Are you gunning for a raise or a promotion? Maybe you only want to stand out for job security. Regardless, this can be achieved by impressing your boss, but how?

What about Excel? Many of us, despite our job, use spreadsheets in Excel. This program is an extremely powerful business tool; here are some tips to increase your efficiency, which is certain to impress your boss.

• Hiding Information: Did you know that you can hide columns, rather then deleteing them, when printing a spreadsheet? This can be useful, for example, if the spreadsheet has private information such as salary. In order to hide rows or columns, select the associated number or letter of the row or column to highlight it, then right-click on the highlighted row or column and choose the Hide option. It is possible to Unhide a row or column in the same manner after you have printed or displayed your spreadsheet.
• Timestamping: You can attach a fixed date and time to your Excel spreadsheets utilizing your computer’s “Ctrl” key. In order to do this, hold Ctrl as you press the semicolon key. For the current date and time merely hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys while pressing the semicolon.
• A Better-Looking Spreadsheet: You can enhance a dull spreadsheet with Excel’s Themes option. You can find this option in Excel’s Ribbon. Just click on it, and you’ll discover a variety of different fonts and colors that you can use on your formerly boring spreadsheets.
• Tracking Trends: The latest version of Excel includes a feature called Sparklines. With this feature, you can create small charts that show trends in information. For instance, you could use Sparklines to instantly figure out how many software bundles each of your company’s salespeople sold in the first half of 2011.
• Conditional Formatting: This lets you format only specific cells, you can decide on a criteria, and any cells that fall within it will be a certain color. This feature will be helpful to get a quick visual read of your spreadsheet.

Technology is always changing and adapting. So, unfortunately, are cyber-criminals. MIT’s Technology Review website recently presented its list of the biggest technology security threats of 2012. If you spend much of your life surfing the web or communicating with your friends through social media sites, you should be interested in this list. Understanding what’s on it can safeguard you and your computer in 2012.

Stolen, Spoofed Certificates

One difficulty that the article talked about is stolen or faked certificates. When you log into a website, your bank for example, the traffic is encrypted with a “certificate”. This proves that the site can be trusted. The faking and stealing of these certificates was a frequent strategy used by cyber-criminals in 2011. This can give them access to confidential information.

A Common Security Mechanism in Trouble?

This is a serious issue since the use of certificates and encrypted data is the most popular security mechanism on the web. If they can no longer be trusted, that means possible trouble for all computer users.

Technology Review also pointed to online attacks called “hacktivism” as a key security challenge for this year. Organizations such as Anonymous and LulzSec crack passwords and break into company sites. Commonly, these groups do so to demonstrate that companies are woefully unprepared to address hackers. Sometimes, they target companies or corporations that they think are responsible for wrongdoing. No matter the motivation, expect these groups to continue their so-called hacktivism in 2012 and beyond.

Home Automation

In 2012 one more security risk is the growing popularity of home automation. People connect alarm systems, lights, even locks, to the internet to automate their homes. If trustworthy companies are not used or if hackers get into these systems picture the damage that can be done.

It’s hard to envision life without the computer. Today we carry miniature computers – that’s what smartphones are, after all – in our pockets. However, there was a time when the greater part of consumers did not have a single computer within their homes.

How did computers become such a key appliance in such a short amount of time? This is the question that science historian and writer George Dyson asks, and answers, in his new book, Turing’s Cathedral, a kind of personal history of the computer.

The son of scientist Freeman Dyson, George Dyson spent a lot of his life at the Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies. The very first digital computers were built here with the assistance of scientist Josh von Neumann.

After you’ve read Turing’s Cathedral, you will discover just how much chance went into creating the machine that led to the computers we currently take for granted. The personalities at the Princeton Institute didn’t always mesh well, but somehow they were able to create the world’s first digital computer. This machine was constructed and run from an otherwise nondescript building in New Jersey.

Genius or not, people are still people, and when working closely on a single project there are certain to be rivalries and disagreements that arise. Turing’s Cathedral lays these things open, showing the humanity of the scientist that created the first computer.It was not just the personal disputes that needed to be set aside to make this project successful; there were also moral issues involved. The work that went into the creation of the computer walked hand in hand with the U.S. nuclear weapons project.

You might think that history books are dull reads and a history of computers has to be filled with technical jargon. Turing’s Cathedral does not fit that image at all. Anybody who uses a computer will find this book interesting. Which is an awful lot of people these days.

As the planet gets to be more connected so do our cars. Cars like the Audi A6, Ford Edge, and the Lincoln MKX allow individuals to browse the Web while in their front seat. People are able to, stream music, get latest traffic information, but is all this access the best thing while driving? Typically it’s exciting to see technological advancements, but when it comes to our safety on the highway is there such a thing as excessive connectivity?

Challenges of the Connected Car

Drivers get distracted and this may result in accidents. In fact, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 80 percent of all accidents involve driver inattention within 3 seconds of the collision. So, this being true, imagine how distracted the driver would be if there is an amusing YouTube video playing on an in-car screen.

Does Tech Distract Drivers?

Drivers need to concentrate on the road. Whatever takes their focus away from it—regardless of whether it’s chomping down on a fast-food burger or hunting for traffic information—can cause potentially fatal accidents. That’s why the news that cars are on pace to become much more connected is greeted with as much reluctance as enthusiasm.

Browsing the Web Inside Your Car

Regardless of how we feel about this, unless laws are put into place preventing it, people will soon have the capacity to stream YouTube videos, Google an answer to a question, and correspond via social media sites in their cars. Maybe the next step ought to be to increase the self-driving aspects to cars; but perhapsthat would detach us even more to the world around us.

Again, this would normally be deemed a positive development of technology. The potential negative impacts, though—an increase in the quantity of unfocused drivers on the road—do give pause. It’s important for drivers to understand these tech goodies are nice features. However, it’s equally important for them to remain focused on the road, no matter how badly they want to sneak a peek at the video streaming into their vehicles.

You have probably heard of nanotechnology, but might have very little idea as to what it’s about and exactly how it pertains to you. Nanotechnology makes life easier for all of us; it’s not merely the stuff of science fiction. Basically, nanotechnology is the science of working with matter on an atomic scale.

The practical side of nanotechnology

As an example, Science Daily ran a feature story about scientists creating a way to use nanotechnology to lessen the amount of friction in car engines and machines. If this technology becomes widespread, it can help extend the lives of machines and engines and help them operate more proficiently. According to the Science Daily story, a team of scientists created tiny polymer particles that were dispersed in automobile engine base oils. When tested under conditions that simulated those present in car engines, these tiny particles were found to have a fantastic capability to reduce friction.

More efficient motors

Even when dispersed at low concentrations they reduced friction considerably, much more so then the friction additives currently being utilized in many industries today. How much more do they reduce friction? By about 55 percent more! Nanotechnology is a developing industry so expect more breakthroughs like this. In fact it is growing so fast that the United States recently released a national strategy to be sure that environmental, health, and safety research requirements are addressed in the field.

The emerging world of nanotechnology

If you feel, then, that nanotechnology is only good for Hollywood special effects blockbusters; just take a close look at your car’s engine. One day, nanotechnology could leave you with an engine that uses less gas. That, obviously, can leave you with a fatter wallet, and you will be able to thank nanotechnology for this.

There are a variety of problems these days; Climate change, poverty, Illiteracy, debt crises, these are just a few. Google has decided to give solving these problems a shot and created the “Solve for X” initiative. This project draws together some of Google’s finest minds and asks them to creatively tackle some of the most perplexing global issues. The hope is that the “Solve for X” brain trust will develop radical solutions using existing technologies in a way previously unthought-of.

Tackling the biggest global issues

You may wonder, how can a group of people at “Solve for X” find answers to problems that have confused world leaders for years? The brain trust at “Solve for X” consists of forty-six scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from all around the globe. And these people are enthusiastic. Google explains it as: “This combination of things—a huge problem to solve, a radical solution for solving it and the breakthrough technology to make it happen—is the essence of a moonshot.”

Tackling water scarcity

An article about the “Solve for X” project appeared on Mashable.com a few weeks ago. Mashable reported the account of an individual who participated in a “Solve for X” retreat. He stated the minds involved discussed the issue of global water scarcity. What sorts of solutions do you think this brain trust produced? How about forward osmosis with recycled ammonium salts. While we may not be clear about what this means, the people at “Solve for X” do.

The need for technology brain trusts

Whether “Solve for X” does produce any real solutions for the globe’s biggest problems, the brain trust idea is obviously one with merit. Technology has the facility to change the world for good. Yes, new tech entertains us. It makes it easier for us to enjoy our music, watch movies, and read our favorite magazines. But technology can do so much more. Perhaps brain trusts like “Solve for X” will help us truly tap the potential of technology.

Do you run a workplace in which employees feel free to share new ideas? Do your employees come to you with new plans or solutions about how to run company meetings more productively? Have your employees ever provided ideas for a new marketing plan or suggested topics for the company’s blog?

If this does not sound familiar, your company may be unintentionally stifling employee creativity. A lack of creativity among your employees, in today’s business environment, can spell the doom for your business and may keep you one step behind the competition.

Creative employees typically come up with key ideas for better promoting your products, enhancing the functionality of the company website, bettering production efficiencies, and shaving dollars off your monthly expenses. However, employees won’t exercise their creativity if you do not first encourage them to do so.

One of the best ways to motivate fresh thinking is to just listen to your employees when they present new ideas. Most employees are worried when approaching their superiors with new concepts, specifically when it’s an idea that falls “outside of the box.” So make sure you give them an open forum to discuss their ideas and give them the respect to listen closely to them. One more way is to ask your employees, if you are struggling to think of a way to improve the company’s blog, or products, send out an email asking for ideas. Not all of your employee’s ideas will impress you, but, so as not to single anyone out, listen to them all.

If you assume that your employees do not have good ideas, then you may be missing out. In addition, not listening to them, or overlooking ideas will encourage your employees to do the bare minimum. You will end up with a group of people working for the weekend.

One more great way to inspire creativity is to compensate strong ideas. This could be financial or simply pointing out their innovation to the rest of the company.

Many people want a job that allows them to be creative. It stimulates their minds and prevents boring redundancy. Many employees also have ideas on how to improve their place of business; they just haven’t voiced them to you. So encourage them to let you know what they think. It doesn’t mean that the way you have been doing things is bad; it just means that they may have ideas that you many not have thought of. Regardless, you and your business will reap the benefits of their creativity and your employees will be happier for it.

Tired of social media? Ignoring it all together? Well, hop on the bandwagon, because it’s not going away! In fact a brand new site recently popped up that is gaining popularity: Pinterest. Pinterest is a little different than sites like Facebook and Twitter, since it focuses purely on the interests of the users. This encourages creativity by allowing you to share your interests with others rather than just posting updates concerning your day-to-day life.

But that doesn’t explain what it is. The definition is in the name. Pinterest is a combination of the words “pin” and “interest”. Inside your account you have “pinboards,” similar to bulletin boards. You could make these public or not, and then “pin” images of stuff you have an interest in onto these and make notes about these images.

Creating Pinterest Categories

For example, you might make the category convertibles. Then you can paste any images you find online of the new Volkswagen Beetle convertible, along with a link to the page where you found them. It’s also possible to attach any photos of convertibles that you took yourself as well as add notes to these images. Then you’re able to share these pinboards with other Pinterest users.

The Social Part of Pinterest

While Pinterest features a different approach to social media, its main objective is still social interaction. You can decide to follow as many people as you wish as well as only follow the pinboards you’re interested in. Say somebody has a collection of local restaurants; you’re able to follow that, while choosing not to follow her collection of “all things cute.”

Joining Pinterest

This is easily the most difficult part about Pinterest. You have to be invited to participate. You can visit pinterest.com and request an invitation but there’s no telling just how long it will take to get your invitation. One surefire approach is to ask a friend with a Pinterest account to invite you.

Putting your best foot forward in life makes a difference, especially in the workplace. Hooking a job is more difficult now then ever, so it is more vital than ever to dress for success.

That’s right. What you wear to work and to job interviews still matters. Yes, more and more people are telecommuting. More people are arriving to work in jeans and t-shirts. However, that does not mean you should dress casually for an interview.

This simple rule can help where job interviews are concerned: Better to be overdressed then under-dressed. Even if the company that you are interviewing for says, “No need to dress up, we’re very casual here,” it is best to still wear proper business attire for your interview. Your clothing is capable of showing how serious you are about your employment, and employers want somebody that really wants to grow with a company and takes their position seriously. In the event you dress for an interview in t-shirt and jeans, you’ve made a poor first impression, even if you blow everyone else out of the water with your qualifications.

In the workplace you should still evaluate the clothing you wear. Even in a casual place you can continue to look sharp. Should you just grab yesterday’s jeans off the floor and run out the door you won’t get noticed. Those who put more thought into their style stand out from their peers, which is never a bad thing in the event the boss is looking to promote someone!

Of course, you still have to be a good worker. You could be the best-dressed person in the world, but it will not help you if you don’t do your job well. All things being equal, the better-dressed employee will always make the better impression.

You’re on Twitter, and you’re tired of reading about what your brother-in-law ate for breakfast. You are interested in following the tweets of people who actually have something interesting to talk about.

Well, lucky for you, almost everyone has a Twitter now.  This can include celebrities, scientists, entrepreneurs, and legislators and you could follow them and hear what they’ve got to say.

Here are 7 interesting folks who will get you started if you are not sure whom to follow:

1. Conan O’Brien: This talk-show host is a master of the absurd. His posts are always witty and clever. If you’re trying to follow somebody that will give you a mid-day chuckle, follow @ConanOBrien. Also, he doesn’t promote his show through his tweets.
2. Marissa Mayer: You may not be familiar with Marissa Mayer, but she is the first female engineer at Google. So if you want to get a glimpse into the life and thoughts of a technology expert, follow @Marissamayer.
3. Mike Massimino: For anybody who is thinking about what life at NASA is like, follow this astronaut’s Twitter feed: @Astro_Mike
4. Rainn Wilson: You may know Rainn better from the character of Dwight Schrute on the popular Tv program The Office. What you probably don’t know is that his Twitter feed is as entertaining as the show. Follow him @Rainnwilson.
5. Ryan Penagos: For those who are interested in Comics, Ryan Penagos Twitter feed will keep you up to date. He is the editorial director of Marvel Comics and he recently tweeted about a new Spider-Man video game.
6. Barack Obama: You may or may not have voted for him but he is the Commander and Chief. Find out what’s on his mind on a daily bases @BarackObama.
7. Bill Gates: You may not like Microsoft Windows, but you should still check out the Twitter feed of Bill Gates. The man has made an undeniable impact in the tech world. And today, he and his wife are devoting their time and energy to important charitable causes.