How I use my iTouch for Business by Gregory Novak, Applications Developer

Mobile devices have become more powerful over the years and I’d have to say my iPod Touch (I’ll refer to it as iTouch) has become a tool I use from morning to night.
 
Quick Note: The iPod Touch is basically the same device as the iPhone, except it does not have GPS, Camera, or built-in microphone (however you can buy an accessory microphone). Other than that it’s the same device and operating system. Keep in mind, that anywhere you see iTouch below the comments also apply to the iPhone.

Wi-fi
The iTouch is a handheld Wi-Fi device and is great for quick access at hotspots. One of the advantages of a device like the iTouch is its “always-on” capability. I was recently on vacation with some friends in the Smokey Mountains and my buddy had his NetBook. We wanted to access the parks website to find out some info, so we found a free wi-fi hotspot and ended up going head-to-head with who can find the info the quickest. So, I grabbed my iTouch, connected to the Wi-Fi network, did a Google search, and accessed the parks website. Meanwhile, he’s still booting up his NetBook.

That’s not to say an iTouch is better than a NetBook, but it’s much more convenient for tasks like I just described. Laptops and NetBooks are still far better for typing compared to the iTouch’s small onscreen keyboard. Just a note about the onscreen keyboard – yes it is small, but it’s not bad once you get the hang of it. I don’t write longs Emails on it, but the quick, fast, convenience of the device that makes it very useful.

Kindle
I purchased my iTouch a year ago mainly to start purchasing books electronically. As a developer for AtNetPlus, I constantly need to keep up with the latest technologies. In years past, I’d purchase a technology book and in a year it would be obsolete. My library was growing out-of-control. So, I made a decision to go “Green” and purchase electronic versions of books online.

The reason I went with the iTouch was based on Amazon’s Kindle App that I could load onto my iTouch. There are two parts to Amazon’s Kindle platform – hardware and the electronic book format. Amazon sells a device called a Kindle and they provide electronic books in the Kindle format. So, with the iTouch Kindle App (available in the iTunes store) I can read the Kindle Book format without purchasing Amazon’s device.

What’s great about Kindle is that I can go on Amazon, find the book (not all books are in Kindle format yet), and download it instantly to my iTouch. I don’t have to run to the store or wait for it to be delivered in the mail. Plus, some versions are actually cheaper in the electronic version.
I do have to say it’s a different experience reading books on a small device, but there are many features of the iTouch Kindle version that make it worthwhile.

For instance, the book will remember the last page you viewed so you can pick right back up from where you left off. And that’s for everyone book you have on the device. Also, to make it easier to see, you can increase the font size and also rotate the device so it is using portrait mode. It’s surprising easy to read on the screen. I can also make notes anywhere in the book as I’m reading. I’m usually reading several books at once and having them all in one place is very convenient. Plus, as a developer, I always have my reference library with me.

The other reason I picked the iTouch over Kindle was for all of the other things you can do with the iTouch that I’ll cover in my next installment of "How I use my iTouch for Business."

Windows 7 Saga, Part 3... by Julie Siller, Marketing Assistant

As you may remember from Windows 7 Saga, Part 2 the problem with upgrading my computer from Vista to Windows 7 was apparently an inappropriately installed keyboard driver. I didn’t want to risk losing the functionality of my laptop keyboard during the migration, so I needed outside help. Sometimes giving in and asking the experts to help is your best bet.

I handed my computer over to the in-house Windows 7 guru, Steve Gomberg. Unfortunately the only answer to my “driver” problem was to wipe my computer and reinstall the operating system, applications, and data. The upside is that I have a laptop that works properly, keyboard and all. Unfortunately it also meant that it took a lot longer than I had hoped. Luckily, Steve was willing to help me get it done. Plus, I had already assembled all of the installation disks, download links, and software keys that we needed which made everything go a lot faster.

I have had some time to play with the new operating system. To me, a new (or updated) electronic device is more amusing than a shiny expensive necklace. So, needless to say, I tested out a few features:

One of the features that I use all the time is the “snap” feature. By clicking and dragging two windows to opposite sides of the screen, they pop back and center themselves adjacent to each other. It is great for transferring data, or even for taking notes on my readings for some of my classes. I use this ALL the time.

Another fantastic feature is the ability to jump back to the desktop without having to minimize or close all of my open windows. I now just click the rectangle in the bottom right corner of the screen. It’s a small thing but is saves me time and frustration.

The new operating system has omitted the overprotective dialogue boxes that were prevalent in Vista. Now, I don’t have those annoying boxes popping up all the time. I haven’t had any problems with viruses because we installed strong Anti-Virus software.

There is one aspect of the new operating system that I found to be annoying. In previous editions of windows, “connect to the internet” is pinned to the start menu. Windows 7 didn’t include this. I can probably change it by editing the start menu but I haven’t taken the time to figure that out yet. It’s probably easy to do because the UAC (User Account Control) is phenomenal. It’s designed to allow me to change anything that hinders my computing experience. I just haven’t reached the point where it bothers me enough to investigate how to change it.

Overall, the new operating system runs quickly and efficiently (especially the search feature). I have had fewer problems (not as many “Would you like to send an error report?” messages pop up) and have been satisfied with my experience thus far.

I recommend migrating. Just remember to prepare in advance for possible glitches, and be willing to allow the experts to take over if you need them.

Windows 7 Saga, Part 2… by Julie Siller, Marketing Assistant

My father always seems know what is going on in the world. So, when he gives me advice, I’m inclined to listen to him. That’s why I recently took note when I heard him mention the Windows 7 OS.

Basically, he convinced me that I should go ahead and move to Windows 7. That means, much to my dismay, the dreaded upgrade to my computer will take place sooner rather than later. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I knew it was coming. But my Dad convinced me it might as well be now.

I began the process late one night - I’m a college student, remember? Anyway, I began by following the instructions that our resident Windows 7 expert Steve Gomberg provided. First, I moved all of my data to my external hard drive (One of the best purchases I have ever made in my life and something every computer owner should have on hand). Then, after running Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, I downloaded and installed updates for all of my programs and devices. I also made sure I had handy all of the installation disks, download links, and serial number/product keys for my application programs. Finally, I inserted the CD to upgrade my operating system from Vista to Windows 7.

And...

[Drum Roll Please]

It didn't work.

According to the setup wizard, not all of my device drivers had been updated. I backed out, attempted a manual update of the said drivers, and tried again. FAIL. The error message mentioned something about a “keyboard filter”? I have no idea what that does but it sounds pretty important for a laptop. The point is that the promised easy upgrade from Vista did not work for me.

Normally, I would huff and puff and threaten my computer with its life. This time however, I work for one of the leading IT companies in the area, AtNetPlus. Hopefully they can diagnose and fix the problem, because my conclusion that “computers hate Julie” and therefore nothing ever works right is not credible. Subsequently my solution of pounding on the keys and yelling until the errors disappear is probably counterproductive.

Coming soon… Windows 7 Saga, Part 3.

You Only Need One Password by Jay Mellon, Partner

We all have problems remembering the passwords we create. We are told to vary them, complicate them, and worst of all - remember them. Whether it’s for checking web e-mail, making purchases, or banking online, you need “unique” passwords.

If you are anything like me, you visit some sites only occasionally. I can never remember the password, and I find myself changing it every time I use the site. Many Internet users write them down, which is a big mistake because most accounts are hacked simply because the owner was careless with the password.

 Even though browsers and some websites will store your information when you check the box, “remember me,” and “automatically sign me in,” you run the risk of having your information stolen by malevolent spyware. For laptop users the risk is even greater because a stolen laptop then also means the thief will have one-click access to confidential accounts.

A powerful, free solution is finally here:  LastPass. Once downloaded, LastPass places a plug-in on your Internet Explorer or Firefox toolbar (there are versions for Mac users too). You login to your LastPass Vault and the password, user name and any other form data that you decided to store is automatically inserted into the appropriate fields of the websites you visit. No hassle, and no scrounging around for that little piece of paper that you wrote your login information on. In addition, LastPass has a feature that generates a secure, random password for any site; something that can’t be predicted, lost, or stolen. This is great for added security and reassurance.

Best of all - Last Pass is very secure. The program encrypts your password information and stores in on your local computer. Any data transmitted over the web is also encrypted, which means that you can access your passwords from any computer. As an added bonus, if the program is installed on multiple computers the passwords on each computer synchronize as soon as you logon to LastPass. This means that you will always have the correct password whether you are using your work computer, home computer, laptop, or netbook. However, accessing LastPass on a public computer is not recommended.

One other important thing to remember - LastPass does not store your LastPass password. If you forget the master password for your LastPass Vault you are simply out of luck. It cannot be recovered or reset. And since most password reset programs require you to input the old password before you can change it, you could be permanently locked out of important websites. This is especially true if you allow LastPass to automatically generate a secure password for you. One way to help you remember your Vault password is to not allow automatic logon for this program. The downside is that you'll have to enter the password on a regular basis but the upside is that you will be much less likely to forget it.

There are many other interesting features. Check it out for yourself. Last Pass has made what was traditionally been a very big pain for me, something I don't even think about now.