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Messages - laughinglizard [ switch to compact view ]

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26
General Software Discussion / Virtual Desktop suggestions?
« on: November 05, 2007, 09:07 PM »
I've been using the Virtual Desktops that comes with Stardock Object Desktop, but, I've been wondering what other programs are out there that you use and like. Or dislike.  :tellme:


27
thanks laughinglizard
thats an interesting read, unfortunately no screenshots :(
so I dont get any sense of how they organise things
there I go with the visuals again

I would have liked to see some screenshots there too, but with overviews of 30+ programs listed, I can see why there aren't.

I'm very visual as well, so I know what you mean. I do well with Swift-To_Do-List, but that's because its so easy to use.
I'm told the mind mapping software is good for this sort of thing, but I haven't checked into it.
I just can't tackle learning a new program right now, I'm working on getting all of my stored information in one place, so I'm messing with Ultra Recall.

There's also a program called Papel - it uses a visual interface. Using the program is like using a stack of digital index cards, which are called ‘papels’. It isn't supported by the author anymore but it might be worth a look.

Description, screenshots and download here:

http://www.associate...riting_software.html

Have you thought about a white board or a chalkboard?  :)
I like to draw and scribble on things and they are good for that.
I think they have paint that will turn any wall into a chalkboard.........but that's no software solution.

28
Found Deals and Discounts / Free Accounting Software - Quickbooks
« on: November 05, 2007, 08:15 PM »
Quickbooks is offering their Simple Start 2008 for Windows accounting software for free.
It doesn't import data from other (previous versions)Quickbooks, Peachtree or Quicken, other than that, its the full featured version.

http://quickbooks.in...w=features#tabAnchor

quickbooks.JPG

via [<A HREF="http://www.freedownloadaday.com/">Free Download a Day</A> ]

29

I think for this year we should concentrate on our own ideas and what works for each of us personally.  Let's share our experiences and struggles and try to each perfect our own system.

I'm convinced that having some set of policies and guidelines -- a "routine" of sorts, is important for most of us to stay on track.  So this year let's try to each of us focus on refining the techniques that work for us individually.

 I'll post my "system" in a few days.. Meanwhile I'd like to hear what you guys do!

I don't have a structured system, probably couldn't stick to it if I did - what works for me is a framework for me to follow.
Its pretty simple and quite flexible, and that makes it easier for me stick to.

-Do the worst, hardest, least attractive task first. This has lots of benefits - I feel like I've accomplished something and gets rid of that "hanging over my head oh I really, really don't want to do that" feeling.
If I do this early enough in the day, I'm usually done before my brain engages enough to start squawking about it.

-Decide what is important and high priority and respond to that as soon as possible. Leave the rest for the time I've blocked out to take care of more usual things.

-Put things back. Such a simple idea, but I have a hard time implementing it. To get around this, I have a "ten minutes or less" rule. 
I look at my list of things to do, and decide which of them can be done in ten minutes or less. I either decide what to do from the list, or I put things away for ten minutes  - amazing the amount of things that can get done in such a short time.
Most of them take less than 10 minutes, usually closer to five minutes. I like to do this once or twice a day, just because I'm always amazed at how much can get done in such a short time.
My brain appears to be loosely attached to time -there's this persistent idea that it takes forever to do anything, so I don't do it because I don't have enough time.

-Shred everything that needs to be shredded the minute it comes in the door or when I'm done with it.
This helps prevent the paper piles from procreating so rapidly. The shredder is always plugged in and its in a place that's easy to get to.
One of my friends has the shredder next to the front door so they shred things when they bring the mail in. It works for them.

-I don't answer the phone much if I'm busy. I set aside a time to return calls and call back then. This isn't hard because I do not like the phone. Really. Anyone gets a much faster response from me if they email me.

-No multi-tasking. I work better and faster if I do one thing at a time. Otherwise none of what I'm trying to multi-task gets done well. Usually things don't get done because it fell by the wayside why I was tasking it with something else.
Being able to give my full attention to something or someone is a pleasure.

-Have fun. Take a break and do something I like to do. Go outside, read a favorite blog or website, anything I enjoy that fits into what's going on at the moment.

-Make lists. I love lists, and for longest time I could never make them work for me. I'd lose the paper I wrote them on. I couldn't remember what file they were in on my hard drive. Then I found the program Swift-To-Do-List, and for whatever reason it clicks with me. Its easy to use and I remember to look at it and add things to it.

I manage to get along pretty well using this framework. Its what works when so many other things haven't. I'll add something if I think it will work, and stop something if it isn't working.

30
Living Room / Google Talks - a Google perk we can all use
« on: November 05, 2007, 03:08 PM »
(I came across this on the Wisebread.com blog and am passing it along)

This resource is called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/atgoogletalks">Google Talks</a> and it contains over 170 fascinating lectures, given to the very lucky and privileged Google staff, most around 1 hour long. Google Talks is a a whole repository of in-depth, wonderful lectures from some of the finest minds in writing, news, acting, politics, science, cuisine, music and more.

More information at the original article at <a href="http://www.wisebread...-we-can-all-get-free">Wisebread.com</a>

googletalks.jpg

31
does the software version exist?!

From your illustration, I would think a spreadsheet would work well - something like Excel or any of the others.

This site has compiled an overview of 30+ of the software tools available to GTD users:

http://www.atpm.com/...2/next-actions.shtml

GTDSurvey.jpg

I like Swift To Do list, after trying out some other programs its the one that I like and use.




32
I use Bookmark Bridge -it sync's between Opera, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

http://bookmarkbridge.sourceforge.net/

bookmarkbridge.JPG

33
I ran on to this site yesterday and wanted to pass it along.......I was rather impressed by the content.
http://mashable.com/...7/08/29/firefox-god/

mashable.JPG

This article from Webware "Five must-have security/privacy extensions for Firefox" is excellent.
There are two Firefox extensions I hadn't heard of, Safe Cache and Safe History.

http://www.webware.c...eed&subj=Webware

34
Zoho Projects is 100% free for open-source projects.
To get an unlimited account for your open-source project contact our support.

Good catch Curt!

35
DC Website Help and Extras / Re: MiniCap, Please Help
« on: October 08, 2007, 04:31 PM »
I was mucking about just now with one or two of the inexpensive graphics programs I have, and Ashampoo Photo Commander v.5 caught the whole screen in a heartbeat. I was using the capture mode.

Here's the link, but if you want to buy it, don't pay full price - sign up for the newsletter and they will send you emails with specials. I got Photo Commander 5 for $9.99 US that way.
http://www2.ashampoo...product_2_0718__.htm

36
DC Website Help and Extras / Re: MiniCap, Please Help
« on: October 08, 2007, 04:19 PM »
I've been trying to catch the screen on your website Bryan, and the two extensions for Firefox that I used (ScreenGrab! and Pearl Crescent Page Saver) will capture all but the image at the top and the disable background music.

I tried the screen capture function in XnView with about the same results.

I was successful getting the whole thing captured with Fast Stone Capture, using the Capture Scrolling Window function.
Fast Stone is shareware, 30 Day Free Trial and 19.95 for a lifetime license - though if I remember correctly there is an earlier, freeware version floating around out there.

Here's the link to Fast Stone:
http://www.faststone.org/index.htm

The other products they have are very good too.

There's a program called SnagIt that might work, but I don't have it and its a bit pricey - I didn't download the free trial and see if it would grab your screen.
http://www.techsmith...m/screen-capture.asp

I hope that helps some.




37
A friend recommends Legal Zoom:
http://www.legalzoom.com/index2.html


Some good sources for legal info and do it yourself:

Nolo:
http://www.nolo.com/

Law Guru:
http://www.lawguru.com/

Internet Legal Research Group:
http://ilrg.com/

38
You may want to have a look at these two open source programs:

Open Workbench
http://www.openworkbench.org/index.php
Open Workbench is an open source desktop application that provides robust project scheduling and management functionality. Already the scheduling standard for more than 100,000 project managers worldwide, Open Workbench is a free and powerful alternative to Microsoft Project.

GanttPV
http://www.pureviole...t/ganttpv/index.html

Zoho Projects has a plugin for Office, though they do charge according to how many projects you need to manage.
http://www.zoho.com/

39
DC Website Help and Extras / Re: MiniCap, Please Help
« on: October 08, 2007, 12:48 PM »
There is an extension for Firefox called Pearl Crescent Page Saver.
It will take a screen shot of a whole page, part of a page, etc.

http://pearlcrescent.../products/pagesaver/

There is a Free and Pro version, I use the free version and it works fine for what I use it for.
Its creates a .png image of the web page.

Otherwise, I use Mouser's excellent Screenshot Captor.

40
Living Room / Re: Versioning of files
« on: October 07, 2007, 05:52 PM »
Forgot to add there's a 30% discount off the professional version for DC members.

41
If you lose one of your versions, you can see if its archived at OldVersion.com:

http://www.oldversion.com/


42
Living Room / Re: Versioning of files
« on: October 07, 2007, 05:43 PM »

Re current setup,
I not only keep multiple versions of files, but have very regular incremental backup going on.
Problem with incremental backup is if something gets changed & I dont notice it for a while it can be a bummer trying to find last known pre-change version or whatever.
Yes,

Tomos, you might want to look at BackUp4All - it has version tracking and a jillion other things.
http://www.backup4all.com/

I have it but the few times I've used it I end up mystified by too many choices and things to do.
I bought it on BitsduJour discounted.

I've gone back to tossing things on another drive partition or to a back up drive.


43
General Software Discussion / Re: In need of "desktop icon folders"
« on: September 28, 2007, 11:19 AM »
I downloaded powerpro, and I will try it out when I re-install windows today or tomorrow, it sounds like it may do something like I want.

@tableguy, moving the folder to the quicklaunch area is similar to what I was wanting to do. I wanted to put the icons into folders, and then have a program to when ever I left click (or middle click, which ever) the icons would move out of the folder onto the desktop, and then when I click the folder again, the icons would go back into the folder.

nite_monkey, are you looking for something like True Launch Bar?
http://www.truelaunchbar.com/

It's highly configurable, and if I understand what you want, this might work.
I do believe there's a 50% discount for donationcoder members.

44
I will have to I guess see what I end up doing with this information in mind, if anyone has any other ideas, let me know before Friday or Saturday.

Having partitioned my hard drive, I tend to install most things on my D: drive.

On my C: drive, I usually have folders for Downloads, .exe's with key codes, one for the stuff I always put on my computer after a clean install, and one for drivers.
I also have a folder called Backup, so that random things I want to back up have a place to go.

I have folders for text files and image files, and those have subcategories.

Like nudone says, I try to get things to install in as easy a place to access as possible.

I don't have a lot of stuff in My Documents - the backups for Roboform, Evernote, and Firefox extension and back up all go there.
It tends to be a holding pen for stuff I'm not sure what to do with but eventually file or toss.

I use Installpad to download the newest versions of programs I use, like Firefox, ccleaner, zip and defrag utilities, Foxit etc.
You can get it here, its freeware:
http://www.installpad.com/

You mention your icons - I have mine in the Quick Launch bar and launch programs by clicking on the icons.

There is a informative thread on this topic at Lifehacker (from some time ago. I thought the best ideas were in the comments under the article.
http://lifehacker.co...us-piling-238339.php

You can put a shortcut to your folders on your Quick Launch Bar, and I believe on the Start Menu as well.

If you want to color code your folders, I'm particularly fond of iColorFolder, its freeware as well.
http://icolorfolder....colorfolder_page.htm

I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

45
Living Room / Screenshot Captor featured Windows Download on Lifehacker
« on: September 28, 2007, 10:02 AM »
Hey Mouser, congratulations, you're becoming famous!

Nice review and featured Windows Download of Screenshot Captor on Lifehacker
http://www.lifehacker.com/

via simplehelp:
http://www.simplehel...ndows/#comment-63366

46
I just tried it, I love it. Just another reason to go Windows.

There are two more program like Switcher that run on Windows.

One is SmartFlip. I like it better than Switcher, though I haven't tried the new release.
Here's an overview from Lifehacker on SmartFlip
http://lifehacker.co...ows-vista-240275.php


Windows Vista only: Tweak Vista's Flip 3D preview function with SmartFlip.
http://www.osx-e.com...tions/smartflip.html

The utility replaces Flip 3D's "deck of cards"-style flipping with a rotating, circular preview. Because this gives you a full, rather than obscured, view of each thumbnail, it's easier to find the window you want. What's more, SmartFlip can show you only the windows for a particular application, such as Word. You can run the utility with its own hotkey(s) or configure it to replace Flip 3D's Windows-Tab launcher. You can also modify a wealth of settings, including rotation speed, window opacity, etc.

The other program is WinExposé.
Its an ok program other than its very, very slow on my system. Apparently on others as well.
http://www.matiasmor...no.com.ar/winexpose/

47
looks cool but too bad, it's Vista only..

If your looking for something to run on XP, I'd look into Top Desk.
14 Day Free Trial, 19.95 US to buy.
I used it for quite a while when I had XP, and I quite liked it. When I remembered to use it that is.


TopDesk dramatically enhances your window switching experience, allowing you to:

    * Swiftly select a window from an Exposé-like or Flip3D-like view thumbnail view of all windows, including minimized windows.
    * Rapidly switch between an application's windows using a thumbnail view of all windows that belong to the current application.
    * Instantly access the desktop by hiding all windows.
    * Find windows faster by displaying window thumbnail titles.
    * Manage your windows by closing, minimizing, and restoring window thumbnails.
    * Configure the user inputs that display window thumbnails, and change window thumbnail and performance settings.
    * Quickly drag-and-drop items by holding them over window thumbnails.
    * Display window thumbnails on multiple monitors.


48
There is a Firefox extension that doesn't cause any problems called CustomizeGoogle.

One of its options is to switch your gmail to secure (https).
As long as you are logged in to your gmail, its accessible - switching to https: helps but the only sure way to keep nefarious characters out is to log out.
Unless they have your login and password, that's a different story.

I'm just wondering if all that activity is someone using your gmail account without you knowing.

I haven't gotten that message, and I haven't had a trouble with this extension - its covers all sorts of Google functions, gmail included.

CustomizeGoogle can be gotten here:
https://addons.mozil...US/firefox/addon/743

and here, where all the details are:
http://www.customizegoogle.com/

49
Wow, so just posting a link or URL to a website which contains copywrited material is a voilation of the copyright?  I would think Google among others is in major trouble as well.  It would violate copyright if you attached a copy or content from the copyrighted material without permission.  I would argue it does not violate copyright to point to the location where the author stores the material for public availability.

No, what I was saying is that as far as I know, posting a link back to a site that contains copyrighted material is ok.
We all post links to sites all the time - with and without copyrighted material.

The problem comes when you copy or take any content from a site and add it or use it on another web site or claim it as your original material.
I don't do that and I don't think others here do either.
I'd need permission (where needed), credit, and proper attribution before I used anyone's material.

Well, there are ways to obtain copyrights - sometimes just asking for them!
For inclusion in a not-for-profit project, with an embedded link back to the source site, the copyright holders of these various pieces might be amenable to having them included in the project.

Exactly. I've asked for permission to use their document here, I haven't heard back yet.
Until I hear back, I posted a link back to the site that contains the document - which you can download in .pdf or .doc for yourself.

If they say sure, use the document, fine, it can be added here.
If they'd prefer not to, a link back to their site will work as well.

50
Posting the link to the website where the form is wouldn't violate copyright rules, no?

Not as far as I understand internet copyright (which is precious little, but I do belong to a group of artists, and the topic is raised repeatedly.)

Here's the link to the site, the file is available for download as a .pdf or a Word document and can be filled in using either format.
http://militaryfinan...eplan_checklist.html
Thorough and impressive checklist

The ones I've come up with (e.g. they popped into my head) are:

•   PIN Number(s) for debit/credit cards so loved ones have access to your funds
•   Voice mail – how to use and security code
•   Any online Bill Paying information or automatic withdrawals
•   Color copies of Social Security card and Driver’s License in addition to the numbers
•   Color copies of any insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other important cards
•   If living out of state, the number of a friend or neighbor who can handle things or care for pets until you can get there. 

Computers:
Internet service providers or web hosting services
email accounts
online services
software applications (all the ones that need keycodes I have in a file that contains the .exe's and the keycodes together. I replace the .exe's as they are updated)               
cell phones
Online accounts like amazon.com - I've printed out all my accounts and password using Roboform. This includes any on line bill paying, online banking, online credit card activity is all in there.

I've printed out a list of people to notified if anything happens to me so no one has to try to find them on my computer. May be obvious but I included any memberships or organizations I have.

One thing to think about is if you want your computer accessible at all if something happens - there are some articles and places online outlining how you can set up a "self-destruct" system.

Any bank accounts and property I own I've put a "POD" (Pay On Death) option on. Here at least, some Pay On Death assets don't go through probate and are transferred to the person named on the POD.


Advanced Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Available as a free download from Suze Orman’s web site:
http://www.suzeorman..._form1&GnavID=31

An advanced directive is designed to tell your doctor or medical-care provider your wishes with respect to end-of-life decisions, such as whether or not to keep you on a life-support machine. A durable power of attorney for health care designates an agent to make health-care decisions for you as if they were you.
If you recall the Terry Schiavo case in Florida, that is what motivated me into making one of these.
Its easy, print it out, have it notarized and signed by two witnesses.


In the USA, at some point you will have to deal with the Social Security Administration.

I've gotten the two areas you'll need right off their web site (they encourage you to take all the information you want)
and put them in one place.
One is reporting a death and the other is applying for a lump sum benefit.
Contact information is included.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Dealing with Social Security:

Report a Death
     
Please accept our condolences for your loss of a family member.

You can report the death to a service representative by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM on business days. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 AM and 7 PM on business days. Whenever you call, have the deceased person's Social Security number handy.

If you are getting benefits on your spouse's record when he or she dies, we will change your payments to survivors benefits.

If you are getting benefits on your own record, you can apply for survivors benefits. Call or visit us to find out whether you can get more money as a widow or widower.

Current benefits for children will automatically change to survivors benefits after the death is reported to us.


Applying for the Lump-Sum Death Benefit

Information you’ll Need When You Apply for the Lump-Sum Death Benefit

Introduction

Whether it’s by phone or in person, we want your visit to go as smoothly as possible. You can help by being ready to answer the following questions and having as many of the needed documents as possible.

We may also ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible:

    * Birth certificate or other proof of birth;
    * Naturalization papers;
    * U.S. military discharge paper(s);
    * W-2 forms(s) and/or self-employment tax returns for last year.

We accept photocopies of W-2 forms, self-employment tax returns or medical documents, but we must see the original of most other documents, such as your birth certificate. (We will return them to you.)

Don’t delay filing your claim just because you don’t have all the documents. We’ll help you get them.   

When you apply for the death benefit, we will ask you:

    * Your name and social security number;
    * The deceased worker's name, gender, date of birth and social security number;
    * The deceased worker's date and place of death;
    * Whether the deceased worker ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or    Supplemental Security Income (if so, we will also ask for information on whose Social Security record he or she applied);
    * Whether the deceased worker was unable to work because of illnesses, injuries or conditions at any time during the 14 months before his or her death (if "Yes," we will also ask when he or she became unable to work)
    * Whether the deceased worker was ever in the active military service (if "Yes," we will also ask for the dates of his or her service)
    * Whether the deceased worker worked for the railroad industry for 7 years or more;
    * Whether the deceased worker earned social security credits under another country's social security system;
    * The names, dates of birth (or age) and social security numbers (if known) of any of the deceased worker's former spouses and the dates of the marriages and how and when they ended;
    * The names of any of the deceased worker's unmarried children under 18, 18-19 and in secondary school or disabled prior to age 22;
    * The amount of the deceased worker's earnings in the year of death and the preceding year;
    * Whether the deceased worker had a parent who was dependent on the worker for 1/2 of his or her support at the time of the worker's death; and
    * Whether the deceased worker and surviving spouse were living together at the time of death.

If you are the surviving spouse, we will also ask:

    * Whether you have been unable to work because of illnesses, injuries or conditions at any time within the past 14 months (if "Yes," we will also ask when you became unable to work);
    * Whether you or anyone else ever filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security Income on your behalf (if so, we will also ask for information on whose Social Security record you applied); and
    * The names, dates of birth (or age) and social security numbers (if known) of any of your former spouses and the dates of the marriages and how and when they ended.

If you are not the surviving spouse, we will also ask for the surviving spouse's name and address.

You also should bring along your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays.

Contacting Social Security:
Social Security has a toll-free number that operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday: 1-800-772-1213. If you have a touch-tone phone, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Please have your Social Security number handy when you call us.

That's most of what I have. The rest adds an item or two here or there that's probably covered somewhere.

One more thing, when filling out the records, I put a big N/A next to anything that didn't apply to me.
That makes it easy to see at a glance what isn't there so no searches for non-existent documents etc. would ensue.

Two good resources online for more information are:
NOLO:
http://www.nolo.com/...087838F86A2BC2B/309/

and the American Bar Association:
http://www.abanet.or...ppt/public/home.html

Sorry so much of this information is US-centric, since this is where I live, this is what I've needed to know.

mouser, if there's a better way or place to put this information, I'll be happy to do it.

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