I've recently been introduced to some of the apps that are available with Google and so far I like them. They're pretty easy to learn and they have some nice features.
To get started, you'll need a Google account. Once you're logged into your account, you'll have menu options across the top left. The option you'll use to get into forms is the one called "Drive" (located right next to Gmail). It essentially gives you an area to store documents, forms, etc. that can be shared (all stored on Google). There's also the option to download a program which allows you to sync files from your computer to your Google drive.
The Drive function gives you the ability to create a variety of documents, spreadsheets, presentations and forms. All of them are stored at Google but can be synced to your local PC. All of them can also be shared with anyone you want, with or without giving them the ability to edit them.
For my first attempt, I'm going to use Google forms to replace a form on a web page for a client. The current web form is an application to request a scholarship to a camp for kids each summer. The form allows a prospective camper to fill in their personal details, and then when they click the submit button it sends an email to me with a delimited file. I copy and paste that delimited data into a spreadsheet, save it and email it to the client so that they can review and approve the applicants.
With the new Google form that I'm creating, the applicant will click on a link to go to the Google form. They'll fill in all of their details as normal. Then when they're done, it is automatically saved into a Google spreadsheet. I can share the link to that spreadsheet with anyone who needs to see it. I can give them the ability to edit it, or just to view it. I won't have to receive the application record via email anymore, and I won't have to copy/paste it into a spreadsheet or email it anywhere. They'll be able to look at the responses spreadsheet any time to see the latest applicants.
See the link below for an example of a simple Google form that could be used to track RSVPs to a party, as well as what dish that person will bring for a potluck meal. Feel free to click around on the form and make entries if you'd like to test it. Then click on the link to see the responses and you'll see the spreadsheet where they are stored.
Sample Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IYmTdyn0Zvdute-Jvzb7mrCJjIv8YeDmnRRQphUjaEs/viewform
To see the responses spreadsheet, use this link (view only):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AigEd9gi2kgCdENkaGt6cW5md1pUc3oxcENLR1pzVUE&usp=sharing
To see instructions on how to get started with Google forms, use this link:
https://support.google.com/drive/answer/87809?hl=en
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
I'm a Google Convert - Mail and Calendar
As a long time Outlook user, I always liked to keep my calendar on both my work and personal laptops. Lately, I've had to use Google calendar sync to copy items from one calendar to the other. It was a strange set up and it seemed to be more complicated that it should need to be.
I've also been a long time user of SpamArrest to block most of the dozens of spam messages that I get every day. I was happy with the SpamArrest service, however I'd heard good things about the Google spam blocking ability, and thought I'd try it. Since I was paying about $50 per year for SpamArrest, it saves me a little money. It's also nice to not have that extra email address embedded in everything any more - a lot of people had started sending me everything at both my main email address (Comcast) and SpamArrest, which made me get duplicates.
Outlook served me well but I was ready for a change. I'd had enough of the confusion of having an extra email (@spamarrest.com), and the cost, so I decided to try Gmail for mail and calendar.
So this summer I made the big change - I dropped SpamArrest and started using Gmail's email program rather than Outlook. I no longer have to sync my google calendar into Outlook to keep my two laptops in sync. I'm finding that I get very little spam anymore, and Google is really good at catching them.
The nice thing is that Gmail is able to pick up ALL of my email addresses - from Comcast and my website both. So I can use it just like I used Outlook, to read all of my email in one place. I'm getting used to the user interface and I like the flags for "important" and "starred" to help me stay organized.
My son is actually going to learn how to use some of the Google apps in school this semester, so I'm curious to see how those look, as well. I really haven't used much other than mail and calendar (and instant message with Google Talk).
Stay tuned as I learn other Google programs or other useful things to make my digital life smoother.
I've also been a long time user of SpamArrest to block most of the dozens of spam messages that I get every day. I was happy with the SpamArrest service, however I'd heard good things about the Google spam blocking ability, and thought I'd try it. Since I was paying about $50 per year for SpamArrest, it saves me a little money. It's also nice to not have that extra email address embedded in everything any more - a lot of people had started sending me everything at both my main email address (Comcast) and SpamArrest, which made me get duplicates.
Outlook served me well but I was ready for a change. I'd had enough of the confusion of having an extra email (@spamarrest.com), and the cost, so I decided to try Gmail for mail and calendar.
So this summer I made the big change - I dropped SpamArrest and started using Gmail's email program rather than Outlook. I no longer have to sync my google calendar into Outlook to keep my two laptops in sync. I'm finding that I get very little spam anymore, and Google is really good at catching them.
The nice thing is that Gmail is able to pick up ALL of my email addresses - from Comcast and my website both. So I can use it just like I used Outlook, to read all of my email in one place. I'm getting used to the user interface and I like the flags for "important" and "starred" to help me stay organized.
My son is actually going to learn how to use some of the Google apps in school this semester, so I'm curious to see how those look, as well. I really haven't used much other than mail and calendar (and instant message with Google Talk).
Stay tuned as I learn other Google programs or other useful things to make my digital life smoother.
My Favorite Freebies
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
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
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!
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