It can be a full time job keeping all your social media channels synchronised and up to date. If you’re a frequent blogger you’ll no doubt be frustrated by the time it takes to cross post from one channel to another.  We’ve just come across this great new tool which is still at the early stages of development but looks very promising indeed.

If only there was a way of setting up some Workflow so a post to one site is automatically published to another. Wouldn’t it be great if this was centralised also so you don’t need to remember all those forwarding rules you’ve set up?   This great tool called IFTTT, which stands for If This Then That (stupid name and we hate it also) provides a really simply way of configuring workflow between many social media channels so if you post to one channel,  the content automatically appears on the other.  In addition,  you can also setup IFTTT to forward you an email if an RSS feed is updated, or cross post photos from Flickr to Facebook.  It’s very embryonic right now,  but already a very powerful class of tool I’m sure we’ll see springing up across the Interweb soon.

IFTTT works using the programming concept of “If Something Happens,  Then Do Something Else”.  It’s a bit geeky but you’ll get the idea.  It works by creating Tasks which are small bits of logic that are run when a specific event occurs. For example, If I post a photo to Flickr,  then also send it to Tumblr.  If I update Twitter,  then also update Facebook.

Start by selecting the Trigger Channel which is the event channel or source which initiates the event   You’ll see below a wide range of channels provided already.  For example, you can set a trigger to fire if a file appears on DropBox or an email arrives in your inbox,  or you create an Instagram photo.

Once you’ve selected the Channel,  you need to pick the event that Channel should trigger.  For example, if you select the Flickr channel then you’ll have the following triggers available.  Clearly, if you select a different media channel,  there will be a different selection of triggers to chose on IFTTTT.

At this point you’ve configured WHEN you want the task to fire,  but not what you want to do when that event fires.   In the next step,  you simply select the Action Channel to set which media channel you want to update.  There is an ever growing selection available including send a message to BufferApp, update Tumblr, send an email, and send a posting to Instapaper. 

Having selected the action channel, then select the actual task you want to perform from the list of actions.  For example, you can have IFTTT download a file to DropBox,  but the actions vary hugely depending on the target channel you select.

That’s it!  Your workflow is now configured, and you’ll save precious seconds cross-posting to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and the like.   Let me know what you think.

Prey is an anti-theft security program that can be used with any Android mobile-phone, Wi-Fi ready laptop, desktop or tablet computer. You can choose to get a free basic version or a paid plan ($5/month, $15/month, $39/month, $99/month, and $399/month).

Prey Pro-Plans can be hooked up to multiple devices. If your computer or phone gets stolen, Prey will accurately track down its location. It would then send you a report as to the geographical location of your device. In addition it would send you information about the status of your phone or PC, the applications that are running, active connections and even a snapshot of the thief (if your PC has a working webcam!).

The first thing that Prey will do once your PC gets stolen is check if there is an internet connection within its immediate surroundings. If none are found, the application will then look for available Internet access points and then attempt to establish a connection. Once connection has been established, Prey will identify the coordinates of the location of your device and then send you a report. It can even provide you with information on what floor of a building your computer is at because it comes with an altitude locating feature.

You can even set-up Prey to lock your device once it has been stolen, which would prevent the thief from using your PC or phone. Once your computer or phone has been locked it can only be accessed after the correct password information has been supplied. Another cause of concern for you if someone stole your PC is that your passwords to sensitive accounts or applications might get accessed by unauthorized parties. With Prey, you can kiss this worry away as you can set up this application to remove important information such as passwords from your PC. You can also configure Prey to hide your Outlook and Thunderbird data.

If your PC has a working webcam, Prey can take a snapshot of the thief while they are fiddling with your computer. You can then pass these images to the authorities and also save them as evidence. You would also be informed as to what applications in your device are being used without consent. What’s more once you have the Prey installed in your device you need not have to periodically check for updates as the application will automatically update itself. Installation is very easy as you can just download a copy of Prey from the Internet.

[Image from articulate.com]

Twitter was launched in 2006 by Jack Dorsey. For the first three years of its operations, Twitter did not earn a single cent. Now, however it is regarded as a serious money making machine and by 2013 is expected to make US $1.54 billion in profits. Twitter has over a billion followers and gets around 65 million tweets each day at a rate of 750 tweets per second.

Twitter was not originally created to be used by the public and was intended only for private use. For the uninitiated, you may ask, “What is Twitter?” or say, “Tell me about Twitter.” Twitter basically is a site where you can send out short messages or blogs of no more than 140 characters to friends, colleagues, family or to the Web community in general.  You can also choose to follow posts or tweets of other Twitter members by going directly to their site, subscribing to an account’s RSS feed, or have Tweets sent directly to your mobile device.

Not only is this platform being used by individuals but by companies and businesses as well. Sending tweets “humanizes” a company and makes it more accessible to people.

One of the twitter trends emerging right now is the use of the platform by corporate members to advertise products and services. Dell, much like Target and other major retail establishments, announces sale events in its twitter account.

Celebrities and famous personalities are also getting in on the Twitter bandwagon with many setting up accounts so that they could update their fans on their career and personal life.

Tweet Consistently

One of the most effective ways to get more followers to your account is to post quality tweets consistently. Write descriptive, useful and interesting tweets.  You need to Tweet 2-3 times a day to maintain a following.

Educational Tweeting

People like to read posts that they can learn something from or that could teach them something useful. Tweet about things that are unique and if possible educational as well.

Interesting Tweets

Think out of the box and do not settle for ordinary or mediocre topics. Bad and uninteresting tweets on the other hand are sure-fire ways to drive away followers from your account.

Tweet Links Sparingly

Ensure you Tweet about web sites which you think followers will be genuinely interested in. One sure way to stunt your Followers is to publish an endless stream of irrelevant links to obscure web sites.  

Fish for Followers

For one, do not post tweets that are at their core just ploys for followers to buy something. People would know if they are being taken for a ride.

Tweet Politely

Rude and hurtful posts will also not generate a lot of interest from people for obvious reasons.

Screenr

Screenr is a free web application program that lets you create and share screenshots. You don’t need to download or install anything so you can make screenshots the minute you open the Screenr site. This screen recorder software is compatible with any computer, be it Mac, Windows or Linux-based. Screenr is designed for both business and personal use. Make awesome presentations, interesting slideshows and tutorials then share it with colleagues, friends, and family. Screenshots can be directly linked and uploaded to your Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo Mail, and Gmail accounts.

Jing

Jing is a web-based software application that allows users to make screencasts and screenshots easily. This program works with any Mac or Windows-based computer. You can choose to get the free basic version or the upgraded plan for a fee ($14.95/year). Jing is a highly useful when you have to explain things or give out instructions to someone. This is a great tool for teachers, students, and businessmen. Jing makes sharing information on the Internet fun and engaging. In addition, screenshots and screencasts made from this application can be uploaded directly to your social media site and email accounts.

CamStudio

CamStudio is an open source application that is designed to let you record and capture content that is being flashed on your computer screen. It is completely free and can be used with computers that run on Windows XP or Vista. Use this for both your personal and commercial projects. With Camstudio, you can easily create great looking presentations, tutorials, and demonstration videos. This application is very user friendly and can be mastered in minutes.

Debut Video Capture

Debut Video Capture is a screen capture product of NCH Software. For now, this application only works with Windows-based computers. As well as recording from the screen, you can use both internal (webcam) and external (camcorder) video capturing devices when recording videos with this application. You can also use this program to record streaming video on your computer. Virtually any video file that can be shown in your PC screen can be recorded and captured by Debut Video Capture. This program also allows you to enhance and edit video clips. You can choose to save your work on your computer or burn it directly to a DVD. The basic version is free and is intended for personal use. For video professionals, you can choose to purchase their commercial version ($39.95).

Go to dabbleboard.com and click on Get Started.  The free version doesn’t require any signup so it’s quick to get started. The whiteboard session can be shared with any number of people by providing the unique URL of the whiteboard.   In freehand mode, the pointer simply paints whatever you doodle.   Switching off freehand causes dabbleboard to interpret a drawing and turn it into a tidy shape representing the doodle.

Dabbleboard also allows the upload of images which can be used as a background to sketch over. It also supports uploading of MS Word,  MS PowerPoint and PDF documents making it possible to quickly mark up the documents.  There is also a built in chat window supporting video and voice chat.  The audio and video chat works beautifully and makes the whiteboard session much more personal and interactive.

Saving the image is simple and the free version supports download to PNG format, or the image can be saved online.

Keeping to the same fitness plan everyday gets boring and no fun after a while.  Introducing some variety and different exercises into a fitness plan helps boost the fun and overall fitness.  If you’re not a fitness guru, it can be difficult to come up with a new fitness plan each day.  Use this handy fitness generator to create a fun new fitness plan based on goals and objectives.

Using this fitness tool at MensHealth,  you can have have a fun new fitness plan each day. Enter the sort of fitness exercise you want – Gym or Outdoor and select your fitness aim – weight-loss, tone-up, bulk-up, increase strength. Decide how much time you have and a new detailed fitness plan is generated.

The plan gives details including the type of fitness exercise to do, the duration, and variations in resistance.  Much cheaper than a fitness trainer.

I assume they’re confident enough to remove the Starbucks word because of being an internationally recognised brand. And the removal of the Coffee word because they intend to sell non-coffee products including beer and wine. Is this the future of our favourite coffee boudoir? And what will happen to the world of blogging when coffee is replaced by wine?

Every year it seems the same New Year’s resolutions crop up and are often long forgotten by April.  By choosing some different New Year’s resolutions,  some you haven’t done before, you’re more likely to be successful.  There is nothing worse than the feeling of a failed New Year’s resolution.  Pick a New Year resolution you want to do, and you’re more likely to succeed.

My list includes some new ideas for New Year’s Resolutions you may not have tried before.  If you’re successful in keeping these New Year’s resolutions, I’d love to hear back from you.

Failed New Year’s Resolutions

To begin with, this is my list if top New Year’s resolutions which I know will fail so I won’t even bother.

• Get out of bed an hour earlier and go to the gym – not likely.
• Drink less alcohol.  If you’re not a heavy drinker, this won’t make a jot of difference.
• Work harder.  Yeah, right.
• Lose weight. I’ve not managed it before, so I won’t now.
• Eat better – maybe,  but needs to be more specific.
• Stop biting my nails.  And this will benefit me how?
• Get more sleep.   Nice idea, but usually out of my control!
• Give up smoking.  If you’ve not already done this as a New Year’s resolution, you need serious help.
• Worry less.  I believe this is hereditary, so there isn’t much I can do about this.
• Volunteer for something. I’m not really a volunteering kind-a-guy.  Sorry.

Different New Year’s Resolutions

Here is my list of top New Year’s resolutions which I think are a little different and stand a good chance of being successful.

• Stop eating McDonalds, KFC and Burger King in the New Year. You’d be amazed how these creep into the diet when you’re in a hurry. Leave them out to spare your wallet and weight
• Set up a direct debit for savings for the New Year.  Saving just a small amount each month will soon add up over the months and years.  Setup an account which is difficult to get to so you’re not tempted to dip into it.
• Read an ebook a month in the New Year.  Pick a favourite author and work your way through their catalogue.
• Organise everything electronically in the New Year.  Upgrade that diary to an electronic one.  Take all your notes electronically as mentioned previously on voato.
• Office overtime = Gym time.   A wise old man once told me if I spent as much time down the Gym as I did working overtime, I’d be an Olympic athlete.  Let your work colleagues know that every Tuesday is your gym night – they’ll soon get the message.
• Don’t watch live TV in the New Year.  Always watch it on time delay or from a recording so you can skip the adverts.  An average 60 minutes programme has 15 minutes of adverts.
• Backup the computer, religiously.   One day, it will get stolen, or the hard drive will crash.  I always back-up my laptop on the last day before a vacation.  It’s just a habit thing.
• Pick a charity and set a donation goal for the New Year.   It’s all too easy to “be more charitable”,  but unless you commit to it, it won’t get done.  Pick a charity which is meaningful to you, and make a promise to yourself to donate a certain amount by the end of the year. 
• Update Facebook / Twitter once a week in the New Year.   I’m an awful Facebook friend and only check it once a month at most.  Make a habit to post one thing a week.  Post a photo, a status update, or blog post, just to show people you’re still alive.
• Take a photo each day of the New Year.  Using your mobile phone, it’s easy to build up a story board for the year.
• Learn a new recipe a month of the New Year. Pick a great cookbook and pick 12 recipes for the year.    Each month, you can learn a new menu and by the end of the year you’ll have learned so many new kitchen skills.
• Re-learn some school-kid maths.   If you can’t remember your times-table, long division, algebra or geometry, why not re-learn them?
• Switch to Decaff coffee in the New Year.  This is one I tried years ago and I haven’t looked back since.  Until I made the switch, I hadn’t realised the really bad effect coffee has on the mind and heart.
• Tidy desk = tidy mind. De-clutter the office or bedroom once a month, and throw out anything you no longer need.
• Sell old gadgets in the New Year.  All gadgets have a re-sell value on eBay or Gumtree and the longer you hang onto them, the lower the re-sell value.  Sell them on as soon as you no longer use them and make some cash to put towards a newer model.
• Sell old clothes and handbags in the New Year.   Buy something expensive, use it a couple of times, and sell it on while it’s still got some value. Don’t hang onto it until it’s worn out or out of fashion.
• Listen to podcasts instead of the radio in the New Year. I drive a lot and listening to mindless radio for hours on end makes my brain numb. Instead,  download some informative podcasts and news updates to listen to whilst driving.
• Learn to type, properly. I spend most of my time on the keyboard banging out text,  yet can’t actually type properly.  Use the New Year to learn to type properly.
• And finally, say “Yes” to everything. Ever seen the film “Yes Man” with Jim Carey?   There is some good morale value here.  It’s all too easy to reject everything.  Try saying Yes and see what happens…

Keeping a New Year’s Resolution

Finally,  there are a great couple of web sites to help you keep your New Year’s resolution

At PledgeHammer.com you can make an “official” pledge to keep your New Year’s Resolution.

We’ve written before about using hassleme.co.uk to send regular reminders about your New Year’s resolution.

Select the file to share, copy it into the Public folder inside the Dropbox folder, and wait for the file to sync up with the web storage.

On completion, right click on the file, and select the Dropbox menu option, followed by the option to “Copy Public Link”, as displayed below. Simply copy that URL into an email, and IM message, and hey presto.

Here’s one we prepared earlier.

Gas and Electricity bills continues to rise and energy costs seem to be taking a greater chunk of the household budget.  We’ve complied some great every-day energy saving tips which all add-up to saving a nice tidy sum.

Here are our top simple tips to save energy all around the house.

Energy-saving light bulbs They last so much longer and use a lot less energy. They can save you up to £45 over their lifetime compared to standard light bulbs.	Invest in a laptop If you’re considering buying a new computer, a new laptop will generally use around 85% less energy than a desktop computer and will take up a lot less room!
Switch off plug-in air fresheners If you leave them on all the time, plug-in air fresheners cost you up to £18 per year.  So only switch them on now and again and for visitors to save energy.	Turn your thermostat down to save energy Reducing your room temperature by just one degree could slash your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £50 a year.
Fully load your dishwasher A half “quick” setting uses more than half the energy of a full load
Use your oven efficiently If you’re using the oven, remove any shelves you don’t use and switch it off just a few minutes before the end of the cooking time to save energy.	Fill your freezer A full, regularly defrosted freezer is far more energy efficient than an empty, icey one.  Fill it with bottles of water or treat yourself to extra ice-cream.
	Clean fridge coils Dust and dirt build up on the coils at the back of your fridge and will increase the amount of energy it uses.
Microwave Food Microwave ovens cook food far more quickly and efficiently than electric ovens.  Cook a jacket potato in the microwave first before crisping it in the oven.	Avoid drying washing on radiators Your heating will have to work harder and the moisture can cause damp problems
Tumble Dryers If you use a tumble dryer, try giving your laundry an extra fast-spin in the washing machine first. It will take much less time in the dryer.
Lower washing temperature Washing at 30°C rather than at higher temperatures uses around 40% less energy	Use a Stand-by Buster Equipment linked to your TV like DVD players, games consoles and digi-boxes are automatically switched off whenever the TV is turned off
	Isolate Digital (Sky+) recorders Put your digital recorder on a separate plug socket so that you can turn off everything else at the mains but keep your series link recordings.
Turn off radiators Turn off radiators in rooms you’re not using – and use radiator thermostats to keep rooms at the right temperature.	Block the fireplace If you NEVER use your fireplace, block it off with a chimney balloon to stop draughts.

Source Southern Energy
Energy Saving Tips

• Backup your laptop to the internet using Mozy.com so you’ll never loose any precious work
• Transfer all your tasks to an online task manager such as RememberTheMilk.com 
• Download a News Reader like FeedDemon  to subscribe to work related news feeds.
• Setup a Project plan to track the tasks using ClockingIT.com and share the schedule with colleagues.
• Setup an online collaboration workspace using Zoho.com enabling your team to work more effectively
• Install a light-weight desktop search engine like Everything so you’ll be able to find your work more quickly.
• Create a quick and light-weight website using hubpages.com
• Move all your working files into a file syncing tool such as DropBox.com so you can work anywhere, anytime.
• Sort out your expenses by using an online tracker such as spendingdiary.com
• Backup your cell phone data including contacts and ringtones using bitpim.org
• Free up some storage space by using TreeSize Free to find and remove large files.
• Setup a blog to promote yourself and company using wordpress.com.
• Register your personal splash page at about.me and link to all your social media sites.
• Download and install the HP Universal Print Driver to give you quick access to a range of HP printers
• Check the security of your precious passwords at howsecureismypassword.net
• Create yourself a Virtual Desktop PC using Opendrive
• Clean up your PC to make it faster using CCleaner
• Download and install yellow sticky notes tools to remind you of important tasks
• Download and install a free mind-mapping tool such as Freemind and amaze colleagues with out-of-the-box thinking.
• Sign-up to an online tutorial site like lynda.com to learn anything and everything.
• Make some extra money by selling some of your old technology and gadgets on gumtree.com
• Get a URL shortening account like bit.ly to use for posting URLs into chat sessions and emails.
• Setup an account with Ping.fm so you can post across all your social media accounts at the same time without copy and paste.
• Learn some basic HTML skills from w3schools.com.
• Get yourself a Web Dashboard like netvibes.com to see everything interesting in one place.
• Setup a free online sales and customer tracking tool such as simplesalestracking.com
• Learn some mental arithmetic tricks
• Send eCards to your colleagues and staff to say thank you using bluemountain.com
• Sign up for a service which allows you to send large files to colleagues.
• Use a service like ADVFN.com to find financial information about your employer.
• Learn to develop a basic ASP.NET, PHP or Ajax application using coderun.com
• Register with an email spam filter like spamarrest.com
• Install the StumbleUpon toolbar to pick an random website to view.