Remove Duplicate Photos

Downloading photos from your camera or phone to your PC can create duplicate files on your PC's hard drive. Over time, this can result in a large amount of used space. So, after researching the web for free tools, I found that most software is a trial version and limits features until you purchase an upgrade. However, I found Awesome Duplicate Photo Finder, a free image tool that provides what I required: a simple, basic interface, photo search, thumbnail images side by side, file name. 

Evernote - Remember EVERYTHING

Evernote is a free app that works with every PC, phone or mobile device. It is rated very high in all tech comparisons, and a great 'remember tool'. I use it mostly for capturing or 'clipping' articles and research I do on the Internet. It is my most used read-it-later tool in addition to Pocket (the original Read It Later app). If you don't use Evernote today you should ... when you start using - you must install their Evernote Web Clipper extension for you browser (Chrome, IE or Firefox). Any issues - let me know. Here is a great YouTube video that says it all.

Facebook Has Your Name on Ads

Facebook privacy is being challenged again - having to do with user names included in ads. Unfortunately, these ads were not cleared who who liked the page. Here is how you can opt out of Facebook attaching your name to any ads.

1. Click the Settings (gear) drop-down, in the top-right corner of your Facebook profile.

2. Go to Account Settings and select Ads.   

3. Click "Edit" in the Ads & Friends section and choose "No one" in the drop down menu.

4. You should also adjust the settings in the Third Party Sites tab, which will stop the same thing from happening if Facebook starts using your profile. See more detail here.

AdwCleaner: Malware and Stubborn Toolbar Removal Tool

AdwCleaner is a small, portable and freeware program that can remove stubborn toolbars (like Ask.com) and other malware from your client's computer. I downloaded and ran a 40 second scan and the tool identified files and folders CCleaner missed. Some scan results will need research via Google, but it seems to do a good job. 

Never Forget Anything (ever again)

I enjoy challenging myself on finding ways to 'not forget' and get more done. In this search of tips and tools for productivity I came across a good article called 5 Ways Never to Forget Anything that everyone can implement either digitally, with paper & pencil or a combination of both. I will share the 5 Ways with the apps or tools I currently use on the PC or iPod. Note: each Way can be handled with paper and pencil)

• Use a Journal to jot down any note, reminder or idea (6"x9" 3-ring binder, Drafts, SimpleNote and Evernote)
  
• Use a Calendar to record appointments and date related tasks (ToodleDo, iOS Calendar)
• Use a Task List to capture checklists, projects and To Do's (Go Tasks, Google Tasks in Gmail, Clear and Wunderlist)
• Use a Mind Download to 'empty' all swirling lists in your head to free stress (paper & pencil list and verify that listed items are captured on the above apps)
• Set up Reminders to notify you of events, tasks and commitments (ToodleDo, Gmail, ReSnooze, FollowUp Then, and alerts form apps listed above)
• Other helpful tools I like for capturing ideas (Pocket, Add to Wunderlist, Evernote WebClipper, Lumen Trails, iDoneThis)

The above apps have unique uses and each serve a special purpose. The 'fun' is integrating them into an overall system.

Windows 8 - Add Website Tile to Start Page

You add preferred web pages as Tiles to the Windows 8 Start Page. Here's how: First, Open Internet Explorer from the Start Home page and type in the URL address of the desired web page. Next, in the top right corner of the screen click on the Tools 'gear' icon. Then, scroll down and click 'Add site to Start Screen.  Finally, locate the new Tile on the Start page and drag it to the location desired. If you want to modify the name of the new Tile, right click the Tile > at the bottom of the screen click on Open File Location and simply edit the highlighted Program name as desired.

Getting the Most from Google's 15 Gig

Google accounts now use a shared pool of storage. Every account gets 15 GB of free space, which is shared across your Gmail, Google Drive, and Google+ Photos. But certain types of files don't count towards your storage quota. See article for how Google manages your storage and how you can free up space.

21st Century Skills Needed - Not Needed

Connecting to WiFi, knowing how to use Google and tuning HDTVs were listed today as some of the most useful skills of modern life. In a UK survey, using a self-service checkout, online banking and operating GPS are on the list. Only 10 of the 50 most important skills didn't involve modern technology, with cooking and using a calculator among them. See UK Mail Online.

Browser Apps on the Desktop

Google rolled out a new category of Chrome Apps, a.k.a. Chrome Packaged Apps, that run on the desktop and feel like software than apps tied to the browser. Some of these new apps are popular ones like Google Keep, Any.DO, Wunderlist and Pocket. (likes: offline, syncs when connected, quick, no browser tabs, and more).

You Tube Video to mp3 Audio

Did you see a You Tube video and wish you could download and save the song for future listening? You Tube to mp3 provides just that - the easiest way I have found to convert videos to mp3. You do not need an account, the only thing you need is a YouTube URL. They will start to convert the audio track of your video file to mp3 as soon as you have submitted it and you will be able to download it. Go to http://www.youtube-mp3.org/