10 Free Business Tools for Bail Agents

• July 20, 2015
• by AboutBail Staff

Navigating the fast-paced world of apps, programs, tweets, and status updates can be overwhelming, but as technology advances many free tools have become available to help businesses run more efficiently. Here is our list of 10 free tools to help you run your bail bond agency.

1. Twitter, Facebook , and LinkedIn : The ‘Big Three’ of the social media sites allow you to network with other professionals, share news, and connect with clients. As a free tool, social media offers the easiest and least expensive way to market your business.

2. Google Apps: With email, chat, a calendar, and docs, Google has created the basic business package at no cost. You can access your email, send out calendar invitations to set up appointments, and complete all of your word processing on this online service. There is the added benefit of being able to access these tools from any device, and with everything stored online all of your records will survive a computer crash.

3. OpenOffice.org: If online docs aren't your thing, OpenOffice.org is a free and compatible alternative to Microsoft word that offers word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and graphics.    

4. Dropbox: Compatible with all formats and available in mobile versions, Dropbox provides a place to add and store your files from any device. Any time you update or add a file, it is added to each of your devices as well. Think of it as your mobile file cabinet, an easy place to store your archives or any paperwork you might need to share, and a less time-consuming alternative to traditional filing systems.

5. Evernote: For the ultimate note-taker, Evernote allows you to save web pages, take notes, collaborate on projects, and share photos. You can store and save online newspaper articles, record a quick voice note if you don't have a paper and pen handy. Anything you add to Evernote is searchable by keyword, so you don't have to worry about rummaging through your notes.

6. eHour:  eHour provides an online-based timesheet solution. With eHour you can log how much time you've spent on a specific project and create detailed reports with multiple employees. Whether it's tracking office hours or time out on fugitive recovery, you can store all of that information in eHour and ensure that all of your working hours are accounted for.  

7. PeaZip :  An alternative to WinZip, PeaZip is a file and archive manager. With this tool you can extract, compress, convert, or encrypt your files, and even use their portable version for on-the-go archives. It's always a good idea to hold on to old records so you can double check a repeat customer's history or provide files to the court if needed, and PeaZip can help you compress them so that they don't take up as much computer memory and allow your machine to run faster.

8. Areca Backup : Although there are many web-based options for protecting your files, Areca Backup is a simple and straightforward way to back up your computer. Simple copy-paste formats as well as email, zip archive, and post-backup options make this backup software easy to use, and it's always a good idea to make sure your recent and archived files survive a computer crash.

9. AVG Antivirus :  With options for PC, internet, and mobile device protection, AVG offers comprehensive products comparable to other anti-virus software but with no cost. It's important to keep your files and computer protected, but with AVG you can also download a link scanner to make sure you're not clicking on a link to a virus, or you can run a PC tuneup to clean up your computer and get it running faster.

10. Prey Project : Prey is an innovative tool in protecting your devices that can be installed on your laptop or mobile device, and remotely activated if your device is stolen. Through an internet or text message you can activate Prey, which will snap photos, lock your computer, or even report the theft to authorities. You can also choose to have passwords wiped and other information protected, and with easy setup Prey is one of the best ways to keep your files and computer protected from theft.

We hope you found this list helpful, and let us know if any other programs have made your business day a little easier.

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