SimpleAssist Small Business WorkSync: Clip pictures and videos from your desktop or mobile device, edit, publish PDQ

SimpleAssist WorkSync: Small Business "Production"

Imagine the Microsoft Screen Clipper and MS Paintbrush on Steroids, on the front/back end respectively. Screen and video clips done with 2 clicks of the mouse, which are then transferred to the photo editor; which holds it's own as a super simple, yet deceptively powerful stand-alone editor.  

All images, not simply the clips can be converted, edited etc. Furthermore, SnagIt can be set as default editor right in Windows, and in the latest version now allows for mobile screen / video clips and training.   If I was the Oprah of tech, this would be in the top 5 of my favorite marketing /design tools "things".  

I don't give those Kudos lightly, but having used SnagIt since 2005 alongside of all sorts of varying desktop and web-based publishing / creative suites, we needed a way to easily Snag, edit, and produce constant for both sales / marketing/ client newsletters etc.  In fact, I  can get away with SnagIt for most day to day needs -  from business cards, to web content, to short training videos.  As a consultant, I often recommend Snagit over more expensive or difficult program.  Let it be known I receive no compensation or recognition from them, but maybe I'll look into it. :) 

In short, it's right in line with the SimpleAssist philosophy of finding the best tools at the lowest prices and the low "buy it / own it" at a relatively very low cost (compared to something like Photoshop), combined with the amazingly simple design, low drain on system resources and something I find important, a consistent intuitive interface that they continue to upgrade but not change to maximize functionality make it a win/win./win.  I've used every version since then, and the cost-to-value is phenomenal.  

The editor itself is worth the price of admission, especially if you're not a designer and overwhelmed by Photoshop or Corel or other more sophisticated programs.  

Details Summary

I. A resource light program that runs in the background and remaps your print screen button (or allows you to make up your own key commands) to take a screen print.   I know...  a SCREENPRINT!?  Not too exciting right?   Well, with a few clicks you can capture everything from a scrolling web-page (imagine grabbing the entire Wikipedia entry for "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_law_clerks_of_the_Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States", one of the longest ones on the site) to clipping your keystrokes and even narrative audio as a quick video quick video.

2. A fantastically easy, yet extremely powerful photo editor - seeing is believing I suppose, and the price point makes it nearly a no brainier after the trial

3. Integrated export into different programs such as YouTube (great for throwing a quick tutorial or training together).  

SimpleAssist Software Spot-lite - Streaming made easy: no wires to TV, and Netflix without breaking a sweat... ... Chromecast is hard to match

Google Chromecast:  The Best $35.00 Stocking Stuffer 

...Ever

When I received one of these, tech junkie as I am I thought "ehh, I have a Jail-broken Apple TV - I can stream anything."  Not thinking, "even though.. I had to literally jailbreak it (yes that is legal) to get past the restrictions of displaying my media.  

Conversely, Google (and Chromecast by extension) work on most computers and mobile devices, the Chromecast is simply an HDMI plug, USB plug for power which wireless streams and mirrors content from almost any phone, tablet, or PC right to your Television.
However, it was finding out the price that had me looking for a catch and I gave it a whole year before recommending it.  For my business, I'm actually carrying these around with me now for the holidays for when I run into people who have great TVs and all the devices and either pay too much money or use a wire. 

The guide below is a hodgepodge tutorial of questions which I hear from my customers, and hopefully it can help this holiday says.

Please email me at dshocklee@simpleassistme.com if you require additional info of assistance. 

Merry Holidays.

Derek Shocklee
Founder
The guide below was a tutorial that i put together for a customer who needed a SimpleAssist.  There's a lot more to Chromecast than you may know! 

Chromecast Tip Guide

Below are some quick tips I wrote up for thing like reconnecting or for your future reference.  

I like it because it's solid, and I'll do everything I can to help and replace / return if necessary.  

I like the Chromecast as opposed to other "dongles"  as it just "works".

• The Chromecast device only needs to be configured once to connect to the network (see setup below) so it can be seen on the WiFi network (when you take it with you somewhere, you'll run it through the setup using the Chromecast app - see here for some neat tips and tricks)
• If you ran setup once it was already set, it could have connected directly to the Chromecast device directly (not through router) and disconnected it from the network.  In that case you could simply unplug it from the TV and Power (soft reset) and try reconnecting via setup in any Chromecast (Mobile or PC) app.  
• If all else fails (although these things are built well, so it usually doesn) is a Factory Reset which will either fix If that doesn't work, you could connect and factor reset the device (hard reset), but that's not usually necessary

Setup

• Chromecast PC setup: https://cast.google.com/chromecast/setup/  Mobile: Chromecast App from App Store Note: Setup is a one time thing that connects your device initially directly to the Chromecast one time to connect your chrome-cast to your WiFi network

Tips

• Chrome is a web-broswer on PC and Chrome for Mobile is a web broswer for mobile devices (tablets) and smartphones

• if you want to unplug the Chromecast from HDMI and connect to another TV in the same house, you don't need to reset up (you only have to run setup again if it loses connection to the network
• If you want to travel with it, the best thing would be to use your 4g mobile data router -  as long as they can find it each other wirelessly initially (direct connection) and then via a shared network, you should be not have an issue.
•  Some cool basic tips  + Casting Ready Vs. Casting a Tab
• Once setup, the Chromecast app is not absolutely needed on any particular device (except Chrome on PC) which you can get by itself on the Chrome Web store (by itself =without running setup), since many apps for these devices are Chromecast Ready on apps and web. 
• Mirroring (Duplicating Audio/Video via casting) of a device work presently on PC and Android -  iOS let's you cast from the Chrome app so that gives much more access. 
• Once the Chromecast is setup, the only requirement is that the device is connected to the same network and to use it, you are using either Chromecast ready apps (iOS or Android) or Chrome on that device (this is not well known but if you can cast from the app like you do on your PC.  See here "Google adds casting to Chrome for Mobile App" 

That said, it's good to have the Chromecast app on the devices which is why I advised to download (so you can use it when traveling etc).  Here is a link to the Chromecast basic setup on general setup etc - http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromecast/

What's great is that the Chromecast is pretty solid in that way -  if it does have an issue it will usually soft reset (power down / power up) and you can always factory reset (clears configuration) from the that would return it to out  of box mode.   These options can be initiated via the Chromecast app on mobile/PC.  (that would be step 2 if there was an issue).  

Again, once we set it up again the key is that is doesn't have to be setup again on the other devices - they just have to have either Chromecast ready apps or Chrome (as of this summer you can cast from Chrome Mobile on iOS and they will have mirroring soon) That means if someone is at your house and  the want to show you a video, they can simply connect to your network - open up YouTube or Hulu and hit the chromecast button) - Chromecast works with pretty much any device, it's just having the apps (most of the popular ones) or Chrome browser installed (which most people do)

This is just the first of several tips about all the amazing things you can do with your holiday gadgets for home and business this year.

Follow our online presence by visiting the links at the top, or check out our all in one social portal at http://www.simpleassistme.com/#!social/cst7  about..

-Derek

Derek Shocklee
Founder
SimpleAssist - www.simpleassistme.com

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CPU AND A GPU?

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CPU AND A GPU?

You have questions.  

We are SimpleAssist -  Your Technology Partner

SimpleAssist Quick Tip: Malwarebytes | Anti-Exploit BETA - Free Zero-Day Exploit Protection

SimpleAssist Safety Tip:  Protect your programs from "back-door" exploits with Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit + Check out the NEW Malwarebytes!

The clever folks at Malwarebytes do not relent when it comes to the battle against the bad guys and malicious software. 

We recommend our customers evaluate this tool as part of their security setup and download the new Malwarebytes software (links included below)

SimpleAssist customer's are typically advised and setup with a "Free" anti-malware setup, which consists of using the best free or most inexpensive programs available which, in addition to some best practice tips and support, allows them to eliminate the fee based, resource heavy programs suggested by computer manufacturers and the big box stores. 

What is Anti-Exploit?

So what is anti-exploit?  It essentially blocks attempts at malware trying to access the computer through a program exploit or vulnerabilities that have not been patched.   Infection can happen while surfing the web or while doing an update, when the malicious code finds a "back-door" exploit.  

You see, when it comes to malicious code the delivery system is not always from downloading a file or falling for a tricky website, as we have covered and will be reviewing in the upcoming SimpleAssist Safety and Security blog series).  

A great example would be the the Java exploit from last year which compromised computers across the world and was serious enough to prompt a Homeland security bulletin.  Incidentally, It was also the inspiration for the first SimpleAssist blogpost:  A "non technical" Overview for Disabling Java and Scanning for Viruses" which is still relevant today.

Although Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit is technically still in Beta, after evaluating this program for nearly a month, I am very impressed and feel more than comfortable recommending and advising all my clients for whom I've done virus removal to install it right away (see my anecdotal example below).  Here are some key points and additional info: 

1. Once installed, it does not have to be monitored or initiated in any way.  If something happens, you'll know (the picture above pops up).   Think of it as a shield, waiting in the background for something to try and break through. 
   
   
2. It's free, and the latest version is the most powerful yet.  It's working quite nicely and doesn't consume vast resources (unlike the paid anti-virus - anti-everything programs of the world which essentially lock down your computer). See additional information on Malwarebytes Product Forum
   
   
3. It's from Malwarebytes - a true leader in anti-malware.  It's simple and easy to understand, and get's the job done. The proof is in the pudding:  Malwarebytes update their security definitions throughout the day - meaning you could update at 8:00 AM and by 11:30 AM it may have an updated version. 

My own experience

While updating Java the other day, I was pleasantly surprised (with Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit) when I saw it had blocked malicious code trying to take advantage of an exploit in the Java installer. I saw the warning above pop up -  and after looking at the logs, realized that malicious code was trying to sneak in under the radar while while Java was updating.  

Downloads and Additional Info

Links to Download: NOTE:  It is always safer to get any program direct from the source!  See this blog post on why.

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit: (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Page for additional info, direct download included on page or by clicking here for direct download 

Malwarebytes v 2.01 (Direct) Note:  Even if you have used the premium trial before, the new version allows for 30 more days of premium features!

XBMC Home Theather - All the Media in the World with an "Open Source" Home Theater solution

Please click here or on the image above for more information about XBMC.  

XBMC is an amazing, open source home theater software that goes beyond simple "media management: offering functionality to not only all of your stored media (purchased videos, music, photos) and online accounts (e.g. Yahoo! Amazon Prime), but providing you a centralized platform to discover media (movies, TV shows, music, and much more) providing access to content all over the world. 

Device Support*

XBMC support installation on a wide range of devices, from PC to MAC, to Android and iDevices**. I have copied the list of supported devices from the XBMC.org website. 

Click here or on the image above to be taken to the XBMC.org website. 

Installation and Configuration Instructions

After Installing, and configuring XMBC was once a bit more complicated, with the nearly endless array of options and add-ons available.   Now, thanks to XBMC HUB WIZARD which provides a very simple, quick utility to install the most popular add ins. 

* Unless previously contracted and agreed, SimpleAssistme advises readers that by using the information contained on this blog, SimpleAssistme.com and related sites, you  are doing so "at your own risk".   This blog is an "Informational " resource only to provide to readers with ideas and external resources, with their own policies etc. However, SimpleAssist makes no guarantee nor claims responsibility for any result, intended or otherwise, to a reader utilizing software and information from external sites  made available by SimpleAssist.  

Beyond Email: Intro to Using Your Gadgets and the Cloud Synchronize Your Life (contacts, calendars, and to-do info)

If you are still managing your day to day calendar, your contact's, and to-do list in a myriad of paper lists, day planners, and refrigerator calendars than this tip is for you. 

Facebook has introduced people to the idea of creating event's online and inviting people to attend, and many have been doing this at the office for many years.   For many, the use of an email address as a way to contact family members, acquaintances, and co-workers is easier done through social media.  Those doing so have come to see the benefit  creating events and sending out invites, managing contacts, etc., but may not realize you have the ability to do so using the powerful device you carry around in your pocket or the provider you use for your email. 

Below are some examples, benefits, and options as it relates to keeping an address book outside of social media... and the best part, is there are now a lot of tools to tie your address book to your favorite social platform to "sync" information giving you the best of both worlds.   The purpose of this article is to enlighten those are unaware or have interest in making life more efficient by  leveraging devices and services they already have.  

Mobile + PC/Mac + The Internet  =   Synchronized, Always Connected, Your Info Anywhere, anytime

The Cloud is a relative term for the internet, within the context data storage and functionality being done "Online" instead of locally on a PC.  If you are accessing your email via a website, then essentially you are doing so  in s "in the cloud".   We have always have had the mindset of the internet as "www" and Internet Browsers, however unlike 10 years ago the world-wide-web is just one of the ways to interact with and leverage the potential of the internet,; hence the  "The Cloud" is simply a reference to how we access the data and information.   

Mobile Devices & Smartphones: 

Woven into the fabric of our daily lives, smartphone sales have far outpaced the demand for simple cell phone, as tablets will eventually do for laptops and PC's. The smartphone and tablet revolution gave us the APP '(application), which is simply a portal to access information "the cloud", where the interface and functionality relates to specifically to the functionality (i.e. mobile banking ): simplifying and improving the end user experience, addition and minimizing the extra work necessary to conform the restrictions of web-browsers, operating systems etc. 

While the practical benefits of these devices requires little explanation, it is necessary to define their scope for the purpose of this article as it relates getting the most benefit from their user.   In my opinion, innovation and availability of the latest technology has exceeded the pace of which people are able to comprehend, and is the basis for my this article as well as the value proposition and helping those look at the overwhelming landscape of options, and decide what is best suited for their needs and availability.   

Web-Based Email 

In addition to smartphones and Tablets, many people have web-based email Gmail, Yahoo, Apple, Hotmail,  AOL etc for many years.  Since all email is email is in the cloud since it's coming over the Internet, it again comes down to how that information is accessed and the easy of which is can be synchronized between different devices.  While nearly all email providers offer the "Standardized" protocols (methods of  transferring data back and forth) most people are using one of these major providers, which have the added benefit of native connection special configuration and 3rd party software)  with major device model and operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, etc)  NOTE:  It is important to note that as of the last few years, the battle for market share has had an impact on the consumer (e,g, - Syncing more than just email with  Gmail has become a little bit more difficult on iOS and popular Desktop Clients such as Microsoft Outlook.  I have  done extensive research and configuration on a variety of system in order for various scenarios and can help you achieve the desired result.  

The benefits to using desktop, web (cloud), and mobile device together:

Calendars

• Create On-Time or recurring appointments or "meetings" (birthday parties, work events, etc.)"
• Set a "lead" reminder - how long beforehand you wish to be reminded of th meeting
• "Invite" co-workers, family, friends using thier email address - automatically sends email with meeting dettails
• Invitees with calendar can  automatically receive the appointment and can "Accept", "Decline". or Indicate "Tentative" attendance
• Meeting responses are automatically updated on your calendar (automating/eliminating the need for RSVP)
• Changes, updates etc. (e.g. new time, or additional details) are automatically sent to atteendees
• Create Public Calendars or Subscribe to Public Calendars (e.g. Office Event Schedule)

Contacts/Address Book -  More Than Just Firstname and Lastname 

• Email Addresses
• Phone Numbers / Fax Numbers / Work Numbers
• Addresses Info 
• Birthdays
• Spouse, Groups, and Relational info (i.e. "friends" or "The Smith Family"

Tasks/Notes

• Create one-time or reoccurring reminders
• Set the "lead" time for warning
• Included in your daily "Agenda" or view customized view
• Some applicatiions such as Outlook allow you to "Assign" tasks, or send "Status Reports"

What about inter-compatibility?

These days, inter-platform (Android smartphone, Mac desktop, Gmail Account) is an entirely feasible problem.  While a lot of devices account for this, often there may be a certain piece of functionality that one does not offer or allow you to "sync" with.

At SimpleAssist, we can provide you with a myriad of options for bringing this together.   Visit www.simpleassistme.com for additional tips or r Contact Us today for a free consultation!