Castellini on Computers - Computer help for beginners » cloud

Pixlr.com Online Image Editing – Video Tip

Rick — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:49:24 +0000

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 [...]

Do everything online…for free!

Rick — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:43:34 +0000

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), [...]

Business and Education Save Money by Moving to the Cloud

Rick — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:50:38 +0000

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, [...]

Microsoft will offer Free Online Office Apps

Rick — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:13:29 +0000

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 [...]

You are ignoring Web 2.0 – 12 articles to catch you up

Rick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:26:43 +0000

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.

Does the Operating System matter any more?

Rick — Fri, 01 May 2009 00:22:47 +0000

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 [...]

For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides for Google Docs

Rick — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:27:23 +0000

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 [...]

Is Google the next big target in technology?

Rick — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:15:52 +0000

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 [...]

New Zoho Writer 2.0

Rick — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:37:04 +0000

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. Related posts:Zoho Writer – Video TipZoho Sheet – Video TipA tech company’s [...]

5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud

Rick — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:56:56 +0000

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