I talk a lot about Web 2.0 or cloud computing or using your web browser to perform functions via web applications versus installing and using desktop applications. Web 2.0 applications give you the flexibility of having tools at your disposal no matter where you are or whose computer you are using.
This week, I want to give you a preview of my favorite online image editor called Pixlr at Pixlr.com. It loads fast and is featured packed. In fact, I think it contains all the Continue reading →
Some people believe that I drink too much Web 2.0 Kool Aid. That’s ok though because I love drinking it!
Web 2.0 refers to computing on the web versus your desktop. Instead of installing an application and then starting it from your desktop, you head to a web site instead. If you use HotMail (MSN email), Yahoo email, Gmail, or access your email via your provider’s web site, then you too are utilizing Web 2.0 computing or cloud computing.
For me, the big deal about cloud computing is how easy it is to access my information from literally any computer any time. If problems arise on my computer, I can easily move over to a different computer and barely miss a beat. And if you have had computer problems in the past, cloud computing offers Continue reading →
Since joining Twitter last spring, I made it a point to follow industry leaders and pundits that post interesting and breaking tech news and information. Two of my favorites are GoogleAtWork and Zoho. After nearly 15 years in the computer help and training business, I firmly believe in the mission of these two organizations…cloud computing.
Quickly, cloud computing involves using your browser for your document creation and management, communication and increasingly even photo management and editing among other many other functions that traditionally only occured in desktop applications. Click here to read the many articles and tips where I further explain cloud computing.
Today, I just want to highlight the many organizations that continue to Continue reading →
Another announcement from Microsoft this week centered around their upcoming release of Microsoft Office 10 and an online version of Microsoft Office that will compete with Zoho and Google Docs.
The scheduled release of the new software and web apps is the 1st 1/2 of 2010. A lot can happen between now and then, but it will heat up the online apps arena. Microsoft also stated that their online apps will work with Safari and Firefox…which surprised me and I won”t believe it until I see it.
Read more at PC World:
Microsoft Surprises with Free Office Apps – Business Center – PC World.
Over the past few years, I have written and talked much about Web 2.0 or as it is sometimes known, cloud computing. You have ignored those articles and haven’t visited or tried the Web 2.0 offerings that are changing the way we use computers. Today, I’m going to give you a second change to get up to speed, because I will be writing more and more about Web 2.0 in the coming months, and I want you along for the ride!
Listed below is your HelpMeRick.com reading assignment for the day.
Do you have any favorite Web 2.0 tools you love to use?
photo credit: kevindooley
I tweeted the question yesterday on whether the computer operating system (OS) really matters any more. The response from the Twitter community was less than overwhelming so I want to pose the same question to you, the HelpMeRick.com community.
My contention is that more and more computer functions get done in a web browser. I rarely use any other computer program other than my browser these days. I don’t print much, I share my photos online, I compose spreadsheets and word processing documents online, I edit photos online, I manage my web site online, I store my important files online, and much more. And more applications are born every day that make the speed of my Internet connection more important than the speed of computer.
And the wonderful thing, to me, about performing all these functions online, is I can literally sit at any Continue reading →
You know that I write about Web 2.0 (cloud computing) often. To me, working in your browser is easier, safer (for backup), and more consistent than using desktop applications. And since most of us use only the bare minimum of features for document creation, why spend $100s of dollars for name brand applications. Online applications offer full Microsoft Office compatibility with minimum fuss and no cost or installation required.
I’ve written about and done video tips on Zoho.com’s online office suite (a personal favorite), but for many Google Docs might be easier and all that is needed. Google announced today that they completed three beginner guides covering their online word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation manager. Click the link below to see the guides.
Official Google Docs Blog: For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides.
photo credit: Yodel Anecdotal
Like Microsoft in the 90’s, it appears that this decade and into next Google has the biggest target on their back. They are big, successful and seemingly everywhere. The article below reports that a Washington DC group concerned with privacy wants the FTC to investigate Google’s privacy practices. The incident I talked about last week regarding the small and very specific situation where a Google Document users saved files might be viewed by another user also under very specific circumstances spurred the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) to as the FTC to investigate Google.
Common sense tells me that Continue reading →
Zoho.com released a new, faster version of their superb online word processor this week. You can read about it at the following link, or if you are a Zoho user already, give it a try!
Over the past two or there years, I have written many articles about Web 2.0 or cloud computing. Cloud computing means that you work with programs and/or data that are not installed or saved on your computer. Instead, the programs and/or data live on an Internet connected computer (server) somewhere else in the world. These computers provide security via the password and user name that you choose. Five reason come immediately to mind on why you should start moving your data and computing power to the cloud.
1. Although more powerful than ever before, computers have become more unreliable than ever.
In particular, Windows computers require more expertise to keep them safe, updated, and problem free than at any time in the short history of home computers. Macintosh and Linux operating systems certainly require less technical expertise from the security standpoint, but still rely on desktop applications to create, save and edit data. Web based (cloud) applications provide plenty of power and flexibility for the vast majority of computer users while also presenting a simpler interface.
2. You already spend 90% of your time in the cloud already.
Non-business computer users spend the majority of their computer time emailing, surfing and researching the web and playing online games. Transitioning to web based mail and web based word processing, spreadsheets and more is easy and free with products like Zoho Office, Google Docs and ThinkFree.
3. Digital photography is easier in the cloud…and cheaper.
Too many computer users do not know how to properly resize and attach photos to email or gauge how many photos to attach to email. You spend way too much money and time on ink cartridges and paper trying to print good quality pictures. All these problems are solved in the cloud by helping you organize your photos better, share them easier, and print them in higher quality in more formats professionally. Flickr, Picasa Albums, and albums and services from Shutterfly, Snapfish, Winkflash, and others help you do all these things much easier than any desktop application. For those who like to edit their photos, these services offer some limited editing, but Pixlr, Picnik, Fotoflexer, Snipshot, Photoshop Online, and many others provide more than enough power for almost any digital photographer.
4. You either don’t know how or are too lazy to backup your important data.
I admit that I’m putting a lot of faith in Web 2.0 companies, but I know they will do a better and more regular job of backing up your data than you currently do. These companies have their reputations and big bank rolls on the line to take backing up your data lightly. If your data is truly important to you, learn to back it up. In the interim, your data will be much safer online than it is right now on your unprotected computer with no backup plan at all. If I’ve stirred you a little to think about backing up your current data, read my tips about online backup services that truly do make backing up your data easier and safer than learning to burn DVD’s, setup and configure backup programs and then maintain them.
5. Using cloud computing strategies sets you free from any computer.
Since your data and applications live on the web and are accessed through a web browser, you no longer are tied to any one computer or operating system. As long as you have an Internet connection (high speed only) and a browser, you can work and play from any computer!
I keep urging you to learn about and use these services because they are coming down the pike and becoming more mainstream every day. Microsoft, Apple, Adobe and other stalwarts of the desktop continue to make their own plans to finally come on board and offer more and more cloud computing options.
What do you think? Leave me a comment below to tell me about your cloud computing experiences and questions.
Photo by ewen and donabel
HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Even if you are an experienced computer user, use our site as a resource to provide help to the friends, family members and co-workers you provide tech support for every day.
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