Must Have Applications

Aug 12, 2011

Weekly Theme: Online & Gadgets
Daily Prompt: What are some of your must have programs on your computer? For those with smart phones or tablets, what are some must have applications on your devices? List no more than 5 for each.

There are several programs that are necessary in order for me to feel comfortable with the computer that I’m using. If it is missing even one of the items listed below, it feels incomplete and I feel absolutely and totally uncomfortable using it. Probably the main reason I’m not really able to get into my Macbook as much as my PC– because there are a lot of programs I cannot port over or work differently in the Mac environment.

• Photoshop CS 5
• Some type of FTP program (my preferred is AceFTP Pro)
• Google Chrome
• Trillian
• Some type of music program, preferrably NOT iTunes

I obviously have more– however we were limited to 5 so I just listed the first 5 that came to mind given how tired I am. As for my smart phone, to be honest I don’t really have any applications that are an absolute necessity. I would be quite content with my phone if it didn’t have some of the apps it does. Maybe that’s weird, but with my phone the standard is enough for what I need.

Gizmos & Gadgets

Aug 8, 2011

Weekly Theme: Online & Gadgets
Daily Prompt: What are some gadgets you can not live without? Why? List no more than 5!

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a HUGE geek when it comes to gizmos and gadgets. Depending on the item, I will either wait to purchase it or get it right away¹. Either way I do have this tendency to find out what is being released and if I have any viable use for it or if it will be just a money dump which isn’t worth my time. Despite my little obsession there are only a few on my list to which I honestly believe I could not live without.

• Queen. That’s the name of my Dell XPS Studio. Truly and utterly she means so much to me. I have forged many friends because of her and she also affords me with the ability to find a release through blogging, watching DVDs, and listening to music. She is my muse when I am without inspiration. Without her, it’s likely I’d spend the majority of my time reading.
• Nookie. Speaking of reading– my Nook Color is next on my list. While it’s try that I do not get to spend nearly as much time with him as I’d like– he is still one of my most treasured companions. He affords me the ability to slip away into another world, become another person if I so choose to be.
• angsaysrawr. My iPhone or really my cell phone. While it’s true I do not use her much for talking, I do use her to text and stay in touch with family and friends who do not utilize instant messengers. Along with that she is my music player, my ultimate expression without the need for words. She is my lifeline and my connection to Robby when he’s away on a business trip. Without her I would be truly lost.

These are my three most valuable gizmos and gadgets and the ones I could not do without. Take away all three of them and I would be lost to darkness. Take away one of them and I could probably survive– they afford me a luxury, reality cannot– an escape.

YouTube MySpace & I’ll Google Your Yahoo

Jul 23, 2011

Have you ever found a video or clip that you absolutely loved on YouTube and were disappointed that there was no download option for the video? I think we’ve all been in that position and short of finding software which isn’t one hundred percent consistent in obtaining the FLV file, there isn’t a lot of options. Plus there’s the added frustration of trying to find additional software to convert the FLV file into another format which your computer can render. If I lost you—then read on.

Finally there is a very easy to use, very powerful video converter software that allows you not only to download FLV files from YouTube, but it also allows you to convert them as well! Yes, ladies and gents there is a YouTube to Video Converter that makes it possible to download a YouTube video that you just have to have. The best part is that it is sooo easy to use!

First thing is first, download free YouTube downloader and then install it. Once you install it, you have the option of either putting in a URL of the YouTube video you want to download, visiting the YouTube website and searching for a video and clicking the download button or you can select a file on your computer to convert. Once you’ve figured out what file you want to convert, you can choose from several different conversion formats that is compatible with iPods, iPhones, iPads—even your Xbox just to name a few. After that the rest is history!

Years ago, I lost a very important video which I had uploaded to YouTube but had no way to download. Now I am pleased to say I have successfully, downloaded and converted the following video so that I can show it off on my iPhone and I couldn’t be happier!

If you’re looking for software that will allow you to download and convert YouTube videos at ease—then I definitely encourage you to check it out. You will NOT be disappointed!

Extending the Reach of Our Network…. Thoughts?

May 11, 2011

For those who have visited our home, they know that we have several computers all throughout the house. Each computer has the capability of connecting to our wireless network and as a result we needed to purchase some indoor antennas to extend the signal strength of the network.

For the most part this worked wonderfully, but we do still have signal issues in some places in the house. It’s a little bit frustrating when I’m trying to access something on my phone and it takes forever to load because it’s loading over the wireless network. Short of antennas does anyone know what other options we can explore?

This would help so much, especially if we’re outside and need to look something up, especially while we’re putting in the garden. Any thoughts suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated. We’d like to explore every option if possible.

Handheld GPS Devices

Jan 15, 2011

I have always been a fan of GPS systems. As someone who frequently gets lost it’s kind of a necessity. Thankfully the car that we ended up buying has a GPS system built in but unfortunately it hasn’t been updated since 2007 and since the disc to update it is about $250, we’re probably better off just being a handheld device like a Garmin GPS.

I’m heard some wonderful things about Garmin but I myself haven’t had the chance to try the system out so I can’t really say if it’s something we should invest in. For those who own a handheld GPS unit whether it is Garmin or not, what are your thoughts? Is it worth the investment or do you think we’d be better off paying $250 for the upgrade disc for our car?

Either way it is something that we’ll be looking into if we can’t find that disc for a lower price. I mean seriously, $250?! That’s beyond obscene… at least to us. Others may feel differently of course.

Houston, We Have A Problem

Nov 24, 2010

So I think Robby has a problem. When I say problem, I mean a problem with good deals. I mean I’ll admit I’m a sucker for good deals too, but I only shop good deals for things I need. Not things I already have and haven’t used.

Case and point.

He was thinking about getting another LCD HDTV on Black Friday because it’s going to be a good deal. The problem? We already have a 32” TV sitting in the spare bedroom not being used and then 2 old ass TVs sitting in the garage that I wanted to get rid of BEFORE we moved into the house but he flat out refused and now he wants to get another TV?! Is he mad? I think so.

I pretty much told him no on another TV. We don’t need it. We have too many in the house as is and honestly at this point they’re just taking up room. I don’t want to have to worry about yet another thing to try and find a place for. I swear he and his mother put a new meaning to pack rat. I mean at some point you just need to learn how to let it go. Amiright?