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 →
photo credit: ciro@tokyo
This month’s radio show focused on education and the web. Education related sites for students of all ages and sites for adults who just have inquisitive minds! If you have a great education related web site you want to share, please leave a comment with a link to the site. Enjoy.
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: photobunny
QUESTION
Name: Patrick
From: GJ
OS: Windows XP
———————-
5-1-09
Rick, on Thursday you posed the question: Does OS matter anymore? You listed the generic tasks you do in your browser.
In March 2008, Adam Cochran was specific:
I use Zoho.com for my document creation, NVU for my web editor, Firefox as my browser, Gimp and Picasa for photos and Thunderbird for my Mac and Ubuntu email app. I still use Outlook on the PC but I can’t remember why.
Which programs do you use for each task?
ANSWER
Thanks for asking the question Patrick. I didn’t find the exact article from Adam that you referred to, but from the quote you sited, I can tell you that Adam was referring to Open Source programs and not web applications. Except for Zoho.com, all the apps he mentioned have to be installed locally on your computer.
To answer your question, here are the computer functions that I use in my browser, and thus can 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: jpeepz
If you haven’t taken advantage of my tip on how to print just what you select from a web site/email or my tip on finding printer friendly versions of articles you want to print (which can be combined with the first tip), then you might want to take a look at the Print what you like web site linked below. This Web 2.0 web site lets you enter the address of a web site you want to print then gives you tools to arrange its elements, remove ads, and much more. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Save paper & ink printing only what you want « PrintWhatYouLike.com.
Click the image to see the full size.
Web 2.0 (using the Internet to do work instead of your computer) truly gets more powerful every day. CleVR is a free online application (actually uses the Adobe AIR platform) that lets you upload digital photos and then it automatically stitches them together into a panorama format. And it does it quickly! I did the one shown here in just a few moments.
It also automatically creates an Continue reading →
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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