Productivity: OneNote vs Evernote

Sure, I've been using a DayTimer since the mid-90's to keep my appointments, tasks and projects straight.  Most things I just kept in my head (that's not working as well as it used to). Since I've got all these tech-toys (Blackberry, Kindle, laptop), it's time to start using them to get organized and more productive.

What got this started was a roll out of Microsoft OneNote at work.  So, everyone in the office now has it and some teams have already been using it for tracking projects.   First impressions so far:

Pros

• Integrates with Sharepoint and other Office apps we have at work
• Installs on most devices for free
• Free web version of OneNote with a Microsoft OneDrive account
• Has built-in OCD and screen capture

Cons

• Free web version isn't going to link up with the version we're using at work
• No app for the Blackberry
• Nothing for Linux (Ubuntu!)

So, looking at trying to find something that would be more accessible on all my devices, at work and home, took a look at Evernote.  There are apps for Linux available (Everpad, NixNote aka Nevernote) and they have an app for the Blackberry.  Multiple subscription levels that include free personal use and scales up for business use.

Both have third-party apps that used with them to scan, capture web pages and utilize project management tools.

For now, I'm going to use OneNote just for specific work projects and Evernote for everything else.  Also going to use Zendone.com to integrate Evernote with my Google Calendar (OneNote can hook in with Outlook, but we don't use Outlook at work).

More to follow as I try things out.

Thirty years of Personal Computers

My first introduction to computers was in 1978 at Eastern Illinois University. Although it was not my major (Medical Technology), I took a summer class in Basic programming, which was offered through the Mathematics department. The Computer Science department didn't exist yet. Programs where typed in on a keypunch machine, the stack of punch cards handed over to someone at the computer room and then wait until the next day to retrieve your output printed on paper.

Fast forward to 1984 when, after working in the forensic pathology lab for a couple of years, I was able to purchase my very own personal computer.  It was an used Tandy TRS 80. I was quickly frustrated by the limited 4K of RAM (yep, that's 4,000 bytes of memory) and excruciatingly slow cassette tape method of loading and saving programs.  So, just a couple of months later I purchased a bright and shiny Apple IIc with monochrome monitor (green screen), a whopping 128K of RAM and two (count them, two!) 5.25 inch floppy drives.  It was, at the time, amazing!

The rest, as they say, is history.  I could write a long list of computers I've owned since then, but maybe that will be another post someday.

It wouldn't be a decent blog post if I didn't link to something, so for old times sake, go take a look at the Jargon File - where you'll find all sorts of interesting history and terminology.  And happy 38th birthday to Apple, which was founded in April, 1976.

Using an Edimax USB WiFi with Linux Mint 13 Maya

Just for fun, I setup an old PC (HP box with Pentium 4 3.2 Ghz, 2 GB RAM and 160 GB HD) and installed Linux Mint.  The motherboard has the built in Ethernet port, but I wanted to use WiFi. So I plugged in the Edimax USB that I had laying around.  Mint recognized it, but it didn't work quite right (would not maintain a connection but for a few minutes).

Did a bit of searching and found several comments about this issue.  Some where helpful, some not. Finally found this post that briefly outlined the steps to update the driver - and now it's working much better!

Ubuntu: Linux for human beings

Catchy phrase, eh?  Up to three installations of Ubuntu now (2 laptops, 1 server) and enjoying every minute.

 

Found this over at LinuxCounter.net - guess it's a bragging rights kind of thing.

Of course, could always learn new a thing or two about Ubuntu and Linux in general.

Check out this blog:

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