Apr 11

Keeping it simple. Todo list in Evernote

One of the blogs I read had this excellent link to a programmer in Italy who has a very simple way for managing to-do’s using Evernote.

From his post.

My system

  • I write my TODO list using Evernote, in a single note called TODO. Evernote is great for two reasons in this context: it’s fast because it is a resident program, but gets synched, so you have your TODO list in all your computers, in your phone, and so forth.
  • The note is split into three sub parts: daily, weekly, monthly.
  • The last two items in the daily list are: “read the weekly list if it is monday”, “read the monthly list if it is the first day of the month”.
  • Every time you need to insert a new todo list item, just insert it at the end of the appropriate sub-list, daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the urgency you have to do this, or simply where do you think it is more appropriate for the item to stay.
  • READ THE DAILY LIST EVERY DAY once you sit in front of the computer <- this is the core of the system. Don’t do nothing before. No emails, no news sites, nothing. Read the list.
  • When appropriate, move items between sublists. For instance if you are reading the monthly list and something is urgent now, move it in the daily part of the list.
  • When needed, remove items, because you already completed the task or because it is no longer relevant or a priority.

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Apr 08

Dropbox and BackWPup to Backup WordPress Blogs

Reading some interesting creative uses for Dropbox, a file sync/storage service that is very popular.  One thing some people use it for is to backup their blogs to.  In terms of using it strictly as a backup service is not always recommended, in terms of a offsite destination certainly is worth looking at.

Backups for blog should follow the same basic guidelines I have for backups from your system. There should be 3 copies, 1 being in a different physical location,  should be easily accessible without reinstalling software and be automatic.

I maintain several WordPress blogs and having a way to back these up can present challenges.  Finding an easier way was worth looking at.

My first consideration was calculating how much there was to backup. Dropbox has free plans starting from 2gig so I wanted to make sure I had enough room.  In the end I decided to create a second dropbox account just for backup. For many users this step may not be necessary.

I use a WP plugin called BackWPup This plugin is excellent as it backups the WordPress databases as well as all other files required for a full restore. Other WP plugins only do the database or the other files.  What I really like about this plugin is it has a great variety of options to export the backup to. File and ftp export are included as well of many cloud-based services including Dropbox.

Installing the plugin is very simple as most are and after setting up the dropbox settings in the options, I setup a job to backup the blog.  You can choose to run a job manually and/or put it into a schedule.  If there is a problem with the backup the plug in can send you an email to the address of your choosing.  One the backup is complete the files will be in your dropbox folder and will sync with your computer giving you a local copy.

I’m very impressed with this plugin and method and can recommend.

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Mar 07

iPad and other Apple announcements.

 

wicker_man /Free Photos


Apple made some new product announcements today. The most anticipated was a new version of the iPad. Instead of being called the iPad 3 as many expected, Apple has named it “The New iPad”

Some quick features.

  • The screen resolution goes from 1024×768 to 2048×1536. 264 pixels per inch which is double of the iPad 2. Apple calls this a ‘retina’ display as the eye cannot see individual pixels as a comfortable distance
  • The camera has been updated from 1megapixel to 5 and includes auto focus and exposure like on the iPhone 4s.
  • The wireless version of the iPad will support 4G lte cell networks.
  • Processor is a new quad-core graphics chip that has four times the power as the current duel-core in the iPad2.
  • Battery life will stay the same as the iPad 2. but the the new iPad will be slightly thicker and heavier to accommodate the new processor and update battery.
  • One feature mentioned is voice diction support for several languages although not full Siri support like on the iPhone 4s, we will have to see how this works out for people.
  • Available on March 16th in US, Canada and several other countries and you can pre-order starting today. Pricing should follow the US and stay the same.

Also announced is a new version of Apple TV, again some quick specs courtesy of  cnet.com

  • 1080p movies and TV shows from iTunes Store
  • Redesigned 1080p user interface
  • Ability to re-download purchased movies through iCloud
  • “Genius” recommendations for movies
  • Photo Stream resolution bumped up to 1080p
  • Single-core A5 chip
  • 1080p output
  • Price is $109


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