Organising your Bookmarks, Articles and Notes [Part 2] (18/01/2013)

An impressive structure

So I had chosen my structure; now to implement!

Color Notes to Catch

First, I set up an account at Catch and downloaded the app to my smartphone.

Secondly, after many hours of researching and playing around with various software, I came to the conclusion that there definitely is no way to transfer Color Note notes to another application other than manually.

The methods I tried:

1. Searching for an app that could import or convert Color Note notes; and
2. Extracting the .dat and .idx file and trying to open these in other programs/change the extension/find a piece of software that would convert them.

So, in the end, I had to use the 'Send to ...' Android function to send the notes to Catch. This was a bit of a pain but a one off as my notes are now in Catch and so sync with my online account and will be much easier to move on in the future (should I need to).

Delicious to Evernote

I wish my bookmarks were this organised....

Well, there are a few ways to do this:

• Dr Palaniraja's importer. A great idea and, whilst it does work for many, it didn't work for me! No matter how much I tried, or the different suggestions in the comments I followed, Evernote would not accept the file;
• Linyows importer. Unfortunately, Evernote no longer supports Google Notebook;
• Rodrigo Juarez. Website no longer available;
• IFTTT recipes. Allows you to run 'recipes' to enable you to import new Delicious bookmarks to Evernote;
• Irvin Ruz and Evernicious. Unfortunately, beyond my technical understanding; and
• Exporting Delicious bookmarks to a HTML file (only option available) and dragging this file into the Evernote desktop application. This creates one note with all your bookmarks listed in it.

As you can tell; I spent many hours trying to find a way round this!

In the end, I concluded that the best I could do was to dump a HTML file into Evernote and have one note of all my bookmarks (very frustrating). I will keep my Delicious account for now and eagerly await an application that can properly convert Delicious to Evernote (or a time when I know enough to operate the Irvin Ruiz or Evernicious code).

Sometimes you just don't have the technology (or knowledge) to do what you want and you just have to accept that...

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

How to complete a Sudoku (16/01/2013)

Ye Olde Method(e)

Now, I know I am a bit behind the curve on this one, however, today I learnt what (for me) was a new method of completing Sudoku

Original Method:

I would scan the puzzle row by row (horizontally, then vertically) looking to complete the 'threes' (e.g. three of a number - horizontally, then vertically) where possible.

Once I had completed this; I would then look for the most completed horizontal/vertical line or box of 3x3 and see if I could complete it (generally, the puzzle would allow you to complete one line/box early on).

I would then go back to scanning the puzzle (horizontally, then vertically) and repeat over and over until the puzzle was complete.

However, this only worked all the while I could find boxes where only one number could be entered. Once I ran out of these (more likely on the more complex puzzles) I would become stuck and, likely, stop.

'I can see clearly now...'

New Method:

However, today I discovered a way to complete any puzzle.

Once you have looped through the puzzle a few times using the above method; go line by line (horizontally, then vertically) and box by box and look at each empty box.

Consider which of the available numbers could go in each empty box and make a small note of those numbers in the top right hand corner of each box.

You will discover:

1. Some boxes only have one possible number that can go in that box;
2. That number can then be removed as a possible input from the other blank boxes in that row (horizontally/vertically) and in that 3x3 box; and then
3. This may leave you with other boxes which can take only one number.

As you work your way through, crossing off numbers horizontally/vertically/per box you will reveal more and more single numbers for your blank boxes. Soon you will have completed your puzzle! 

And there you have a nice, straightforward, way to complete Sudoku!

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

How to replace a notebook screen (15/01/2013)

Your tools for the job

If you have ever broken your notebook screen; you will recall that question that pops into your head 'is that it for my notebook?'

In fact, it is relatively easy to replace your broken screen and I will show you how to do this with my guide on how to replace a notebook screen......

Find all those naughty little screws....

I should point out that the method varies from notebook to notebook, laptop to laptop and screen to screen. Though the general principles do not change.

This is the method I used to change my Toshiba Notebook screen. If, having read this guide, you feel confident to change your screen then great. If not, then google for specific instructions for your laptop or notebook.

What you need: A small Philips screwdriver, a small flat-headed screwdriver, a new notebook screen and a clear and organised working space.

'Screws, glorious screws...'

Taking out the old screen

1. Power down your laptop, remove the power cable (if plugged in) and remove the battery;
2. Open up your laptop. You will no doubt recognise the plastic frame that sits around the outside of your screen;
3. Identify the screws holding the plastic frame in place (they may be covered). Remove any screw covers and unscrew the screws;
4. Carefully unclip the plastic frame (you may need to use a flat-headed screwdriver to lever the frame free - though be careful as you could snap the frame);
5. You will find that the screen is screwed to two metal arms (on the left and right of the screen) and then screwed to the lid;
6. Unscrew the screen (with arms) from the lid;
7. Carefully pull the lid and screen apart so that you can see the back of the screen;
8. Unscrew the screen from the metal arms;
9. You will see a cable running to (and connected to) the back of the screen (a video cable). Disconnect this from the back of the screen; and
10. Remove the screen. You may find tape holding the screen in place (for further protection) which can be re-used for the new screen or removed completely (the screws are the most important thing). 

Carefully pull screen away from lid

Then make a note of the model number and order your replacement (you must order the correct model!).

Putting the new screen in

Lots to see but nothing to fret about!

1. Do the reverse of what you have just done!
2. Put the new screen in place between the metal arms and screw tight;
3. Reconnect the video cable to the back of the new screen (you should feel it clip into place);
4. Apply any tape you want to use/re-use (for added protection);
5. Close screen and lid up together and screw screen to lid;
6. Carefully re-clip the plastic frame by applying light but firm pressure (you should feel it clip into place);
7. Screw the plastic frame into place and re-apply any screw covers; and
8. Connect battery and any power cable and power up (your Notebook may start up in recovery mode depending on how you shutdown).

And you are done!

Introducing the video cable

Tips

• Work on a clean, organised, surface;
• Collect together the screws as you remove them. Keep the screws from the same group together (e.g. keep all the screws from the plastic frame together). 
• Organise these groups on your work space in the order that you will need them when putting the new screen in (e.g. the last screws you remove when taking out the old screen should be the ones nearest to you when you fit the new screen);
• Stay calm, organised and methodical!  

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

Organising your Bookmarks, Articles and Notes [Part 1] (14/01/2013)

Like the internet, but not...

The internet is a fabulous resource and is increasingly changing the way we think and use information. General knowledge is becoming less about what we know and more about knowing where to find it.

Like many, I keep bookmarks of my favourite websites, tag articles for reading later on and also make notes and lists of ideas and 'to dos'. However, without some thought, this can get out of hand. It is important to periodically review how we access and store our information to see that we are getting the very best out of what is available. 

I also have a keen interest in automating as much of my life as I can and so continue to strive for the 'perfect' system to control and store my information flow.

My Old Setup

Bookmarks: Delicious

Up until recently I was very happy with this service. There were previously concerns that Yahoo would close down the service but, instead, they sold it. Now the new owners have tried to update the look and feel of Delicious and I don't like it.

For me, the old format worked very well - it was simple to add and find bookmarks. Now delicious has more of a 'social network' feel to it and this was never high on my priorities. The new look is also very 'buggy' and the Chrome Extension does not work very well (this was the case before the new look as well).

So I wanted to change.

Articles: Pocket

I love this service. The web-based side of things is simple and effective, the android app is great and I even have a 'Pocket_Queue' desktop application. It is easy to save articles for reading later on and to tag them so that you can find them easily.

In short; Pocket does what I need and (as important) what it promises

Notes: Color Note

This is a decent app (especially after the upgrade). Easy to use and quick. The upgrade has given us backup and sync options and a better user interface.

However, the sync (to Gmail) is an app sync and doesn't allow you to access the notes in Gmail (why go to the trouble of building a useful sync that only does half the job?). More concerning is that portability of your notes is poor. You can backup to SD card and import from SD card. But there is no way to export to other apps (or to import to other apps from Color Note) and this, to me, makes the app seem quite dated as interchangeability is so important for users nowadays.

Therefore, I wanted to change.

What I looked at

There are obviously many different apps to do the various jobs I require, however, I had a number of specific requirements:

1. The service I went with should be one that is likely to be around for a long time. Now, none of us can predict the future; but I didn't want to pick a service that is likely to be out of date and dumped in 6-12 months time. So I wanted a service that continues to show innovation and was 'at the top of its game' thus giving the best chance that it will still be around for the foreseeable future;
2. I needed interchangeability between services. Being stuck with Color Note did not feel comfortable; so I needed a service that I could export from at some later date if another service came along that better suited my needs. Again, this is difficult to judge, but the 'export' functions of each service would clearly be relevant here;
3. The service should allow me to operate the way I wanted to operate with the three different types of information; and
4. A service that combines Bookmarks, Articles and Notes would be amazing!

Importing used to involve more crates

With number 1 in mind; the services I choose to look at were Evernote, Springpad and Catch. For each one, I considered operation and interchangeability.

Evernote

Operation.

Excellent for storing information and one of the leaders in it's field. I am currently happy with Pocket and wanted to use more of a lightweight application for notes, so I was primarily looking at Evernote for Bookmarks and possible integration of Bookmarks/Articles/Notes at a later date. 

Interchangeability.

Import: Firstly, Evernote can import Delicious Bookmarks (either through 'Google Notebook Import' or via converting an .xml file to .enex - Update: see Part 2 for more on this). Secondly, Evernote can import articles from Pocket (such as via this IFTTT).

Finally, Catch notes can also be imported. The main methods appear to be:

• Exporting a text file from Catch and transferring it to the Evernote Desktop Application (you would then need to re-sort the Catch notes in Evernote);
• Exporting Catch to a webpage and then using Evernote's Webclipper (slow process if you have lots of notes); and
• Exporting a csv file from Catch and opening the file in Excel/OpenOffice calc/using a script that splits csv files into individual text files/creating a mail merge using csv as a data source - and then transferring the result to the Evernote Desktop Application.

Export: Evernote can export to Springpad via this API. I didn't consider the ability to export Evernote to Pocket or Catch as Evernote provides a different useability to these two other services (in particular, Pocket recommends against using it to store large numbers of bookmarks long term). 

So Evernote appeared to be a good option both in terms of operation and interchangeability.

Catch

Operation.

A simple operation not much more complicated than Color Note (a good thing) but with some nice extras. Springpad seemed just to complex for my needs here - a simple note taking app that would sync my notes in the cloud.

Interchangeability.

Catch can export to text file, webpage and csv file therefore giving you a number of options when wanting to convert your notes to another service. Due to the limitations of Color Note; each note would need to be exported to Catch individually (a nuisance but a one off problem).

Again, Catch appeared to be a good option.

Springpad

Operation.

I liked Springpad's innovative way of adding additional, useful, information to the items you save and, thus, the ability to build a database of information on topics. Additional mention goes to the ability to import Delicious bookmarks and the Chrome Extension. As stated; I did think it was too complex just for notes and I am currently happy with Pocket. Therefore the consideration was Springpad v Evernote. 

Noting 'old school'

Interchangeability.

This is where Springpad lost out. 

The only way to export Springpad is into a webpage (which I would then need to use Webclipper on if I wanted to convert to, say, Evernote). Frankly, whichever of Evernote or Springpad won; they would hold the most information for me and so the thought of individually saving pages to Evernote lost me. 

Further, I couldn't find a way to import Catch notes (would probably have to export notes to webpage and use the 'Springit' button to clip individually - again, a long process). Finally, there is no current way to import Pocket to Springpad (except, maybe, the 'Springit').

Therefore the solution appeared to be staring me in the face:

1. Bookmarks - Evernote. I can import my existing Delicious Boomarks (the current problem I want to solve). I can also import Pocket and Catch (if I wanted to combined Bookmarks, Articles and Notes at a later stage) and export to Springpad (if I wanted to change service). Such importability would (theoretically) also allow me to import Pocket/Catch to Springpad via Evernote;
2. Articles - Pocket - possibly Springpad at a later date (if an easier import method was created); and
3. Notes - Catch. Have to manually transfer Color Notes but once up and running this will give me the functionality I require.

The ultimate would be one service that covers all three (Bookmarks, Articles and Notes). However, I am satisfied with my current choices so that will have to wait for another day.

Part 2: Time to install and try out my new structure!

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

How to remain upbeat (13/01/2013)

Have a great day!

As hard as we try; life (at times) seems to find ways to either knock us off our feet or to gradually grind us down until we are truly fed up. Life becomes a daily drudge; without joy or hope.

Felt like this? No? You are very lucky my friend. Yes? Welcome to the club!

When we feel like this it is vital that we do something about it and not just ignore it. As far as we can prove; you only have one life - why spend a second of it unhappy?

The world we live in is amazing - it is so complex and beautiful and, despite many centuries of trying, we still cannot create anything as beautiful as nature - nor anything that can withstand it at its greatest. Yet you miss all of this when caught up in negativity.

Over the years, I have had a number of setbacks and, through this, have found ways to pick myself up and remain upbeat - and I want to share them with you. There are no 'golden rules' as to what will work but some of the ideas in this article may help you. However, it is important that you investigate other ideas and try and find your own methods as well.

Take the time to purposely notice one beautiful or inspiring thing a day

There is so much wonder and beauty around us - make it your task to notice one beautiful or inspiring thing a day. It could be anything - a tree, a colour you like or a new product that excites you.

But don't just stop there; acknowledge to yourself what you have seen. Say to yourself "what a beautiful tree" or "I love that colour".

No caption required.....

It sounds daft; but acknowledging one thing every day that you like or that inspires you will change your perspective. Soon you'll find yourself noticing more than one thing a day - suddenly life doesn't seem that rubbish; there's actually lots to like.

Take and keep photos of things you see that you find striking, beautiful or interesting

Why just notice when you can keep a record of what has inspired you (though be careful what you are taking photos of!). Save the photos in a folder and then you can look through them any time you feel down.

You can also use such images for creative inspiration - you cannot be creative unless you know what really inspires you. So if you want creative inspiration; look through the photos and it will come!

Write down something you are thankful for each day

Similar to taking note of beautiful things you see, write down (in a journal) one thing every day you are grateful for (it has to be something different every day).

This may be hard to do - and this is good; as it will really make you think. And, if you think about it, you will find something to be grateful for every day. The more you do this; the easier it will get. This will also leave you with a wonderful journal of exactly why you should be grateful - what a wonderful gift to yourself!

Learn something new each day

Do you ever feel like you are stagnating? Like every day is the same? Then make a decision to learn something new every day.

You already do learn a lot of new things each year (even if you don't feel this is the case!). So don't just learn something new everyday; keep a journal of what you have learnt (like I am doing with this blog!).

Life is this beautiful

Soon you will realise just how many new skills you do learn, you'll have new knowledge and a journal full of useful reference (in case you forget one of your new skills!).

Take control of situations you feel are controlling you 

A final tactic is to take charge of situations that are making you unhappy and that are controlling you. None of us like being forced along a route we don't want to go down.

So if there is something making you unhappy and you can do something about it; then do it - work out what you want to do about it, how to do it and then do it!

If you can't do anything about it; then change your focus - how can you make the situation work better for you? Can you make the situation end sooner than it normally would? Can you get some additional benefit from the situation?

Try these methods and develop your own - being able to lift your mood when things don't go well is a vital survival skill all of us need to learn.

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

Testing out your website coding before going live (12/01/2013)

Testing - vital and annoying in equal measures...

As I have mentioned elsewhere; I am teaching myself coding with a view to developing websites / software / mobile phone apps.

There comes a time when you need to 'break out' and start your own projects to put into practice what you have learnt (and to learn the important skills of project working).

I have had an idea that I wanted to develop for ages and, I decided, today was the day to start. However, I didn't have any idea where I could develop and test my code before making it public.

Before selecting which software/website to use to test your codes; you need to consider the following:

1. Do you wish to work online or offline? Are you happy to download software to your PC or would you prefer to avoid this?
2. Are you testing short bits of code or large sections of code?
3. What coding language(s) will you be using to write the code?
4. What additional 'extras' will assist you? E.g. Do you need a preview pane? Would you like to upload your code to your website once it is complete or are you purely at the testing stage? Do you need it to process AJAX requests?

Once you have considered these points; you have three main options:

1. A Web Editor for your computer;
2. A code testing site; or
3. (For code snippets) Web-based sandbox tool (there are computer-based options but these are probably not necessary when you only want to test small bits of code).

As I am new to this; I think it wise not to spend money until I am certain I can use my new skills to make money. I therefore found these following articles very useful:

• The 10 Best Free Web Editors for Windows;
• The 8 Best Code Testing Sites on the Web; and
• 10 Web-based Sandbox Tools for Testing Your Code Snippets.

jsfiddle interface

I briefly tried out SeaMonkey (Web Editor) but didn't enjoy its layout and decided I would prefer to do my coding web-based.

So I moved on to jsfiddle.

This site allows you to run HTML, CSS / SCSS and JavaScript / CoffeeScript / JavaScript 1.7 coding panels and to see the outcome in the 'Result' panel. You can also import JavaScript or CSS.

All four panels are adjustable according to your needs and the interface is very simple; add your code and then click 'Run' to see what it looks like. You can save your code and share your code via link, Facebook or Twitter. You can also sign up and save your code to your profile.

There are a number of additional options down the left hand side to enable you to fine tune your coding as required.

Overall, a very straightforward method of testing out your code.

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.

USB Drive Encryption (11/01/2013)

GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption 4.0

Many of us nowadays take advantage of the speed and flexibility of USB Drives to store, carry and transfer our files. However, we don't always think just how secure they are if they fell into the wrong hands.

One answer is to encrypt the data (or files) on your USB Drive. Today, I learnt how to do this.

Although there is a variety of software available; I chose GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption 4.0 (available for free for the next 14 or so hours).

This software enables you to password protect USB drives, Thumb drives, Memory sticks, Pen drives, Jump drives and Flash drives.

Once you have downloaded and installed the software; you are ready to start encrypting.

Two points to be aware of:

1. The USB Drive you are encrypting has to be 'NTFS' format not 'FAT'. The software provides a 'Fat2NTFS' button (to convert your drive) though be aware converting your drive will wipe it of all data so think this through carefully and either encrypt an empty USB drive or empty your USB drive before you encrypt it. In terms of converting; I found it easier to just right click the USB Drive in My Computer and select 'Format...' from the options, rather than to use the button provided as part of the software; and
2. Always think through how you want to structure your USB drive, how the encryption will operate on your drive and what files you want encrypted (if not all of them). If you don't do this in advance; you will end up spending lots of time moving files around as you gradually work out how you are going to use your drive (I have done this many times!).

'This is a Secure Area'

So once you have addressed these two points; plug in your USB Drive and open up the program.

USB Stick Encryption 4.0 works by placing an encrypted folder on your USB drive. So, first, you need to select your drive in the drop down menu and then, secondly, use the sliding scale to select the size of encrypted folder to be place on your USB drive.

Click 'install' and you will be invited to choose a secure password for your encrypted folder and to enter it twice. Then click 'ok'. The status bar at the bottom of the screen will show you the progress and a confirmation box will pop up once the folder has been installed. Then click 'ok' and the program will open up your USB Drive in My Computer.

If this is your first time using this software:

Double click the 'agent' application saved on your USB Drive. You will then be invited to enter your secure password. Instead; click 'Register' and enter the licence code you were given and then click 'Register' (again) to register the program.

If this is not your first time using this software

Open up your USB Drive in My Computer and double click the 'agent' application.

You will then be invited to enter your secure password. Once successfully entered; a 'Secure Area (Z:)' will open in a new window. The program also places a 'Secure Area (Z:)' drive in My Computer.

Close and you're done

You can save files to this 'Secure Area' like normal, however, the files in that 'Secure Area' will now be encrypted and safe from prying eyes.

Once you have finished with the Drive

Right click the 'Agent' icon in the Taskbar Notification Area, click 'Close Secure Area (Z:\)' and then click 'yes'. Just closing the 'Secure Area' window is not sufficient to re-instate encryption.

Now any file you copy to your USB Drive can be safely encrypted. Of course, there are alternatives to carrying files on a USB:

1. Email the document to yourself and then sign in to your emails to access the document (a bit of a nuisance if you wish to update the document each time you access it this way); and
2. Save the document to your cloud storage and always have access to it wherever there is internet (allows you to update the file each time you access it and can also sync the file to your pc or smartphone).

Also see: What to do when cutting and pasting to a USB Drive goes wrong.

This is my blog, my attempt to document one new thing I have learnt everyday. We learn so much and it is easy to overlook just how much we do learn. Any of the products or websites mentioned in my blog are ones I have found useful. I have no link to these websites (unless otherwise stated) and do not receive any benefit from linking to them. I am not an expert in any of the products I mention so you will have to do your own research and reach your own conclusions.