It almost seems to good to be true but there is a free product, Evernote, that allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient, and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere. For example you can save whole or selected portions of web pages to Evernote. Or an entire email or just selected text. In the process of saving an item you are prompted to give it a categorization Tag so you can easily filter your saved items. I find it invaluable whether doing online comparisons in searching for a product or doing research for an article I plan to write. There is a Premium upgrade if you need some advanced features, but for the me the free version is perfect.
Archive for February, 2009
The Best Free Windows Tool
February 25, 2009If you are looking for a tool to help you optimize, cleanup & repair, improve security, and manage a number of Windows facets, I highly recommend Glary Utilities. Not only is it free, but it is so comprehensive that it eliminates the need for many single function tools.
Internet Speed
February 5, 2009If you have a broadband connection you want to make certain that your computer’s TCP/IP settings are optimized and that you are getting the download speed that you are paying for. First to check your speedrun the PC Pitstop Bandwidth Speed Test. Then if you have Vista check out this article at the SpeedGuide site for instructions in how to improve your TCP/IP configuration. If you are using XP download and run the SG TCP Optimizer.
Play Music throughout home from PC or Internet via Receiver/Amp
February 2, 2009I’ve had my Squeezebox v3 by Slim Devices (now a Logitech Company) for just over two years and couldn’t be happier with it. Here are some highlights:
- It plays non-DRM protected music stored on my PC (in my case mp3 and wav formats) via a PC application called Squeeze Center available on the Slimdevices.com site
- The literature indicates it will play iTunes but I have not tried that
- It provides a variety playing selections in addition to playlists such as by artist, by genre, by year, by album- all with shuffle capability
- I also have it configured to connect to two Internet radio sources including Pandora (a $36 annual subscribe required) and SHOUTcast (free). It can also connect to several other subscription services including Rhapsody. Once you’ve configured these on SqueezeNetwork, you can listen without having your PC on.
- It easily connects to my wireless G network
- It connects to an amp/receiver via RCA cables or Toslink. During the winter I have it connected to one in the family room and then during the rest of the year I relocate it our sun room
- It comes with a top notch remote which allows you to change what is playing and control the volume among other functions
- I’ve talked to their free support 3 or 4 times; once for a problem with an update and the other times just to clarify an operational or feature question. They pick-up the phone quickly and really seem to know the product.
Create PDF Files with Office 2007
February 2, 2009Microsoft provides a free add-in that provides the ability to Save an Office 2007 document as a PDf file.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4d951911-3e7e-4ae6-b059-a2e79ed87041&displaylang=en
