CPD23 - Thing #13 - Google Docs, Wikis, and Dropbox

I began using Google Docs in 2007 when I began working on multiple computers at multiple locations. The ability to save and share documents, and have immediate access was of prime importance. On my Google Doc page I have shared photos and records with my son who lives in Virginia. Expanding the Docs page to Google Sites allows for a wiki-like creating/sharing experience. For a community workspace for the board of my adult band I created a Google Site with separate pages for each of our projects. When writing our group's constitution and bylaws we used the site to edit and share various versions of the document. Pretty cool!

Also in 2007 I began using Delicious to bookmark all the webpages I regularly visited and new ones I was saving for a class i was taking. That site worked very well and I could access it on multiple computers. But, I needed to sync documents and other files, and Delicious wasn't as good for that. So, I began using dropbox in 2010 and have installed it on work and home computers and my portable devices as well. I really like it because it will sync the Microsoft Office files that I regularly work with.

I'm glad to hear about Dropbox's sharing abilities and will try using them with my adult band.

CPD23 - Thing #9 - Evernote

Shortly after I purchased my iPad I browsed through the AppStore for productivity apps to add to the functionality of my new tablet. I had heard about Evernote, but had never investigated it. For several years I had transferred files between my various computers, or insured that I had universal access, first through Google Docs, and then through DropBox. It was really cool to have a desktop app that would automatically sync files among my various devices and workstations.

I took a look at Evernote and liked how I could set up "notebooks" for various clippings, files, and media. I liked the way Evernote displayed the files, especially web clippings and photos. So, I added Evernote to my iPad, iPhone and multiple desktops. Now, I use it more than DropBox, except for Microsoft Office files that are not compatible with the free Evernote app.

I like the web clipping feature of Evernote and frequently clip articles and web graphics to my various notebooks. It's quick and convenient, and I like it better than Instapaper. I'm still pretty new to Evernote, but it looks like a winner to me.