SKYPE

Skype-to-Skype calls

Make calls on your computer to people who are signed in to Skype. Talk for as long as you like – and pay nothing. It’s free anytime, to any destination.

It’s also free to receive calls from your Skype contacts.

After a little research here are the benefits and some concerns:

Pros: Social tool to communicate to clients and employees
Cons: Lack of Security and Customer Service.

Features:
Calling
Video
Conferencing
IM & SMS
Admin Tool

Back that thang up

Speaking of your computer, I’m not sure what you were looking for but this is a digital format.  Before the computer age began to dominate our world, backing up was a common term associated with driving a vehicle, then Hip Hop Shop (Juvenile) came out with a song called, “Back That Thang Up”. Now, I’m not talking about driving or dancing.  Backing up now however has a whole new meaning for me, a hard drive backup is necessary when you rely on your computer.

 

My laptop crashed about three weeks ago and for a moment it seemed my world came crumbling down around me. Not having a system backup is a big risk. Don’t do like I did and wait until you have a system failure to check into the options for a system backup.

 

I know my next job is dependant on having samples and it’s crucial to backup my work but as a freelance developer, all the income from my projects (minimal)  has gone toward my living expenses which is not uncommon when you’re just starting out.

 

Be proactive and protect your ASSets, find out what the best hard drive options are before you lose your memory.

 

Here are a few of my preferences:

 

For complete system backups

Seagate Replica

This 5.6-inch device is an ideal data-disaster-prevention tool. Just plug it in and hit OK; it will continuously back up everything, including your operation system, programs, and settings.

COST: $130 (250 GB, single PC) to $180 (500 GB, multiple PCs)

 

For automatic backups

Clickfree Backup Drive

There’s no software to install or configure; just plug this 4.5-inch device into a PC, and it starts backing up photos, documents, and more. The ingenious Transformer cable ($60) adds the same capability to a hard drive you already own.

COST: $90 (120 GB) to $220 (550GB)

 

For locking down data

The 5-inch Maxtor Black Armor absolutely prohibits access without the proper password-not even professional data recovery services can crack it. Easy-to-use software lets users set an automated backup schedule and sync data on multiple computers.

COST: $170 FOR 320 GB

 

For getting to you data online

Western Digital My Book World Edition

Access your files from the Web-even if your PCs are turned off. Tech-savvy users can use their 6.8-inch device to back up files remotely, but it isn’t easy. The drive can also stream music to an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

COST: $230 (1TB) or $450 (2TB)

 

It appears I was lucky this time and I didn’t lose all my hard work, but the next time I plan to protect my ASSets.

Is Social Media calling You?

I’ve been missing in action from my blog due to having so much going on. Adjusting to relocating to a new city, dealing with the slow economy while job searching, building my business and learning the ins and outs of the Computer Age.  I also hope my blogging  knowledge has evolved.

Blogging gives me an outlet to showcase my wisdom and knowledge,  and I’ve been able to gathert lots of information to share. It feels great to share relevant knowledge with others and blogging to me is similar to bartering, one person shares their knowledge in exchange for loyal readers and I love a good barter arrangment (similar to the arrangement between me and my hairdresser).

I was stimulated to start back blogging in part due to a conversation with one of my girlfriends, as she enthusiastically set up her Facebook  page last night (yes, there are still folks out there who have not embarked into the new online pastimes),  an idea occurred to me about the importance of knowing your way around the Internet among the various social and business networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc) and it’s important to understand how this new form of communicating will affect us in our personal and professional lives.

Is social media calling you? It has called me back and I feel I’m coming back at an opportunity time to share tools/tips/techniques of effectively using the Internet as there’s apparently still folks out there who have not embarked into the new online pastimes.

It’s a gooood feeling to be actively blogging again, and it’s empowering to read various knowledgeable/informative/or just rambling blogs; I guess it’s the curiosity of my nature to understand people better or just call it plain nosey.

The fact of the matter still remains, harnessing the power of the internet can produce a valuable return on your investment whether it’s for business, job searches or connecting to family and friends.  As you read the article below you’ll see what industries are already being affected and it’s only a matter of time before other employers catch on. ..

Social-media skills become crucial for job hunters

By ALYSE KNORR

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Associated Press

The landscape of today’s job market is shifting, and the shift favors individuals who are savvy in social media.

“If you’re in advertising, marketing or communications, the more information you can put out to people where they want to see it, the better,” said Bob Van Rossum, president of MarketPro, a marketing recruitment company. “If you’re in one of those fields, it’s now required for you to be pretty savvy in the social media area, even if it’s not your primary focus.”

Read full article…

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Happy Birthday to ya! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

I know it’s over two weeks into the New Year but still not to late to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I’m starting my New Years off with less attitude and lots of gratitude. Firstly, I’m grateful to serve a living God and I’m happy for the miracles and blessing I’ve received in the form of loving family, awesome friends and a beautiful and healthy children.

There’s a lot going on this month. Today is the birthday of slain civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and I could not miss the opportunity to acknowledge him and his contribution to the country and express my gratefulness.

Some may ask what does that have to do with technology, but it’s the brave at heart who has the vision and will to go against the main stream that opens the minds and allows others to believe in their dreams.

I could never have been a web designer/web master if it weren’t for Mr. King and I’d like to say to his family, your sacrifices and unselfishness of sharing your father has been an inspiration for me and the opportunity for a successful future.

Happy Birthday to ya! Happy Birthday to ya! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

 

Summary of Press Conference of President Elect Obama

I am focused on politics and the state of the economy like never before and in part due to my daughter’s interest in politics. In case anyone missed the Press Conference, here’s the summary.

 

Economic challenge requiring swift action.

 

The current President will remain in charge until 1/20/08..

 

Bush’s cabinet is keeping him fully informed.

 

After President Obama becomes active he will address all issues.

 

Immediate challenges for priority include:

 

Rescue plan for middle class.

 

Stimulus plan to jump start economic growth.

 

Spreading impact of the economy which requires a Global response.

 

Auto crisis/hardship (backbone of financial economy).

            Transition team to help.

 

Review governments laws to see what can be implemented within the law and evaluate any change necessary.

 

Set of policies to grow middle calls and grow the economy.

            Significant issues include: Clean energy, health, education.

 

He is not underestimating the task at hand; choices will be difficult; it won’t be quick or easy to dig ourselves out of the hole. America is strong and resilient if put aside politics.

 

 

Stimulus package will be the first thing he gets done if not done in the lame duck session.

 

            UPS just delivered a package for my daughter’s birthday so I just missed about 10 minutes of the speech.

 

 

Successor for the Senate seat (is Governor’s decision).

 

In Preparation for position as President what have you done?

 

Spoken with all former Presidents….all that is living, all had been gracious to provide help in the transaction process. Reread Lincoln’s writings.

 

A lot of focus on the type of Dog: Two criteria: Hypo-allergenic dog (due to Malia is allergic).

            Shelter dogs wont work due (they are mutts like me), won’t be in criteria.

 

Schools: Wife will make decisions after scouting out. In the future.

 

Intelligence briefing: no comment (skipped questions)

 

Tax for upper income citizen: net tax cut, provided for sub. Middle class tax cuts received by 90%, small business for economic growth. Obviously will continue to look at the data to see what is taking place. Provide tax relief and boost economy to grow from the bottom up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

President OBAMA

I woke up this morning very excited with butterflies in my stomach.  There’s lots of buzz and hoopla (parties and celebration) about this historic election process…even Rapper T.I. cast a vote for the first time.    

My daughter is disappointed that she can’t vote in this election, but she’ll have lot’s to celebrate since tomorrow’s her birthday and she’ll wakeup to find out whether or not her candidate is our next president.

There have been lots of reports of mishaps at the polls but it doesn’t seem to be having much effect on citizens’ determination to make sure their voices will be heard and their votes are gonna bring a change. YES WE CAN!!

As a Nation the county has taken some huge steps back and we are all ready for the change.

There are a lot of important issues that the next President will need to resolve, including, but not limited to how soon to bring the troops home, decent jobs for everyone who wants to work, affordable education.

At a time where there’s only one (1) African American Governor and one (1) Senator, (Senator Obama), Barack Obama has proven that African American’s have the potential to rise above the skepticism to become president, a vision even the founding fathers couldn’t see. The Republicans have been focusing on the “lack of experience” that Senator Obama will bring to the White House when in reality people are looking to him to bring hope and change.

 

It dosen’t take a genius to figure out that Senator Obama brings his own special gifts, skills, ability to unite people. Obama a.k.a. bridge builder, who he is a mix of cultures, although he doesn’t carry many states in the south per Bernice Martin, which were the states her father (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr), gave his life for.

 

Change, Hope, YES WE CAN!!

 

 

Just received the update!!

 

President Obama

Could your next design earn billions of $$

I stumbled upon the story or Mr. Dior and didn’t actually grasp the concept of how it applies to designers and or artists, until I went back to check out the details in the story. 

“Forty years ago, Mr. Dior worked as a graphic designer at Sandgren & Murtha, a New York City-based marketing company. In 1968, Major League Baseball commissioned the agency to design an original logo.”

Dior’s simple “silhouetted batter” logo took on a life of it’s on and took a company struggling to remain in the public eye during a dire time in history, to become a billion $$ empire.  

Artists and designers are often undervalued for their skills and it’s important as artists to realize the value our skills and talents bring to the table. 

I found alot of weight and value in this message and how it relates to my own abilities. So when you’re contemplating charging pennies on the dollar to get the account, don’t undervalue your skills and talents, remember this story and how this simple “logo was between $10,000 and $25,000”  gave this organization the boost to become a billion dollar empire.

 “Industry tracker “Licensing Letter” estimates revenue of MLB-licensed goods to be $3.3 billion in 2007.”  For the full story visit The Wall Street Journal.

Some women like it fast…and I’m one of them, are you?

In the US in 2006, according to professor Kang, about 70% of all women in the US went online, 67% of them made online purchases, and this is expected to increase to 74% by 2010.

She notes women 55 and older have increased their online purchases by more than 120% during the last several years. “You will soon notice a similar kind of trend elsewhere, especially in places where broadband penetration rate is high,” she says.

Click on the link to get additional information

To Twitter or Not to Twitter

 At some point I know we’ve all had to weigh pros/cons against the benefits of the time we spend online and how that affects our family lives and values. I’ve debated this question often and now realize I’m not alone. If you’ve had this debate with yourself or with someone else, continue reading, you may or may not already have the answer but I belive this article may enlighten you.

Twitter Distracts and Annoys

Not all Web 2.0 applications are advances. Twitter encourages self-absorption and rude behavior in business settings. Pro or con?

Pro: Stop Tweeting and Start Listening

by Ilise Benun, Marketing-Mentor.com

It was on a gorgeous summer day that I vowed I would never Twitter.

I was speaking at a Seattle conference of tech-savvy professionals, feeling rather old fashioned as I tried to network (i.e., talk to people in person) before the opening session. The guy on my right was zoomed in on his iPhone (APPL). “What are you doing?” I asked.

“Twittering the conference,” the man said. He didn’t look up—just kept tapping. The woman next to me had her laptop browser open to Twitter, too. I was surrounded. That’s when I made my vow.

A recent Web 2.0 fad, Twitter is an instant messaging stream, or microblog, that allows you to publicly broadcast short-short messages to your “followers.” But I think it’s bad for business.

Twitter is the ultimate in self-centeredness. To imagine that anyone would want a running commentary of every moment of your life puts you—as a businessperson—at the center of your world when in fact that’s where your customer should be. It feeds the isolated narcissist who wants “followers,” rather than live contact with actual customers.

If I am tweeting about my lunch with you while we’re having lunch, then we’re not having lunch together. If you’re tweeting while we talk, we’re not talking. And if your customers are tweeting, they can’t be buying from you.

In this world of pseudo-personalized and artificial everything, real contact is better for business. Pick up the phone, people. Go visit a client. Go to an event. And don’t be afraid to talk to the people you meet there.

Con: Twitter Facilitates Business

by Dan York, Voxeo Corp.

At first, I thought Twitter was ridiculous. Who could possibly want to know what I was doing? And why would I want to know what they were doing?

Instead, a year and a half later, Twitter has become an important part of my daily information flow. How?

First, as you gain followers, Twitter can serve as an incredible knowledge network. I’ve found software for my new Mac, good deals on hosting services, recommendations for office chairs, and answers to a zillion other questions I’ve tweeted.

Second, by allowing me to follow leaders in their field who Twitter, the microblog suggests where I should focus my attention. New Web services, products, tools, research—I’ve found all via others who “tweet” about their work. Following media outlets as well can alert you to breaking news. I find myself reading my Twitter stream far more than RSS feeds.

Third, Twitter has connected me to people, face to face. If I go to a conference, a quick Twitter search can reveal who else is there. I’ve met fascinating people—and yes, generated business deals as a result.

Fourth, Twitter has deepened my connections with people I know. I’ve learned about new aspects of their lives. And for home office workers, Twitter can turn into a virtual water cooler that eases the isolation.

Corporations like Comcast (CMCSA) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) use Twitter as a customer service tool (BusinessWeek, 09/08/08). Political campaigns employ it to keep supporters informed. Heck, the Los Angeles Fire Department is even tweeting out fire alarms (useful if you live there).

So is Twitter a nuisance? Like any tool, it all depends upon how you use it. For me, the answer is: No way. Twitter and other microblogging services are here to stay.

Resource: BusinessWeek