So I have always been a bit of a 'techie girl' and often receive confusing calls or messages from either one or both of my parents, pleading me to explain how to add songs to iTunes or set up a mobile to sync with their home Exchange account! While I sometimes cringe about my dads one finger typing of emails, I think they have come far in adapting to the changing (technology) world and now both are happy iPod touch users, able to check emails on their phones and of course they love to Skype! But there are still some things I think they need to learn! I saw a short blog about spring cleaning your life in 31 days and thought a technology spring clean list would be perfect! While its not spring where I am right now, it at least gives M&D a few months to read this (maybe a few times over) and prepare to clean up the technology in their life!
1. PERFORMANCE SYSTEM UPDATES
Tech confession: There was a period of time when I used to avoid the easy task of software updates. Restart the computer? That interrupts my movie downloads or the Handbrake transfer! The outdated programs ended up nearly crashing my iMac and came close to wiping my hard drive of its content (that's approx 6,000 photos, thousands of songs and a fair few movies)! After that close call, I became a disciple of the software update, diligently downloading patches and bugs once a week. Follow these easy steps to avoid operating system frustration.
Mac — In the Apple Menu, select System Preferences, Software Update, and then click Check Now. While you're in that menu, go ahead and choose the appropriate options for your computer to automatically check for updates. You can set the system to search for updates daily, weekly, or monthly. If you hate coming face-to-face with decisions, the updates can be auto downloaded as well.
Windows — Set automatic updates in Windows by clicking Start on the toolbar, then Control Panel. Depending which Control Panel version you use, click System, then the Automatic Updates tab. Or select Performance and Maintenance, then System, and finally the Automatic Updates tab!
2. PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR PHONE
We've all experienced that sinking feeling when you can't find your mobile phone; it's more than just a communication device these days. It's a device that holds a lot of personal information, especially if you have loaded up on banking, shopping, and instant purchase apps. Don't let your phone go unprotected any longer— password-protect your home screen so hackers can't access your private info if your phone is lost or stolen.
Find out how below.
For iPhone: from the home screen, select Settings > General > Passcode Lock.
For Android: from the home screen, choose Settings > Security > Screen Lock and set an alphanumeric password for your home screen.
For BlackBerry: from the home screen, select Options > Security Options > General Settings > Password > Enabled.
3. SET UP A CLOUD SERVICE
So this google search subject started when I was trying to figure out a way to carry with me as I travelled the world my collection of movies, music and photos so I could potentially add them to my iPad to watch while laying in bed in a French hotel late at night (cause I am an insomniac), bored and not being able to understand the TV show. Or trying to figure out someway I could back up the many photos I was expecting to take, to something other than my already full iPad! All I could imagine was an entire bag of USB thumb drives or emailing myself movies as attachments so I could download and watch. But my google search proved all that is a thing of the past in the cloud!
What is the cloud? The cloud is a service that stores your documents, files, music, movies and photos on secure third-party servers, allowing you to access them from any computer, anywhere, anytime with proper log-in credentials or a software download. Popular cloud services such as Google (Docs, Calendar, Tasks), Dropbox, Box, and Mozy specialize in storing your documents and files, while services like Flickr, Audible and Amazon can store your photos and digital downloads so you don't have to take up space on your hard drive and portable devices.
There will be no need to carry a collection of thumb drives or send myself lots of email attachments.
I chose to experiment with Dropbox! Their mission statement says 'Simplify Your Life'. Perfect!
I started by checking out their website, which directed me to downloaded the iPad app, then to download the program to my iMac. I was amazed that within a matter of minutes my entire iPhoto Library was uploaded to 'the sky' or maybe 'Gods World'! Dropbox gives you 2gb space free which was ample space for all my photos and important documents! But for a small monthly fee you are able to purchase 50gb, 100gb etc. Which would be perfect for movies and your entire iTunes library! Definitely my investment for the months when I'm traveling!
4. ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTO LIBRARY
So maybe before you decide to set up a Cloud Service, it is a good idea to get your digital photos in order. I'm guilty of just tossing my pics into one jumbled and disorganized file (which makes it a pain to find a specific pic), but we can all start fresh and clean from here on out, thanks to some helpful tips from the online pros.
Label your pics as you save them — Instead of dumping all your pics into one file and saving them, take the time to go through your images, keeping only the best of the bunch, and label with names, dates, and events.
Stay organized with labeled folders — Create folders for each event you shoot, specifying the event name and date for each label. If you're taking random pics, create seasonal folders (like Summer 2011) so you can stay on top of your one-off photos.
Routinely empty your SD card — By routinely moving your photos off of your camera's SD card, you'll ensure that you will never run out of space when trying to capture a family event, party, or video. Try moving photos and video files off your SD card at least once a month or, better yet, after every major event.
Once you've created your labeled folder, create a 'Live' or 'Fav' folder. Set a image management criteria in your mind of the types of images you want to form a smaller summary collection that artistically depicts your event, travels, photo folder etc. Scroll through your photos and with your criteria in mind select your 'Better' and 'Best' Photos. Having a folder of summary photos is a great way to show off your most recent European Trip to friends and family, without them having to look through 6,000+ photos of every minute of your trip and is even better when helping to choose which of your memories to get printed and framed for around the home!
5. ORGANISE YOUR REMOTES
If 'Spring' cleaning makes you think of clearing the clutter in your home, this tip will serve as a good reminder not to stop at your photos. Your coffee table could use a refresh as well, and one simple way to do this is by organizing your remote controls. Having a remote for your TV, DVD, Cable TV and sound system isn't enough, you might even have one for an old video player or DVD recorder. Keep them wrangled by storing them in one of these pretty and creative catchalls.
Or better still...
Buy (and use) a Universal Remote
I may have listed above some stylish ways to wrangle your remote controls, but the question that begs to be asked is — "Do you really need all those remotes in the first place?" If you've been keeping those remotes around because you didn't think you had an alternative, may I introduce you to the universal remote. Buying and programming a universal remote can rid your coffee table of clutter and help you streamline your viewing experience. The Logitech Harmony One or any of the Logitech Universal Remotes are currently leading the way as one of the most invaluable pieces of technology — from your TV to sound system, DVD player, even Cable TV— they can all be synced to one remote! Some of the Logitech remotes even have an easy-to-use touchscreen! If you already have a universal remote, let this serve as a reminder to program it already. It'll make your life so much easier.
1. PERFORMANCE SYSTEM UPDATES
Tech confession: There was a period of time when I used to avoid the easy task of software updates. Restart the computer? That interrupts my movie downloads or the Handbrake transfer! The outdated programs ended up nearly crashing my iMac and came close to wiping my hard drive of its content (that's approx 6,000 photos, thousands of songs and a fair few movies)! After that close call, I became a disciple of the software update, diligently downloading patches and bugs once a week. Follow these easy steps to avoid operating system frustration.
Mac — In the Apple Menu, select System Preferences, Software Update, and then click Check Now. While you're in that menu, go ahead and choose the appropriate options for your computer to automatically check for updates. You can set the system to search for updates daily, weekly, or monthly. If you hate coming face-to-face with decisions, the updates can be auto downloaded as well.
Windows — Set automatic updates in Windows by clicking Start on the toolbar, then Control Panel. Depending which Control Panel version you use, click System, then the Automatic Updates tab. Or select Performance and Maintenance, then System, and finally the Automatic Updates tab!
2. PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR PHONE
We've all experienced that sinking feeling when you can't find your mobile phone; it's more than just a communication device these days. It's a device that holds a lot of personal information, especially if you have loaded up on banking, shopping, and instant purchase apps. Don't let your phone go unprotected any longer— password-protect your home screen so hackers can't access your private info if your phone is lost or stolen.
Find out how below.
For iPhone: from the home screen, select Settings > General > Passcode Lock.
For Android: from the home screen, choose Settings > Security > Screen Lock and set an alphanumeric password for your home screen.
For BlackBerry: from the home screen, select Options > Security Options > General Settings > Password > Enabled.
3. SET UP A CLOUD SERVICE
So this google search subject started when I was trying to figure out a way to carry with me as I travelled the world my collection of movies, music and photos so I could potentially add them to my iPad to watch while laying in bed in a French hotel late at night (cause I am an insomniac), bored and not being able to understand the TV show. Or trying to figure out someway I could back up the many photos I was expecting to take, to something other than my already full iPad! All I could imagine was an entire bag of USB thumb drives or emailing myself movies as attachments so I could download and watch. But my google search proved all that is a thing of the past in the cloud!
What is the cloud? The cloud is a service that stores your documents, files, music, movies and photos on secure third-party servers, allowing you to access them from any computer, anywhere, anytime with proper log-in credentials or a software download. Popular cloud services such as Google (Docs, Calendar, Tasks), Dropbox, Box, and Mozy specialize in storing your documents and files, while services like Flickr, Audible and Amazon can store your photos and digital downloads so you don't have to take up space on your hard drive and portable devices.
There will be no need to carry a collection of thumb drives or send myself lots of email attachments.
I chose to experiment with Dropbox! Their mission statement says 'Simplify Your Life'. Perfect!
I started by checking out their website, which directed me to downloaded the iPad app, then to download the program to my iMac. I was amazed that within a matter of minutes my entire iPhoto Library was uploaded to 'the sky' or maybe 'Gods World'! Dropbox gives you 2gb space free which was ample space for all my photos and important documents! But for a small monthly fee you are able to purchase 50gb, 100gb etc. Which would be perfect for movies and your entire iTunes library! Definitely my investment for the months when I'm traveling!
4. ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTO LIBRARY
So maybe before you decide to set up a Cloud Service, it is a good idea to get your digital photos in order. I'm guilty of just tossing my pics into one jumbled and disorganized file (which makes it a pain to find a specific pic), but we can all start fresh and clean from here on out, thanks to some helpful tips from the online pros.
Label your pics as you save them — Instead of dumping all your pics into one file and saving them, take the time to go through your images, keeping only the best of the bunch, and label with names, dates, and events.
Stay organized with labeled folders — Create folders for each event you shoot, specifying the event name and date for each label. If you're taking random pics, create seasonal folders (like Summer 2011) so you can stay on top of your one-off photos.
Routinely empty your SD card — By routinely moving your photos off of your camera's SD card, you'll ensure that you will never run out of space when trying to capture a family event, party, or video. Try moving photos and video files off your SD card at least once a month or, better yet, after every major event.
Once you've created your labeled folder, create a 'Live' or 'Fav' folder. Set a image management criteria in your mind of the types of images you want to form a smaller summary collection that artistically depicts your event, travels, photo folder etc. Scroll through your photos and with your criteria in mind select your 'Better' and 'Best' Photos. Having a folder of summary photos is a great way to show off your most recent European Trip to friends and family, without them having to look through 6,000+ photos of every minute of your trip and is even better when helping to choose which of your memories to get printed and framed for around the home!
5. ORGANISE YOUR REMOTES
If 'Spring' cleaning makes you think of clearing the clutter in your home, this tip will serve as a good reminder not to stop at your photos. Your coffee table could use a refresh as well, and one simple way to do this is by organizing your remote controls. Having a remote for your TV, DVD, Cable TV and sound system isn't enough, you might even have one for an old video player or DVD recorder. Keep them wrangled by storing them in one of these pretty and creative catchalls.
Or better still...
Buy (and use) a Universal Remote
I may have listed above some stylish ways to wrangle your remote controls, but the question that begs to be asked is — "Do you really need all those remotes in the first place?" If you've been keeping those remotes around because you didn't think you had an alternative, may I introduce you to the universal remote. Buying and programming a universal remote can rid your coffee table of clutter and help you streamline your viewing experience. The Logitech Harmony One or any of the Logitech Universal Remotes are currently leading the way as one of the most invaluable pieces of technology — from your TV to sound system, DVD player, even Cable TV— they can all be synced to one remote! Some of the Logitech remotes even have an easy-to-use touchscreen! If you already have a universal remote, let this serve as a reminder to program it already. It'll make your life so much easier.
