I am a retired high tech lady, who loves her Macintosh computers, iPhone, iPad and gadgets. I have developed this blog to provide my experiences, tips and findings about these items.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Will You Be Walking on Cloud 9?
I remember back to third grade when I was first introduced to cloud terminology. Even though this has been many many years ago, I still remember the words Cumulus, Altostratus and Cumulonimbus and Cirrus. Each of the terms brings to mind a picture of a type of cloud like a puffy cloud, a thin or wispy cloud or a rain cloud. The terminology can also relate to the cloud's position in the sky. Alto referring to those clouds in the middle of the sky at an altitude of 6000+ to 20000 feet, a Cirrus cloud that lies above 18,000+ feet, or a Stratus or Stratocumulus cloud that is located below 6,000 feet.
Today, I ponder all the new cloud terminology in hopes that it can be visually represented and as easy to learn. Since the hottest topic today seems to be cloud computing, it might be good to review the terminology around this newest phenomena. So here goes, my interpretation:
A cloud or residing in the cloud is a term used for a place to store your stuff like documents, photos, music, and so on. This is a concept that most MobileMe users understand, at least those that have used the iDisk from Apple in the past few years.
Cloud Computing is the ability to use combined applications and services provided by data centers in the cloud. For example: those who use a service like Google mail or Yahoo mail online are already using cloud computing. You are using a mail application from the service provider either Google or Yahoo. Ideally, A large corporation or individual that uses these services, does so without having to employee a special IT group to maintain the application or worry about storage. Another advantage is that the mail is accessible from anywhere and anytime, as long as you can access the cloud or the internet.
I definitely remember the time my son informed me that this phenomenon was coming, that was at least 20 years ago. It is here and has been for awhile. Most of us have already experienced the cloud and cloud computing in some form already.
Many questions will be hashed about and analyzed. Will it simplify the way we access, store and handle our data? Will we have a means to backup data, access data and save data securely? Will we be able to manipulate this data using shared applications based in the clouds? Will these applications be maintained and upgraded seamlessly without any of us worrying about taking care of these things ourselves? What will be the costs for services, costs for maintaining, reliability and security issues, and how will we access and share data with others? If we all move to the cloud, will the immense amount of data (e.g. Big Data Theory) be unlimited and infinite?
The final question to ponder - Have you made your moving plans yet? Many of us will be looking for the right cloud to meet our needs. Those of us who have iWeb sites and MobileMe Galleries will need to move our stuff in a year's time to a secure cloud. Where and what Cloud have you decided to use? Will you be walking on Cloud 9?
Credits: Photo taken by my husband, from an airplane over South Africa. Tweet
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Top 10 Reasons People Don't Use the Internet
1.) They don't know how to use it.
Whether they find it confusing or are simply set in their old-school ways, some simply haven't taken the time to stay up-to-date on the latest technology.
2.) They fear the internet.
With all of the sensationalized news reports of stolen identities, sexual predators, hacking, and viruses, many believe that they are erring on the side of caution by avoiding the internet.
3.) It's intimidating.
Some people are simply intimidated by new technology, including the internet. The idea of using the technical marvels of the internet is far from appealing, so it is avoided altogether.
4.) The internet isn't available.
Even in the United States, there are some places where the internet simply isn't accessible. Furthermore, some of the more rural areas only offer dial-up internet, and many feel that the high price for slow speeds and unreliable connections simply isn't worthwhile.
5.) They don't have a computer.
About one in five American households simply doesn't have a computer. Without a computer, internet use is fairly close to impossible.
6.) It's too expensive.
Many living below the poverty line are constantly struggling just to keep their heads above water. When faced with the choice between having access to food and having access to pictures of pets captioned in humorously poor grammar, the need for food usually wins out.
7.) The internet is too impersonal.
Written letters are more meaningful than email, and nothing compares to the feel of book pages turning under your hands. Some simply prefer the more personal touch of traditional communication methods.
8.) They don't see the purpose.
Just as some people never made the transition to television when it became available, some simply don't see the purpose of the internet and, accordingly, don't use it. With the internet's plethora of time-wasting social media sites, coupled with the hodgepodge of pointless games, they may have a point.
9.) They just physically can't use the internet.
It can literally be impossible for some people with physical impairments or disabilities to access the internet. Thankfully, there have been advances in accessibility technology over the last few years, but the technology can be expensive and difficult to learn and operate.
10.) The internet is the Devil.
Some particularly conservative religious sects exist that believe that playing card games or going to a movie theater can be the first step on the path of evil. The internet is perceived as the Devil's ultimate playground, and is shunned entirely. It might not be too difficult to sympathize, as nearly any innocent-seeming web search can ultimately result in some less-than-pure results.
Categories:
Social Media
Monday, June 20, 2011
Using Google Docs for Travel Plans
When you are planning a trip or vacation, it can be a daunting task to keep up with all the information that you need in the way of travel papers. I often use Google Docs to coordinate information between family members, that may also be going on the same trip, or as a means to leave itineraries and necessary contact info for those who remain behind.
Normally, I just create a spreadsheet from scratch, entering my itinerary or upload a copy of an itinerary that I have received from a travel agent. Today, I thought I would search the myriad of templates available on Google Docs for some that might be useful for this sort of information. It is always nice to find a good template, that has been thought out, to just use as a place to put the information.
Today I started searching the templates, page by page, and then realized that there was a search box at the top of the Google Docs template page that allowed me to enter the word Travel to narrow the possibilities. I came across this nice template, that will certainly be easy-to-read and provide a means to create most travel itineraries.
Another great thing about using templates and Google Docs for your travel planning is that you can easily Share with others, allowing them not only to see the information, but also to edit the information in the situation where there are multiple members attending the same events. Many times my family and I set up a packing list, just as a reminder to all going on the trip to remember all the important things like: electronic gadgets, charging apparatus, batteries, passports, and such. When you share a document like a list, then you can not only provide valuable information for others, but you can also find information on items that you might not have remembered.
I also like to scour the internet for maps of areas, descriptions and free online guides for cities and sites we might visit, as well as, suggested things to do or see, with directions or phone numbers. These often come in handy. I often email them to my iMap account ( me.com) and then I will have access to them on my iPhone or iPad, even while on the plane, train, or in the car, when I am not using wifi or 3Gs connections. Since, we travel overseas, it is not always economical to pay large download and roaming fees to access this type of info off my mobile devices. So, I make sure I have info available in a form that I can access, either in an email or downloaded prior to the trip to my iBooks or GoodReader apps for reading offline.
If you haven't tried out Goggle Docs, you should it is a great way to keep everything together in one place when planning a trip. You can share the info with others, edit it, and download the results to access later.
Of course, there are a myriad of ways to use Google Docs, this is only one of ways that has proven useful for keeping my travel papers in a handy place.
Tweet
Normally, I just create a spreadsheet from scratch, entering my itinerary or upload a copy of an itinerary that I have received from a travel agent. Today, I thought I would search the myriad of templates available on Google Docs for some that might be useful for this sort of information. It is always nice to find a good template, that has been thought out, to just use as a place to put the information.
Today I started searching the templates, page by page, and then realized that there was a search box at the top of the Google Docs template page that allowed me to enter the word Travel to narrow the possibilities. I came across this nice template, that will certainly be easy-to-read and provide a means to create most travel itineraries.
Another great thing about using templates and Google Docs for your travel planning is that you can easily Share with others, allowing them not only to see the information, but also to edit the information in the situation where there are multiple members attending the same events. Many times my family and I set up a packing list, just as a reminder to all going on the trip to remember all the important things like: electronic gadgets, charging apparatus, batteries, passports, and such. When you share a document like a list, then you can not only provide valuable information for others, but you can also find information on items that you might not have remembered.
I also like to scour the internet for maps of areas, descriptions and free online guides for cities and sites we might visit, as well as, suggested things to do or see, with directions or phone numbers. These often come in handy. I often email them to my iMap account ( me.com) and then I will have access to them on my iPhone or iPad, even while on the plane, train, or in the car, when I am not using wifi or 3Gs connections. Since, we travel overseas, it is not always economical to pay large download and roaming fees to access this type of info off my mobile devices. So, I make sure I have info available in a form that I can access, either in an email or downloaded prior to the trip to my iBooks or GoodReader apps for reading offline.
If you haven't tried out Goggle Docs, you should it is a great way to keep everything together in one place when planning a trip. You can share the info with others, edit it, and download the results to access later.
Of course, there are a myriad of ways to use Google Docs, this is only one of ways that has proven useful for keeping my travel papers in a handy place.
Tweet
Categories:
Google Docs,
Trick or Tip
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Over 200 New iOS 5 Features - From A to W
Highlights for iOS 5 Features
(Note: iOS 5 is compatible with: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Touch (3rd & 4th generation), iPad and iPad 2)
• Accessibility
Works with specialized hardware for hearing, vision, cognitive disabilities
Vibrate and LED flash mode for notification of calls
Improved VoiceOver customization
• Airplay Mirroring for iPad 2
Support video mirroring, wirelessly, securely to HDTV via Apple TV
See what is on iPad 2 on Big Screen TV
Supports portrait, landscape and zoom in and out of photos
• Calendar
Year View, Week View
Tap to add event, Drag to adjust time and duration of event
View attachments in Calendar app
Share calendars with others
Sync via iCloud across all devices
• Camera Editing & Storage Features
Open camera from lock screen
Grid lines, pinch-to-zoom, single tap focus, exposure lock
Use volume button to snap a photo
With auto-stream enabled, downloads to other devices via iCloud
• Game Center
Allows profile picture
Overall achievement scores displayed
Friend recommendations
Explore new games
• iMessage Service
Text message via wifi or 3G from your devices: ipad, ipod touch or iphone
Group messaging
Send text, photo, video, locations and contact
Secure encription
Unlimited messages
Switch between devices during conversation
• Mail - Inbox
Formatting: Bold, iTalic, Underline, indenting
Flag important messages
Rearrange names in address fields
Add and delete MailBox folders
Search body of email text
Free email account on iCloud, synced auto to all devices.
• Multitasking Gestures for iPad
4 or 5 finger gestures
Swipe up to reveal multitasking bar
Pinch to return to Home screen
Swipe Left or Right to switch between apps
• Newstand Shelf
A place to put all magazine and newspaper subscriptions
Auto updates and delivers and notifies you when new issue available
• Notification Center
Supports new email, texts, friend requests in one place (selectively)
Swipe down to get to the notification center
Includes stock ticker and weather
• PC Free
No longer have to own a computer to use iPad, iPhone or iPod touch
Activate and set up wirelessly
Backup to iCloud, download free updates to your device directly
• Photos & Editing and Storage Features
Built-in common photo editing: remove red-eye, crop, rotate, enhance
Push photos to iCloud and all devices
• Reminders or To Do’s
To do list with due dates and locations
Sends alert or reminder at certain time or when near a particular place
Automatically updated - works with iCal, Outlook, iCloud for all your devices
• Safari Improvements
Tabbed browsing - multiple pages & switching easier
Keep list of articles in Reader built-in to allow add-free reading experience
Reader List available on all other devices
• Twitter Integration
Tweet from devices, Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube & Maps apps
Interfaces with contacts, auto gets friends @reply name
Adds location
• Wifi Sync
Auto syncing when device is charging across all your devices Tweet
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