Why is it that drug addicts and
computer afficianados are both called users?
- Clifford Stoll
I am not the only person who uses his computer mainly
for the purposes of diddling with his computer.
-Dave Barry
computer afficianados are both called users?
- Clifford Stoll
I am not the only person who uses his computer mainly
for the purposes of diddling with his computer.
-Dave Barry
"I only use the Internet for email."
"I have a computer so I can play games."
"There's nothing else on the computer for me to do..."
If you have uttered any of those phrases then you have a very expensive one-trick pony that is being very, very underutilized.
OK, so you don't want to use Excel or Access to track databases of your budgets or your precious Grateful Deadbootleg tapes. Or the thought of Microsoft Word and all it's lovely complexities makes you want to throw your computer out the window in a fit of rock star fury.
Understood and understood.
But are you using your computer, the internet and all the tools available to you in the best, most useful, and most creative ways possible? Probably not. Why? Not because of you, who you are, your genetics, your religion, your age, your astrological sign, none of that...No...I swear. It's the fact that computer technlogy is a runaway train, an exponentiallly growing organism; it is nearly impossible to keep up with all things technology to keep you entertained, educated, and engaged.
OK, enough of the excuses...read on.
Ma'am, Step Away from the Email
So what else is there? And how do I find out about it, dammit?!? One of the greatest tools for finding out about websites is called Stumbleupon.com (SU). Think of the name: stumple upon. We've all stumpled upon things in the most serendipitous ways, only to find ourselves in a happy accident that has changed our lives forever (this newsletter is no exception I am sure). SU will walk you thru a short survey and then with just click of a button, make suggestions of an infinite list of websites you can visit, bookmark, take notes on and share with friends. All organized by the categories of your choosing.
How do you get it? You can either go to stumpleupon.com or install their free browser toolbar add-on and take a quick survey of all your interest topic areas (art, sports, music, religion, food, design, etc.), and SU will crank out an endless slot machine style cache of websites for you to...stumble upon! With the toolbar installed on your browser, it's as simple as can be (try it and you'll see what I am talking about).
Tools like StumbleUpon, Delicious (also has a toolbar) and Diggare known as "folksnomy" websites that use "tagging" (or keywords) that allow users just like you and me to communicate and refer to websites they like and SHARE information on a website to the community. It is virtually endless. Oh, and these are all free.
What about YouTube?
I am sure you all read (numerous times) the last newsletter about YouTube in all its YouTube-ness. One of the things that I found most interesting and useful was the YouTube Chartspage where they have all their most popular, best rated, etc. videos of the week/month/all time and all sorted out by category. There is sooooo much on YouTube (for better or for worse!), so it's nice to have a greatest hits page to guide you away from the dreck.
Check it out, and watch the hours...pass you by...
Social Media and Stuff
And if you have not ventured into the Social Media realm as of yet, do not fret, it is a scary world and I understand your trepidation. But social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter allow you to learn from your friends, family and interests what cool things are out there. Twitter is one where you can just "follow" your interests in terms of a business, celebrity, politician, publications, etc. and see what they have to say. If I worked in an office (which I don't, TG), I would be Tweeting more than I do, just to be able to have a Twitter-sponsored page of all my favorite things all on one site!
On your computer
One of my favorite tools (i.e., time-sucking) to come out of the last seven years or so is Google Earth. Travel around the planet in a matter of seconds. Free download. No need to take your shoes off at the gate. Check it out, trust me (and there's more than meets the eye).
Want to learn about or get new music? Try Bear Share orGroove Shark. Both free (with premium options). Any of you have iTunes? (Mac people already have it, PC people can download for free). One of the best things about this tool, is the built in "radio stations" that exists right on iTunes. Literally HUNDREDS on all categories, 24 hours a day, most commercial-free. You'll find it on the upper left side of your screen, called "Radio". And while you're there. check out all the podcasts! OMG! Most are free.
Would love to hear from YOU regarding some of the sites, tools and stuff you have discovered, love, shared, learned using your computer. Share this with me, and I will share with you all in the next edition of this here babble-fest.
Peace and Love,
David Casuto
Bonus websites! (Thanks for reading on...) Check outMaximum PC's Websites to Check Out Before You Die (this is the title, I swear) and TED Talks video spreadsheet to see educational videos from luminaries and sages around the globe.
Tools like StumbleUpon, Delicious (also has a toolbar) and Diggare known as "folksnomy" websites that use "tagging" (or keywords) that allow users just like you and me to communicate and refer to websites they like and SHARE information on a website to the community. It is virtually endless. Oh, and these are all free.
What about YouTube?
I am sure you all read (numerous times) the last newsletter about YouTube in all its YouTube-ness. One of the things that I found most interesting and useful was the YouTube Chartspage where they have all their most popular, best rated, etc. videos of the week/month/all time and all sorted out by category. There is sooooo much on YouTube (for better or for worse!), so it's nice to have a greatest hits page to guide you away from the dreck.
Check it out, and watch the hours...pass you by...
Social Media and Stuff
And if you have not ventured into the Social Media realm as of yet, do not fret, it is a scary world and I understand your trepidation. But social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter allow you to learn from your friends, family and interests what cool things are out there. Twitter is one where you can just "follow" your interests in terms of a business, celebrity, politician, publications, etc. and see what they have to say. If I worked in an office (which I don't, TG), I would be Tweeting more than I do, just to be able to have a Twitter-sponsored page of all my favorite things all on one site!
On your computer
One of my favorite tools (i.e., time-sucking) to come out of the last seven years or so is Google Earth. Travel around the planet in a matter of seconds. Free download. No need to take your shoes off at the gate. Check it out, trust me (and there's more than meets the eye).
Want to learn about or get new music? Try Bear Share orGroove Shark. Both free (with premium options). Any of you have iTunes? (Mac people already have it, PC people can download for free). One of the best things about this tool, is the built in "radio stations" that exists right on iTunes. Literally HUNDREDS on all categories, 24 hours a day, most commercial-free. You'll find it on the upper left side of your screen, called "Radio". And while you're there. check out all the podcasts! OMG! Most are free.
Would love to hear from YOU regarding some of the sites, tools and stuff you have discovered, love, shared, learned using your computer. Share this with me, and I will share with you all in the next edition of this here babble-fest.
Peace and Love,
David Casuto
Bonus websites! (Thanks for reading on...) Check outMaximum PC's Websites to Check Out Before You Die (this is the title, I swear) and TED Talks video spreadsheet to see educational videos from luminaries and sages around the globe.
Contact Dave
Private instruction,
Technical Services/Support,
Project Work (web, graphic design, etc.)
(415) 509-3725
This is where you can find info about Dr. William Ruch, DC
Technical Services/Support,
Project Work (web, graphic design, etc.)
(415) 509-3725
This is where you can find info about Dr. William Ruch, DC
