Workplace News

Telework software offered free after Sept. 11 tragedies ... Vault.com creates message center in response to tragedies ... Americans will need help coping after disaster, according to experts.

TELEWORK SOFTWARE FREE AFTER SEPT. 11 ATTACKS

Expertcity Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif., announced Sept. 12 it would offer free, unlimited use of its new telework software, GoToMyPC, for 30 days to everyone affected by the Sept. 11 acts of terrorism in New York and Washington.

The software enables remote control of a personal computer from any Web browser, allowing people to work anywhere as if they were at their usual workstations. The product, introduced in June, is extremely secure with password protection and works through corporate firewalls, the company said.

"With the country reeling from this horrible human tragedy, a secondary effect has been the impact on the nation's corporate productivity," said Andreas von Blottnitz, Expertcity chief executive officer. "We hope that by making our teleworking tool available to all affected, we can provide some relief over the next few weeks.Ó

To try the software, displaced workers can visit the Web site www.gotomypc.com and click on the free trial link.

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VAULT.COM CREATES CENTER IN RESPONSE TO TRAGEDIES

Vault.com, a New York-based Web site for job seekers and professionals, launched new message boards to help community members cope with the Sept. 11 acts of terrorism. Users can post names of survivors and of the missing, submit pictures of missing people and offer assistance to others.

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EXPERTS: AMERICANS WILL NEED HELP COPING

Officials at the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington underscored the need for citizens to help one another cope with their reactions to the terrorism on American soil this month.

ÒWe all need to come to terms with these events. Over time, many will want to seek professional help to do so,Ó said Executive Director Susan Herman.

Natural responses to the Sept. 11 acts of terrorism include shock, panic and fear; feelings of helplessness and insecurity; anxiety and nervousness; disorientation, forgetfulness, memory loss; emotional numbness; humor that appears callous or insensitive; and grief.

The center recommends staying in touch with family and friends and talking about feelings of grief and sorrow; limiting exposure to TV and radio; seeking spiritual resources; eating well, exercising and sleeping enough; and reaching out to others by donating blood, volunteering at local aid organizations or asking others how to help.

For help, citizens can call the centerÕs toll-free information and referral service at (800) FYI-CALL, visit the centerÕs Web site at www.ncvc.org or e-mail gethelp@ncvc.org.