Geek Simplified

Everyday there are all sorts of new technologies made available that will make just about anyone’s hectic life just a little bit easier to manage. While there probably never be a all-in-one solution for every need, it is great to be able to have so many options available.

Here are the latest technology that I am using to simplify my life:

• Evernote: This application let’s me keep all my To Do List, Web Clips, PDF Files and other items in a single location and uses a client on multiple PCs or Macs to synchronize the data.

• Display Fusion: Software for improving the performance of a dual-monitor setup with settings for Wallpaper, switching programs between monitors using a keyboard command and having a taskbar on both monitors.

• Google Chrome: Currently have it setup to work as a plain Google Application. When I open up the Chrome browser I have iGoogle, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Reader, Google Documents, Google Analytics, and Google Adsense open up in separate tabs for quick and easy access to my main Google account. The bonus is that Google Chrome does work faster with Google applications so everything loads extremely fast.

• Xmarks: A multiple PC/Mac bookmark manager which lets you synchronize your favorites or bookmarks from Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. This allows me to maintain the same bookmarks on all my PCs and Mac Book Pro that are automatically synced up and backed up. Advanced features include setting up profiles which allow you to hide the NSFW (Not Safe For Work) links on your work computer bookmarks/favorites.

• Hewlett-Packard EX485 Windows Home Server: The multimedia entertainment hub for my entire home which allows me to access all my files including music library, DVD collection, documents, printers plus it does complete and automatic backup of all my PCs and Mac Book Pro. A sweet little headless server that you connect to your router and can even setup remote access which allows you to access all your data from anywhere you can pick up an Internet connection. You can even access your data using a iPhone application while on the go. The latest software upgrade featured the ability to stream your entire music library from any PC or Mac that is connected to the Internet.