Top Tech Moves for 2008

Get out the manual -- or hire someone to come in -- and smarten that phone right up. It will pay dividends immediately.

2. Yank the wires.

Small businesses have an overwhelming distrust of wireless data and office solutions. For the sake of your business, conquer your fears: Hunt down and yank out every universal serial bus connector, Ethernet cable, mouse cable and phone cord.

Between N-class routers, data-over-power line solutions, improved Bluetooth, DECT class cordless phones -- don't even think of going with cheapskate 5.8 gig phone gear -- and WiMax broadband access, there is no reason to have a single wire in your office.

Not only is wireless more efficient, easier to maintain and neater than the wires rioting under your desk now, but wireless connectors also cut down on dust and grime.

Once you get rid of the cords, you will wonder how you lived with that digital spaghetti.

3. Learn to use your software.

This is work, but it will pay off in no time. There is simply no getting around learning the ins and outs of the software you use every day.

That's true whether you communicate with Outlook, write in Word or book tables with point-of-sale restaurant software. You're wasting your time if you don't know a task from a style sheet or a downloaded template.