I finally made the switch from my paid password manager program, eWallet (which I loved, but which doesn’t offer a Linux version), to a nice freebie program, which I find quite palatable.

I keep up with far too many username/password combinations, logons and critical (but sensitive) information in my work-a-day world to try to remember them all. Unlike many people, I don’t keep all passwords the same — that’s too risky.

Granted, I had to copy all the information from the old program to the new one (which was a royal pain and took me a couple hours), but now I have all my information on a new program that will work on Windows, Linux, or even on a flash drive! (more…)

I’ve been looking for a Linux alternative to my current, beloved, timer program. Although I’ve not found what I’m looking for there, I have found a couple of fantastic resource lists that I’d like to share. They are lists of 100 software options for the “mission critical” stuff all remote professionals need. Lots of options here, and I’m seriously considering a couple of the web based versions to meet my needs rather than locating Linux friendly programs for everything.

I have always hesitated to have my mission critical stuff on web-based apps — but I’m beginning to embrace it. I’m using Basecamp now and I must say that I like it, I’m also poking around at Highrise, so I’m probably going to investigate othersimilar online options as well. I’m just not quite ready to turn over my timer and my accounting to an online web app. Not quite yet. I’m too much of a control freak for that — I want my data on my computer!

But if you are seeking a better way to do anything as a freelancer or as an outsourcing provider of any type — full-time or part-time — these resources may be just what you need… (more…)

I’ll be glad when I can say (with a great deal of pomp and circumstance), “I don’t DO windows!” For now, I’m struggling with a damaged operating system that is giving me fits. I’ve not been writing in my blog, I’ve not been getting all my work done. Nope, I’ve been trying to limp along Windows on my Tablet PC (my primary machine) until I could either reinstall the entire OS, or until I could get a Linux box up and running. I tried a repair install last week to get me by. It didn’t. (more…)

If you are a remote services provider, a virtual assistant or a freelancer, you may be interested in cutting corners on software costs — so long as you keep the best, most effective tools in your “virtual” shed.

I recently joined a panel of other remote consultants and virtual assistants for a RemoteProfessionals.com teleconference on starting to work with real estate professionals. During this free “how-to” seminar, I also distributed a handout listing what I consider to be the “Essential Open-Source Products” for those in this business.

If you would like your own copy of this PDF… (more…)

Today, I’d like to share a couple great sites sites that are cool in their own right and are cool because of the entertaining product descriptions and the unexpected resources that spring spontaneously from them via comment fields.

So if you want to branch out from the product overload of Amazon and eBay, try on these single-shot sites! (more…)

Interested in a few tiny programs that really make a difference in your productivity? Want to save a few keystrokes? Would you like to avoid opening unnecessary programs to do what you need? Want to keep things light, so your computer’s performance stays high?

Check out this week’s Five Fantastic Friday Finds! (more…)

This site not only lets you read books on the iPhone (optimized for the iPhone, I might add and viewable only FROM an iPhone), but it also lets you upload your own books to this online format. Worth a look: http://textoniphone.com

Today, I’m feeling like counting my blessings, and I’m dragging you, fair reader, along for this trip. I’ve assembled some great-looking opportunities to give back to your community, your world. It’s a feel-good thing and I think you will like what I’ve found!

There’s a philanthropic pursuit for every taste here today! (And the holidays are just around the corner… so you COULD start doing something to feel good about this year during the seasons of thanks and giving.) (more…)

Outsourcing service providers are a growing segment of the population. With astronomical gasoline prices, the spread of broadband and communications networks, it’s no surprise that more individuals are seriously considering alternative work styles.

Two years ago, Jodi Diehl and I started www.RemoteProfessionals.com, and this year we are launching a new membership level to help individuals interested in establishing their own services business to begin outsourcing. (more…)

Ok, I’ve HAD It… Time to Simplify! I seem to spend much of my time looking for the stuff that I recorded so I’d have it when I needed it.

I may simplify my physical life — constantly — but my virtual life is cluttered all to hell. There. I said it. I admit it. I’m a virtual packrat.

Since 1 gig of stuff is stored in the same physical space as 750 gigs, I’ve “reasoned” that I’m still simplifed. I’m just lying to myself. And I’ve been looking at buying more HD space because 1.5 terabytes isn’t enough.

How sad.

The fact is, I’ve had an epiphany. (Unlike some creative types, I still believe in that concept). Granted, the epiphany came as the result of personal frustration and total exhaustion, but it came all at once so, I’m sticking with the “epiphany” term.

It’s a horrible realization. It’s also joined by dozens of other, more specific realizations that I now have to confront and solve. For instance… (more…)

Here’s the press release for the event:

(Lexington, KY, USA) July 17, 2007 – Have you ever considered working for yourself? Want to know the truth about the virtual assistant industry? Want to know if it’s the right path for you? The outsourcing business is booming and solopreneurs are creating successful careers by marketing their skills online. RemoteProfessionals.com, (www.Remoteprofessionals.com), a networking organization for independent service providers, is hosting a free panel discussion teleconference event to answer questions of those new to the industry and those interested in learning more about this career path. (more…)

I wanted to be sure I could take my calendar information with me on my iPhone. Since I’m not a Microsoft Outlook user anymore, I had to find another way to sync up my information.

Recently, the latest calendar plug-in for Thunderbird (Lightning) was released and after the upgrade, I also added this Thunderbird plugin to allow bi-directional updates to Google Calendar directly from my Lightning calendar. (more…)

I’ve collected a few great resources for the entrepreneur, solopreneur, or small business owner below and hope that others will add to the list any great resources I’ve failed to mention. (more…)

I tripped across a great little explanatory blog about the wavelengths used by satellite ISP services (WildBlue in particular) and I thought I’d share that resource with any rural readers considering this option.

Personally, I had DirecWay as a satellite ISP when I was on the farm. When it worked, it was great, when it didn’t — it sucked. And the longer I had it, the slower it got — as more users came on and they throttled it more and more each day to pull in more people without increasing bandwidth and we all had to share.

It got pretty bad toward the end.

Having seriously considered getting WildBlue Internet recently, I found this information to be timely and welcome. Thanks, Tom!

Kimberly Thomas-Catanzaro (a peer professional who specializes in bookkeeping) recently sent me a note on a new productivity product (currently in public beta) that I think would be quite a boon for most real estate folks.

I’m going to be testing it over the next few days myself as a way to keep up with expenses. (I’m always out — and usually driving — when I think “oh, I should record this before I forget it.”) I always have my cell phone and can’t drive and use my tablet at the same time — at least not very well or very safely. (more…)

If you have a problem with a particular product or gadget and you can’t find the information you need on the manufacturer’s site, you now have a resource to help you troubleshoot.

www.FixYa.com is an Israeli website and how-to community with the desire to be the world’s largest support community and online knowledgebase. FixYa hopes to bridge the gap between an increasing lack in manufacturer support and customer demand for technical assistance.

Personally, I’ve already bookmarked this resource and may even hop over there later and write a few “how-to” articles to help support the community myself! In the meantime, check it out for your own techie/geek quandaries.

MyTreo.Net recently covered the plans to release a Linux model of the Treo. An interesting read. That might be enough to make me look at the Treo again — if I’m not already in love with the iPhone by then.

I’ve been looking for some way to replace OneNote. It’s not that I mind paying for the software — even to Microsoft. After all, I can graciously admit this is one program that they do EXTREMELY well. And, nothing else I’ve seen in the opensource world even comes close. I have reviewed a couple other paid TabletPC-centric notes programs (like Evernote). I didn’t like them as much. And, OneNote 2007 is far superior to the 2003 version of the same program. (more…)

Ok, as if it’s not cool enough to have found the Open Clip Art Library, I’ve found a search tool for it that’s not only useful, it’s actually FUN!

Check out this “sketch it and we will match it” search tool for the open source image library. Just pick the color you are seeking and draw a really quick sketch on the black box (this is easier if you have a Tablet PC) and watch it do an auto-magic search. Even if you are a lousy artist like me, you get cool results.

Take it for a spin, and then tip-toe over to the open source font library — if you have enough space left on your hard drive to become a collector. I’m feeling a new external hard drive purchase coming on!

Recently, I announced that I’m going to Linux. And I bellyache about Vista to my family. What happens? My father goes to Linux on one of his machines… then converts three more. (He likes his computers.) Now, my 17-year old has taken an old box I pulled from the discard pile at a client site and has reworked it with a Linux operating system.

They are telling me that Linux has gotten alot easier. They tell me there is very little required to get the OS working other than “dropping in” Ubuntu.

Now, suddenly, my son and father have both joined forces and started giving me crap (in stereo) for not having switched over already.

I’m running a business. I can’t just up and switch without a bit of research, some product testing and getting all my systems and software in place and under my belt…FIRST. I can’t just “go Linux” tomorrow and decide not to worry about all the functionality I need that won’t immediately work.

Why? I’m glad you asked… (more…)