Fathers Day: Using Technology to Find that Special Moment

Finding the faces and the places for the digital story of our lives

In his new age of an endless digital  documentation of all those special moments that we yearn to hold on too, brings on a whole new set of challenges.  Taking pictures is part of the fiber that is our humanity, allowing us in some small way,  to defy the inevitable tick-tock of the clock and time marching on by and giving us a way to "freeze" a moment; and with it, a visual and emotional capture that will never be forgotten,  for better or for worse, as time rolls on.  

Those who came before us had to rely on painters and artists, and when the first photography equipment became available to the the masses in the 19th century it offered everyone an opportunity to enjoy this "catalog" of the moments that make up our existence.  

 On this fathers day, I was reminded of this and while I may be feeling a bit philosophical, I am reminded of the challenges of our time that are unlike those before us, who were restricted by means or ability. W are lucky to be a great freedom n this country to take photographs of what we choose and have the technological means to store them within a medium and at a point in time with endless possibilities. 

As I searched for pictures of my Dad, looking for that one special moment that captures what I cannot say with words, I was excited about where this technology is taking us... as it cannot be denied that the story of our lives is not without the headache of the time it takes to keep it organized  in hectic times. 

As one who sees technology a tool for the should benefit the quality of life for all,  I am forever excited about the new possibilities on the horizon.

Alas, I must spare you the philosopher and provide you with a  tip, or inspiration on this special Holiday. When you take a picture digitally, know that it can store information that can turn the search of finding the right picture on your hard drive or cloud from a full day project to a few second  search - freeing you up to spend those minutes and seconds of life more wisely.  

In future posts, I will add a list with descriptions of programs that do this well, and the latest on this technology, but for today let's keep it simple for those who don't know.  If you are a PC user (although this these technologies are available for all devices)  I recommend downloading Windows Essentials - a suite of free programs from Microsoft to make the process simpler.  

Simply import your photos to your computer, open them in Windows Live Photo Gallery, and start playing with the tools that will make organizing, editing, and finding pictures that much easier.  They have managed to create something that is both feature rich, powerful, and easy to use regardless of skill level. 

(Click to Enlarge)

Make Finding Pictures Easier with Windows Live Photo Gallery

So when I needed to find pictures of my Dad and I, I simply had to tag the faces of a few shots.  Photo Gallery started asking about other pictures, and by using QUICK SEARCH FILTERS (e.g. date taken, time etc.) I was able show all pictures in a certain year, and able to find that special photo that said it all.  

This recommendation and article is more of a philosophical and inspirational one - of  how technology makes our lives better...  There are many programs that do this, but I wanted to share a personal experience it's my passion to make lives easier....   But for now, it's time to go be a Dad!

Derek Shocklee
SImpleAssist

Tech Tip: Need to Visualize Your Hard Drive for Cleaning it Up or Maintenance?

Visualizing Your Hard Drive

June  13, 2013 (Originally Posted)
Ever wonder where the files taking up your hard drive? Recently I began wondering after I found myself frustrated that I had filled up nearly the entire terabyte on my laptop, and having lost the cord to my 2T external... :-)I started thinking... how difficult is it in this modern world to figure out where your large files are?  I mean, we know the files that we don't want to delete are usually stored (pics, videos etc) but to have to go to each folder on the computer and to view the size, I figured there had to be something better, figured that it had to be "visual" and did some digging.

I will be adding this to my TOP TIP category...  check it out! 

Click here to read a review by tech a writer who reviewed Graphical Hard Drive Interface programs that can help you "road-map" your hard drive, so you can make freeing up your hard drive (and your life)... a little easier. 

My Recommendation:  WinDirStat: Windows Directory Statistics - WinDirStat (WDS) is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Windows. It shows disk, file and directory sizes in a treelist as well as graphically in a treemap.  It's fairly simple to use, and get's the job done! 

Website for WinDirStat:
Direct Download Link (SourceForge): 

Tip of the Day: Don’t Type when you don’t have to!

 

Tired of typing out your long email address or other redundant info (especially on your mobile device)?   Here are a few options for PC / iPhone* users.  

Note:  Feel free to visit www.simpleasssistme..com or contact me for technology assistance!

Google Chrome Advanced Sync Settings

Option 1: Chrome = Internet Data Ubiquity  

It is the little things that make Chrome In a league of its own with unique functionality, or functionality that is just more elegant (such as spell check while you type, or easy translation of foreign websites).

 

Chrome "use it everywhere you have Internet" functionality is based on the current sea change and  Google's philosophy of the "cloud", expanding online capabilities replace the necessity for powerful hardware and simplifying mobile interaction.  In fact, best way to think of Chrome is as a contained operating system within itself.  You can download apps and plug ins from the home screen, and it is by far the most feature rich browser available.  If you’ve used FireFox, then you’ll find there is a similar feel. 

Google(R) recently launched a commercial campaign about Chrome's "everywhere" data access to sync information anywhere you  download the app or install the browser.  Download CHROME internet browser APP.  If you are using another browser, you'll be prompted to import bookmarks, etc. from your existing browsers.  

Chrome allows you to sync all your details (bookmarks, saved passwords, logins) with your desktop installation, and has tight control and security. for you to select what can be synced, and doing it securely.  

 

For example, when you fill it out your personal information into a website (name, email, address, etc.)  Chrome will associate that with your user account.   The Auto-fill (if enabled) will automatically prompt you to populate this information the next time it detects you filling out a similar form.  

 

Option 2 – iPhone* Shortcuts

 

 GENERAL - KEYBOARD - SHORTCUTS

 

 iPhone has a really great feature under GENERAL – KEYBOARD settings where you can create shortcuts in addition to the built in ones (such as OMW for On My Way!). 

Select SETTINGS / GENERAL / KEYBOARD/ SHORTCUTS to view and create shortcuts. Create a new shortcut and type in the phase (e.g. dshocklee@gmail.com) and then the shortcut -  (e.g. dsgm).   The autocorrect does the rest! Great for email addresses, account codes, or anything except passwords!  

About; Derek Shocklee is a technology consultant, and has spent this career finding ways to simplify day to day life for home and small businesses with cost-effective technology solutions for any level of experience! 

*similar functionality available for other platforms - contact me for more information

Note:  Feel free to visit www.simpleasssistme..com or email helpme@simpleassistme.com for technology questions, consulting, diagnostics and more!

Derek Shocklee
21st Century Tech Expert
Founder, SimpleAssistMe.com
email me: info@simpleassistme.com