FREE
PDF
Need a PDF writer that can create a PDF from just about any program (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)? Try cutepdf.com and download their PDF print driver. It works just like a normal printer on your printers list - select it and you'll need to choose a location to save the PDF file it will create. It also has a professional version for $50.
http://www.cutepdf.com/
Most PCs have a built in PDF reader now, but just in case, you can download a free one from Adobe.
http://get.adobe.com/reader/
File Backup
SyncToy is a free tool that can be downloaded from Microsoft. It's easy to set up and it helps you to do a quick backup. You select the files/folders you want to backup, and it compares the versions and only copies the ones that have changed. It won't save your whole system if your PC crashes (that requires keeping an image of your whole setup), but it will save your data if you use it regularly.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15155
Performance Improvement Utilities
CCleaner is as PC optimization tool will clean your registry, remove old drivers, etc. to improve performance. It has a free version and a professional version for $25.
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
File Sharing
Dropbox is a free file sharing site that is web based. You get a minimal amount of free space to start, and are given additional space as you add friends, take tutorials and other actions on the site. You can share a link with anyone who needs your file, or you can give them access to a shared folder to exchange files.
https://www.dropbox.com/
Chat
Google Talk works just like most other instant message programs. I like it because I use Google mail and calendar so it's integrated nicely.
http://google-talk.en.softonic.com/
Not Free, But Worth It
Password Manager
To save passwords for your most frequent website use, try Roboform. It has a free version for limited use, or you can buy a subscription for $10 per year for the web-based version.
http://www.roboform.com/
Screen Captures
To capture screen shots of your PC, use SnagIt. You have the option to capture just a region of the full screen, or the whole scrolling window, among others. You can also do some editing on it within SnagIt before you use it elsewhere. It can also capture video and it's only $50.
http://www.techsmith.com/snagit.html
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Back to school time...
Next Tuesday my two sons go back to school. I am very ready but I'm not sure that they are. I've purchased their supplies but neither of them are excited.
We met my 6th grader's teachers last night and I found out some interesting things about our school district:
They are embracing the "BYOD" (bring your own device) attitude in the middle schools and high schools.
They're just starting this concept so they're still making adjustments to the rules, etc. as they learn about the potential pitfalls of kids bringing iPods, iPhones, tablets and other electronics to school. They say they want to encourage kids to use them as a learning tool when it is possible and appropriate. Personally I won't be allowing my son to take his iPod to school. He'll want to play games on it and is likely to lose it or get it stolen.
Another interesting thing - for my son's class on "21st Century Skills", they'll be piloting the use of Google netbooks.
They are small laptops with almost no software preloaded, so the support for them should be fairly minimal. The kids will learn how to use web based tools for socializing, creating presentations and other things. They're going to applications like Google docs and others. It will be interesting to see how my son adapts to applications that he's never used. His computer time at home is usually limited and he mostly only plays games. For him to actually have to use a computer to do project work will be interesting.
I'll post another entry in a few months on this topic regarding how it's going with the technology that my son is learning. Maybe he can teach me how to use some of these tools, since I've never heard of the ones his teacher was talking about. I'm intrigued...
We met my 6th grader's teachers last night and I found out some interesting things about our school district:
They are embracing the "BYOD" (bring your own device) attitude in the middle schools and high schools.
They're just starting this concept so they're still making adjustments to the rules, etc. as they learn about the potential pitfalls of kids bringing iPods, iPhones, tablets and other electronics to school. They say they want to encourage kids to use them as a learning tool when it is possible and appropriate. Personally I won't be allowing my son to take his iPod to school. He'll want to play games on it and is likely to lose it or get it stolen.
Another interesting thing - for my son's class on "21st Century Skills", they'll be piloting the use of Google netbooks.
They are small laptops with almost no software preloaded, so the support for them should be fairly minimal. The kids will learn how to use web based tools for socializing, creating presentations and other things. They're going to applications like Google docs and others. It will be interesting to see how my son adapts to applications that he's never used. His computer time at home is usually limited and he mostly only plays games. For him to actually have to use a computer to do project work will be interesting.
I'll post another entry in a few months on this topic regarding how it's going with the technology that my son is learning. Maybe he can teach me how to use some of these tools, since I've never heard of the ones his teacher was talking about. I'm intrigued...
Monday, July 22, 2013
Accuracy of Website Information - for Government Agency Transactions
Have you recently looked at a website to get information and then later found out that it was inaccurate? Personally, I think any company or government agency who posts information to their website needs to be responsible for its accuracy and timeliness.
If I'm depending on a website to get a list of requirements for some transaction, especially with a government agency, then an inaccurate list of details could potentially cause me great inconvenience, multiple trips, etc. and of course anger/frustration. Any government agency, such as the secretary of state or DMV, is typically hard to reach over the phone. A a website is a perfect place for them to provide details such as requirements for their services in a place that I can find it, then use it to prepare for any transaction which must be handled in person.
Please don't make me come back because I don't have some document that you require that was not listed on your website! And please don't put so many restrictions on the types of transactions that can be handled completely online. It is better for BOTH of us when I don't have to come to your office and wait in line with the huddled masses. Save my tax dollars that are spent on those clerks who move so slowly, and make as much information and as many transactions as possible available online instead!!
If I'm depending on a website to get a list of requirements for some transaction, especially with a government agency, then an inaccurate list of details could potentially cause me great inconvenience, multiple trips, etc. and of course anger/frustration. Any government agency, such as the secretary of state or DMV, is typically hard to reach over the phone. A a website is a perfect place for them to provide details such as requirements for their services in a place that I can find it, then use it to prepare for any transaction which must be handled in person.
Please don't make me come back because I don't have some document that you require that was not listed on your website! And please don't put so many restrictions on the types of transactions that can be handled completely online. It is better for BOTH of us when I don't have to come to your office and wait in line with the huddled masses. Save my tax dollars that are spent on those clerks who move so slowly, and make as much information and as many transactions as possible available online instead!!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Haiku Deck for iPad
Recently I downloaded a free presentation building app for my iPad. It's called Haiku Deck and it allows me to build presentation slides just like Powerpoint. I haven't figured out all of its features yet but what I've seen so far, I like.
It has a lot of free images that can be used as lovely backgrounds. It allows for bulleted lists on my slides. It's quick to use and the slideshow can be shared via a link, on Facebook, email, etc. (or viewed on the iPad).
For more information, go to:
http://www.haikudeck.com/
Here's a link to a basic presentation that I created, as an example:
It has a lot of free images that can be used as lovely backgrounds. It allows for bulleted lists on my slides. It's quick to use and the slideshow can be shared via a link, on Facebook, email, etc. (or viewed on the iPad).
For more information, go to:
http://www.haikudeck.com/
Here's a link to a basic presentation that I created, as an example:
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Technology Travel Tips for Summer Road Trips
Last week we were away on our annual road trip with our two boys, ages 8 and 11. We went to Washington DC and saw a lot of great, interesting and historical things. The drive to and from DC was long but tolerable from our home in Michigan.
As a kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s, the experience of our annual car trip made me reflect. What the heck did our parents do to keep us occupied when we went on vacation as kids? We always drove (at least until I was much older), and yet we didn't kill each other. How did we not get lost constantly without a GPS?
I can remember quite a few car trips with my parents and sister, without any technology to pass the time. We didn't have laptops, iPads, iPods, DVD players or anything else to pass the time. I think I read, since I'm lucky enough that I don't get carsick, but I don't remember. One of my sons can't do much or he does feel sick, so he has to be careful. He can watch a movie on the built in DVD player in the car, but he can't read or play on his iPod. Poor kid.
For the four of us, we had so much technology along with us that just the number of chargers was ridiculous. We had three digital cameras, two iPads, 1 iPod, 1 3DS gaming device and 2 iPhones with us. Plus the car has a built in DVD player and GPS. Plus my husband brought along his work laptop just in case he needed to work a little. All of this for a 10 day trip!
It does help that most of our devices are Apple products, so at least the chargers are interchangeable (except my iPad which has the new Lightning style plug).
If you're thinking of a long car trip with kids, I highly recommend a movie player for the car. Even if it's not built in, it really is a lifesaver. IPads or other tablets can be an easy substitute for a built in, since they're light and easy to use. Our kids are never quieter than when they're watching a movie (unless they are unconscious).
Digital cameras are a must so that you can capture pics while you're away, although I think the fact that my husband, my son and I each have one now is a bit ridiculous. The good thing is that I can browse through all of our photos and only use the best ones when I scrapbook. I've had good luck with one or both of them capturing something that I missed in the past.
If you don't have to work while away, it's great to leave your laptop at home. Some things can be done on just a tablet - I've used my iPad with Logmein remote control software to support an emergency request from a customer while away from my laptop. It's slow and awkward without a mouse and keyboard, but it allows me to satisfy a request that would otherwise have to wait a week or more.
One last thing - headphones! If your kids have music or game devices, or are watching movies, decent headphones are a must. I personally can't stand to hear all of the noises from most of those video games, they drive me crazy. Also since my kids tend to watch the SAME movie over and over, I can't take the audio track of most movies either. If your kids don't like to wear earbuds, you can get over-the-ear headphones for about the same price. My boys hate earbuds since I don't think they're ever the right size for kids. We've had better luck with the over-the-ear style, although they are bulkier to pack.
Good luck and drive safely!
As a kid who grew up in the 70s and 80s, the experience of our annual car trip made me reflect. What the heck did our parents do to keep us occupied when we went on vacation as kids? We always drove (at least until I was much older), and yet we didn't kill each other. How did we not get lost constantly without a GPS?
I can remember quite a few car trips with my parents and sister, without any technology to pass the time. We didn't have laptops, iPads, iPods, DVD players or anything else to pass the time. I think I read, since I'm lucky enough that I don't get carsick, but I don't remember. One of my sons can't do much or he does feel sick, so he has to be careful. He can watch a movie on the built in DVD player in the car, but he can't read or play on his iPod. Poor kid.
For the four of us, we had so much technology along with us that just the number of chargers was ridiculous. We had three digital cameras, two iPads, 1 iPod, 1 3DS gaming device and 2 iPhones with us. Plus the car has a built in DVD player and GPS. Plus my husband brought along his work laptop just in case he needed to work a little. All of this for a 10 day trip!
It does help that most of our devices are Apple products, so at least the chargers are interchangeable (except my iPad which has the new Lightning style plug).
If you're thinking of a long car trip with kids, I highly recommend a movie player for the car. Even if it's not built in, it really is a lifesaver. IPads or other tablets can be an easy substitute for a built in, since they're light and easy to use. Our kids are never quieter than when they're watching a movie (unless they are unconscious).
Digital cameras are a must so that you can capture pics while you're away, although I think the fact that my husband, my son and I each have one now is a bit ridiculous. The good thing is that I can browse through all of our photos and only use the best ones when I scrapbook. I've had good luck with one or both of them capturing something that I missed in the past.
If you don't have to work while away, it's great to leave your laptop at home. Some things can be done on just a tablet - I've used my iPad with Logmein remote control software to support an emergency request from a customer while away from my laptop. It's slow and awkward without a mouse and keyboard, but it allows me to satisfy a request that would otherwise have to wait a week or more.
One last thing - headphones! If your kids have music or game devices, or are watching movies, decent headphones are a must. I personally can't stand to hear all of the noises from most of those video games, they drive me crazy. Also since my kids tend to watch the SAME movie over and over, I can't take the audio track of most movies either. If your kids don't like to wear earbuds, you can get over-the-ear headphones for about the same price. My boys hate earbuds since I don't think they're ever the right size for kids. We've had better luck with the over-the-ear style, although they are bulkier to pack.
Good luck and drive safely!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Passwords and Spammers
Have you ever received an email that appears to be from your own email address? This is a classic case of a spammer using your email name as the "from" on a fake email.
One way to help eliminate this practice is to use a strong password on your email account, and to change it periodically. Also, try to avoid the temptation to use the same password for all of your online accounts. If you use "mom123" as your password on everything, just imagine how easy it will be for a spammer to get into all of your online accounts once they've hacked into one of them. Don't make it easier on them!
If you start to get these fake emails from yourself, change your password immediately on that account.
If you get hacked in Facebook, the first step is to change your password on that account. Usually it's a good idea to change your password on your email account at the same time.
If, like me, you have dozens of online accounts and can't possibly remember all of your passwords, try using a password manager package, such as RoboForm. It will remember your password for each site that you use, and gives you a button to take you to the site, enter your password and click enter, all in one step. It also has a built in random password generator, so you can easily create stronger passwords.
They have a version for your desktop/laptop, and they also have a version that installs on a flash drive. It's very inexpensive and easy to use.
Check out RoboForm here:
http://www.roboform.com/
There are other tools of this type available, but this is the one that I personally use and I recommend it.
One way to help eliminate this practice is to use a strong password on your email account, and to change it periodically. Also, try to avoid the temptation to use the same password for all of your online accounts. If you use "mom123" as your password on everything, just imagine how easy it will be for a spammer to get into all of your online accounts once they've hacked into one of them. Don't make it easier on them!
If you start to get these fake emails from yourself, change your password immediately on that account.
If you get hacked in Facebook, the first step is to change your password on that account. Usually it's a good idea to change your password on your email account at the same time.
If, like me, you have dozens of online accounts and can't possibly remember all of your passwords, try using a password manager package, such as RoboForm. It will remember your password for each site that you use, and gives you a button to take you to the site, enter your password and click enter, all in one step. It also has a built in random password generator, so you can easily create stronger passwords.
They have a version for your desktop/laptop, and they also have a version that installs on a flash drive. It's very inexpensive and easy to use.
Check out RoboForm here:
http://www.roboform.com/
There are other tools of this type available, but this is the one that I personally use and I recommend it.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Garage Sale Season
Spring and summer always seem to bring certain traditions - road construction, fireworks and garage sales come to mind.
Over this past weekend, I had a garage sale at my own home. We had a lot of different things, but mainly we had toys that the kids have outgrown and a few miscellaneous household items. I tried to get rid of a few electronics and in some cases I was successful. My son's old Game Boy Advance sold, as well as his Jeep riding toy (one of the battery powered ones). The Jeep alone was a big thing, so I'm glad to get it out of our garage. I was surprised that more of the toys didn't sell, since they'd be perfect for grandparents who like to have a few things around for the little ones, as well as parents on a budget.
The leftover items will be donated, mostly to our church, for their "white elephant" sale later this summer. It's always a little sad to see things go, but I feel better knowing that someone else can get use out of them. If we're not using an item, I don't see the point in storing it forever. Unfortunately, none of the local charities will take my old artificial Christmas tree so I guess I'll drag it out to the curb one of these days and hope for the best. Sometimes the "garbage pickers" can take things like that, since the local garbage collectors are unlikely to accept it.
All of this spring cleaning and organizing leads me to thoughts about the files on my computer, too. It's time to do a quick review of my files and get rid of the really old stuff that I no longer need. Now is also a good time to confirm that my automatic backups are working as they should, and take an extra, more user-friendly copy of my data on my external hard drive, just in case. When my hard drive failed last year, I found that my formal backup copy was useful but it was best used for a full system restore. If I need a bunch of files from a certain folder, it's easier to keep a copy of those separately.
Since my father has recently passed away, I also need to start going through his electronic files to help my mother determine what she does and does not need to keep. He had several computers, external hard drives and a multitude of CDs and flash drives. She has no idea what to do with most of those types of accessories, and may not even have software to read some of the files, so that will be my job over the next several months. As I review and learn about those files, I'll share what I've learned about the best process.
Do your spouse and family a favor - try to keep your electronic files in some organized fashion, and make sure they know your passwords. It's hard to even figure out how/what he saved without looking at every piece of paper and every digital file. The sheer volume of his records make that a daunting task.
Over this past weekend, I had a garage sale at my own home. We had a lot of different things, but mainly we had toys that the kids have outgrown and a few miscellaneous household items. I tried to get rid of a few electronics and in some cases I was successful. My son's old Game Boy Advance sold, as well as his Jeep riding toy (one of the battery powered ones). The Jeep alone was a big thing, so I'm glad to get it out of our garage. I was surprised that more of the toys didn't sell, since they'd be perfect for grandparents who like to have a few things around for the little ones, as well as parents on a budget.
The leftover items will be donated, mostly to our church, for their "white elephant" sale later this summer. It's always a little sad to see things go, but I feel better knowing that someone else can get use out of them. If we're not using an item, I don't see the point in storing it forever. Unfortunately, none of the local charities will take my old artificial Christmas tree so I guess I'll drag it out to the curb one of these days and hope for the best. Sometimes the "garbage pickers" can take things like that, since the local garbage collectors are unlikely to accept it.
All of this spring cleaning and organizing leads me to thoughts about the files on my computer, too. It's time to do a quick review of my files and get rid of the really old stuff that I no longer need. Now is also a good time to confirm that my automatic backups are working as they should, and take an extra, more user-friendly copy of my data on my external hard drive, just in case. When my hard drive failed last year, I found that my formal backup copy was useful but it was best used for a full system restore. If I need a bunch of files from a certain folder, it's easier to keep a copy of those separately.
Since my father has recently passed away, I also need to start going through his electronic files to help my mother determine what she does and does not need to keep. He had several computers, external hard drives and a multitude of CDs and flash drives. She has no idea what to do with most of those types of accessories, and may not even have software to read some of the files, so that will be my job over the next several months. As I review and learn about those files, I'll share what I've learned about the best process.
Do your spouse and family a favor - try to keep your electronic files in some organized fashion, and make sure they know your passwords. It's hard to even figure out how/what he saved without looking at every piece of paper and every digital file. The sheer volume of his records make that a daunting task.
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