also available online to stream directly to computers.

Welcome

We here at Video Professor, Inc. have created a news blog, to keep you informed of interesting tidbits of news on news product releases, what our company and employees are doing and in general just to keep you posted about Video Professor.

We've been in business going into our 23rd year with over 15 million customers. We're a growing and dynamic company with great employees and again we welcome you to this resource to find out what's new with our team and our products.

Again, welcome!