Tech – for Everyone

Tech Tips and Tricks & Advice – written in plain English.

All Those In Favor, Please Stand Up | Free Ebook 4 U

I have been noticing a computing trend that I have yet to see reported anywhere else in the media.

no_desk (So either it is a “just me” thing, or [once again] the media is hopelessly behind the curve.)

What I have noticed is: more people – it seems to me – are doing their computing/working standing up.

What I mean by that is, I have seen a lot more (mainly home office [aka “SOHO“]) “work areas” be counters, or other raised platforms, and there’s no chair. No more office desk and ‘executive’s chair”, is what I mean. A chairless office.
(No more Fax machines and/or 14-button phones, either.)

When I comment, these work-standing-up types are delighted to tell me how much better they like the arrangement.. and go into lengthy detail as to the advantages, over the ‘old’ chair-sitting-behind-desk way.
The most common refrain is “I think better on my feet”.

They tell me it’s healthier, and they feel they are more productive. (And with a “hands free” headset.. they don’t get tangled in the cords..) Me? I’m a sitter. I purchased a deluxe, ultra-perfect “captain’s chair” for my office and I intend to get my money’s worth out of it.
But I can sure see the advantages these stand up arrangements are enjoying.. I have to confess.

How ’bout it? Have any of you out there “gone chairless”?

Free Ebook: a How To book those of you who use Microsoft Office may want to know about…

“My latest book Security and Privacy for Microsoft Office 2010 Users is now available.
http://www.wservernews.com/go/1331288433745

The book targets information workers (end-users) and uses scenario-based walkthroughs to illustrate how they can use the security and privacy features of Office 2010 and to a lesser extent of Office 365. The book is currently available in print form from Microsoft Press through O’Reilly Media and is also available in ebook form as a free download. Enjoy!”

iPad news: For those of you curious about such things, here is the video of the iPad 3 introduction announcement.

*     *     *

I have been busy, and I apologize for missing yesterday. For those paying attention: recently I posted a Poll concerning an email. I am pleased to report that exactly 100% of the many respondents got it right. Yay!

Today’s quotable quote:Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

bots_have_theme

The criminal spam bots seem to have a theme today...

.. “My Good Friend” ..

Um…
Yeah.
Right.

Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.


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March 13, 2012 Posted by | computers, Microsoft, privacy | , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

eBooks and eReaders – There is more than Kindle, you know

When one thinks of “e-books”, one probably thinks of the Kindle (from Amazon). One may also know about Google’s “Books“. Both have received a good amount of press. But there are other options, and today I am going to share a few. Let’s start with the basics:

What is an “e-book”? An electronic book is a text and image-based publication in digital form produced on, published by, and readable on computers or other digital devices.

An e-book can be purchased, downloaded, and used immediately, whereas when one buys (or borrows) a book, one must go to a bookstore or public library during limited hours, or wait for a delivery. The production of e-books does not consume paper and ink.

Where do I get an e-book? eBooks are available online at ‘bookstores’ called “marketplaces”; the two “biggies” being mentioned above. Most big name bookstores’ and publishing houses’ websites offer electronic versions of their titles. And individuals can market their own writings (in ebook format [called “e-publishing”]) on their own websites. (For example, I have been told I should bundle my writings here into an ebook, and sell it…)

Do I need an e-Reader? No. While a dedicated e-Reader can be had for $200 or less, and has certain advantages, it is not required – smart phones, tablets, netbooks/laptops and your home PC can all ‘read’ e-books (but may require an ‘app’, or ‘reader program’).
The trouble with e-readers is they try to lock you into their marketplaces…

Are eBooks expensive? I am not a big ebook guy (yet, anyway) but I have found many titles available free (which I like), and the prices I have looked at seem to me higher than bookstore paperback and lower than bookstore hardcover – in a word, “reasonable”.

Okay, I said I would tell you about some lesser known options.

In e-Readers, the Kindle has many competitors (to get an idea, click here): two worth mentioning are:
* Barnes & Noble’s Nook
* Sony’s eReader
[note:
both of those are ebook “marketplaces” too.]

Lesser-known e-reader apps (and marketplaces):
* Microsoft Reader: Enjoy a personal, portable library

Microsoft Reader is a free, downloadable software application that allows you to read eBooks on Windows-based devices you may already own. Take advantage of a growing marketplace of over 60,000 eBook titles while enjoying the convenience and features of Microsoft Reader.

* Adobe Digital Editions

Adobe® Digital Editions software offers an engaging way to view and manage eBooks and other digital publications. Use it to download and purchase digital content, which can be read both online and offline. Transfer copy-protected eBooks from your personal computer to other computers or devices. Organize your eBooks into a custom library and annotate pages

* Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is the place where you can download over 33,000 free ebooks to read on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device.

We carry high quality ebooks: Our ebooks were previously published by bona fide publishers and digitized by us with the help of thousands of volunteers.

All our ebooks can be freely downloaded: Choose between ePub, Kindle, HTML and simple text formats.

* Your local public library may have ebooks available too – ours does (SF Peninsula).

Ooops. Ran out of time.. have a great day, folks!

Today’s free link: Can you spot a scam? (screenshots)

“A theft of names and email addresses like the recent one from marketing firm Epsilon doesn’t sound that bad but that information is valuable for scammers to use in further attacks, notably in phishing scams. If an attacker knows your name, the companies you deal with and your email, then it can craft some convincing emails that have a much better chance of fooling you.”

Bonus: say, now… maybe here’s an idea….


Bonus bonus:
I’m going international!


Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.


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April 13, 2011 Posted by | advice, computers, gadgets, how to, Internet, mobile, Portable Computing, software, tech | , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Download and read Kindle books – no Kindle required.

For those of you who still actually read (a dying art), I thought you might like to know that Amazon has come out with Kindle e-Book reading software that you can download free.

The software (still in beta) can be installed on PC’s, Macs, iPads and iPhones, and BlackBerrys, with more “coming soon”.

With this program, you can…

“The Best Reading Experience for Your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or BlackBerry

  • Shop the Kindle Store for over 480,000 Kindle books, including 105 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, starting from $9.99. If you are a non-U.S. customer, book pricing and availability may vary.
  • Read thousands of free books, including popular classics such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island.
  • Get free book samples – read the first chapter for free before you decide to buy.
  • Whispersync technology saves and synchronizes your last page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across your devices.
  • Adjust text size to make reading more comfortable.
  • Download and read Kindle books – no Kindle required.”

The “reader” software is free, the eBooks are not. This can be a good way to take reading material with you when you are on the go.

Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. jaanix post to jaanix.


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April 20, 2010 Posted by | computers, Portable Computing, software, tech | , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments