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Apr 27 2009

Getting Things Done

Getting this done is important. Sometimes we get so mired in work that we don’t take time out to look at our tasks and be sure we’re spending time on important things. Hopefully this week’s free picks will help fix that.

Remember the Milk

Naturally, our first stop is a new AJAX powered Web 2.0 solution for task management. If you can get past the cow and the odd name, you’ll find RTM to be a very aesthetically pleasing and useful way to track tasks.

rtm Getting Things Done

There’s email reminders, iCal integration and more. The user forum is active and the developers very responsive to feedback. Of course, the service is free.

TaskToy

While we’re on the subject, there’s another great AJAX web-based solution. This one is perfect for those of you that want to get directly to business, and are less interested in the eye-candy interface of RTM. TaskToy supports email reminders and RSS subscriptions. Its a good, clean way to keep track of those tasks.

GanttProject

In a nod to the old-school, we have to feature this cross-platform Open Source project. GanttProject makes tracking projects easy, with advanced charting and scheduling features. This free solution is ideal for directing large projects with multiple collaborators.

SproutLiner

This AJAX solution allows for a more free-form approach to organizing thoughts and lists. This web-based services (also available for install on your own server) allows you to make instant, flexible lists defined by columns and rows you create.

sproutliner Getting Things Done

SproutLiner allows you to include any combination of check boxes, drop-down lists and freetext that you need to organize your information. Best of all, its AJAX implementation means no page reloading.

voo2do

Lastly, there’s voo2do. This web-based todo tracker is much like the first two. While the colorful interface might overwhelm you at first, you may find the feature set to fit your style. Tasks, notes, projects and deadlines are organized for easy access, and a history feature records what you’ve been up to.

That should be enough productivity tools to waste your afternoon. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go prioritize my task list.

Brian

By admin • Articles, Freeloader Friday Download of the Week • Comments Off • Tags: check boxes, colorful interface, cow, email reminders, eye candy, feedback, forum, free solution, history feature, odd name, open source project, pleasing, RTM, solution, SproutLiner, Stop, tasktoy, time, web based services

Apr 27 2009

Why Microsoft is winning the game…and Apple is losing

By: Jon Gales

PC
World recently published a stunning article
fittingly titled, "MSN Launches AOL Defection Tool". A quick
read will result in a moderate "Anti-Microsoft" vibe but after an
analysis it’s actually quite chilling but in an odd way appealing. If you haven’t
yet read the article here is the notable quote:

"Microsoft
will cancel your AOL account and for 30 days will refer to your new address
any e-mail sent to your AOL address."

The implications
of this are amazing. Microsoft
has already spent $50,000,000 on marketing MSN
(Microsoft’s ISP) to current AOL users. They have even created a browser (based
off of IE) to mimic AOL’s unique "all in one" look and feel. At a
time when AOL Time Warner is strapped
for cash, Microsoft’s spending millions upon millions on stealing their user
base couldn’t have been more perfectly executed. AOL is in a downward spiral
– Microsoft is helping to flush the toilet.

The death of AOL has been in Microsoft’s eyes for years. Ever since AOL controlled
a near monopoly in the ISP market. What they are doing about it (helping users
in every way they can switch to MSN from AOL) is the "perfect" solution
to gain lots of users quickly. What makes MSN so appealing is that it ties in
with everything you use. The reason for this is that MS makes everything you
use. Remind you of another company?

Why doesn’t Apple do this?
Obviously I don’t mean literally – Apple doesn’t own an ISP. I mean, why
doesn’t Apple "baby" users from Windows? Why can’t Apple make a Windows
program to save off email, bookmarks, and other easy to retrieve but annoying
to do so data onto an iDisk or something similar for retreival on a Mac? Why
can’t Apple make deals with large software vendors to allow PC users that have
bought software (and have registered) get a Mac version for free?

I know Apple won’t launch a US$50 million advertising campaign (too costly for a few converts) but one that is aimed at Windows users might help. The current campaigns
make NO sense to the average Windows user. I still have to explain some of them
to the Mac faithful!

Microsoft is doing what it needs to do to stay in the black – well
into the black. Apple can start making ground on the "other" 95% of
computer users. We have the best OS on the market, the coolest computers, and
the most loyal following. Should we mimic the beast and have them get a taste
of their medicine? In my opinion, YES!

Jon Gales is a staff writer for MacMerc. He can be reached for comment at
jon@macmerc.com or on AIM (jonknee41).

By admin • Articles, Editorials • Comments Off • Tags: analysis, aol account, aol address, aol time warner, aol users, Defection, downward spiral, everything, ISP, isp market, jon gales, large software vendors, Launches, retreival, software, time, tool, Warner, winning the game

Apr 27 2009

Moblogging–Wardriver style

“According to the Oxford-English dictionary, the word ‘snapshot’ was
first used
in 1808 by an English sportsman by the name of Sir Andrew Hocker.
He noted in his diary
that every bird he shot that day was taken by snapshot.
meaning a hurried shot,
without deliberate aim. Snapshot then… was originally
a hunting term.”
-One Hour Photo

Over a month ago I
announced that the articles formerly known as “Road Warrior Wednesday”
would take a new name to depict the “edge” that it was intended to
ooze. Since that time I have brought you such terrifying and controversial topics
as USB gadgets, messenger bags and presentation remotes. I know, I haven’t been
keeping up my end of the bargain. Well, this time around, I”m hoping to ruffle
a few more feathers…we’re going MobloggingÃ³Wardriver style.

Moblogging?
Moblogging is short for “mobile blogging” which, in tern, is short
for “mobile web logging” It is a activity practiced by a growning
number of people who form a community of web sites that document the events
and experiences of the various lives through the use of digital cameras both
standalone and those that come with some of the latest mobile phones. Mobloggers
take these snapshots and post them on their web sites. They often offer insites
into the meaning the particular image has for them and invite you, the visitor
to leave a comment of your own.

I’ve been moblogging
for a few months now as part of my
personal blog. And, of course, I invite you to get involved and interact
with me there also. But today I have another activity in mind.

Warchalking?
Warchalking is commonly
conducted in the course of wardriving. (If you don’t know what wardriving is,
why are you here? Okay, it’s when you drive around looking for open wireless
internet connections. Happy now?!) A wifi hotspot is often chalked with a symbol
to denote the type of access, the degree of protection that is in play, the
quality of that signal and sometimes the distance to the actual access point
from the chalk mark. That is warchalking.

Moblogging Wardriver style
Now this is a bit of an experiment and how well it works is entirely up to you
wardrivers. What I propose is that you go out wardriving and when you find a
nice, free, unprotected hotspot that, instead of pulling out your chalk and
marking the sidewalk, take out a camera and email
it to the MacMerc.com
Wardriver Wednesday Moblog. Here’s how:

Take a picture of the building from which the discovered signal is
emitting.

Attach that image to an email
message addressed to the MacMerc.com
Wardriver Wednesday Moblog.

In the subject line of that email, enter the name of the signals location.

Use wardriving software like MacStumbler or iStumbler to find out the
name of the access point (the SSID), the channel the access point is using,
the signal strength, whether or not it is protected by WEP and the type
of router. Also take note of your physical location; the street you’re
on and the address of the building that houses the wifi signal. If you
want to get really high tech, use a GPS unit to find your global location
or enter the street address online at Maporama.com.

Now, in the body of the email, type the information you gathered thusly
(replacing the italicized parts with your own information):

SSID = Name of access point
Channel = Channel number
Signal = Signal strength
WEP = WEP protected? Yes or No?
Router = Router Manufacturer
Location = City, State/Prov, Country
(GPS location)

Submit that email and watch for your submission
to appear on the MacMerc.com
Wardriver Wednesday Moblog.

Again, for this idea to work it hinges on the participation of you wardrivers
out there. Get out there and photograph your local hotspots (protected or unprotected,
public or private) and send submit them as I have detailed ablove. The most
recent submission appears below:

Keep an eye on the MacMerc.com
Wardriver Wednesday Moblog for wifi hotspots in your area.

By admin • Articles, Wardriver Wednesday • Comments Off • Tags: com, controversial topics, course, growning number, latest mobile phones, location, mobile web logging, Moblog, name, oxford english dictionary, signal, sir andrew, style, time, Type, use, warchalking, wardriving, wifi hotspot, wireless internet connections

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