This time of year we have many things to be thankful for. Among the things in the computer world that I’m thankful are these that have saved me innumerous hours and more than a few grey hairs. So without further ado, grab yourself a leftover turkey sandwich and piece of pumpkin pie to enjoy as you peruse the list.
File Sharing & Backup
DropBox
Simple and easy to use option backup files as well as to synchronize files across computers and devices. You get 2 gigabytes for free with additional space available.
Box.net
Another easy way to manage, share & collaborate on your files and documents.
Contacts & Bookmarks
Google Contacts Sync
Great for backing up your smart phone contacts…or moving them to the new shiny one on your Christmas list.
Diigo
Easy way to keep all your bookmarks online, publicly or privately. Great way to keep all your bookmarks when you get that next new computer. I used to recommended Delicious.com for bookmarking but their recent acquisition and resulting debacle have sent me to Diigo.
Passwords
LastPass
LastPass is an online password manager and form filler that makes web browsing easier and more secure. Just remember the LastPass password and it remembers all the rest.
KeePass
KeePass a free open source password manager, which helps you to manage your passwords in a secure way. You can put all your passwords in one database, which is locked with one master key or a key file. So you, like LastPass, you only have to remember one single master password.
Screen Sharing / Online Meetings
Join.me
Free and “ridiculously simple” screen sharing tool for meetings, training, tech support, or anything else that requires seeing somebody else’s screen.
Vyew
With a few more features, but still free, Vyew allows you to meet and share content by uploading images, files, documents and videos.
Show Us Your Apps
What are the things you couldn’t do with out on your computer? Share all that great stuff with the rest of us by leaving a comment.
Work Smarter Not Harder 
The Join Me website is so easy to use and works great when trying to help a friend or family with a computer problems. No more field visits!
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Yes it is pretty handy isn’t it? It’s so easy even my Dad can use it and that is saying something. *-) Hope you’re doing well Jason.
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Thanks for the update on Diigo and the recent Delicious challenges. I’ve not been updating my Delicious account for awhile and had been meaning to get back to it. After reading more on the recent changes and checking out the Diigo site, I plan to switch over. I was glad to see the instructions to import my old Delicious favorites so that I don’t have to start over.
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I used Box.net at home with my kids when they were away at college. It was good for our family ledger – bills received at the home address that I was paying until they were home to settle up, etc.
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You sent out some really helpful App tips. I shared with my Mom and I alos saved this email to have for future reference—–in January we upgrade our home computer with a “fancy” new one.
Thank you so much!
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Here is an excellent program for file synchronization and data backup.
http://www.goodsync.com/
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I recently had field services assisting in an issue on my workstation, they saw I had ‘Dropbox’ installed and mentioned that it should be removed from AEP computers. Just thought I would mention it.
Have and use KeyPass, the USB version that does not require any software install, wonderful application !
Keep up the good work.
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I still use Delicious, but have been considering Diigo for a long time. It’s on my New Year’s resolution list to make the change!
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