Category: Tools
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Cubby: a simple way to share files across multiple devices
When I first heard about Cubby’s unlimited storage, my immediate reaction was “I must have it.” When I found out that “unlimited storage” meant computer-to-computer syncing I was less enthused. I forgave them, however, because I concede that offering unlimited cloud storage through a free service is foolish at best. And it wasn’t long before…
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Gmvault: A quick way to fully backup and restore your Gmail account
I have always been reliant on my Gmail account for all of my personal electronic correspondence — it’s the primary link between me and my networked and integrated world. Over the years, it has accumulated a considerable amount of important (and equally unimportant) emails. If I rely so heavily on my Gmail account, why has…
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How to setup corporate email on Android using MailDroid
If your employer uses web-based email and you have an Android device, then no doubt are you wanting to access your work email on your Android smartphone or tablet. MailDroid is a great app that will allow you do so, and I’m going to show you how to set it up. Be aware that there is a Pro version of…
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TunnelBear easily allows access to location-restricted websites
As someone who lives and works between two countries, I am the typical target market for the many companies offering locational VPN services. These VPN services allow those browsing the web in one country to appear as if they’re in a different country. There are various reasons why someone might do this, but one of the…
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Microsoft Office 365: Reasons for Caution
I came very close to calling this article “Why Office 365 Sucks.” I refrained from doing so because I think the cloud-based office collaboration suite CAN be a good fit for some small businesses. However, as an IT consultant working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), I will think very carefully before I let it…
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How to find out if your Mac is infected with malware
One of the favorite Mac vs. PC myths is “PCs are slow, they always crash, and get viruses!” The corollary to that would be “Macs never get viruses.” That’s getting harder to say with a straight face. In April, research firm Sophos released a study that found one in five Macs was infected with malware.…
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Microsoft Small Business Server 2011: A Techie’s First Impressions
Microsoft’s Small Business Server features prominently in my life as an IT consultant. Its combination of Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange and SharePoint at a low price-point makes it a compelling proposition for smaller firms. Dislike of Windows Vista has resulted in many of my clients continuing to maintain systems running SBS 2003 and Windows XP.…
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Easel.ly lets you create HTML5 infographics for free
Infographics have become an incredibly popular way to convey statistics and information nowadays — almost too popular it seems, but there’s really no better way to display such statistics in a visually appealing way. If you’ve always wanted to create your own, but never wanted to bother to make one entirely from scratch, Easel.ly is…
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How to insert frequently written text on a Mac with TypeIt4Me
Like many people, I find myself having to type the same bits of text many times throughout my working week. Various applications already have ways of reducing the labor involved in this. For example, email clients have auto-signatures and word processors have automatic text facilities. The Mac OS X operating system itself is strong when…
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DD-WRT: Password Protect Your Status Page To Increase Network Security
DD-WRT is an excellent firmware alternative for your network router, whether your router is used at home for at your business. One of my favorite features of DD-WRT is the router status page, shown below. The DD-WRT status page is very useful for looking at real-time information. This status page is shown by default when…