Tuesday, November 26, 2013

How to synchronize your Desktop Computers, Laptops, Smart Phones, etc.

If you are like me, you have a smartphone, a laptop and a desktop computer... Who knows, you might even have an iPad and maybe even a work computer too.  You likely spend more time synchronizing all these devices than you'd like.

Luckily there is a solution!

I recommend you use a few different solutions to keep it all together.

Contacts, Mail and Calendars:

You can easily synchronize all devices by using Gmail for your calendars and contacts.  This way all of your contacts are immediately available on all of your devices.  You can also use a Google calendar and that way you can set up appointments from a computer that is automatically pushed to your phone.  You even have the ability to share calendars with friends, colleagues and even your spouse.  No excuse for not picking up milk (or wine in my case) on the way home.

Here is a resource to help;
https://support.google.com/mail/answer/3008051?hl=en

Dropbox for files:

This is an excellent tool to share files between multiple computers.  There is also a smartphone app that you can use as well.

Download Link:
http://www.dropbox.com/

TeamViewer for remote control:

I've been using this tool for years.  You can use this to transfer files from computer to computer, but more importantly, you can use it to control a computer remotely.  This is excellent, for example, if you want to do your banking but don't want to do it from a work computer.  You can log into a home computer from work and do your transfers.  Another use is for printing at home.  You can easily log in to the home computer and print on your home printer from a coffee shop and your document is ready when you get home.

Download Link:
http://www.teamviewer.com/

If you need any additional support for your computers and networks feel free to contact me
Tim Melanson
tim@timmelanson.com

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Free "photoshop" type software to edit photos

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any social network platform is FILLED with photos and images and there are actually some great features within programs like Instagram that allow you to add effects and text to images.  However, what if you want to do something a little more complex AND you are working on a budget.  Photoshop licenses can be a little expensive.

I've been using a free program called "Paint.Net" for quite some time.



This program is quite simple to use especially if you've used a program like photoshop before.  It allows you to add layers, merge images together, resize, add text, effects.

I use this program to create small adds for businesses.  I'm no graphic designer so I keep it quite simple however, this program creates professional quality images that you can share on your social media platforms.

If you would like more info feel free to comment or subscribe.