|
Hewie's Views and Reviews
By Hewie Poplock
Welcome to this issue of Hewie's Views & Reviews. Be sure to visit Hewie's Favorites at http://www.hewie.net/ .
++++ Google Reader
++++ Free Software Every Day
++++ New additions to Hewie's Favorites
++++ Google Reader
I discovered Google Reader http://www.google.com/reader this past week. Although it's taking me some time to find the RSS feeds that I want to use, it is saving me a tremendous amount of time. Instead of subscribing to numerous e-newsletters and going to numerous websites, I now leave my browser open and watch the Reader update continually.
The Reader uses RSS (Really Simple Syndication ) feeds, which utilizes XML based content for distribution. That means you can subscribe to an RSS feed and receive information from websites. The
information is usually in the format of a BLOG, consisting of a headline and a description. Most of the time the RSS feed items will have a link to a larger document. Many times the entire article is
included in each item. The feed articles can include graphics, photos, and even videos.
I have tried some RSS readers before and have even tested Outlook and Outlook Express as readers. I have found
that those readers required a lot of steps to read several feeds and I had to go get the updates.
You do need a free gmail ( http://www.gmail.com ) account to utilize the service. I find Google Reader easy to set up with a couple of feeds. They give you a few suggestions. After that it's up to you to find items to subscribe. Once you are aware of which sites that you visit have RSS feeds, you can add them to your subscriptions. You can easily unsubscribe from any feeds that you no longer want. Most newspapers have several feeds, almost all blogs do, and I am sure that you will find many of your favorite sites also have feeds. You never noticed them before.
There is an RSS logo on sites that have feeds. Although just clicking on a subscribe button doesn't set up the Google Reader, once you go to the RSS page of the site, you copy the URL. Then
go to Google Reader and click on the "Add Subscription" button and paste that address. Depending upon the feed it may subscribe you or take you to a page that you can choose your feed.
Once I set up
several subscriptions, I just have to keep the Google Reader page open and the feeds update continually. As I browse the feeds, the Reader marks them as read. I keep the "show updated" view active,
so as I read the feed, the list disappears. Once I have read the new feeds, I have an empty list. However, this does not last long, as the feeds that I have chosen do update often, and do so
automatically. Of course, to work automatically I am connected via broadband.
One other feature that I like about the Google Reader is the "share" function. I can mark an item to share,
and it creates a web page with all of my shared items for friends to view. You can see mine at
http://www.google.com/reader/
shared/08889558474114578610?hl=en or http://tinyurl.com/3bwhtf . Please take a look and view it often.
Another feature of this
reader is the ability to easily share items by email, as well. If you want to send an item by email, just click the email choice. It opens a Gmail e-mail with the ability to add a note and by simply
adding the address, send the article to a friend or co-worker. All of the service is server based, so all of your feeds are saved on Google's servers. The exact information, settings, and even which items have
been read are the same, no matter what computer you use to log in.
Oh, did I mention that the Google Reader and the services that I mentioned are free? It's well worth a look.
++++ Free Software Every Day
Giveaway of the Day ( http://www.giveawayoftheday.com ) is a site that does just that. They make a licensed copy of one software program per day to be downloaded and registered. I have found most of the programs range from $10 to $40, but I have seen one as high as $199 if you were to purchase them, or even register the program the next day. The only requirement to get the free registration is to download the program from the GAOD site and install it within the 24 hour period that the file is available.
There is an included text file with the username and password. The agreement to get the program free states that you are not entitled to any upgrades or any support. If you agree to those conditions,
you can install and register the program for free. However, remember, that it must be done within the 24 hour period that the file is available.
I use MS Vista, and always check if the program is
compatible and will run on Vista. Some do not say and some just do not. There is always a link to the author's site, to check out all of the information about the program. Most of the sites have
screen captures to help you decide if you want the program. Be careful. As usual, do not install new programs without an adequate back-up. I have downloaded some utilities and video converters that I found
useful. Programs and program types vary, so many may not be of interest to you.
The files change at 3:00 am Eastern time. There are descriptions of programs that were previously available as free. You
can see the varied types of programs. There is also a companion site called Game Giveaway of the Day ( http://game.giveawayoftheday.com/ ). The requirements are the same.
++++ New additions to Hewie's Favorites
Got a Digital Camera for Christmas?
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/got-a-digital-camera-for-christmas-learn-how-to-use-it-here/
Learn How to Use it Here
hulu
http://www.hulu.com/
Selection of premium programming across all genres and content types including hit TV shows, movies, clips and more
Fancast
http://www.fancast.com/home
Find and watch TV Shows, Movies, Videos, Celebrity News, and Gossip
List Universe
http://listverse.com/
Top Ten Lists at the List Universe, featuring lists on topics from the bizarre to politics. The essential site for top ten lists
Look up Area Codes & Exchanges
http://www.jcsm.com/oneacx.asp
Search for US Area Codes, Zip Codes, and Cities.Zip Multiple cities are handled. Over 80,000 entries. Cross
references to State/County
Picasion
http://picasion.com/
Lets you create Animated GIF online. Upload pictures or import them from your Flickr or Picasa
Web
Ceedo
http://www.ceedo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=
view&id=52&Itemid=127
Install on any portable storage - thumb drive - iPod, or pocket hard drive. Enjoy the convenience and productivity of your personal work space on any host PC
Free Fax Sending Service
http://faxzero.com/
Free Fax & Free Internet Faxing. Send a fax for free to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada
Viewpoints
http://www.viewpoints.com/
Get consumer reviews, advice, and ratings from people like you. Find the best mattresses, smartphones, vacuum cleaners, tires, car
seats, credit cards, printers and more
iStorez
http://www.istorez.com/
Hosts thousands of sale circulars and promo newsletters from retailers around
the Web - tech & other
What They Play
http://www.whattheyplay.com/
Parents Guide To Video Games. Comprehensive resources designed to
empower parents with information to better understand the various forms of popular entertainment that engage their children
100 Photoshop Tutorials
http://digg.com/design/100_Photoshop_Tutorials_for_Creating_Beautiful_Art_w_pics
Thumbnails
for each effect. Just roll over them with your mouse and see an explanation and click for the tutorial
Designer Today
http://www.designertoday.com/
Home.aspx
Graphic Design Magazine
Howcast
http://www.howcast.com/
Watch fun and informative how-to videos
Issuu-You Publish
http://issuu.com/
Simply upload pdf document to Issuu. It's free, and you can post it anywhere. On your website, blog and even on Myspace and Facebook
PicAnswers
http://www.picanswers.com/
If you have wondered what something is, snap a picture and upload it to find out
|
