The Virtual Toolbox

1Password

I started using 1Password last month after the "great computer crash of '10. It's an easy-to-use program that stores not only your passwords, but identities, credit card info, secure notes, and software info (licenses, confirmation emails, etc).

They offer a 30-day free trial and the software is very reasonably priced. (Prices vary based on the gadget / operating system you are using.)

They make a version for Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Android.

This program saves me so much time each day. No more searching for passwords, logins, or filling out online forms!

Remember the Milk!

For several month, I've been using Remember the Milk on my iPodTouch and computer desktop. It was the only "list creator" program that I could find that worked without an Internet connection. With the iPod Touch, I am not always connected to the Internet. I can read all of my messages and lists in RTM when I'm offline and strolling through the grocery.

No more losing the list on the way to the store or leaving it in the car. You can also set reminders and sync with your calendar. It was very easy to set up and start using. I was able to do it without consulting the user guides -- yahoo.

RTM works with a lot of products -- iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Google, gMail and a bunch more. There are several third party plugins to make "remembering" even easier (like adding tasks via Jott).

Now there's no excuse when I don't Remember the Milk.

PDF Pen

I've been using PDFpen (by Smile On My Mac) for about a year and it has saved me so much time and frustration.

PDFpen allows you to edit PDF documents -- you can add text, images, and signatures. I've merged two PDF documents and deleted pages from others. This program is very easy to use -- I'm not big on reading manuals and was able to manage all of the basic features without accessing help. Since I'm not good at "signing" my name with the mouse, I've simply scanned my signature and am able to add it to the PDF document as an image.

Note: this software is only for the Mac.

Swift Publisher

Swift Publisher is an easy page layout program for the Mac. Although it's not a substitute for a professional designer, it sure makes it much easier for us do-it-yourselfers to do a simple flyer, newsletter, etc. According to their web site, the program offers "23,000 high quality images, 100 unique masks and about 130 professionally designed templates (flyers, brochures, booklets, letterheads,  newsletters, catalogs, etc.)."

Dash on over to the Swift Publisher site to take a look at this low cost desktop publishing software!

Mozy Online Backup Service

Mozy provides a simple way to back up all the important stuff on your computer. They store a copy of your data in a secure, remote location for safekeeping, so that in the event of disaster your data is still retrievable. (Mozy works with both the Mac and Windows platform.)

I was introduced to Mozy though my local computer group. They are a tough group to impress so I felt confident in their collective recommendation. I signed up the next day! Mozy is inexpensive and verrrryyyyy easy to use. You have the option to retrieve all of your backed up files -- in case of a big melt down -- or just one or two files. :::knocking on wood::: I've only used it to retrieve a file or two but I do know individuals who had to do a full restore and they confirmed it was very easy to do.

Note: I still do periodic back ups onto CDs because I like to have the double insurance.

Online Backup

I recently started doing online back ups using the back    service. Normally I’m hesitant about back up solutions preferring to do it manually. I was quite impressed when one of my clients needed to retrieve a file at Back Jack. She was able to quickly and easily retrieve the one file she needed. She raved about their excellent customer service, so I decided to give it a whirl.   

It’s easy to set up automatic back ups and you select the files you want to back up. I had a little difficulty with filtering out files I did not want to back up so I called them. I was pleasantly surprised at not only how nice the person I spoke with was, but also at the follow up e-mail messages I received making sure they solved my problem.

BTW, BackJack is only for Mac users. If you’re a PC user and have found a similar solution that works well for you, feel free to post it!

Time Tracking Software (Mac)

I've found the following to be great time tracking software for the Mac that works with any version of OS X.

The program is Office Time. Visit their Web site.

I previewed about 2 dozen programs before finding one that was very user friendly. And best of all, it's very reasonably priced.

Genius Bar

The new Apple retail stores offer nifty service called "Genius Bar." Make a same day appointment on line, then go into the Apple store to the "bar" at the appointed time and one of their staff will help you with your problem.

I haven't used them yet, but know several people who have and they are raving!

To find the Apple retail store closest to you, visit
http://www.apple.com/retail/