5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud

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. Among other things, these computers/services provide: Security via the password and user name that you choose. Access to the service from any...

Zoho Creator (database) – Video Tip

This is my last installment in my Zoho.com tour, but far from the full capabilities of Zoho. So far I’ve introduced you to Zoho Writer (word processing application) and Zoho Sheet (spreadsheet application). For Part III in my series, I’m giving you a quick tour and demonstration/instruction on how to create a database with Zoho. Zoho has two database applications; one called Creator and the other called Database...

Create Labels Online – Video Tip

Adam wrote about a new web service from Avery a few years ago. It’s called Create & Print labels. Avery developed this free service so that you can create quick, clean and flexible labels. The service is free and works inside your browser. Since it is a Web 2.0 application, any computer user can use it from any computer regardless of operating system. In addition to adding many customization features like personal...

The web isn’t best for everything

Visitors who stop by HelpMeRick.com with any frequency the past 4-5 years know that I’m a huge cloud computing (using applications on the web versus installing programs) junkie. Today, I was reminded of one area where desktop applications still provide a better experience than the web…card, board, and casino games. A client was frustrated with trying to play pyramid solitaire on a site that “used to...

Students and online apps

My high school daughter ran from the house today in a panic because she was running late and didn’t have to time to print something she needed for school. She uses a MacBook and OpenOffice, but had already shut the computer off and was out the door. Interestingly enough, she uses and is sold on the utility and effectiveness of online apps as well. She uses both Google Docs and Zoho (which she likes better) regularly...

Trust me, the cloud makes life easier & cheap...

Over the past few weeks, I witnessed many situations in my daily computer help rounds that would have been far less painful and costly for the computer user IF they utilized the cloud. The cloud I refer to is a broad term for using programs found on the web versus on your computer. Another commonly used term for this type of computing is Web 2.0. Here are some examples of problems I ran into recently that could have been...

Pixlr.com Online Image Editing – Video Tip

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...

Do everything online…for free!

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...

Business and Education Save Money by Moving to the...

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...

Microsoft will offer Free Online Office Apps

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...

You are ignoring Web 2.0 – 12 articles to ca...

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...

Does the Operating System matter any more?

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...

For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides for Google...

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...

Is Google the next big target in technology?

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...

New Zoho Writer 2.0

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! Zoho Writer 2.0 launches with fresh look | Zoho Blogs.