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.

How to buy ski goggles for someone (10/01/2013)

'Nothing but me and the elements..ahhh I got snow in my eye!'

Do you know a keen skier? Want to buy them ski goggles? Want them to open your present and not think 'is he taking the piste?' (sorry...)

Well buying ski goggles is a much more complex process than I had ever imagined!

Forgetting for one moment the important style aspect; ski goggles are so much more than plastic devices to avoid a snowball in the eye!

You need to consider the following:

1. Do the goggles fit? This means the goggles have to be the right size for the face so that they sit comfortably on the nose/against the face. Even if they are the correct size; do they feel comfortable to wear;
2. The lenses - are they sufficiently tinted for your purposes? Lenses in the 0-3 category should be sufficient for most purposes, with a category 4 lens reserved for extremely light conditions;
3. Anti-fogging - do the lenses have an anti-fogging coating? Do the goggles have double lenses (creates extra thermal protection against fogging)? What kind of ventilation is provided?;
4. Anti-glare - are the lenses mirrored or polarised for added protecting? What is the UV protection of the goggles?
5. Do you need prescription lenses? Or are you going to wear your goggles over prescription glasses?
6. Will the goggles fit with your head wear (primarily; will they sit comfortably when you have head wear on, but I guess this does also apply in the fashion-sense as well); and 
7. What accessories come with the goggles (e.g. extra lenses)?

When buying for someone, you also need to consider how serious that person is about their skiing. If they are an occasional skier, then something in the <£30 range (which will likely only last a couple of ski holidays) may be appropriate. For a dedicated skier, you are probably looking around the £40 - £100 range or more (on a sliding scale of how serious a skier they are).

Then you will need to consider brands. Although there are a number of brands available, the most popular ski goggle brands appear to be:

• Bolle;
• Oakley;
• Smith; and 
• Uvex. 

For an excellent guide on what else you may wish to consider when buying goggles; have a read of this article.

So now you have your list of items to check but the problem is that you are buying for someone else. You don't even know the size of your own face - let alone the face of your intended recipient. So what do you do?

In a word (or two!): gift vouchers.

Buying gift vouchers for a ski wear and accessory shop will save you being burdened with such banal considerations as 'how big is my sister's face?' and 'just how bright is extremely bright?'.

My recommendation would be to search out a shop near to the intended recipients home address and buy gift vouchers from that shop. That way the intended recipient ('IR') can not only choose their own eye wear but visit the shop, at their convenience, to try the goggles out before they buy them.

You're way off track with these lenses

For me, Snow + Rock were ideal because, firstly, they have a large stock of top brand ski goggles at a variety of prices. Secondly, they offer gift vouchers and, finally, they have a shop in the same town as my IR.

The only downsides being that the vouchers could be purchased online but not used online (not a problem here) and only three voucher levels are available online (you have to ring up for a custom amount - again, not a problem here).

If you cannot find a store near your IR, then you are stuck with an online retailer. The important thing here (in addition to the usual large stock of top brands and variety of prices) is a retailer with a decent returns policy (your IR may need to use it if trying items for size by post).

In this case, I was very impressed with RX Sport. They offer free Royal Mail Tracked Delivery on all UK orders and a 100% refund or exchange on all non-prescription eye wear for 28 days after delivery. The icing on the cake is a home trial service for prescription eye wear.

So with the gift voucher option you buy a great gift, get thought of as a great person (which you surely are!) and avoid an avalanche of criticism for buying the wrong goggles and having to reverse camber your way out of it! Sorry, bad attempt at a (very) bad skiing joke...

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.

Creating JQuery Functions with Codecademy (09/01/2013)

Soon this will be like reading a children's book...

We live in a world of internet, computer software and smartphone apps so I thought it was time to learn more about designing and building these important aspects of modern society.

All three are able to operate thanks to programmable codes which can be written in a number of different 'coding languages' (such as HMTL, PHP, JavaScript, JQuery, Python, and Ruby - among others).

Like most people when 'dipping in' to something new; I was unsure whether this would be a 'passing fancy' or something that I would spend a great number of hours learning with a view to becoming skilled in this area. So, I needed something that would introduce me to the basics, allow me to test out my new knowledge, keep track of my development and (most importantly) be free.

Codecademy ticks all of these boxes.

Registration is free and allows you to create a profile. You are then free to start on one of the 'tracks' (JavaScript, Web Fundamentals, Python, Ruby, JQuery or Projects). These tracks take you through the basics of each coding language up to a beginner level understanding (via fun projects along the way to test your understanding).

You are given points based on your progress and badges are given when you complete certain milestones (e.g. when you complete a section or a project). Your profile page logs your points total as well as points achieve each day and highest daily points score (so you can try and beat your highest score each time you log in). It also records all of your badges, your 'Streak' (e.g. how many days you have coded for in a row - again, another total to try and beat each time) and your completed courses - as well as your current courses.

You can also link your account to your twitter, facebook and google accounts to post your progress.

In addition to the 'track' courses; there are also 'non-track' modules, as well as 'Intermediate' and 'Advanced' modules. The sections are broken down in such a way that you can easily complete a section a day without it taking too much time out of your day schedule. Doing it this way also allows you to learn something new everyday (something I very much believe in) and to gradually build up a skill set that may one day give you the skills to build that mobile app you always wanted to build or, even, change careers.

A complete coding newbie prior to registering with Codecademy; so far I have completed the JavaScript, Web Fundamentals and Python tracks and have today started the JQuery track.

Your Codecademy profile

Some sections do need a little more work and the console can sometimes produce anomalies (rejecting code which produces the correct outcome because the code is not in the format that the tutor wants and sometimes rejecting correct code until the browser is refreshed and the code resubmitted). However, constant improvements are being made and, with experience, you get to learn how to deal with such issues.

The learning experience has been a fascinating one. I personally love the projects where you are walked through how to build something (like an adventure game or a cash register) and then given suggestions at the end of how such item could be improved and invited to work on such improvements to the code in your own time - something vital for all those wannabe coders out there.

Overall, a really good resource and definitely one I would recommend for those out there wanting to learn how to code. Even if you know how to code; you can still get involved with creating a course or becoming a Beta Tester.

I will save you the horror of a newbie explaining how to create JQuery Functions(!) but if this sounds like something you would like to learn then why don't you head over to codecademy right now...

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.

Cloud Storage - PC/Android Syncing and Security for Dropbox and Google Drive (08/01/2013)

Is this the cloud? Where are my documents?

So we can now save our documents in the cloud! But what does this mean? 

This means our documents are saved remotely (e.g. not on your computer) for retrieval whenever you want.

So....

The Good:

1. The documents do not have to be saved on your computer and so do not take up valuable memory space (you won't need to buy that external hard drive!);
2. If your computer crashes, your documents are safe; and
3. You can access your files wherever there is internet - you no longer have to bring your computer with you.

The Bad:

1. You need internet access (this may be a downside for some!); and
2. You are trusting an anonymous company with your data ('what will they do with it?').

The Ugly:

1. Selecting which of the competing companies to go with - out of the ever growing selection;
2. Syncing your cloud storage with your other devices (again, another number that keeps growing!); and
3. Safely securing your data.

I have tackled all three of these 'uglies' and have survived - and can you! The following is how I tackled these three issues with Dropbox and Google Drive accounts - syncing with a Windows-based Netbook and an Android smartphone (though most of the mentioned services are available on a number of different platforms without any major differences in handling).  

Providers

In the beginning there was one, then two, then others came and soon many more will come..

However, the most popular (and free!) cloud storage services at the moment appear to be:

• Dropbox - free 2GB storage (which can be increased up to 16GB);

• SkyDrive - free 7GB storage;

• Google Drive - free 5GB storage;

• Amazon - free 5GB storage;

• Box - free 5GB storage;

• Yandex.Disk - free 3GB of storage (which can be easily increased to 10GB);

• SugarSync - free 5GB of storage; and

• Minus - free 10GB of storage.

Storage in the days before Clouds...

All of these services offer different things and you should research each one thoroughly before 'taking the plunge'. I recommend you consider the following:

• Amount of free storage space (including any add-ons);

• Cost of buying further storage;

• Availability of apps to sync with your computer and smartphone; and

• Individual file size upload limit (e.g. how big can each file be that you upload?).

I would also recommend these two excellent articles:

• Top 10 largest file sharing websites; and

• Cloud Storage Showdown.

There is also this comparison website.

Syncing 

For Windows:

Dropbox and Google Drive

Easy - just install the applications from the Dropbox and Google Drive websites. Both install folders on your computer that (once you link them) sync with your cloud accounts.

For Android:

Only slightly more challenging because there are more options!

Dropbox

Dropbox app
Similar to the computer application but on your smartphone. Probably the app of choice.

Dropsync app
Creates a Dropbox folder on your smartphone, the contents of which are then sync'd with your cloud storage account. This is a more simplified app (compared to the Dropbox app) and is really only for syncing the files on your smartphone.

DropSpace app
Syncs SD memory card directories to Dropbox. 

When you first load up the app, make sure you select ‘manage sync lists’ and select each folder you wish to sync and then the folder in your Dropbox folder you wish to sync to (don't just sync the entire SD card!). It's one click to open each folder (to find the one you want) and a 'hold down' click to select a folder (e.g. for syncing). 

It might be best to create your own "phonesync" folder in your Dropbox folder before you start so that the various folders on your smartphone that you wish to sync can all be saved in one folder in dropbox (this makes it easier to find them if you need to re-install those files back onto your smartphone at a later date).

I also found myself choosing which folders to sync and then going back through the folder list and selecting ‘Ignore directory when syncing’ for the rest of them (to avoid unnecessary syncing to Dropbox).

Once you are ready, just press ‘Sync Now’ to sync. You can even set up an automatic sync and control how often this will occur. Added benefit - set other important apps on your smartphone to automatically backup to SD and then DropSpace can sync them to Dropbox! 

Again, this is an app that performs a specific task and so is slightly more limited than the Dropbox app but ideal if you want to sync backups from your smartphone to Dropbox.

Won't work with clouds

Google Drive

Google Drive app
Similar to the computer application but on your smartphone. Probably the app of choice.

GDocs app
Creates a folder on your mobile that syncs with your cloud storage (to and from the smartphone - so you can create new documents and save them in your Cloud Drive and also access files already stored on your Cloud Drive - however, with this app, you have to download the files to your smartphone first before you can open them).


Security

This is vital when saving your important documents 'to the cloud'.

You need to consider security from two points:

1. People 'hacking' your online account and viewing your files (or employees of your cloud storage provider having access); and
2. Your computer/smartphone being stolen or hacked.

The second of these is particularly important because there is no point in securing your cloud storage account online if anyone could log into your computer and access your files via the Dropbox or Google Drive folders you have on your computer.

I therefore suggest:

1. To protect your account - enable the '2-step verification' log-in process (where available) and encrypt your documents in your cloud drive; and
2. To protect your computer - software to 'lock' or 'hide' your Dropbox or Google Drive unless an encryted password is entered.

Encryption

BoxCryptor
Places an encrypted folder in your Cloud Drive (one drive provided for free, otherwise you need to pay).

You then save your most important documents into the encrypted folder within your Cloud Drive and those documents will no longer open (either online or on your computer) unless you have BoxCryptor installed and you have entered the necessary password.

Once the password is entered, it is as easy as right clicking the icon, clicking ‘Mount BoxCryptor (Drive:)’ then right clicking the icon again and clicking ‘Open BoxCryptor (Drive:)’ to show the folder. Remember to ‘Unmount’ after you finished and then to exit to get full security.

Ain't nobody getting through here...

BoxCryptor is also available for Android and allows you to encrypt the entire SD drive (again, best to set up a folder on your SD to encrypt and then ensure all data etc that you want encrypted is saved in this folder).

Protection

My Lockbox
The free version 'locks' a chosen folder on your computer, whilst the paid version will cover any number of folders. Once 'locked' the folder (containing your important documents) is hidden on your computer. You need to open up the program and enter the encrypted password to view the folder. Make sure to 'lock and quit' when you finish to re-protect your files.

A last few suggestions:

1. Don’t lose your passwords! Write them down and store them in a home safe, secure email or have the password for one cloud drive saved on another!
2. Don't lose your password! Remember and repeat - the software you are using here is meant to secure your data and it will do this, so if you lose the password then you lose your data!
3. Set up your cloud storage (with syncing and security) before you start saving files as this will avoid the need to spend time later on moving files when you start implementing syncing and security and realise you need to change the structure of your Drives (as I did!); and
4. Think out how you are going to use your Drives and how you are going to sync and protect them in advance (especially if you are using a number of drives but free software that only protects one as this may change how you set things up, where you save certain files and what software is used on what drive).

And now your documents are safe no matter what may come (unless you lose the password....).

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.

Obtaining images for your blog (07/01/2013)

A decent, free, image for your (or my!) blog

I am quite new to blogging (as my blog count will testify!), this being my second ever blog. The first was a travel blog (shameless plug!) which, although it did use images (I don't think a blog could avoid using images) these were all photos I had taken on my travels.

Therefore when I sent up this blog I wasn't sure:

(a) where to find decent, free, images to use on my blog; and

(b) how to easily take and import screenshots into my blog (especially as this is a blog about what I have learnt and most of this is likely to be computer-based!).

Decent, free images 

So the images had to be good images, suitable to what I needed, free and with as little restriction on use as possible (don't want to find myself accidently breaching copyright!).

I found links to a number of websites in this link but settled on the following two:

• Unprofound; and     
• Morguefile.

Both sites provide free images, have a pretty much unrestricted user licence and you don't have to register to download. In addition; Morguefile gives you image and jpeg URLs so you can upload the pictures to your blog without having to download them first.

The only slight downside is the range can be a bit restrictive if you are looking for something specific (e.g. I searched for 'computer error' - the images returned on Unprofound were not really specific to the search term and nothing was found on Morguefile).

But, on the whole, both have good collections of images which are suitable for my purposes (some additional free image resources can be found in the above link). 

Screenshots

I think this qualifies as a screenshot of a screenshot!

Now, this was my main concern as I wanted to be able to take selected screenshots of my Netbook, add instructions to them and then upload them to my blog, all in one piece of software.

Fortunately, I found Hyperdesktop.

Once you have downloaded and installed Hyperdesktop it is fantastically easy to use.

The program itself has 'capture' and 'capture selected area' buttons but you can also use the following HotKeys:

• Standard screenshot (takes screenshot of the entire screen): CTRL + SHIFT + 3
• Selective screenshot (allows you to select which area of the screen to take a screenshot of): CTRL + SHIFT + 4
• Window screenshot (takes screenshot of uppermost window): CTRL + SHIFT + 5

Then the screenshot you have taken pops up into a new window. This allows you to draw and insert text onto the image (helpful for explanations) and then save the file.

Once you are ready to use the image in your blog; open the folder in which you have saved your screenshot and drag the image you wish to upload to the 'Image Links' box (a '+' will appear next to your cursor when you are over the right area to drop the image - or you can use the 'browse' button). Hyperdesktop will then anonymously upload the file to imgur and provide you with a URL in the 'Image Links' box which you can copy and past into the add images box for your blog.

You can also use Hyperdesktop to create a URL for any image you want to upload (whether screenshot or not).

Alternatively, you can visit the imgur website yourself, upload images anonymously and obtain the necessary URL (but I like an 'all in one' service!).

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 recover a file lost on your computer (06/01/2013)

Pen Drives and Computers - not always a match made in heaven

No matter how complex and impressive computers become; they still find new and imaginative ways to lose your files (especially the ones you really need!).

Today I was using an older version of windows (Vista) to cut and paste some PDF files from the C: drive to a pen drive. The computer froze during the transfer and so I had to close the transfer window. I then discovered that the files I was trying to transfer were no longer in their previous folder on the computer and weren't on the pen drive. Disaster!

As I had cut the documents from the C: drive and failed to paste them on to the pen drive; they seemed to have disappeared into the ether.

When this happens to you:

1. Don't panic!
2. Remember, when a file is deleted or lost, it is still on your hard drive. 

Let me explain the second one in detail.

The icon that represents your file (e.g. the item you click to open your file) is in fact a pretty cover for a computer code. This code remembers where the data from your file is saved on the computer's hard drive and tells your computer where to find the data when you request it (e.g. by clicking the icon).  

When your file is deleted or lost what in fact happens is this link is deleted so that, although the data in your file is still on the hard drive, you no longer have the link to find the data (so is, effectively, 'deleted'). 

Also, your computer will mark up the space on the hard drive where your data is currently being stored as free to be written over with new data if and when the computer needs to use the space (e.g. the space is no longer occupied by data as far as your computer is concerned). So when you 'delete' a file and then carry on installing programs and creating new files on your computer; eventually the space where your data was stored on the hard drive will be taken by these new programs and files.

This is good news - because, if you act swiftly, it means you may be able to recover your data (if you are lucky!).

So I would suggest the first steps after deleting/losing a file are:

Showing you the way to go

1. Use your computer as little as possible (to try and avoid your computer saving new data over your old data);
2. Search in 'my computer' for the files (they may still be there, or may have accidently  been moved to another location);
3. Search for your files in 'temp files' (click 'start' then search for '%temp%' which will bring up the 'temp files' folder in which you can search for your files);
4. Check the 'recycle bin' (you may just have accidently deleted the files, in which case you can simply restore them from the recycle bin); and if all these fail then...
5. Find a good piece of software to try and save the day.

Now, there are many pieces of software out there that promise to recover your files (as you will see below; I went through several on this occasion and have used other software in the past when I have accidently deleted files).

The key is to google the exact problem you have (in my case "lost file when cut and paste vista" - the operating system is relevant to recovery of files - especially on older systems). Then read what others have been through, programs they recommend and whether they worked. Trust me; you will find someone who has faced the same problem!

Then it is just a case of trying out the recommended software and keeping your fingers firmly crossed. It is worth pointing out that different software works in different ways and some software is more suited to recovering files lost in certain ways than others so the process of finding the right program for you can be a bit 'hit and miss'. 

To assist, here is the process that I went through (and programs I tried) to recover my files:

ShadowExplorer - my saviour!

1. Google directed me to a youtube video "Restore Deleted Files(VISTA & WINDOWS 7)";
2. This recommended a program called Restoration which I downloaded and ran. Unfortunately, the program, whilst it found many deleted files on the C: drive, didn't find the files I was looking for;  
3. At this stage, I wasn't sure if the files had transferred to my pen drive (and therefore I had lost them because my pen drive corrupted) or not. So I ran Restoration on my pen drive but this just caused Restoration to crash;
4. As I couldn't get anywhere with this approach, I then wondered whether the separate Zip file stored on my pen drive was causing problems, as I couldn't open it anymore (when going through the recovery of files process it is important to identify all the possible problems that caused the file to be deleted and then try and fix them);
5. So I installed Disk Internals Zip Repair - which recovered the zip, but I still couldn't use it and so I concluded that this was probably not the problem;
6. Next I tried NTFS Undelete. However this wouldn't work on my pen drive as my pen drive wasn't NTFS and I couldn't get it working on the C: drive (it said there were no files and a warning message came up about restoring damaged files to the C: drive); and
7. Finally, thanks to this wonderfully helpful link I found what was to turn out to be my saviour - ShadowExplorer.

ShadowExplorer

Click 'ok' and relax....

ShadowExplorer effectively allows you to 'time travel' back to various times and dates in your computer's history.

So once you have installed it, open the program, select the drive you want to explore (in my case; C:) and then select the time and date point from the options available (which will depend on how many time/date points the program can recover from your computer). Select a time and date point when you know for sure the files existed on your computer.

In the panel on the left you can navigate to the folder that the files were saved in and (fingers crossed!) you will find the missing files. You then need to right click on the file and select 'Export...' and then export to a folder of your choice.

Hey-presto! Files recovered and nervous breakdown postponed to a later date!

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.

Turn your Blog into an Ebook with FastPencil (05/01/2013)

Books, glorious books 

I spent two months in 2012 traveling the length and breadth of Vietnam and I loved it! I also made a travel blog to follow my adventures but I was often short on time or internet/consistent internet so only the main stuff went into my blog.

I therefore struck on the idea (now that I am back home and missing my travels!) to convert my blog into an ebook and then expand on the various stories that didn't go into my blog.

So, I needed a good self-publishing tool which had the ability to: import my posts from a WordPress(R) blog;  convert those posts into chapters and, if it was all based in the cloud (so no software to download), then so much the better.

First I tried papyruseditor.com but there appeared to be no way to import a blog (only import from URLs) and this would not work for my purposes as my blog contains details of my travelling around Australia as well so I needed the ability to import specific posts.

I also knew that, due to the structure of my blog, I could download all of the required posts into one XML file via WordPress(R) so some way of utilising this file was required.

Guided by this article I went searching for a more appropriate service:

• Anthologize.org seemed a good service but I wanted to avoid downloading software if possible (I am kinda hooked by the whole cloud thing!);
• Booksmith allows you to only import posts by 'latest' or 'date range' and this wouldn't work with the way my blog is set up; and
• Zinepal seems more set up for non-wordpress blogs (well I couldn't easily import my posts to it when  I tried).

So I went with FastPencil to create my ebook and I am happy that I did - the service is nice and simple!

Blog ramblings to an ebook chapter in a few clicks

First, you sign up for an author account (for free) and this gives you the chance to create a profile (name, picture, bio etc).

Once in your 'Dashboard' you can select 'Start a new project' on the left and then get cracking with your ebook!

In your Project page you are given a variety of options on the left hand side, three of which are very handy for importing;

• 'Import Blog Posts' - allows you to import from a URL or by uploading an XML file;
• 'Import File' - Word(R)  or OpenOffice(R): and
• 'Import Text' - does what it says!

Download your XML file from your WordPress(R) blog (having selected the posts you require) and then upload it to FastPencil - it will even upload any images embedded in the posts. Edit, add additional chapters, add pictures and create a font page (as you wish) and you are ready to publish!

Now to get cracking with my first ebook...


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.