As you are reviewing Excel files and changes are subsequently made to the spreadsheets, it can be difficult to have an audit trail to ensure changes are made as we expect to see them. Historically some reviewers have been printing a copy of the Excel file as it existed at the time it was reviewed to have a static copy for review purposes. This PDF would then be compared with the updated Excel file to review the changes. While this may be a good solution, there is another option that may be a better alternative.

Technology.

Whether the word strikes fear in your heart or makes you get down on your knees in thanks, it can be a real boon to your practice. I’ve been writing about how businesspeople use technology since 1983, so I’m used to rolling with the punches.

In my blog posts, I’ll be exploring trends in technology and how they can enhance your firm’s productivity. I’ll cover everything from Web-browsing to documents to Web design, from communications to contact management to mini-money apps to hardware and software and Web-based solutions we haven’t even heard of yet. And I’ll be eager to hear from you.

I first saw Yoggie Security System at CES 2008 -- and this year they made a second appearance and I took a second look. They make itty-bitty USB computers. Yup, that’s right -- computers.

They actually have an OS (it’s Linux) in a USB device and the little guys provide some pretty amazing security  services. Essentially it replaces your software firewall and protects your computer from malicious attacks -- with a PHYSICAL barrier. The result looks to be a performance boost since all the “thinking” is done by the Yoggie device. Pretty interesting concept for somewhere in the $120 range with the free copy of Kaspersky™ Anti-Virus.