Let's take my Tech Talk column, for example. Since my company is computer consulting, and I work with servers and engineer networks, connecting machines for small to medium size offices, and run into problems for every scenario, I can usually just write about a problem I had been working on in the last month or so.

Or, I can get a request about something from a current user and I can investigate it and write a few words about it. This month, however, I could not come up with anything until I started looking at the programs that came with Windows 98. I figured that since most people use Windows 98, I could be of some help telling them about a few utilities packed with the install disks of their own operating system. So hopefully this would help.

I sometimes run into things that have not much to do with computers but do have a program to help you out. For example, you know I do business telephone systems as well for my company. One of the features that I install is a music-on-hold system. I first started out installing small radios that I pick up cheap. They are only $14 and they run from an AC cord and have an earphone jack. I simply run a specially made cord from the earpiece jack and incorporate it into the phone system. However, this violates copyright laws.

So I looked into a music-on-hold system. You can purchase a small CD player for around $70 and then buy a licensed CD with a generic message that says thank you for calling and to please hold. The only problem with a system like this is that it could wear out after running for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

So I purchased a real electronic music-on-hold system that has no moving parts. You can download your own music-on-hold messages into the system and it can play for years without breaking down. It also comes with two programs that help you create your own custom message. The first is a message creator system that helps you come up with the verbiage you need for your custom message. Here are a couple of my custom messages:

1. Thank you for your patience. At HullSoft Enterprises, we strive to provide quality service to every one of our small to medium size businesses. Please continue to hold and we'll be back just as soon as possible.

2. We appreciate your patience. At this time, we are assisting other small to medium size businesses. When we return, we assure you the same quality time and individual attention. Please stay on the line and we'll be with you shortly.

3. Thank you for calling HullSoft Enterprises. We appreciate your patience during this brief delay. Please stay on the line and one of our representatives will return to assist you in just a moment.

4. Thank you for calling HullSoft Enterprises, a leader in keeping your company "State of the Art" in technology. Please stay on the line and we'll be back with you in a moment.

5. Thank you for holding—we appreciate your patience. At HullSoft Enterprises, serving you is our number one priority. Please stay on the line and we'll be back with you in a moment.

6. Thank you for being patient during this busy time. Your business is important to HullSoft. Please stay on this line and we’ll get right back to you!

7. Thank you for choosing to call HullSoft Enterprises at this busy time. We apologize for the delay. Because you've been considerate enough to hold on, we'd like to do a little something for you and let you know that most people hate systems like this. Please just hold on a little more and we will be back on the phone so you can tell us how much you hate this system as well.

8. Please be assured that your call is very important to us and a HullSoft Enterprises representative will be with you shortly.

1. When it comes to office automation and technical support, HullSoft Enterprises is a leader in the community. With over 22 years of experience, consulting, technical support, and installation expertise, we deliver reliable results. We listen to you and adapt to fit your requirements and environment. Whatever your needs, HullSoft can deliver a comprehensive plan to improve your company’s computer productivity and/or phone system. Please stay on the line and we’ll assist you as soon as possible.

2. Many people don’t realize that HullSoft installs phone systems as well as server implementation. That’s why your trusted partners at HullSoft Enterprises provide a complete line of Norstar telephones and voice mail systems for all your communication needs. Please hold the line and we’ll assist you as soon as possible.

3. For over 22 years, we’ve built a solid reputation based on the sound principle of delivering professional, high-quality products and service to each and every one of our small to medium size businesses. Please hold the line and we’ll be with you shortly.

4. Whether your office just has one computer or one hundred computers, HullSoft welcomes the opportunity to work for you in a timely and efficient manner. HullSoft is a Sacramento-based company servicing the greater Sacramento valley. Please stay on the line and one of our representatives will return to assist you in just a moment.

5. Solutions include Microsoft’s latest and greatest operating systems, keeping your company up to speed with the highest technology to date. Phone systems are installed using Norstar Key Service Units from Nortel Networks. These are the industry standard and are well supported by HullSoft Enterprises, including voice mail systems. Please hold the line and we’ll get right to you.

6. Here at HullSoft Enterprises, we believe there’s nothing more important than the opinions and suggestions of our valued customers. We could go on and on about our fine quality and dedication to attentive, one-on-one service, but what really counts is what our customers have to say. We look forward to supporting your company in the same manner. Please stay on the line and one of our representatives will return to assist you in just a moment.

7. If you’ve been searching for a place to find quality computer consulting, then your search is over. At HullSoft Enterprises, we take pride in working with small to medium size businesses, installing a server and sharing Internet connections with other computers located within the same office. Please stay on the line and one of our representatives will return to assist you in just a moment.

Well, now that you get the idea of the message, you need a program that can interleave these messages with your licensed music. It comes with it and it does just that. You can use MP3 files, or music from any source. Just state the gap between messages and this program will automatically play your music and then tone down while your messages are being played. It even tells you the total time your system will play your custom music-on-hold.

I guess I just would like to say that almost every device out there has something to do with computers now days. Even my phone systems came with a CDE with the instructions in Acrobat format. You just can’t get by nowadays without a computer.