Copy: Free Cloud Storage for a Limited Time

Checkout Copy... And do it now.  Copy is awesome.  Sure, it isn't a new concept.  Sites like Dropbox have been around for a while.  But if you want 5GB of free storage, why not take it right?   They have a working client for Android, iOS, and PC (Linux, Mac, & Windows).  And seeing as how I use Android, Linux, and Windows this is a very tempting offer.

But for a limited time, 5GB isn't the only free storage you can get from Copy.  If you sign up for copy using this link: https://copy.com?r=UfAoUE

You will get your 5GB of free storage for signing up (which everyone gets).  But once you sign in to any of the client apps (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android) you will get an extra 5GB of storage.  That's a total of 10GB of storage for doing nothing more than signing up and installing the app.

So far, I have used the app to sync pictures from my Android phone and my Nexus 7 tablet.  And once I installed the Windows client, any data within selected folders "automagically" syncs to my laptop too.  That means no more hooking my phone up to a USB cable to transfer pictures or data to/from my mobile devices.

The sign up process is extremely simple.  Basically, just your name, email address, and a password.  It takes less than a minute to sign up, a few moments to install the app and sign in.  That's less than 2 or 3 minutes for 10GB of free cloud storage.  It doesn't get any easier than that.

How sweet is that?

So drop by Copy using: https://copy.com?r=UfAoUE
Sign up and use the mobile app.  Worse case scenario, you get 10GB of free storage for future use.  Not too shaby!

read more

Affordable Remote PC Support using Teamviewer

I ran into an issue quite a while back in which I needed to login to someone's computer remotely.  It was a friend and they were having some issues with their computer that they just couldn't convey to me over the phone.  And honestly, I didn't feel like driving half an hour away to their house at 8:30 in the evening.  So, I decided to give Teamviewer a try.

It was by far one of the easiest remote clients I have ever used.  In my case, I simply emailed my friend the client listed on their site as 'For the Instant Customer'.  Which weighs in at 2.5MB's, so it is very small and a quick download for them.  Meanwhile, I had already downloaded the full client on my PC.  It was literally as simple as asking them to run their client and give me the 'User ID' and 'Password' numbers.

I then had to launch my Teamviewer client and choose to 'Create Session'.  In the Partner ID field you simply enter you're friend's 'ID'.  It is a numeric string that consists of three sets of three digit numbers.  Then select what type of connection you want to use.

-Remote Control

-File Transfer

-VPN

For most of my uses so far, Remote Control is the only feature I needed, so that is what I chose.  On the next screen you will be prompted to enter your friend's password which will consist of four digits.  And the password is randomized every time you launch the Teamviewer client.  This is to ensure user's have explicitly granted access themselves for the remote session.  Basically so you can't come in later and try to spy on them or do other malicious acts.

Once you have access to their system you will be able to navigate their machine as if you were in front of their physical computer.  In the past I have used a couple other services.  But this seems to work the most fluent in my situation.  In one case I was even able to troubleshoot my computer at home from a friends house via my Android Tablet running the Teamviewer client (I had set up the User ID and Password prior to leaving the house).  And it worked fine.

So if you are looking for a free way to handle remote access, this is my way of choice.  It's also cross platform.  There are clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, and even iPhone/iPad and Android!

Pros: Several different types of clients available.  I usually send my friends the 'No Install' client.  They simply download and run it.  And I use the full client to gain access to their systems.  And it's free for home user's (businesses must pay).  Cross platform support!

Cons: None that I have personally encountered.  Unless count the ad that pops up when closing the client.  But it isn't that intrusive.

To try it out for yourself visit: http://www.teamviewer.com

I give Teamviewer (as a service) 5 out of 5 stars!

read more

I would use open source software if...

"If there were an open source program that I could use to replace ****  with, I'd give it a try; but there isn't."

This is one of the most popular arguments I hear when it comes to discussing open source software with people.  And I fully agree, I mean; why would you ever decide to stop using a program you know so well but costs an arm and a leg and start using a half designed free program that will only be extremely different than what you already use.  I understand, trust me.

Now, my respomse is usually something along the lines of "Do you know for sure there isn't something free to use out there that is potentially better in any way than your current solution"?  And most of the time, people have no clue.  Another common misconception is Open Source must mean Linux right?  Nope, just because it's an open source program doesn't mean you have to become a Linux user.  Linux is considered open source, and many open source packages or applications do have Linux versions.  But there are numerous projects out there that support at least Linux and Windows (if not Mac in some cases).

If in doubt, I like to visit: http://www.osalt.com

which mean 'Open Source as an Alternative'. It is a great reference if you are tired of forking over cash for software, you can search their site for open source alternatives to commercial software packages. Looking for an alternative to Microsoft's Office check their site and find links to great applications like Libre Office or OpenOffice.Org.

So before shrugging off open source, give it a chance.

read more

Should I Buy a Laptop or a Tablet?

I get asked this question at least once a week.  So I figured I'd take a moment and elaborate on my answer for those online who may be wondering the same thing.  I personally own an Android based tablet (Acer Iconia a500), have access to an iPad (first generation), and of course my desktop pc, and my wife's laptop.  So coming from the standpoint that I have access to each of the major methods of common, everyday computing; here is my advice.

The argument for a PC (personal computer) is a completely valid argument.  Let's be real, in this day an time you have two types of computers: the Windows based PC, and a Mac.  What you're looking at from the PC standpoint is probably a Windows 7 based PC.  If you want to spend more, get pretty good customer service, but be somewhat limited to the software you can run; go Mac.  Nothing against Apple or their Mac's; I just happen to bump into about a dozen Windows-based PC's and laptops for every 1 Mac I see in the wild.  Those who have Mac's absolutely adore them; so no Mac hate here.  lol

With a PC (or equivalent) you're looking at running a wide selection of software applications, the common web surfing and everyday computer usage.  Maybe some Facebook or Farmville, and you have the ability to either buy software from a brick and mortar store, or downloading from an e-store online.  You'll have the ability to hook up to a local or network based printer, and have the option to go either Wireless or Wired networking.  Most PC's are upgradable so adding things like memory and large hard drives later (or the need to add a new graphics card for gaming) becomes a better solution than replacing the unit at a later time.  Some upgrade options aren't available when using a laptop (such as a videocard upgrade); however, adding more RAM or a larger hard drive later is a more viable solution.

The argument for a tablet (or equivalent) is also a very valid point.  Tablet's are designed for one thing: mobility.  Yes, many of them do look pretty sexy and sleek too.  However, they are meant for the mobility and convenience of a laptop or netbook, but without the bloat.  There are some Windows based tablet floating around out there, that use a current version of the Windows Operating System but optimized for the touch input.  However, most tablets you see with either be running a version of Android or will be an iPad running iOS from Apple.

What can you do with a tablet?  Pretty much any of your basic, every day computing can be thrown at any of the modern tablets on the market right now.  It all comes down to which side you want to lay down your rifle for.  With Apple's iPad you're looking at paying for the device and for most of your apps you can download that are iPad optimized.  From my experience looking around Apple's App Store, some of their iPad version apps are more expensive than the iPhone versions.  However, with the iPad and iOS, it just works.  Right out of the box.  There is very little room for error (as long as you don't jailbreak it).  That opens a whole new door that can be awesome, or cause headaches depending on your goal.  But from a stock standpoint, the iPad is a very competent tablet style device.  It has great accessories available and plenty of apps to keep you busy.

The other side of the tablet world right now revolves around Android based devices.  Most of the $400-$600 range Android tablets now are dual-core processor based tablets.  They are more than competent for web surfing, gaming, and media consumption.  They aren't quite as smooth as the slide, tap, and use method that the iPad employees; meaning it feels like a computer more than a big iPod.  The same can be argued about Android apps.  There are plenty of apps in the Google Android Market to appease your appetite.  However, the actual "Tablet Optimized" category is pretty low.  With that being said, many of the other apps in the market will work on a tablet without any trouble.  Many times the Android tablets are comparable if not cheaper than the iPad.  Available accessories are out there, but it depends on which tablet you use as to the level of what is available for it.

Personally, I find a tablet to be a great complement to my daily computer usage.  I use a desktop PC for most of my work and gaming based tasks.  Then when I need to casually surf, check me email, or compute on the go; I roll out with my tablet.  If you are looking to replace your PC with a tablet, I'd hold off for the time being.  I just don't think tablet's are designed with that intention just yet.  If you are new to the computing world, and only have needs to surf the web or read a book; by all means, a tablet may be best for you.

It all comes down to your personal needs.   My wife uses her laptop a couple times a week for Facebook access and web surfing.  For her, a tablet would be ideal.  Simply because, she doesn't need to level of usage that would warrant a full sized PC or Laptop.  But would give her the similar features.  But for me, I have to still use a desktop at least until I give up some of the PC only games I play.  :)

read more

This Week In The News: Steam for Mac, Google Tablet, Retirement for Space Shuttle

Sorry for the absence of news here over the last few weeks. The personal/work life has been crazy.  Anyways, on with this weeks news.  Mac Gamers Unite! Google Tablet? And farewell Atlantis!

First up, Mac gamer's rejoice!  Steam has been released for the Mac.  Go ahead, hurry and download it.  There are currently 57 titles available (see link for list: http://store.steampowered.com/browse/mac ).  Also until May 24th, Portal is free for everybody!  Also check this out, if you have downloaded a title for Windows, than the Mac version is available for free.  Pretty sweet deal!  Buy one title and play cross platform.  Nice job Steam!

Next up, looks like Google (in the never ending quest for world domination) are in talks with Verizon over a tablet.  Despite the fact that the iPad has been a pretty good success for Apple.  Can Google do the same, or trump Apple's accomplishment.  Time will tell.

Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to launch for it's final mission on Friday.  This mission is to drop off supplies and replace some parts on the International Space Station.  This sets the stage for the last three shuttle missions by NASA; which will also mark the completion of the International Space Station.  Kudos!  http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-20004796-239.html

Until next week!  Happy surfing!

read more