My Favorite Apps/Software

Do you know the difference between an app and software? Well, if you try and look it up online, you will get a variety of answers. What we do know is that "app" is short for "application". Past that point, the line is pretty blurred as we often use the word "software" pretty extensively for any "application" that runs on a computer. But there is a definition.

An app is computer software that is designed to help the user perform various light weight
tasks on the computer (but more often referred to an application on a phone or tablet) while software is usually things like your operating system and system files on your computer. Does it matter? Probably not.

With that out of the way, I want to list a couple of my favorite apps. Hopefully, you will find them helpful in your business as well. The great part is that they are low cost and free since I tend to be frugal when it comes to business "apps". I also want the app to cross all my platforms for the most part (which includes Windows 8.1, Windows Phone and Kindle HD).

Evernote - How could you not function with this wonderful notebook style application. It allows me to keep notes, articles clipped from the internet, lists, ideas and journal. It helps you stay organized and helps you remember. This they do quite well. You can use the application for free or the premium version (with offline notes, more security and search capabilities) for $45 per year. What a bargain.

Toggl.com - I need to keep track of my time for various clients and different projects. What better way than Toggl which is available for Windows, iOS and Android (and will sync together as well). I have used this for the last year, replacing an older program (Time Is Money) I used to use before the world of the cloud applications. Now I can track not only my time on my computer but when I am in a meeting, a phone call or consulting with a client. I can report hours for each project or a detailed report for the last year. This is important to me business. Free with subscription upgrades for $5 per month.

Live.com Calendar - Honestly, I use the Google Calender for various Non-profit websites but I use the live.com calender on my phone and computers. It captures events off of Facebook, it is easy to add events and always with me. With connectivity through all my electronics, I no longer use my paper calendar. I also appreciate that it notifies me of upcoming events. It is a great babysitter for me as I don't keep track of dates quite as well as I used to when my memory was younger. I haven't used many of the other features such as Word, One Note and Excel but I am glad to have that option.

LastPass - I keep all my passwords safe and secure across my systems. Save yourself the hassle of remembering to write down your passwords, changing them regularly and "which password did I use?" nightmare. It allows you to save online form information as well saving you time and energy of typing your name and address over and over again.

So, these are a few of my favorite things... until next time! ☺

Google: Now you know!

Google has released clear information on how to perform better in search engines. Provide useful, legitimate content! This update is called the " Helpful Content Update " and it is clear that original, informative information is king. A new sitewide ranking system is being added which awards people with good quality content. Now, this isn't really new, but it clarifies that your ranking can be impacted and if you are a subject matter expert in your field or business, make it shine! Utilize your website as informational, not just a short brochure or a business card. Show your knowledge and experience and make it work for your organically.

Typing Exercises

You took typing but need to increase your typing speed? Job interview or just because? Typing has become critical in this computer based world, not only from the workplace but also resumes and communication now rely on the keyboard instead of pen and paper. I took typing in high school before corrective ribbons were on the electronic typewriters. I was lucky to get to 15 WPM, and that was on a very good day. My typing teacher was awesome. It really wasn't her fault that I just was not that coordinated and often made mistakes reducing my numbers to single digits. Fast forward to today, I teach Microsoft Office and often encourage my students to start or refresh their typing skills by increasing their speed. The website I use for "learning to type" is typingclub.com where you can easily learn the basics to more advanced techniques. Yes there are advertisements although you can pay for an ad-free premium. I don't benefit from this suggestion, but found the 684 lessons

Washable Computer Keyboards

There is almost always a cup of coffee on my desk. Yes, ALWAYS. But there is a risk. Once a keyboard is wet, it is a gonner.. toast, terminated. When my daughter was much younger, in elementary school, she was home after school and wanted to help clean house so she took my proprietary keyboard from my Amstrad 8086 Dual Floppy computer (now a museum piece). and washed it. As in, put it in a sink of soapy dish water and washed it. It was very expensive to replace the micro-controller for that keyboard let me tell you! Well, it isn't really new but there are some washable keyboards on the market now. Logitech has a the scrubbable, submersible, spill-proof, K310 Keyboard that has pretty good reviews. Kensington K64407US Pro also has a washable keyboard with anti-microbial protection for a little bit less money. There are also washable mice but those are usually covered in silicone which I personally would prefer to not hold onto throughout the day. I did find the Seal Sh

The Mouse Click (Formerly Daily Mouse Clicks)

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